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.

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.

President Claudia Sheinbaum said there are “all guarantees” for safe hosting of the tournament, despite recent security challenges.

However, the deadly violence that erupted after federal forces killed Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), shook parts of western Mexico, especially in Guadalajara and nearby regions. The unrest included roadblocks, burning vehicles, and clashes between cartel members and security forces.

Guadalajara, one of Mexico’s three World Cup host cities alongside Mexico City and Monterrey, is scheduled to host four matches this summer, including high-profile group–stage games featuring teams like Mexico, Spain, South Korea and Uruguay.

The city’s stadium and surrounding areas saw heightened tension as authorities responded with increased security and temporary suspensions of local football matches.

FIFA and local authorities are monitoring the evolving situation closely. While the sport ’s governing body has not announced plans to remove Mexico from its hosting duties, security concerns have been raised, and discussions are reportedly ongoing about how to reassure visiting fans, teams, and officials.

Despite the concerns, preparations continue. Organisers and governments are planning enhanced safety measures, from military and police deployments to advanced surveillance technologies designed specifically for the tournament. Experts stress that major international events like this often involve layered security planning, with cooperation between host nations critical for success.

Mexico’s 2026 World Cup matches are still scheduled to take place in the country, but recent violence, particularly in Jalisco, has intensified scrutiny of security arrangements. With just months until kick-off, authorities are under pressure to restore confidence, reassure international visitors, and ensure safe conduct of the world’s biggest football event.

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.

What they said

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune offered condolences and wished the injured a swift recovery. He called the incident a “painful tragedy” and extended his thoughts to the bereaved family.  “It is with great sadness and sorrow that we received the news of our supporter who passed away after falling from the upper stands.”, MC Alger issued a statement in an Instagram post mourning the death of one supporter, Younes Amguzzi.

Uruguay has suspended all football activity for the weekend following the health emergency of Nacional defender Juan Izquierdo. According to CNA , the 27-year-old player is currently stable yet unconscious in the intensive care unit at Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo after experiencing an irregular heartbeat and collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match against São Paulo. The association has announced this suspension for the rights of professional footballers in Uruguay, emphasising the prioritisation of Izquierdo's wellbeing.

Bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia

In a notable diplomatic effort, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay have enhanced bilateral cooperation by forming a joint committee, which recently convened for its inaugural meeting in Montevideo. Chaired by Ahmed Al-Khamshi, Saudi Arabia's Undersecretary of Agriculture, and Nicolas Albertoni, Uruguay's Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, this meeting resulted in the signing of a memorandum establishing a joint business council. TV Brics highlights that this collaborative initiative aims to strengthen the trade and diplomatic relations that have existed since 1974.

Increased fish mortality

In environmental news, low temperatures have led to significant fish mortality in the Uruguayan rivers, particularly the Santa Lucia and Negro Rivers. The Assembly for the Water of the Santa Lucia River highlighted the necessity for precautionary measures following the alarming reports of large-scale fish deaths, primarily shad, attributed to freezing temperatures since June, as reported by Prensa Latina . This issue has also been mirrored in Argentina's lower Paraná river basin, prompting discussions around environmental management and conservation strategies.

Uruguay to reduce beef exports to China

Uruguay is actively seeking to reduce its dependency on China for beef exports, a sector significantly impacted by a decelerating Chinese economy. Historically, China has served as the primary market for Uruguayan beef; however, as of August 2023, North America has emerged as the leading revenue source, now accounting for 32% of beef export revenue compared to China's 30%. MercoPress adds that from January to August, Uruguay's beef exports reached US$1.223 billion, exhibiting a slight increase in volume despite an 11% decrease in average prices. Additionally, markets such as the European Union and Israel are contributing to the country’s diversified export strategy. The USDA, however, projects a moderate uptick in Chinese demand for the latter half of the year amidst an anticipated increase in domestic meat production in China.

UAE congratulates Uruguay on Independence Day

UAE leaders, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, sent congratulatory messages to President Luis Lacalle Pou of Uruguay on the occasion of Uruguay's Independence Day, celebrated on August 25th to mark its independence from Brazil in 1825, reports The Siasat Daily .

This is the third article in a three-part series. Click here to read the first part, and click here to read the second one.

Here are our top 1-25.

25. Bernardo Cacella (Brazil)

Bernardo Cacella, who comes from a family of influencers, is not only a social media star but also an aspiring youth soccer player. He is a member of Boavista F.C.'s youth division, where he works on developing his skills and pursuing his dream of becoming a professional footballer.

