AFCON
Facts & Figures as AFCON 2025 qualifiers enter Matchday 3
As the road to the Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 continues, Matchday 3 promises to deliver thrilling encounters across the continent.
With teams vying for qualification, the stakes are higher than ever as 48 teams are in action from Thursday in their quest to qualify for Africa’s flagship football competition.
Here are the key facts and figures ahead of the upcoming matches.
Namibia – Zimbabwe (10 October 2024)
- Namibia have lost their last three AFCON qualifiers, while they’ve conceded at least once in 12 of their 13 such matches (W4 D2 L7).
- Zimbabwe have drawn each of their two AFCON qualifiers in 2024 0-0, more goalless draws than in their previous 28 qualifying games combined (1).
- Zimbabwe’s Khama Billiat has been involved in more shots (12—5 shots, 7 chances created) without registering a goal or assist than any other player in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers so far.
Cabo Verde – Botswana (10 October 2024)
- Only one of Cabo Verde’s last 10 AFCON qualifiers has ended in a draw (W6 L3), that was against Eswatini in March 2023 (0-0).
- Botswana have won only two of their last 22 AFCON qualifiers (D3 L17). These victories were against Zambia in November 2020 (1-0) and Libya in June 2022 (1-0).
- Cabo Verde’s all-time cap record holder and leading goalscorer Ryan Mendes has had only two shots in this AFCON qualification phase; he’s found the net with both attempts.
Burkina Faso – Burundi (10 October 2024)
- Burkina Faso have lost just one of their last 15 AFCON qualifiers (W8 D6), with their only defeat in this run coming against Cabo Verde in June 2023 (1-3).
- Burundi have alternated between defeat and victory in each of their last five AFCON qualifiers, losing 1-0 to Senegal in their most recent such match.
- Only four teams have had fewer shots than Burundi (15) in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers so far, yet while they’ve scored three goals, only Uganda (28.6%) and Egypt (28%) have a better shot conversion rate than Burundi (20%).
Algeria – Togo (10 October 2024)
- Algeria are unbeaten in their last 16 AFCON qualifiers (W12 D4). Their last defeat dates back to October 2018 against Benin (0-1), and they haven’t lost on home soil in the competition since June 2007 (0-2 against Guinea).
- Togo are unbeaten in their last five AFCON qualifiers (W2 D3), with their last three matches producing 11 goals (an average of 3.7 per game).
- Algeria’s Amine Gouiri has scored three goals in his last four international matches, including two in his last two AFCON qualifiers.
DR Congo – Tanzania (10 October 2024)
- DR Congo have won each of their last six AFCON qualifiers without conceding a goal, with their last defeat coming against Sudan in June 2022 (1-2).
- Tanzania are unbeaten in their last four AFCON qualifiers (W2 D2), with those four matches producing only four goals (3 for, 1 against).
- DR Congo’s Fiston Mayele has scored three goals in his last four AFCON qualifiers, all in the final 15 minutes of the game.
Madagascar – Gambia (11 October 2024)
- Madagascar are winless in their last 12 AFCON qualifiers (D6 L6), with their last victory dating back to November 2019 (6-2 vs Niger). They have only scored two goals in their last 10 qualifiers.
- Gambia have lost seven of their last nine matches in all competitions (W1 D1), with their only victory coming against Seychelles last June (5-1). Their last five matches have produced 21 goals (11 for, 10 against), an average of 4.2 per game.
- Only Cameroon’s Carlos Baleba (10) has completed more dribbles than Gambia’s Yankuba Minteh (8) over the first two matchdays of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
Tunisia – Comoros (11 October 2024)
- Tunisia have won their last 16 AFCON qualifiers on home soil. The last team to avoid defeat against them was Sierra Leone in October 2012 (0-0).
- Comoros are unbeaten in their last four AFCON qualifiers (W1 D3), with each of the last three ending 1-1.
