With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations last‑16 kicking off in Morocco, attention turns to the teams most experienced in the knockout rounds.
Historical numbers reveal a clear advantage for several traditional powerhouses who are used to going deep in the competition.
Nigeria sit top of the all‑time list for AFCON knockout appearances, having played 45 matches in the elimination stages. Egypt follow with 41 games, then Ghana with 38, Ivory Coast with 36, while Cameroon rank fifth on 34 knockout encounters.
Tunisia are sixth, with 27 knockout matches, just ahead of DR Congo on 25 and Senegal on 24. Algeria and Mali share the next spot, with 22 games each in the decisive rounds of the tournament.
Zambia and South Africa have both featured 18 times in the knockouts, confirming their consistent presence over the years.
Host nation Morocco, despite its rich football history, have contested only 16 knockout matches, though that still places them ahead of Burkina Faso, who have reached 15 such games across their AFCON campaigns.
