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

ChelIe Names Final 28-Man Super Eagles Squad for Morocco 2025 AFCON

Published

18 hours ago

December 11, 2025

Kunle Solaja

Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Sékou Chelle, has unveiled a 28-man squad for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations, with the three-time African champions set to begin their campaign in Morocco in just 10 days.

Chelle has kept faith with several of Nigeria’s established stars, naming Stanley Nwabali as first-choice goalkeeper along with defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, and attacking duo Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. They headline a group that blends experience with fresh talent.

The Franco-Malian tactician also included Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Samuel Chukwueze, and Simon Moses.

There is a recall for Francis Uzoho, now based in Cyprus, as well as defender Igoh Ogbu and striker Paul Onuachu.

Five players earned their maiden invitation to the Super Eagles: England-based right-back Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Usman Muhammed, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Croatian-based forward Salim Fago Lawal.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to play a high-profile friendly against Egypt’s Pharaohs on Tuesday, 16 December, at the Cairo International Stadium. The match will provide Chelle a final opportunity to assess his squad before the team departs Cairo aboard a chartered flight to Fès, where they will contest their Group C matches.

Nigeria opens their campaign against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania on 23 December, before facing Tunisia on 27 December and completing group action against Uganda on 30 December.

Nigeria’s 28-Man Squad for AFCON 2025 (Morocco)

Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)

Defenders:
Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)

Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy); Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel)

Forwards:
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece); Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia)

The Super Eagles will be aiming to win their fourth continental crown, 11 years after their last triumph in South Africa.

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AFCON

AFCON 2025: Nigeria Remains the Only Group C Team Yet to Announce Final List

Published

19 hours ago

December 11, 2025

Kunle Solaja

Tunisia have released their 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, meaning all Group C teams except Nigeria have now named their players for the tournament, which begins on December 21 in Morocco.

Veteran left back Ali Maaloul is among the headline inclusions. The 35-year-old, set to make his fifth AFCON appearance, returns to the Tunisia fold after almost two years out before earning a recall for a friendly last month and subsequently featuring in the Arab Cup in Qatar.

Maaloul, a four-time African Champions League winner, is joined by fellow experienced international Ferjani Sassi, the 33-year-old midfielder who could reach 100 caps if he plays in all three group-stage matches. Coach Sami Trabelsi named the squad on Thursday, leaning heavily on experience as Tunisia prepare for their record-extending 17th straight AFCON finals.

With Uganda and Tanzania having already announced their squads, Tunisia’s confirmation means Nigeria are now the only team in Group C yet to unveil their final list.

Tunisia open their campaign against Uganda on December 23 in Rabat, followed by a crucial second match against Nigeria, before rounding off the group phase against Tanzania.

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AFCON

Maaloul returns for another Cup of Nations tilt with Tunisia

Published

19 hours ago

December 11, 2025

Kunle Solaja

Veteran left back Ali Maaloul has been included in Tunisia’s 28-man squad for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations finals, as the 35-year-old prepares to make his fifth appearance in the tournament.

Maaloul, who turns 36 next month, had not played for Tunisia for almost two years when he won a recall for a friendly last month and kept his place for the Arab Cup in Qatar, where Tunisia were eliminated on Sunday.

Maaloul has competed at four previous Cup of Nations editions, and won the African Champions League four times. He is one of several experienced internationals named on Thursday by coach Sami Trabelsi, who also included 33-year-old midfielder Ferjani Sassi, who will reach 100 caps if he plays in all three first-round matches.

Tunisia have been drawn in Group C and starts their campaign against Uganda in Rabat on December 23, after which they take on Nigeria and Tanzania.

Tunisia are making a record-extending 17th successive appearance at the Cup of Nations finals.

Goalkeepers: Sabri Ben Hassen (Etoile Sahel), Bechir Ben Said (Esperance), Aymen Dahmen (CS Sfaxien), Noureddine Farhati (Stade Tunisien)

Defenders: Ali Abdi (Nice), Mohamed Ben Ali (Esperance), Adem Arous, Mortadha Ben Ouanes (both Kasimpasa), Dylan Bronn (Servette Geneve), Nader Ghandri (Akhmat Grozny), Ali Maaloul (CS Sfaxien), Yassine Meriah (Esperance), Montassar Talbi (Lorient), Yan Valery (Sheffield Wednesday)

Midfielders: Mohamed Haj Mahmoud (Lugano), Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane (Al Ahly), Ismael Gharbi (Augsburg), Hannibal Mejbri (Burnley), Ferjani Sassi (Al Gharafa), Ellyes Skhiri (Eintracht Frankfurt), Naim Sliti (Al Shamal), Houssem Tka (Esperance).

Forwards: Elias Achouri (FC Copenhagen), Firas Chaouat (Club Africain), Seifeddine Jaziri (Zamalek), Hazem Mastouri (Dynamo Makhachkala), Elias Saad (Augsburg), Sebastian Tounekti (Celtic).

-Reuters

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