AFCON
Cliff-hanger as Tunisia and Mauritania explore last chances of progressing at AFCON
After disappointing identical 1-0 defeats to Mali and Gambia respectively, Tunisia and Mauritania go to Africa Cup of Nations Group F Match Day 2 this Sunday with no room for error.
On Sunday in Limbe, it looks like the last chance for Tunisia and Mauritania if they are to revive their Round of 16 qualification hopes.
The defeat to Mali was a bitter pill to swallow for the Tunisia who failed in their appeal to get the match replayed.
But the Tunisians are still having all to play for, starting from this Sunday when they face Mauritania with one thing in mind; get back to the right track.
The 2004 champions who are having their 15th consecutive AFCON appearance need to avoid an early exit, something that they haven’t seen since 1994.
Their coach, Mondher Kebbaier said he hae had put their loss to Mali behind and is hopeful of getting all the three points in their ‘must-win’ match against Mauritania.
“The defeat to Mali is history now. All what we play for now is the three points against Mauritania. We have some absent players but those who will play will fight for the Tunisia shirt.
“We had some problems against Mali and we will correct them. Our objective is to go as far as possible in this tournament.”
His views are shared by his striker, Seifeddine Jaziri. “We are focused and ready despite all the difficulties. We will do our best to defend our shirt and our history. Mauritania game is a must win. Whether I play or not, the important is the interest of the team.”
But Mauritania are not less ambitious. To avoid what they witnessed in their maiden Africa Cup of Nations appearance in Egypt 2019, Mauritania need to revive against Tunisia in what seems to be a very tough mission.
The Mourabitounes had a goalless draw with Tunisia three years ago in Egypt, but they know this result might not be enough this time as they will chase a win to get their hopes back alive.
Coach Didier Gomez Da Rosa remarks: “We hope to win against Tunisia because our target is to stay here. We have faith in ourselves, and we have the assets to compete.
“I feel a real determination in the group. I expect another performance with technical accuracy and individual percussion. We have to be very solid and focused.”
Star player and midfielder, Mohamed Yalli Dallahi said the game in Egypt three years ago is already history. “We play against Tunisia without thinking of the past.
“We have played against them many times, and we will give our best not to lose this match. We represent a nation and want to honor our shirt. We are going to play our way.”
Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe has praised Morocco’s King Mohammed VI for what he described as a powerful gesture of unity and reconciliation following the royal pardon granted to Senegalese supporters convicted over offences linked to the final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In a statement released on Saturday, Motsepe expressed deep appreciation on behalf of CAF’s 54 member associations, hailing the Moroccan monarch’s decision as a demonstration of football’s ability to foster peace and solidarity across the continent.
“I would like to express our deep gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, for granting His Royal Pardon to the Senegalese supporters convicted of offences relating to the final match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025,” Motsepe stated.
The CAF president said the pardon reflected Morocco’s enduring commitment to African unity and highlighted football’s growing role as a bridge between nations and cultures.
“CAF has consistently emphasised its commitment to utilise football to contribute to uniting our people from different racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds,” he said.
“The pardon by His Majesty King Mohammed VI is an uplifting and motivating illustration of the power of football to unite and bring our people together in Africa and worldwide.”
Motsepe also revealed that during recent visits to both Morocco and Senegal, he had been struck by the deep historical and cultural bonds shared by the two countries.
“I was amazed and impressed when I was briefed about the historic and extensive ties between the people of Senegal and Morocco,” he added.
The statement further reinforced Morocco’s rising influence within African football, especially after successfully hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and positioning itself as one of Africa’s leading football destinations ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
Motsepe also extended CAF’s best wishes to Africa’s representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing confidence that the continent’s teams would perform strongly on the global stage.
Among the African nations mentioned were Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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By Kunle Solaja.
Former African champions Algeria and Zambia are set for an early showdown after the release of the Group I fixtures for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Algeria host Zambia on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, in what is expected to be one of the headline fixtures of the qualifying campaign, while Togo entertain Burundi in the group’s other opening tie.
The Desert Foxes are favourites to qualify, but Zambia’s growing consistency and Togo’s unpredictability could make the race highly competitive.
Algeria travel to Burundi on Matchday Two before facing Togo in back-to-back encounters across Matchdays Three and Four. Zambia also meet Burundi home and away during the same period.
The potentially decisive fixture comes on March 22, 2027, when Zambia host Algeria in a clash that could determine the final standings.
Group I Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Algeria vs Zambia
- Togo vs Burundi
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Zambia vs Togo
- Burundi vs Algeria
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Algeria vs Togo
- Zambia vs Burundi
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Togo vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Zambia
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Zambia vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Togo
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Togo vs Zambia
- Algeria vs Burundi
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By Kunle Solaja.
African heavyweights Senegal will launch their quest for another Africa Cup of Nations appearance with a home clash against Mozambique in Group J of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The Lions of Teranga, among the continent’s strongest teams in recent years, headline a group that also includes Sudan and Ethiopia.
Senegal host Mozambique on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, while Sudan tackle Ethiopia in the other opening encounter.
Senegal are strong favourites to dominate the group, but Sudan and Mozambique are expected to battle fiercely for qualification points.
The key fixtures may emerge in the double-header between Senegal and Sudan across Matchdays Three and Four, while Mozambique and Ethiopia also face each other home and away.
Senegal travel to Mozambique on Matchday Five before ending their campaign at home against Ethiopia on March 30, 2027.
Group J Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Senegal vs Mozambique
- Sudan vs Ethiopia
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Mozambique vs Sudan
- Ethiopia vs Senegal
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Senegal vs Sudan
- Mozambique vs Ethiopia
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Sudan vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Mozambique
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Mozambique vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Sudan
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Sudan vs Mozambique
- Senegal vs Ethiopia
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