Check out his Instagram profile .

24. Marcos (Brazil)

Marcos Roberto Silveira dos Reis, known as Marcos, is a retired Brazilian professional footballer celebrated for his outstanding journey as a goalkeeper.

He dedicated his entire career to the Brazilian team Palmeiras and became one of the most beloved figures in both the club's and the country's football history.

Marcos also served as the starting goalkeeper for Brazil's national team that won the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Check out his Instagram profile .

23. Mercedes Roa (Mexico)

Mercedes Roa is a content creator, an athlete, and a fan of the Argentine football club Boca Juniors. 

Passionate about football from a young age, the Mexican influencer now showcases her talent for football tricks on her social media platforms, performing dribbles, nutmegs, and other skills. 

She is also the president of Club de Cuervos in the Américas Kings League, a team inspired by the famous Netflix series of the same name. She has also collaborated with football stars, such as Chicharito Hernández and Gerard Piqué.

Check out her Instagram profile .

22. Arturo Vidal (Chile)

Arturo Vidal Pardo is a prominent Chilean professional footballer, currently playing as a midfielder for the Chilean team Colo-Colo and the national team. 

Vidal began his career at Colo-Colo before moving to Europe, where he played for prestigious clubs such as Juventus and Barcelona. He was included in UEFA's ten-man shortlist for the best player in Europe award in 2015.

Vidal has been a key player for the Chilean national team, participating in multiple Copa América tournaments and helping Chile secure consecutive titles in 2015 and 2016. He also competed in the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup tournaments.

Check out his Instagram profile .

21. Diego Ribas (Brazil)

Diego Ribas is a Brazilian former professional footballer celebrated for his career as a midfielder. 

He started his journey with the Brazilian team Santos and he later ventured to Europe where he played for renowned clubs such as Porto and Atlético Madrid.

Ribas concluded his career at Flamengo and became one of the team's greatest football icons. He also represented Brazil in numerous tournaments and played a pivotal role in many of the country's triumphs, such as the Copa América in 2004 and 2007.

He is now a commentator for TV Globo and the host of the podcast "10 & Faixa”.

Check out his Instagram profile .

20. Julia Giannella (Brazil)

Julia Giannella is a well-known Brazilian athlete and content creator who has made a name for herself in the world of fitness and lifestyle. 

On her social media platforms, she showcases her passion for various sports, including surfing, boxing, running, and marathons.

Check out her Instagram profile .

19. La Plaga (Colombia)

Thomas Suarez, better known as La Plaga, is a fervent enthusiast of bike stunts from Medellín.

He dedicates himself to mastering and showcasing new extreme tricks to his audience across social media platforms such as Instagram and his YouTube channel .

Check out his Instagram profile .

18. Xurras Da Jogada (Brazil)

Gabriel Luiz Andrade, better known as Xurrasco 021, has recently become an internet sensation. At only 17 years old, he gained fame through a TikTok dance that even caught Neymar's attention. 

But Xurrasco’s real dream is to make it big in professional football. He has already demonstrated his skills as a defender and was one of the highlights of the Viegas team from Senador Camará during the 2022 Taça das Favelas tournament. 

Check out his Instagram profile .

17. Joel Jota (Brazil)

Joel Jota is a multifaceted Brazilian entrepreneur known for his expertise in high-performance training, best-selling books, investments, and his career in sports. 

His journey began as a professional athlete with the Brazilian national swimming team, where he achieved numerous national championships both as an athlete and a coach.

Today, Jota is a prominent content creator and motivational speaker.

Check out his Instagram profile .

16. Gabriel Omar Batistuta (Argentina)

Gabriel Omar Batistuta, also known as Batigol and El Ángel Gabriel, is an Argentine former professional footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers of all time.

Batistuta began his career in Argentina with Newell's Old Boys, River Plate, and Boca Juniors. He is most famous for his time with Fiorentina in Italy, where he became the team's all-time top scorer in Serie A. Batigol also played for Roma, Inter Milan, and Al-Arabi in Qatar.

On the international stage, Batistuta was Argentina's all-time leading goalscorer until Lionel Messi surpassed him. He achieved many victories with the national team, including two Copa América titles in 1991 and 1993.

Check out his Instagram profile.

15. Henry Martín (Mexico)

Henry Martín is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for Liga MX club América and Mexico's national team. 

He has become a key player for the club and has broken into the top ten of América's all-time top scorers.

Check out his Instagram profile .

