AFCON

THREE YEARS ON THE SADDLE, ROHR SAYS HIS TEAM IS STILL YOUNG

Published

7 years ago

July 16, 2019

Just as he said after the Super Eagles under performed at the Russia 2018 World Cup, Nigeria’s manager, Gernot Rohr is still singing the same song, claiming his team will learn and later mature.

According to CAF publication, Rohr, though hugely disappointed that the Super Eagles could not get into the final of the Africa Cup of Nations he has chosen to look at the positives, believing his young side will learn from their experiences and misgivings.

The Super Eagles lost 2-1 to Algeria in a tightly contested semi-final in Cairo on Sunday night, conceding a late Riyad Mahrez masterpiece of a freekick.

“I think this team has come a long way after making a good world cup. We can be proud of our performances,” said Rohr who led the Eagles to an AFCON return for the first time since they won the title in 2013.

The tactician stated that the main difference between them and Algeria in the semis was the experience.

“We have to work more and we have to learn with this young team. I think sometimes a little bit of experience cost us in the game especially because our midfielders Etebo and Ndidi are very young,”

“They need to learn better in terms of communicating and pressing the game. These are lessons that we take home and I am sure we will be better. I started this journey when I was appointed to rebuild with young players and we have come from a long way,” the German tactician further stated.

Looking back at the tie, Rohr was dejected that they could not respond to Algeria’s tactical pressing, saying they made a better second half but were unlucky not to see the game go into extra time.

“It was a great fight until the last minute. Algeria had a better first half than us but we came back in the second half. We thought Algeria could be tired in extra time and we could win it.

“We are sad that we lost of course, but congratulations to Algeria. We won the last game against South Africa late and today we lost late. That is football,” the tactician further added.

Nigeria will now shift their focus to Wednesday evening’s third and fourth place play-off match against Tunisia at Al Salam Stadium and Rohr hopes in the least, his players will go back home with a medal around their necks.

AFCON

Morocco says AFCON final incidents will not affect close African ties

Published

1 day ago

January 23, 2026

Kunle Solaja

Africa Cup of Nations - Morocco 2025 - Final - Senegal v Morocco - Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, Morocco - January 18, 2026 Senegal fan clashes with security as fans invade the pitch after Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko/File Photo

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI said on Thursday that African fraternity would prevail after what he described as “deplorable” acts that marred the closing minutes of the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.

Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest at a VAR-awarded penalty before returning to beat hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time on Sunday.

Groups of Senegalese fans clashed with Moroccan security as they tried to enter the pitch following the penalty decision.

Senegal has long been one of Morocco’s closest allies in Africa, where Moroccan firms and banks have expanded investments in recent years, strengthening the kingdom’s diplomatic influence.

Hours after the final, social media in both countries was under the spell of tension.

The final had been marred by “regrettable incidents” and “deplorable behaviour,” the king said in a palace statement.

“Once the passion and emotions have subsided, inter‑African fraternity will naturally prevail,” he said.

“Nothing can undermine the close ties forged over the centuries between our African peoples, nor the fruitful cooperation built with countries across the continent and strengthened by increasingly ambitious partnerships,” he added.

The tournament had also showcased Morocco’s development and represented “a success for all of Africa,” he said.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said it would take “appropriate action” after reviewing the match incidents, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the behaviour of Senegal’s players and members of the coaching staff.

-Reuters

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AFCON

Senegal coach explains walk-off ahead of probable sanction

Published

1 day ago

January 23, 2026

Kunle Solaja

Africa Cup of Nations - Morocco 2025 - Round of 16 - Senegal v Sudan - Tangier Grand Stadium, Tangier, Morocco - January 3, 2026 Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw reacts REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh

Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw said his decision to order a walk-off by his players in Sunday’s combustible Africa Cup of Nations final was driven by emotion and a feeling of injustice.

In an Instagram post on Thursday, Thiaw attempted to explain his actions, which have been widely condemned and for which he faces a possible sanction.

Senegal staged a lengthy protest after a penalty was awarded in the dying stages of Sunday’s game to hosts Morocco after a VAR review, walking off the pitch before returning to continue.

Morocco squandered the penalty, taking the match to extra time where Senegal scored to win 1-0 and claim a second Cup of Nations title in the last three editions.

