AFCON
AFCON 2019: STAR LAGER KEEPS PROMISE TO FANS DESPITE ALGERIA’S VICTORY OVER SUPER EAGLES
The Star Fan Parks situated in different locations all over the country witnessed an unprecedented number of fans on Sunday as many trooped in for the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final contest between the Super Eagles and the Desert Foxes of Algeria.
While optimism was high that Coach Gernot Rohr’s men would soar past their North African rivals to book their place in another AFCON final, a late free-kick expertly taken by Riyad Mahrez broke the heart of the enthusiastic fans who were nonetheless given a royal treatment by Nigerian Breweries through its Premium brand, Star Lager.
Since the commencement of the 2019 AFCON, the Star Fan Parks across the country have been a bee-hive of activities but it was turbo-charged for Sunday’s semi-final duel.
At the National Stadium in Lagos, popular OAP, Tony Bekederemo was on the ground to moderate the insightful analysis by the fans and he also dished out prizes on behalf for Star Lager as the Official Super Eagles beer kept to its promise of rewarding their loyal customers and passionate football fans.
At half time when the Super Eagles were one goal down owing to the unfortunate own-goal scored by defense marshal William Troost-Ekong, the fans were unanimous in the ability of team coming back into the game.
The atmosphere was better experienced than imagined when indeed Odion Ighalo got the equaliser from the penalty spot as it sparked wild jubilation among the fans at the Star Fan Park.
Just
when people were refueling with more Star Lager in anticipation of a long
night, Mahrez struck with his deadly free-kick and that broke the heart of all.
“ I am very sad that the Super Eagles did not make it to the final but that is football, this is my first time at the Star Fan Park and it is amazing.
“I am just imagining how it would have been on Friday if it’s Nigeria that would be playing the final,” Adeoti Kolade one of the fans present on Sunday at the Abuja end of the Star Fan Park stated.
Despite the Super Eagles’ defeat, the usual raffle draw was still conducted and lucky fans won prizes like jerseys, rug, clippers and other mouthwatering prizes
The winners thank Star Larger for giving them a unique AFCON experience while they urged the Super Eagles to ensure they win their third-place game and not return home empty-handed.
Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe has praised Morocco’s King Mohammed VI for what he described as a powerful gesture of unity and reconciliation following the royal pardon granted to Senegalese supporters convicted over offences linked to the final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In a statement released on Saturday, Motsepe expressed deep appreciation on behalf of CAF’s 54 member associations, hailing the Moroccan monarch’s decision as a demonstration of football’s ability to foster peace and solidarity across the continent.
“I would like to express our deep gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, for granting His Royal Pardon to the Senegalese supporters convicted of offences relating to the final match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025,” Motsepe stated.
The CAF president said the pardon reflected Morocco’s enduring commitment to African unity and highlighted football’s growing role as a bridge between nations and cultures.
“CAF has consistently emphasised its commitment to utilise football to contribute to uniting our people from different racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds,” he said.
“The pardon by His Majesty King Mohammed VI is an uplifting and motivating illustration of the power of football to unite and bring our people together in Africa and worldwide.”
Motsepe also revealed that during recent visits to both Morocco and Senegal, he had been struck by the deep historical and cultural bonds shared by the two countries.
“I was amazed and impressed when I was briefed about the historic and extensive ties between the people of Senegal and Morocco,” he added.
The statement further reinforced Morocco’s rising influence within African football, especially after successfully hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and positioning itself as one of Africa’s leading football destinations ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
Motsepe also extended CAF’s best wishes to Africa’s representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing confidence that the continent’s teams would perform strongly on the global stage.
Among the African nations mentioned were Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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By Kunle Solaja.
Former African champions Algeria and Zambia are set for an early showdown after the release of the Group I fixtures for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Algeria host Zambia on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, in what is expected to be one of the headline fixtures of the qualifying campaign, while Togo entertain Burundi in the group’s other opening tie.
The Desert Foxes are favourites to qualify, but Zambia’s growing consistency and Togo’s unpredictability could make the race highly competitive.
Algeria travel to Burundi on Matchday Two before facing Togo in back-to-back encounters across Matchdays Three and Four. Zambia also meet Burundi home and away during the same period.
The potentially decisive fixture comes on March 22, 2027, when Zambia host Algeria in a clash that could determine the final standings.
Group I Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Algeria vs Zambia
- Togo vs Burundi
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Zambia vs Togo
- Burundi vs Algeria
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Algeria vs Togo
- Zambia vs Burundi
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Togo vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Zambia
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Zambia vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Togo
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Togo vs Zambia
- Algeria vs Burundi
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By Kunle Solaja.
African heavyweights Senegal will launch their quest for another Africa Cup of Nations appearance with a home clash against Mozambique in Group J of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The Lions of Teranga, among the continent’s strongest teams in recent years, headline a group that also includes Sudan and Ethiopia.
Senegal host Mozambique on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, while Sudan tackle Ethiopia in the other opening encounter.
Senegal are strong favourites to dominate the group, but Sudan and Mozambique are expected to battle fiercely for qualification points.
The key fixtures may emerge in the double-header between Senegal and Sudan across Matchdays Three and Four, while Mozambique and Ethiopia also face each other home and away.
Senegal travel to Mozambique on Matchday Five before ending their campaign at home against Ethiopia on March 30, 2027.
Group J Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Senegal vs Mozambique
- Sudan vs Ethiopia
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Mozambique vs Sudan
- Ethiopia vs Senegal
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Senegal vs Sudan
- Mozambique vs Ethiopia
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Sudan vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Mozambique
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Mozambique vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Sudan
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Sudan vs Mozambique
- Senegal vs Ethiopia
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