14. Eduardo Rodrigues Pereira (Brazil)

Eduardo Rodrigues Pereira, known by his online nickname Dudufootz, is a prominent influencer, YouTuber , and creator of football-focused content. 

Passionate about the sport and a fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, Dudufootz shares videos and sketches depicting situations on the pitch that any football fan and player would identify with.

Check out his Instagram profile .

13. Vitor Lo (Brazil)

Vitor Lo is a social media star and football player who shares his matches and training sessions on his Instagram channel. 

He is a member of the YouTube channel "Banheiristas" , known for its football challenges, entertaining videos, and illustrious guests.

Check out his Instagram profile.

12. Adriano Imperador (Brazil)

Adriano Leite Ribeiro, known simply as Adriano, left an enduring legacy in football with his formidable left-footed finishing. 

Nicknamed L'Imperador ("the Emperor"), he began his journey in Brazil with Flamengo and was once considered the successor to Ronaldo. His career took off at Parma and Inter Milan, where he became recognised as one of the best strikers in the world. His stellar performances earned him a place in the Top 10 of the Ballon d'Or rankings in both 2004 and 2005, as well as the prestigious IFFHS World's Top Goal Scorer award in 2005.

Adriano also distinguished himself as a key figure in Brazil's successes, leading the team to triumphs in both the 2004 Copa América and the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Check out his Instagram profile .

11. Rodrigo Cuba (Peru)

Rodrigo Cuba, also known as Gato Cuba, is a footballer who currently plays as a right-back for the Peruvian team Universidad San Martín. 

His career has mainly developed in Peruvian football, with a brief stint in Mexico. Off the pitch, Rodrigo shares moments with his family on his social networks, offering his fans a glimpse into his personal life.

Check out his Instagram profile .

10. Diego Costa (Brazil)

Diego da Silva Costa is a professional footballer currently playing as a striker for the Brazilian team Grêmio.

He returned to his home country after several years in Europe, where he played for giants such as Chelsea and Atlético Madrid. He achieved numerous victories with both clubs, including the Premier League with the English team and the UEFA Super Cup with the Spanish club. In 2013, he was named the top scorer in the Copa del Rey.

Costa has dual citizenship, Brazilian and Spanish, and debuted for Spain's national team in 2014.

Check out his Instagram profile.

9. Pity Martínez (Argentina)

Gonzalo Nicolás Martínez, known as "Pity" Martínez, is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a winger for River Plate.

Martínez began his career with the Argentine team Huracán, where he won the Copa Argentina in 2014. He later joined River Plate and contributed to the team's victories in the Copa Libertadores titles in 2015 and 2018.

In 2018, he was also named the "Best Footballer in the Americas" by the newspaper El País.

Check out his Instagram profile.

8. Ciro “El Búho” Cairo (Argentina)

Ciro "El Búho" Cairo is a boxing prodigy from Villa Devoto, Buenos Aires, and the youngest personality on this list.

At only seven years old, he became a social media sensation for his skills as an amateur boxer.

Ciro has big ambitions: he dreams of becoming a world champion, as he told El Izquierdazo .

Check out his Instagram profile.

7. Lucas Moura (Brazil)

Lucas Moura is a professional footballer who currently plays as a right winger and centre-forward for São Paulo football club.

His talent attracted attention from European clubs when he started his career with São Paulo. In Europe, he played for Paris Saint-Germain, where he became a key member of the team, as well as for Tottenham Hotspur.

When he rejoined São Paulo in 2023, the Brazilian club won the Copa do Brasil. Moura has also represented his country on multiple occasions, including the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, where Brazil emerged victorious.

Check out his Instagram profile.

6. Felipe Melo (Brazil)

Felipe Melo is a professional footballer who currently plays as a defensive midfielder or centre-back for the Brazilian club Fluminense.

Melo has positioned himself as a key player for numerous teams worldwide. He started his journey in Brazil, playing for Flamengo, Cruzeiro, and Grêmio before moving to Europe. There, he played for Spanish and Italian teams, including Mallorca, Racing Santander, Almería in La Liga, Fiorentina, Juventus, and Inter Milan. He also had a stint with the Turkish team Galatasaray.

When he returned to Brazil with Palmeiras, he helped secure many victories for the team, including two Copa Libertadores titles in 2020 and 2021. Melo won the same tournament again in 2023 when he joined Fluminense.

Check out his Instagram profile.

5. Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz (Mexico)

Isaac Jonathan Cruz Gonzalez is a Mexican professional boxer who has become a towering figure in the boxing world. Known for his relentless fighting style, Cruz has earned a reputation as one of the most promising talents in the sport.

