AFCON
AFCON 2021 FIGURE NEARING COMPLETION AS SUPER EAGLES, OTHERS MAY QUALIFY ON MATCH DAY 5
BY MUYIWA AKINTUNDE
By next Tuesday, 19 more slots will be filled to complete a field of 24 finalists for the Cameroon 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 33rd edition of the continent’s flagship football tournament will be held not this year, as earlier proposed, but in January and February 2022. The earlier date of June and July 2021 was disrupted by Coronavirus that virtually brought the world on its knees.
Apart from Cameroon (Group F), the host nation who are in the qualifiers just to keep in shape, four other nations have gone through with two matches to spare. Defending champions Algeria (Group H), last edition’s finalists Senegal (Group I), 2004 winners Tunisia (Group J) and 1972 runners-up Mali (Group A) have booked their places in Cameroon 2021.
For the Super Eagles of Nigeria and several other teams, qualification may be confirmed on Matchday 5, which runs from Wednesday, 24th March to Saturday, 27th March 2021.
When Gernot Rohr’s side file out in Porto-Novo, the port city that is the capital of the Republic of Benin, on Saturday, they would have known the result of the other Matchday 5 fixture in the group; that between Lesotho and Sierra Leone. If that match goes the same way as the first leg in Freetown which ended in a draw (1-1), Nigeria would have picked their 19th ticket to the finals in the 33 times that the continental competition would hold since the inaugural edition in 1957.
And should both hosts Benin Republic and Nigeria go on to share honours, the Squirrels would also be among the finalists, even as both sides would then have one more game to wrap up the qualifiers.
The Super Eagles are all set to put smiles on the faces of their compatriots who were so let down by the team on Matchday 3. Soaring at 4-0 by the 30th minute of the match against Sierra Leone in Benin City, the Eagles were brought down to earth 4-4 by the minnows, who even threatened to win. The reverse fixture four days later in Freetown ended goalless, to place Nigeria a point ahead of second placed Benin Republic in Group L.
The Super Eagles’ camp in Lagos is bubbling; all invited players in camp and rearing to go on the boat trip Porto-Novo. European clubs’ Covid-19 restrictions mean that some key players had to be replaced by Rohr. Among those missing were Samuel Kalu of Bordeaux, FC Nantes’ Moses Simon, both French top flight sides; Kenneth Omeruo of Leganés and Sadiq Umar of Almeria, both in Spain.
They were replaced by Henry Onyekuru (Galatasaray), Paul Onuachu (Genk) as well as home-based stars Adekunle Adeleke (Abia Warriors) and Enyimba striker Anayo Iwuala.
With four goals already, Napoli’s striker Victor Osimhen leads the scorers’ chat in the qualifiers and is among the stars in camp. In-form Kelechi Iheanacho returns after missing all national team fixtures since he scored the opening goal of the team’s 1-1 result in a friendly against Tunisia on 13th October last year.
Iheanacho has been in superb form for Leicester City. He produced a hat-trick in his last English Premier League outing against Sheffield United, and added a brace plus an assist to eliminate Manchester United from the FA Cup on Sunday. Eight goals in all competitions this month is a fantastic harvest for any player indeed!
Also listed are winger Samuel Chukwueze, Wilfred Ndidi, William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi and non-playing captain Ahmed Musa, among others.
Benin Republic made special flight arrangements for the bulk of their players in France, a major Covid-19 logistics requirement. And they are encouraged by their having not lost at home since 9th June 2013 when Algeria won a FIFA World Cup qualifier 1-3.
That match was at the same Stade Charles de Gaulle where Saturday’s game will hold. Will the Super Eagles re-enact the Algerian feat?
If they fail to qualify on Saturday, the Super Eagles will have another opportunity against Lesotho on Tuesday at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos in the last match of the qualification rounds. At that time, Sierra Leone or Lesotho will remain in contention for any of the two group’s tickets if they won their previous match.
Wednesday will see six matches in five groups with four more teams likely to qualify for the finals.
In Group A, Chad Football Federation was suspended by CAF following government intervention, which means that their remaining two qualifying matches are awarded to their opponents – Mali and Namibia. Mali are through to Cameroon 2021, and if Guinea beat Mali, the Syli Nationale, who exited in the Round of 16 of Egypt 2019, will book their spot for the 13th time in the continental finals.
Burkina Faso, Nigeria’s victims in the 2013 final in South Africa, will be among Cameroon 2021 finalists if they triumph in Uganda on Wednesday afternoon. But the Ugandan Cranes will not let go since they are aware that victory will all but put them through.
