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Senegal through to AFCON quarter-final after defeating Sudan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal through to AFCON quarter-finals after defeating Sudan

Senegal staged a remarkable comeback to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, triumphing over Sudan with a 3-1 victory at the Grande de Tanger stadium on Saturday.

The match got off to a surprising start, with Sudan taking the lead just six minutes into the game. Aamir Abdallah showcased his striking prowess, netting a well-placed shot that caught the Senegalese defence off guard and sent their supporters into a frenzy.

For the first 25 minutes, Sudan appeared firmly in control, showing confidence and creating opportunities that had the Senegalese side on the defensive.

However, the tide began to turn in the 29th minute when Pape Gueye, a midfielder from Villarreal, found the back of the net, levelling the score and shifting the momentum in favour of Senegal.

He struck again just before halftime in the 45th minute, leaving the Sudanese players shaken and struggling to regain their composure.

As the second half unfolded, Senegal continued to assert their dominance, with Ibrahim Mbaye adding a third goal in a decisive moment, solidifying the Senegalese lead and effectively putting the match beyond Sudan’s reach.

In the final stages of the match, despite being three goals up with just five minutes remaining, the Senegalese team remained aggressive and tenacious, fighting for every ball with determination.

This perseverance was epitomised moments later when Pape Gueye was substituted off for Pathe Ciss after preparing to take a corner from the left side.

Tunisia and Mali set for a cracking AFCON knockout contest
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia and Mali set for a cracking AFCON knockout contest

Brave Mali set to go up against North African opposition Tunisia in the round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, taking place at Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca on Saturday.

Mali advanced to the knockout phase by finishing second in Group A, securing two draws against Zambia and Morocco, and a goalless draw against Comoros. Despite being unbeaten, they didn’t achieve any victories in the group.

In their last six competitive matches, Mali has shown tough composure, with two wins and four draws. Historically, they are consistent AFCON performers, frequently reaching the knockout stages, though they have yet to win the tournament.

Tunisia reached the round of 16 by finishing second in Group C, starting with a 3-1 victory over Uganda, followed by a loss to Nigeria and a draw with Tanzania. Their group stage performance highlighted both attacking potential and defensive vulnerabilities.

Tunisia’s depth of experience in the Africa Cup of Nations, including their previous title in 2004, gives them an advantage as they approach the knockout stage of football.

Both teams have faced each other 13 times since 1994, with Tunisia winning six matches, Mali four, and three ending in draws. Recent meetings have been closely contested.

Mali’s head coach, Tom Saintfiet, made four changes to the lineup that drew with Morocco. However, they will be without key midfielder Amadou Haidara, who is suspended following a red card in their last match. There is positive news regarding injuries, as Sikou Niakate is back in training.

Tunisia’s head coach, Sami Trabelsi, has a nearly full-strength squad, with no suspensions reported. The main concern is Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, who suffered a knee injury, but initial assessments suggest it is not serious. Additionally, Elias Achouri is expected to return to full fitness soon after a minor injury.

Mali’s possible starting lineup:

Diarra; W. Coulibaly, Diaby, O. Camara, Gassama; Dieng, Doumbia, L. Coulibaly, Sangare, Bissouma; Sinayoko

Tunisia’s possible starting lineup:

Dahmen; Abdi, Talbi, Bronn, Valery; Skhiri, Gharbi, Mejbri; Achouri, Tounekti, Mastouri

AFCON 2025 Round of 16 fixtures – Saturday, 3 January 2026 
  • Mali vs Tunisia 20h00 local time / 19h00 GMT
    Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca
Senegal and Sudan last-16 Cup of Nations 2025 preview
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal and Sudan Last-16 Cup of Nations 2025 preview

Senegal aims to overcome the disappointment of being eliminated in the round of 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations when they face Sudan at Grande de Tanger on Saturday.

The Terenga Lions performed admirably in the group stage, achieving a 3-0 victory over Botswana, a 1-1 draw with DR Congo, and a decisive win against Benin, concluding the group with seven points. They topped Group D thanks to their superior goal difference compared to DR Congo.

While Senegal’s strong performance in the first round has resulted in a more favourable matchup against Sudan, they are mindful of the potential challenges posed by their opponents.

In the previous edition of the tournament, Senegal was unexpectedly eliminated by the eventual champions, the Ivory Coast, at a similar stage.

Confidence is high for Senegal as they prepare to advance past Sudan, particularly given their status as one of the continent’s most in-form teams, with three victories in their last four matches (one draw). They have excelled offensively, scoring seven goals while conceding just one.

Sudan, on the other hand, has emerged as one of the surprise teams of this round, reaching the last 16 despite winning only one of their three group matches.

