AFCON
CUP HOLDERS, ALGERIA ARE 2ND QUALIFIERS AFTER RUNNERS-UP SENEGAL
The two finalists of the 2019 edition, Senegal and Algeria have become the earliest qualifiers for the next editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite Algeria, on Monday, committing half of the last Friday’s blunders of the Super Eagles, they still qualify for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations.
While Nigeria gave away four goal lead in their home match with Sierra Leone, Algeria gave away a two goal lead to draw 2-2 away at Zimbabwe.
After goals in the 34th and 38th minutes, including a fine solo effort from Riyad Mahrez, it looked like Algeria would make it four wins from four.
In the 34th Reda Halaimia whipped in a long cross from the right and an unmarked Andy Delort had a straightforward header to score his first goal for Algeria.
Moments later came the brilliance from Manchester City’s Mahrez as he flicked the ball past one defender and then cut into the area before twisting and turning to wrong-foot two defenders and firing home.
The Warriors pulled a goal back two minutes before half-time as striker Knowledge Musona curled in a free kick from the edge of the area to beat Rais M’Bolhi.
That seemed to galvanize Zimbabwe and they created the better chances after the break and were rewarded when Tanzania-based Prince Dube scored the equaliser in the 82nd minute seconds after coming on as a replacement.
He picked up the ball as it was flicked on from a corner and his shot somehow went over the line as M’Bolhi failed to hold the ball for what looked like a routine save.
It was a big improvement from Zimbabwe who had lost 3-1 to Algeria on Thursday evening.
In the days other Group H match there was a surprise 1-0 win for Botswana over the visiting 2012 Nations Cup winners Zambia.
The only goal of the game came after just six minutes played through Mosha Gaolaolwe, who plays his football in the second-tier of South African football.
Algeria top the group with 10 points, with Zimbabwe five points behind, Botswana are up to third with four and Zambia are once again bottom on three.
The Gambia’s 2-1 win over Gabon is likely to be overshadowed by the controversy in the hours before the match that has seen the Confederation of African Football (Caf) step in to investigate.
When the game did get underway it was more than 20 minutes late with no official explanation given and the first half ended goalless.
The opening goal came four minutes after half-time thanks to a shocking mistake from the Gabon keeper Anthony Mfa Mezui, who plays in the fifth-tier of French football.
He went to clear a back pass and completely missed the ball allowing the former Swansea City striker Modou Barrow to run past him and score in an empty net.
Mfa Mezui made some amends on 67 minutes with a save from Abbie Jallow, who only had the keeper to beat.
In the 79th minute Bologna forward Musa Barrow added a second after being set-up nicely by UAE-based Steve Bubacarr Trawally, who pulled the ball across the keeper to find his unmarked team-mate.
Gabon pulled a goal back in the 89th minute as Bruno Ecuele Manga powerfully headed home a free-kick from Denis Bounga
The problems that CAF are looking into began on Sunday night when the Gabonese delegation were forced to spend several hours sleeping on the airport floor as they were not allowed to leave.
Gabon captain Pierre Emerick Aubameyang posted footage on his social media of the team trying to sleep on the airport floor explaining the authorities had taken their passports so preventing the delegation from going to their hotel.
The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) told BBC Sport Africa that not only had the Gabonese changed their arrival time more than once leaving them unsure of their arrival time there was also a conflict over Covid-19 testing.
The Gambian ministry of health authorities insist the Gabonese delegation failed to produce the relevant paperwork for negative Covid-19 tests and also refused to undergo swabs on arrival.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has said that a disciplinary commission will “examine the causes of this incident, so as to establish the responsibilities and apply the consequent sanctions.”
CAF also said it ‘deplored’ the incident and had held a video conference call with all parties on Monday before announcing the investigation.
The result means that The Gambia and Gabon both have seven points with exactly the same head-to-head record as well, with two rounds of qualifying remaining.
South Sudan 1-0 Uganda; Malawi 0-0 Burkina Faso(Group B)
South Sudan kept alive their hopes of reaching the Nations Cup finals for the first time with a 1-0 win over Uganda in a match that saw both sides reduced to 10 men.
