AFCON
For Morocco and Gabon, it is onward to the next round
Gabon and Morocco lock horns on Tuesday in Yaoundé, as curtain draws on Group C of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon 2021.
Already qualified Morocco leads the group on six points, two more than Gabon that look on their way to the next round but will need a point to secure that. Ghana (1 point) and Comoros (no points) face in a simultaneous kickoff in Garoua.
Gabon is second in this group C, with four points, thanks to a victory over the Comoros (1-0) and a draw with Ghana (1-1) in the previous matchdays. It is now time to confirm and a simple draw would be enough to qualify for the second round.
Gabon coach, Patrice Neveu believes the task is not beyond their possibility.
“I had the opportunity to follow the matches of Morocco. They have a solid team. We know that it will not be an easy match. And for you to be in a competition of this magnitude, you have to take the necessary precautions.
“Unfortunately, we will not be counting on Aubameyang and Mario, we have decided that they must return to their clubs for a more careful medical follow-up. I will have to make some adjustments with the players I have. We are prepared and organized, and our goal is to win the game and move on.”
Striker Axel Meye added: “It was not easy for me because I miss the first game after testing positive for Covid-19. It was a difficult moment to digest because I wanted to contribute.
“Still, I hope to be an asset to the team. I feel better in all aspects, and I’m fit for the game. The absence of Aubameyang and Mario is felt, we are strong when we are together… but, it is important to put health first. Aubameyang has asked the team to stick together and that is what we will do.”
Sweet talk as it sound, but Morocco will not wish to relinquish the leadership of the group.
Morocco’s Atlas Lions lead the group with a winning streak after beating Ghana 1-0 and Comoros 2-0. The Maghreb team is thus already qualified for the next phase of the competition, an objective that Gabon is also on track to achieve.
“It is a fact that all the participants in this tournament face the same challenges. The hardest part is when it comes to making choices, said Vahid Halilhodzic, the coach of Morocco.
Continuing, he remarked: “I have to manage 28 players and that hasn’t been an easy task. We want everyone to play to boost morale.
“Our objective in the game against Gabon is victory. Aubameyang is a great player and it’s bad for Gabon that he’s not playing. and good for us! Our biggest ambition is to win this match, despite the obstacles we have to face.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Super Eagles for their impressive performance in the 4–0 victory over Benin Republic, praising the team for keeping Nigeria’s qualification hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Adebayo Onanuga, the President lauded the players for their “hunger, passion, and determination” during the crucial qualifier in Uyo, describing their display as one that has “reignited Nigerians’ football pride.”
“While the job is not yet complete, I join millions of Nigerian football fans in wishing our team every success in the playoffs,” Tinubu said. “The mood across the country reflects a shared belief that Nigeria deserves a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Canada, Mexico, and the United States will host.”
Reaffirming the government’s backing, President Tinubu assured the players and coaching crew of full Federal Government support as they prepare for the decisive play-off stage.
“Nigerians everywhere believe in you, and I do too,” he said. “We look forward to seeing you fly our flag proudly on the world stage.”
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The Organizing Committee of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 has announced a strong start to ticket sales, confirming that 58,000 tickets had been sold as of Tuesday at 5:00 p.m.
According to an official update, the enthusiasm for the continental showpiece has also been reflected on the Yalla App, where 145,731 applications have been received so far. In addition, a total of 121,924 FAN IDs have been issued, including 31,058 belonging to foreign nationals representing 108 countries around the world.
In response to the overwhelming demand, the committee disclosed that technical teams are working round the clock to enhance the ticketing and FAN ID systems to ensure smooth processing for fans.
To assist applicants and ensure better communication, the organizers have provided a dedicated customer service line: +212 5 30 30 20 30. The hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in Arabic, English, and French, and is staffed by over 600 agents trained to respond to inquiries and provide user support.
Fans can also reach the support team via email at info@yallamorocco.ma.
The Organizing Committee expressed gratitude to supporters, media representatives, delegations, and partners for their enthusiasm and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a seamless and memorable experience for all stakeholders during AFCON Morocco 2025.
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Ticket sales for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 will officially open on Monday, 13 October 2025, with an exclusive 48-hour pre-sale window reserved for Visa cardholders, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced.
Fans across Africa and around the world will be able to secure their seats for what promises to be the continent’s biggest football spectacle, which will run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
The special Visa pre-sale period will run from Monday, 13 October at 09:00 Moroccan time (08:00 GMT) until Wednesday, 15 October at 08:00 GMT, before general ticket sales open to all fans using other payment methods.
To streamline ticket purchases and enhance security, the Local Organizing Committee has launched the YALLA App, an integrated digital platform for fans to obtain their Fan ID — a mandatory requirement for buying tickets — and apply for E-Visas (AEVM) where necessary.
According to organizers, each registered Fan ID allows supporters to buy only one ticket per match, ensuring wider access and transparency in ticket distribution.
The process for obtaining tickets is straightforward:
- Download the YALLA App, available on Google Play and the App Store.
- Apply for a Fan ID and E-Visa (if required) through the app.
- Once approved, Visa cardholders can visit tickets.cafonline.com starting from Monday, 13 October at 09:00 Moroccan time (08:00 GMT) to purchase their AFCON 2025 tickets.
The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is expected to deliver a festival of football and culture, with fans urged to complete their Fan ID registration early to avoid last-minute rushes.
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