Category: Football Africa

New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
by Football Sierra Leone

FIFA’s Infantino condemns as CAF reviews footage of Senegal players and officials

FIFA president Gianni Infantino condemned the behavior of Senegal players and coaching staff following the chaotic end of the Africa Cup of Nations final.

He emphasised that violence and walk-offs have no place in football and stressed the importance of respecting match officials’ decisions.

The final, in which Senegal won 1-0 against Morocco, was marred by a disputed penalty that led to player protests and halted play.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced it would review footage of the incident and pursue disciplinary actions against those responsible for the unacceptable behaviour.

Pape Gueye nets an extra time stunner as Senegal win AFCON title
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pape Gueye nets an extra-time stunner as Senegal win AFCON title

Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title for the second time after defeating hosts Morocco 1–0 in a thrilling final held in Rabat.

The clinching moment came just three minutes into extra time when Pape Gueye scored with a powerful left-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area, sending the Senegalese bench into celebration and disappointing the home crowd.

Morocco almost won the match during regular time when they were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review. However, Edward Mendy saved Brahim Diaz’s shot, forcing the game into extra time.

The match was evenly matched from the start. Morocco aimed for their first title in over 50 years, while Senegal sought to reclaim the championship it won in 2021. Senegal started strong, controlling the game and creating better chances in the first half.

Morocco’s goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, made key saves, stopping Gueye’s header from a corner and then denying Iliman Ndiaye in a one-on-one situation. The best chance for Morocco came just before half-time when Nayef Aguerd just missed connecting with a cross from Abdessamad Ezzalzouli.

After the break, Morocco came out with renewed energy. Ayoub El Kaabi had a great opportunity but missed the target with a shot after receiving a perfectly placed pass from Bilal El Khannouss. Morocco continued to press for a goal, but they struggled to finish.

Senegal remained dangerous on the counterattack. In the 89th minute, substitute Ibrahim Mbaye nearly scored, but Bounou made another excellent save.

As the game went into extra time without a winner, Senegal quickly struck. Sadio Mané made a clever back-heel pass to Idrissa Gana Gueye, who then set up Pape Gueye for the goal. Gueye showed strength and composure, sending a powerful shot past Bounou.

Morocco pressed hard for an equaliser. Diaz tried to make up for his penalty miss with a close-range shot saved by Mendy. Youssef En-Nesyri also came close with a diving header that went just wide. Senegal almost increased their lead, but Bounou stopped another shot from Pape Cherif Ndiaye, and the rebound was missed.

In the end, Senegal defended strongly and celebrated a historic victory, securing their second AFCON title and confirming their status among Africa’s best teams.

Pape Gueye, named Man of the Match, said, “I am very happy to win the final. It was a complicated match. After Morocco missed the penalty, we stayed focused and played our game. Then we scored a goal that allowed us to win. Scoring in a final is a proud moment for me. I am really happy to score, and most importantly, Senegal now has a second star.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali hero as Nigeria pick Bronze in AFCON 2025
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali hero as Nigeria pick AFCON 2025 Bronze

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was instrumental for Nigeria in the Super Eagles' bronze medal win at the 2025 TAfrica Cup of Nations in Morocco, defeating Egypt 4–2 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw.

Despite a previous loss to Morocco in the semifinals, Nwabali made two crucial saves against Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush during the shootout, helping turn the tide after Nigeria’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru had his shot saved.

Goals from Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman secured Nigeria’s victory.

While both teams struggled to find clear chances during regulation, Nwabali’s solid performance kept the match scoreless, leading to penalties. After the game, he praised his teammates for their unity and determination.

Egypt’s coach, Hossam Hassan, acknowledged the close contest but reflected on the importance of details in such matches. Nigeria’s coach, Eric Chelle, expressed pride in his players’ effort and character, emphasising the team’s hard work and commitment to building a stronger future.

Stanley Nwabali is the TotalEnergies Man of the Match.
Nigeria 0-0 Egypt (Nigeria wins 4-2 in penalties)
Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca
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.