While Burkina Faso and Uganda are separated by just a point, Malawi and bottom-placed South Sudan also have a point between them. Any of these teams that come out unscathed will have hope of making it on the last Matchday.
In Group C, Sudan are determined to make the section a three-horse race, which also include Ghana and South Africa. The east Africans are away to already eliminated São Tomé and Príncipe on Wednesday night, while South Africa host Ghana on Thursday.
The Black Stars and the Bafana Bafana are tied at the top with nine points each, while Sudan are three points short.
Cameroon are on the verge of winning Group F. But what matters here is the team that will qualify with the Indomitable Lions for the finals. With only two points from four matches and placing last on the log, Rwanda host Mozambique on Wednesday afternoon in a must-win game. If they succeed in their mission, Rwanda will move second behind Cameroon, in place of Mozambique, while awaiting Friday’s Cape Verde Islands v Cameroon encounter.
Mozambique and Cape Verde are at the moment on four points each.
Madagascar, one of the sensational teams of Egypt 2019, are battling to emerge from Group K. They are second to Côte d’Ivoire only on account of the Elephants’ head-to-head advantage.
But Madagascar stand the risk of losing ground as they play away to Ethiopia on Wednesday. Their hosts are just a single point behind, while the Ivorien Elephants will be away to Niger Republic on Friday. All the four teams here remain in contention.
Among the countries hoping to qualify on Thursday are the continent’s most successful side, the Pharaohs of Egypt. A point in Kenya will be just enough, which is all Comoros Islands require at home against Togo to break the jinx in their seventh attempt in the qualifiers.
Group D may produce at least one team among the finalists on Thursday. Here, Gambia and Gabon are on top of the log with seven points each, with DR Congo just one point short. Angola, the whipping side which have one point so far, will hand Gambia their first qualification if they lose in Banjul.
It’s the same situation with Gabon, who will have captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the squad for this match only. Arsenal will not allow their captain to play in Angola on Monday due to Covid-19 concerns in that country.
In Group H where Algeria have already emerged, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia in that order are jostling for the second ticket. Only victory over the African champions Algeria will keep Zambia in the race till the last Matchday, while Botswana will place second if they beat visiting Zimbabwe.
Like Algeria, Tunisia have no worries in Group J, leaving the other three teams to battle for one spot. Libya, back at home after the ban on international sporting activities on the troubled country was lifted, will have to beat Tunisia to stay on course. But that is if Equatorial Guinea fail to dismiss Tanzania, their guests.
On Friday, Morocco will join the Cameroon 2021 elites if they avoid defeat in Mauritania in Group E. It’s a game the hosts must win, otherwise the winners between hosts Burundi and Central African Republic will set up a nail-biting finale on Tuesday – the last Matchday.
Congo Republic have Senegal as stumbling blocks in Group I. Les Lions de la Téranga will be playing for pride after claiming one of the tickets here. Will they remove their foot from the pedals and concede their first match of the qualifiers?
Whichever team that triumphed between Eswatini and Guinea-Bissau will be in the reckoning on the last day of the qualifiers.
MATCHDAY 5 FIXTURES
Wednesday, 24th March 2021
- Group B: Uganda v Burkina Faso (first leg 0-0), South Sudan v Malawi (first leg Malawi 1-0) (both 2 pm)
- Group F: Rwanda v Mozambique (first leg Mozambique 2-0) (2 pm)
- Group K: Ethiopia v Madagascar (first leg Madagascar 1-0) (2 pm)
- Group A: Guinea v Mali (first leg 2-2) (5 pm), Chad Republic v Namibia (first leg Namibia 2-1) (Cancelled)
- Group C: São Tomé and Príncipe v Sudan (first leg Sudan 4-0) (8 pm)
Thursday, 25th March 2021
- Group G: Comoros Islands v Togo (first leg Comoros Islands 1-0) (2 pm), Kenya v Egypt (first leg 1-1) (5 pm)
- Group C: South Africa v Ghana (first leg Ghana 2-0) (5 pm)
- Group D: Gabon v DR Congo (first leg 0-0), The Gambia v Angola (first leg The Gambia 3-1) (both 5 pm)
- Group H: Botswana v Zimbabwe (first leg 0-0) (5 pm), Zambia v Algeria (first leg Algeria 5-0) (8 pm)
- Group J: Libya v Tunisia (first leg Tunisia 4-1), Equatorial Guinea v Tanzania (first leg Tanzania 2-1) (both 8 pm)
- Group I: Eswatini v Guinea-Bissau (first leg Guinea-Bissau 3-0) (2 pm), Congo Republic v Senegal (first leg Senegal 2-0) (5 pm)
Friday, 26th March 2021
- Group E: Burundi v Central African Republic (first leg Central African Republic 2-0) (2 pm), Mauritania v Morocco (first leg 0-0) (8 pm)
Saturday, 27th March 2021
- Group L: Benin Republic v Nigeria (first leg Nigeria 2-1) (5 pm), Lesotho v Sierra Leone (first leg 1-1) (2 pm) [13:39, 24/03/2021]
By Kunle Solaja.
