The change follows a decision by CAF’s Appeals Board dated March 18, which overturned the match result from the final played in Rabat on January 18. Senegal had initially been declared winners after a 1-0 extra-time victory, sealed by a goal from Pape Gueye.

CAF’s appeal body, however, found that Senegal’s temporary walk-off during a tense late-game episode amounted to conduct covered by the tournament’s forfeiture provisions. The incident occurred after a controversial stoppage-time penalty was awarded to Morocco, causing protests and a brief disruption.

In its ruling, CAF said Senegal had forfeited the match under Article 84 of AFCON regulations and recorded the final as a 3-0 win for Morocco, handing the hosts what CAF now recognises as their second AFCON title.

Meanwhile, Senegal’s football federation has rejected the decision and said it will take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), where a ruling could take months. CAF President Patrice Motsepe has defended the process, saying the confederation must enforce its regulations consistently and without favour.

The bookmaker confirmed that all payouts will remain intact and that it will not reverse winnings already issued to Senegal backers.

After the pomp and pageantry that greeted Senegal’s national football team back home in Dakar and the extra celebration for some of the players back at their respective football clubs, the decision of CAF’s Appeal Board has rubbed many football fans the wrong way. 

The Appeal Board’s decision, published on Tuesday March 17, noted that in applying “Article 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 (“the Match”), with the result of the Match being recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).”

But the Board’s interpretation of article 84 has come under scrutiny from many analysts and fans alike. CAF’s Disciplinary Board, responsible for enforcing its regulations, investigated the outcome of the tournament and upheld the 1-0 victory, which led to Senegal being crowned continental champions. So why did the Appeal Board decide to apply article 84, and what is contained in that article?

Article 84 of the CAF regulations states: “The team which contravenes provisions of articles 82 and 83 shall be eliminated for good from the competition. This team will lose the match 3-0 unless the opponent has achieved a more advantageous result at the time the match was interrupted; in this case, the score will be maintained. The Organising Committee may adopt further measures.”

The Board’s statement also noted that it found that “the conduct of the Senegal team falls within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.”

And that is where many have a problem. Former CAF Disciplinary Board member, Raymond Hack, speaking on Robert Marawa’s football show on Wednesday, March 18, pointed out that a crucial component of article 84 may have been overlooked by the Board.

“They (Appeal Board) based their decision on article 82, which says that if a team goes off the field of play without the authority of the referee, article 84 comes into play,” Hack said.

“But they didn’t read article 84 too well. Article 84 says the team that contravenes article 82 AND article 83 will be eliminated from the competition. It doesn’t say the provisions of articles 82 or 83. It says articles 82 and 83 and that’s where they award the three points or 3-0.”

Article 82 of the CAF regulations states: “If, for any reason whatsoever, a team withdraws from the competition or does not report for a match, or refuses to play or leaves the ground before the regular end of the match without authorisation of the referee, it shall be considered the loser and shall be eliminated for good from the current competition. The same shall apply for the teams previously disqualified by decision of CAF.”

Article 83, on the other hand, states: “A team that shall not be present on the ground, dressed to play at the time fixed for kick-off or at most 15 minutes later, shall forfeit the match. The referee shall register the absence of the team and shall write it in his report. The Organising Committee shall take the final decision in this respect.”

So if article 84 kicks in when articles 82 and 83 have been violated, then the Appeal Board should probably not have invoked it at all in this matter. Senegal’s walk-off was in the final minutes of the match - not at the beginning nor 15 minutes after the scheduled kick-off - therefore article 83 does not apply. So if that does not apply, what else did the Appeals Board miss which led them to invoke article 84 anyway?

“The point they’re all missing is [that] the referee’s decision in terms of article 6 of the CAF disciplinary code is final,” Hack said. “So when is final? If you look in terms of the IFAB rules, whether it be 5.2, where it talks about the referee, the game is finished when the referee blows the whistle for it being finished.”

Considering all this, it begs the question of whether the CAF Appeal Board is misinterpreting the confederation’s regulations. Sports journalist Benedict Owusu said such differences in interpretation of the law are common. So is the Appeal Board suggesting that the referee, as an arbiter of the match, no longer has the authority to make a final determination in the match he or she oversees?

Crucially, what does this all mean for African football?

Benedict Owusu has covered African football extensively, including multiple AFCON and World Cup tournaments. He says the Board’s decision puts African football in a bad light.

“There is no hiding from this, it’s an absolute embarrassment not only for football but for the continent,” he said. “AFCON is a tournament many people outside the continent have tried to downplay, and this embarrassment fuels those people to continue spreading their negativity about it. The level of attention this news has received worldwide should tell you where this has gotten to, and it is sad that it is for the wrong reasons.”

Senegal’s football federation, in a reaction to the Board’s decision, said it denounced “this unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable decision, which discredits African football. To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the Federation will initiate an appeal as soon as possible before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.”

The fallout from the CAF Appeals Board’s decision has been swift. There are calls on social media for the nine members of the Appeal Board to be sacked. On Thursday, a video of a news conference surfaced on social media showing Djibouti’s representative on the Appeal Board, Mohamed Robleh Djama, and two others. Djama distanced himself from the decision to strip Senegal of the title, saying he was neither present nor took part in the decision-making process.

While Senegal prepares to present its case to CAS, which some fans on social media are certain will lead to an overturn of the CAF Appeal Board’s decision, Benedict Owusu says, “This will never go away, even if it gets overturned again. The damage has already been caused, and it will be hard to repair it. The tournament’s reputation and CAF’s are in tatters. At this point, you cannot begrudge anyone who talks down on the AFCON. It is a mess, a really big mess.”

The opinions and thoughts expressed in this article reflect only the author's views.

Nii Akrofi Smart-Abbey is an award-winning international journalist, writer, and host of the A55 Podcast. Nii Akrofi has worked with local and international media in Ghana, Congo and the United States. He has contributed to news platforms like Zenger News, Africanews, W42ndST, and foreignpresscorrespondents.com.

The move comes as Senegal pushes back against CAF’s appeal ruling and prepares to take the dispute to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Senegal’s football federation has said it will challenge the decision after CAF overturned the result of the final against Morocco.

CAF, in a ruling issued March 17, 2026, said it upheld an appeal filed by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) relating to Match No. 52 of AFCON Morocco 2025. The CAF Appeals Jury declared Morocco’s appeal admissible and overturned an earlier decision by CAF’s Disciplinary Jury on procedural grounds, saying Morocco’s right to be heard had not been respected during the initial proceedings.

After reviewing the case, CAF said Senegal’s conduct during the final breached Articles 82 and 84 of the tournament regulations, which deal with misconduct and forfeiture. CAF ruled that Senegal forfeited the match and recorded the final as a 3 - 0 win for Morocco, effectively handing the hosts the title.

The controversy stems from chaotic scenes late in the final in Rabat on January 19, when Senegalese players briefly left the pitch after a disallowed goal and a penalty awarded to Morocco. CAF’s appeal body said the walk-off amounted to a forfeitable offence under the rules.

Senegal’s federation has rejected the ruling and vowed to seek relief at CAS. Senegalese officials have also indicated they will not return the trophy while the case is pending, insisting the matter should be settled through international arbitration.

Yet CAF has historically maintained one consistent principle: results on the pitch are rarely overturned after the fact. Even in cases of officiating errors or disputes, governing bodies have avoided stripping titles or reassigning trophies once awarded.

That precedent is now under scrutiny following the 2025 tournament, where Senegal were initially crowned champions, awarded medals and celebrated victory — only for the decision to be reversed. The move has raised fresh concerns over the application of CAF regulations, particularly rules governing walk-offs and forfeits, and has left observers asking whether this marks an unprecedented break from tradition in African football.

But the football almost became a side story. Because this final had everything: tension before kick-off, drama in stoppage time, a full-on pitch walk-off.  a failed “Panenka” penalty, and a moment of leadership that stopped the whole game from falling apart.

The trouble started before the first whistle.

Senegal’s Football Federation (FSF) raised “serious concerns” about security. They claimed their team bus had been swarmed by fans, and said they were even denied access to a training pitch at Morocco’s base. That alone was enough to create a hostile build-up, but the heat didn’t stop there.

On social media , the debates grew louder by the day. People argued over referee appointments, and there were accusations that Morocco was being given favourable treatment as tournament hosts. By the time players stepped out onto the pitch, it already felt like more than just a football match.

Despite the noise around it, the game itself stayed tight for most of the normal time.

For 90 minutes, no side had drawn first blood. Although it wasn’t a match full of goals or chaos early on, it was tense, cagey, and hanging on a knife-edge.

But as the clock ran out, that pressure didn’t disappear. 

The final completely lost control in the 98th minute.

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw was already enraged after Congolese referee Jean-Jacques disallowed a close-range goal by Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr, judging there was a foul in the build-up.

Then came the moment that pushed everything over the edge.

Ndala was advised by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to award Morocco a penalty for a challenge by Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf on Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz. And Thiaw snapped.

In a move Morocco coach Walid Regragui called “shameful,” Thiaw ushered his players off the field in protest. Senegal walked toward the tunnel, and for around 17 to 20 minutes, the match was suspended while the football world stared in disbelief.

Even FIFA President Gianni Infantino, watching from the stands, later condemned the scenes, calling them “ugly” and unacceptable.

For a final, it was unheard of. And for African football, it was a moment that threatened to leave a stain far beyond one night.

While Senegal walked off, Sadio Mane stayed on the pitch.

Mane was credited with persuading his teammates to come back and finish the match.

Later, he explained, “It would be crazy to not play this game because... the referee gave a penalty.”

He also said he’d rather lose than see African football damaged by abandonment.

But it wasn't to be. The match was subsequently deemed to have been abandoned by Senegal, and the Confederation of African Football awarded a 3-0 win to Morocco.

When play returned in the 20th minute of stoppage time, Morocco had the perfect chance to win the title.

Their star man, Brahim Diaz, the tournament’s top scorer, stepped up.

And instead of going safe, he must have listened to the voices in his head, afterall, he had been on fire the entire tournament, what could go wrong?

The Spanish-born forward, who switched allegiance just 3 years ago, saw himself delivering the second AFCON title to the Atlas Lions after a 50-year wait.

Brahim Diaz tried the one penalty technique that had befallen many famous footballers before him: the “Panenka”.

Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy read it easily and caught it. Just like that, the chance was gone — and Morocco’s momentum went with it.

That miss didn’t just waste a penalty. It swung the entire final toward Senegal.

Senegal entered extra time with a different energy. Just three minutes into extra time, Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye stepped up and smashed in what was described as a “piledriver” left-footed strike from the edge of the box.

It flew straight into the top corner.

Morocco tried to respond with desperate attacks, and Brahim Diaz even had a close-range effort saved by Mendy. But Senegal held firm, protected their lead, and saw out the game.

When the final whistle came, it was over. Senegal were champions again.

Back home, the reaction was immediate.