Their campaign began with a 3-0 defeat to Algeria, followed by a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Equatorial Guinea. They faced a setback in their final group match against Burkina Faso, losing 2-0. Nonetheless, their single win was sufficient to secure their place as one of the best third-placed teams.

Saturday’s match against Senegal presents a significant challenge for Sudan, particularly given their recent performance of just two wins in their last 15 matches.

In terms of head-to-head statistics, Senegal has historically dominated encounters with Sudan, winning all of their last seven meetings, which included four draws. Over these contests, Senegal has scored eight goals while Sudan has managed only one.

A key player to watch for Senegal is Nicolas Jackson, who made a noteworthy entrance into the tournament by scoring twice in their opening match. While he has not added to his goal tally since, the expectation is that he will seek to enhance his performance against a less competitive opponent on Saturday.

In terms of team composition, Senegal will be without captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who was sent off in their last match against Benin. Diao will also be unavailable due to a thigh injury, and Ilay Camara is sidelined with a muscle injury.

For Senegal, the probable lineup includes: Elneel, Awad, Saeed Ahmed, Karshom, Khamis, Taifour, Alhassan Omer, Nooh, Eisa, and Abdelrahman.

Sudan’s anticipated lineup features: Mendy, Jakobs, Niakhate, Seck, Diatta, P. Gueye, I. Gueye, Ndiaye, Mane, Sarr, and Jackson.

AFCON 2025 Round of 16 fixtures
Saturday, 3 January 2026 – Senegal vs Sudan, 17:00 –Grand Stade de Tangier
Intriguing Cup of Nations AFCON last-16 matches confirmed
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Intriguing Cup of Nations AFCON last-16 matches confirmed

The fixtures for the Round of 16 in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco have been finalized, following an exhilarating group stage that showcased the exceptional talent in African football.

The knockout stage is scheduled to take place from Saturday, January 3, to Tuesday, January 6, featuring two matches each day at 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT) and 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT) as teams compete for a place in the quarter-finals.

Morocco, the host nation, will face Tanzania at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat on Sunday at 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT). The Moroccan team, which topped Group A, is poised to seek their first continental title in 50 years, supported by enthusiastic local fans.

Simultaneously, South Africa and Cameroon will compete later that same day at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat at 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT). This match will feature coach Hugo Broos against the national team he previously led to victory in 2017.

The Round of 16 will commence on Saturday with the matchup between 2021 champions Senegal and Sudan at the Grand Stade de Tangier at 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT). Following this, Mali will play against Tunisia at 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT) at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, with Mali striving for their first continental championship while Tunisia aims to replicate their triumph from 2004.

Egypt, the record seven-time champions of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, are looking to end a lengthy wait for the trophy since their last victory in 2010. They will face Benin on Monday at 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT) at the Grand Stade de Agadir.

That evening, Nigeria, one of the standout teams from the group stages, will take on Mozambique at the Complexe Sportif de Fès at 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT) as they aim to improve upon their silver medal finish at the 2023 tournament.

On Tuesday, Algeria will meet the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Stade Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan in Rabat at 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT). The Round of 16 will conclude with a match between defending champions Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso at the Grand Stade de Marrakech at 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT).

The quarter-finals are set to be held on January 9-10, with the final taking place on January 18 at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah.

TOTALENERGIES CAF AFCON MOROCCO 2025 ROUND OF 16 FIXTURES
  • Saturday, 3 January 2026 – Senegal vs Sudan
  • 17h00 local time / 16h00 GMT
  • Grand Stade de Tangier
  • Mali vs Tunisia – 20h00 local time / 19h00 GMT
  • Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca
  •  
  • Sunday, 4 January 2026.
  • Morocco vs Tanzania – 17h00 local time / 16h00 GMT 
  • Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat
  • South Africa vs Cameroon
  • 20h00 local time / 19h00 GMT
  • Stade Al Medina, Rabat
 
  • Monday, 5 January 2026
  • Egypt vs Benin
  • 17h00 local time / 16h00 GMT
  • Grand Stade de Agadir
  • Nigeria vs Mozambique
  • 20h00 local time / 19h00 GMT
  • Complexe Sportif de Fès
  •  
  • Tuesday, 6 January 2026
  • Algeria vs DR Congo
  • 17h00 local time / 16h00 GMT
  • Stade Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan, Rabat
  • Cote d’Ivoire vs Burkina Faso
  • 20h00 local time / 19h00 GMT
  • Grand Stade de Marrakech
Senegal thrash Benin as DR Congo progress with a heavy win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal thrash Benin as DR Congo progress with a heavy win

Senegal secured a position in the Round of 16 by defeating Benin with a decisive 3-0 victory in their final Group D match at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The match, held in Tangiers, showcased Senegal’s strong performance, beginning with a header from Abdoulaye Seck in the 38th minute, assisted by Krépin Diatta’s well-executed set piece.