In March 2024, "Pitbull" won the World Boxing Association (WBA) super lightweight title, marking a milestone in his career and solidifying his position as a top contender in the lightweight division.

Check out his Instagram profile.

4. James Rodríguez (Colombia)

James Rodríguez is a professional footballer who currently plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for São Paulo and Colombia's national team.

Rodríguez has become an outstanding player for Colombia and the world. He began his career with his country's club Envigado and then moved to the Argentine team Banfield. In Europe, he played for Porto, AS Monaco, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Everton, and Olympiacos. He also spent two seasons with Al-Rayyan in Qatar.

James Rodríguez made his return to South American football with São Paulo in 2023.

Check out his Instagram profile.

3. Edinson Cavani (Uruguay)

Edinson Cavani, also known as “El Matador” (The Killer), is a renowned professional footballer celebrated as one of the best strikers of his generation and a top goal scorer for Uruguay's national team. Currently, he plays for the Argentine team Boca Juniors.

Cavani began his career with Danubio in Montevideo before moving to Italy’s Palermo in 2007. He then played for Napoli, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Valencia, amassing an impressive trophy collection along the way.

In 2023, Cavani returned to South America to join Boca Juniors. He has garnered numerous accolades throughout his career, including the prestigious Golden Foot Award in 2018.

Check out his Instagram profile.

2. Paolo Guerrero (Peru)

Paolo Guerrero is a professional footballer who currently plays as a striker for the Peruvian football club Universidad César Vallejo and Peru's national team.

Guerrero began his career in Europe, where he played for Bayern Munich and Hamburger SV. He then achieved some of his greatest successes in Brazil, representing clubs such as Corinthians, Flamengo, Internacional, and Avaí. Guerrero also had brief stints with Argentina's Racing Club and Ecuador's LDU Quito.

In Peru, he holds the distinction of being the national team's all-time leading goalscorer. Guerrero was also nominated for the 2015 FIFA Ballon d'Or, making history as the first Peruvian to receive such an honour.

Check out his Instagram profile.

1. Gary Medel (Chile)

At the top of our list is Chilean professional footballer Gary Medel, who currently stars as a centre-back and defensive midfielder for the Brazilian club Vasco da Gama.

Medel's career has spanned several clubs and countries. In Latin America, he played for Universidad Católica in Chile and Boca Juniors in Argentina. In Europe, he had spells with Sevilla, Cardiff City, Inter Milan, and Bologna. In Turkey, he played for Beşiktaş, one of the country's most successful teams.

Medel has established himself as a key member of the Chilean defence, representing his country at two FIFA World Cups and five Copa Américas. His outstanding performance was crucial in Chile's victory at the 2015 Copa América tournament.

Today, he is one of the most acclaimed figures in Chilean and Latin American football.

Check out his Instagram profile.

This list was created with the help of Hypeauditor and is based on the Audience Quality Score (AQS). In case of a tie between two or more personalities, we used the engagement rate to establish the order. The keywords used in our search were 'athletes' and 'sports' in all Latin American countries. We focused on personalities with more than one million followers.

It’s no surprise that sports hold significant weight on social media among Latin American audiences. Athletes and sports celebrities use these platforms to connect more intimately with their fans, share personal moments, and even monetise their presence.

But if social media were the playing field, the champions would not always be the same as those in the tournaments.

At Global South World, we have created a list of the 75 most influential sports personalities on Instagram in the region.

With the help of Hypeauditor , an AI-powered influencer marketing platform, we have built a ranking based on the Audience Quality Score (AQS) . This score, which ranges from 1 to 100, is calculated by measuring four factors: engagement rate, audience quality, follower and following growth, and engagement authenticity. For more details about our methodology, check the bottom of the article.

This is the first piece in a three-part series.

Here are our top 51-75.

75. Mateus Souza (Brazil)

Mateus Souza is an emerging internet phenomenon and a passionate football fan.

His humorous videos and sketches about football, where he also showcases his skills as a player, have helped him gather over one million followers on Instagram alone. His account's growth rate on that platform highly surpasses that of similar accounts.

Check out his Instagram profile.

74. Cássio Ramos (Brazil)

Cássio Roberto Ramos is a professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper. After 12 years with the Brazilian team Corinthians, he recently joined Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, a sports club based in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais.

His career also includes a stint in the Netherlands with PSV and Sparta Rotterdam.

Cássio has also played for Brazil's national team, participating in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and contributing to their victory in the 2019 Copa América.

Check out his Instagram profile.

