Tag: AFCON

Algeria kept up their winning run at the Africa Cup of Nations finals, making it three out of three in Group E as they beat Equatorial Guinea 3-1 to affirm their status among the tournament favourites.

Goals in the first half from Zineddine Belaid, Fares Chaibi and Ibrahim Maza saw a second-string side register a comfortable victory at the Stade Moula El Hassan, with veteran Emilio Nsue pulling one back for Equatorial Guinea after the break.

Algeria were already confirmed as group winners after beating Burkina Faso on Sunday to set up a last-16 clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo, enabling them to make nine changes for Wednesday’s game.

In spite of key players rested, the depth at Algeria’s disposal looked impressive as Belaid had them ahead in the 18^th  minute with a glancing header from Anis Hadj Moussa’s corner.

Maza was the provider six minutes later with a pass from deep to Chaibi who cut inside and rifled home from close range.

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The 20-year-old Maza netted Algeria’s third in the 32^nd  minute to popular acclaim as he got a head to Hadj Moussa’s cross.

Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesus Owono made a superb stop on the stroke of halftime to deny Moncef Bakrar and then a minute later another difficult save at the base of the post.

The 36-year-old Nsue, who had been top scorer at the last Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire  two years ago, scored from long range in the 50^th  minute to pull one goal back for Equatorial Guinea. They finished last in the group without any points, unable to reprise their giant-killing heroics of the last Cup of Nations.

Equatorial Guinea were without three suspended players on Wednesday – Basilio Ndong after a red card in their first game and Carlos Akapo and Josete Miranda banned for swearing at the referee after their last outing.

Wednesday’s result helped expunge a bitter memory for Algeria, who as defending champions at the 2021 edition in Cameroon had suffered a shock loss to Equatorial Guinea and went on to finish last in their group.

Burkina Faso secured second place in the group at the same time by beating Sudan 2-0 in Casablanca. Sudan also advanced to the last-16 as one of the four best third-placed finishers.

The Africa Cup of Nations group stage enters its decisive phase this week, with results from the second round of matches making the qualification picture clearer while setting up a tense final round of fixtures across the tournament.

The round has been dominated by narrow margins and mounting pressure, with Egypt, Nigeria and Algeria becoming the first teams to book places in the Round of 16.  Elsewhere, several groups remain finely balanced, ensuring the final group games will be played with little margin for error.

Nigeria qualified on Saturday night with a dramatic 3–2 victory over Tunisia. The Super Eagles appeared in full control after first-half goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman gave them a three-goal cushion, but a late Tunisian fightback ensured a nervy finish. The win moved Nigeria to six points and guaranteed progression with one game remaining.

Egypt also maintained a perfect record, edging South Africa 1–0 in a tightly contested encounter, while Algeria continued their efficient start with a 1–0 win over Burkina Faso. Senegal were held to a 1–1 draw by DR Congo, while defending champions Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon cancelled each other out in a tense 1–1 stalemate.

Round Two also produced a historic moment for Benin, who claimed their first-ever AFCON victory with a 1–0 win over Botswana, keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive. Mozambique’s 3–2 comeback win against Gabon further underlined the unpredictability that has defined the tournament so far.

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Attention now turns to the final group fixtures, with all games being broadcast on SuperSport.

Today, Nigeria return to action against Uganda at 5:00 pm. With qualification secured, this offer an opportunity manage squad rotation ahead of the knockout rounds. Senegal face Benin later that evening at 8:00 pm, knowing qualification is still not assured.

Tomorrow’s closing games include Algeria against Equatorial Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire versus Gabon, while Cameroon face Mozambique with qualification still hanging in the balance. With several groups still undecided, the battle for best third-place finishes is expected to dominate discussion as teams fight to remain in the tournament.

All matches will be shown live on SuperSport. Fans on DStv Yanga and GOtv Jolli can also enjoy Open Access throughout the AFCON period, as the tournament enters its final phase.

Nigeria Saturday defeated Tunisia 3-2 in a dramatic Group C clash that saw Super Eagles survived a late push from Cathage Eagles at AFCON 2025.

