Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mo Salah's Egypt to open AFCON 2025 against Zimbabwe
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mo Salah’s Egypt to open AFCON 2025 against Zimbabwe

In Group B, the Pharaohs of Egypt are gearing up for an exciting opener against the Zimbabwe Warriors, set to take place at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir, located in the Souss-Massa region of Morocco, on Monday.

As a benchmark nation in African football, Egypt holds a distinguished position in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Having claimed the inaugural title in 1957, the Pharaohs have cemented their status as the continent’s most successful team, with seven championships and an impressive 26 tournament appearances to their name.

On the other hand, Zimbabwe will be participating in their sixth tournament since 2004. With both teams keen on securing a positive start, the atmosphere is sure to be charged and competitive.

Tawanda Chirewa has expressed his hope to deliver a strong performance in the Warriors’ opening match against Egypt in Group B of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Monday.

The winger is part of the Zimbabwe national team that will participate in the prestigious tournament. In a conversation with his club, Wolves, Chirewa discussed the Warriors’ prospects at AFCON and his own goals for the competition.

He stated, “I have confidence that we’re going to surprise many nations and people with our performance, so I’m focused on getting myself fully prepared. This tournament is my first significant competition, and I aim to showcase to the world the talent of Zimbabwe.”

Chirewa continued: “I recognise that this is important for my family’s reputation, and I aspire to become an excellent player for Zimbabwe, to be a legend for my country, which is a goal I’m passionate about and truly believe I can achieve.

AFCON represents a crucial step in that journey, and if I can contribute to helping us advance as far as possible in the tournament, I know that I’ll be progressing toward my aspirations for my country.”

South Africa and Angola are among the nations in this group that are anticipated to advance to the knockout stages.

Tough AFCON 2025 start for Comoros against host Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tough AFCON 2025 start for Comoros against host Morocco

On Sunday. host Morocco kick off their Africa Cup of Nations this weekend, with a tough match against Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Comoros head coach Stefano Cusin has chosen a stable team, adding two important new players for the tournament in Morocco.

He kept the majority of his kley players from the AFCON and 2026 World Cup qualifiers, showing his commitment to continuity as Comoros aims to become one of Africa’s rising teams again.

Comoros are in the tournament for only the second time in their history after they dominated AFCON qualifying, failing to lose any of their six matches, even defeating World Cup-bound Tunisia in Tunis.

Comoros and Tunisia were the group winners and runners-up respectively, qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

However, the host team is known for its stylish football, and they are the favourites to win this opening match of AFCON. The Morocco captain’s race to overcome injury headlines around this edition of the AFCON, which runs until 18 January.

Group A certainly presents a tough challenge, featuring host nation Morocco alongside Comoros, Zambia, and Mali. This edition in Morocco marks the 35th African Cup of Nations.

Group A certainly presents a tough challenge, featuring host nation Morocco alongside Comoros, Zambia, and Mali. This edition in Morocco marks the 35th African Cup of Nations.
Group A certainly presents a tough challenge, featuring host nation Morocco alongside Comoros, Zambia, and Mali. This edition in Morocco marks the 35th African Cup of Nations.
Comoros in the tournament for only second time in their history after they dominated AFCON qualifiers
Comoros in the tournament for only second time in their history after they dominated AFCON qualifiers
FC Nürnberg part ways with  Crystal Palace youngster Hindolo Mustapha
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

FC Nürnberg part ways with Palace youngster Hindolo Mustapha

FC Nürnberg and Hindolo Mustapha have mutually decided to part ways after just six months, as the club announced this afternoon.

The 19-year-old’s loan spell with the 2. Bundesliga side has been cut short. Unfortunately, Mustapha did not make any professional appearances during his time at Nürnberg and will be returning to Crystal Palace for now.

“Hindolo clearly possesses talent, but things didn’t play out as we had all hoped at 1. FC Nürnberg. It was also important for the player’s future to clear things up early on and reach a solution that suited everyone,” stated sporting director Joti Chatzialexiou.

The Sierra Leone international had previously faced criticism from coach Miroslav Klose back in November, which is believed to have strained their working relationship.

Sierra Leone's Sullay Kaikai helps Cambridge draw with MK Dons
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Sullay Kaikai helps Cambridge draw with MK Dons

Sullay Kaikai returned to haunt his old club, MK Dons, by scoring a brilliant equaliser that helped Cambridge secure a point in a League Two clash.

