Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Patson Daka's late heeder salvage a point for Zambia against Mali
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Patson Daka’s late header salvages a point for Zambia against Mali

Zambia kicked off their Group A campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Mali in their Africa Cup of Nations match on Monday.

Lassine Sinayoko gave Mali the lead early on, but Zambia’s Chipolopolo struck back with a last-gasp goal to level the score.

Both teams entered the match knowing how crucial a win would be, but it was the West African side that managed to take the first initiative at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.

However, Zambia’s Patson Daka’s header was enough to secure a point for Zambia, leaving Morocco at the top of the group.

This encounter marked the first time the two sides faced each other since 2022, when El Bilal Toure scored the only goal to give Mali a 1-0 victory.

Zambia last lifted the trophy in 2012 after defeating the Ivory Coast on penalties, but they struggled in the last edition in 2023, failing to secure a single win.

They’ll need to build on this tie when they face Comoros on Boxing Day, whilst 1972 runners-up Mali battle it out with host Morocco later that evening.

Morocco open Cup of Nations 2025 with win over Comoros
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco open Cup of Nations 2025 with a win over Comoros

On Sunday, Morocco commenced their campaign in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 victory over Comoros, with goals scored by Brahim Díaz and Ayoub El Kaabi at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Morocco employed a 4-3-3 formation, although manager Walid Regragui made the surprising decision to exclude several prominent players from the starting lineup.

In contrast, Comoros coach Stefano Cusin opted for a more traditional approach, retaining veteran leadership led by captain Youssouf M’Changama.

From the outset, Morocco dominated possession, while Comoros remained steadfast in their defensive strategy. The game nearly saw an early breakthrough in the 9th minute when Morocco was awarded a penalty after Imsane M’Madi fouled Brahim Díaz, who had cleverly drawn contact in the penalty area.

However, Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor made a remarkable save, diving correctly to prevent Soufiane Rahimi from converting the opportunity.

Morocco faced an early challenge in the 18th minute when captain Romain Saïss suffered a muscle injury and was replaced by Jawad El Yamiq. The first yellow card was issued in the 36th minute to Yannick Kari for a tackle on Azzedine Ounahi.

Tensions rose before halftime due to a VAR review in the 44th minute, resulting in no penalty after Díaz was ruled to have handled the ball.

In the second half, Díaz received a yellow card in the 48th minute for a late challenge, but he scored in the 55th minute, converting a low cross from Noussair Mazraoui for the opening goal.

Four minutes later, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made a vital save from a shot by Said Bakari. In the 65th minute, Morocco made key substitutions, with Ayoub El Kaabi being introduced for Soufiane Rahimi. El Kaabi then scored a spectacular overhead kick in the 74th minute from a cross by Salah-Eddine Mraouni, furthering Morocco’s lead.

Morocco managed the final minutes effectively, making additional substitutions. They look to maintain this momentum into their next match against Mali on December 26th, while Comoros prepares for a critical game against Zambia.

Monday, December 22nd Fixtures:

  • Mali vs. Zambia
  • South Africa vs. Angola
  • Egypt vs. Zimbabwe
Ayoub El Kaabi classic overkicked at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat
Ayoub El Kaabi's classic overhead goal at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat
African Cup of Nations may be rescheduled to December 2025
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

The Africa Cup of Nations will occur every four years after 2028 tournament

The president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, announced a significant restructuring of the continent's international football scene on Saturday, January 20.


As part of this overhaul, he announced that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will now be held every four years, with the first edition scheduled for 2028. This marks a major shift from the previous biennial format.

Motsepe announced at a press conference in Rabat, Morocco, that the AFCON is being adapted to better align with the global football calendar. The introduction of an annual African Nations League will help bridge financial gaps for national associations.

“Our main priority is this AFCON,” he stated, mentioning future tournaments in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda for 2027 and 2028. The first African Nations League will launch after the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, offering more prize money and competition.

Historically held every two years since 1957, the AFCON has struggled to secure its place in the global schedule. This year’s tournament in Morocco is the eighth edition since its return in 2012.

Mo Salah's Egypt to open AFCON 2025 against Zimbabwe
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mo Salah’s Egypt to open AFCON 2025 against Zimbabwe

In Group B, the Pharaohs of Egypt are gearing up for an exciting opener against the Zimbabwe Warriors, set to take place at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir, located in the Souss-Massa region of Morocco, on Monday.

As a benchmark nation in African football, Egypt holds a distinguished position in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Having claimed the inaugural title in 1957, the Pharaohs have cemented their status as the continent’s most successful team, with seven championships and an impressive 26 tournament appearances to their name.

On the other hand, Zimbabwe will be participating in their sixth tournament since 2004. With both teams keen on securing a positive start, the atmosphere is sure to be charged and competitive.

Tawanda Chirewa has expressed his hope to deliver a strong performance in the Warriors’ opening match against Egypt in Group B of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Monday.

The winger is part of the Zimbabwe national team that will participate in the prestigious tournament. In a conversation with his club, Wolves, Chirewa discussed the Warriors’ prospects at AFCON and his own goals for the competition.

He stated, “I have confidence that we’re going to surprise many nations and people with our performance, so I’m focused on getting myself fully prepared. This tournament is my first significant competition, and I aim to showcase to the world the talent of Zimbabwe.”

Chirewa continued: “I recognise that this is important for my family’s reputation, and I aspire to become an excellent player for Zimbabwe, to be a legend for my country, which is a goal I’m passionate about and truly believe I can achieve.

AFCON represents a crucial step in that journey, and if I can contribute to helping us advance as far as possible in the tournament, I know that I’ll be progressing toward my aspirations for my country.”

South Africa and Angola are among the nations in this group that are anticipated to advance to the knockout stages.

Tough AFCON 2025 start for Comoros against host Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tough AFCON 2025 start for Comoros against host Morocco

On Sunday. host Morocco kick off their Africa Cup of Nations this weekend, with a tough match against Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Comoros head coach Stefano Cusin has chosen a stable team, adding two important new players for the tournament in Morocco.

He kept the majority of his kley players from the AFCON and 2026 World Cup qualifiers, showing his commitment to continuity as Comoros aims to become one of Africa’s rising teams again.

Comoros are in the tournament for only the second time in their history after they dominated AFCON qualifying, failing to lose any of their six matches, even defeating World Cup-bound Tunisia in Tunis.

Comoros and Tunisia were the group winners and runners-up respectively, qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

However, the host team is known for its stylish football, and they are the favourites to win this opening match of AFCON. The Morocco captain’s race to overcome injury headlines around this edition of the AFCON, which runs until 18 January.

Group A certainly presents a tough challenge, featuring host nation Morocco alongside Comoros, Zambia, and Mali. This edition in Morocco marks the 35th African Cup of Nations.

Group A certainly presents a tough challenge, featuring host nation Morocco alongside Comoros, Zambia, and Mali. This edition in Morocco marks the 35th African Cup of Nations.
Group A certainly presents a tough challenge, featuring host nation Morocco alongside Comoros, Zambia, and Mali. This edition in Morocco marks the 35th African Cup of Nations.
Comoros in the tournament for only second time in their history after they dominated AFCON qualifiers
Comoros in the tournament for only second time in their history after they dominated AFCON qualifiers