The ranking of the best third-placed teams is notorious for driving people crazy, with calculations constantly changing depending on probabilities and results.
Since Botswana (Group D), Equatorial Guinea (Group E), and Gabon (Group F) were eliminated even before the final matchday, it was only necessary to wait for the results of Uganda vs Nigeria and Tanzania vs Tunisia on Tuesday to know the full list of teams qualified for the round of 16.
After Uganda’s hopes of a miracle faded when they conceded to Nigeria in the 28th minute and then went down to 10 men in the second half, only two teams were left in contention for the final spot.
With his equaliser in the 48th minute for Tanzania against Tunisia, Feisal Salum ruled out any possibility of a drawing of lots with Angola. Thanks to having scored one more goal than the Palancas Negras, Tanzania secured qualification by holding on for a draw.
Only a win for the Carthage Eagles would have sent Angola through. The Taifa Stars held on until the end (1-1) to qualify for the first time in their history.
The full bracket will be revealed on Wednesday evening. The first confirmed fixture for the round of 16 is Mali vs Tunisia.
AFCON's round of 16 qualified teams
Group A: Morocco, Mali
Group B: Egypt, South Africa
Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Tanzania
Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin (order to be determined)
Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Sudan (the order of second and third may change)
Group F: Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mozambique (order to be determined)