AFCON
EGYPT PICK POINT IN KENYA TO BOOK AFCON TICKET
Seven-time champions Egypt joined Comoros in qualifying to next year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon from Group G after a 1-1 draw in Nairobi against Egypt.
Mohamed Magdy Afsha scored the opener for the Egyptians in the second minute before Abdallah Hassan scored the equalizer in the second half.
The result sees Egypt go to nine points, same as Comoros who drew with Togo earlier on.
Kenya remain third with four points and will duel with Togo in a dead rubber bottom of the table clash in Lome on Monday for bragging rights.
Knowing that a win or a draw would see them pick a ticket to Cameroon, the Egyptians wanted to start as quickly as possible off the blocks and they were rewarded just two minutes into the game when Afsha broke the deadlock.
The Al Ahly man struck a brilliant shot into the roof of the net after Ahmed Mostafa dummied a cross from Mohammed Salah on the right.
But despite going down early, the Kenyan side gave in a good account of themselves and got several scoring chances, settling into the game well.
Mohamed Elshenawy was kept busy in the Egyptian goal as the Kenyans constantly tried to find a way back into the game. Skipper Michael Olunga had a chance in the seventh minute but his low shot off an Abdallah Hassan cutback went straight to the keeper.
The Kenyans had another opportunity in the 17th minute when Daniel Sakari’s long throw landed on Johnstone Omurwa, but the latter’s flicked header was well collected by Elshenawy.
Seven minutes later, the Ahly keeper was called to work again, this time Teddy Akumu’s shot from outside the area off Hassan’s cutback stinging the goalie’s gloves.
Five minutes to the break, the hosts thought they had their way back into the game when Masud Juma scored off Akumu’s clipped pass but the first assistant referee’s flag was up for offside.
The home side kept the same tempo in the second half and two minutes in, Elshenawy was made to work when Masud struck a good shot from the edge of the area after a swift turn. Olunga picked up the rebound but sent his rasping shot into the side netting.
On the other end, Egypt almost made it 2-0 when Stars lost possession cheaply with the ball fed to Mahmoud Trezeguet but Ian Otieno was quick off his line to block.
Stars kept their gas on the gas and came close on the hour mark when a brilliant cross from the left, but Hassan’s connecting header at the backpost went over.
They however went level five minutes later when Hassan struck the equalizer off a goalmouth melee from a corner.
Kenya’s hunt to get an equalizer was dealt a blow in the 76th minute when defender Omurwa was sent off for an off the ball incident with Mohamed Mostafa.
With a one man advantage, Egypt pushed more bodies upfront to try and stop Kenya’s forays of attack and it worked as they held on for the win.
-CAF
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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