Category: Sport News

Mali coach Tom Saintfiet includes Yves Bissouma in Mali final AFCON squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Coach Tom Saintfiet includes Yves Bissouma in Mali’s final AFCON squad

Bissouma plays for Tottenham Hotspur and has not played this season yet, but Saintfiet values his role in Mali’s midfield ahead of the tournament starting on 21 December.

Mali will begin their Group A campaign on 22 December against Zambia in Casablanca. They will also face the hosts, Morocco, and Comoros, in a very competitive group.

Bissouma’s return is the most significant part of the squad announcement. He last played in August and had ankle surgery after getting injured during a World Cup qualifier.

Even without recent matches, the coach believes Bissouma’s experience and smart play can be important in the midfield, which has a mix of strength and skill.

Saintfiet has assembled a balanced squad for Mali, featuring experienced players alongside promising talent from Europe and Africa. Defensively, Hamari Traoré leads, supported by Sikou Niakaté, Mamadou Fofana, and Woyo Coulibaly, while Djigui Diarra, Ismaël Diawara, and Mamadou Sawassa man the goal.

Mali’s midfield is robust with Amadou Haidara, Aliou Dieng, Lassana Coulibaly, Ibrahima Sissoko, Bissouma, and Mohamed Camara.

In attack, options include Nene Dorgeles, Kamory Doumbia, and Gaoussou Diarra for creativity and speed, while Moussa El Bilal Touré and Lassine Sinayoko are poised to score.

With a strong squad and the return of key players, Mali aims to advance far in the tournament in Morocco.

FULL MALI SQUAD FOR AFCON 2025 

Goalkeepers: Djigui Diarra (Young Africans), Ismaël Diawara (Sirius) and Mamadou Sawassa (Laval)

Defenders: Ousmane Camara (Angers), Woyo Coulibaly (Sassuolo), Amadou Dante (Arouca), Abdoulaye Diaby (Grasshoppers), Fodé Doucouré (Le Havre), Mamadou Fofana (New England Revolution), Nathan Gassama (Baltika), Sikou Niakaté (Sporting Braga) and Hamari Traoré (Paris FC)

Midfielders: Yves Bissouma (Tottenham Hotspur), Mohamed Camara (Al Sadd), Lassana Coulibaly (Lecce), Aliou Dieng (Al Ahly), Mahamadou Doumbia (Al Ittihad), Amadou Haidara (RB Leipzig), Mamadou Sangaré (Racing Lens) and Ibrahima Sissoko (VfL Bochum)

Forwards: Mamadou Camara (Laval), Gaoussou Diakité (Lausanne Sports), Gaoussou Diarra (Feyenoord Rotterdam), Nene Dorgeles (Fenerbahçe), Kamory Doumbia (Stade Brestois), Mamadou Doumbia (Watford), Lassine Sinayoko (Auxerre) and Moussa El Bilal Touré (Beşiktaş)

Senegal named a strong squad for AFCON in Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal named a strong squad for AFCON in Morocco

In a significant move, interim coach Pape Thiaw has announced his 28-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, including the debut call-ups of FC Metz striker Cheick Tidiane Sabaly and US Gorée midfielder Ibrahima Seck.

Also making a return is goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who missed the last gathering due to injury. Additionally, AS Monaco winger Krepin Diatta is back in the fold, marking his first Senegal call-up in 10 months.

El Hadji Malick Diouf, a defender for Hammers, has cut Senegal’s 28-man roster for the upcoming CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

The 20-year-old has made quite an impression since joining West Ham United last summer, recording three assists in 16 appearances. He has already earned 12 caps for his nation and netted his first senior international goal against Kenya during the November international break.

Senegal will play their group matches at Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, starting with a clash against Botswana on Tuesday, December 23, at 3 PM GMT.

Senegal will open Group D against Botswana on the 23rd before facing DR Congo on Saturday, December 27, and they will conclude their group-stage games against Benin on Tuesday, December 30, with a match set for 7 PM GMT.

