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

Mamelodi Sundowns Dominate as South Africa Becomes First Nation to Announce AFCON 2025 Preliminary Squad

Published

5 minutes ago

November 25, 2025

Kunle Solaja

South Africa’s Coach, Hugo Broos Dissects Super Eagles; Says Team Getting Better With Every Match -

South Africa's coach, Hugo Broos has become the first of the 24 coaches to name a provisional squad ahead of next month's AFCON.

South Africa has become the first country to unveil its provisional squad for the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, and the announcement has underlined one clear reality: Mamelodi Sundowns remain the heartbeat of Bafana Bafana.

Coach Hugo Broos released a 54-man preliminary squad on Monday, and while home-based players dominated the list, it was Mamelodi Sundowns — runners-up in last season’s CAF Champions League and Africa’s most dominant club of the past decade — who supplied some of the most influential names.

With 10 Sundowns players included, the club once again proves its unmatched depth, quality, and consistency in producing elite talent for the national team. The champions’ representation rivals that of Orlando Pirates, who contributed 13 players, but the significance of Sundowns’ presence lies in their continued dominance of South African and continental football.

Among the standout inclusions is Themba Zwane, the 36-year-old Sundowns playmaker who, despite battling long-term knee injuries since last season, remains indispensable to Bafana Bafana. His creativity and leadership were critical in helping South Africa reach the semi-finals at the last AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, and Broos appears unwilling to risk a campaign without him.

The South African Football Association says the final 23-man squad will be confirmed “in the coming days,” well ahead of CAF’s December 11 deadline for all participating nations.

The preliminary list includes 12 foreign-based players, with the bulk of the squad reflecting the strength of South Africa’s domestic league — and particularly, its dominant champions.

South Africa’s Preliminary Squad for AFCON 2025 (Selected)

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Brandon Petersen (Kaizer Chiefs)

Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Fawaaz Basadien, Thapelo Morena, Khuliso Mudau (all Mamelodi Sundowns); Siyabonga Ngezana (Steaua Bucharest); Ime Okon (Hannover 96)

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas (both Mamelodi Sundowns); Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela); Luke le Roux (Portsmouth)

Forwards: Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane (both Mamelodi Sundowns); Lyle Foster (Burnley); Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United)

With Mamelodi Sundowns continuing to set the pace in African club football, their strong influence on Bafana Bafana’s AFCON ambitions comes as no surprise.

As the countdown to Morocco 2025 intensifies, all eyes will be on whether South Africa’s most dominant club can transfer its winning DNA to the national team — and inspire a deep run at the continent’s premier tournament.

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AFCON

VIDEO- AFCON Countdown: Royal Air Maroc Unveils Star-Themed Aircraft to Celebrate Atlas Lions Ahead of Morocco 2025

Published

2 days ago

November 23, 2025

Kunle Solaja

With the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 just days away, excitement is soaring—literally. Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has unveiled a spectacular aircraft livery dedicated entirely to the Atlas Lions, featuring striking portraits of Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou, Brahim Díaz, Bilal El Khannouss and Youssef En-Nesyri.

The stunning tribute, created in partnership with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), showcases Morocco’s brightest football icons and reflects the growing national momentum as the Kingdom prepares to host Africa’s premier tournament from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026.

This is the second special livery revealed by the national carrier. Earlier on November 1, RAM introduced an aircraft draped in the official AFCON 2025 colors, symbolizing the country’s readiness for a historic, festival-style edition of the competition. The new player-themed aircraft adds a powerful emotional touch, highlighting the pride and unity surrounding the Atlas Lions’ golden generation.

To meet the massive surge in travel expected during the month-long tournament, Royal Air Maroc is also rolling out an exceptional operational plan. More than 660 additional flights are being scheduled to ensure smooth movement for fans, teams, officials and media across the host cities—Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Marrakech, Agadir and Fez.

The initiative stems from a strategic partnership signed in April between the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Royal Air Maroc, naming the airline an Official Global Partner for CAF’s flagship competitions, including AFCON.

As Morocco enters the final stretch of preparations, RAM’s latest tribute captures the spirit of national pride, continental unity and football passion that will electrify AFCON 2025—promising fans across Africa an unforgettable celebration both on the ground and in the skies.

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AFCON

Morocco’s Hakimi and Aguerd Step Up Recovery as AFCON Countdown Intensifies

Published

4 days ago

November 21, 2025

Kunle Solaja

With just one month to the Africa Cup of Nations, Moroccan defensive stalwarts Achraf Hakimi and Nayef Aguerd have offered fans a reassuring glimpse into their accelerated recovery programmes after both players shared photos of an intense gym session on social media.

Aguerd, who has been sidelined with pubalgia, is currently on a strict rehabilitation schedule aimed at ensuring his return in December.

Hakimi is also racing against time, recovering from a severe ankle sprain sustained earlier in the season.

The PSG full-back began his treatment ten days after Aguerd and was initially projected to miss six to eight weeks, but he has since intensified his workload with focused indoor sessions.

Images posted by Aguerd show the duo in high spirits, smiling as they pose beside the African Ballon d’Or recently won by Hakimi on November 19.

Other photos portray a more serious mood, with both players fully concentrated, executing tailored exercises in what appears to be a private training space — a clear testament to their determination.

Morocco will be banking on the timely return of the pair as they look to reunite with captain Romain Saïss and the rest of the squad ahead of the continental showpiece.

Their progress will be closely watched as the Atlas Lions aim to arrive at AFCON with their defensive backbone fully restored.

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