Sadio Mané later provided a critical pass to Habib Diallo, who extended the lead with a composed finish in the 62nd minute.

Despite Kalidou Koulibaly receiving a red card after a VAR review in the 71st minute, Senegal demonstrated resilience and maintained their advantage, culminating in a penalty converted by Cherif Ndiaye in stoppage time.

This victory confirms Senegal’s position at the top of Group D, while Benin also advances to the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.

In a parallel match, DR Congo triumphed over Botswana with a convincing 3-0 scoreline, securing second place in Group D.

Gael Kakuta delivered an outstanding performance, contributing two goals and an assist, illustrating his pivotal role in the team’s success.

Nathaniel Mbuku opened the scoring, with Kakuta converting a penalty just before halftime and subsequently completing his brace.

This result positions DR Congo for an upcoming match against Algeria in the Round of 16.

Tunisia progress as Nigeria wrap-up Group D with a comfortable win
by FSL News

Tunisia progress as Nigeria wrap up Group C with a comfortable win

At the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Tunisia progressed to the Africa Cup of Nations round of sixteen after their 1–1 draw with Tanzania on Tuesday.

Tunisia started strong, keeping possession early, but failed to increase their pace. They threatened the goal with Ismael Gharbi, whose powerful shot hit the post.

Just before halftime, Tunisia scored. Hazem Mastouri was fouled in the box by Bakari Mwamnyeto, and after a long VAR review, Tunisia was given a penalty. Gharbi converted the penalty, putting Tunisia ahead 1–0.

The first half was low in energy, but Tunisia managed their lead comfortably. After halftime, Tunisia chose to defend their lead instead of attacking further. This cautious strategy allowed Tanzania to gain confidence and push forward.

Tanzania found their chance in the 54th minute when Feisal Salum made a great shot from the edge of the area. The ball surprised goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen and went into the netlevellingng the score.

In the final minutes, both teams made substitutions and appeared satisfied with a 1–1 draw. This result secured Tunisia’s place in the Round of 16 as the group’s second-placed team, while Tanzania kept hopes alive for qualification as one of the best third-placed teams.

Tunisia’s Coach Sami Trabelsi emphasised the importance of qualifying, stating, “We haven’t performed well in recent years, so this matters. We need to improve for the stronger teams ahead.” Tanzania’s Coach, Miguel Gamond, expressed pride in his team’s effort, noting the significance of this qualification for Tanzanian football.

Nigeria topped the group with a 3-1 victory over Uganda, effectively ending Uganda’s campaign. Nigeria’s Paul Onuachu opened the scoring in the 28th minute, while Raphael Onyedika scored twice after Uganda’s Salim Magoola received a red card in the 56th minute. Uganda managed to score in the 75th minute through Rogers Mato.

Nigeria finished with three wins, and Onyedika, named Man of the Match, reflected on his happiness and the need for focus in both practice and games.

Comoros, Zambia and Zimbabwe eliminated from AFCON 2025
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Comoros, Zambia and Zimbabwe have been eliminated from AFCON 2025

After the intense third round of matches, three nations have faced elimination from the 2025 Cup of Nations.

Comoros drew 0-0 with Mali. Despite this draw, Mali secured a spot in the knockout stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025.  They finished their final Group A match at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on Monday night without scoring.

As a result, Comoros departed the tournament in third place with two points, falling short of qualification as one of the best third-placed teams.

Zambia lost 3-0 to the host team, Morocco. Morocco topped Group A and advanced to the round of sixteen after their decisive victory over Zambia in their last group match on Monday night.

Moses Sichone – Zambia Coach: “It was a tough day for us. We gave Morocco too much respect, and some players seemed nervous. Congratulations to Morocco; they took advantage of our lack of confidence. We improved in the second half, but it was too late.”

Zimbabwe lost 3-2 to South Africa. They finished at the bottom of Group B with no wins, one draw, and two losses.

In a contest shaped more by tension than creativity, Mali did just enough to secure the point they required to finish second in the group and advance to the Round of 16, while Comoros’ hopes of extending their tournament ended despite a spirited display.

Zimbabwe coach Mario Marinica stated, “We knew South Africa would dominate at times since they like to control the ball. We capitalised on opportunities and were dangerous in transition, which helped us regain control of the match. At this level, every mistake is costly. We focused on staying organised, winning duels, and controlling second balls.”

South Africa book last 16 spot with a win over Zimbabwe as Egypt and Angola draw
by Football Sierra Leone

South Africa book last-16 spot with a win over Zimbabwe as Egypt and Angola draw

South Africa advanced to the knockout stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025, securing a narrow 3–2 victory against a determined Zimbabwe team in a closely contested Group B match on Monday.