- Comoros’ Youssef M’Changama has had only two shots on target in these AFCON qualifiers but has scored with both attempts. Both goals have come from outside the box, including a direct free-kick against Gambia on matchday one.
Gabon – Lesotho (11 October 2024)
- Gabon have lost four of their last five AFCON qualifiers but were victorious in their last outing, beating Central African Republic 2-0 in September.
- Lesotho have won only one of their last 17 AFCON qualifiers (D6 L10), their victory coming against Seychelles in March 2022 (3-1). They have lost each of their last six matches in the competition.
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored in each of his last three matches for Gabon. He’ll be attempting to score in a fourth consecutive international match for the first time in his career.
Egypt – Mauritania (11 October 2024)
- Egypt are the leading scorers after the first two matchdays of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, netting seven times (without conceding a goal), with six different players scoring. Trézéguet is the only player to score more than once for Egypt.
- Egypt have won each of their last six AFCON qualifiers (16 goals for, 1 against). In total, they have lost only one of their last 19 AFCON qualifiers (W14 D4), with that loss coming against Ethiopia in June 2022.
- Mauritania have won only two of their last 14 matches in all competitions (D3 L9). Their wins were against Algeria at AFCON (1-0) and Botswana in the AFCON qualifiers in September (1-0).
Benin – Rwanda (11 October 2024)
- Benin have won only two of their last 11 AFCON qualifiers (D3 L6), with victories against Rwanda in March 2023 (3-0) and Libya in September 2024 (2-1).
- Rwanda have won only one of their last 22 AFCON qualifiers, with that victory coming against Mozambique in March 2021 (1-0). Since 2020, 67% of their AFCON qualifiers have ended in a draw (8/12).
- Benin’s Steve Mounié has contested 28 and won 16 more aerial duels than any other player in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers so far.
Nigeria – Libya (11 October 2024)
- Nigeria have won 14 of their last 19 AFCON qualifiers, losing only once (0-1 vs Guinea-Bissau in March 2023).
- Nigeria and Libya’s two previous clashes in AFCON qualifiers produced nine goals in total, with Nigeria winning both encounters in October 2018 (4-0 and 3-2).
- Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen has scored 16 goals across the last three editions of AFCON qualifiers, more than any other player.
Equatorial Guinea – Liberia (11 October 2024)
- Equatorial Guinea have failed to win any of their last three AFCON qualifiers (D2 L1), their longest winless streak since 2018.
- Liberia have lost only one of their last seven matches in all competitions (W3 D3). Their defeat came against Algeria in this AFCON qualifying edition (0-3).
- Liberia’s 61.2% passing accuracy after two matches is the lowest among the 48 teams in this AFCON qualifying group phase.
Angola – Niger (11 October 2024)
- Angola have lost only one of their last nine AFCON qualifiers (W5 D3), with that defeat coming against Ghana in March 2023 (0-1).
- Niger are winless in their last 11 AFCON qualifiers (D4 L7). Their last victory was against Ethiopia in November 2020 (1-0).
- Only two players have made more tackles than Niger’s Youssouff Oumarou (9) in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers. He’s the only player to both concede (7) and win (8) at least seven fouls in the competition so far.
Ghana – Sudan (11 October 2024)
- Ghana have won only two of their last 11 matches in all competitions (D5 L4) and are winless in their opening two matches of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers (D1 L1).
- None of Sudan’s last 21 AFCON qualifiers has ended in a draw. They have won eight and lost 13 of those 21 matches.
- Jordan Ayew has scored eight of Ghana’s last 12 goals in all competitions. Five of those goals came from the penalty spot.
Zambia – Chad (11 October 2024)
- Zambia have lost only two of their last 10 AFCON qualifiers (W6 D2), both defeats coming against Côte d’Ivoire. They have won their last four AFCON qualifiers on home soil, scoring three goals in each of the last three home fixtures.