The Guinean Football Federation (FGF) has strongly refuted circulating claims that Moroccan players walked off the pitch during their decisive 1976 Africa Cup of Nations encounter with Guinea, describing the reports as “false” and lacking any official basis.
In a firm statement, the federation also dismissed speculation that it is seeking to challenge the outcome of the historic match, clarifying that no such incident occurred and no legal action has been initiated with either the Confederation of African Football or the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Statement by the Guinean Football Federation regarding the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations
“The Guinean Football Federation informs the national and international public that it has not initiated any procedure either with the Court of Arbitration for Sport or with CAF in relation to the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations,” the statement read, stressing that the reports are “inaccurate and not based on any official foundation.”
Eyewitness and participant Account Rebuts Claims
Further reinforcing the federation’s position, former Guinea international Ismael Sylla—who featured in the match—dismissed the allegations in an interview with TV5MONDE. He affirmed that the game proceeded normally, with Morocco scoring a late equaliser.
His account directly contradicts the viral narrative, particularly given his presence on the pitch during the decisive stages of the encounter.
Historical Records Back Federation’s Position
Independent verification through archival research by Sports Village Square also found no evidence supporting claims of a Moroccan walkout.
Contemporary reports from outlets such as the Daily Times of Nigeria and L’Équipe, as well as a commemorative video released by FIFA in 2007 to mark CAF’s 50th anniversary, contain no reference to any such incident.
According to the FGF, the match was played on 14 March 1976 in Addis Ababa, with Guinea taking the lead through Souleymane Cherif in the 33rd minute before Morocco equalised in the 86th minute via Ahmed Makrouh, popularly known as “Baba.”
The federation also highlighted that the 1976 tournament format differed from the modern AFCON structure, as the winner was determined through a final group stage rather than a single championship match.
“In accordance with the regulations in force at the time, the competition did not include a classic final,” the statement explained. “The qualified teams played a final group, and the ranking directly determined the winner.”
Morocco ultimately topped the standings to secure their first continental title, with Guinea finishing second and Nigeria third.
FGF Urges Responsible Reporting
The federation called on media organisations and football stakeholders to rely on verified historical records and avoid amplifying unsubstantiated claims.
Reaffirming its commitment to “fair play, mutual respect and the unity of African football,” the FGF said the clarification was necessary to prevent misinformation as debates around AFCON history continue to attract renewed attention.
The statement effectively lays to rest claims of a Moroccan walkout and any suggestion of a pending legal dispute, restoring clarity to one of African football’s most frequently debated historical narratives.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
The looming legal showdown between Senegal and Morocco over the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final could take up to a year to resolve, according to Paris-based sports lawyer Romain Bizzini, who has outlined the complex process awaiting both federations at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
In an interview with Onze Mondial, Bizzini provided detailed insight into the proceedings following CAF’s controversial decision to annul Senegal’s victory and award the title to Morocco.
CAS Process and Timeline
Bizzini explained that the Court of Arbitration for Sport, based in Switzerland, functions as an independent judicial body with authority equivalent to national courts in resolving sports disputes.
The Senegalese Football Federation must file its appeal within 10 days—shortened from the standard 21-day period under CAF regulations—before submitting detailed legal arguments within a further 10 days.
However, he warned that the full process could be lengthy.
“The investigation phase lasts between six and nine months, plus about four months for a ruling,” Bizzini said, estimating that the case could take close to a year to conclude.
Crucially, an appeal to CAS does not automatically suspend CAF’s decision. Senegal would need to request interim measures if it hopes to be provisionally reinstated as champions during the proceedings.
Key Legal Questions
According to Bizzini, the case will hinge on the interpretation of specific AFCON regulations, particularly Articles 82 and 84, which deal with match forfeiture.
“The CAS is there to apply the rules. It doesn’t deal with emotion or the raw result on the field,” he said.
A central issue will be whether Senegal’s actions constituted a full team withdrawal. Reports indicate that some players, including Sadio Mané, remained on the pitch during the incident.
