AFCON
AFCON 2019: CAN NIGERIA REPEAT 2013 ACT?
BY MUYIWA AKINTUNDE
The Super Eagles appear set to repeat 2013. In the build-up to that year’s AFCON finals in South Africa, Nigerian fans had little confidence in their team, as it is in 2019.
Flashback to 2013: The Eagles missed qualifications for two episodes immediately preceding that year, while the team had experienced several overhauls prior to the tournament in the Rainbow nation.
There were also doubts in an indigenous manager as internal and external stakeholders of Nigerian football mounted pressure on Stephen Keshi and his squad.
In South Africa, Nigeria started in a not-so-assuring manner with two back-to-back draws in their group matches, conceding equaliser to Burkina Faso and Zambia in the closing moments of those seemingly easy fixtures.
Even when they triumphed over Ethiopia in the final group game, the criticism never ebb particularly as the goals came in the last 10 minutes of the encounter.
Nigeria again managed to scrape through to the quarterfinal beating the Ivorien Elephants 2-1 and then played their easiest match in the last four by putting four goals past Mali in 60 minutes with a consolation goal for the other Eagles in the 75th minute.
And so it was that the Nigerian Eagles that gave little hope at the beginning landed in the final against their first opponents in that tournament, Burkina Faso.
Nigerians recalled Algeria 1990 when their team met the same team in both their opening fixture and in the showpiece match. Then the hosts triumphed on both occasions – 5-1 in the group match and 1-0 to lift the cup.
But Keshi’s Eagles kept their nerves against the Burkinabe as Sunday Mba banged in the lone goal in the 40th minute.
Back to Egypt 2019: Nigerian fans were not impressed as their team struggled to beat debutante Burundi and Guinea by just a solitary goal in their first two games, only to be humiliated by another new comers Madagascar in the closing match of the first round.
They then surrendered an early lead to go behind their eternal rivals Cameroon in the Round of 16. But two goals within three minutes restored their lead and eventually saw to the crash of the defending champions.
South Africa were meant to be easy opposition in the quarterfinal. But the Bafana Bafana arrived that match on the heels of a heroic performance. They had just played arguably their best match ever – the lone goal defeat of hosts Egypt in the second round.
Nigeria again went ahead and, this time, kept the advantage into the second half. But they were to allow the South African level up before a closing stage rally delivered the winning strike through centre back William Troost-Ekong, his first competitive international goal.
Except in 2008 when they lost at the quarterfinal 1-2 to hosts Ghana, Nigeria have been among the top four in all AFCON editions they featured in since 1984. Champions in 1994 and 2013, runners-up in 1984, 1988, 1990 and 2000, they picked bronze medals in 1992 and in three straight editions between 2002 and 2006 as well as in 2010.
On their part, Algeria’s AFCON record is not so impressive. Before winning the competition on home soil in 1990, the Desert Foxes had lost in the final to Nigeria in Lagos in 1980, placed third in 1984 and 1988 and fourth at Libya 1982.
Post-1990, Algeria’s best performance was fourth in Angola 2010. They either exited in the quarterfinals or crashed out at the first round in the other nine editions they qualified for.
Egypt 2019 draw placed Algeria in Group C alongside Senegal, Kenya and Tanzania. But they beat all comers, including the topmost rated Senegal to ease into the knockout stages without conceding a goal while scoring six.
Against Guinea in the Round of 16, Algeria kept their defence well protected as they scored three unreplied goals to set up quarterfinal final clash versus Côte d’Ivoire.
Aston Villa’s striker Jonathan Kodjia would eventually breach Algeria’s defence in the 62nd minute to bring the Ivorien Elephants level. The deadlock endured to the end and also in extra time. But Algeria triumphed via penalties.
Facing a mean defence requires being clinical in front of goal, which is the task before the Super Eagles as they file out at the Cairo International Stadium tonight.
Nigeria contributed to Algeria’s failure to feature in Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup. The Super Eagles won at home 3-1 and drew the second leg 1-1. But having been found guilty of fielding suspended defender Abdullahi Shehu in that match in Constantine, Algeria were awarded the fixture 3-0.
In the last 29 years, Algeria have not beaten Nigeria on the field of play.
In AFCON history, this will be the ninth time both sides will face themselves, making it the most head-to-head clash in the competition. The statistics read 3-2-3 representing wins, draws and losses.
