AFCON
Malawi and Senegal have everything to fight for
Hope is still in the air for both Malawi and Senegal as they enter the Group B final matchday in Bafoussam this Tuesday.
Malawi have three points to their name, one shy of Senegal who share top spot with Guinea. Zimbabwe trail the group pointless.
Malawi Flames were firing on all cylinders in their 2-1 win over Zimbabwe.
Gabadinho Mhango scored twice to give Malawi a famous win and became the first Malawi player to score a brace at the Africa Cup of Nations. If he scores against Senegal, Mhango will become Malawi’s top goal-scorer in their history in the competition.
A point might be enough for Malawi to record a historical place in the second round for the first time in their history. But it would be a tough mission against a highly rated Senegal side.
According to the coach, Meck Mwase, Malawi plans to finish the group stage on a winning note.
“Even though we know our opponents are tough, this gives us motivation to even work harder. I told my players they have got an opportunity to make history.
“We have all seen the many surprises so far in the tournament, and our opponents must be prepared as it will not be a smooth ride. We only have one player missing and that is our captain, but we have equally good players that can replace him as we fight to qualify.”
John Banda , a Malawi midfielder added: “Senegal look good on paper, but they have to know our game against them will be the biggest game of our lives. We believe we can beat them even though they are the favourites. We are motivated by surprises in the tournament, and we believe this is our golden opportunity every Malawian is waiting for.
“It is a fact Senegal has big stars, but our game plan is to surprise them and qualify. It may look like a huge task, but we are ready for the challenge ahead.”
The Lions of Teranga were beaten finalists in the last AFCON in Egypt three years ago but are well fancied to go one better this time around, with a star-studded squad.
Aliou Cisse will be hoping to see a much more potence in attack after drawing blanks in their match against Guinea.
The Teranga Lions have not scored a goal in open play so far in the tournament and will look to set the records straight when they face Malawi.
A late Sadio Mane penalty in stoppage time ensured victory over Zimbabwe, before Senegal managed only a draw in their second game against Guinea.
Aliou Cisse remarks: “We have confidence going into the game, but it’s important to respect Malawi. We are happy that all our players are available which gives us more options. All Senegalese are watching us and it’s our role to give them hope by winning.
“Our ambitions are intact. We are playing against a motivated side that want to go for a special win.”
He is supported by defender, Abdou Diallo. “We have to acknowledge we are equally motivated like our opponents as we are taking the game with all the seriousness it deserves. As players we know the importance of this game. We have vowed to go all out for a win in what should be an exciting encounter.
“The coach has helped us work on our past mistakes. Having all our players back in the team gives us motivation to face challenges.”
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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