Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

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.

Osimhen and Okor Adams on target as Nigeria reach Cup of Nations Semis
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Osimhen and Akor Adams on target as Nigeria set semi-final date with Morocco

Nigeria's Super Eagles maintained their strong performance at the 2025 African Cup of Nations by defeating the Desert Warriors of Algeria 2-0 at the Grand Stadium in Marrakech on Saturday.

The West African side started the game brightly and scored immediately after the break with star striker Victor Osimhen jumping above the Algerian defender to score the first goal.

Nigeria had a great start to the second half! Onyemaechi sent a cross deep into the Algeria box for Osimhen. He soared in the air and headed the ball across the goal, beating the goalkeeper Zidane.

The Super Eagles scored a second goal ten minutes later to strengthen their hold on the match.

Iwobi played a key role by creating the opportunity. The Fulham midfielder passed the ball to Osimhen. Just as it seemed Osimhen would take on the defender, he selflessly passed it to Akor Adams, who rounded the keeper and kicked the ball into an empty net.

The Algerians attempt to break into the game, but Nigeria’s superiority overshadows their attempts, and ultimately, the Super Eagles emerge as the clear victors.

They will now face the 1976 winners and host Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on January 14 as they pursue another Continental title.

Morocco's Brahim Díaz leads Cup of Nations 2025 scoring chart
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco’s Brahim Díaz leads Cup of Nations 2025 scoring chart

Brahim Díaz has extended his lead in the Golden Boot race at the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations after scoring in Morocco's 2-0 quarter-final victory over Cameroon.

With this goal, Díaz now has five goals in five matches, marking him as the tournament’s top scorer.

The win secured Morocco’s spot in the semi-finals, following Senegal’s narrow 1-0 victory over Mali. Ismael Saibari also scored for Morocco, but Díaz’s scoring streak makes him the standout player.

Second on the list is Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen after his goal against Algeria in their quarter-final contest at the Grand Stadium in Marrakech on Saturday.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles maintained their strong performance at the 2025 African Cup of Nations by defeating the Desert Warriors of Algeria 2-0, and Victor Osimhen scored the opener.

Behind them, seven players, including Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman, Côte d’Ivoire’s Amad Diallo, and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, are tied with three goals each. Many players have two goals, while 61 have scored once, reflecting the competitive nature of the AFCON 2025 tournament.

As the tournament approaches its final stages, Díaz’s skill and timing have set him apart from the rest.

AFCON 2025 Top Scorers 

5 goals

  • Brahim Díaz (Morocco)

4 goals

  • Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)

3 goals

  • Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
  • Amad Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire)
  • Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco)
  • Lassine Sinayoko (Mali)
  • Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
  • Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)
Briam Diaz instrumental as host Morocco advance to AFCON semifinals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Brahim Diaz instrumental as hosts Morocco advance to AFCON semi-final

Morocco enters this quarterfinal matchup after a rollercoaster performance throughout the tournament, knowing that only their best display of resilience and agility will carry them through.

On Friday, they played against Cameroon and started the game strongly. Brahim Díaz and Ismael Saibari scored goals in each half, which helped Morocco reach the semifinals for the first time since 2004.

The hosts’ triumph against Cameroon came on the heels of Senegal’s earlier win over Mali in Tangier, where the former African champions narrowly secured a 1-0 victory against their opponents.

Díaz has been a key player for Morocco, scoring four goals in the tournament. He scored against Comoros, Mali, and Zambia before starting the scoring in the quarterfinals at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Morocco secured their first AFCON semifinal appearance in 22 years with a second goal from Saibari, assisted by Ezzalzouli’s set-piece.

The team managed the final minutes calmly as the crowd cheered. They now await the winner of the Algeria vs. Nigeria semifinal on January 14 as they pursue their first continental title since 1976.

Senegal edge 10-man Mali to reach AFCON semi-finals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal edge 10-man Mali to reach AFCON semi-finals

Senegal surged into the semi-finals of the Cup of Nations with a thrilling 1-0 victory over their fierce rivals, Mali, in an electric atmosphere at the Tangier Grand Stadium on Friday.

As the quarter-finals approached, Senegal was the outright favourite, although Mali had shown a pragmatic approach throughout the tournament.

In the opening 25 minutes, both teams were eager to take advantage of their half-chances until Iliman Ndiaye found the net in the 28th minute. The goal resulted from a blunder by Mali’s goalkeeper, Diarra, who misjudged a cross and let it slip under minimal pressure, leaving the ball loose in the six-yard box. Ndiaye was quick to pounce and tap it in.

Things took a turn for the worse for Mali just before half-time when Yves Bissouma was shown a red card, further putting his team at a disadvantage.

Despite numerous attempts by Senegal to extend their lead, Djigui Diarra, the goalkeeper for Mali, made some fantastic saves to keep his side in the game. Just like in the match against Tunisia,

Mali was hoping for that one chance to turn things around, while the Teranga Lions stood resilient in their quest to secure the win.

Morocco battles Cameroon in an exciting clash in African football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco will battle Cameroon in an exciting clash in African football

The second quarter-final match in the AFCON 2025 sees host nation Morocco take on Cameroon, and it promises to be a thrilling contest for a number of reasons at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Cameroon has played against the hosts of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 13 times. They have lost only twice and remain unbeaten in their last six matches in these situations. In knockout rounds, Cameroon has eliminated the host teams five times.