The win triggered “ecstasy” in Dakar, and celebrations spread fast. Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye declared Monday a public holiday, giving the country space to properly celebrate the achievement.

After the dust settled, one name stood above the rest: Sadio Mane.

He was named AFCON 2025 Player of the Tournament.

And even though he wasn’t the top scorer — that honour went to Brahim Diaz, who finished with five goals — Mane was praised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for his leadership and calmness, especially during the final’s most volatile moments.

At 33 years old, and with speculation growing that this might be his last AFCON, the award felt like a tribute as much as a prize.

When Mane lifted the trophy — handed to him by captain Kalidou Koulibaly — it closed the curtain on a tournament that was as controversial as it was historic.

After reviewing the case, the Appeals Jury ruled that Senegal’s conduct during the final breached Articles 82 and 84 of AFCON regulations on misconduct and forfeiture. CAF said Senegal was sanctioned and the match was awarded to Morocco by forfeit, recorded as a 3-0 victory for the hosts.

The decision stems from chaotic scenes late in the final in Rabat on January 19, when Senegalese players briefly left the pitch after a disallowed goal and a penalty awarded to Morocco. CAF ruled the walk-off amounted to a forfeitable offence under the tournament rules.

Senegal’s Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) rejected the ruling, calling it “unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable” and warning it damages the credibility of African football. The federation said it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, to overturn CAF’s verdict and defend Senegal’s interests.

“With the case now heading to international arbitration,” the FSF said it would keep the public informed, as the dispute escalates into one of the most controversial decisions linked to AFCON 2025.

"The CAF Appeal Board decided that in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match... with the result of the Match being recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF)."

The ruling reverses an earlier decision by the CAF Disciplinary Board, which had dismissed a protest from the Moroccan federation and upheld Senegal’s victory.

On the field, Senegal had originally won the match 1–0 after extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal. Morocco had an opportunity to win during regular time, but Brahim Díaz missed a "Panenka" penalty in the final moments of the match.

Before the Appeal Board’s decision, both teams had already been sanctioned by the Disciplinary Board for "unsporting conduct" and breaches of "fair play and integrity".

Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw received a five-match suspension and a fine of USD 100,000 for bringing the game into disrepute. Players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were handed two-match suspensions for their conduct towards the referee. The Senegalese federation (FSF) was also fined a total of USD 615,000 for the behaviour of supporters and staff, as well as multiple cautions during the match.

Morocco also faced penalties. Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches, with one suspended, while Ismaël Saibari received a three-match ban and a USD 100,000 fine. The FRMF was fined USD 200,000 for ball boy misconduct and USD 100,000 for interference by players and staff in the VAR review area.

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced on Tuesday, February 24, in the National Assembly, the tabling of a bill aimed at increasing penalties for homosexual relations in Senegal. The proposed legislation would raise prison sentences from the current one to five years to a range of five to ten years. The announcement comes amid renewed arrests linked to “unnatural acts” and intentional transmission of HIV, reigniting debate over the country’s legal framework. The government’s approach has generated mixed reactions. Alioune Badara Coulibaly, spokesperson for the APR, criticised the move, arguing that it falls short of earlier commitments to criminalise homosexuality. He stated that the proposal appears to focus on strengthening existing penalties rather than undertaking a broader legal overhaul aligned with prior electoral promises.

Sonko condemns Morocco’s jailing of 18 Senegalese AFCON fans

Prime Minister Sonko has denounced Morocco’s sentencing of 18 Senegalese football supporters following incidents during the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat on January 19. The match was briefly suspended after Senegal players protested a late penalty decision in favour of Morocco, prompting some supporters to attempt to enter the pitch. The 18 fans were arrested and later sentenced to prison terms ranging from three months to one year, alongside fines of up to 5,000 dirhams ($545). Addressing parliament on February 24, Sonko said the matter appeared to go beyond sport and described the situation as regrettable between two friendly nations. He indicated that Senegal would seek a royal pardon from King Mohammed VI or request that the supporters serve their sentences in Senegal under existing bilateral agreements. The Senegal Football Association described the penalties as “incomprehensibly harsh", while defence lawyer Patrick Kabou said his clients denied wrongdoing and had initially awaited clarification of the charges. Some detainees reportedly went on a hunger strike. Senegal went on to win the final 1–0 after extra time when the match resumed.

Arrests reported in alleged homosexual networks 

Senegalese authorities have dismantled what has been described as a suspected homosexual network in Saint-Louis. According to local reports , three men aged between 43 and 52 are under investigation by the Research Section, with efforts ongoing to identify additional suspects. In Dakar, the first chamber of the Pikine-Guédiawaye court ordered the detention of four individuals identified as Abdourahmane Cissé, Abdoul Diop, known as “Dabakh”, Saliou Mbaye, known as “Zale”, and Mansour Baldé, known as “Zo Baldé”. The arrests come amid the National Assembly's tabling of a bill aimed at increasing penalties for homosexual relations.

Civil society seeks royal pardon for fans detained in Morocco

Justice Without Borders (JSF) on February 24 formally appealed to King Mohammed VI of Morocco to grant a royal pardon to 18 Senegalese football fans convicted following incidents at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The organisation cited Article 58 of Morocco’s Constitution, which grants the sovereign the power of pardon, noting that the supporters’ convictions are final after they waived their right to appeal. JSF President El Amath Thiam framed the request within the context of longstanding diplomatic and historical ties between Senegal and Morocco. While affirming respect for Moroccan judicial sovereignty, the organisation expressed hope that clemency would offer a second chance to the supporters convicted under laws criminalising violence at sporting events.

Business leaders push for stronger public-private partnership at agricultural show

Senegalese business and institutional leaders are advocating a performance-driven model of participation at the International Agricultural Show (SIA). During working sessions at the Exhibition Park, stakeholders emphasised the need to translate exhibition presence into concrete investments and export contracts. Representatives from major institutions, including SAED, the Autonomous Port of Dakar, CNAAS, LBA, ITA, and FONGIP, took part in discussions alongside interprofessional organisations representing maize, cassava, rice, tomato, onion, and cowpea sectors. The delegation also visited Côte d’Ivoire’s pavilion, with Mboup highlighting the importance of synergy between government institutions and the private sector as a model for strengthening Senegal’s agricultural development.

“Tonight, I would like to announce that South Africa will be hosting the 2026 WAFCON, which we all know is a qualifying tournament for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil,” Mabe said .

Morocco hosted WAFCON in both 2022 and 2024 and was scheduled to host it once more in 2026, making it the first country to achieve this feat three consecutive times. Their exit comes just 60 days before the tournament was scheduled to begin. South Africa now has a limited timeframe to prepare for the competition, which is set to run from 17 March to 3 April 2026. 

The event will feature an expanded 16-team format and serve as a qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. All four semi-finalist teams will earn automatic qualification for the global tournament.

Morocco’s exit linked to AFCON fallout

Although no formal statement has been issued by either the Confederation of African Football (CAF) or Moroccan authorities, Morocco’s withdrawal is widely believed to be related to tensions following the 2025 Men’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The men's tournament, hosted by Morocco, ended in a high-stakes final where Senegal defeated the host nation 1–0 in extra time.

The result has reportedly triggered internal pressure within Morocco to step back from hosting CAF competitions in the near term.

CAF sanctions

Following the controversial final, CAF’s Disciplinary Board has imposed a series of sanctions on both the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) and the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), citing breaches of the Disciplinary Code. These included violations related to fair play, integrity, and respect for match officials.

The FRMF faced US$315,000 in fines for the inappropriate behaviour of ball boys, players and staff interfering in the VAR review area, and the use of lasers by fans, while CAF officially dismissed Morocco's protest to overturn the final result

The FSF also received US$615,000 in fines for the improper conduct of supporters and staff, as well as team cautions; most notably, Senegal’s head coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, was handed a five-match suspension and a US$ 100,000 fine.

Senegal, despite winning the final 1–0 after extra time, was penalised for conduct both on and off the pitch. 

The Senegalese national team head coach, Mr Pape Bouna Thiaw, received a five-match suspension from official CAF competitions. He was also fined USD 100,000 for what CAF described as “unsporting conduct in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play and integrity and for bringing the game into disrepute”.

Two Senegalese players, Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were each suspended for two CAF matches for unsporting behaviour towards the referee.

The FSF received further disciplinary measures. The federation was fined USD 300,000 for the “improper conduct of its supporters, which brought the game into disrepute in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play and integrity”. Another USD 300,000 fine was imposed for the “unsporting conduct of their players and technical staff in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity”. Additionally, CAF levied a USD 15,000 fine for the team receiving five cautions during the match.

The Moroccan federation also faced disciplinary actions. Star player Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches, with one match suspended under a one-year probationary period. Midfielder Ismaël Saibari was suspended for three matches and fined USD 100,000.

CAF sanctioned the FRMF for various conduct and organisational issues. A fine of USD 200,000 was issued due to the inappropriate behaviour of the stadium’s ball boys. The FRMF was also fined USD 100,000 after Moroccan players and technical staff entered the VAR review area and interfered with the referee’s duties, breaching Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code. A further USD 15,000 fine was imposed for the use of lasers by Moroccan supporters during the match.

CAF also dismissed a protest filed by the FRMF, which had challenged Senegal’s conduct and sought to overturn the final result. The disciplinary board ruled the appeal lacked merit, thereby confirming Senegal as the AFCON 2025 champions.

The final itself , held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, was defined by high tension, including a missed "Panenka" penalty by Morocco's Brahim Díaz in the dying minutes of regular time before Pape Gueye secured the win for the Teranga Lions in extra time.

As if the so-called “towel-gate” scandal during the final game hadn’t generated enough tension between the two teams, coach Pape Thiaw’s decision to have Senegal’s players walk off the field in protest of a contentious Video Assisted Referee (VAR) awarded penalty has left fans divided.

Across social media, many who support Senegal’s walk-off believe it is justified as they point to moments throughout the tournament when they felt Morocco had been given undue advantage by referees and being spared punishment even for fouls they committed.

The fans have criticised the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for poor officiating and criticised FIFA president Gianni Infantino for taking sides by calling out Senegal for their walkout, but not the Moroccan fans.

“Unfortunately, we also witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands,” Infantino wrote on Instagram as part of his message congratulating Senegal for their win and Morocco’s hosting of the tournament. “We strongly condemn the behaviour of some 'supporters' as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right.”

Since the tournament wrapped, Pape Thiaw has apologised for calling on his players to walk off. The Moroccan football federation, on the other hand, has hinted at its plans to pursue legal action over their final match with Senegal, indicating that the 15-minute delay in play impacted the result.

While CAF has condemned the “unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials” in a statement, it has not stated what form of punishment, if any, Senegal would face. CAF’s statement noted that it was “reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”

The question on many minds, therefore, is what kind of punishment Senegal is likely to face.