- Chad have averaged 30% possession over the first two matches in this AFCON qualifiers group phase, the lowest ratio of any team. They are also goalless after these opening two games.
- No player has attempted more dribbles than Zambia’s Yankuba Minteh (16) in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers so far. Only Cameroon’s Carlos Baleba (10) has completed more than Minteh (8).
Côte d’Ivoire – Sierra Leone (11 October 2024)
- Côte d’Ivoire have won eight of their last 10 AFCON qualifiers (D1 L1), their only defeat in that period coming against Zambia in June 2023. They have averaged 72% possession over the first two matches of this AFCON qualifiers group phase, more than any other team.
- Sierra Leone have won only two of their last 15 AFCON qualifiers (D8 L5), their victories coming against Benin in 2021 (1-0) and São Tomé and Príncipe in 2023 (2-0).
- Côte d’Ivoire’s Jean-Philippe Krasso is the top scorer after the first two matchdays of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers group phase (3 goals in 2 games). He’s found the net with three of his six shots.
Guinea – Ethiopia (12 October 2024)
- Guinea are winless in their last four AFCON qualifiers (D1 L3), their last victory coming against Ethiopia in March 2023 (3-2).
- Ethiopia are one of five sides yet to score in the main round of AFCON 2025 qualifying. They have hit the target with just one of their 19 shots in the competition so far, the worst shooting accuracy of any side (5%).
Mozambique – Eswatini (11 October 2024)
- Mozambique are unbeaten in their last four AFCON qualifiers (W3 D1). They last went five AFCON qualifiers in a row without a defeat in 2018.
- Eswatini’s sole victory in their last 10 AFCON qualifiers was against Somalia in March 2024 (3-0). They have lost both their matches so far in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, both by a 1-0 scoreline with a goal conceded in the opening 15 minutes.
- No goalkeeper has made more saves than Eswatini’s Mathabela Sandanezwe after the first two matchdays of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers (11).
Mali – Guinea-Bissau (11 October 2024)
- Mali have won 12 of their last 16 AFCON qualifiers (D2 L2). Their last defeat on home soil in the competition came 10 years ago, against Ethiopia in October 2014 (2-3).
- Guinea-Bissau have lost only two of their last 10 AFCON qualifiers (W7 D1) after a run of three consecutive defeats in November 2020.
- Mali’s Yves Bissouma has created more chances from open play (7) and had more shots from outside the box (8) than any other player in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. He has also scored both of Mali’s goals in the opening two qualifiers, one from distance.
Cameroon – Kenya (11 October 2024)
- Cameroon have lost only one of their last seven AFCON qualifiers (W3 D3). They have kept a clean sheet in each of their last three matches (W2 D1).
- Kenya are unbeaten in their last four AFCON qualifiers (W2 D2), since a 2-1 defeat against Comoros in November 2020.
- Cameroon’s Carlos Baleba has completed more dribbles than any other player in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers (10 over the first two matchdays).
Uganda – South Sudan (11 October 2024)
- Uganda are unbeaten in their last three AFCON qualifiers (W2 D1), their longest unbeaten run since March 2016 and November 2018 (8 games, W6 D2).
- South Sudan have won only one of their last 10 AFCON qualifiers (D2 L7). They are winless in their last seven matches, their last victory coming against Congo in March 2023 (2-1).
- Uganda have scored four goals from 14 shots in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers; it’s the best shot conversion rate (28.6%) in the competition so far.
South Africa – Congo (11 October 2024)
- South Africa’s last five AFCON qualifiers have produced 19 goals, an average of 3.8 per game (11 for, 8 against). Only Egypt (7) have scored more goals than South Africa (5) after the first two matchdays of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
- Congo have lost five of their last nine AFCON qualifiers (W3 D1), conceding two or more goals in all five defeats.
- Only Denis Bouanga and Ademola Lookman have had more shots on target (6 each) than South Africa’s Oswin Appollis (5, including 2 goals).