73. Stefani Jiménez (Mexico)

Stefani Jiménez is not only considered one of the best goalkeepers in Liga MX Femenil but also stands out as a social media content creator. She currently serves as a reserve goalkeeper for the Mexican football club Pachuca Femenil.

Jiménez's previous experiences include playing for FC Juárez, Atlético de San Luis Femenil, and Tigres.

Check out her Instagram profile.

72. Léo Pereira (Brazil)

Leonardo Pereira is a professional footballer who plays as a defender for the Brazilian team Flamengo.

Before joining the club based in Rio de Janeiro, the athlete played for other teams, such as Atlético Paranaense and Orlando City in Major League Soccer.

Check out his Instagram profile.

71. MC Gui (Brazil)

Music is not MC Gui's only passion. The Brazilian funk singer and songwriter is also a racing driver. Through his Instagram account, he shares his car adventures, including his competitions in the NASCAR Brazil Sprint Race.

Check out his Instagram profile.

70. Norma Palafox (Mexico)

Norma Duarte Palafox is a Mexican football player who currently plays as a forward for Liga MX Femenil club Juárez. 

Palafox has distinguished herself for her performance on the Guadalajara Chivas women's team. She was also part of C.F. Pachuca Femenil and played as a reinforcement for Atlas FC Femenil and Cruz Azul Femenil.

The Mexican sportswoman gained further notoriety by winning the fifth season of "Exatlón USA", a reality TV series that follows a group of athletes undergoing physical and mental challenges.

Check out her Instagram profile.

69. Iván Torres (Paraguay)

When visiting Iván Torres' Instagram profile, one might not immediately realise he is a football star. The Paraguayan footballer, who currently plays as a left-back for the sports club Goiás, mostly shares details of his daily life, moments with his family, motivational content, and training routines.

Before joining the Brazilian team, Torres played for the Paraguayan football club Olimpia. He also had stints with Cerro Porteño, another team from Paraguay, and the Argentine team Colón.

Check out his Instagram profile.

68. Ramon Dino (Brazil)

Ramon Dino, also known as "O Dinossauro do Acre" (the Dinosaur from Acre), is a professional bodybuilder who competes in the Classic Physique division.

Dino has participated in several international competitions, including the Olympia and the Arnold Classic Ohio, where he emerged victorious in 2023.

Check out his Instagram profile.

67. Nicole Moreno (Chile)

Nicole Moreno, also known as Luli or Luli Love, is a Chilean fitness champion, dancer, singer, model, and entrepreneur.

On her Instagram account, Moreno shares her workout routines and passion for bodybuilding. Recently, she was crowned Bikini Overall Champion at the Viña Muscle Show 2024.

Check out her Instagram profile.

66. María Malibrán (Mexico)

María Malibrán, 19, is a content creator and national barrel racing champion. Through her social media platforms, she shares her passion for the countryside, horse riding, and rodeo.

Born in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, the cowgirl started competing at a very young age. Today, she has not only won several national and international championships but has also founded her own line of clothing and accessories for horse enthusiasts.

Check out her Instagram profile.

65. Rubens Barrichello (Brazil)

Rubens Barrichello, also known as "Rubinho," is a professional racing driver from Brazil. He competed in Formula 1 from 1993 to 2011 and achieved 11 Grand Prix victories and 68 podium finishes.

Since 2023, he has been competing full-time in the Brazilian Stock Car Pro Series. He also co-hosts the Brazilian automotive YouTube channel "Acelerados".

Check out his Instagram profile.

64. Bruno Henrique (Brazil)

Bruno Henrique is a professional footballer who currently plays as a winger for Flamengo and Brazil's national team.

After starting his career in Brazil, Henrique moved abroad in 2016 to join Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg. He returned to his country a year later to play for Santos before joining Flamengo in 2019.

In that same year, Flamengo won the Campeonato Carioca, with Henrique finishing as the top scorer. Flamengo also clinched the Brazilian Serie A and the Copa Libertadores.

Check out his Instagram profile.

63. Fabián Cubero (Argentina)

Fabián Cubero is a former professional footballer who predominantly played for the Argentine sports club Vélez Sarsfield. Cubero spent most of his career as a right-back and won five league titles with Vélez Sarsfield.

In April 2024, Cubero was announced as the new coach of the Argentine team Sportivo Italiano.

Check out his Instagram profile.

62. Guilherme Arana (Brazil)

Guilherme Arana is a Brazilian professional footballer. He plays as a left-back for Atlético Mineiro and Brazil's national team.