Many commentators have pointed to FIFA regulations that call for a docking of 3 points from the team that walks off during a match. That rule references when a team walks off the pitch and decides not to continue the game. In this case, Senegal returned to finish the game. So do they lose three points?

Sports journalist Benedict Owusu says it is not likely, as this was the final match of the tournament.

But will there be punishment? It is highly likely that there would be some form of punishment based on CAF’s review of footage from the match, and those who are identified as culprits. Benedict explains that punishment in this case could be monetary .

“Potential punishments from CAF could be heavy financial fines, long-term suspensions for coaching staff, and key players who disrupted the game. It could be 4–6 matches and potential disqualification from future tournaments.”

That is likely to be the extent of the punishment, as this was a CAF-related event and not FIFA. “The only time a punishment from a CAF tournament is carried over to a FIFA tournament is for player sanctions. So, for instance, if a player was red-carded in the final or in the qualifiers, that player will serve the ban should their team qualify for the World Cup,” Benedict adds.

While CAF pores over video footage of the final match before reaching a decision, the Teranga Lions of Senegal can focus their energies on the upcoming World Cup this summer. The only worry they may have would be about the ever-changing and expanding US immigration policy. Senegal and the Ivory Coast, which have both qualified for the World Cup, were among the 15 African nations slapped with partial bans from entering the United States in December.

It is highly unlikely that Senegal will play their World Cup matches in half-empty stadiums as there is a sizeable Senegalese population in the United States. That aside, the large Senegalese diaspora in France, especially those with French passports, will be able to travel to the US, probably with less scrutiny than those with Senegalese passports.

In African football, the fans have always been the 12 th player on the team. For many fans, being able to watch their national team play in person is akin to a religious experience that is miles away from the television experience. It is why, despite the many challenges with air travel in Africa, thousands of fans still found their way to Morocco to support their national teams.

Unfortunately, that may not be the case this summer as nearly 30 African countries face full or partial travel bans to the US. But whether at the stadium or on television, the one thing that is certain for now is that the Teranga Lions are the new champions of African football, and many would look up to them for a repeat of what happened in Rabat. Not the walkout, but victory in all their matches and possibly best Morocco’s 2022 semi-final finish at the global tournament.

The opinions and thoughts expressed in this article reflect only the author's views.

Nii Akrofi Smart-Abbey is an award-winning international journalist, writer, and host of the A55 Podcast. Nii Akrofi has worked with local and international media in Ghana, Congo and the United States. He has contributed to news platforms like Zenger News, Africanews, W42ndST, and foreignpresscorrespondents.com.

But the football almost became a side story. Because this final had everything: tension before kick-off, drama in stoppage time, a full-on pitch walk-off, a failed “Panenka” penalty, and a moment of leadership that stopped the whole game from falling apart.

The trouble started before the first whistle.

Senegal’s Football Federation (FSF) raised “serious concerns” about security. They claimed their team bus had been swarmed by fans, and said they were even denied access to a training pitch at Morocco’s base. That alone was enough to create a hostile build-up, but the heat didn’t stop there.

On social media , the debates grew louder by the day. People argued over referee appointments, and there were accusations that Morocco was being given favourable treatment as tournament hosts. By the time players stepped out onto the pitch, it already felt like more than just a football match.

Despite the noise around it, the game itself stayed tight for most of the normal time.

For 90 minutes, no side had drawn first blood. Although it wasn’t a match full of goals or chaos early on, it was tense, cagey, and hanging on a knife-edge.

But as the clock ran out, that pressure didn’t disappear. 

The final completely lost control in the 98th minute.

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw was already enraged after Congolese referee Jean-Jacques disallowed a close-range goal by Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr, judging there was a foul in the build-up.

Then came the moment that pushed everything over the edge.

Ndala was advised by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to award Morocco a penalty for a challenge by Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf on Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz. And Thiaw snapped.

In a move Morocco coach Walid Regragui called “shameful,” Thiaw ushered his players off the field in protest. Senegal walked toward the tunnel, and for around 17 to 20 minutes, the match was suspended while the football world stared in disbelief.

Even FIFA President Gianni Infantino, watching from the stands, later condemned the scenes, calling them “ugly” and unacceptable.

For a final, it was unheard of. And for African football, it was a moment that threatened to leave a stain far beyond one night.

While Senegal walked off, Sadio Mane stayed on the pitch.

Mane was credited with persuading his teammates to come back and finish the match.

Later, he explained, “It would be crazy to not play this game because... the referee gave a penalty.”

He also said he’d rather lose than see African football damaged by abandonment.

When play returned in the 20th minute of stoppage time, Morocco had the perfect chance to win the title.

Their star man, Brahim Diaz, the tournament’s top scorer, stepped up.

And instead of going safe, he must have listened to the voices in his head, afterall, he had been on fire the entire tournament, what could go wrong?

The Spanish-born forward, who switched allegiance just 3 years ago, saw himself delivering the second AFCON title to the Atlas Lions after a 50-year wait.

Brahim Diaz tried the one penalty technique that had befallen many famous footballers before him: the “Panenka”.

Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy read it easily and caught it. Just like that, the chance was gone — and Morocco’s momentum went with it.

That miss didn’t just waste a penalty. It swung the entire final toward Senegal.

Senegal entered extra time with a different energy. Just three minutes into extra time, Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye stepped up and smashed in what was described as a “piledriver” left-footed strike from the edge of the box.

It flew straight into the top corner.

Morocco tried to respond with desperate attacks, and Brahim Diaz even had a close-range effort saved by Mendy. But Senegal held firm, protected their lead, and saw out the game.

When the final whistle came, it was over. Senegal were champions again.

Back home, the reaction was immediate.

The win triggered “ecstasy” in Dakar, and celebrations spread fast. Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye declared Monday a public holiday, giving the country space to properly celebrate the achievement.

After the dust settled, one name stood above the rest: Sadio Mane.

He was named AFCON 2025 Player of the Tournament.

And even though he wasn’t the top scorer — that honour went to Brahim Diaz, who finished with five goals — Mane was praised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for his leadership and calmness, especially during the final’s most volatile moments.

At 33 years old, and with speculation growing that this might be his last AFCON, the award felt like a tribute as much as a prize.

When Mane lifted the trophy — handed to him by captain Kalidou Koulibaly — it closed the curtain on a tournament that was as controversial as it was historic.

Security concerns on arrival

The FSF said the Senegalese delegation was met with inadequate security when it arrived at the Rabat railway station, leaving players and staff exposed to unnecessary risks. 

According to the federation, the level of security did not meet the standards expected for a continental final and placed the team in close and unsafe proximity to the public.

Problems with accommodation  

Senegal also complained about delays in securing suitable accommodation. The FSF said it was only allocated a five-star hotel after submitting a formal written protest to organisers.

The federation said the delay affected the team’s ability to recover properly ahead of the final.

Dispute over training facilities

Training arrangements have become another major point of contention. Senegal rejected plans to train at the Mohammed VI Complex, arguing that the facility is the Moroccan team’s training base and gives the hosts an unfair advantage.

The FSF said it formally informed the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of its refusal and, at the time of the statement, had not been given an alternative training venue.

Ticket allocation concerns  

Ticket distribution has also added to the tension. Senegal said it received fewer than 3,000 tickets for its supporters at the 53,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The federation said it was allocated just two VVIP tickets and was not allowed to purchase additional VIP or VVIP seats. It warned that the limited ticket numbers would exclude many Senegalese fans and affect the atmosphere of the final.

The FSF has called on CAF and the Local Organising Committee to take urgent action to address the issues and ensure fair treatment for both teams.

The Atlas Lions might have been the nation that defeated Victor Osimhen and his cohorts in a 4-2 win on penalties in the semis, but back home, Nigerians are having a go at the Ghanaian referee, Daniel Laryea, who officiated the game.

Many Nigerians have gone online to call out Laryea, whom they think favoured the Moroccans during the fixture, which led to their defeat. 

Some have questioned the competence of Laryea, saying he should never officiate a game again.

Others have publicised the Ghanaian referee's personal social media pages, calling for others to attack him.

Ghanaians have also come out to support their compatriot, congratulating him for his performance in such a high-stakes game.

Now, Ghana and Nigeria’s rivalry goes beyond football—the West African nations have always been at it. From Jollof Wars to music , and even having banter over which nation is more developed. 

But, when it comes to football, here’s the backstory;

Nigeria has won the AFCON three times: 1980, 1994, and 2013. Whereas Ghana has won it four times: in 1963, 1965, 1978, and 1982, bettered only by Cameroon (5) and Egypt (7).

Meaning if Nigeria had qualified for the final and gone on to win it, they would have equalled the Black Stars’ tally.

In the lead-up to the tournament in Morocco, Nigeria had just failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Ghana, which failed to make it to the AFCON stage, qualified for football’s biggest competition—a feat they have not been so quiet about.

The pressure on the Nigerian team to win a fourth AFCON trophy was heightened throughout this tournament, considering how they were firm favourites in the finals last time but somehow lost to Côte d’Ivoire.

Now, many in Nigeria believed this year’s trophy to be theirs because they had cleared everyone before them. Defeating nations like Algeria and Tunisia along the way.

The Super Eagles now have to battle it out for the bronze medal on Saturday, January 17, with the most successful nation in the competition, Egypt, another nation that has been chasing the AFCON trophy since completing their three-peat in 2010.

The Pharaohs lost their semi-final fixture against Senegal. Surely, this means a nail in the coffin for the hopes of talismanic captain, Mohamed Salah, to win an AFCON.

Unless he decides to try again at age 35, when the 2027 tournament is jointly hosted by Kenya , Tanzania and Uganda. 

The legendary Liverpool forward has not been in great form, and pundits suggest he might exit Anfield sooner, rather than later, after a very public falling out with Dutch manager Arne Slot.

For his former Liverpool teammate, Mane, it is a chance at immortality after winning Senegal their first trophy in 2021 against Egypt.

The West African nation faces the host, Morocco, another nation chasing its second trophy in the final on Sunday, January 18.

The last time the North Africans won the tournament was 50 years ago in 1976.

The win came through a late strike from Adil Boulbina, sending Algeria into the next round of the tournament in Morocco.

Nkuka is known for replicating the iconic pose of DR Congo’s national hero, Dr Patrice Lumumba—a key figure in Africa’s anti-colonial struggle.

After the match, Amoura was filmed mimicking the same pose before dramatically dropping to the ground, which many interpreted as mocking Congo’s defeat.

The act drew criticism from fans across Africa. In response, the VfL Wolfsburg forward took to Instagram to explain his actions and apologise.

“The match against Congo was a big match, very intense, with a lot of tension and emotion on the pitch. I want to clarify one thing: at that moment, I was not aware of what the person or the symbol present in the stands represented. I simply wanted to tease, in a good-natured spirit, without any bad intention or any desire to provoke anyone,” Amoura wrote.

“I respect Congo and its team. Honestly, I wish them the best, and I hope they qualify for the World Cup. If my attitude may have been misunderstood, I sincerely regret it, because that was absolutely not my intention,” he added.