Senegal – Malawi (11 October 2024)
- Senegal are unbeaten in their last 28 AFCON qualifiers (W22 D6), their last such defeat coming 10 years ago against Tunisia in October 2014.
- Malawi are winless in their last seven AFCON qualifiers (D2 L5), with their last victory coming against Ethiopia in June 2022 (2-1).
- Malawi’s Chawanangwa Kawonga has delivered the joint-most assists in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers so far (2, level with Uganda’s Allan Okello).
Morocco – Central African Republic (12 October 2024)
- Morocco are unbeaten against Central African Republic in their five previous encounters, winning three times and drawing twice. Morocco have scored 10 goals and conceded just once in those matches.
- Morocco have lost only one of their last 17 AFCON qualifiers (W12 D4), their defeat coming against South Africa in June 2023.
- Over the last three editions of AFCON qualifiers, Louis Mafuta has scored 11 of Central African Republic’s 17 goals (65%).
-CAF
AFCON
Morocco Rejects Claims of Delay, Defends Legal Process in Case Involving Senegalese Supporters
Morocco’s Public Prosecutor’s Office has firmly rejected allegations of unjustified delays and poor detention conditions in the ongoing case involving Senegalese football supporters arrested after unrest linked to a recent continental fixture in Rabat.
In an official clarification, judicial authorities described circulating claims as “unfounded,” insisting that the legal proceedings have been conducted in accordance with Moroccan law and international standards.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office categorically denied any suggestion that the case has been deliberately delayed. Authorities stated that all procedural timelines have been respected and that adjournments were made strictly within the framework of due process.
According to the statement, postponements of hearings were granted at the request of the defendants themselves to allow adequate time to prepare their defence and to ensure the presence of their legal representatives.
Judicial officials also dismissed reports alleging that the detainees were on hunger strike. They confirmed that the accused are receiving their meals regularly and that detention conditions comply with applicable regulations.
“The rumours suggesting otherwise are without basis,” the statement noted.
Authorities explained that one of the hearings was attended by a lawyer registered with a Bar Association in France. However, the absence of a consultation office in Morocco, coupled with the defendants’ preference to be tried in the presence of their chosen lawyers, led to a postponement of the hearing until February 12, 2026.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office emphasised that these postponements were legitimate and aimed at safeguarding the defendants’ right to a fair trial.
Translation and Language Support
In response to concerns about language barriers, the court confirmed that it provided a sworn French-language interpreter during proceedings. French is reportedly mastered by all defendants.
Additionally, authorities coordinated with the Deputy Consul of Senegal in Morocco to make available an interpreter in Wolof, the defendants’ mother tongue, further ensuring that they fully understood the proceedings.
Officials also clarified that Moroccan law does not require the presence of an interpreter during the preliminary investigation phase if the judicial police officer understands the language of the individual concerned, provided that official reports are read and explained to them.
The Moroccan authorities reiterated their commitment to transparency, due process and the protection of the rights of all foreign nationals within the kingdom.
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A Moroccan court on Thursday sentenced 18 Senegalese football supporters to prison terms ranging from three to 12 months after finding them guilty of hooliganism during last month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
The supporters had been in pre-trial detention since 18 January, the day Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1–0 in a tense and controversial final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
According to the court’s ruling, nine of the defendants received one-year prison sentences and were fined 5,000 Moroccan dirhams (approximately $545). Six others were handed six-month terms alongside fines of 2,000 dirhams (about $218), while three supporters were sentenced to three months in prison and fined 1,000 dirhams (around $109).
Prosecutors had sought a maximum penalty of two years, arguing that the accused “deliberately sought to disrupt the proper conduct of the match” and engaged in “acts of violence broadcast live on television.”
Chaos at the Final
The AFCON final was overshadowed by dramatic scenes late in regulation time following a contentious penalty awarded to Morocco after a VAR review. Senegalese players protested the decision vehemently, surrounding the referee and causing play to be halted for nearly 20 minutes.
