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

Morocco Launches Nationwide Festive Tour to Rally Citizens for AFCON 2025

Published

5 days ago

November 13, 2025

Kunle Solaja

By Kunle Solaja.

The countdown to the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 has taken a vibrant turn, as the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) has launched a nationwide campaign to engage citizens across the kingdom in what promises to be a grand celebration of African football.

The initiative, which began on November 11, will run for 30 days, covering all 12 regions of Morocco and reaching more than 60 municipalities. The first two stops of the tour were held in Tahannaout and Boufakrane, drawing enthusiastic participation from residents.

According to the LOC, the program aims to make AFCON 2025 truly a “CAN for all Moroccans” by bringing football excitement to every corner of the country, from major cities to remote communities.

At each stop, locals can take part in friendly football matches, interactive games, freestyle exhibitions, musical performances, and meet-and-greet sessions with Moroccan football legends. Merchandise stands and cultural showcases will also form part of the festivities, creating a carnival-like atmosphere ahead of the continental showpiece.

“This is more than a football tournament—it’s a national celebration,” an LOC spokesperson said. “We want every Moroccan, whether in urban centers or rural areas, to feel part of the story and share in the joy of hosting Africa’s biggest sporting event.”

The roadshow will continue through December, ensuring that by the time the tournament kicks off on December 21, 2025, the entire country will be united in festive anticipation of welcoming Africa to Morocco.

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

AFCON

Moroccan Ambassador Outlines Simple Steps for Nigerian Fans to Secure AFCON 2025 E-Visas

Published

6 days ago

November 12, 2025

Kunle Solaja

H.E. Moha OU Ali Tagma, Morocco's Ambassador to Nigeria

By Kunle Solaja.

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Nigeria, Moha OU Ali Tagma, has released detailed guidelines for Nigerian football fans seeking to obtain electronic visas to attend the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Ambassador Tagma explained that the process has been made simple and fully digital through Morocco’s official “YALLA” app, designed to streamline both visa and fan accreditation procedures for the continental showpiece, which kicks off on December 21, 2025.

According to the ambassador, Nigerian supporters intending to travel to Morocco for the tournament are required to follow these steps:

Visit the official YALLA app website at https://www.yalla.morocco.ma for full details of the visa and fan registration process.
Download the YALLA mobile app — available for iOS users via the Apple Store and for Android users via the Google Play Store.
Apply for the mandatory FAN ID, and where necessary, submit an application for an E-Visa or Electronic Authorization to Visit Morocco (AEVM) through the YALLA platform.
Once the FAN ID is approved, it must be entered on the official CAF ticketing website (https://tickets.cafonline.com) to purchase match tickets, gain stadium access, and enjoy designated fan zones.

Ambassador Tagma emphasized that the initiative aims to ensure a seamless, secure, and fan-friendly experience for all visitors, noting that e-visas for the tournament are free of charge.

For assistance, applicants can contact the AFCON 2025 Call Center at +212 530 302 030, which operates 24/7 in Arabic, French, and English, or email the AFCON 2025 support team at info@yallamorocco.ma.

The ambassador reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to welcoming fans from across the continent, saying the North African nation is “ready to host Africa in a spirit of unity, hospitality, and celebration of football excellence.”

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

AFCON

Morocco Offers Free Electronic Visas for AFCON 2025 Fans via YALLA App

Published

7 days ago

November 11, 2025

Kunle Solaja

By Kunle Solaja.

With just weeks to go before the kick-off of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) has announced that electronic visas (e-visas) for fans will be issued free of charge through the official YALLA app — a move designed to ease travel procedures and enhance access to stadiums across the country.

The initiative, launched in coordination with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Moroccan authorities, is aimed at encouraging greater fan participation from across the continent and beyond.

Organizers say the measure reflects Morocco’s commitment to hospitality, inclusivity, and efficient organization, hallmarks of its previous experience hosting international sporting events.

According to the LOC, the YALLA platform will serve as a one-stop portal for both Fan ID and e-visa applications, allowing supporters to complete both requirements simultaneously — a move expected to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and streamline travel preparations.

“This centralized system ensures a seamless experience for fans from the moment they begin planning their trip,” the committee stated, emphasizing that the process includes real-time monitoring and coordinated validation among the various government agencies involved.

Access to all AFCON 2025 match venues will require a mandatory Fan ID, which will serve as each supporter’s digital identification document for entry into stadiums and fan zones.

Fans can apply directly via the official website, www.yallamorocco.ma. A 24-hour multilingual help center has also been established to provide support in Arabic, French, and English, reachable via phone at +212 5 30 30 20 30 or by email at info@yallamorocco.ma.

By waiving e-visa fees, Morocco hopes to make travel more affordable and to foster a truly pan-African atmosphere during the tournament.

“The continent is invited, the doors are open, and the festive spirit can begin,” the LOC declared.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which will bring together 24 of the continent’s top footballing nations, is scheduled to kick off on December 21, 2025, marking another milestone in Morocco’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s premier sporting destinations.

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