Zimbabwe’s energy sector has reached a major milestone following the successful completion of the Petroleum Production Sharing Agreement (PPSA) process for the Cabora Bassa Project, led by Invictus Energy. Formal execution of the agreement is expected in January 2026, providing a clear legal and fiscal framework to advance oil and gas exploration and development. Planned next steps include appraisal of the Mukuyu Gas Field and drilling of the Musuma-1 exploration well. The African Energy Chamber welcomed the development, noting that the Mukuyu Gas Field could hold up to 20 trillion cubic feet of gas. In August 2025, Qatar-based Al Mansour Holdings acquired a 19.9% stake in Invictus Energy and committed up to $500 million in conditional funding to support commercialisation.

South Africa steps up border patrols near Zimbabwe

South Africa has intensified efforts to curb cross-border smuggling along the Limpopo River near the Zimbabwean border by deploying armoured, all-terrain vehicles and additional personnel. The Border Management Authority confirmed that three specialised vehicles, including one capable of operating in water, are now patrolling the river corridor. Authorities say the area remains a hotspot for smuggling activities involving fuel, food, cigarettes, stolen vehicles and undocumented migrants.

China backs irrigation upgrades to boost Zimbabwe agriculture

China and Zimbabwe on December 19, signed letters of exchange on the upgrading and maintenance of China-aided irrigation schemes across the country. The project will renovate nine irrigation facilities in six provinces, aiming to strengthen agricultural productivity and climate resilience. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said the initiative will support rural farmers, expand irrigated land and help climate-proof agriculture against droughts and erratic rainfall. Chinese Ambassador Zhou Ding described the project as another milestone in bilateral cooperation focused on improving livelihoods and modernising agriculture.

Zimbabwe to roll out long-acting HIV prevention injection

Zimbabwe will begin administering the long-acting HIV prevention drug Lenacapavir to at least 46,500 people in early 2026, health authorities announced on December 15. The twice-yearly injectable, which provides six months of protection, will be rolled out initially in districts with high HIV incidence, including Harare, Bulawayo and Mutare. Officials said rollout sites have been prepared and staff trained, with the first shipment expected in January. The programme will prioritise adolescent girls, young women and other high-risk groups.

Zimbabwe return to AFCON stage against Egypt

Zimbabwe are preparing for their sixth Africa Cup of Nations appearance, returning to the tournament after missing the 2023 edition due to a FIFA suspension. They will face Egypt in their opening match at the Morocco-hosted tournament. Egypt, the most successful AFCON nation, holds a strong historical record against Zimbabwe, having won eight of their 14 meetings. Zimbabwe last defeated Egypt in 1994 during World Cup qualifying and will be seeking to make an impact on their return to continental competition.

Motsepe confirmed that the 2027 edition of AFCON will proceed as scheduled in Uganda, Kenya , and Tanzania. However, the next edition, originally planned for 2029, will now take place in 2028. The subsequent AFCON will be held in 2032.

This adjustment allows room for the inaugural African Nations League to be staged in 2029. Motsepe stated that the competition will include all 54 CAF member associations, grouped into four geographical zones. Matches are expected to be played in September and October, with the final phase held in November.

“What is new is that … in Africa there’s going to be a competition every year where the best African players who play in Europe and worldwide will be with us on the continent,” Motsepe said.

CAF has not yet clarified whether the African Nations League will be held annually or every two years.

The opening fixture of the 2025 AFCON took place on Sunday, December 21, between host nation Morocco and Comoros in front of a sold-out crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. 

The Atlas Lions, one of the favourites to win the competition, triumphed with a 2-0 victory over their East African counterpart.

All goals were scored in the second half. Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid opened the scoring in the 55th minute. Substitute Ayoub El Kaabi, who plays for Greek side Olympiacos, added a second goal in the 74th minute, just nine minutes after entering the field.

The tournament marks the 35th edition of AFCON and features 24 teams from across Africa. It is the second time Morocco is hosting the competition, the first being in 1988. 

The final is scheduled for January 18, 2026.

Since the inception of the AFCON in 1957, 15 different countries have won the tournament. The 2025 edition brings together 24 teams, half of which have previously lifted the AFCON trophy and the other half have never tasted glory. 

These 12 past champions represent some of the established powerhouses of African football, including record seven-time winners Egypt, defending champions Ivory Coast, three-time winners Nigeria , and five-time champions Cameroon.

Past champions

Grouped across all six pools, these teams bring varying degrees of historical success:

Group A:  Morocco (hosts) - Won the title in 1976.   Zambia - Won the title in 2012.

Group B:  Egypt - Record seven-time champions, winning titles including 1957, 1959, and completing a hat-trick between 2006 and 2010. South Africa - Won on home soil in 1996.

Group C:  Nigeria - Three-time champions, winning titles in 1980, 1994, and 2013. Tunisia - Won the title in 2004.

Group D:   Senegal - Champions of AFCON 2021. DR Congo - Two-time winners, having won the competition in 1968 (as Congo (Kinshasa)) and 1974 (as Zaire).

Group E:  Algeria - Two-time champions, winning in 1990 and 2019. Sudan - Won the title in 1970.

Group F: Cote d'Ivoire - The defending champions and three-time winners, with victories in 1992, 2015, and 2023. Cameroon - Five-time champions, winning titles including 1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, and 2017 .

Non-winning nations

The tournament also includes 12 nations that have never claimed the title. These teams, which are also spread across all six groups, include Mali, Burkina Faso, and Uganda , who have each reached the final once in the past but fell short. 

For others like Comoros, Botswana, and Mozambique, reaching the knockout stages would itself mark a milestone.

Full list of non-winners and their groups: 

Group A: - Mali (finalist in 1972), Comoros

Group B: - Angola , Zimbabwe

Group C: - Uganda (finalist in 1978), Tanzania

Group D: Benin , Botswana

Group E:   Burkina Faso (finalist in 1978), Equatorial Guinea

Group F: Gabon , Mozambique

With the first kickoff just days away, the question remains whether AFCON 2025 will see one of the 12 non-winning nations break new ground or whether a past champion will rise again.

With every group featuring a mix of experience and ambition, the potential for an upset is present, but so is the likelihood of history asserting itself once more.

This year’s tournament introduces a number of firsts. It will be played across nine venues in six cities, making it the largest venue spread in AFCON history . 

The schedule was pushed from its original June–July window to avoid clashing with FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup. As a result, AFCON will, for the first time, take place during the Christmas and New Year period.

The competition is expected to serve as a test event for Morocco’s preparations to co-host the FIFA World Cup 2030 with Portugal and Spain. 

With seven of Africa’s confirmed 2026 World Cup teams participating, AFCON 2025 will act as a key preparatory platform.

Tournament schedule and groupings

AFCON begins on 21 December and concludes on 18 January at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. ​​Teams will be grouped as follows:

Key stages include group matches from 21–31 December, followed by the knockout rounds beginning 3 January.

Teams to watch

Morocco, seeking a first title since 1976, is banking on its golden generation. Head coach Walid Regragui hopes Achraf Hakimi will be available to lead the squad.

Nigeria , finalists in the last edition, aim to reclaim glory with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman taking over leadership after former captain William Troost-Ekong retired. The Super Eagles, despite failing to qualify for the FIFA 2026 World Cup, would look to rewrite their fortunes.

Egypt , the record seven-time champions, are led by Mohamed Salah, who would like to put the recent controversies and his poor form at club side Liverpool behind him as he turns up to the tournament to continue the chase for his first AFCON title. Salah will be joined by Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush as they look to reclaim the title last won in 2010.

Côte d’Ivoire, now under the permanent leadership of Emerse Faé, return with confidence following their surprise 2023 title win. Manchester United winger Amad Diallo is expected to play a key role.

Senegal, champions in 2021, has stalwarts Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly still representing and will look to win their second trophy to mark the end of a successful golden generation for the side.

Cameroon enters amid controversy after omitting Vincent Aboubakar and André Onana. New coach David Pagou will rely on Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo to drive the campaign.

Other contenders include Algeria, Tunisia, and South Africa, which finished third in the previous edition.

Three former champions— Ghana , Ethiopia, and Congo (Brazzaville)—failed to qualify for this tournament.

The new logo celebrates African heritage and unity. It draws inspiration from Moroccan "zellij," a traditional mosaic art form.

According to CAF , the design blends football with African culture, symbolising creativity, precision, and passion.

Each part of the logo reflects the connection between tradition and modernity. The shapes and patterns highlight the unity of African nations, players, and fans. The vibrant colours—gold, green, red, and blue—represent achievement, unity, resilience, and potential.

CAF described the logo as a symbol of African craftsmanship and the energy of football. It honours the continent’s cultural legacy while showcasing the dynamism of the sport.

The 2025 AFCON will not only celebrate football but also shine a light on Africa's creativity and culture, bringing fans together to enjoy the spirit of the game.

As the year draws to a close, here’s a recap of some of the global sporting events that took place in 2024:

AFC Asian Cup 

The AFC Asian Cup, which kicked off at the beginning of the year in Qatar from 12 January to 10 February, saw the 2022 World Cup host defend their title on home soil. Qatar defeated Jordan 3-1 in the final to clinch their second trophy.

Africa Cup of Nations

The AFCON, which also happened at the start of the year from 13 January to 11 February, witnessed the host nation, Ivory Coast, fight against all odds in a tournament comeback after they almost exited in the group stages. The Ivorians defeated Nigeria in the final—coming back from behind to hand the Super Eagles their first defeat of the tournament in a 2-1 victory to secure their third title.

Paris 2024 Olympics 

The Paris 2024 Olympics—which opened on July 26 and ended on August 11—saw thousands of athletes from various countries feature. Seasoned athletes like Simone Biles showcased why they were the best at what they do, whilst newcomers like Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo announced themselves on the Olympic stage with a historic debut. New records were set, and historic milestones were reached as Paris passed the Olympic torch to Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Games.

Paris 2024 Paralympics 

Shortly after the end of Paris 2024, the Paralympics followed from August 28 to September 8, with thousands of para-athletes competing in various events. The Paralympics was hailed as hugely successful, with millions in ticket sales. Like the Olympics, the Paralympic Games also witnessed athletes break milestones—Nigerian athlete Mariam Eniola Bolaji, an 18-year-old, became the first African to win a badminton medal at either the Paralympic or Olympic Games.

Copa America

Lionel Messi and his boys secured a record-breaking 16th Copa America title for Argentina after defeating Colombia at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. The Copa America—the oldest continental football tournament in the world—took place from June 20 to July 14 in the United States. The Albicelestes defended their title against 15 other teams from the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and the Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF).

Formula One World Championship

Yet another thrilling season of the Formula One World Championship, as racers began their season on March 2 in Bahrain and ended on December 8 in Abu Dhabi. The championship featured a record total of twenty-four Grands Prix held across the globe. Dutch driver Max Verstappen, representing Red Bull Racing-Honda RBPT, claimed his fourth World Drivers' Championship title. Meanwhile, McLaren-Mercedes secured their ninth World Constructors' Championship, marking their first victory in this category since 1998.

