Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria draw with Benin to qualify for 2025 AFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria draw with Benin to qualify for 2025 AFCON

Nigeria has qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. They confirmed their spot by drawing 1-1 against Benin Republic at the Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

Nigeria’s qualification was confirmed earlier in the day after Libya defeated Rwanda 1-0. The Super Eagles aimed to avoid losing to Benin again, especially after their earlier 2-1 loss during a World Cup qualifier in June.

Benin took the lead in the first half with a goal from Mohammed Tijjani, who scored past Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. For most of the match, it looked like Benin would win again.

However, Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen equalized with just seven minutes left. He scored with a header from a cross by substitute Moses Simon.

Now, the Benin Republic must earn one point against Libya in Tripoli on Tuesday to secure their place in Morocco. Libya’s 84th-minute goal from Saad Mohamed improved their chances of qualifying and confirmed Nigeria’s place in the tournament.

Nigeria, a three-time African champion, will make its 21st appearance at AFCON, from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Uganda Cranes and Bafana Bafana qualify for AFCON 2025 tournament
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Uganda Cranes and Bafana Bafana book AFCON 2025 tournament spots

The Uganda Cranes and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana are the latest nations to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), joining 22 other teams in the 35th edition of the tournament.

Their qualification was confirmed after South Sudan defeated Congo 3-2 in Juba on Thursday. This result means that Congo cannot catch up with Uganda or South Africa, which currently have 10 and 8 points, respectively.

The upcoming match between Uganda and South Africa will be important for pride and for determining who finishes first in Group K.

Meanwhile, Uganda will be playing in their eighth AFCON tournament. They have appeared in 1962, 1968, 1974, 1976, 1978, 2017, and 2019. Their best performance was in 1978 when they finished as runners-up in Kumasi, Ghana.

Other teams that have already qualified include holders Ivory Coast, host Morocco, former champions Algeria, Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Cameroon, Angola, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

Ivory Coast qualify after Chad and Sierra Leone shared spoils
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivory Coast qualify after Chad and Sierra Leone shared spoils

Ivory Coast has qualified after Chad and Sierra Leone shared spoils 1-1 in their CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 match day five qualifier at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpé on Wednesday.

The Leone Stars scored a stunner through Abu Dumbuya in the 29th, but the host responded with a penalty 34th kick, which Georgian-based midfielder Mahamat Thiaw scored.

In a closely contested match, both teams struggled to secure three points, leaving Sierra Leone’s qualification hopes uncertain.

Group G results confirm that defending champions Côte d’Ivoire will advance to next year’s competition in Morocco, as Sierra Leone cannot catch up. Côte d’Ivoire leads with nine points, while Sierra Leone trails by four with one match remaining.

Chad secured their third draw in the qualifying campaign, leaving the Leone Stars in third place with five points, while Chad sits at the bottom with three points. Sierra Leone’s qualification chances hinge on the remaining group fixtures.

Meanwhile, Equatorial Guinea is one of the latest countries to qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals, but it did not have to play any matches to do so, as the penultimate round of qualifiers began on Wednesday.

Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon will compete alongside Angola, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Morocco, and Senegal in the finals.

Nine more matches on Thursday will further determine qualification, with Nigeria, Sudan, and Tunisia likely to secure their spots in Morocco.

Chad v Sierra Leone: A must-win game to increase qualification hopes
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Chad v Sierra Leone: A must-win game to increase qualification hopes

Group G of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifications will see Chad hosting Sierra Leone on Matchday five at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé on Wednesday.

After playing to a goalless draw in Liberia when Sierra Leone hosted in September at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, both teams remain in contention for qualification; however, any further mistakes could spell disaster for either side.

The margin for error is slim for both nations. Any further dropped points could lead to their elimination from the qualification race.

Chad has earned two points from their first four matches, with two draws and two losses, placing them fourth in the group.

In contrast, Sierra Leone is currently in third place with four points. The Leone Stars have recorded one win, one draw, and two losses from their initial four games. A victory would allow them to draw level on points with Zambia.

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Players to watch out for: Allabatna Gabin (Chad)

The 24-year-old is a standout player for the Chad national team, known for his dominance in the box and sharp instincts. His reflexes and positioning are his key strengths. With the opposing team’s strong attack, Gabin will need to focus on keeping his side competitive, especially in the opening minutes.

Amadou Bakayoko (Sierra Leone)

Sierra Leone’s main attacking threat is their striker, known for his remarkable ability to evade defenders and score goals. In this must-win match, Bakayoko needs to be at his best, as such crucial games often hinge on slim margins. At 28, he has shown impressive maturity leading the national team, and a strong performance is anticipated from him.

Seven nations, including Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, DR Congo, Egypt, and Senegal, have qualified for the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, joining Morocco. They will all compete for Africa’s top trophy.

The 35th TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Kickoff: Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 19:00 GMT – Venue: Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium

Present Form:

Chad (in their last five in all competitions): L-D-L-D-L

Sierra Leone (last five in all competitions): D-D-L-L-W

Alassana Jatta named in Gambia squad for crucial AFCON qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alassana Jatta named in Gambia squad for crucial AFCON qualifiers

Alassana Jatta’s strong performances for Notts County have earned him a call-up to the Gambia’s national team under Northern Irish boss Johnathan McKinstry. (Notts County Photo) 

He will join the squad for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Comoros on November 15 and Tunisia on November 18, which means he will miss the league match against Crewe Alexandra.

Jatta could make his Gambia debut against Comoros in front of the fans at the Gambia Independence Stadium after the GFA received approval from the Confédération African Football (CAF).

The last home match was on March 25, 2021, when Gambia won 1-0 against Angola. Following that game, CAF banned the stadium and 22 others in Africa from hosting international matches in February 2022.

The return of international games is a significant milestone for Gambia’s football fans. The Scorpions, Gambia’s national football team, are currently in 3rd place in Group A, with 5 points from four games.