AFCON

Gambia and Mali in top of the table clash at AFCON’s Group F

Published

4 years ago

January 16, 2022

It is a big football irony that in a group where Tunisia, one of the powerhouses of African football are domiciled, The Gambia and Mali are the teams struggling to top the table.

The situation arose as favourites and seeded side, Tunisia lost their opening match to Mali while The Gambia who are debutants got the better part of Mauritania in their very first Africa Cup of Nations match last week, winning 1-0.

Today’s duel is The Gambia’s second Africa Cup of Nations match. After two identical 1-0 victories in the opening match day, Gambia and Mali enter the second round of Group F matches with high hopes of another win that could see them paving the way towards the next round in style.

Both Group F teams meet at the Limbe Stadium to decide which side, at least momentarily, takes the top spot. Time: 14:00 local time (13:00 GMT)

For The Gambia, it could be a continuation of a fairytale as they are still celebrating an opening win in their AFCON debut. Ablie Jallow strike gave the Scorpions a 1-0 win over Mauritania to start their first Africa Cup of Nations appearance on high skies.

Another positive result today will mean that Tom Saintfiet men are on their way not just for a historic debut but also for a fairytale second round appearance.

Their Belgian coach, Tom Saintfiet who handled Namibia against Nigeria in the race for Brazil 2014 World Cup is optimistic of a good result.

“We had a party to celebrate the country’s first victory. Now we are going to prepare the match against a big Malian team. We have 3 points, it’s already fantastic, but we have to continue. We will do everything to advance to the second round, and to give more light and promotion to The Gambia, the smallest country in Africa.”

So also is Gambia player, Omar Colley highly expectant. “Proud to be in this group, I play in Italy, but this is something else, it is indescribable to live what we are living. With the offensive armada that we have, we will seek points against Mali and Tunisia to bring joy to the Gambian people. Our goal is to win, match by match.”

Mali Eagles defeated Tunisia 1-0 in what was one of the opening match day surprises. Mohamed Magassouba men secured a famous victory over Carthage Eagles to boast their hopes of a historic AFCON campaign this year.

Another win over fellow West African side Gambia might see The Eagles through, but they have to beware the Scorpions’ sting this time.

Hear the coach’s timely warning: “We have started a construction phase and we are preparing for the future. Collective value is important to me, we aim to shine tomorrow against this ambitious Gambian.”, remarked Mali’s coach, Mohamed Magassouba.

Continuing, he remarked: “This generation can write its story, a happy story, I hope. Mali is on the quest for the supreme title. We are responsible for producing the show and winning, the rest does not concern us.”

His player, Diadie Samassekou a midfielder added his voice: “The morale of the team is at its highest, it’s very important to win your first game. we give everything with an irreproachable state of mind. We don’t play according to the opponent; we have a game philosophy. Our only objective is to do everything to win, our people deserve a consecration.”

AFCON

AFCON 2025 Trophy Lands in Paris as Diaspora Tour Builds Momentum

Published

13 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Kunle Solaja

The Trophy of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 made a vibrant stop in Paris on Wednesday, drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd to the iconic Palais de Tokyo as the Diaspora Tour continued its European circuit.

The Paris event, marked by music, culture, and football flair, brought together former players, journalists, artists, and fans who gathered to celebrate what organisers described as “the energy of the continent, the passion of its communities, and the strong bond uniting supporters from here and elsewhere.”

The highlight of the evening was the official unveiling of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Trophy, welcomed with loud applause from hundreds of attendees who turned out to show solidarity and excitement for Africa’s premier football tournament.

As Morocco intensifies preparations for the 2025 edition, the Paris stop represents a key moment in building momentum among African communities in Europe.

The Diaspora Tour, which began in London, is designed to strengthen ties between the tournament and the millions of Africans living abroad, while amplifying anticipation ahead of kick-off.