When Morocco last hosted the tournament in 1988, it was Cameroon that claimed the title. It was the tournament’s 16th edition.

Back then, attacking midfielder Cyrille Makanaky scored the only goal at the Casablanca V Stadium to eliminate Morocco. The Indomitable Lions won the 1988 AFCON by defeating Nigeria, with Emmanuel Kundé playing a key role and scoring the only goal.

Will history repeat itself as Morocco seeks to avenge its painful loss from 1988? We’ll find out soon enough – kickoff on Friday, January 9 at 20:00 hrs. 

How do they progress to this stage?

Morocco advanced to the quarter-finals with a narrow 1–0 victory over Tanzania on January 4, thanks to Brahim Diaz’s goal in the 64th minute, assisted by captain Achraf Hakimi.

The Atlas Lions topped Group A with seven points, securing wins against Comoros (2–0) and Zambia (3–0) and a draw with Mali (1–1), finishing with a +5 goal difference.

In contrast, Cameroon progressed after a hard-fought 2–1 win over South Africa on January 5, with goals from Christian Kofane and Junior Tchamadeu, despite Evidence Makgopa’s late strike for South Africa.

Cameroon also collected seven points in the group stage, achieving a 1–0 win over Gabon, a draw with the Ivory Coast, and a 2–1 comeback against Mozambique through strong defensive organisation and quick counter-attacks.

Mali and Senegal set for West Africa AFCON derby
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali and Senegal set for West Africa AFCON derby

The first quarter-final match of the 2025 AFCON features Senegal, the 2021 champions, against Mali, who finished as the 1972 runners.

Both teams from West Africa are unbeaten in the tournament so far. Senegal has scored 10 goals thus far in Morocco, including a 3-1 win over Sudan in the Last-16.

In contrast, Mali has been grinding out results by drawing all three of their group stage matches before eliminating Tunisia with 10 players in their Last-16 match.

Both teams play a physical game, setting up an intense showdown at the Tangier Stadium in this exciting West African Derby. Mali finished third in 2012 and 2013.

In their history, the teams have played against each other 34 times. Mali has won 8 matches, while Senegal has won 14, and they have drawn 10 times. Mali has scored 32 goals, while Senegal has scored 43.

Their first meeting took place in 1963, which Mali won 3-1 in an international friendly on February 23.

Mali’s coach, Tom Saintfiet, is known for being a great strategist. Eliminating Tunisia with 10 men is a tough task. However, out of the eight Nations, so far, only Mali has yet to claim the tournament title, although they did come close as the runners-up in 1972.

9 January – Tangier – Mali – Senegal 5 PM
Youngster Jalil Conteh signs first professional contract
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Youngster Jalil Conteh signs first professional contract

Youngster Jalil Conteh has signed his first professional contract with AFC Bournemouth. The 17-year-old will stay with the club until at least the summer of 2028.

Conteh joined Bournemouth on a scholarship six months ago after leaving Chelsea. Since then, he has impressed in both the under-18 team and the development squad.

“I’m really happy,” Conteh said about his contract. “I have worked hard for this, and I thank God for the opportunity. This is my dream since childhood. I won’t take it for granted; I will keep going and pushing.”

He added, “I’ve settled here now and I’m really enjoying it. I like the exciting counter-attacking football the club plays. The first team shares a philosophy with the academy, which is important to me. I just want to stay fit, avoid injuries, and put in good performances. If I score goals, everything else will come in time.”

Sam Gisborne, the Head of Academy, said, “Jalil joined us from Chelsea last summer. He had a small injury but has returned and made an impact in the FA Youth Cup. He has also played for our development squad several times.”

Adil Boulbina's last-gasp striker won it for Algeria
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Adil Boulbina’s last-gasp strike won it for Algeria

Algeria moved on to the Africa Cup of Nations after a late goal from substitute Boulbina. He worked with Zerrouki before cutting inside and scoring a stunning shot into the top corner.

This was the 22-year-old’s first goal for Algeria and a crucial goal that helped his team reach the tournament quarter-finals, where they will face Nigeria on Friday.

In a tense match that ended goalless in regular time, Boulbina scored the winning goal in the 118th minute, just five minutes after he came off the bench. He made a strong run inside from the right and curled a great shot past the goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi-Nzau, who had kept DR Congo in the game for most of the match.

Despite neither team scoring a goal in the first 90 minutes, the match went to extra time as both teams struggled to find the net. The Algerians managed to find a way to win.

The goal finally broke the deadlock between two closely matched teams that had cancelled each other out during regular time and the early part of extra time. The game was marked by discipline, physical play, and missed opportunities.

Algeria started strong, controlling the ball and being aggressive, but they had difficulty creating clear chances against the solid Congolese defence. Mpasi-Nzau, the DR Congo goalkeeper, was not tested much in the first half.

DR Congo looked dangerous on counterattacks. Cedric Bakambu nearly scored in the first half, forcing Luca Zidane into a good save. Then, Axel Tuanzebe’s header from the resulting corner went just wide.

Algeria is now set to compete in the quarter-finals against Nigeria in Marrakesh, as their pursuit of a second AFCON title in six years gains traction.