AFCON
Nigeria’s possible World Cup play-off opponents, DR Congo open camp in Egypt
While major attention in Africa is centred on preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations which begins in Cameroon in 11 days’ time, DR Congo, the only team Afcon absentee team among the 10 contestants for the World Cup qualification is focusing on the global tournament.
Being outside the top five seeded teams, Congo DR is a possible opponent for Nigeria when the draw for the World Cup draw is made on January 26.
Already, the coach, Hector Cuper has drafted 27 players who began camping in Egypt on Monday 27 December.
The move is linked with crunch 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – Africa Zone expected in March 2022.
The squad, exclusively constituted by Africa-based players, is led by TP Mazembe’s star skipper Tresor Mputu Mabi.
The 36-year-old Mputu, capped 51 times with the senior men’s national team, is one of eight midfielders retained by Héctor for the mission.
The camp is scheduled to run through December 27 to January 8, 2022.
During this time, the Leopards are expected to play two friendly games against local teams. Another session – billed for the second week of January – will involve overseas players.
Absent for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, the DR Congo is no doubt making the most out of the FIFA window, as well as optimising chances of a breakthrough to Qatar 2022.
The Central Africans are among the ten nations left to battle for the continent’s five World Cup tickets.
DR Congo last featured at the global stage in 1974 in Germany. They have never been closer to a second berth like this time.
Full squad:
Lomboto Herve (DC Motema Pembe), Siadi Ngusia Baggio (TP Mazembe), Pululu Kingu (FC Renaissance), MUKOKO Amale Dieumerci (Difaa El Jadida), Djuma Shabani Wadol (Young Africa), Simete Taboria Ordy (AS Maniema Union), Zola Kiaku Arsene (TP Mazembe), Boka Issaka Chadrack (FC Saint Eloi Lupopo), Nsita Ernest (TP Mazembe), Kayembe Christian (DC Motema Pembe), Mundeko Zatu Kevin (TP Mazembe), Bangala Litombo Yannick (Young Africa), Masasi Obenza Amede (AS V.CLUB), Kimvuidi Kiekie Karim (DC Motema Pembe), Mika Miche (TP Mazembe), Ngoma Luamba Fabrice (Raja Casablanca), Mukoko Tonombe (Young Africa), Lilepo Makabi Glody (AS Vita Club), Mpia Nzengeli Maxi (AS Maniema Union), Ikangalombo Jonathan (DC Motema Pembe), Ngimbi Vumbi Mercey (TP Mazembe), Kabungu Kadima John’s (FC Saint Eloi Lupopo), Kitwa Kalowa Rodrigue (AS Maniema Union), Muzungu Lokombe Chadrack (RS Berkane), Bossu Nzali Adam (TP Mazembe), BILEKO Mbaki Kelvin (TP Mazembe), Mputu Mabi Tresor (TP Mazembe)
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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The Organizing Committee of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 has announced a strong start to ticket sales, confirming that 58,000 tickets had been sold as of Tuesday at 5:00 p.m.
According to an official update, the enthusiasm for the continental showpiece has also been reflected on the Yalla App, where 145,731 applications have been received so far. In addition, a total of 121,924 FAN IDs have been issued, including 31,058 belonging to foreign nationals representing 108 countries around the world.
In response to the overwhelming demand, the committee disclosed that technical teams are working round the clock to enhance the ticketing and FAN ID systems to ensure smooth processing for fans.
To assist applicants and ensure better communication, the organizers have provided a dedicated customer service line: +212 5 30 30 20 30. The hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in Arabic, English, and French, and is staffed by over 600 agents trained to respond to inquiries and provide user support.
Fans can also reach the support team via email at info@yallamorocco.ma.
The Organizing Committee expressed gratitude to supporters, media representatives, delegations, and partners for their enthusiasm and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a seamless and memorable experience for all stakeholders during AFCON Morocco 2025.
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Ticket sales for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 will officially open on Monday, 13 October 2025, with an exclusive 48-hour pre-sale window reserved for Visa cardholders, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced.
Fans across Africa and around the world will be able to secure their seats for what promises to be the continent’s biggest football spectacle, which will run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
The special Visa pre-sale period will run from Monday, 13 October at 09:00 Moroccan time (08:00 GMT) until Wednesday, 15 October at 08:00 GMT, before general ticket sales open to all fans using other payment methods.
To streamline ticket purchases and enhance security, the Local Organizing Committee has launched the YALLA App, an integrated digital platform for fans to obtain their Fan ID — a mandatory requirement for buying tickets — and apply for E-Visas (AEVM) where necessary.
According to organizers, each registered Fan ID allows supporters to buy only one ticket per match, ensuring wider access and transparency in ticket distribution.
The process for obtaining tickets is straightforward:
- Download the YALLA App, available on Google Play and the App Store.
- Apply for a Fan ID and E-Visa (if required) through the app.
- Once approved, Visa cardholders can visit tickets.cafonline.com starting from Monday, 13 October at 09:00 Moroccan time (08:00 GMT) to purchase their AFCON 2025 tickets.
The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is expected to deliver a festival of football and culture, with fans urged to complete their Fan ID registration early to avoid last-minute rushes.
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