Victor Osimhen had a string of early chances in Fes before having a 17th-minute goal immediately disallowed for offside. But he finally got his first goal of the tournament at the end of the first half, heading in from Ademola Lookman’s deep cross.

The Atalanta winger got his second assist within five minutes of the restart as his inswinging corner was headed in by captain Wilfred Ndidi. And Lookman added the third goal, finishing off the post.

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Nigeria were brilliant for more than 70 minutes in that match and showed exactly why they should be considered genuine contenders for the AFCON title. But then showed in the final 20 minutes the exact weakness that cost them the chance of a place at next summer’s World Cup.

Montassar Talbi pulled a goal back for Tunisia before Ali Abdi’s penalty set up a nervy finish for the Nigerians, but they were able to hang on for all three points.

Substitute Emmanuel Ejuke was released into space on the right-hand side and burst into the penalty area. With Osimhen alongside him in support, he went for goal but watched Dahmen beat his effort away — it was far too central and lacked any real power.

They should be commended for ultimately holding off the late Tunisian charge — particularly given the strong north African support in the stands — but that game should have never been so close given the 3-0 lead.

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be held every four years from 2028, Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe has announced.

The tournament has taken place every two years since 1968, with a one-year gap between the 2012 and 2013 editions.

But it will switch to a four-year cycle after the 2027 Afcon in East Africa and a 2028 edition.

Motsepe has instead announced the creation of an African Nations League which will take place annually from 2029.

“We have the most exciting new structure for African football,” Motsepe said.

“I do what is in the interests of Africa. The global calendar has to be significantly more synchronised and harmonised.”

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Meanwhile, Caf has increased the prize money for the winners of Afcon from $7m (£5.2m) to $10m (£7.5m).

The surprise announcement about the future of Afcon was made by Motsepe after a meeting of Caf’s executive committee in Morocco before the start of the 2025 finals in Rabat on Sunday.

The biennial hosting of Afcon has long caused issues with the football calendar, with the vast majority of recent tournaments held midway through the European club season.

However, Caf remained committed to scheduling the tournament every two years – not least as it needs the revenue raised from the finals to reinvest in the game on the continent.

By Morakinyo Abodunrin

After days of intensive  training session in Benzilima, German coach Gernot Rohr  is confident that  his Cheetahs of Benin would be at the ready for their  2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)  opener against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The  Beninese side  who  drawn  in what on paper looks like a tricky Group D along with Senegal  and Botswana, will open their account against the DRC   on  December 23, two days after the kick-off of the 35^th  edition of the continental showpiece, at the  Al Medina Stadium in  Rabat.

But  days  after setting up  their pre-AFCON training  camp  in the peaceful Moroccan city of

Benzilima otherwise known as the “Green Province”,  Rohr  remains upbeat ahead of  Benin’s fourth AFCON campaign

 “ We are already here in Morocco  and precisely in Benzilima  which is a cool place  for our training,” Rohr, the former  Nigeria’s trainer who led the Super Eagles to a bronze medal finish  at Egypt  2019, told NationSport. “  It has good condition  and  good for  our preparation  for the AFCON.” 

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The Cheetah’s other schedule will see  them  clash  against  Botswana at the Rabat Olympic Stadium on December 27^th  and Senegal at the  Tangier Grand Stadium on December 30^th.

In a related  development, Benin’s assistant coach and head scout Tunde Adelakun, has enthused  that the Cheetah’s  would give a good account of themselves at Morocco 2025, adding they are ready to pick up their gauntlets  after missing out of qualification for next year’s FIFA World Cup in the North America.

“I want my team to play good football, and let the clubs know that it was worth it to release [the players] at a very difficult time of the season,” Adelakun told BBC Sport Africa. “I’d love to win the tournament. The journey will be tough [but] what I’ve got at the moment is seven AFCON finals (matches)  to navigate.”