World Chess Championships

The World Chess Championship 2024 pitted defending champion Ding Liren of China against Indian challenger Gukesh Dommaraju between 25 November and 12 December 2024 in Singapore. Ultimately, the 18-year-old Gukesh defeated the world champion to become the youngest undisputed world champion.

UEFA European Football Championship

Football did not come home as many English fans were once again made to wait for that first Euro title. Like that night in Wembley, the ‘Italian Job’ in the Euro 2020 final, the Three Lions suffered defeat—this time against a revamped Spaniard side that eliminated host Germany and heavyweight France. Many would argue that the tournament, which took place from June 14 to July 14, not only secured Spain its fourth title but also became the main catalyst in Rodri overtaking Brazil and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. to win the Ballon d’Or. 

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assured citizens in Libya of their safety following a CAF ruling against the Libyan Football Association for mistreating the Nigerian team. Reports of harassment against Nigerians were addressed, with the Ministry affirming that they are conducting their daily activities without interference. The Ministry reiterated its commitment to protecting the well-being of Nigerian citizens abroad, emphasizing that their safety remains a top priority.

Swearing-in of ministers

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in seven new ministers in a cabinet reshuffle aimed at addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges. The ceremony on November 4 included the appointments of Nentawe Yilwatda as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi as Minister of Labour and Employment, and Bianca Odinaka Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, among others. This follows the dismissal of five ministers in response to public calls for a restructured cabinet to tackle rising inflation and unemployment, Pulse Nigeria reports.

Increased cost of goods

Cargo clearance at Nigeria's Apapa and Tin-Can Ports is facing significant delays due to ongoing disruptions in the electronic banking systems of various commercial banks, which are migrating to upgraded networks. Many cargoes remain trapped as agents cannot transfer clearance jobs between banks. This situation leads to increased storage and demurrage charges, ultimately driving up the cost of goods in the market.

MTN Nigeria to support working capital

MTN Nigeria Communications PLC plans to raise N50 billion through a new issuance of commercial paper (CP) under its N250 billion Commercial Paper Issuance Programme. According to Naira metrics , this initiative aims to enhance short-term working capital and diversify financing sources, supporting the company’s operational and growth needs as it expands infrastructure and services. With significant external loans totalling approximately N1 trillion, including N522.3 billion in short-term debt, MTN Nigeria is leveraging CP issuances to manage cash flow and address immediate financial obligations.

Bobrisky leaves Nigeria

Nigerian social media personality Bobrisky has announced that he has finally left Nigeria after two previous attempts thwarted by law enforcement. Following a publicized incident on November 1, 2024, where he was dragged off a plane, he shared a photo on Instagram from a flight, captioning it, "See you soon, Nigeria," which drew criticism from followers for his lack of discretion, Pulse Nigeria reported. Bobrisky had previously been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Seme border while attempting to leave for the Benin Republic.

According to Nigeria’s Punch newspaper, some Libyan public figures have openly called for the arrest of Nigerian workers who lack legal documents. In one instance, a Libyan media broadcast reported that Nigerians working without proper documentation are expected to pay fines of $500, along with additional taxes. “We have no borders with Nigeria. What benefit are they to us? They’re a burden on the Libyan people. They have to go back home,” stated a Libyan media source, as reported by Punch .

The CAF ruling, which came in late October, followed a heated dispute between the Nigerian and Libyan football teams. The Super Eagles, who had travelled to Libya for the crucial AFCON qualifier, faced an unexpected diversion from Benghazi to Al Abraq, a small airport nearly 250 kilometres away. Left stranded without food, water, or contact with local officials for over 16 hours, the Nigerian team ultimately boycotted the match, bringing the fixture to a halt.

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) lodged a complaint with CAF, detailing the team's challenging conditions and lack of support. In response, CAF awarded a 3-0 victory to Nigeria.

The Super Eagles listed to play Libya on October 15, had their flight originally heading for Benghazi diverted to a smaller airport in Al Abraq, located about two hours away from the Benghazi airport.

A statement from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) indicated that the players were left stranded at the Al Abraq International Airport for about 12 hours after their arrival.

The airport gates were locked with no transportation provided for the team to move to their hotel rooms. There was also no access to food, drink or internet connection during the period, the NFF further noted.

“The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and dangerously, diverted to the small airport away from Benghazi just as the pilot was completing his approach to the Benghazi Airport. We understand the Al Abraq International Airport is only used for hajj operations,” NFF director of communications, Ademola Olajire stated .

In the latest development, the NFF has indicated that the team has arrived home.

“The SuperEagles are back home!” a post on X said.

Describing the situation as ‘disgraceful’ team captain, William Troost-Ekong who shared his experience on X said it was like nothing he had ever experienced in his entire football career.

“12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending. The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason. They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food or drink,” he said.

He accused Libyan authorities of being behind the situation

“Upon arrival, he tried to find a nearby airport to rest with his crew to be denied at every hotel again under Government instruction. He could sleep there but NO NIGERIAN crew members allowed. They have returned to now sleep on the plane which is parked up.”

Players resolved not to play the match any longer. They also refused to travel by bus to Benghazi citing security reasons.

A formal report has since been made with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The game against Libya would have determined Nigeria’s place in the AFCON Qualifiers finals.

Meanwhile, Libyan players claimed that they were treated badly in Nigeria ahead of the Super Eagles’s 1-0 win over the weekend, a claim which was denied by the Nigeran Football Federation (NFF).

The team arrived at Al Abraq Airport on Sunday, October 13, in preparation for their crucial AFCON qualifier scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, against Libya.

Initially, the Nigerian delegation was headed to Benghazi, where the match was to take place, but their chartered flight was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq—a small airport mostly used for hajj operations.

“The Nigerian delegation for Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya is still at Al Abraq Airport, 12 hours after landing. The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and in a dangerous manner, diverted to the small airport just as the pilot was completing his approach to Benghazi Airport,” the NFF said in their statement.

Frustrated by the delay and poor treatment, the Super Eagles players have resolved not to participate in the match. The NFF described the situation as dangerous, highlighting the team’s fatigue and growing frustration.

Some players have voiced their grievances on social media, sharing the challenges they faced while stranded in the unfamiliar airport.

WIlliam Troost-Ekong, team captain

Victor Boniface, forward for German side Bayer 04 Leverkusen

The fate of the AFCON qualifying match remains unclear as the Nigerian team prepares to return home without playing the crucial fixture.

Ethiopia has discovered 21.3 billion cubic metres of natural gas reserves in the Ogaden region, the eastern portion of Ethiopia and borders Somalia. according to Ethiopian State Minister of Mines, Milion Matheos. The reserves are located in six locations, including Ogaden, Mekele, Metema, South Omo, and Gambella. The country has a $4 billion natural gas production deal with Djibouti and China, but the reserves remain undeveloped, APA News reports.

Foreign banks allowed to set up subsidiaries

Ethiopia has approved a move to liberalise its economy, allowing foreign banks to establish local subsidiaries and foreigners to acquire shares in domestic lenders. The move is part of a broader government plan to open up Ethiopia to foreign investment across various sectors, including banking, telecoms, transportation, and aviation. The draft law requires lawmakers to pass, and foreign bank subsidiaries must include local resident non-shareholder Ethiopians on their boards of directors. The central bank declared in May of last year that it would grant foreign investors five banking licenses in a span of five years, Reuters reports.

Summer voluntarism

Ethiopian government officials are launching a Summer Voluntarism Service to benefit over 50 million Ethiopians.  The campaign, titled "Benevolence and Unity for Ethiopia's Ascendance," aims to promote unity and progress through community service. According to the Ethiopian News Agency , 39 million volunteers are expected to partake in the services which will cover essential businesses like food delivery, education, health support, and tree planting.  "People will engage in these services not through coercion but by their own volition, a testament to the Ethiopian spirit of compassion," Ethiopia’s Women and Social Affairs State Minister Muna Ahmed said.

Coffee farmers cultivate high-yielding varieties

West Guji Zone farmers in Oromia, the largest regional state in Ethiopia are focusing on higher-yielding coffee varieties, according to Oromia Region Administrator Adula Hirbaye. The new coffee varieties, which can yield 12 quintals per hectare, are being replaced by older ones after rigorous training. The region contributes 28% of national coffee supplies and has prepared 2.6 billion coffee nurseries for this year, according to the Ethiopian News Agency . The Oromia region is also preparing 350,000 hectares of land for coffee plantations.

Candidacy to host the Africa Cup of Nations

Ethiopia developed a comprehensive roadmap for its candidacy to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) football tournament, according to Ethiopia's Minister of Culture and Sports, Kejela Merdasa, who announced the finalisation of the football stadium and other construction sites in line with Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards. The Merdasa revealed that the country plans to build a cultural centre to showcase Ethiopia's diverse stories and cultures and incorporate knowledge from other countries to create a unique facility.

In Africa, the issue is more profound. At the recent CAF AFCON 2023 in Côte d'Ivoire, some young female photographers got the opportunity to capture every move of the players, the emotions of the fans, and goal celebrations.

However, there were only five female sports photographers, making up barely a fraction of the total.

Sarjo Baldeh is one of the fastest-rising female sports photographers on the continent at just 24 years old, capturing iconic moments in sports.

Watch this interview:

Global South World had an encounter with the budding photographer, who has not only captured moments but also the attention and hearts of her people. With the striking details about her appearance, Baldeh stood out at the recent AFCON 2023 held in Cote d’Ivoire and the African Games in Ghana.

In her signature look, a modest Abaya fit and a hijab, Baldeh is relentless in her pursuit of excellence in the male-dominated field. Reflecting on her beginnings with Global South World, she went back to how sports photography started for her and narrated that her dream was born out of the need to document Gambian sports.

“Sports photography was never the plan; I never planned for it. I just see myself doing it because, given that I am a photographer, and I am always on the internet, I have seen other photographers taking sports photos of their national teams and posting them on their pages. That was when I started doing more research about sports photography because I hadn’t seen my Gambian sports documented. So, in 2021, I decided to go in for it and I did.”

“I became a freelancer for one year, continuously taking pictures of our Gambian players and sending to them for free to post on their social media platforms. That is how I started going viral. In 2022, I started working with Real de Banjul (a top football club in Gambia), but I actually started photography at the age of 15 years.”

Big events

As part of her assignments, Baldeh covered the African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast and the All African Games in Ghana . Describing her experiences, she expressed enthusiasm for capturing a variety of sports beyond football. “The African Games was amazing, it was the best. When I reached there and I started taking pictures, I realized that my pictures and pictures of me were also going viral. I had an assignment (All African Games) that took me to Ghana. The Ghanaian people were prepared for me, and they were amazing. I took pictures of all other types of sports, not just football,” she remarked.

