AFCON
MALI HITS CHAD, BENIN BOUNCE BACK OVER SIERRA LEONE
Mali remained unbeaten in the run up to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations after picking a clinical 2-0 victory away to Chad to move to four points after two games. Les Aigles who played to a 2-2 draw with Guinea in their opening match last week picked their first victory, and in style.
Southampton FC based winger Mousa Djenepo broke the deadlock for the Malians in the 14th minute to silence the home fans and give his side a well deserved lead. They went 2-0 up at half time when Mohammed Camara hit the back of the net after 45 minutes.
The Chadians came back determined to claw back into contention in the second half, but poor finishing was their Achilles heel as they failed to crack the Malian backline.
Chad who lost their opening match 2-1 away to Namibia now sit bottom of Group A.
Meanwhile in Porto Novo, Benin bounced back from their opening day 2-1 loss to Nigeria in Uyo to beat Sierra Leone 1-0 and put their campaign back on track in Group L. Jodel Dossou struck the all important goal for Les Écureuils on the half hour mark.
The victory sees Benin move to four points while the Leone Stars remain pegged bottom of the pile with just one point from their opening day 1-1 draw with Lesotho on Freetown.
-CAF
Egyptian national team will face Nigeria on 14 December at Cairo Stadium as part of their preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA)said on Sunday.
The friendly was arranged at the request of Egypt coach Hossam Hassan, who wanted to test his side against one of the continent’s heavyweights ahead of the tournament.
The Pharaohs will compete in the UAE International Tournament, where they will meet Uzbekistan on 14 November.
The competition also features Cape Verde and Iran, who will play a day earlier.
The winners of both matches will face each other in the final on 18 November.
Senegal were initially scheduled to take part in the tournament but withdrew, paving the way for Cape Verde to join.
Egypt have been drawn in Group B for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, alongside South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe
-Ahram
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong says Nigeria will head to Morocco for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations determined to go one step further after the heartbreak of losing the last final to Côte d’Ivoire.
In an exclusive chat with CAFOnline.com, the Al-Kholood defender said the experience of falling short in Abidjan has made the team tougher and more united.
“Last AFCON left a lasting impression on all of us,” Troost-Ekong said. “This group is excited to have another chance to try and win the trophy. We learned so much from that final—this time we’ll be calmer and play our football better.”
The Saudi Arabia-based centre-back downplayed talk of Nigeria being clear favourites, noting that hosts Morocco, defending champions Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal are equally strong contenders.
“There’s no such thing as a clear favourite at AFCON,” he warned. “You can’t win a tournament with expectations. AFCON is difficult and full of surprises.”
Troost-Ekong, who has appeared in multiple AFCON campaigns, said the key to winning lies in “heart, togetherness and consistency.”
“Momentum has to grow through the tournament. Don’t panic when things go wrong, and don’t get carried away when they go right,” he added.
On Nigeria’s group opponents—Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania—the skipper admitted the road to the knockout stages won’t be easy.
“Tunisia knocked us out in 2021. Uganda and Tanzania are improving fast. There’s no easy game at AFCON,” he said.
Troost-Ekong also saluted Nigerian fans for their support and promised the team would give everything to bring home the title.
“When all of Nigeria stands together, that’s our power,” he declared. “Hopefully, the headline this time will read: Nigeria crowns the special generation with an AFCON title.”
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Super Eagles for their impressive performance in the 4–0 victory over Benin Republic, praising the team for keeping Nigeria’s qualification hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Adebayo Onanuga, the President lauded the players for their “hunger, passion, and determination” during the crucial qualifier in Uyo, describing their display as one that has “reignited Nigerians’ football pride.”
“While the job is not yet complete, I join millions of Nigerian football fans in wishing our team every success in the playoffs,” Tinubu said. “The mood across the country reflects a shared belief that Nigeria deserves a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Canada, Mexico, and the United States will host.”
Reaffirming the government’s backing, President Tinubu assured the players and coaching crew of full Federal Government support as they prepare for the decisive play-off stage.
“Nigerians everywhere believe in you, and I do too,” he said. “We look forward to seeing you fly our flag proudly on the world stage.”
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- Athletics7 days ago
Nigeria to Host First-Ever Africa Running Conference in Lagos
- Nigerian Football7 days ago
Tiger Street Football Tournament Heads for Grand Finale in Awka After Electrifying Weekend
- CAF Champions League1 week ago
Remo Stars Host Mamelodi Sundowns in Crucial CAF Champions League Showdown
- Nigerian Football1 week ago
Jay-Jay Okocha Call Turns NPFL Boss to Instant Celebrity in Madrid
- CAF Champions League3 days ago
Rivers Flow into CAF Champions’ League Group Stage as First Nigerian Team in Nine Years
- CAF Champions League1 week ago
Black Bulls Edge Rivers United 1–0 in CAF Champions League Clash
- Boxing7 days ago
Nigerian-Born Irish Boxer Daniel Fakoyede Targets Heavyweight Glory
- Nigerian Football1 week ago
Brazil-Based Nigerian Star Fashanu Michael Ifeoluwa Tipped for Super Eagles Call-Up