Manchester United forward Amad Diallo has withdrawn from the Cote d’Ivoire squad to play Sierra Leone in an Africa Cup of Nations qualification double-header due to illness, the Premier League club said on Wednesday.

Diallo, 22, was recalled to the national squad for the first time since March, 2023 for their opening two qualifying games and featured in his country’s wins over Zambia and Chad last month.

Diallo was the fourth United player forced out of international duty this week, joining Argentine forward Alejandro Garnacho, England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and Moroccan defender Noussair Mazraoui.

Cote d’Ivoire, who won the last Africa Cup of Nations as hosts in February, host Sierra Leone on Friday and play them again away from home on Tuesday

-Reuters

Faisal Al-Badri, the captain of the Libyan national team that will face Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Friday in Uyo has alleged poor treatment by their Nigerian hosts.

According to a Libyan news outlet, Addresslibya, Al-Badri claimed on his Facebook page that Nigerian officials frustrated what should have been a smooth travelling experience for the Libyan team.

His statement: “We left the hotel at six in the morning, and the plane took off at nine. The flight took four hours, and thus we arrived in Nigeria at one in the afternoon, Libyan time.”

Continuing, he alleges:  “Our luggage was searched inside the plane for an hour, and we were also delayed in transportation from one city to another for three hours, even though we travelled on a private plane, and there was an airport close to the city we wanted to play in.

“We later contacted the company responsible for transporting and securing the mission, but they informed us that there was no police patrol at the time, which increased the risk.

“After a long time, three non-air-conditioned minibuses and a police car arrived, in addition to two cars from the Libyan embassy.” 

He pointed out that the mission faced a road full of checkpoints and parking lots, took non-main roads, entered forests, and returned to unpaved roads in complete darkness, “following each other by the lights of vehicles.”

He pointed out that the journey took five hours in an atmosphere full of danger, and arrived at the hotel in the late hours of the night, not to mention the hotel’s conditions.

“This is not the first time we have been maltreated in Africa,” Badri added. “The question is, how long will we continue to receive this kind of reception? While other teams are received in the best airports and hotels, should we always be patient in the face of these things?”

Al-Badri stressed, “We have suffered from this problem for many years, and although we are willing to tolerate it, there must be a solution to these practices. We demand that the relevant authorities look into these actions, and we express the need for reciprocity.”

The countdown to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has officially begun as the North African nation of Morocco prepares to host the continent’s premier football tournament for the second time in its history. 

With the qualifiers set to start on Wednesday, here’s a comprehensive guide to what fans can expect from the 35th edition of this iconic competition.

A Return to Morocco

Morocco last hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 1988, a tournament that saw just eight teams compete, with Cameroon emerging victorious after a hard-fought final against Nigeria.

Fast forward to 2025, and the tournament has expanded significantly, with 24 teams set to compete, highlighting the growth and development of African football over the past three decades.

Morocco was confirmed as the host nation on September 27, 2023, a decision that has been met with widespread enthusiasm.

The Atlas Lions, who automatically qualify as the host nation, are eager to showcase their country’s readiness to host a competition of this magnitude, especially after their historic performance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

Stadiums and Host Cities

While the Royal Moroccan Football Federation has yet to officially announce the venues, several iconic stadiums are expected to play a central role in the tournament. These include:

• Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca: A likely centerpiece of the tournament, this historic venue hosted the 1988 AFCON final and is expected to be a major venue once again.
• Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat: Another key venue, currently undergoing expansion to increase its capacity.
• Ibn Batouta Stadium, Tangier: Set to host some of the tournament’s biggest matches, with an expanded capacity to accommodate more fans.
• Adrar Stadium, Agadir: Known for its stunning location and modern facilities, also being expanded ahead of the tournament.
• Marrakesh Stadium, Marrakesh: A popular venue with fans and likely to see significant action during the tournament.
• Fez Stadium, Fez: A more traditional setting that will add to the diverse experiences offered to fans.

Qualifiers and Teams

While Morocco is the only team currently assured of a place in the tournament as the host nation, the remaining 23 spots will be decided through a rigorous qualifying process.

The qualifiers, which kick off in September 2024, will see 48 nations divided into 12 groups, with the top two teams from each group securing their place in Morocco.

The qualification process promises intense competition, with teams like reigning champions Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, and Algeria all vying for a spot.

Key Dates

The 2025 AFCON is scheduled to begin on December 21, 2025, and will culminate with the final on January 18, 2026. 

These dates are crucial for fans and teams alike as they prepare for the most prestigious football tournament on the African continent.

Morocco’s Growing Football Reputation

Morocco’s selection as the host for AFCON 2025 is no surprise given the country’s recent track record in successfully hosting major international football events.

From the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2023, Morocco has consistently demonstrated its capacity to organize and deliver world-class football tournaments.

This track record, combined with the country’s passionate football culture and state-of-the-art infrastructure, sets the stage for what could be one of the most memorable editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Looking Ahead

As the road to Morocco 2025 begins, anticipation is high not just for the tournament itself but for what it symbolizes—a celebration of African football and a showcase of Morocco’s commitment to the sport. With world-class facilities, a football-mad population, and recent experience in hosting major tournaments, Morocco is poised to deliver an AFCON that will set new benchmarks for the competition.

-CAF