Category: Football Africa

Egypt and Nigeria ready for AFCON 2025 third-place accolade
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt and Nigeria are ready for AFCON 2025 third-place accolade

Egypt and Nigeria will compete for third place at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) this weekend. The winning team will earn a bronze medal, recognizing their efforts over the past three weeks.

Both Egypt and Nigeria were expected to perform well in the tournament, but lost in the semi-finals. Egypt was defeated by Senegal, while Nigeria fell to Morocco in a penalty shootout.

Ahead of their third-place match on Saturday, Wilfred Ndidi expressed that the loss to Morocco was difficult, but the Super Eagles are looking to finish on a high note. “It was a painful loss; we have reached the end of the tournament, but tomorrow we want to ensure a positive result,” he stated.

Head coach Eric Chelle praised his players for their dedication, though he expressed disappointment over the defeat to Morocco.

During his pre-match conference for the AFCON third-place match, Hossam Hassan, in the photo, the head coach of Egypt, expressed his dissatisfaction with being involved in a third-place tie. Nevertheless, he remains determined to secure a victory following a challenging match against Senegal.

Trezeguet has recovered from injury to play in Egypt’s semi-final loss, but Mohamed Hamdi may still miss this match. Egypt struggled against Senegal, so coach Hossam Hassan might consider changing the lineup. Although Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush did not perform well, they are unlikely to be benched since they play in the Premier League.

For Nigeria, Calvin Bassey will miss this match due to a suspension after receiving a yellow card in the semi-final. Coach Eric Chelle will welcome back captain Wilfred Ndidi, who was suspended for that match. Striker Cyriel Dessers has missed the tournament due to an ankle injury. There are also concerns about Victor Osimhen’s fitness, as he limped off late in the semi-final.

Prediction

Both teams had trouble scoring in their last matches, which might happen again. The game could focus on their star players, Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush for Egypt, against Osimhen for Nigeria.

Both sides will want to end the tournament on a positive note, making for an interesting match.

Head-to-Head History

– Egypt wins: 6  

– Nigeria wins: 9  

– Draws: 5  

Date, Time, and Venue  

Egypt vs Nigeria is set for 5 pm local Time on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, Morocco.

CAF Slaps Fecafoot president Samuel Etoo with a four-match ban
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Slaps Fecafoot president Samuel Eto’o with a four-match ban

The CAF Disciplinary Board has charged Mr. Samuel Eto'o Fils, the President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), with misconduct.

This charge stems from the Africa Cup of Nations match between Morocco and Cameroon, held in Rabat on January 9, 2026.

Samuel Eto’o has received a four-match ban and a fine of $20,000 (£14,960) for his misconduct, according to a statement from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Eto’o, the former star player for Cameroon, violated the principles of sportsmanship during the quarter-final match, in which Cameroon lost 2-0 to Morocco.

Eto’o was reportedly seen making an angry gesture towards the officials’ decisions during the game. CAF president Patrice Motsepe, who was present at the match, witnessed Eto’o’s frustration.

The CAF Disciplinary Board found Mr Eto’o guilty of breaking the sportsmanship rules outlined in Article 2(3) of the CAF Statutes and Article 82 of the CAF Disciplinary Code for his behaviour during the match.

As a result, Mr Samuel Eto’o Fils will not be allowed in the stadium for the next four official CAF matches in the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco 2025. Additionally, he must pay a fine of USD 20,000. CAF will not comment further on this matter.

Morocco beat Nigeria on penalties to book AFCON final date with Senegal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco beat Nigeria on penalties to book AFCON final date with Senegal

Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero as Morocco reached the final of the Africa Cup of for the first time in 21 years. They defeated Nigeria 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a goalless semi-final in Rabat.

After 90 minutes and extra time ended without goals, the match went to penalties. Bounou made key saves against Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, helping Morocco move closer to winning the tournament.

Neil El Aynaoui and Paul Onuachu scored the initial penalties for their teams. Nigeria gained the upper hand when Stanley Nwabali saved Hamza Igamane’s kick. However, Bounou responded by saving Chukwueze’s penalty, tying the scores.

Eliesse Ben Seghir and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru both scored their penalties. Captain Achraf Hakimi then stepped up and confidently gave Morocco a 3-2 lead.

Bounou made another crucial save against Onyemaechi’s penalty. With the crowd holding its breath, Youssef En-Nesyri took the final penalty and scored, sending the Rabat fans into celebration and marking a historic night for Morocco.

Morocco’s victory eased the pressure of hosting the tournament, while Nigeria missed the chance for a second straight AFCON final and will now prepare for the third-place match against Egypt.

The balanced semi-final saw both teams create chances, with Brahim Diaz just missing a curling shot and Nwabali saving a low effort from Ismail Saibari. Morocco’s vigilant defence closely marked Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen.

In the second half, Morocco controlled the game more, pushing forward. Calvin Bassey played well for Nigeria, using his strength to withstand Morocco’s pressure.

