With Bafana Bafana safely through to the Africa Cup of Nations last 16, attention now turns to how the rest of the tournament is taking shape — and which teams South Africa could cross paths with as the knockout rounds approach.

Egypt, Algeria and Nigeria have already secured their places, while several other nations remain locked in tense qualification battles as the group stage unfolds.

Egypt cruise through as Angola left waiting

Egypt confirmed their progress to the knockout phase after a goalless draw with Angola, a result that suited the group leaders far more than their opponents.

Mohamed Salah was rested for the match, watching from the bench as Egypt, already assured of top spot in Group B after victories over South Africa and Zimbabwe, made several changes.

For Angola, the stalemate proved costly. Needing a win to keep realistic qualification hopes alive, they now sit on two points and can only qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, with their fate hanging in the balance.

By finishing first in the group, Egypt have also guaranteed a last-16 meeting against a third-placed team on January 5.

Bafana Bafana seal progress with late drama

South Africa’s place in the knockout rounds was confirmed by a dramatic 3-2 win over Zimbabwe, sealed by a late Oswin Appollis penalty.

Bafana Bafana took the lead through Tshepang Moremi before Lyle Foster restored their advantage early in the second half. Zimbabwe twice drew level, including an own goal by Aubrey Modiba, before Appollis converted from the spot seven minutes from time to send Hugo Broos’ side through and end Zimbabwe’s campaign.

Ivory Coast and Cameroon remain locked together

In Group F, Ivory Coast and Cameroon both remain unbeaten after a 1-1 draw in Marrakesh.

Amad Diallo put Ivory Coast ahead early in the second half, but Cameroon responded quickly through Junior Tchamadeu, whose effort deflected into the net. Both sides hit the woodwork in an open contest and now sit level on four points from two matches.

Their final group games will determine who finishes higher and which opponents they may face in the last 16.

Mahrez guides Algeria into knockouts

Algeria joined Egypt and Nigeria in the knockout rounds after a narrow 1-0 win over Burkina Faso in Rabat.

Captain Riyad Mahrez scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute, his third of the tournament. Burkina Faso enjoyed periods of possession and struck the post, but were unable to force an equaliser.

Mozambique make AFCON history

Mozambique recorded their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations victory with a thrilling 3-2 win over Gabon in Agadir.

After losing their opener to Ivory Coast, Mozambique scored twice before the break and held firm despite a late fightback from Gabon. The result lifts them to three points and keeps their qualification hopes alive heading into the final group matches.

Sudan up and running

Sudan opened their AFCON account with a 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea in Group E, courtesy of a second-half own goal.

Both sides needed a result after losing their opening fixtures, and while Equatorial Guinea had the better chances early on, Sudan finished strongly to secure a vital victory.

As Bafana Bafana prepare for knockout football, the broader picture across the continent continues to evolve, with qualification permutations tightening and potential last-16 match-ups coming into focus.