By Kunle Solaja, Marrakech

On the eve of a potentially epic quarter-final confrontation between Algeria and Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, Marrakech opened its doors to the world’s football media with effortless grace. I arrived in Morocco alongside fellow journalists from across continents, guests of the Moroccan National Association of Media and Publishers, whose hospitality framed the journey as much as the destination.

Our passage from Casablanca to Marrakech unfolded in daylight, aboard a convoy of luxurious Mercedes-Benz VIP minibuses.

The sun revealed Morocco in motion — long ribbons of highway, ochre plains stretching into the distance, and towns gently easing into one another. It was a journey that allowed you to see the country breathe, unhurried and confident, as conversations flowed easily among journalists already trading predictions, story angles and football folklore.

By the time we rolled onto M Avenue, Marrakech was fully awake and radiant. Cafés hummed with late-afternoon chatter, terraces glowed under the sun, and the clean lines of modern storefronts reflected a city that has mastered the art of blending tradition with contemporary flair. Rising confidently along the boulevard was our destination for the night: Pestana CR7 Marrakech, the sleek lifestyle hotel co-owned by global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo.

Even in daylight, the hotel made a statement. Contemporary without being intimidating, stylish without excess, it carried a quiet assurance — the same kind of self-belief associated with the footballer whose name crowns its identity.

Inside, the lobby revealed a carefully calibrated welcome. Cool minimalism met Moroccan warmth in a space that felt instantly calming. There were no overbearing football motifs, no ostentatious shrine to trophies. Instead, the CR7 presence was refined and restrained — clean lines, muted tones, and an atmosphere of precision that suggested excellence as a standard, not a spectacle.

An image of Cristiano Ronaldo at the lobby, gesturing as if welcoming the guests.

Check-in was disarmingly smooth. The formalities had been concluded even before our arrival. A simple mention of one’s surname was enough for the room key to be produced — an elegant touch that immediately made a weary traveller feel expected rather than processed.

Along the ground floor walls, framed images of Ronaldo offered subtle visual punctuation. Moving toward the corridor that led to the elevators, three of his jerseys came into view, neatly framed, followed by a pair of iconic boots encased in glass.

My room continued the theme. The television set presented a welcome message for me. The room is modern without being cold, plush without being showy.

The bed invited surrender, the lighting was mood-perfect, and the city hummed faintly beyond the window, an indication that Marrakech never truly sleeps.

This is not my first visit to the Red City. Yet each return reinforces the same feeling — an irresistible pull that grows stronger with familiarity. Marrakech does not merely welcome you; it persuades you to come back. And at Pestana CR7 Marrakech, arriving in daylight, with football history waiting to be written the next evening, that persuasion felt complete.

At the top floor of the Pestana CR7 Marrakech, the rooftop, one can get a panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains and the dynamic M Avenue.

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By Kunle Solaja, Marrakech

Two of Africa’s most storied football nations will lock horns when Nigeria face Algeria in a blockbuster quarter-final of the Africa Cup of Nations. The battle is underlined by rich history, rivalry and high stakes.

Set against the Moroccan backdrop, the clash brings together contrasting narratives: Nigeria’s steady, game-by-game rise at the tournament and Algeria’s determination to reclaim continental supremacy after past glory.

Nigeria arrived at the last-eight stage with growing confidence and a sense of quiet authority. The Super Eagles have evolved as the tournament has progressed, combining tactical discipline with increasing attacking fluency.

At the heart of that improvement has been the influence of Ademola Lookman, whose pace, movement and finishing have lit up Nigeria’s forward play, and Victor Osimhen, the relentless spearhead whose presence alone unsettles opposing defences.

Defensively, Nigeria have shown resilience and organisation, limiting chances and growing more compact with each outing.

The balance between control and directness has given the Super Eagles a sense of purpose — a team that looks increasingly comfortable with the demands of knockout football.

For Algeria, this quarter-final represents both opportunity and obligation. The Desert Foxes, champions in 2019, carry the weight of expectation that accompanies pedigree. Their journey through the tournament has been measured rather than spectacular, but experience often proves decisive at this stage.

Algeria’s strength lies in their technical quality and tactical intelligence, marshalled by leaders such as Riyad Mahrez, whose creativity and calm in decisive moments remain invaluable. When Algeria click, they are capable of controlling games through possession, tempo and precision — qualities that can frustrate and eventually unpick even the most disciplined opponents.

A Rivalry Renewed

Meetings between Nigeria and Algeria rarely disappoint. Past encounters at AFCON and World Cup level have produced drama, fine margins and memorable moments, reinforcing the sense that this is a fixture befitting a final rather than a quarter-final.

This time, the stakes are unmistakable. Victory will propel one side into the semi-finals and within touching distance of continental glory. Defeat will invite searching questions and the abrupt end of ambition.

Expect a tactical duel shaped by moments of individual brilliance. Nigeria may look to impose intensity and vertical play, pressing high and attacking with speed, while Algeria are likely to seek control through possession and calculated build-up.

Set-pieces, discipline and decision-making in critical moments could prove decisive. In a match where quality abounds on both sides, patience may be as important as passion.

As the floodlights come on and the tension rises, one certainty stands out: when Nigeria and Algeria meet at AFCON, history is never far away — and another chapter is about to be written

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Iliman Ndiaye scored the only goal as Senegal beat 10-man Mali 1-0 on Friday to book a semi-final berth at the Africa Cup of Nations for the third time in the last four tournaments.

Ndiaye netted after 27 minutes, taking advantage of a goalkeeping howler to put Senegal ahead in a tense quarter-final against their west African neighbours.

Mali were reduced to 10 men for the second half after captain Yves Bissouma was sent off for a second caution on the stroke of halftime. He was booked first for a clumsy challenge in the 25th minute and was dismissed after a needless foul on Idrissa Gana Gueye.

Mali were down to 10 men from the 26th minute of their previous clash against Tunisia and still managed to squeeze through on penalties but there was no recovery this time around against a polished Senegalese outfit.

Ndiaye started the move that led to his goal with a run down the right wing, passing to wing back Krepin Diatta who then squared into the penalty area.

Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra looked to have cut off the effort but the ball slipped from his grasp and squeezed under his body.

Ndiaye was quickest to snap up the loose ball and finished from close-in.

Diarra more than made up for his horror error, however, with a series of fine second-half stops to deny Senegal a bigger advantage as a gallant Mali battled away to get back into the contest.

MALI GOALKEEPER MADE KEY STOPS

Diarra made excellent diving saves and palmed away stinging shots to deny Idrissa Gana Gueye, Sadio Mane and substitutes Pathe Ciss and Lamine Camara.

Mali had a handful of half-chances in the second half but were mainly on the back foot with hard-working striker Lassine Sinayoko an outlet for a rare counter-attack, which kept Edouard Mendy in Senegal’s goal on his toes.

“It was not an easy match because we played against a very talented Mali team but we achieved our objective,” said Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw.

“If we had been more clinical in front of goal we could have scored more goals but what is more important today is for us to have qualified for the semi-final.”

His Mali counterpart Tom Saintfiet paid tribute to his side. “It was a difficult match for us because we had to play large parts of the game with 10 men. But that doesn’t take away the fact that my players played gallantly and played very well,” he said.

Senegal will take on the winner of Saturday’s clash between Egypt and defending champions Cote d’Ivoire.

Reuters

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