The hosts took the lead in the 42nd minute thanks to Callum Paterson, but Kaikai struck back midway through the second half, allowing Cambridge to extend their unbeaten league streak to six games.

Cambridge’s Ben Knight was denied by keeper Craig MacGillivray, while Kelland Watts narrowly missed in a chaotic goalmouth scramble.

Just before half-time, the Dons took the lead with Paterson scoring from a pass by Liam Kelly. Cambridge had chances too, including Liam Bennett’s close-range miss.

In the 66th minute, former MK Dons winger Kaikai equalised with a powerful shot from outside the box. In the final moments, Aaron Collins nearly won it for Cambridge but hit the side-netting, resulting in a draw.

The Sierra Leone International joined Cambridge United in League One on a one-year deal on 28 June 2024. On 10 June 2025, the club announced that he had signed a new two-year contract.

Mali coach Tom Saintfiet includes Yves Bissouma in Mali final AFCON squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Coach Tom Saintfiet includes Yves Bissouma in Mali’s final AFCON squad

Bissouma plays for Tottenham Hotspur and has not played this season yet, but Saintfiet values his role in Mali’s midfield ahead of the tournament starting on 21 December.

Mali will begin their Group A campaign on 22 December against Zambia in Casablanca. They will also face the hosts, Morocco, and Comoros, in a very competitive group.

Bissouma’s return is the most significant part of the squad announcement. He last played in August and had ankle surgery after getting injured during a World Cup qualifier.

Even without recent matches, the coach believes Bissouma’s experience and smart play can be important in the midfield, which has a mix of strength and skill.

Saintfiet has assembled a balanced squad for Mali, featuring experienced players alongside promising talent from Europe and Africa. Defensively, Hamari Traoré leads, supported by Sikou Niakaté, Mamadou Fofana, and Woyo Coulibaly, while Djigui Diarra, Ismaël Diawara, and Mamadou Sawassa man the goal.

Mali’s midfield is robust with Amadou Haidara, Aliou Dieng, Lassana Coulibaly, Ibrahima Sissoko, Bissouma, and Mohamed Camara.

In attack, options include Nene Dorgeles, Kamory Doumbia, and Gaoussou Diarra for creativity and speed, while Moussa El Bilal Touré and Lassine Sinayoko are poised to score.

With a strong squad and the return of key players, Mali aims to advance far in the tournament in Morocco.

FULL MALI SQUAD FOR AFCON 2025 

Goalkeepers: Djigui Diarra (Young Africans), Ismaël Diawara (Sirius) and Mamadou Sawassa (Laval)

Defenders: Ousmane Camara (Angers), Woyo Coulibaly (Sassuolo), Amadou Dante (Arouca), Abdoulaye Diaby (Grasshoppers), Fodé Doucouré (Le Havre), Mamadou Fofana (New England Revolution), Nathan Gassama (Baltika), Sikou Niakaté (Sporting Braga) and Hamari Traoré (Paris FC)

Midfielders: Yves Bissouma (Tottenham Hotspur), Mohamed Camara (Al Sadd), Lassana Coulibaly (Lecce), Aliou Dieng (Al Ahly), Mahamadou Doumbia (Al Ittihad), Amadou Haidara (RB Leipzig), Mamadou Sangaré (Racing Lens) and Ibrahima Sissoko (VfL Bochum)

Forwards: Mamadou Camara (Laval), Gaoussou Diakité (Lausanne Sports), Gaoussou Diarra (Feyenoord Rotterdam), Nene Dorgeles (Fenerbahçe), Kamory Doumbia (Stade Brestois), Mamadou Doumbia (Watford), Lassine Sinayoko (Auxerre) and Moussa El Bilal Touré (Beşiktaş)

Senegal named a strong squad for AFCON in Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal named a strong squad for AFCON in Morocco

In a significant move, interim coach Pape Thiaw has announced his 28-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, including the debut call-ups of FC Metz striker Cheick Tidiane Sabaly and US Gorée midfielder Ibrahima Seck.

Also making a return is goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who missed the last gathering due to injury. Additionally, AS Monaco winger Krepin Diatta is back in the fold, marking his first Senegal call-up in 10 months.

