AFCON
AFCON 2021: Points of interest as Ethiopia clash with Cape Verde
The Africa Cup of Nations traditionally have a double-header fixture in the group matches.
Thus, after the Cameroon versus Burkina Faso opening match, another Group A encounter will be on the caard at the same Olembe Stadium in Yaounde.
Here are points to note ahead of the second match of the Cameroon 2021 tournament.
- The Ethiopia versus Cape Verde match will be the first encounter between both countries at the Africa Cup of Nations.
- Ethiopia are appearing for the 12th time in the 33 editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.
- Cape Verde are appearing for the third time in the 33 editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.
- This match will be Ethiopia’s 28th match in Africa Cup of Nations.
- This match will be Cape Verde’s eighth match in the Africa Cup of Nations.
- Ethiopia were one of three teams to participate in the first Africa Cup of Nations tournament in 1957 (alongside Egypt and Sudan). Winners in 1962, this is only their second appearance in the last 20 editions of the tournament, and their first since 2013.
- Ethiopia have won only one of their AFCON matches played outside their home nation (D2 L14), a 4-2 win against Tunisia in the 1963 tournament.
- Five of Cape Verde’s seven games at the tournament so far have ended in a draw, with their solitary win taking place against Angola in the 2013 group stages (2-1).
- Only one of Cape Verde’s seven previous games at the Africa Cup of Nations has produced more than two goals.
- Ethiopia striker and all-time top scorer Getaneh Kebede is playing in his second Africa Cup of Nations – in 2013 he didn’t have a single shot on target in 189 minutes of play.
Senegal’s appeal against being stripped of their African Cup of Nations title will be heard on October 8, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said on Friday.
Senegal were ruled to have forfeited the game in Rabat on January 18 because they walked off the pitch in protest at a potentially decisive penalty awarded to opponents Morocco.
They returned after 14 minutes to win the match 1-0, but the appeal board of African soccer’s governing body (CAF) replaced that result with a 3-0 victory for Morocco in March.
The Senegalese government called for an inquiry into the removal of the title, and the country’s soccer federation (FSF) appealed to CAS.
A CAS panel will hold the hearing behind closed doors at its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, CAS said in a statement.
“After the hearing, the panel will start its deliberations. At this stage, CAS cannot state when a final decision will be rendered but it will not be on the day of the hearing,” CAS added.
-Reuters
r
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially opened the bidding process for countries interested in hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2028, 2032 and 2036, with several member associations already submitting proposals.
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe disclosed that the bidding exercise is progressing smoothly and described the level of interest from prospective hosts as encouraging.
“The bidding process is progressing very well, and numerous exciting bids have been submitted by potential host countries,” CAF said, adding that announcements on successful hosts will be made in due course.
Meanwhile, CAF confirmed that its 48th Ordinary General Assembly will be held in Abuja, Nigeria, on November 21, 2026.
The continental governing body expressed appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for their cooperation in preparations for the event.
CAF said the General Assembly is expected to attract football leaders from across the continent and will play a significant role in shaping policies aimed at accelerating the development and growth of African football.
The organisation added that the Abuja gathering is expected to be one of its most significant assemblies in recent years as CAF continues implementing reforms across competitions, infrastructure development, youth football and governance.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
By Kunle Solaja
Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have taken the first step towards jointly hosting the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations after submitting an expression of interest to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The Nigerien Football Federation announced that CAF had accepted the joint declaration submitted by the three West African nations, marking the opening phase of the bidding process.
However, the acceptance of the expression of interest does not amount to an award of the hosting rights, as the countries must still undergo CAF’s comprehensive evaluation process before a final decision is made.
The three football federations unveiled their joint project following a meeting with CAF President Patrice Motsepe in the United States during the closing stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The proposed bid brings together the three members of the Alliance of Sahel States, reflecting their ambition to co-host one of Africa’s biggest sporting events and strengthen regional cooperation through football.
Earlier this month, CAF officially opened the bidding process for the 2028, 2032 and 2036 editions of the Africa Cup of Nations, inviting all 54 member associations to submit expressions of interest. The continental governing body said all bids would be assessed based on strict technical, financial and legal criteria.
As the next stage of the process, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso must prepare a comprehensive bid dossier outlining the proposed host cities, stadiums, training facilities, transport infrastructure, accommodation capacity and security arrangements.
CAF has yet to announce the timetable for selecting the 2032 host nation(s) or reveal the full list of countries expected to compete for the hosting rights.
Should the joint bid eventually succeed, the tournament would return to Mali for the first time since it staged the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations. It would also mark a historic first for both Niger and Burkina Faso, neither of which has previously hosted the continent’s flagship football championship.
The bid underscores the growing trend of joint hosting arrangements for major football tournaments, allowing neighbouring countries to pool infrastructure and resources while expanding the reach of the competition across multiple nations.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
BREAKING: FROM THE CANVAS TO CHAOS! Joshua destroys Prenga after two knockdowns
Morocco Begin WAFCON 2026 Title Quest Against Kenya as Hosts Seek Winning Start
Kenya Return to WAFCON After Decade Away, Eye Historic First Win
Breaking! Uzoho suspended from Super Eagles’ next match with Sierra Leone
NIGERIAN FOOTBALL CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SANUSI CHARGES NIGERIAN COACHES TO BE UPRIGHT, DILIGENT
No longer Super League as CAF changes name of its new clubs competition
- World Cup5 days ago
How a 64-team World Cup could transform soccer’s economics
- World Cup6 days ago
Reuters: 10 Key Takeaways from the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- World Cup1 week ago
The economic goal that never came: World Cup falls short of boosting Mexico
- World Cup6 days ago
FIFA Salutes Kunle Solaja as Historic World Cup 2026 Draws to a Close
- World Cup1 week ago
Argentina’s coach, Scaloni faces former tutor, Spain’s De la Fuente In World Cup final
- World Cup1 week ago
Spain’s Sanchez to attend World Cup final alongside Trump amid tensions
- World Cup1 week ago
Nike out of World Cup contention as Adidas-outfitted teams head to final
- AFCON1 day ago
CAS to hear Senegal’s appeal against African Cup of Nations title removal on October 8