At this stage of the tournament however, there has been only one fixture involving both teams. And that was in Morocco 1988 when Rachid Maâtar’s goal in the 86th minute cancelled an own goal by Abdelrazak Belgharbi (36th minute) to drag the first semi-final into extra time and penalty shootouts which Nigeria won 9-8. But Cameroon, for the second time, stopped Nigeria from lifting the trophy as they won the final 1-0.
In the earlier match of the day, Senegal will strive to reach the final for the second time, while Tunisia will like to play the showpiece match for the fourth time.
Both sides were runners-up in their respective groups in the ongoing AFCON, Tunisia not even winning any match to reach the knockout rounds as the Eagles of Carthage shared honours with Angola (1-1), Mali (1-1) and Mauritania (0-0) to queue behind Mali in Group E.
Then they allowed the Black Stars of Ghana to cancel their 73rd minute advantage in the first minute of added time in the Round of 16. But they held on in extra time to eventually pull through to the last eight via 5-4 penalties.
Against the Madagascar, the revelation of Egypt 2019 in the quarterfinal, Tunisia could not break the debutante until the 52nd minute but won in the end 3-0 to set up the semifinal clash against Seneral.
The Teranga Lions went into AFCON 2019 as one of the favourites to lift the title being in fine form and as Africa’s No 1 team going by FIFA ranking. But they laboured to beat Tanzania 2-0 in their opening match and then lost 0-1 to Algeria despite their inspirational striker Sadio Mané returning from a match ban. The Lions stepped up to wallop Kenya 3-0 and qualify for the Round of 16 as runners-up behind Algeria.
Senegal again weren’t exciting as Uganda fell 0-1 in the second round, while they struck just once to stop the historic run of Benin Republic in the quarterfinal.
Runners-up in 1965 and 1996 and bronze medalists in 1962 with two fourth placed finish in 1978 and 2000, this is the first time Tunisia will be among the last four since lifting the trophy at home in 2004.
Senegal, on their part, lost their only best opportunity so far to win the title in 2002 when they lost the final on penalties to Cameroon in Bamako. Their previous venture into the semifinals in 1965, 1990 and 2006 ended in defeat in those matches as well in the third placed fixtures that followed.
Tunisia have beaten Senegal once in AFCON finals, the same with the Lions, while both sides have recorded three draws.
Semifinal fixtures:
- Senegal v Tunisia (5pm)
- Algeria v Nigeria (8pm)
AFCON
Morocco Rejects Claims of Delay, Defends Legal Process in Case Involving Senegalese Supporters
Morocco’s Public Prosecutor’s Office has firmly rejected allegations of unjustified delays and poor detention conditions in the ongoing case involving Senegalese football supporters arrested after unrest linked to a recent continental fixture in Rabat.
In an official clarification, judicial authorities described circulating claims as “unfounded,” insisting that the legal proceedings have been conducted in accordance with Moroccan law and international standards.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office categorically denied any suggestion that the case has been deliberately delayed. Authorities stated that all procedural timelines have been respected and that adjournments were made strictly within the framework of due process.
According to the statement, postponements of hearings were granted at the request of the defendants themselves to allow adequate time to prepare their defence and to ensure the presence of their legal representatives.
Judicial officials also dismissed reports alleging that the detainees were on hunger strike. They confirmed that the accused are receiving their meals regularly and that detention conditions comply with applicable regulations.
“The rumours suggesting otherwise are without basis,” the statement noted.
Authorities explained that one of the hearings was attended by a lawyer registered with a Bar Association in France. However, the absence of a consultation office in Morocco, coupled with the defendants’ preference to be tried in the presence of their chosen lawyers, led to a postponement of the hearing until February 12, 2026.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office emphasised that these postponements were legitimate and aimed at safeguarding the defendants’ right to a fair trial.
Translation and Language Support
In response to concerns about language barriers, the court confirmed that it provided a sworn French-language interpreter during proceedings. French is reportedly mastered by all defendants.
Additionally, authorities coordinated with the Deputy Consul of Senegal in Morocco to make available an interpreter in Wolof, the defendants’ mother tongue, further ensuring that they fully understood the proceedings.
Officials also clarified that Moroccan law does not require the presence of an interpreter during the preliminary investigation phase if the judicial police officer understands the language of the individual concerned, provided that official reports are read and explained to them.
The Moroccan authorities reiterated their commitment to transparency, due process and the protection of the rights of all foreign nationals within the kingdom.
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A Moroccan court on Thursday sentenced 18 Senegalese football supporters to prison terms ranging from three to 12 months after finding them guilty of hooliganism during last month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
The supporters had been in pre-trial detention since 18 January, the day Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1–0 in a tense and controversial final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
According to the court’s ruling, nine of the defendants received one-year prison sentences and were fined 5,000 Moroccan dirhams (approximately $545). Six others were handed six-month terms alongside fines of 2,000 dirhams (about $218), while three supporters were sentenced to three months in prison and fined 1,000 dirhams (around $109).
