AFCON
Burkina Faso back in contention after Cape Verde defeat
The Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon has recorded its 10th 1-0 scoreline as Burkina Faso on Thursday night at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde beat Cape Verde.
Hassane Bande scored the only goal of the match for Burkina Faso.
With the scoreline, Burkina Faso are back in contention after their 2-1 loss to hosts, Cameroon on the opening day of the competition.
Cape Verde had hoped for another victory after their opening match defeat of Ethiopia. A win by any margin would have seen them joining Cameroon in the qualification for the knock-out stage.
Instead, they are pushed down the ladder to the third position on account of inferior goal difference with Burkina Faso.
Cameroon lead Group A after beating Ethiopia, while Burkina Faso and Cape Verde stand level on three points each.
The Burkinabe were without Bertrand Traore after his positive Covid test.
While the Aston Villa may have been absent in Yaounde, coach Kamou Malo managed to lead the team for the first time after returning from his own Covid case.
In the opening half hour, the Stallions – who were the stronger team throughout – called Cape Verde keeper Vozinha into action a number of times.
The veteran 35-year-old, back in the team after also recovering from Covid, made a smart save from Edmond Tapsoba’s low free-kick in the 12th minute.
Ten minutes later, he stood his ground well as Bande, in the Burkina side to replace Traore, failed to finish off Tapsoba’s fine run from deep.
Shortly before half-time, Bande finally got the better of Vozinha, chesting home Isa Kabore’s fine cross to give the Burkinabe the lead.
Cape Verde’s best chance came around the half-hour mark, when Julio Tavares forced Burkinabe keeper Herve Koffi into action for the first time, but the Burkinabe keeper tipped the shot round the post when a firmer strike may have beaten him.
In the second half, the Blue Sharks tried to be more positive – with Garry Rodrigues, Julio Tavares and captain Stopira all having opportunities.
Yet they were unable to convert them and coach Bubista, still missing because of yet another Covid infection, will have been a frustrated viewer as his team failed to capitalise on their opening win against Ethiopia.
Burkina Faso’s improved performance gives them every chance of claiming a spot in the last 16, and victory against pointless Ethiopia on Monday will see them finish second in the group should Cape Verde fail to beat Cameroon.
Cameroon lead the group with two wins from two, and have qualified for the next round already as one of the best third-placed runners-up at the very least.
AFCON
Nigerians, other nationals can apply, as CAF and Morocco Launch Volunteer Programme for AFCON 2025
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) in Morocco have launched the official Volunteer Programme for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, billed to run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
According to CAF, more than 4,000 volunteers will be recruited to play a central role in ensuring the success of Africa’s most prestigious football tournament, which will be staged across six cities and nine stadiums in Morocco.
Applications are now open at volunteers.cafonline.com and will close on 8 October 2025. The opportunity is open to anyone above the age of 18.
Volunteers will be deployed across multiple functional areas, including media operations, spectator services, accreditation, hospitality, and fan engagement. Selected individuals will receive professional training ahead of the competition and work behind the scenes to deliver a memorable AFCON.
CAF stated that the programme is designed not only to support tournament operations but also to create an alumni network of skilled Africans who can contribute to future sporting events across the continent. Successful applicants will benefit from:
- Training and skill development.
- Official uniforms and certificates of participation.
- Networking opportunities with peers and professionals.
- The chance to contribute to Africa’s football legacy.
Volunteer registration opened on 17 September 2025. Selection and training will take place in October and November, with operations commencing in mid-December through to the tournament’s conclusion on 18 January 2026.
CAF described the initiative as an “exciting opportunity” for Africans to contribute to the growth of the continent’s flagship sporting event, which is expected to draw millions of visitors to Morocco.
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AFCON
CAF Security Chief, Nigeria’s Emeruwa, Leads Inspection of Tangier Stadium Ahead of Major Tournaments
Nigeria’s Dr. Christian Emeruwa, President of the Security and Safety Division of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), on Thursday, September 18, led an inspection visit to the Grand Stade de Tangier as preparations intensify for upcoming continental and global football events.
Emeruwa, who heads CAF’s continental security architecture, was joined by CAF Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba, senior Moroccan officials, and executives of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
The delegation also included managers of operational companies at the Grand Stade and SONARGES executives.
According to Le 360, the Nigerian official expressed satisfaction with the stadium’s facilities after touring key operational areas, including the main control room with its giant surveillance screen, as well as spectator, player, and VIP access zones.
The inspection was bolstered by the presence of Morocco’s top security and administrative officers—the regional commander of the Royal Gendarmerie, officials of the Auxiliary Forces and Civil Protection, the Wali of Security, the governor in charge of Internal Affairs, and representatives of the National Agency for Public Equipment (ANEP).
A technical meeting followed the tour, where engineers presented recent safety and security upgrades. Among the highlights was the planned installation of a FIFA-standard tarpaulin roof to enhance the venue’s compliance with global hosting requirements.
For Nigeria, the spotlight on Dr. Emeruwa underscores the country’s growing influence in African football administration, particularly in the critical areas of safety and security management for CAF competitions.
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Morocco has received 723 high-end buses from Chinese manufacturer Yutong as part of preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which kicks off on December 21.
Yutong said on social media that the fleet “has officially rolled off the production line” and will provide “comprehensive transport services and reliable operational support” during the tournament.
An official handover ceremony was held on Friday at the company’s facility in Zhengzhou, Henan province, attended by Moroccan representatives and Yutong executives.
The buses were designed to cope with Morocco’s terrain and climate, including steep slopes, heat and sandstorms. They feature an independent front axle suspension to navigate narrow city streets and Yutong’s in-house “Blue Core System” for fuel efficiency.
The delivery is the largest single order of Chinese buses in Africa. Yutong will station more than 100 technicians in Morocco to provide training, maintenance and round-the-clock support during AFCON.
The deal is part of Morocco’s broader transport strategy, which includes plans to purchase 7,000 new buses by 2030—half of them electric—as the country prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
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