He added: “Losing out [on] qualification for the World Cup was a bitter pill we found really hard to swallow. “We’ve put it behind us, there’s no regrets [and] we’re proud of what we did. It’s time to get onto the African stage and prove to the world what we are made of.”

While the future of Mohamed Salah at Liverpool hangs in the balance, Egypt teammates have rallied behind the national team captain ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The record seven-time continental champions are in Group B with Angola, South Africa and Zimbabwe, and will be based in southern coastal city Agadir throughout the first round.

 “Players like him do not get benched,” said striker Ahmed “Kouka” Hassan on social media, referring to Salah being a substitute in the last three Liverpool fixtures, and coming on only once.

 “If he starts on the bench, you must make sure he is the first to come on, after 60 minutes, 65 at the latest.

 “Mo is not just a teammate, he is a leader, a legend for club and country. Keep working hard brother, every situation in life is temporary, moments like this pass, what stays is your greatness.”

Head coach and former star Hossam Hassan posted a photograph of himself and Salah and a message: “Always a symbol of perseverance and strength.”

 “The greatest Liverpool legend of all time,” wrote winger Ahmed “Zizo” El Sayed. Goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhy called Salah “always the best”.

Liverpool have struggled in their title defence this season and lie 10th after 15 rounds, 10 points behind leaders Arsenal. Salah has also battled with just four goals in 13 top-flight appearances.

After twice surrendering the lead in a 3-3 draw at Leeds United last Saturday, Salah told reporters “it seems like the club has thrown me under the bus”.

 “I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame (for the slump)… someone does not want me in the club.”

Salah was omitted from the squad that travelled to Milan for a Champions League clash with Inter on Tuesday and has hinted that he may not play for Liverpool again.

Saudi Arabia says it will do “whatever it can” to recruit Salah during the mid-season transfer window, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) source in the kingdom told AFP.

Although Egypt last won the AFCON 15 years ago in Luanda, Salah, 33, believes they will lift the trophy again before he retires.

 “It will happen – that is what I believe. It is a great feeling every time you step on the field wearing the Egyptian colours.”

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Salah has suffered much heartbreak in four AFCON tournaments as Egypt twice finished runners-up and twice exited in the round of 16.

He created the goal that put the Pharaohs ahead in the 2017 final, but Cameroon clawed back to win 2-1 in Libreville.

Hosts and title favourites Egypt were stunned by South Africa in the first knockout round two years later, conceding a late goal to lose 1-0.

Egypt reached the final again in 2022 only to lose on penalties to Senegal after 120 goalless minutes in Yaoundé.

In Cote d’Ivoire  last year, Salah suffered a hamstring injury against Ghana and took no further part in the tournament. Egypt lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo in a last-16 clash.

This year, Egypt boast an array of attacking talent with Salah, Omar Marmoush from Manchester City, Mostafa Mohamed of Nantes and Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan and Zizo from Cairo giants Al Ahly.

Group B is the only one of the six in Morocco featuring two qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, with Egypt and South Africa heading to the global showpiece in North America.

South Africa exceeded expectations by finishing third at the 2024 AFCON, but Belgian coach Hugo Broos expects a tougher campaign in a tournament that kicks off on December 21.

 “It will be harder because every opponent will be more motivated to beat us after our bronze medals,” said the tactician who guided Cameroon to the 2017 AFCON title.

Angola and Zimbabwe recently changed coaches with France-born Patrice Beaumelle and Romanian Mario Marinica hired.

The Angolans have reached the quarter-finals three times, including last year, while the Zimbabweans have never gone beyond the first round.

• By Joshua Osinowo

Côte d’Ivoire coach Emerse Faé has set the tone ahead of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, making it clear that the reigning champions are fully prepared to defend their crown and defeat any team that challenges them including Nigeria.

 His remarks, rich in confidence and competitive intent, come as the Elephants  are set for a title defence shaped by the memory of their 2–1 victory over the Super Eagles in the 2024 final.

“We’ll go into the AFCON as holders, which mean every team will be desperate to knock us off our perch. We’ll have to hand the trophy back at the start, and we want to reclaim it by the end,” Faé said in an  interview with FIFA  ahead of  tomorrow’s 2006 World Cup Draw at the  Kennedy Centre in the US. 