Morocco’s best chance came from Abde Ezzalzouli, whose curling shot was saved by Nwabali. As exhaustion set in during extra time, both teams played cautiously. With no goals after 120 minutes, it went to penalties, where Bounou shone again, leading Morocco to the AFCON final.

Yassine Bounou (Morocco) – TotalEnergies Man of the Match: “The atmosphere was amazing, and I thank the fans for their support. The players gave their all in a tough match against a strong Nigeria. I appreciate our coach, Walid Regragui, and my teammates. Our fans inspire us, and we will focus on recovery for the final.”

Eric Chelle – Head Coach of Nigeria: “Losing on penalties is painful. The match was challenging, and while we showed determination, we need to keep improving. Our technical play wasn’t as strong as before, and we lacked movement and energy.”

Walid Regragui – Head Coach of Morocco: “Thank you to everyone who supported us. The encouraging messages motivated us, and I’m proud of our players. Reaching the AFCON final at home is a fantastic achievement. Now we must recover quickly. Congratulations to Nigeria and Coach Eric Chelle for their efforts.”

Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero Morocco and was name Man of the Match
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero Morocco and was name Man of the Match
Sadio Mane's powerful strike fires Senegal to AFCON 2025 final
by Football Sierra Leone

Sadio Mane’s powerful strike fires Senegal to AFCON 2025 final

Senegal reached the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by beating Egypt 1-0 in the semi-final at the Tangier Grand Stadium on Wednesday.

Their strong dominance continues against Egypt, with Sadio Mane scoring the winning goal that sends them to this year’s AFCON final.

This marks the fourth time Senegal has reached the final of this tournament. They are currently on a 17-match unbeaten streak in the Africa Cup of Nations. This is the second-longest streak in the tournament’s history, after Egypt’s 24-match streak from 2004 to 2017.

Sadio Mane has been involved in 11 goals and 9 assists in the Africa Cup of Nations, setting a record for the tournament in the 21st century. Senegal has qualified for the final in 3 of the last 4 editions of the tournament.

In their last 28 matches in the Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal has kept a clean sheet 19 times. The Senegalese team has never lost a game in which Sadio Mane scored, with a record of 38 wins and 6 draws.

Sadio Mané iwas name the TotalEnergies Man of the Match
Sadio Mané iwas name the TotalEnergies Man of the Match
Meet the African Coaches raising their profile at AFCON 2025
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Meet the African Coaches raising their profile at AFCON 2025

For the first time in the history of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, four of the semi-finals coaches are from AFRICA! A significant improvement to the development of the African football coaching system.

Senegal Pape Thiew took over from Aliou Cisse after serving as an interim in 2024 and is known for his direct attacking football.

Speaking ahead of their contest with Egypt, he said, “We are preparing for this match with great focus, fully aware of the strong Egyptian side we will face. They are tactically disciplined and experienced.

We respect this challenge but are determined to win and reach the final. We remain committed to our playing philosophy, which we believe will make a difference.”

Egypt’s Hossam Hassan – If you know African football story and history well, you should know Hossam Hassan. A twin & a prolific goal poacher in his playing days. He scored 66 goals in 177 games for the Pharaohs of Egypt.

If Egypt go past Senegal, it will be their 10th appearance in the AFCON finals.

He was respectful when talking about his opponent on Tuesday. He said, “Senegal is not considered a bogey team for the Egyptian national team, which has won the African championship seven times. The players believe opponents play with fear against them. The team is approaching the semi-final with respect and thorough preparation, feeling mentally ready and aware of both their own strengths and those of their opponent.”

Nigeria Eric Chelle is a former Malian International, a centre-back, who enjoyed tackling attackers. Born in the Ivory Coast, Chelle guided Mali to the AFCON 2023 quarter-final.

Over time, since he was appointed as the Super Eagles head coach, he has slowly transformed the West African side into a dominant force to reckon with.

Morocco is a strong team with both strengths and weaknesses. Brahim Díaz is a talented player, and the team as a whole is impressive. We are prepared for any situation. We will give our all and treat every match like it is our last,” Chelle said when answering media questions on Tuesday.

Host Morocco head coach Walid Regragui is a prominent name in African football for many reasons. Today, he told journalists in the post-match conference that Morocco is about a positive result.

One of his highs was when he guided Morocco to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup!

“Coaching the Moroccan national team means every result is closely examined. I dedicate myself entirely to my country and accept the criticism that comes with it.

An AFCON semi-final is distinct from a World Cup semi-final. Previously, we were considered a surprise, but now expectations are higher. Our goal is to reach the final and lift the continental trophy.”

History- Only two African legends – Mohamed El-Gohary and late Stephen Keshi, have won the AFCON both as players and coaches. Hassan Hassan could join the list.

AFCON Morocco 2025 Semi-Final Fixtures (All times in GMT)
Wednesday, 14 January 2026
17h00: Sénégal vs Égypt – Grand Stade de Tanger, Tangier
20h00: Morocco vs Nigeria – Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat