AFCON

NIGERIA AND LAST MINUTE GOALS AT AFCON

Published

6 years ago

July 15, 2019

BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Sunday’s last minute goal for Algeria was not the first of such to be conceded by Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, even though, Super Eagles have also profited from the cliff-hanging situations as the clock ticked down.

It is well known that it was the last minute goal against South Africa that shut them into the semi finals. Also in 2008, it was the late minute goal that Yakubu Aiyegbeni scored against Benin Republic that earned Nigeria a passage into the knockout stage on goal difference over Mali.

Two years earlier in Egypt, even though Nigeria had won their two group games against Zimbabwe and Ghana, the Super Eagles were at the risk of possible elimination going into the third match with Senegal.

Senegal had beaten Zimbabwe 2-0 before losing 1-0 to Ghana. With that scenario, all possibilities were open for Zimbabwe to advance, should they beat Ghana and if Nigeria beat Senegal silly.

Similarly, Nigeria’s advancement was at risk had they lost to Senegal by at least two goals and also Ghana beating Zimbabwe by the same margin or more. The three tops teams would have ended with six points apiece.

Nigeria would have been eliminated on goal difference. Zimbabwe did the unexpected beating Ghana 2-1 in Ismalia. With the match and that of Nigeria and Senegal going on simultaneously, Senegal took an early lead before Nigeria leveled up 11 minutes to regulation time.

But a win was needed for Nigeria to advance. The needed goal only came two minutes to end the game. That was not the first time Nigeria had a late goal against Senegal.

On their home soil in Dakar, Stephen Keshi fired a long range shot that enabled Nigeria get a 89^th minute goal with which the host team was defeated in the opening game of 1992 Africa Cup of Nations.

Was it history repeating itself at the semifinals when a dying minute robbed Nigeria a place in the final on Sunday? It was also so in 1976 when Guinea’s Papa Camara’s last minute goal confined Nigeria to struggle for third a third=place match with Guinea.

AFCON

Morocco Takes Delivery of 723 Chinese Buses Ahead of AFCON

Published

11 hours ago

September 15, 2025

Kunle Solaja

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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AFCON

CAF Unveils Yalla App as Game-Changer for Fan Experience

Published

2 days ago

September 13, 2025

Kunle Solaja

CAF is promising the “most connected AFCON ever” with the launch of the Yalla App on September 25, 2025, alongside the start of ticket sales for AFCON Morocco 2025.

The Yalla App will serve as the one-stop digital hub for fans, doubling as the portal for Fan IDs, which will be required for stadium and fan zone access.

It also introduces a groundbreaking E-Visa feature, allowing supporters from around the globe to apply digitally for travel documents tied directly to their match tickets.

Fans will also receive real-time updates, tailored content, and exclusive tournament information through the platform.

With this innovation, CAF and the LOC are positioning Morocco 2025 as a modern, tech-driven tournament, designed to enhance both local and international fan experiences.

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AFCON

Ticket Sales Begins for AFCON Morocco 2025

Published

2 days ago

September 13, 2025

Kunle Solaja

With exactly 100 days to the kick-off of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 on Friday, the Confédération of African Football (CAF) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) have unveiled the ticketing process for Africa’s biggest football festival.

Fans can begin registering online at tickets.cafonline.com from September 12–24 to receive notifications ahead of the official sales opening.

According to a news report by CAF, tickets will officially go on sale on September 25, with Visa cardholders enjoying a 48-hour exclusive pre-sale window from 12h00 Moroccan time on September 25 to 27.

The general public sale will then open on September 27 at 14h00.

The ticketing programme will run in three phases, with allocations gradually expanding from 30% of stadium capacity in the first two phases to full access in the third phase starting November 21.

CAF also announced that a new partner for Hospitality Packages will be revealed on Monday, September 15.

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