El Hadji Malick Diouf, a defender for Hammers, has cut Senegal’s 28-man roster for the upcoming CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

The 20-year-old has made quite an impression since joining West Ham United last summer, recording three assists in 16 appearances. He has already earned 12 caps for his nation and netted his first senior international goal against Kenya during the November international break.

Senegal will play their group matches at Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, starting with a clash against Botswana on Tuesday, December 23, at 3 PM GMT.

Senegal will open Group D against Botswana on the 23rd before facing DR Congo on Saturday, December 27, and they will conclude their group-stage games against Benin on Tuesday, December 30, with a match set for 7 PM GMT.

The tournament is set to kick off on Sunday, December 21, culminating with the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, January 18.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Edouard Mendy, Seny Dieng, Cheikh Lo Ndoye

Defenders: Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhate, Abdou Diallo, Seydou Sano, Ismail Jakobs, Abdoulaye Seck, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Abdou Aziz Ndiaye, Formose Mendy

Midfielders: Idrissa Gana Gueye, Lamine Camara, Pathe Ciss, Habib Diarra, Pape Matar Sarr, Pape Gueye, Krepin Diatta, Ibrahima Seck

Forwards: Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye, Boulaye Dia, Nicolas Jackson, Habib Diallo, Cherif Ndiaye, Cheikh Tidiane Sabaly

Tunisia confirm AFCON squad as Sami Trabelsi recalls Skhiri and Hannibal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia confirm AFCON squad as Sami Trabelsi recalls Skhiri and Hannibal

Tunisia’s coach, Sami Trabelsi, has announced his final squad of 28 players for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

He decided to stick with most of the team while making some important changes. The Carthage Eagles are looking to regain their competitive strength in this tournament.

Midfielders Ellyes Skhiri and Hannibal Mejbri are back in the squad after missing recent matches. Their return will help bring balance and creativity to the team, which will face Uganda, Nigeria, and Tanzania in Group C.

Trabelsi kept most of the players from the international matches in November, and the goalkeeping lineup remains the same. Aymen Dahmen, Bechir Ben Saïd, Noureddine Farhati, and Sabri Ben Hassen make up a strong goalkeeping group, with Ben Hassen returning from injury.

In defence, Trabelsi chose to maintain stability while adding some new players. Regular defenders Yassine Meriah, Montassar Talbi, Dylan Bronn, Ali Maâloul, and Ali Abdi keep their spots. Adem Arous and Nader Ghandri also return to the national team after missing the Qatar tournament. Ghandri, who played well with Akhmat Grozny, said he is proud to be back and ready to give his all for Tunisia.

In midfield, Trabelsi has kept Ferjani Sassi, Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, and Houssem Tka in place, while Skhiri and Hannibal add strength to the team. The attacking lineup includes Elias Saad, Sébastien Tounekti, and Firas Chaouat, with Elias Achouri, Hazem Mastouri, and Seifeddine Jaziri also joining for depth and energy.

Some players, like Layouni and Nacim Dendani, who played in Qatar, are not on the final roster. Trabelsi said his choices focused on competitiveness and team balance, and he plans to gradually introduce younger players to support their development.

With 9 days until the tournament begins, Tunisia will begin final preparations, hoping that a mix of returning players, a solid defence, and experienced leaders will help them succeed in the knockout rounds.

FULL TUNISIA SQUAD FOR AFCON 2025 (28 players)

Goalkeepers

  • Aymen Dahmen (CS Sfaxien)
  • Bechir Ben Saïd (Espérance de Tunis)
  • Sabri Ben Hassen (Étoile du Sahel)
  • Noureddine Farhati (Stade Tunisien)

Defenders

  • Yan Valery (Sheffield Wednesday)
  • Mohamed Ben Ali (Espérance de Tunis)
  • Dylan Bronn (Servette FC)
  • Montassar Talbi (FC Lorient)
  • Yassine Meriah (Espérance de Tunis)
  • Adem Arous (Kasimpasa)
  • Nader Ghandri (Akhmat Grozny)
  • Mortadha Ben Ouanes (Kasimpasa)
  • Ali Abdi (OGC Nice)
  • Ali Maaloul (CS Sfaxien)

