The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 knockout stage begins with intense matchups featuring top African teams. ESPN analyst Ed Dove predicts that Senegal will beat Sudan, Mali will upset Tunisia, and Morocco is favored to overcome Tanzania. South Africa vs Cameroon is expected to be a close call, with Cameroon slightly favored. Egypt is predicted to advance past Benin, while Nigeria, with their impressive form, should beat Mozambique. Algeria's strong campaign suggests they will overcome DR Congo, and Ivory Coast is expected to beat Burkina Faso. Key players to watch include Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Salah, Victor Osimhen, and others who will be pivotal in the knockout matches. The tournament has seen some surprises, but favorites like Morocco, Nigeria, and Algeria are poised to progress further. The knockout stage promises exciting football, with star-studded lineups and high stakes.