Speaking to the Maghreb Arabe Presse (MAP), Omar Khyari, Advisor to the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), said the tour seeks to “bring together Africans living in Europe around the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.”

He noted the “tremendous enthusiasm observed last week in London and this week in Paris,” adding that “in line with the Enlightened Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco is preparing what will be the best edition in the history of AFCON,” with the FRMF fully mobilised under its president, Fouzi Lekjaa, to deliver a world-class tournament.

French journalist Hervé Penot, senior reporter for L’Équipe, echoed this optimism, praising Morocco’s readiness and the quality of its infrastructure. He said AFCON 2025 “could be one of the best ever organised on the continent,” highlighting Morocco’s rising stature as a football powerhouse in Africa.

The Paris showcase forms part of a broader continental effort to unite fans, generate excitement, and set the stage for what many observers believe could be one of the most memorable editions in AFCON history.

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AFCON

FIFA Cuts Mandatory Release of AFCON Players By A Week

Published

16 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Kunle Solaja

BREAKING! Osimhen Left Behind As Super Eagles Depart For Bouake -

Victor Osimhen will not be released to the Super Eagles before December 15.

Clubs will only be obliged to release players for the Africa Cup of Nations from December 15 – a week later than the standard international window – following a decision by FIFA on Wednesday ahead of the tournament in Morocco.

The African Nations Cup will run from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026, leaving national teams less than a week to prepare once all players are available, in what is likely to be another logistical challenge for coaches and organisers at the continent’s flagship international competition.

FIFA said the shortened release period, the same approach used for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, was agreed after consultations with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and other stakeholders to “reduce the impact on various parties”, without elaborating.

The 2025 window of the men’s UEFA Champions League runs until December 10.

The governing body added that national federations and clubs involved in continental tournaments over the release period are being encouraged to hold bilateral talks to agree “appropriate individual solutions” where scheduling conflicts arise.

If disputes persist, FIFA said it would act as a mediator.

Reuters

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AFCON

Morocco Briefs African Diplomats on “Exceptional” AFCON 2025 Preparations

Published

16 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Kunle Solaja

FRMF President and head of the AFCON 2025 Local Organising Committee, Fouzi Lekjaa briefs the diplomats

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has hosted African ambassadors accredited to Rabat for a high-level briefing on preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with officials expressing confidence that Morocco is on course to deliver one of the tournament’s best-ever editions.

The meeting, held at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, was chaired by FRMF President and head of the AFCON 2025 Local Organising Committee, Fouzi Lekjaa.

He presented a detailed update on Morocco’s readiness, stressing that the Kingdom is approaching the continental showpiece with a “global vision” inspired by the High Directives of King Mohammed VI.

The meeting in session

Lekjaa said Morocco’s planning reflects the country’s deep African identity—both through bilateral partnerships and its broader commitment to collective continental development. He added that the success of AFCON 2025 “will not only be a Moroccan achievement, but a triumph for the whole of Africa.”

Diplomats from various African nations welcomed the progress report, commending what they described as strong coordination and complementarity between Moroccan institutions involved in the project. They noted that the Kingdom’s approach provides “solid guarantees” for a successful and seamlessly organised tournament.

To further strengthen collaboration, Lekjaa announced the establishment of a dedicated communication and follow-up unit linking the Local Organising Committee with African diplomatic missions.

The new structure will streamline administrative processes and support countries with travel, accommodation, and other logistical needs for their teams.

The ambassadors also praised Morocco’s rapid transformation and upgrading of sports infrastructure, alongside the efficient mobilisation of government agencies and stakeholders.

These advances, they said, demonstrate that the country is on track to stage an “exceptional” edition of the Africa Cup of Nations and set a new benchmark for major continental sporting events.

Closing the session, Lekjaa reaffirmed that AFCON 2025 is “the competition of the entire African continent,” and pledged Morocco’s full commitment to delivering a tournament that reflects African ambitions and aligns with the Royal vision.

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