Baldeh was among four other young female photographers present at AFCON, including Weam Mostafa Elsayed from Egypt, iLa Yeboah from Ghana, Justina Aniefiok from Nigeria, and Khady Sy from Mauritania.

Tanzania's Culture, Arts and Sports Minister Damas Ndumbaro announced at the signing ceremony for the stadium's construction contract on March 19, 2024 that the project will be named in honour of the sitting President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

"The stadium will be of high quality with VIP rooms as we celebrate President Samia's three years in office," Ndumbaro was quoted by local media The Citizen .

To have a capacity of 30,000 seats, Ndumbaro said the stadium will be the most modern in the East African countries. Besides domestic and international matches, it will host various events, including athletics, trade expos, and tourism promotion.

John Mongella, commissioner of Tanzania's Arusha region located in the northeast of the country emphasized on the stadium's potential to boost tourism in the region. "We promise to honour this construction; we will ensure it progresses day and night to prevent any delays on our part. We are making a significant mark in history," he said.

In the end, the host nation Ivory Coast came out on top against all odds to win by two goals to 1 against the Nigerians. The Ivorians, at the start of the tournament, were listed among the favourites to win the competition however their win came as a huge surprise to many.

Their poor showing in the group stages of the competition resulted in assistant coach and former footballer Emerse Faé taking over after the sacking of head coach Jean-Louis Gasset.

The Ivorians survived the groups by the skin of their teeth, only securing 3 points in the opening fixture of the tournament.  The host nation received a 4:0 humbling in their final group game against Equatorial Guinea and only qualified for the knockout stages of the competition as one of the best third-placed teams.

Two successive comebacks against defending champions Senegal and Mali in the round of 16 and quarter-finals meant the Ivorians had secured a place in the semi-final.

After triumphing in a very cagey match against the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Elephant secured its place in the final against fellow Group A counterparts, Nigeria.

For many reasons, Nigeria was tipped to come out on top in the final. The Super Eagles had already beaten the host nation in their backyard in the group stages of the tournament and were also unbeaten in the competition.

On February 11, in front of over 50,000 people at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, the Elephant of Ivory Coast came from behind to hand Nigeria their first defeat of the tournament to win the prestigious competition.

Not only did the Ivorians derail the hopes of Nigeria winning their fourth trophy to go level with their 'noisy' West African rival Ghana, but the Ivorians also tied the Nigerians with 3 AFCON trophies.

Many will not only remember the journey of the Ivorians to the summit of African football at the AFCON 2023 as arguably one of the best tournament comebacks in sports history but will also remember the story of Sebastien Haller, the man who beat cancer just a year ago to score the winning goal that secured his nation the prestigious AFCON trophy in his home country.

Haller also scored the only goal in the semi-final game against DR Congo that secured the Ivorians a place in the final. The remarkable comeback by the Ivorians that saw them go from tournament favourites to one of the most disappointing teams and then eventual winners of the competition is one that may never be explained.

However, the undying support of the whole Ivorian nation and the sheer determination of the footballers in the famous orange jersey to restore joy back to their supporters after a near tragic campaign meant no team on the African continent could veer them off course to a historic win.

Nigeria's national football team, the Super Eagles, boasts a rich history in the Africa Cup of Nations, having been crowned champions three times, with their last triumph in 2013. The absence of decorated former winners such as Egypt and Cameroon, coupled with Senegal's elimination from the round of 16, has intensified speculation about who will ultimately lift the trophy.

“If you look at the current Nigeria setup, you’ll see Osimhen very determined and their top players, play together as a team, they are very confident. One of the most threatening teams is Senegal but they have been eliminated by Ivory Coast,” Shaban said in an interview with GSW.

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is  the ongoing 34 th edition of the biennial African Association Football tournament, hosted by Côte d'Ivoire and organized by the Confederation of African Football, kicked off on January 13 and is set to conclude on February 11, 2024.

“The history and facts speak in favour of Nigeria. They’re likely to pull a surprise. Currently, they have three titles, they have experience, and I’m very impressed with their performance. With the elimination of Senegal, it gives so much advantage to Nigeria," he added.

As fans, football enthusiasts and analysts eagerly anticipate the upcoming matches, all eyes will be on Nigeria to see if they can capitalize on the current tournament dynamics and secure their fourth Africa Cup of Nations title.

Shaban dismissed the notion that the choice of either a local or foreign coach influences a team's success, asserting, "Winning the trophy has nothing to do with the preference of a local or foreign coach. It is about someone who has the strength, competence, and capability to manage the team. Irrespective of where you are coming from, if you can deliver, that's what matters."

Shaban Mohammed is a Ghanaian sports journalist who doubles as a sports statistician for the sport in Africa.

Cameroon has clocked a milestone as the first country in the world to roll out a routine vaccine programme against malaria. The move targeted at reducing malaria in children will see the country offer the RTS,S vaccine to all infants up to the age of six months old at no cost. According to Cameroon Online , the vaccine is known to be effective in at least 36% of cases. The development of the RTS,S vaccine took over 30 years of research by the British drug maker GSK. The drug has been approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) which has hailed Cameroon for the historical project.

Gold production

Acting Minister of Mines, Professor Fuh Calistus Gentry has met with miners operating in the Eastern region to talk about issues regarding the advancement of gold production in Cameroon. The miners were invited to migrate to small mines by adopting the “Carbon in Leach” leaching system, a closed, modern, and adapted system that makes it possible to control the production of gold in the quarries.  A joint project monitoring committee made up of geologists, the National Brigade and Mining Engineers has been set up for this purpose, according to Journal Du Cameroun .

Stampede kills students

At least ten students lost their lives during a stampede at the Lycée Bilingue d’Etoug-Ebe, located in the political capital Yaoundé on January 22, 2024. Cameroon Online reported that the students who were late for school were rushing to enter the school’s gate which had earlier been closed. Many students were reported dead and about 106 others were injured.

Government appointments

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has appointed a retired senior state official and former Minister of Forestry and Wildlife Ngole Philp Ngwese to the post of High Commissioner of Cameroon to Canada. According to Cameroon Info, the interim High Commissioner in Canada for the country, Philippe Fouda Tsilla will hand over power to the sixty-year-old. “In this happy circumstance, the High Commission joins the Cameroonian diaspora in Canada to send its warm and hearty congratulations to the new head of diplomatic mission,” a statement signed on January 18 by the outgoing Fouda Tsilla was quoted by Cameroon Info .

AFCON

Captain of the Cameroon National Football Team also known as the Indomitable Lions has not participated in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Abijan since the start of the tournament. Vincent Aboubakar suffered an injury in his left thigh during training, leading to his withdrawal from the games. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) revealed a slight musculo-aponeurotic separation classified grade 1, the doctor of the Cameroonian selection was quoted by Actu Cameroun in a statement. The team is set to face the Gambia on January 23, 3023 at the Stade De Bouaké for the 3 rd and final day of Group C games. The Indomitable Lions are seeking to qualify for the round of 16.

After beating Ethiopia, Malawi, and Guinea in the 2022 AFCON qualifiers to secure a spot for the Pharaohs, Salah will have to take a break in the ongoing tournament to heal from a hamstring injury.

The Egypt National team captain was a force to reckon with in the country’s first group B match with West African country, Ghana on January 18, 2024, in Abijan, but had to leave the team barely mid-way into the game.

Salah limped out of the game after pulling up with a hamstring injury which cut short his captainship and participation in the game.

"The X-rays that Salah underwent confirmed his hamstring injury and he will miss the team's next two matches in the Africa Cup of Nations against Cape Verde and the round of 16 if (Egypt) qualify," the Egyptian Football Association (EFA ) said in a brief statement.

It appeared the team would have taken a hit with his departure but they seemed to have pulled off two goals to equalize 2-2 with their opponents in the game.

The Cairo giants will have to play two other games in the ongoing AFCON without their ‘star boy’ who will be receiving treatment during the period.

Mohamed Salah was supposed to lead Egypt at the African Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast, skippering a 27-man squad named by coach Rui Vitoria but will be missing the final Group Stage match and the second-round AFCON fixtures if the team progresses to the next round.

The Pharaohs will need to beat Cape Verde in their final Group Stage match or hope that Mozambique wins their next match if they draw, to progress to the knockout rounds.

What they said

Amrouche was quoted by Supersport as having said in an interview on Algerian television ahead of Wednesday's match, "The Morocco federation is a proven power in the world of African football. Morocco manages African football. They also choose their referees and we remain simple spectators.” Meanwhile, the Tanzania Football Federation in its statement on X said, “In another step, the Executive Committee of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has suspended Coach Adel Amrouche.

The Egyptians’ seven-times triumph is the most in the history of the AFCON while Ghana’s four wins come third, only one win away from equalling Cameroon after the Central African nation defeated the Egyptians to win their fifth title in 2017.

The Black Stars of Ghana have become a sleeping giant in the competition having won their last trophy more than four decades ago in 1982.

The Ghanaians were tied with the Egyptians as the most successful nations in the competition until the North African nation won a three-peat in 2006, 2008 and 2010, leaving Ghana behind to go down as the most successful country.

Since that last win in Angola 14 years ago where the Egyptians defeated the Black Stars in an intense game by just a single goal, the Pharaohs have suffered several heartbreaks in the competition.

After missing qualification for three successive AFCON tournaments in 2012, 2013 and 2015, the Pharaohs managed to get to the finals in two out of the last three tournaments with the last being in 2021.

Both teams could not manage a win in their opening matches as Egypt managed to scrape a point to avoid an upset in the dying moments of their game against underdogs Mozambique courtesy of a Mohamed Salah penalty. However, the Black Stars were stunned by Cape Verde and now sit bottom of the group.

Many believe that this year’s competition represents the last chance for Egyptian captain Mohamed Salah to win the elusive eighth AFCON for the Pharaohs as he enters the twilight years of his very impressive career.

Others also believe that the Ghanaians, who in the past would have been considered heavy favourites to win the competition alongside the Egyptians will continue their four decades of wait for an AFCON title because of their poor performances in recent years, most notably their failure to make it out of the group stage in the last edition of the AFCON in 2021.

Ghanaian sports journalist Joseph Nii Adamafio who is in Ivory Coast to cover the journey of the Black Stars at the AFCON 2023 told GSW that after the opening match defeat to Cape Verde, the atmosphere in the Black Stars dressing room was “tensed” and that the players have been disappointed with the recent performances.

“The mood in the dressing room is very heavy. Everyone is upset with the results because they want to start on a good note. Already there are rumours that Chris Hughton (Black Stars Head Coach) has lost control of the locker room,” Adamafio told GSW.

“It looks like the Black Stars will repeat what happened in Cameroon where we got knocked out at the group stages,” he added.

On January 18, the Black Stars will go toe-to-toe with the Pharaohs once more in a group game that would ultimately ensure qualification to the knockout stages of the competition for both teams.

