Day: January 11, 2026

AFCON blow for Nigeria as skipper Wilfred Ndidi to miss semi-final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

AFCON blow for Nigeria as skipper Wilfred Ndidi to miss semi-final

The Super Eagles will be missing their captain, Wilfred Ndidi, for the semi-final showdown against Morocco at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations due to a suspension.

Ndidi received his second yellow card of the tournament during Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Algeria on Saturday, which automatically triggered a one-match ban. He had previously been cautioned in the group-stage victory against Mozambique, putting him just one booking away from suspension.

While Ndidi was on the disciplinary radar alongside Calvin Bassey and Frank Onyeka, he was the only one among the trio to be cautioned again during the match against the Desert Foxes.

Consequently, he will be sidelined for the semi-final clash with Morocco but is expected to be available for either the final or the third-place playoff, depending on how the Super Eagles fare in the last-four encounter.

African giants collide in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

African giants collide in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals

Following Egypt's victory over Ivory Coast yesterday, the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 are set. The matchups feature some of the best teams in Africa.

Following Egypt’s victory over the Ivory Coast yesterday, the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 are set. The matchups feature some of the best teams in Africa.

With a combined twelve AFCON titles among the four semi-finalists, the competition has been intriguing and fierce. Who will advance to the finals in their quest for continental glory?

Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, and Senegal made it through after their matches on Saturday night. Hosts Morocco will play Nigeria, while Senegal will face Egypt.

Both semi-final matches will take place on Wednesday. Egypt secured their spot by beating defending champions Côte d’Ivoire 3-2 in a close match, ending their title defence and setting up a thrilling semi-final against Senegal. Earlier, Senegal earned their place with a 1-0 win over Mali, thanks to Iliman Ndiaye’s goal in a tense match.

Morocco also continued their strong run, winning 2-0 against Cameroon, with goals from Brahim Diaz and Ismaël Saibari. This puts them in a good position for their first continental title in 50 years.

Completing the semi-final lineup is Nigeria, who won 2-0 against Algeria in Marrakech. Victor Osimhen opened the scoring, and Akor Adams secured the win late in the match, bringing Nigeria back to the last four to face Morocco.

These results show how close the matches are at this stage of the tournament, where experience matters.

The semi-finals will happen on Wednesday, January 14, with Senegal playing Egypt and Morocco taking on Nigeria. The final will take place in Rabat on January 18.

Côte d’Ivoire coach Émerse Faé is disappointed after the defeat to Egypt
by Football Sierra Leone

Côte d’Ivoire coach Émerse Faé is disappointed after the defeat to Egypt

Émerse Fae, the coach of Côte d’Ivoire, expressed his frustration after their 3-2 loss to Egypt in the 2025 Cup of Nations quarter-finals. He lamented the mistakes made at crucial moments and the early goals conceded, which put them at a disadvantage.

Mohamed Salah was pivotal for Egypt, scoring and assisting in their dramatic victory. Omar Marmoush opened the scoring early, and Ramy Rabia doubled the lead with a header from a Salah corner. Côte d’Ivoire managed to pull one back just before halftime with an own goal by Fatouh.

After the break, Salah scored again, extending Egypt’s lead to 3-1. Guéla Doué pulled one back for Côte d’Ivoire, but despite their attacking efforts, they couldn’t find an equaliser.

“We are frustrated by tonight’s result. We prepared well to face the Egyptian team, but we made too many mistakes at crucial moments. Those mistakes hurt us the most.

We took time to get into the match. I regret conceding the first goal so early, and the second one too. We reacted well and got back to 2-1 before halftime, but the third goal put us in trouble. It’s tough to explain these lapses in concentration. We will keep working to prepare for the World Cup.”

Salah, named Man of the Match, praised his teammates and highlighted their determination. Egypt’s coach, Hossam Hassan, emphasised their strategy and preparation against the defending champions, expressing pride in their performance despite some mistakes.