Midfielders

  • Ferjani Sassi (Al Gharafa)
  • Ellyes Skhiri (Eintracht Frankfurt)
  • Houssem Tka (Espérance de Tunis)
  • Mohamed Hadj Mahmoud (FC Lugano)
  • Ismael Gharbi (Augsburg)
  • Hannibal Mejbri (Burnley FC)
  • Naim Sliti (Al Shamal)
  • Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane (Al Ahly)

Forwards

  • Elias Saad (Augsburg)
  • Elias Achouri (FC Copenhagen)
  • Hazem Mastouri (Dinamo Makhachkala)
  • Sébastien Tounekti (Celtic)
  • Firas Chaouat (Club Africain)
  • Seifeddine Jaziri (Zamalek)
Morocco's coach, Walid Regragui, has unveiled a formidable 28-man squad as the Atlas Lions gear up to host the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, kicking off in just ten days.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Host Morocco named a star-studded final AFCON squad

Morocco's coach, Walid Regragui, has unveiled a formidable 28-man squad as the Atlas Lions gear up to host the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, kicking off in just ten days.

The squad, revealed on Thursday, boasts some of the nation’s brightest stars, including Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou, Sofyan Amrabat, and striker Youssef En-Nesyri.

Hakimi is recovering from a serious ankle injury and may miss the opening matches, but Regragui values his leadership. Morocco enters the tournament as the favourites, aiming for their first title since 1976 after a record 18 consecutive victories.

With continuity and tactical flexibility, the squad features key players from the 2022 World Cup semi-finals. Defensive leaders Romain Saïss and Nayef Aguerd return, joined by rising star Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal.

The full-back lineup includes Noussair Mazraoui, Adam Masina, and young Anass Salah-Eddine. In midfield, the team relies on talents like Azzedine Ounahi and Sofyan Amrabat, while the attack is led by Youssef En-Nesyri and Ayoub El Kaabi, supported by creative wingers like Brahim Diaz.

However, Sofiane Diop is notably absent, and Hamza Igamane is on the reserve list due to injury. With the tournament hosted in Morocco, expectations are high.

Regragui knows lifting the trophy in Rabat on January 18 is the only acceptable outcome. In Group A, Morocco will compete against Comoros, Mali, and Zambia for continental glory.

Goalkeepers: Munir El Kajoui, Yassine Bounou and El Mehdi Al Harrar

Défenders: Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Chibi, Jawad El Yamiq, Romain Saïss, Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, Nayef Aguerd, Adam Masina, Noussair Mazraoui and Anas Salah-Eddine

Midfielders: Oussama Targhalline, Sofyan Amrabat, Ismael Saibari, Neil El Aynaoui, Bilal El Khannouss and Azzedine Ounahi

Forwards: Brahim Diaz, Ilias Akhomach, Chemsdine Talbi, Youssef En-Nesyri, Ayoub El Kaabi, Soufiane Rahimi,  Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Eliesse Ben Seghir

Reserve Players

  • Youssef Belammari

  • Hamza Igamane

Les Coelacantes of Comoros rally troops for AFCON 2025 tournament
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Les Coelacantes of Comoros rally troops for AFCON 2025 tournament

Comoros has named its final 26-man squad for the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Head coach Stefano Cusin has retained most players from the AFCON and 2026 World Cup qualifiers, emphasizing stability as Comoros seeks to become one of Africa's rising teams.

Cusin has also added two new players: Zaid Amir and Yannis Kari. Both players performed well at the 2025 Arab Cup with the Comoros A’ team and are making their first appearances in a senior tournament.

The squad includes key players like midfielder Youssouf M’Changama, who plays a vital role in the team’s creative efforts, and forward Faïz Selemani, known for his strong attacking abilities. Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor returns, joined by Ben Salim Boina and Adel Anzimati, who have been reliable throughout the qualification process.

On defence, Cusin has mixed experienced players like Kassim M’Dahoma and Akim Abdallah with younger talents Idriss Mohamed, Kenan Toibibou, and Ismaël Boura, bringing new energy to the team.

Comoros, which reached the AFCON knockout stages in 2021, will compete in Group A against hosts Morocco, Mali, and Zambia. They will start their campaign against Morocco on December 21 in Casablanca, a tough match that Cusin believes can inspire the team for the rest of the group stage.

The team will prepare for the tournament with friendly matches against Gambia and Madagascar.