Will the four decades of wait go on for the Black Stars of Ghana or will the Pharaohs of Egypt move a step closer to achieving their eighth title?

The Cape Verde National Team began its group stage matches in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Cote d’Ivoire with a 2-1 victory over West African country, Ghana. The game which was held at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium, in Abijan saw the national team, the Blue Tubarões score their first goal in the 17 th minute and another in the 92 nd minute of the game. Cape Verde had 54% possession of the ball, making 15 shots, according to media platform RTC .

Dam repair

The Agriculture and Environment Ministry has called for the collaboration of the Roads Institute to work towards the recovery of the Chã de Branquinho underground dam in the interior of the municipality, Infor Press reported. The construction will help recover the hydraulic infrastructure which has been inoperative since 2016. This will also help alleviate the plight of farmers who have been asking for the dam's reconstruction to increase the availability of water for agriculture in the area.

Government approves guarantee for state air carrier

The Cape Verdean government has approved a 2.9 million Euro guarantee to state air carrier Transportes Aéreos de Cabo Verde (TACV). The amount is aimed at supporting the treasury and expanding operations. According to Asemana , the guarantee will also cover a loan from Caixa Economica, one of the country's largest banks, which the airline will use to implement the 2023-2027 plan.

Murder of university rector

Five suspects allegedly involved in the murder of a sociologist Laurindo Vieira have been presented at the Municipal Police Command in Kilamba. The five, including a woman, allegedly shot the sociologist in the Patriota area. Local police say they were presented after undergoing investigations. The deceased Vieira is said to have come from Dange in the Uige province and was the rector of the Gregório Semedo University, according to Correio Da Kianda .

Floods take over homes

The municipal delegate in Tarrafal de Monte Trigo, a settlement in the southwestern part of the island of Santo Antão, Cape Verde has said families in the Praia area have been facing challenges due to the rough sea events in the area for several days. According to Asemana , about 10 houses are in danger of floods by waves that have destroyed many infrastructures including the football field and the roads. They are pleading for the government to prioritise the area to deal with the pending issues.

Here are some of the notable absentees from the tournament.

Thomas Partey- Ghana

The Black Stars midfielder has been struggling with fitness this season and was not included in Ghana's final squad. Partey has been out of action for English side Arsenal since October. He was part of the Black Stars team that reached the semi-finals of the competition in 2017.

Wilfred Zaha- Ivory Coast

The Ivorian winger will not feature for the host nation, as he was left out of the Elephants' squad. Zaha also plays for Turkish side Galatasaray in the Turkish Süper Lig.

Victor Boniface- Nigeria

The striker will miss the AFCON after suffering an injury while preparing for the tournament with Nigeria. The Super Eagles will be hoping Victor Osimhen’s goals are enough to win them this year’s trophy. Boniface is the top scorer for German league leaders Bayern Leverkusen in the Bundesliga netting 10 goals in 16 league games in the German top flight this season.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting- Cameroon

The footballer who also plays for German giants Bayern Munich as a forward was not selected for Cameroon's squad, despite being part of the Indomitable Lions team that finished third at the 2021 AFCON on home soil.

Wilfred Ndidi- Nigeria

The midfielder for English side Leicester City was initially named in Nigeria's squad, but had to withdraw due to a muscle injury he sustained on December 29.

Bryan Mbeumo- Cameroon

The Brentford forward will not be able to represent Cameroon at the AFCON, as he underwent surgery for an injury he picked up recently. Mbeumo has seven goals and three assists for Brentford in the English Premier League this season.

Baba Rahman- Ghana

The Ghanaian footballer who has been ever-present on the left flank for the Black Stars of Ghana will miss the competition due to an injury.

Taiwo Awoniyi- Nigeria

The Nigerian forward will also miss the competition for the Super Eagles after sustaining an injury. Awoniyi had been in fine form for his English Premier League side Nottingham Forest.

Cheick Doucoure- Mali

The Malian sustained an injury while playing for his club side Crystal Palace in the English top flight in November which ruled him out of the competition for the Eagles of Mali.

Tariq Lamptey- Ghana

Lamptey limped off in a match for Brighton and Hove Albion against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League in November. The diminutive Ghanaian was later confirmed to have sustained an injury that ruled him out of the competition for the Black Stars.

The AFCON began in February 1957 with only three African countries, Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Egypt emerged as the first title winner in this tournament.

According to CAF , South Africa was the fourth invited country for the first tournament but their invitation was later withdrawn as a result of the country’s apartheid laws at the time.

The Pharaohs defeated Sudan’s team with a 2-1 win. Raafat Attia opened the scoring in the Semi-final game. The team later defeated Ethiopia in a 4-0 win to take home the trophy.

The North African country continued to win the next AFCON tournament in 1959.

From 3 participating countries, the tournament was expanded to include 8 teams in 1968, 12 teams in 1992, 16 in 1996, and 24, which has remained the standard since 2019.

At the start, AFCON was organised randomly but eventually became a biennial, with organisers holding a tournament every other year.

It is organised in odd years to avoid clashing with the FIFA World Cup held in even years.

The 2023 tournament will see 15 top-ranked African teams participating. AFCON is the most prestigious football (soccer) competition in Africa. It is organised by Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF).

The stakes are highly political in a country where the post-electoral crisis of 2010-2011 deeply divided the population. This major event is an opportunity to unite citizens around a third championship title as the 2025 elections approach. However, the true challenge is primarily economic for the Ivorian society.

Massive infrastructure investments

The tournament will take place in five cities and six stadiums: Abidjan (two stadiums), San-Pedro, Bouaké, Korhogo, and the capital city of Yamoussoukro. Four of these arenas were inaugurated after 2020, a result of massive investments by Ivorian authorities. In the context of AFCON, the total investment amounts to $1.5 billion, with $845 million dedicated to infrastructure.

Another priority sector is mobility. In recent years, the government has undertaken major road projects, including the renovation of the 350-kilometre Abidjan-San-Pedro axis and the creation of new roads on the North-South axis connecting Bouaké, Yamoussoukro, and Abidjan. Several plans to renovate regional airports, such as those in San-Pedro and Korhogo have also been initiated. 

A significant challenge for the tourism sector

For the reception of the international supporters, authorities, in close collaboration with the AFCON organising committee, have chosen to invest in networks of young volunteers. As announced by Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé on January 4 , 10,000 volunteers will be responsible for providing directions. While another 20,000 will be in charge of filling the stadiums in the event of poor attendance, cleaning the fan villages and regulating traffic flows. Accommodations have also undergone a modernisation campaign, including the iconic renovated Sofitel Ivoire in Abidjan and the creation of new hotels in host cities. The organising committee is responsible for setting up fan villages where supporters can gather. Taxis, restaurants, and hotel facilities are gearing up to welcome an estimated influx of 1.5 million visitors in addition to the 23 foreign teams.

The Ivorian youth vision

For Ibrahima Diabate, President of the National Council of Young Ivorians (CNJCI), the AFCON is a step forward for his generation: "Peace is the condition for development, and hosting the competition is a strong marker". He praised the authorities' initiative in choosing young volunteers to be the country's first ambassadors. He also assured the audience that awareness-raising campaigns on youth issues such as good governance and reproductive health would be conducted in the fan villages in collaboration with several United Nations agencies.

He is also very pleased with the new infrastructure, which will broaden the country's prospects. His expectations for the post-AFCON period are focused on the backcountry: "The economic dynamic will inevitably be a little less intense, but I have great hope that the situation will be sustainable. From the point of view of young people, our priority is to see the regions that are far from the major economic centres become more dynamic, and for sports to become more professional and open up opportunities thanks to the new equipment".

Long-term expectations

These developments have significantly boosted the local steel industry and the construction sector. During the competition, advertising revenue, broadcasting rights, and ticket sales are expected to partially offset the investments. Even though road improvements will likely benefit the daily lives of Ivorians after the competition, the future is less certain for stadiums or accommodations that must continue running.

The challenge for the Ivorian government will be to maintain the AFCON's dynamism over time. This competition has become an international showcase and Ivory Coast aims to capitalise on it to attract investors and develop a new tourism sector. In order to do this, the Ministry of Tourism plans to take delegations on trips to discover the country's attractions. These positive effects could boost an already high growth rate estimated at 7% for the year 2024 by the African Development Bank.

At this point, all four countries had agreed and adopted statutes that were drafted during the first meeting, according to CAF .

From this point, the first president of the confederation, Abdel Aziz Abdallah Salem of Egypt was unanimously appointed, leading to the birth of AFCON.

Egypt since then has played in 26 out of 34 AFCON editions, claiming the trophy seven times. The Egyptian National Team, the Pharaohs defeated Ethiopia 4-0 in the inaugural edition of the games in Sudan, making them the first champions.

Two years after this, they won the championship title for the second time when AFCON was hosted in the country in 1959.

They again claimed the trophy in 1986, giving them a third win followed by a fourth in 1998.

The 2000s saw Egypt reign as one of the most successful countries in the tournament, with wins in 2006, 2008, and 2010.

But that’s the last time the North African nation landed a trophy in the AFCON. The closest they have come since then is in 2017 and 2021 when they emerged as runners-up to Cameroon and Senegal respectively.

Egypt has hosted the AFCON five times since its inception in 1957 and has won the cup three times out of this number.

Cameroon is the next champion after Egypt with 5 titles to its credit, followed by Ghana which has four, and Nigeria which has three.

This year, Egypt is hoping to revive its trophy by beating countries including Mozambique, Ghana, and Cape Verde at the group stages to emerge to the next stage.

Zambian channel Diamond TV has acquired broadcast rights for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The channel will broadcast all 52 matches for the 24-team tournament, running from January 13 to February 11, 2024. Multichoice, the holding company of SuperSport, announced that it would not be broadcasting the tournament, the Zambian Eye reported. “Diamond TV is pleased to announce to its esteemed viewers and clients that it will be broadcasting the complete AFCON tournament, featuring all 52 exciting matches. Football fans can catch every goal, every thrilling moment and all the action live on Diamond TV. This is a testament to our commitment to offer our viewers in Zambia the best TV viewing pleasure. We continue to be a reliable source of information and entertainment, and we believe this year’s AFCON is a good example of our dedication to client satisfaction,” said Diamond TV Chief Visionary officer, Costa Mwansa. Multichoice, the holding company of SuperSport announced that it will not be broadcasting the upcoming in a statement. The company noted that “the channel has not secured the rights to broadcast the tournament.”

Cholera outbreak forces school closure extension

The Zambian government announced a three-week extension of the closure of all schools, including public, private, aided, and community learning institutions, due to a recent cholera outbreak.  Schools will now open on January 29, 2024, and the first term holidays will be reduced to one week. Local media by Mwebantu quotes Minister of Education Douglas Syakalima saying “This means that schools will only open on Monday, 29th January, 2024. Further, the grace period which was earlier given to grades eight and 10 learners has now been overtaken and all learners are expected to open on 29th January 2024. Learning institutions should maintain a high level of hygiene at both personal and institutional levels, as guided by the Ministry of Health. In addition to the above, school inspections and sensitisation will be intensified at all levels to ensure compliance to the above guidelines.”

