AFCON
Morocco Defends AFCON Organisation After Senegal’s Criticisms Ahead of Final
By Kunle Solaja, Casablanca
Morocco has robustly defended the organisation of the Africa Cup of Nations after criticisms from the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), insisting that the Atlas Lions’ journey to the final was conducted under optimal conditions fully compliant with Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards.
In a detailed response, made available to Sports Village Square, the Moroccan football authorities stressed that Senegal enjoyed first-class treatment throughout the tournament, beginning with their base in Tangier.
The Teranga Lions were housed at the Fairmont Tazi Palace and played all their matches at the Grand Stade de Tanger, giving them stability, comfort and competitive conditions in line with CAF regulations.
Addressing concerns over travel arrangements to Rabat for the final, Moroccan officials clarified that Senegal independently chose to use the high-speed TGV train.
The FSF also publicly communicated the time and date of its arrival at Rabat-Agdal station, which naturally attracted large numbers of Senegalese supporters to the venue. Moroccan authorities said they anticipated this and deployed a comprehensive security operation involving the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN), Auxiliary Forces and station security services.
They stressed that the operation was executed without incident, noting that no member of the Senegal delegation suffered any security breach, disturbance or disruption.
Morocco also rejected claims of unfair treatment regarding accommodation and training facilities. The FSF, officials said, was offered the same options as other teams, including a choice between Hotel Rihab in central Rabat and the Amphitrite Palace in Skhirat for transit accommodation. Senegal freely selected the Amphitrite Palace.
Similarly, the Mohammed VI Football Complex, which is one of Africa’s most advanced training facilities, was initially made available to Senegal, but the FSF opted instead to train at the auxiliary pitch of the Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, which was duly allocated to them.
On ticketing, Moroccan organisers confirmed that Senegal received its full regulatory allocation of five per cent of tickets for the final, in line with CAF rules, countering claims that staff and players were denied proper access.
Morocco said the clarifications were necessary to protect the integrity of the tournament and reaffirm its commitment to delivering an Africa Cup of Nations organised to the highest international standards, as the country seeks to underline its credentials as a leading host of major global sporting events.
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Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe has praised Morocco’s King Mohammed VI for what he described as a powerful gesture of unity and reconciliation following the royal pardon granted to Senegalese supporters convicted over offences linked to the final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In a statement released on Saturday, Motsepe expressed deep appreciation on behalf of CAF’s 54 member associations, hailing the Moroccan monarch’s decision as a demonstration of football’s ability to foster peace and solidarity across the continent.
“I would like to express our deep gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, for granting His Royal Pardon to the Senegalese supporters convicted of offences relating to the final match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025,” Motsepe stated.
The CAF president said the pardon reflected Morocco’s enduring commitment to African unity and highlighted football’s growing role as a bridge between nations and cultures.
“CAF has consistently emphasised its commitment to utilise football to contribute to uniting our people from different racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds,” he said.
“The pardon by His Majesty King Mohammed VI is an uplifting and motivating illustration of the power of football to unite and bring our people together in Africa and worldwide.”
Motsepe also revealed that during recent visits to both Morocco and Senegal, he had been struck by the deep historical and cultural bonds shared by the two countries.
“I was amazed and impressed when I was briefed about the historic and extensive ties between the people of Senegal and Morocco,” he added.
The statement further reinforced Morocco’s rising influence within African football, especially after successfully hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and positioning itself as one of Africa’s leading football destinations ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
Motsepe also extended CAF’s best wishes to Africa’s representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing confidence that the continent’s teams would perform strongly on the global stage.
Among the African nations mentioned were Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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By Kunle Solaja.
Former African champions Algeria and Zambia are set for an early showdown after the release of the Group I fixtures for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Algeria host Zambia on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, in what is expected to be one of the headline fixtures of the qualifying campaign, while Togo entertain Burundi in the group’s other opening tie.
The Desert Foxes are favourites to qualify, but Zambia’s growing consistency and Togo’s unpredictability could make the race highly competitive.
Algeria travel to Burundi on Matchday Two before facing Togo in back-to-back encounters across Matchdays Three and Four. Zambia also meet Burundi home and away during the same period.
The potentially decisive fixture comes on March 22, 2027, when Zambia host Algeria in a clash that could determine the final standings.
Group I Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Algeria vs Zambia
- Togo vs Burundi
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Zambia vs Togo
- Burundi vs Algeria
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Algeria vs Togo
- Zambia vs Burundi
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Togo vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Zambia
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Zambia vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Togo
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Togo vs Zambia
- Algeria vs Burundi
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By Kunle Solaja.
African heavyweights Senegal will launch their quest for another Africa Cup of Nations appearance with a home clash against Mozambique in Group J of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The Lions of Teranga, among the continent’s strongest teams in recent years, headline a group that also includes Sudan and Ethiopia.
Senegal host Mozambique on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, while Sudan tackle Ethiopia in the other opening encounter.
Senegal are strong favourites to dominate the group, but Sudan and Mozambique are expected to battle fiercely for qualification points.
The key fixtures may emerge in the double-header between Senegal and Sudan across Matchdays Three and Four, while Mozambique and Ethiopia also face each other home and away.
Senegal travel to Mozambique on Matchday Five before ending their campaign at home against Ethiopia on March 30, 2027.
Group J Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Senegal vs Mozambique
- Sudan vs Ethiopia
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Mozambique vs Sudan
- Ethiopia vs Senegal
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Senegal vs Sudan
- Mozambique vs Ethiopia
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Sudan vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Mozambique
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Mozambique vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Sudan
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Sudan vs Mozambique
- Senegal vs Ethiopia
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