FULL COMOROS SQUAD FOR AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers
  • Yannick Pandor (Royal Francs Borains)
  • Ben Salim Boina (Istres FC)
  • Adel Anzimati (FC Ararat Erevan)
Defenders
  • Kassim M’Dahoma (SC Aubagne Air Bel)
  • Ahmed Soilihi (SC Toulon)
  • Idriss Mohamed (Le Puy Foot 43)
  • Kenan Toibibou (NK Bravo)
  • Akim Abdallah (EA Guingamp)
  • Ismaël Boura (ESTAC Troyes)
  • Yannis Kari (Fréjus Saint-Raphaël)
  • Saïd Bakary (Sparta Rotterdam)
Midfielders
  • Yacine Bourhane (Aris Limassol)
  • Iyad Mohamed (Casa Pia AC)
  • Raouf Mroivili (FC Villefranche)
  • Youssouf M’Changama (Al-Batin)
  • Rayan Lutin (Amiens SC)
  • Youssouf Bendjaloud (FC Sochaux)
  • Rémy Vita (CD Tondela)
  • Youssouf Zaydou (Al-Fateh SC)
Forwards
  • Rafiki Saïd (Standard Liège)
  • Amir Zaïd (Istres FC)
  • Faïz Selemani (Qatar SC)
  • El Fardou Ben Nabouhane (FK Zemun)
  • Myziane Maolida (Al-Kholood Club)
  • Ahmed Aymeric (LB Châteauroux)
  • Ali Aboubcar (Royal Francs Borains)
Zambia's Chipolopolo ready for Cup of Nations as Daka leads squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zambia’s Chipolopolo ready for Cup of Nations as Daka leads squad

Zambia’s final squad for the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations has been announced by coach Moses Sichone, showcasing a mix of promising local talent and seasoned international players. The tournament will take place in Morocco later this month.

The squad features exciting newcomers, including Matthews Banda, Given Kalusa, Pascal Phiri, and Eliya Mandanji from Zanaco, all earning their first senior call-ups after strong domestic performances.

Coach Sichone has also revamped the goalkeeping lineup with three uncapped keepers: Lawrence Mulenga, Francis Mwansa, and Willard Mwanza.

Leading the overseas players is striker Patson Daka, joined by Jack Kalichi Lahne from Austria, who scored on his debut last FIFA window. Other international talents include Joseph Liteta (Cagliari), Kings Kangwa (Maccabi Be’er Sheva), and Lameck Banda (Lecce).

Zambia’s final preparation occurs in Murcia, Spain, from December 11 to 17, with foreign players expected to join after December 15.

In the tournament, Zambia to face Morocco on December 21, Mali on December 26, and Comoros on December 30 in a challenging Group A.

Standby players Jonathan Kalimina and Abel Nyirongo, standout performers from the U17 World Cup, will be ready to step in if needed. The squad has been finalised at 28 players after narrowing down from an initial list of 55.

Zambia’s final 28-man squad for AFCON 2025

Goalkeepers – Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos), Francis Mwansa (Zanaco) and Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos)

Defenders: Stopilla Sunzu (Changchun, China), Frankie Musonda (Bahrain SC), Kabaso Chongo (Zesco United), Matthews Banda (Nkana), Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos), Gift Mphande (Zesco United), Obino Chisala (Al-Merikh SC, Sudan), David Hamasenya (Leganés, Spain)and Benson Sakala (Bohemians 1905, Czech Republic)

Midfielders: Miguel Changa Chaiwa (Hibernian, Scotland), Owen Tembo (Power Dynamos), Joseph Liteta (Cagliari, Italy), Kings Kangwa (Maccabi Be’er Sheva, Israel), Given Kalusa (FC MUZA), David Simukonda (Zesco United), Wilson Chisala (Zanaco), Joseph Sabobo Banda (Maccabi Be’er Sheva, Israel), Lameck Banda (Lecce, Italy), Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha, Saudi Arabia), Lubambo Musonda (Magdeburg, Germany) and Pascal Phiri (Zesco United)

Strikers: Patson Daka (Leicester City, England), Jack Lahne Kalichi (Austria Lustenau, Austria), Kennedy Musonda (Hapoel Ramat Gan, Israel) and Eliya Mandanji (Zanaco)