AFCON
World Cup-bound Ghana seal emphatic win over Madagascar in 2023 AFCON qualifier
Ghana got their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign underway in style when beating Madagascar 3-0 in Cape Coast on Wednesday night.
AS Roma prodigy Felix Afena-Gyan scored one and set up another to help the Black Stars to the convincing victory in the Group E game in the coastal city.
Talented playmaker Mohammed Kudus broke the deadlock on 52 minutes with a simple tap-in from Felix Afena-Gyan before the youngster doubled the lead a few moments later.
Substitute Osman Bukari wrapped the victory after using his pace to outwit his marker before rounding up goalkeeper Nina Razakirina for the emphatic win.
The home side could have won the game by a wider margin as Kudus scored in the 68th minute but was flagged offside by the match official.
The result means Ghana go top of Group E thanks to the victory after Angola defeated Central Africa Republic 2-1 in the group’s other game earlier in the day.
The Black Stars completely dominated the opening exchanges with youngsters Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Felix Afena-Gyan missing good goalscoring opportunities by the 20th minute.
Sporting Lisbon prodigy Issahaku fired over the bar after making light work of two defenders before setting up Afena-Gyan nicely for a one-on-one with the goalkeeper but shot wide.
Goalkeeper Razakirina produced an outstanding save in the 35th minute to deny Black Stars striker Jordan Ayew from scoring with a rasping strike from 45 yards.
Ghana returned from the break and Afena-Gyan managed to exploit the crack in the visitors’ defence before cutting back for Kudus who tapped in from close range.
The AS Roma attacker made it 2-0 two minutes later after poking it in with the outside of his left foot from inside the box before Bukari’s effort with four minutes left sealing the victory.
Ghana are equal at the top of the group with Angola on three points but the Black Stars top the group with a better goal difference.
The Black Stars will travel to play the Central African Republic in four days’ time while Madagascar hosts Angola in the group’s other game.
AFCON
Nigerians, other nationals can apply, as CAF and Morocco Launch Volunteer Programme for AFCON 2025
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) in Morocco have launched the official Volunteer Programme for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, billed to run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
According to CAF, more than 4,000 volunteers will be recruited to play a central role in ensuring the success of Africa’s most prestigious football tournament, which will be staged across six cities and nine stadiums in Morocco.
Applications are now open at volunteers.cafonline.com and will close on 8 October 2025. The opportunity is open to anyone above the age of 18.
Volunteers will be deployed across multiple functional areas, including media operations, spectator services, accreditation, hospitality, and fan engagement. Selected individuals will receive professional training ahead of the competition and work behind the scenes to deliver a memorable AFCON.
CAF stated that the programme is designed not only to support tournament operations but also to create an alumni network of skilled Africans who can contribute to future sporting events across the continent. Successful applicants will benefit from:
- Training and skill development.
- Official uniforms and certificates of participation.
- Networking opportunities with peers and professionals.
- The chance to contribute to Africa’s football legacy.
Volunteer registration opened on 17 September 2025. Selection and training will take place in October and November, with operations commencing in mid-December through to the tournament’s conclusion on 18 January 2026.
CAF described the initiative as an “exciting opportunity” for Africans to contribute to the growth of the continent’s flagship sporting event, which is expected to draw millions of visitors to Morocco.
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AFCON
CAF Security Chief, Nigeria’s Emeruwa, Leads Inspection of Tangier Stadium Ahead of Major Tournaments
Nigeria’s Dr. Christian Emeruwa, President of the Security and Safety Division of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), on Thursday, September 18, led an inspection visit to the Grand Stade de Tangier as preparations intensify for upcoming continental and global football events.
Emeruwa, who heads CAF’s continental security architecture, was joined by CAF Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba, senior Moroccan officials, and executives of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
The delegation also included managers of operational companies at the Grand Stade and SONARGES executives.
According to Le 360, the Nigerian official expressed satisfaction with the stadium’s facilities after touring key operational areas, including the main control room with its giant surveillance screen, as well as spectator, player, and VIP access zones.
The inspection was bolstered by the presence of Morocco’s top security and administrative officers—the regional commander of the Royal Gendarmerie, officials of the Auxiliary Forces and Civil Protection, the Wali of Security, the governor in charge of Internal Affairs, and representatives of the National Agency for Public Equipment (ANEP).
A technical meeting followed the tour, where engineers presented recent safety and security upgrades. Among the highlights was the planned installation of a FIFA-standard tarpaulin roof to enhance the venue’s compliance with global hosting requirements.
For Nigeria, the spotlight on Dr. Emeruwa underscores the country’s growing influence in African football administration, particularly in the critical areas of safety and security management for CAF competitions.
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Morocco has received 723 high-end buses from Chinese manufacturer Yutong as part of preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which kicks off on December 21.
Yutong said on social media that the fleet “has officially rolled off the production line” and will provide “comprehensive transport services and reliable operational support” during the tournament.
An official handover ceremony was held on Friday at the company’s facility in Zhengzhou, Henan province, attended by Moroccan representatives and Yutong executives.
The buses were designed to cope with Morocco’s terrain and climate, including steep slopes, heat and sandstorms. They feature an independent front axle suspension to navigate narrow city streets and Yutong’s in-house “Blue Core System” for fuel efficiency.
The delivery is the largest single order of Chinese buses in Africa. Yutong will station more than 100 technicians in Morocco to provide training, maintenance and round-the-clock support during AFCON.
The deal is part of Morocco’s broader transport strategy, which includes plans to purchase 7,000 new buses by 2030—half of them electric—as the country prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
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