“The crux of the matter will be the concept of a team,” Bizzini noted. “Did the entire team leave the field, or not?”
He added that while only three Senegalese players reportedly remained, football regulations require a minimum of seven players for a match to continue—raising further questions about whether the team had effectively forfeited the game.
Procedural Concerns and Evidence
Bizzini also pointed to a potential procedural argument from Senegal, suggesting the federation may claim it was not properly heard before CAF’s Appeals Committee—a situation that could constitute a violation of fair trial principles.
The CAS panel, typically composed of three legal experts, may also call witnesses, including the match referee and players involved in the incident. High-profile figures such as Mané could be asked to testify about events on the pitch.
Morocco’s Position and Possible Arguments
Another key issue will be whether Morocco’s decision to continue the match weakens its case.
“One could argue that by agreeing to resume play, Morocco indirectly waived the appeal,” Bizzini said, adding that the timing of Morocco’s protest—whether during the match or after the final whistle—could prove decisive.
However, he noted that CAF regulations do not clearly address situations where a team leaves the field but later returns, meaning CAS may focus primarily on the initial act of withdrawal.
Limited Avenues for Appeal
Bizzini stressed that CAS rulings are final, with no conventional right of appeal. The only recourse would be an application for annulment before the Swiss Federal Court, a rare and highly restrictive procedure.
Likely Outcome
Despite the complexities, Bizzini believes CAF’s decision may ultimately stand.
“I would say there’s a 75% chance that the decision will be upheld and Morocco will retain its title,” he said.
With legal arguments set to centre on technical interpretations rather than emotion, the case is expected to test both the letter and spirit of football regulations—while prolonging one of the most contentious episodes in AFCON history.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has delivered a strong critique of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following its controversial decision to strip Senegal of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and award it to Morocco.
The ruling, delivered two months after Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time victory in Rabat, has sparked widespread backlash across the continent, with Senegal already preparing an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Reacting to the decision, Broos questioned CAF’s consistency and timing, describing the situation as unfair to Senegal.
“What I can say is CAF have shown again there is no consistency in decisions,” he said.
“It is painful for Senegal to lose the trophy. There is a rule that if you leave the pitch, you forfeit the game, and it’s done. But why don’t you [CAF] do it earlier, instead of waiting for two months?”
Broos stressed that while the rules may justify sanctions, the delayed enforcement undermines credibility.
“Sometimes, you don’t even have to wait for a complaint… the rules are there,” he added, suggesting CAF should have acted immediately after the incident rather than revisiting the outcome long after the final whistle.
He also pointed to broader inconsistencies in football governance, citing a separate case involving South Africa during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where sanctions were applied months after the fact despite procedural timelines requiring prompt complaints.
“I have said it before that you must be consistent with decisions. It’s painful for Senegal, and they could have done it much earlier,” Broos said.
The controversy stems from Senegal’s brief walk-off during the final in protest over a penalty decision. Although the team returned to complete the match and secured victory, CAF’s Appeals Board later ruled that the action constituted a forfeiture, awarding Morocco a 3-0 win.
Meanwhile, respected journalist Osasu Obayiuwana has intensified scrutiny on the officiating of the match, alleging that Olivier Safari Kabene may have improperly influenced referee Jean-Jacques Ngambo Ndala during the game.
He questioned why no disciplinary action has been taken and why both officials remain in their positions, further fuelling concerns about governance within CAF.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe has defended the independence of the Appeals Board, even as criticism mounts over what many observers describe as an unprecedented decision in African football.
With Senegal set to challenge the ruling legally and voices like Broos calling for consistency and transparency, the AFCON title saga continues to cast a shadow over the credibility of African football administration.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- World Cup1 week ago
EXCLUSIVE! Late Filing, Unpaid Fee Doom Nigeria’s Protest Against DR Congo
- World Cup1 week ago
FIFA Disciplinary Hammer Falls on Nigeria and DR Congo
- World Cup3 days ago
FIFA Cancels Thousands of Hotel Rooms in World Cup Host Cities Amid U.S. Immigration Concerns
- AFCON7 days ago
Morocco Awarded AFCON 2025 Title as CAF Appeal Board Sanctions Senegal
- WOMEN'S FOOTBALL1 week ago
Three Iranian women soccer players to return home after seeking asylum in Australia
- MLS6 days ago
Messi scores 900th career goal, joins Ronaldo in elite club
- CAF Champions League2 days ago
Ten-man Zamalek hold on in dramatic Otoho clash to reach semi-finals
- Table Tennis1 week ago
Nigeria’s Oshodi Makes History with Appointment to World Table Tennis Board