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

Rivals Reunited? Nigeria–DR Congo Quarter-Final Showdown Beckons

Published

5 hours ago

January 1, 2026

Kunle Solaja

By Kunle Solaja

The Africa Cup of Nations could serve up another high-stakes showdown between Nigeria and DR Congo, rekindling a rivalry that recently left Nigerian fans with bitter memories.

Nigeria will take on Mozambique national football team on Monday in Fez, while DR Congo face Algeria national football team on Tuesday in Rabat. Victories for both sides would set up a quarter-final showdown in Marrakech on January 10.

The fixture would echo their tense encounter last November in Rabat during the final CAF playoff for the World Cup. That clash ended 1–1 after extra time, forcing a penalty shootout in which DR Congo triumphed.

Nigeria, however, has not let the matter rest. The Nigerian Football Federation is contesting the eligibility of some DR Congo players from that playoff, a dispute that could add extra spice to any potential rematch.

With both teams carrying the weight of history and national pride, fans across Africa are bracing for what could be another dramatic chapter in this growing rivalry.

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AFCON

Gabon sack Aubameyang and the national team

Published

5 hours ago

January 1, 2026

Kunle Solaja

Gabon’s government have announced the suspension of the national team, the sacking of the coach and kicked Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang off the squad in the wake of three defeats at the Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Gabon’s Minister of Sports announced on television the suspension of the national team after they finished last in their group and were eliminated from the tournament in Morocco.

“Given the Panthers’ disgraceful performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, the government has decided to dissolve the coaching staff, suspend the national team until further notice, and exclude players Bruno Ecuele Manga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang,” said acting sports minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula after Wednesday’s 3-2 loss to the Cote d’Ivoire in Marrakech.

Gabon, coached by former defender Thierry Mouyouma, had already been eliminated after losing their opening pair of Group F fixtures to Cameroon and Mozambique but in their final outing were 2-0 up over the defending champions before conceding three goals and going down to a second-string Ivorian line-up.

Neither Aubameyang nor veteran defender Ecuele Manga played on Wednesday, with Aubameyang having returned to his French club Olympique de Marseille for treatment on a thigh injury.

The former African Footballer of the Year responded on social media, saying on X, opens new tab: “I think the team’s problems are much deeper than the individual I am.”

Aubameyang, at 36, had likely played his last game for Gabon in their defeat by Mozambique, as was also likely the case with the 37-year-old former Cardiff City defender Ecuele Manga.

Disbanding the national team used to be a common reaction in Africa to disappointing results but since world football’s governing body FIFA have taken a hard stance against government interference in the running of football associations, it has been a rare occurrence.

-Reuters

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AFCON

AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Finish Group Stage with Tournament’s Most Potent Attack

Published

13 hours ago

January 1, 2026

Kunle Solaja

By Kunle Solaja.

Nigeria closed the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations as the competition’s most lethal attacking force, underlining their title credentials with a tournament-high eight goals after three matches.

The Super Eagles not only outscored every other team in the group phase but also matched Algeria as the only sides to record a perfect haul of three wins from three matches, setting a strong benchmark ahead of the knockout rounds.

Nigeria’s attacking output placed them clear at the top of the scoring charts, ahead of Senegal and Algeria, who both finished the group stage with seven goals apiece.

While several teams relied on narrow wins and defensive solidity, Nigeria consistently combined pace, width and directness to overwhelm opponents, producing goals across all three matches.

Algeria, equally impressive in efficiency and control, mirrored Nigeria’s flawless record, winning all three of their group games while also maintaining a strong goal return.

Senegal’s seven goals, meanwhile, reflected their own attacking depth, even though they fell just short of a perfect points tally.

Across the tournament, the expanded 24-team format once again delivered drama. Still, Nigeria’s consistency in front of goal stood out in a group stage often characterised by tight margins and nervy finishes.

While other favourites were occasionally dragged into scrappy encounters, the Super Eagles found ways to score early, respond under pressure and close out matches.

The group phase concluded with traditional heavyweights largely progressing to the Round of 16. Still, Nigeria’s statistical dominance — leading the goals chart and posting maximum points — has marked them out as one of the most convincing performers so far.

As the competition now moves into the knockout stage, the emphasis will shift from accumulation to survival. Yet, if the group stage is any indication, Nigeria’s attacking firepower, allied to their perfect record, makes them one of the teams everyone else will be keen to avoid as AFCON 2025 enters its decisive phase.

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