The tournament is set to kick off on Sunday, December 21, culminating with the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, January 18.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Edouard Mendy, Seny Dieng, Cheikh Lo Ndoye

Defenders: Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhate, Abdou Diallo, Seydou Sano, Ismail Jakobs, Abdoulaye Seck, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Abdou Aziz Ndiaye, Formose Mendy

Midfielders: Idrissa Gana Gueye, Lamine Camara, Pathe Ciss, Habib Diarra, Pape Matar Sarr, Pape Gueye, Krepin Diatta, Ibrahima Seck

Forwards: Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye, Boulaye Dia, Nicolas Jackson, Habib Diallo, Cherif Ndiaye, Cheikh Tidiane Sabaly

Tunisia confirm AFCON squad as Sami Trabelsi recalls Skhiri and Hannibal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia confirm AFCON squad as Sami Trabelsi recalls Skhiri and Hannibal

Tunisia’s coach, Sami Trabelsi, has announced his final squad of 28 players for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

He decided to stick with most of the team while making some important changes. The Carthage Eagles are looking to regain their competitive strength in this tournament.

Midfielders Ellyes Skhiri and Hannibal Mejbri are back in the squad after missing recent matches. Their return will help bring balance and creativity to the team, which will face Uganda, Nigeria, and Tanzania in Group C.

Trabelsi kept most of the players from the international matches in November, and the goalkeeping lineup remains the same. Aymen Dahmen, Bechir Ben Saïd, Noureddine Farhati, and Sabri Ben Hassen make up a strong goalkeeping group, with Ben Hassen returning from injury.

In defence, Trabelsi chose to maintain stability while adding some new players. Regular defenders Yassine Meriah, Montassar Talbi, Dylan Bronn, Ali Maâloul, and Ali Abdi keep their spots. Adem Arous and Nader Ghandri also return to the national team after missing the Qatar tournament. Ghandri, who played well with Akhmat Grozny, said he is proud to be back and ready to give his all for Tunisia.

In midfield, Trabelsi has kept Ferjani Sassi, Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, and Houssem Tka in place, while Skhiri and Hannibal add strength to the team. The attacking lineup includes Elias Saad, Sébastien Tounekti, and Firas Chaouat, with Elias Achouri, Hazem Mastouri, and Seifeddine Jaziri also joining for depth and energy.

Some players, like Layouni and Nacim Dendani, who played in Qatar, are not on the final roster. Trabelsi said his choices focused on competitiveness and team balance, and he plans to gradually introduce younger players to support their development.

With 9 days until the tournament begins, Tunisia will begin final preparations, hoping that a mix of returning players, a solid defence, and experienced leaders will help them succeed in the knockout rounds.

FULL TUNISIA SQUAD FOR AFCON 2025 (28 players)

Goalkeepers

  • Aymen Dahmen (CS Sfaxien)
  • Bechir Ben Saïd (Espérance de Tunis)
  • Sabri Ben Hassen (Étoile du Sahel)
  • Noureddine Farhati (Stade Tunisien)

Defenders

  • Yan Valery (Sheffield Wednesday)
  • Mohamed Ben Ali (Espérance de Tunis)
  • Dylan Bronn (Servette FC)
  • Montassar Talbi (FC Lorient)
  • Yassine Meriah (Espérance de Tunis)
  • Adem Arous (Kasimpasa)
  • Nader Ghandri (Akhmat Grozny)
  • Mortadha Ben Ouanes (Kasimpasa)
  • Ali Abdi (OGC Nice)
  • Ali Maaloul (CS Sfaxien)

Midfielders

  • Ferjani Sassi (Al Gharafa)
  • Ellyes Skhiri (Eintracht Frankfurt)
  • Houssem Tka (Espérance de Tunis)
  • Mohamed Hadj Mahmoud (FC Lugano)
  • Ismael Gharbi (Augsburg)
  • Hannibal Mejbri (Burnley FC)
  • Naim Sliti (Al Shamal)
  • Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane (Al Ahly)

Forwards

  • Elias Saad (Augsburg)
  • Elias Achouri (FC Copenhagen)
  • Hazem Mastouri (Dinamo Makhachkala)
  • Sébastien Tounekti (Celtic)
  • Firas Chaouat (Club Africain)
  • Seifeddine Jaziri (Zamalek)
Morocco's coach, Walid Regragui, has unveiled a formidable 28-man squad as the Atlas Lions gear up to host the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, kicking off in just ten days.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Host Morocco named a star-studded final AFCON squad

Morocco's coach, Walid Regragui, has unveiled a formidable 28-man squad as the Atlas Lions gear up to host the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, kicking off in just ten days.

