AFCON
HOW FAR CAN UGANDA’S FAIRY TALE GO AT AFCON 2019?
When the Cranes of Uganda take on the lead ranked African football team, Senegal this evening, it will be the first time both countries will clash in Africa Cup of Nations’ history.
For Uganda, they have exceeded all expectations, crossing the group stage for the first time in 41 years.
They are now facing a tough mission when they take on Senegal’s Teranga Lions at the Cairo International Stadium.
Uganda’s last appearance in Africa Cup of Nations’ knockout stages was in 1978 when they beat Nigeria to play the final match.
Uganda’s coach, Sebastien Desabre is aware of the enormity of the task ahead, saying that the match with Senegal would be abig challenge.
“Our team is disciplined and they are giving all their efforts for this match. It’s a knockout game so we are adopting another tactic than what we did against Egypt.
“Our chance is difficult because we are facing a very good team and a good coach. We are not afraid of facing any opponent. Our team is qualified and we know Senegal is really strong, but once we enter the pitch we play fairly.
“We were not afraid against DR Congo or Egypt, we respect all the teams but we fear none.
“We will take our chances and hope to succeed. We need to be focused and forget all the previous matches and look forward to the coming one.”
The captain of the side, Dennis Onyango spoke in similar vein. “We had some issues but we resolved them and resumed training and we are now just focusing on the game ahead of us.
“We played against Senegal in a friendly before and we know well how strong they are. We have to give our best and we can as well get our results as planned.
“We have to enjoy the game and this moment because we are here and we did a good job. I believe I’m fit and the decision to play or not is the coach’s but medically I’m ready.
“We played against quality players in Egypt and DR Congo like Senegal and we managed to do well, even against Egypt we were better statistically but they took their chances. We have to take our chances as it is a knockout game and if you don’t take your chances you get punished.”
Meanwhile Africa’s top ranks Senegal ended Group C as runner ups with six points, from two victories over Tanzania (2-0) and Kenya (3-0), and one defeat to Algeria (0-1).
The Teranga Lions are hoping for their first ever African title, with their best outing dating back to 2002 when they finished as losing finalists to eventual champions Cameroon.
While Uganda are sweating about the availability of their captain and influential goalkeeper Denis Onuango who was forced to leave the field in the last group match against Egypt, Senegal can draw some relief from the fact that their superstar Sadio Mane had finally found his feet.
The Liverpool striker missed a penalty but then scored twice against Kenya, to register his presence in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, after missing the first game through suspension and having a shy appearance in the defeat to Algeria.
AFCON
Nigerians, other nationals can apply, as CAF and Morocco Launch Volunteer Programme for AFCON 2025
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) in Morocco have launched the official Volunteer Programme for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, billed to run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
According to CAF, more than 4,000 volunteers will be recruited to play a central role in ensuring the success of Africa’s most prestigious football tournament, which will be staged across six cities and nine stadiums in Morocco.
Applications are now open at volunteers.cafonline.com and will close on 8 October 2025. The opportunity is open to anyone above the age of 18.
Volunteers will be deployed across multiple functional areas, including media operations, spectator services, accreditation, hospitality, and fan engagement. Selected individuals will receive professional training ahead of the competition and work behind the scenes to deliver a memorable AFCON.
CAF stated that the programme is designed not only to support tournament operations but also to create an alumni network of skilled Africans who can contribute to future sporting events across the continent. Successful applicants will benefit from:
- Training and skill development.
- Official uniforms and certificates of participation.
- Networking opportunities with peers and professionals.
- The chance to contribute to Africa’s football legacy.
Volunteer registration opened on 17 September 2025. Selection and training will take place in October and November, with operations commencing in mid-December through to the tournament’s conclusion on 18 January 2026.
CAF described the initiative as an “exciting opportunity” for Africans to contribute to the growth of the continent’s flagship sporting event, which is expected to draw millions of visitors to Morocco.
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AFCON
CAF Security Chief, Nigeria’s Emeruwa, Leads Inspection of Tangier Stadium Ahead of Major Tournaments
Nigeria’s Dr. Christian Emeruwa, President of the Security and Safety Division of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), on Thursday, September 18, led an inspection visit to the Grand Stade de Tangier as preparations intensify for upcoming continental and global football events.
Emeruwa, who heads CAF’s continental security architecture, was joined by CAF Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba, senior Moroccan officials, and executives of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
The delegation also included managers of operational companies at the Grand Stade and SONARGES executives.
According to Le 360, the Nigerian official expressed satisfaction with the stadium’s facilities after touring key operational areas, including the main control room with its giant surveillance screen, as well as spectator, player, and VIP access zones.
The inspection was bolstered by the presence of Morocco’s top security and administrative officers—the regional commander of the Royal Gendarmerie, officials of the Auxiliary Forces and Civil Protection, the Wali of Security, the governor in charge of Internal Affairs, and representatives of the National Agency for Public Equipment (ANEP).
A technical meeting followed the tour, where engineers presented recent safety and security upgrades. Among the highlights was the planned installation of a FIFA-standard tarpaulin roof to enhance the venue’s compliance with global hosting requirements.
For Nigeria, the spotlight on Dr. Emeruwa underscores the country’s growing influence in African football administration, particularly in the critical areas of safety and security management for CAF competitions.
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Morocco has received 723 high-end buses from Chinese manufacturer Yutong as part of preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which kicks off on December 21.
Yutong said on social media that the fleet “has officially rolled off the production line” and will provide “comprehensive transport services and reliable operational support” during the tournament.
An official handover ceremony was held on Friday at the company’s facility in Zhengzhou, Henan province, attended by Moroccan representatives and Yutong executives.
The buses were designed to cope with Morocco’s terrain and climate, including steep slopes, heat and sandstorms. They feature an independent front axle suspension to navigate narrow city streets and Yutong’s in-house “Blue Core System” for fuel efficiency.
The delivery is the largest single order of Chinese buses in Africa. Yutong will station more than 100 technicians in Morocco to provide training, maintenance and round-the-clock support during AFCON.
The deal is part of Morocco’s broader transport strategy, which includes plans to purchase 7,000 new buses by 2030—half of them electric—as the country prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
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