The match was played behind closed doors in the Kenyan capital Nairobi as South Sudan’s national stadium is being renovated.
Uganda were the first side to have a man sent off as Khalid Aucho was shown a straight red card for a foul on Tito Okello after just 32 minutes.
Three minutes later South Sudan took the lead as Okello converted from the penalty spot after Makuweth Wol was fouled in the area.
The Cranes had a goal ruled out on the hour mark as Emmanuel Okwi was flagged for offside.
South Sudan were also reduced to ten men for the closing stages as Musa Abdallah was dismissed for a wild lunge on Okwi.
Monday’s other Group B game ended in a stalemate as Malawi drew 0-0 with visiting Burkina Faso in Blantyre in a game with very few chances.
Burkina Faso missed two good chances in the dying minutes when Mohane Outarra headed wide from inside the six yard box and then Bertrand Traore beat the Malawi defence but not the goalkeeper.
Those results mean that Burkina Faso are top with eight points, Uganda have seven, Malawi four and South Sudan three with all the teams having played four matches.
Sao Tome and Principe 2-4 South Africa (Group C)
Sao Tome made a promising start to their must win game against South Africa as they took the lead after 12 minutes but eventually lost 4-2.
The game was played in the South African City of Port Elizabeth after the two nations agreed to move it from Sao Tome to make Covid-19 protocols easier to follow.
Sao Tome’s first goal was scored by captain Jocy as he met a corner from Georgia-based Jardel Nazare with a glancing header.
South Africa’s equalizer came in the 39th minute when the Sao Tome defence pushed forward which allowed Dean Furman to slide a ball through to Themba Zwane, who turned and slotted home.
Bafana Bafana went ahead in the 70th minute when Zwane turned provider for Percy Tau, who was afforded too much space in the area and was able to score from 10 yards out.
‘The hosts’ then equalised themselves as Portugal-based Soares Harramiz was left unmarked at the back post and was allowed a free header back across keeper Ronwen Williams.
South Africa’s lead was restored in the 87th minute when the Sao Tome keeper could only parry a shot from substitute Kermit Erasmus into the path of Zwane, who tapped home.
Tau made sure of the win in injury time as Sao Tome pushed for another equaliser he hit them on the counter-attack and he struck from just inside the area.
The win lifts South Africa to nine points from four matches and leaves Sao Tome pointless and unable to qualify for the Nations Cup finals in Cameroon.
Eswatini 0-0 Congo (Group I)
Eswatini are another team that can no longer reach the Nations Cup finals as they drew 0-0 with visiting Congo-Brazzaville.
The point moves Congo onto seven points and keeps them in second place in the group five points behind Senegal who have already qualified from Group I.
The Teranga Lions sealed their place with Sunday’s 1-0 win over Guinea-Bissau, who have three points and can still claim the second qualifying place for the finals with two games to play.
Mozambique 0-2 Cameroon (Group H)
Cameroon, who have already qualified for the Nations Cup finals as hosts, maintained their unbeaten run in Group H with a 2-0 win in Mozambique.
The hosts had a chance to take the lead after 22 minutes when they were awarded a penalty for a foul in the area but Kazakhstan-based Reginaldo saw his effort hit the left-hand post with keeper Andre Onana diving the wrong way.
Three minutes later Vincent Aboubakar scored the opener, to go with the brace he scored against the same opponents on Thursday in a 4-1 win.
He controlled a cross from the right on his chest before smashing the ball into the roof of the net.
Ngoumo Ngamaleu set up the second as his cross into the area evaded the Mozambique defenders and allowed Serge Tabekou, who had replaced Clinton Njie on the hour mark, to turn the ball into the net.
Cameroon stay top on 10 points with Mozambique six behind, with both sides having played four matches.
Monday’s matches:
- Eswatini 0-0 Congo (Grp I)
- Malawi 0-0 Burkina Faso (Grp B)
- South Sudan 1-0 Uganda (Grp B)
- Sao Tome and Principe 2-4 South Africa (Grp C)
- Zimbabwe 2-2 Algeria (Grp H)
- Botswana 1-0 Zambia (Grp H)
- Gambia 2-1 Gabon (Grp C)
- Mozambique 2-0 Cameroon (Grp F)
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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