After starting his career in the Corinthians youth academy, Arana moved up to the first team. His performance during the 2015 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A contributed to the team's victory. The Brazilian athlete has also played for European clubs, including Sevilla FC.

Arana was also part of the national team that won the gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Check out his Instagram profile.

61. Rafael Borré (Colombia)

Rafael Borré is a Colombian footballer who plays as a forward for the Brazilian sports club Internacional.

Borré's previous experiences in Latin America include playing for the Colombian team Deportivo Cali and the Argentine club River Plate, with whom he won several titles, including the 2018 Copa Libertadores and the 2019 Recopa Sudamericana.

In Europe, Borré played for Spanish clubs Atlético Madrid and Villarreal CF, as well as Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt, where he contributed to their second Europa League title in 2022.

Check out his Instagram profile.

60. Joaquín Piquerez (Uruguay)

Joaquín Piquerez is a professional footballer who plays for the Brazilian club Palmeiras and Uruguay's national team.

In 2022, he was honoured with the ESPN Bola de Prata Sportingbet Prize for being the best left-back in Brazilian football. Piquerez can also play as a midfielder.

Check out his Instagram profile.

59. Luccas Abreu (Brazil)

Luccas Abreu is an archery athlete who has gained fame on social media. Through his platforms, Abreu shares moments from his daily life and provides a behind-the-scenes look at this niche sport.

The Brazilian athlete competes internationally and has achieved significant success. In 2022, he won two silver medals in compound archery at the South American Games in Asunción, Paraguay.

Check out his Instagram profile.

58. Andrés Nicolás D’Alessandro (Argentina)

Andrés Nicolás D'Alessandro is a retired professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. He finished his career with the Brazilian club Internacional de Porto Alegre.

D'Alessandro began his journey with the Argentine club River Plate. He then spent some years with European clubs such as VfL Wolfsburg, Portsmouth, and Real Zaragoza.

The athlete also competed in the Copa America and participated in the Athens Olympics in 2004, where Argentina won a gold medal.

Check out his Instagram profile.

57. Alejandra Estefanía (Mexico)

Alejandra Estefanía is a lawyer and fitness model who shares exercise routines on her Instagram account. She also has a background as a teacher and Taekwondo competitor. 

Alejandra Estefanía has participated in several international competitions, including Joe Weider's Olympia Amateur, where she secured 3rd place in the Bikini Open Class B category in 2023.

Check out her Instagram profile.

56. Daniel Corral Barrón (Mexico)

Daniel Corral is a renowned Mexican gymnast who has participated in three Olympic Games and has received several international recognitions.

Among his most notable achievements are the 2011 Pan American Games, where he won two gold medals in the pommel horse and parallel bars finals. Corral also competed in the 2013 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, where he tied with the British gymnast Max Whitlock for the silver medal on the pommel horse. He became the first Mexican gymnast to win a medal in that event.

Check out his Instagram profile.

55. João do Grau (Brazil)

João Victor Pereira has become a social media reference for motorcycle wheelies and stunt riding.

The young Brazilian began sharing his skills as a teenager. He mainly practices motocross but also enjoys riding various types of vehicles.

Check out his Instagram profile.

54. Weverton (Brazil)

Weverton Pereira da Silva is a professional football player who currently plays as a goalkeeper for Palmeiras and Brazil's national team.

Weverton garnered the support of thousands of fans when he won the Campeonato Paranaense with Athletico in 2016. In that same year, he served as the goalkeeper at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, where the Brazilian national team clinched the gold medal against Germany.

Check out his Instagram profile.

53. Gabriel Montiel (Mexico)

Gabriel Montiel is not only one of the best-known YouTubers in Latin America, but he is also a former Mexican footballer who played as a midfielder.

His career as an athlete started with the youth team Águilas de Teotihuacán and ended with Murciélagos FC. Although Montiel decided to retire from football to devote himself fully to his career as a YouTuber, the sport is still a significant part of his life.

Montiel, also known as Werevertumorro , is a co-founder of the Kings League Americas, a 7-a-side football league based on Gerard Piqué's Kings League, in which he competes against other content creators and sports celebrities, such as James Rodríguez.

Check out his Instagram profile.

52. Sol Pérez (Argentina)

Sol Pérez is an Argentine gymnast, model, and journalist. She started artistic gymnastics at the age of five and is a sports enthusiast. Volleyball, basketball, swimming, and skating are some of the disciplines she has practised throughout her life.

Pérez became a public figure in Argentina when she worked as a weather presenter for the programme Sportia on TyC Sports. She also participated in the dance competition TV series "Bailando por un Sueño" (Dancing for a Dream).