Responding  to a specific  question about preparing simultaneously for  both the World Cup and AFCON which begins on December 21 in Morocco, Faé added :“We’re competitors and we set ourselves a series of targets after the AFCON last year: first to reach the 2025 tournament and then to book our ticket to the World Cup.

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“We’ve achieved them, but our ambitions can’t stop there. We aren’t going to the World Cup for a holiday. Our mind-set is to show that Côte d’Ivoire can make history at a global tournament.”

Faé also referenced Morocco’s historic 2022 World Cup run as a continental turning point, saying the Elephants  are looking forward  to a great Mundial :“Morocco did exceptionally well last time out. What they achieved laid down a marker for Africa, and we’ve got to take our cue from it and dream big. I don’t just mean saying, ‘We’d like to do what Morocco did.’ I mean, ‘We’re going to emulate what Morocco accomplished.’”

Reflecting on the emotional turbulence of their 2024 triumph on home , he continued: “There were so many factors making that tournament truly special, so I’m not expecting to go through the same emotional rollercoaster. Emotions always run high in football, but it won’t be comparable to what we lived through on home turf last time round. We’ll certainly do our utmost to ensure it’s a positive experience.”

Ahead of the 35^th AFCON in Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire will finalise their preparations with a 10-day camp in Marbella, Spain, between  December  10 and 20.

 FIF president Yacine Idriss Diallo confirmed the arrangements after the federation’s general assembly, adding the Elephants will play two friendly matches — one possibly against DR Congo — before travelling to Marrakech on 20 December, just a day before the tournament begins.

The champions face Mozambique, Cameroon and Gabon in a challenging Group F.

Incidentally, while the Ivorians speak with the authority of champions, Nigeria enter the tournament with renewed hunger and belief.

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong said the team’s motivation has grown since their defeat in the last final.

“The team is excited,” he said. “Last AFCON left a lasting impression for all of us. Looking back, Côte d’Ivoire were the better team on the day, but we gained experience  some of our players were in a first major final.”

Asked whether Nigeria can go further this time, he responded: “That’s the only goal. We want to use that experience, reach the latter stages and know what to do to go all the way, hopefully.”

Similarly, Super Eagles’ Head coach, Eric Sekou  Chelle, has  also emphasised Nigeria’s ambition and mentality.

“In national-team football, mentality is everything because time on the grass is limited,” Chelle told CAFOnline in a recent interview. “It’s not only tactics or technique; it’s about values. And this team is starting to identify with those values.”

He described the pressure of leading Nigeria as a responsibility he embraces.

“When you coach Nigeria, you have to win everything. Of course we want to win it. Personally, I want to win AFCON.”

On Nigeria’s growing resilience, Chelle concluded with the headline he hopes to see: “Nigeria, champions of Africa.”

Nigeria will have no representation among match officials at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) released its approved list for the tournament in Morocco.

The announcement confirms growing concerns within Nigerian football circles over the country’s declining influence in continental refereeing, despite remaining one of Africa’s dominant forces on the pitch.

CAF on Wednesday unveiled 73 officials made up of 28 referees, 31 assistant referees and 14 video assistant referees (VAR).

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The selections were drawn from across the continent, including Benin, Gabon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Mauritania and Senegal. Notably, Nigeria a three-time African champion, is the only former AFCON-winning nation in West Africa without a named referee.

AFCON 2025 will run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, the second consecutive edition to take place in the winter calendar. All selected officials are expected to arrive in Morocco on 15 December for an intensive preparatory camp covering physical drills, technical sessions and theoretical assessments led by CAF’s Referees Department.

CAF noted that  the appointments reflect the governing body’s commitment to ‘refereeing excellence’ and the continuous improvement of African match officiating standards. Several of the chosen officials have overseen major CAF competitions in recent years, reinforcing a strategy that prioritises consistency, technical upgrades and tournament integrity.