Category: Football Africa

Zambia's Chipolopolo ready for Cup of Nations as Daka leads squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zambia’s Chipolopolo ready for Cup of Nations as Daka leads squad

Zambia’s final squad for the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations has been announced by coach Moses Sichone, showcasing a mix of promising local talent and seasoned international players. The tournament will take place in Morocco later this month.

The squad features exciting newcomers, including Matthews Banda, Given Kalusa, Pascal Phiri, and Eliya Mandanji from Zanaco, all earning their first senior call-ups after strong domestic performances.

Coach Sichone has also revamped the goalkeeping lineup with three uncapped keepers: Lawrence Mulenga, Francis Mwansa, and Willard Mwanza.

Leading the overseas players is striker Patson Daka, joined by Jack Kalichi Lahne from Austria, who scored on his debut last FIFA window. Other international talents include Joseph Liteta (Cagliari), Kings Kangwa (Maccabi Be’er Sheva), and Lameck Banda (Lecce).

Zambia’s final preparation occurs in Murcia, Spain, from December 11 to 17, with foreign players expected to join after December 15.

In the tournament, Zambia to face Morocco on December 21, Mali on December 26, and Comoros on December 30 in a challenging Group A.

Standby players Jonathan Kalimina and Abel Nyirongo, standout performers from the U17 World Cup, will be ready to step in if needed. The squad has been finalised at 28 players after narrowing down from an initial list of 55.

Zambia’s final 28-man squad for AFCON 2025

Goalkeepers – Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos), Francis Mwansa (Zanaco) and Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos)

Defenders: Stopilla Sunzu (Changchun, China), Frankie Musonda (Bahrain SC), Kabaso Chongo (Zesco United), Matthews Banda (Nkana), Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos), Gift Mphande (Zesco United), Obino Chisala (Al-Merikh SC, Sudan), David Hamasenya (Leganés, Spain)and Benson Sakala (Bohemians 1905, Czech Republic)

Midfielders: Miguel Changa Chaiwa (Hibernian, Scotland), Owen Tembo (Power Dynamos), Joseph Liteta (Cagliari, Italy), Kings Kangwa (Maccabi Be’er Sheva, Israel), Given Kalusa (FC MUZA), David Simukonda (Zesco United), Wilson Chisala (Zanaco), Joseph Sabobo Banda (Maccabi Be’er Sheva, Israel), Lameck Banda (Lecce, Italy), Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha, Saudi Arabia), Lubambo Musonda (Magdeburg, Germany) and Pascal Phiri (Zesco United)

Strikers: Patson Daka (Leicester City, England), Jack Lahne Kalichi (Austria Lustenau, Austria), Kennedy Musonda (Hapoel Ramat Gan, Israel) and Eliya Mandanji (Zanaco)

Algeria reach FIFA Arab Cup quarter-finals, Egypt eliminated
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Algeria reach FIFA Arab Cup quarter-finals, Egypt eliminated

Algeria won 2-0 against Iraq on December 9 during the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al-Rayyan, Qatar as fellow North African side Egypt were eliminated.

They needed just a draw to reach the quarter-finals, but performed better to top Group D. Algeria benefited when Iraq’s Hussein Ali was sent off in the fifth minute. They scored their first goal just before half-time.

Redouane Berkane headed a free-kick back across the goal, where Mohamed Amine Tougai finished it with a header. Later, a mistake between Iraq’s goalkeeper Fahad Talib and defender Saad Natiq led to an own goal that confirmed Algeria’s win.

As group winners, Algeria will play against the UAE, while Iraq will face Jordan in the quarter-finals.

Egypt 0-3 Jordan

Jordan defeated Egypt in the FIFA Arab Cup, concluding Egypt’s campaign without a win.

The match took place at Al Bayt Stadium, with Jordan scoring through Mohammad Abuhasheesh (19 minutes) and Mohammad Abu Zraiq (41 minutes).

Abu Zraiq was named Player of the Match. Jordan had a third goal disallowed for handball, while Egypt nearly scored but hit the post. The victory was sealed in added time by Ali Olwan, who scored a penalty following a foul in the box.

Wilfried Zaha returns to Côte d’Ivoire squad for Cup of Nations
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Wilfried Zaha returns to Côte d’Ivoire squad for Cup of Nations

Wilfried Zaha has been named to coach Emerse Faé's 26-man squad for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations while Simon Adingra is left out.

The announcement was made on Tuesday as the defending champions confirmed their selection for Morocco.  Zaha, at 33, returns after nearly two years, following a strong season with Charlotte FC in MLS, where he scored 10 goals and assisted six times.  

Faé aims to blend experience with young talent as they seek to defend the title they won in 2024. Discussions with Zaha had been ongoing for months, and his recent form aligns with the team’s attacking needs.  

Jean-Michaël Seri also returns after a long injury layoff.  

Younger players like Yan Diomandé, Amad Diallo, and Bazoumana Touré remain in the squad, reflecting Faé’s strategy to refresh the team.  