SEC fights against fraud

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Zambia is intensifying efforts to combat Ponzi schemes and increase awareness to protect investors. Despite fraudulent activities, there is a thriving investment appetite in the country, the Zambia Daily Mail reports. Collective Investment Schemes (CIS) have seen a 64% increase in the number of investors. SEC acting chief executive officer Diana Sichone said, “While the capital market flourishes, addressing low levels of awareness and combating fraudulent schemes like Ponzi schemes remain crucial challenges.”

Government advised on Electric Vehicles

Energy expert Boniface Zulu has advised the Zambian government to invest in charging points for electric vehicles (EVs) as part of a broader initiative to transition to a sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation system. Such an investment could reduce transport costs, greenhouse gas emissions, and oil imports, the Lusaka Times reports. “The benefits of electric vehicles in Zambia include environmental, economic, and social aspects. The adoption of electric vehicles can lead to a lower carbon footprint, reduced emissions of local pollutants, lower fuel and maintenance costs, reduced dependence on oil imports, increased energy efficiency, and potential for job creation and innovation . The adoption of electric vehicles presents a promising option for Zambia to address its transport and energy challenges , ” Zulu said.

Zambia President congratulates DR Congo President

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has congratulated President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo on his re-election as President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). "Heartfelt congratulations to H.E Félix Antoine Tshisekedi on your decisive reelection as President of #DRC. Wishing the people of our sister country DR Congo the very best as they embark on a new chapter of sustainable growth & prosperity," said President Hichilema in a post on social media .

This means that the runner-up in the AFCON 2023 will receive $4 million. Two semi-finalists and four quarter-finalists will each get $2.5 million and $1.3 million respectively, CAF announced in a statement .

“CAF has made significant progress over the past two years in increasing the Prize Money of the AFCON and all its other major competitions. We have increased the Prize Money of the AFCON Winner to USD 7 000 000 which is a 40% increase from the previous AFCON Prize Money,” said President of CAF Patrice Motsepe.

“I am confident that a portion of the Prize Money will contribute to developing football and also benefit all the football stakeholders, as well as assist our Member Associations with their administrations,” he added.

Senegal, the winner of the 2021 edition of the competition received $5 million while Egypt received $2.75 million as runner-up.

The opening match of the AFCON 2023 will take place between the host Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on January 13, 2024.

Minister of Commerce, Consumer Affairs, and Small and Medium Enterprises, Abdou Karim Fofana said that only 2% of boats from Africa that arrive in Spain and the Canaries are from Senegal. According to him, Senegal is the 18 th largest source of immigrants globally with migrants travelling to seek greener pastures in other countries. “When we migrate, it's not because we don't have anything, it's not because we don't have something. It's true that many people migrate for economic reasons because they haven't found a job, not because they have nothing. There is a difference between us having nothing and wanting to live better,” he was quoted by Le Quotidien .

Fake prison officer arrested

A fake prison officer has been arrested by Plateau police in Senegal for posing as an adjutant after his release from prison. The imposter, Mr. Lô was arrested and imprisoned in 2023 after his involvement in a theft incident in his workshop. After serving his 5-month sentence, he was released on December 30 but was rearrested on January 2 after visiting families of his former inmates and promising them of facilitating presidential pardon for them. In this self-imposed position, Mr. Lô extracted various amounts of money from unsuspecting families of these people. The case is since under investigation, according to Seneweb .

Sonko's candidacy invalidated

Senegal’s Supreme Court has invalidated opposition leader Ousmane Sonko’s appeal against a libel conviction that may make his candidacy null and void in the upcoming presidential elections in February. Ousmane was vying to succeed President Macky Sall who has stepped down after two terms as president. His candidacy was overturned for incomplete files, and the absence of the certificate from the Caisse des Dépôts et des Consignations, a public sector financial institution in Senegal. He was to contest against his main opponent Amadou Ba, according to the local media platform Senego .

AFCON preparations

A list of twenty-seven players expected to participate in the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been released by National Coach Aliou Cissé. Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhaté, Abdou Diallo, Ismail Jakobs, Youssouf Sabaly, Abdoulaye Seck, Formose Mendy, Fodé Ballo Touré and Abdoulaye Niakhaté Ndiaye will provide defence while Idrissa Gana Guèye, Cheikhou Kouyaté, Lamine Camara, Pape Matar Sarr, Pathé Ciss, Pape Guèye, Krépin Diatta and Nampalys Mendy play midfield. Sadio Mané, Ismaila Sarr, Nicolas Jackson, Ilimane Ndiaye, Habib Diallo, Abdallah Sima and Boulaye Dia will be attackers and the goalkeepers are Edouard Mendy, Seny Dieng, according to local news platform Enquete+ . The AFCON will be hosted by Ivory Coast beginning January 2024.

  Clean energy projects

 Asharami Energy Senegal, a leading provider of energy solutions and a Sahara Group company, has provided a clean and sustainable solar energy solution to the Daaray Serigne Saliou Mbacke orphanage, Seneweb reported. The project will save up to 500,000 CFA (US$ 834) in monthly electricity bills for the orphanage located in Kounoune which houses over 100 children. The project forms efforts by the Sahara Group to promote clean and sustainable energy in Africa. According to Nana Yaw Asare Adu, Country Manager of Asharami Energy, the project involved the installation of 24 solar panels and 24 solar batteries to power all electrical appliances at the orphanage, including air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines.

Tournament context

The AFCON 2023 is the 34 th edition of the competition. The opening match is scheduled for January 13, 2024, where the host Ivory Coast will face Guinea-Bissau at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.

The Ivory Coast is hosting the competition for the second time in the history of the month-long competition expected to end on February 11, 2024, after hosting for the first time in 1984.

Tournament favourites

Egypt, the record holders of the competition with seven titles have made the finals in two out of the last three editions and also boast arguably the greatest footballer on the African continent in Mohammed Salah.

Nigeria will also look to secure their fourth title after their last triumph in 2023. The chances of the Super Eagles have also been boosted by the emergence of marksman Victor Osimhen as the best player on the African continent after he was awarded as the best footballer at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards 2023.

Other tournament favourites include Senegal, the current champions, winners of the 2019 competition Algeria and Morocco, fresh from a historic World Cup semi-final and tournament host Ivory Coast.

Tournament underdogs

Sleeping giant the Black Stars of Ghana will be looking to redeem themselves in the competition after failing to make it past the group stages in the previous edition of the tournament. The four-time winner is also buoyed by the inimitable Mohammed Kudus.

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon is also another nation with history in the competition after going against the odds to defeat a heavily favoured Egyptian side in the finals in 2017. The Central African nation will be spearheaded by the top goal scorer of the AFCON 2021 edition Vincent Aboubakar.

2013 darkhorse and finalist Burkina Faso and surprise 2012 winner Zambia will also be looking to cause major upsets in the tournament.

Minister of Transport and Mayor of Bouaké the second largest city in Ivory Coast is spearheading the works and has urged contracted companies to deliver by the projected date.

Amadou Koné launched road maintenance works on tracks necessary for the smooth running of the competition in the city.

About 13.5km of roads are expected to be maintained in Bouaké, similar to works on four other cities including Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, San-Pedro and Korhogo.

“After the launch of the Works by the Prime Minister in Abidjan and Yamoussoukro, on behalf of the Government, I proceeded to the official launch of road maintenance works for the city of Bouaké in the presence of the local president of COCAN, the prefect of Bouaké and representatives of the Ministry of Road Equipment and Maintenance as well as those of the companies which will carry out this work,” Minister Koné was quoted by Abidjanan.net .

Ivory Coast is hosting the AFCON (CAN 2023) in six different stadiums nationwide including the Abidjan, Korhogo and San Pedro stadiums.

The 34 th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations organized by the Confederation of African Football will be hosted by Ivory Coast for the second time since 1984.

The Pharaohs’ AFCON exploits over the years

Having won the trophy more than any other country, Egypt has a long history in the AFCON. When they hosted and won the tournament's inaugural edition in 1957, it was their first victory. They accomplished the feat once more in 1959, then in 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, and 2010. Under the direction of famous coach Hassan Shehata, who coached a golden age of players like Ahmed Hassan, Mohamed Aboutrika, Mohamed Zidan, and Wael Gomaa, they won their last three championships.

Egypt hasn't been able to compete at the same level in the AFCON since their last title in 2010, nevertheless. Due to subpar qualifier performances, they were excluded from three consecutive tournaments in 2012, 2013 and 2015. In 2017, they participated once more and made it to the final, where Cameroon defeated them. They once again hosted the competition in 2019, but in the round of 16, they were shockingly defeated by South Africa. They made it all the way to the final once again in the 2021 edition but lost 4-2 on penalties to Senegal.

Is Mo Salah still the best on the continent?

The rise of Mo Salah to the status of a global superstar has been one of the primary factors in Egypt's comeback in the AFCON. With his speed, talent, and finishing prowess, the Liverpool forward has been a reliable performer for both his club and his country, scoring goals and creating them. Numerous individual and group honours, such as three Premier League Golden Boots, a Champions League title, a FIFA Club World Cup title, and a FIFA Puskas Award have been bestowed upon him.

Salah has also played a significant role for Egypt at the AFCON, contributing 64% of Egypt's goals in the AFCON since his debut in 2017. In the quarterfinal round of the 2021 competition, he won the man of the match award as Egypt defeated Morocco after extra time, he scored the goal to bring the game level in normal time and assisted the winner in extra time.

Salah's competition with other African stars who have achieved success at the club and international levels is strong. Over the years, he has shared the CAF Footballer of the Year podium alongside ex-Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane (Senegal), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon) and Riyad Mahrez (Algeria).

Victor Osimhen, a striker from Nigeria who is currently ranked among the finest in the world, is a newcomer to the scene after helping his club Napoli win the Italian Serie A for the first time since 1990. In the competition, he would also try to match his club form and lead his nation to glory.

Now or never for the Egyptian King

Five months after the African Championship in 2024 begins, Salah will turn 32. He might never again have the chance to honourably represent Egypt on a continental level. He will be attempting to follow in the footsteps of Aboutrika, a longtime Egyptian staple who was a vital part of the Egyptian team that won the competition three times in a row. Salah once referred to Aboutrika as "the best player I've ever played alongside."

Tournament overview and significance

Following an increase from 16 teams in 2019, the tournament's second iteration will have 24 teams. Additionally, the event will resume its traditional January–February dates after being shifted to June–July in 2019 owing to poor weather and club obligations. Ivory Coast will host the competition, which will take place at six locations across five cities (Abidjan, Bouake, Korhogo, San Pedro, and Yamoussoukro), having previously won the championship in 1992 and 2015.