AFCON
UGANDA, BURKINA FASO TAKE CONTROL OF GROUP B
Uganda and Burkina Faso took control of Group B of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Cameroon 2021 qualifiers after registering victories in match day two on Sunday evening. Uganda won 2-0 at home against Malawi while Burkina Faso won 2-1 away to South Sudan in Khartoum.
The two are now top of the pile with four points each after they played a 0-0 draw on match day one in Ouagadougou last week. Uganda though sit top on goal difference.
In Kampala where Uganda were playing in front of their home fans for the first time in a year, the Cranes picked victory courtesy of goals from Emmanuel Okwi and Fahad Bayo in either half.
Okwi broke the deadlock on the half hour mark when he picked up a pass from Khalid Aucho planted behind the defense before setting himself up with the first touch and firing to the bottom left with his second.
Before that, the Cranes had a chance when Kizito Luwaga tried an overhead kick after Nico Wadada’s cross was deflected to his path, but the effort went over.
Three minutes to the break, Uganda came inches close to doubling their tally when Faruku Miya dribbled into the box but his effort past the keeper came off the upright. Joseph Ochaya tried his luck with the rebound, but his effort was blocked as the home side went to the breather one up.
In the second half, Uganda was forced into a change early on when Murshid Juuko went out injured and was replaced by Timothy Awany. That did not deter the home side and they came close again when Bayo picked out Miya with a good cross from the right, but the latter’s effort at goal was weak.
They finally got the much needed second goal in the 68th minute when Bayo struck the ball into the top right corner after breaking into the box from a quickly executed counter attack.
Meanwhile in Khartoum where South Sudan played due to the closure of their main stadium, Burkina Faso ran out winners with the experienced Aristide Bance striking a first half brace.
The experienced AC Horoya forward broke the deadlock in the 20th minute before adding the second eight minutes to half time.
South Sudan’s Bright Stars came fighting in the second half, but could only get a 90th minute consolation courtesy of Stephen Pawaar. They now seat bottom of the group having lost their opener 1-0 away to Malawi last weekend.
-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
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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.”
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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.”
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