The match displayed significant tension, remaining uncertain until the final whistle. Yet, South Africa demonstrated commendable composure under pressure to achieve a result that could be pivotal for their qualification efforts.

Bafana Bafana commenced the match strongly, taking an early lead within the first seven minutes. Tshepang Moremi seized on a deflected effort, skillfully lifting the ball over goalkeeper Arubi to establish an advantage for South Africa.

Buoyed by this initial success, South Africa maintained an aggressive offensive presence, with Thapelo Mbule and Oswin Appollis significantly contributing to the team’s attacking drive.

Zimbabwe displayed resilience as Tawanda Maswanhise equalised in the 19th minute with a powerful strike. However, South Africa regained the lead shortly after the break when Lyle Foster scored with a skilful lob in the 50th minute.

Zimbabwe remained a threat, with Maswanhise hitting the post midway through the second half. The match was ultimately decided in the last fifteen minutes when a VAR review awarded South Africa a penalty for a handball by Marvellous Nakamba. Oswin Appollis converted it in the 82nd minute, extending South Africa’s lead as they held on to win. 

Meanwhile, Angola and already qualified Egypt fought to a tense 0–0 draw in their group stage match at the Stade d’Agadir, with Angola dominating possession but Egypt’s defence securing a hard-earned point.

Zambia must win against Morocco to secure AFCON round of 16 qualification
by Football Sierra Leone

Zambia must-win against Morocco to secure AFCON round of 16 qualification

Zambia must go all out to secure a victory against Morocco in their final group match of the Africa Cup of Nations, taking place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium this coming Monday.

A win is essential for Zambia to enhance their chances of qualifying for the knockout stage. Zambia drew in their last match against Comoros and accumulated only two points from their initial two games.

Morocco was held to a 1-1 draw by Mali, resulting in their failure to secure qualification for the round of 16 ahead of this crucial fixture.

Currently, Morocco leads Group A with four points, placing them two points ahead of second-placed Mali. A draw in this upcoming match would suffice for Morocco to advance to the knockout stage.

In their opening match, the Atlas Lions showcased a strong performance, defeating Comoros 2-0. Despite the draw with Mali impacting their path to the next round, Morocco will be keen to perform well and avoid any further setbacks against Zambia.

While Zambia has struggled offensively, its defensive capabilities remain a notable strength. The Chipolopolo have not secured a victory in the competition since their triumph in 2012 and will be eager to break this streak.

In terms of head-to-head encounters, Morocco has faced Zambia three times in AFCON history, achieving two victories and one draw.

From a team news perspective, Morocco’s manager, Walid Regragui, has confirmed that Achraf Hakimi will be available for selection in this match, although it is uncertain whether he will start.

Unfortunately, the squad may be without Romain Saiss and Hamza Igamane. Conversely, Zambia reports no injury concerns ahead of the match.

Nigeria and Algeria join Egypt into round of sixteen
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria and Algeria join Egypt in the round of sixteen

The final round of group matches in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco 2025 starts on Monday, with many teams still in contention for the knockout stage.

So far, only three teams, Egypt, Nigeria, and Algeria, have secured spots in the Round of 16 by winning their first two matches. The remaining positions will be decided in the final group games.

All matches on Monday will happen simultaneously, raising the stakes for teams. In Group B, Egypt leads with six points and has advanced. South Africa, with three points, faces Zimbabwe, while Angola and Zimbabwe are tied with one point. Angola must win against Egypt to have a chance.

In Group A, Morocco tops the group with four points, while Mali and Zambia have two, and Comoros has one. Morocco plays Zambia, and Mali meets Comoros.

On Tuesday, Group C will see Nigeria, which has already qualified, play Uganda. Tunisia, with three points, will face Tanzania, and both are still in the running.

Group D features Senegal and DR Congo with four points, Benin with three, and Botswana still looking for their first point. Senegal faces Benin, and DR Congo plays Botswana.

In Group E, Algeria has qualified, but Burkina Faso and Sudan, both with three points, are competing for the last spot. Group F has Cameroon and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire tied with four points, while Mozambique has three points.

CAF noted that the final matches promise to deliver exciting outcomes.

Final round of group-stage fixtures (all times GMT)

Monday 29 December

  • 16:00 — Angola vs Egypt

  • 16:00 — Zimbabwe vs South Africa

  • 19:00 — Zambia vs Morocco

  • 19:00 — Comoros vs Mali

Tuesday 30 December

  • 16:00 — Uganda vs Nigeria

  • 16:00 — Tanzania vs Tunisia

  • 19:00 — Benin vs Senegal

  • 19:00 — Botswana vs Congo DR

Wednesday 31 December

  • 16:00 — Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria

  • 16:00 — Sudan vs Burkina Faso

  • 19:00 — Gabon vs Côte d’Ivoire

  • 19:00 — Mozambique vs Cameroon