Check out her Instagram profile.

51. Santiago Arias (Colombia)

Santiago Arias is a professional football player who currently plays as a defender for the Brazilian team E.C. Bahia and Colombia's national team.

He is considered one of the best full-backs in Colombian football. Arias has also played for European clubs such as Atlético de Madrid and the Dutch club PSV, where he stood out for his performance in the 2014-15 Eredivisie.

Check out his Instagram profile.

Discover the second part of the list (numbers 26-50) on June 29.

This list was created with the help of Hypeauditor and is based on the Audience Quality Score (AQS). In case of a tie between two or more personalities, we used the engagement rate to establish the order. The keywords used in our search were 'athletes' and 'sports' in all Latin American countries. We focused on personalities with more than one million followers.

He advocates for Pelé's legacy to be known by children worldwide, which led to his call for naming stadiums globally after the legend. The Parisian stadium joins a list of international venues honouring Pelé , reflecting his pioneering skills on the field.

The event also marked Paris 13 Atletico's rise to the French third division, although the stadium, despite upgrades, is yet to be sanctioned for hosting their league matches. The inauguration, aligned with the stadium's new name, signifies a commitment to uphold excellence.

"We've implemented initiatives like self-sustainable agriculture, enabling children to finance their education by selling their produce," George mentioned to GSW in an interview.

He explained that the initiative not only teaches children valuable agricultural skills but also empowers them to support themselves and contribute to their communities.

But FWBK's mission doesn't stop at agriculture. The organisation also facilitates volunteer exchange programmes to nurture talents and provide avenues for participants to join professional clubs in the country.

"Many people underestimate the impact of sports on communities. It's a platform for acquiring knowledge and bringing it back to uplift communities. Participants become self-reliant; they don't resort to child labour," George emphasised.

"We currently have four children under 16 who will undergo trials for the national team, a significant achievement for our organisation," he added.

Beyond sports, FWBK partners with local schools to empower youth through education programmes, he disclosed.

Despite their non-reliance on government support, George urged authorities to back nonprofit organisations like FWBK to enhance community education and share knowledge globally.

"I think what affects us in Kenya affects everybody around Africa. We just request that the government can come in and provide maybe online discussions or give us a room to travel around the world to share,” he concluded.

Watch this interview:

Breaking away from tradition, the Nigerian teams will sport a white shirt as their home kit for the first time in three years, deviating from the customary green. The white jersey boasts a unique square collar, a red rendition of the iconic Nike swoosh logo, and the inscription 'Naija' - a colloquial term for Nigeria - in bold letters across the chest, complemented by an eagle motif in the background, Semafor reports.

Continuing Nike's approach from its 2018 debut, the new designs incorporate patterns and prints inspired by Nigerian culture, a strategy that has proven successful in the past. The 2018 kit, for instance, reportedly sold out rapidly, with a staggering 3 million pre-orders, even at a price point of $90 each. This year's collection is available on the Nike website , retailing between $90 and $160.

However, questions linger regarding the target audience for these sought-after jerseys. Notably, the Nike website does not offer Nigeria as a location option for African visitors, and the sole official Nike store in the country is situated in Lagos.

Here are some mixed social media reactions:

In an exclusive interview with Global South World, Quintero talked about what motivated his return to Panama and recalled the best moments of his career.

Why did Quintero return to Panama?

“The truth is that it wasn't planned, but the Panamanian football club Plaza Amador told me about a nice project that convinced me”, Quintero told GSW. “I had several offers in Peru, but in the end, we didn't reach a good agreement, so we decided to sign for Plaza Amador.”

This move not only represents a return to his roots. The footballer will also embark on the closing chapter of his successful career.

"One of the motivations was also to return and spend time with my mother and my brother, as well as to enjoy with my wife and daughters the sporting achievements of this great football career," Quintero said.

How has Panamanian football changed in the last 15 years?

Quintero also explained that Panamanian football has witnessed many changes since he started his career in 2008. One of them is the level of play.

"The boys have improved, they have reached very high levels. The truth is that it is impressive. At the national level as well," he said.

However, the footballer regretted that some aspects remain the same today.

"We are still fighting for the infrastructure, the football pitches... The truth is that the synthetic pitches are unfortunately in very bad condition."

How can Panamanian football improve?

Playing abroad remains a goal for many Panamanian football players. GSW asked Quintero about the changes that need to occur in the local league for them to stay.