“We experienced an exceptional tournament with magnificent organisation, which unfortunately ended in tragedy,” wrote the Senegalese coach.

“It was never my intention to go against the principles of the game that I love so much.”

“I simply tried to protect my players from injustice. What some will see as a violation of the rules is nothing more than an emotional reaction to the bias of the situation,” he continued.

“After discussions, we decided to resume the match and go for the trophy for you (Senegalese supporters). I apologise if I offended anyone, but football lovers will understand that emotion is an integral part of this sport.”

Senegal has been celebrating the win since the team arrived back in Dakar on Monday, with the 44-year-old Thiaw, who is a former international, paying tribute to his squad, who were all rewarded with bonuses of more than $130,000 as well as plots of coastal land for their efforts.

“My guys, these 28 warriors who gave sweat, blood, and soul for their nation,” the coach added.

“It’s a pleasure to lead you because, beyond being legends, you are exceptional people!”

A decision on possible sanctions for Senegal from the Confederation of African Football’s disciplinary committee is expected in the coming days.

-Reuters

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AFCON

CAF Rolls Out AFCON 2025 in Numbers: Nigeria’s Firepower on Display: The Stats Behind AFCON 2025’s Most Potent Attack

Published

1 day ago

January 23, 2026

Kunle Solaja

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations was never designed for the faint-hearted. From the opening whistle to the final seconds of the championship match, the tournament unfolded as a relentless exhibition of intensity, tactical discipline and elite athleticism.

According to statistics released by CAFOnline, AFCON 2025 was a competition defined by fine margins, unyielding duels and performances that underlined the growing maturity of African football on the global stage.

At the summit stood Senegal, crowned champions after a campaign marked by authority and control. The Teranga Lions blended efficiency with resilience, navigating the tournament with a champion’s composure.

Morocco, beaten finalists, reinforced their status as one of Africa’s most consistent and tactically refined sides, while Nigeria, finishing third, emerged as the competition’s most explosive attacking force, dominating several statistical categories.

Together, the trio shaped a demanding and densely contested tournament whose numbers tell a deeper story of a continent’s football evolution.

The Podium

Champions: Senegal
Runners-up: Morocco
Third Place: Nigeria

Individual Brilliance

AFCON 2025 was illuminated by individual excellence. Senegal’s talisman Sadio Mané was named Player of the Tournament, reflecting his decisive influence throughout the competition. Morocco’s Brahim Díaz finished as Top Scorer with five goals, while compatriot Yassine Bounou claimed Best Goalkeeper honours after keeping five clean sheets.

Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman stood out creatively, topping the assist charts with four assists to earn the Best Playmaker award. Morocco’s exemplary conduct across the tournament was recognised with the Fair Play Award.

Team Performance Highlights as Nigeria enter limelight

The tournament produced a total of 121 goals, underlining its attacking tempo. Nigeria led the scoring charts with 14 goals, while also recording the highest average possession at 66 per cent and achieving the longest winning streak, five consecutive victories.

Senegal dominated in ball circulation, completing 3,562 passes, winning the most corners (44), and sharing the highest number of clean sheets (five) with Morocco. Morocco and Senegal also led in attacking intent, each registering 108 shots.

Defensively, Morocco, Comoros, DR Congo and Senegal conceded only two goals each, while Mozambique endured the toughest campaign at the back, conceding nine goals. Egypt topped the offside chart with 15 infringements, and Morocco and Mali converted the most penalties, three apiece.

Discipline and Fair Play

Discipline was tightly managed across the competition. A total of 210 yellow cards and nine red cards were shown. Senegal emerged as the most sanctioned team, collecting 17 yellow cards and one red.

Attendance and Atmosphere

The tournament’s biggest crowd gathered at Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, where 66,526 spectators witnessed the heavyweight clash between Senegal and Morocco—an encounter befitting the competition’s highest standards.

As reflected in the data published by CAFOnline, AFCON 2025 was not merely a contest for silverware. It was a statement of Africa’s footballing evolution; tactically sharper, physically demanding and increasingly uncompromising. The numbers confirm it: African football is moving forward, and it is doing so at full speed.

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