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

Super Eagles Set for ‘Home Away From Home’ at AFCON 2025 Fez Base Camp

Published

7 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Kunle Solaja

Behold, Hotel Saharai, Super Eagles base camp in Fez

By Kunle Solaja.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to enjoy a rare logistical advantage at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations when they move into their official base camp in Fez, Morocco, later this week.

With Morocco’s newly introduced base camp system for AFCON, many of the travel and accommodation challenges that have traditionally affected teams at the tournament appear to have been eliminated. For Nigeria, the benefits are immediate and significant.

The Super Eagles will be based in the historic northern city of Fez, where they are also scheduled to play all three of their Group matches. This means the team will not have to travel for games during the group phase — a luxury not shared by their opponents.

Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda, who will face Nigeria in Group play, are all based in Rabat and will have to make repeated trips to Fez for their matches against the Super Eagles. Tanzania, Nigeria’s first opponents, will stay at the Fairmont La Marina Rabat Sale & Residences, while Tunisia will be housed at The View, also in Rabat. Uganda will be camped at Rabat’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

Nigeria’s base, the five-star Hotel Saharai, offers both comfort and history. Sitting proudly on a hill above Fez’s New Town, the hotel commands sweeping views of the ancient city, including the famed El Bali Medina and Mount Zalagh.

Once the summer palace of Louis Hubert Gonzalve — a French statesman, marshal and colonial administrator who lived between 1854 and 1934 — the Hotel Saharai blends history with modern elegance. The structure is a minimalist fusion of exposed Taza sandstone, floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary Italian furnishings, reflecting refined Moroccan luxury.

Centrally located between the ancient Medina and the New Town, the hotel provides panoramic views of Fez and its surroundings. It lies about three kilometres from the 17th-century Ibn Danan Synagogue and approximately six kilometres from the historic Marinid Tombs.

Inside, the hotel features chic rooms with glass-enclosed marble bathrooms, mosaic tile and exposed stone walls. The rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, minibars, Nespresso machines and in-room safes, while suites offer additional living spaces, with some featuring private terraces.

As AFCON 2025 approaches, Nigeria’s settled base in Fez could prove decisive, offering stability, comfort and minimal travel stress. For the Super Eagles, it is a true “home away from home” — and a potential edge in the quest for continental glory.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

AFCON

Super Eagles Camp Swells in Cairo Ahead of Egypt Friendly

Published

8 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Kunle Solaja

By Kunle Solaja

The Super Eagles’ camp in Cairo, Egypt, is set to swell to 23 players later tonight as preparations intensify for Tuesday’s international friendly against the host nation.

Zaidu Sanusi arrived in camp on Monday morning, while 12 additional players are expected to join the squad later in the evening, significantly boosting the team’s numbers ahead of the high-profile encounter.

According to information from the camp, the Super Eagles will hold their first training session at 8:00 pm inside the main bowl of the Cairo International Stadium, the venue for Tuesday’s friendly.

The match brings together two of Africa’s most decorated football nations and record-holders at the Africa Cup of Nations. Egypt, the continent’s most successful team, have won the AFCON title seven times and will be aiming to extend that record with an unprecedented eighth crown.

Nigeria, on the other hand, boast an impressive history of consistency at the tournament. No team has finished third more often than the Super Eagles, who have claimed bronze medals on seven occasions. They have also been runners-up five times and crowned African champions three times, accounting for 15 podium finishes and 10 appearances in AFCON finals.

Tuesday’s friendly is expected to offer both teams an opportunity to fine-tune their preparations, test squad depth and assess tactical options ahead of the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

AFCON

Ten Super Eagles Players Arrive Camp Ahead of Egypt Friendly

Published

9 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Kunle Solaja

Ten players have reported to the Super Eagles camp ahead of Nigeria’s proposed international friendly against Egypt scheduled for Tuesday.

The early arrivals include three goalkeepers — Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali and Amas Obasogie — as preparations begin in earnest for the high-profile encounter.

Also already in camp are defenders Semi Ajayi, Igoh Ogbu and Bright Osayi-Samuel, while attacking star Ademola Lookman has also linked up with the team.

Midfielders Tochukwu Nnadi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro complete the list of players currently in camp.

More players are expected to join the squad in the coming days as head coach Eric Sékou Chelle intensifies preparations for the friendly, which forms part of Nigeria’s build-up to the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The Egypt match is expected to provide Chelle with an early opportunity to assess team chemistry, test new faces and fine-tune tactical options ahead of the continental tournament.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H