Adingra’s notable exclusion is due to limited playing time at Sunderland this season, along with the absence of Nicolas Pépé, Jérémie Boga, and Clément Akpa.  

Torino’s Wilfried Singo is out due to injury. The squad includes two reserves, Parfait Guiagon and Evann Guessand, on standby for any withdrawals.  

Côte d’Ivoire will compete in Group F with Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique, and Faé hopes the squad’s mix will lead to a strong performance in Morocco.  

SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS: Yahia Fofana (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey), Mohamed Koné (Charleroi SC, Belgium), Alban Lafont (Panathinaikos, Greece)

DEFENDERS: Emmanuel Agbadou (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England), Boly Willy (Nottingham Forest, England), Ousmane Diomande (Sporting CP, Portugal), Guela Doué (RC Strasbourg, France), Ghislain Konan (Gil Vicente, Portugal), Odilon Kossounou (Atalanta BC, Italy), Evan Ndicka (AS Roma, Italy), Christopher Operi (Istanbul Başakşehir, Turkey), Armel Zohouri (FC Iberia 1999, Georgia)

MIDFIELDERS: Seko Fofana (Stade Rennais, France), Jean-Philippe Gbamin (FC Metz, France), Christ Inao Oulaï (Trabzonspor, Turkey), Franck Kessié (Al-Ahli, Saudi Arabia), Ibrahim Sangaré (Nottingham Forest, England), Jean-Michael Seri (NK Maribor FC, Slovenia)

FORWARDS: Vakoun Bayo (Udinese Calcio, Italy), Oumar Diakité (Cercle Brugge, Belgium), Amad Diallo (Manchester United, England), Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig, Germany), Sébastien Haller (FC Utrecht, Netherlands), Jean-Philippe Krasso (Paris FC, France), Bazoumana Touré (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany), Wilfried Zaha (Charlotte FC, United States)

STANDBY: Guessand Evann (Aston Villa, England), Guiagon Parfait (Royal Charleroi SC, Belgium)

Burkina Faso confirm 25-man final list for ACON 2025
by FSL News

Burkina Faso confirm 25-man final list for AFCON 2025

Burkina Faso coach Brama Traoré has unveiled his 25-man squad for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, featuring a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers.

The Stallions, placed in Group E with Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan, aim to build on recent strong performances.

The squad includes a solid mix of European-based professionals and domestic talents, with key players such as goalkeepers Hervé Koffi, Kilian Nikiema, and Sofiane Farid Ouédraogo providing reliability.

The defence is anchored by Nasser Yacouba Djiga, Edmond Tapsoba, and Adamo Nagalo, while the midfield showcases talent like Ibrahim Blati Touré and Cédric Badolo.

In attack, Bertrand Traoré and Dango Ouattara bring Premier League experience, complemented by Lassina Traoré, who leads the line. Traoré emphasises a balance of stability and ambition, equipping Burkina Faso to compete effectively in the tournament.

Burkina Faso’s 25-man squad for AFCON 2025

Goalkeepers: Hervé Koffi (Angers), Kilian Nikiema (ADO Den Haag), Sofiane Farid Ouédraogo (Al Hilal SC)

Defenders: Nasser Yacouba Djiga (Rangers), Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen), Issoufou Dayo (Umm Salal), Adamo Nagalo (PSV Eindhoven), Steeve Yago (Aris Limassol), Issa Kaboré (Wrexham), Arsène Kouassi (Lorient), Abdoul Rachid Ayindé (Gent)

Midfielders: Ibrahim Blati Touré (Pyramids), Cédric Badolo (Spartak Trnava), Saïdou Simporé (National Bank), Mohamed Zougrana (MC Alger), Gustavo Sangaré (Noah), Stéphane Aziz Ki (Wydad Casablanca), Ismahila Ouédraogo (OB Odense)

Forwards: Bertrand Traoré (Sunderland), Dango Ouattara (Brentford), Ousseni Bouda (San Jose Earthquakes), Pierre Landry Kaboré (Hearts), Georgi Minoungou (Seattle Sounders), Cyriaque Iré (Freiburg), Lassina Traoré (Shakhtar Donetsk)

CAF unveils new 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Mascot 'Assad'
by Football Sierra Leone

CAF unveils new 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Mascot ‘Assad’

Excitement is building for Africa’s largest event, the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) have introduced the official mascot, 'ASSAD' (ⵉⵣⵎ in Amazigh).

Assad, inspired by the Atlas lion, symbolises strength, pride, and cultural authenticity. He will connect with fans of all ages, especially children and families.

Assad will engage fans at stadiums, fan zones, and community events, supporting marketing campaigns and enhancing digital content. His friendly design and vibrant colours match the tournament brand.

Beyond 2025, Assad will represent the future of African football by participating in grassroots programs and youth initiatives to inspire the next generation.

With Assad at the forefront, the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 aims to create an unforgettable experience that celebrates unity and the spirit of African football.