The squad, revealed on Thursday, boasts some of the nation’s brightest stars, including Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou, Sofyan Amrabat, and striker Youssef En-Nesyri.

Hakimi is recovering from a serious ankle injury and may miss the opening matches, but Regragui values his leadership. Morocco enters the tournament as the favourites, aiming for their first title since 1976 after a record 18 consecutive victories.

With continuity and tactical flexibility, the squad features key players from the 2022 World Cup semi-finals. Defensive leaders Romain Saïss and Nayef Aguerd return, joined by rising star Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal.

The full-back lineup includes Noussair Mazraoui, Adam Masina, and young Anass Salah-Eddine. In midfield, the team relies on talents like Azzedine Ounahi and Sofyan Amrabat, while the attack is led by Youssef En-Nesyri and Ayoub El Kaabi, supported by creative wingers like Brahim Diaz.

However, Sofiane Diop is notably absent, and Hamza Igamane is on the reserve list due to injury. With the tournament hosted in Morocco, expectations are high.

Regragui knows lifting the trophy in Rabat on January 18 is the only acceptable outcome. In Group A, Morocco will compete against Comoros, Mali, and Zambia for continental glory.

Goalkeepers: Munir El Kajoui, Yassine Bounou and El Mehdi Al Harrar

Défenders: Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Chibi, Jawad El Yamiq, Romain Saïss, Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, Nayef Aguerd, Adam Masina, Noussair Mazraoui and Anas Salah-Eddine

Midfielders: Oussama Targhalline, Sofyan Amrabat, Ismael Saibari, Neil El Aynaoui, Bilal El Khannouss and Azzedine Ounahi

Forwards: Brahim Diaz, Ilias Akhomach, Chemsdine Talbi, Youssef En-Nesyri, Ayoub El Kaabi, Soufiane Rahimi,  Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Eliesse Ben Seghir

Reserve Players

  • Youssef Belammari

  • Hamza Igamane

Nigeria coach Chelle recalls Uzoho, Onuachu, drops Okoye from AFCON squad
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigeria coach Chelle recalls Uzoho, Onuachu, drops Okoye from AFCON squad

Omonia goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu have been recalled to Nigeria's national team, while Maduka Okoye and Tolu Arokodare were excluded from the 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle unveiled his final squad for the tournament, comprising three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders, and nine forwards. The tournament is set to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco. The selection features several new players, bolstering the team’s depth in defence, midfield, and attack.

In defence, Blackburn Rovers’ Ryan Alebiosu receives his first call-up, alongside Slavia Prague’s Igoh Ogbu, who joins the squad as part of the defensive reinforcements.

The midfield sees exciting additions, including Inter Milan’s promising talent and Remo Stars Academy graduate Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, along with Israel-based Usman Muhammed and former Flying Eagles star Tochukwu Nnadi.

Croatia-based striker Lawal Salim Fago is a new addition to the Super Eagles, joining goalkeeper Uzoho, who returns after last playing in March 2024, alongside Stanley Nwabali and Amas Obasogie.

In defence, Calvin Bassey of Fulham teams up with Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Zaidu Sanusi.

The midfield features Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Raphael Onyedika. Up front, Victor Osimhen leads the attack with support from Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, and Chidera Ejuke, while Cyriel Dessers and Paul Onuachu also make the squad.

Nigeria is in Group C of the AFCON with Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda. They will have a pre-tournament camp in Egypt and face Egypt in an unofficial friendly on December 16.

Their campaign kicks off against Tanzania on December 23 in Fès, with a key match against Tunisia set for December 27.

Goalkeepers

  • Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
  • Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania)
  • Francis Uzoho (Omonia, Cyprus)

Defenders

  • Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England)
  • Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England)
  • Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England)
  • Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece)
  • Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France)
  • Zaidu Sanusi (Porto, Portugal)
  • Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
  • Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)

Midfielders

  • Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England)
  • Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England)
  • Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey)
  • Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
  • Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium)
  • Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy)
  • Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa, Italy)
  • Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel)

Forwards

  • Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain)
  • Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain)
  • Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)
  • Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England)
  • Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey)
  • Moses Simon (Paris FC, France)
  • Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey)
  • Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos, Greece)
  • Salim Fago Lawal (Istra 1961, Croatia)