Prosecutors had sought a maximum penalty of two years, arguing that the accused “deliberately sought to disrupt the proper conduct of the match” and engaged in “acts of violence broadcast live on television.”
Chaos at the Final
The AFCON final was overshadowed by dramatic scenes late in regulation time following a contentious penalty awarded to Morocco after a VAR review. Senegalese players protested the decision vehemently, surrounding the referee and causing play to be halted for nearly 20 minutes.
Amid the tension, some Senegalese supporters reportedly attempted to invade the pitch, while others threw objects — including chairs — onto the field. Players from both sides temporarily left the pitch before returning after intervention from security officials and match authorities.
Authorities said their case was supported by stadium surveillance footage and medical reports detailing injuries sustained by security personnel during the unrest.
However, defence lawyers rejected the charges and described the sentences as excessive.
“The footage does not contain irrefutable proof showing that any one of them struck or assaulted anyone,” defence counsel Naima El Guellaf told the court.
Another lawyer, Patrick Kabou, called the verdict “incomprehensible,” arguing that his clients were “victims” rather than perpetrators. The defence team has confirmed plans to file an appeal.
The ruling comes as football authorities continue to grapple with the fallout from a final that, despite Senegal’s historic victory, was overshadowed by controversy both on and off the pitch.
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French coach Herve Renard has reopened the debate around the controversial “towel incident” that marred the closing stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.
Renard, who previously coached Morocco and now manages the Saudi Arabia national football team, addressed the episode in a recent interview with Jeune Afrique, describing it as a complex issue rooted partly in African football culture.
“The towel story is long and complicated. It has a certain significance, that’s all,” Renard said. He suggested that, if anyone attempted to remove the towel, it could have been intended to unsettle the opponent psychologically.
“In Europe, people don’t understand that there is something behind it. Was the towel charmed? In Africa, these are beliefs, and everyone is free to believe what they want,” he added.
Renard stressed that cultural context is often overlooked by outsiders. “Those who don’t know Africa cannot understand. In this case, Moroccans would never allow anyone to cross that line,” he said, while admitting he was unsure whether events unfolded exactly as widely portrayed. Drawing from his extensive coaching experience across the continent, he noted that similar charged atmospheres are not uncommon in high-stakes African fixtures.
The incident occurred during the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Final in Rabat, where Senegal defeated Morocco 1–0 to lift the continental crown.
Late in the match, attention shifted away from the ball to Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s towel, which had been placed inside his goal to dry his gloves amid wet conditions. As tensions rose in the closing minutes, substitute goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf attempted to safeguard the towel, resulting in a chaotic scene inside the penalty area.
Television footage — quickly dubbed a “towel tussle” — showed Moroccan midfielder Ismael Saibari blocking Diouf as he tried to return the towel to Mendy, while a ball boy also reached for it. Diouf later insisted he had merely been assisting Mendy and had no intention of disrupting play.
Images circulating after the match appeared to show Moroccan players attempting to remove the towel, sparking a heated debate. Some observers viewed it as gamesmanship designed to unsettle the Senegalese goalkeeper, while others linked the episode to longstanding superstitious beliefs within segments of African football culture.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) disciplinary committee subsequently sanctioned Saibari with a two-match suspension and a $100,000 fine. The midfielder later apologised to Mendy, stating that his actions had been misunderstood.
CAF’s refereeing chief, Olivier Safari, also addressed the matter in an interview with Canal+ Afrique.
“The towel is not part of a goalkeeper’s official equipment. Its use must remain within the spirit of fair play,” Safari explained. “If it influences the match, it must be removed from the playing area.”
His comments underscored the regulatory grey area surrounding auxiliary items such as towels, which are not formally recognised as playing equipment under the Laws of the Game but are commonly used for practical reasons.
While the final result stands and Senegal’s victory remains uncontested, the towel episode has lingered in public discourse — not merely as a fleeting controversy, but as a symbol of the psychological and cultural layers that often accompany African football.
Renard’s remarks add nuance to the debate, suggesting that what may appear trivial to some can carry deeper meaning in different footballing contexts.
Nearly a year after Senegal’s triumph in Rabat, the “towel incident” continues to provoke reflection, less about fabric inside a goalmouth, and more about the intersection of belief, psychology and competition at the highest level of African football.
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