Amid the tension, some Senegalese supporters reportedly attempted to invade the pitch, while others threw objects — including chairs — onto the field. Players from both sides temporarily left the pitch before returning after intervention from security officials and match authorities.
Authorities said their case was supported by stadium surveillance footage and medical reports detailing injuries sustained by security personnel during the unrest.
However, defence lawyers rejected the charges and described the sentences as excessive.
“The footage does not contain irrefutable proof showing that any one of them struck or assaulted anyone,” defence counsel Naima El Guellaf told the court.
Another lawyer, Patrick Kabou, called the verdict “incomprehensible,” arguing that his clients were “victims” rather than perpetrators. The defence team has confirmed plans to file an appeal.
The ruling comes as football authorities continue to grapple with the fallout from a final that, despite Senegal’s historic victory, was overshadowed by controversy both on and off the pitch.
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French coach Herve Renard has reopened the debate around the controversial “towel incident” that marred the closing stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.
Renard, who previously coached Morocco and now manages the Saudi Arabia national football team, addressed the episode in a recent interview with Jeune Afrique, describing it as a complex issue rooted partly in African football culture.
“The towel story is long and complicated. It has a certain significance, that’s all,” Renard said. He suggested that, if anyone attempted to remove the towel, it could have been intended to unsettle the opponent psychologically.
“In Europe, people don’t understand that there is something behind it. Was the towel charmed? In Africa, these are beliefs, and everyone is free to believe what they want,” he added.
Renard stressed that cultural context is often overlooked by outsiders. “Those who don’t know Africa cannot understand. In this case, Moroccans would never allow anyone to cross that line,” he said, while admitting he was unsure whether events unfolded exactly as widely portrayed. Drawing from his extensive coaching experience across the continent, he noted that similar charged atmospheres are not uncommon in high-stakes African fixtures.
The incident occurred during the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Final in Rabat, where Senegal defeated Morocco 1–0 to lift the continental crown.
Late in the match, attention shifted away from the ball to Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s towel, which had been placed inside his goal to dry his gloves amid wet conditions. As tensions rose in the closing minutes, substitute goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf attempted to safeguard the towel, resulting in a chaotic scene inside the penalty area.
Television footage — quickly dubbed a “towel tussle” — showed Moroccan midfielder Ismael Saibari blocking Diouf as he tried to return the towel to Mendy, while a ball boy also reached for it. Diouf later insisted he had merely been assisting Mendy and had no intention of disrupting play.
Images circulating after the match appeared to show Moroccan players attempting to remove the towel, sparking a heated debate. Some observers viewed it as gamesmanship designed to unsettle the Senegalese goalkeeper, while others linked the episode to longstanding superstitious beliefs within segments of African football culture.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) disciplinary committee subsequently sanctioned Saibari with a two-match suspension and a $100,000 fine. The midfielder later apologised to Mendy, stating that his actions had been misunderstood.
CAF’s refereeing chief, Olivier Safari, also addressed the matter in an interview with Canal+ Afrique.
“The towel is not part of a goalkeeper’s official equipment. Its use must remain within the spirit of fair play,” Safari explained. “If it influences the match, it must be removed from the playing area.”
His comments underscored the regulatory grey area surrounding auxiliary items such as towels, which are not formally recognised as playing equipment under the Laws of the Game but are commonly used for practical reasons.
While the final result stands and Senegal’s victory remains uncontested, the towel episode has lingered in public discourse — not merely as a fleeting controversy, but as a symbol of the psychological and cultural layers that often accompany African football.
Renard’s remarks add nuance to the debate, suggesting that what may appear trivial to some can carry deeper meaning in different footballing contexts.
Nearly a year after Senegal’s triumph in Rabat, the “towel incident” continues to provoke reflection, less about fabric inside a goalmouth, and more about the intersection of belief, psychology and competition at the highest level of African football.
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