"Now that I've returned, I've found many things. Some players still miss training sessions. This is also due to the level of the league and the clubs, as well as the fact that some players are not paid as they deserve, and the clubs don't make them feel professional."

Quintero added that when players go abroad, "they find a high level of professionalism". The fields are in good condition, and they even have their own gyms.

One of the reasons that led him to sign with Plaza Armador is precisely that. The Panamanian football club is about to have a new field, and the players will have their own gyms to train.

"They will feel professional," he said. "That's what we want for all Panamanian football teams."

What was Quintero’s favourite experience abroad?

During more than 10 years, Quintero played in Spain, the United States, Mexico, Colombia, and Peru. We asked him about the professional experience he enjoyed the most.

"My favourite experience was in Peru because it was where I felt the most love, the most welcome, and where I believe it was the peak of my career," he said.

"I was able to obtain Peruvian citizenship because they gave me the opportunity. It's a country that welcomed me, and I felt very happy there."

Finally, the footballer revealed his plans once he hangs up his boots.

"I'm preparing to become a coach. I've already started studying, and I would like to lead."

The Ghana government in 2023 introduced a 10% betting tax on all gamblers, and within a few months of implementation, the government of the West African nation reportedly raised $15 million with a $60 million projection by the end of the 2023/2024 football season, local media Citi News reported.

Nigeria has one of the biggest betting industries in the African continent. Over 60 million Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 40 gamble $5.5 million every day, pushing the country's betting sector over the $2 billion threshold in 2020, Orbit Technology reported in 2023.

But what are the effects of these statistics on the die-hard sports fan, who lives and breathes the game, and stands a chance to win a life-changing sum through sports betting?

In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), gambling addiction is a growing public health concern, especially among youth who are exposed to various forms of gambling, such as sports betting, lotteries, and online gambling.

Some of the factors that contribute to gambling addiction in SSA include poverty, unemployment, lack of education, social pressure, and distorted beliefs about gambling as a source of income or entertainment, a 2022 research titled 'Gambling in Sub-Saharan Africa: Traditional Forms and Emerging Technologies' indicated.

However, the thrill of potentially hitting the jackpot, winning a once-in-a-lifetime amount is the stuff of dreams. Sports betters cash out huge sums from earnings on sports matches every week.

The sports betting ecosystem has evolved into a different arena over the years with the emergence of online betting platforms. Certain sports betting 'gurus' and 'experts' are able to provide tips and betting odds to the average betting fan at a premium.

These 'gurus' operate like financial advisors and have established profitable entities out of the fanaticism of sports fans.

The supply chain in the betting industry now involves most sports fans paying for betting tips to place bets on matches they might or might not win.

The multiplicity of most sports franchises across the globe means there are more games than one can count. But for the betting man, there’s a lot of money to be made.

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 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.

GOAL50 is an annual award presented by GOAL which ranks the 50 best footballers in the world over the previous 12 months. Past winners include renowned footballers Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Rachel Kundananji had a remarkable 2022-23 season. She has an impressive goal-scoring record with Madrid CFF in the league, scoring 25 goals in 29 games. She made history by scoring her first-ever Women's World Cup goal. This achievement contributed to Zambia qualifying for the Women's World Cup for the first time in history.

Rachel's historic win shows the rising prominence of African women in football, as she not only excelled on the international stage but also set new standards. Her achievements reflect African female players' increasing impact and influence, highlighting their skills, determination, and contribution to the global football community.

Nigerian footballers take centre stage

Nigerian footballers Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala emerged as the stars of the night. Osimhen, who has been making waves in Italy and for the Super Eagles, bagged his first CAF African Player of the Year award.

The Napoli and Super Eagles star was also recently ranked as the 8 th best footballer in the world at the Balon D’or ceremony held in Paris in October.

The Nigerian would be looking to lead his Super Eagles team to glory in the African Cup of Nations in January 2024.

Oshoala clinched her sixth CAF African Women’s Player of the Year award, setting a new record.

The Nigerian star has had stellar performances for her club side Barcelona where she netted 27 goals across all competitions in Europe and Spain.

Top coaches honoured

Morocco's Walid Regragui and South Africa's Desiree Ellis were recognised as the Best Coaches of the Year in the men's and women's categories respectively.

Regragui was lauded for leading the Atlas Lions to the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar 2022, while Ellis received her fourth consecutive award for her work with Banyana Banyana.

Other accolades

Morocco and Nigeria were awarded the Men’s and Women’s National Team of the Year awards respectively, following their impressive performances.

The Male Club of the Year award was won by Egyptian giants Al Ahly, while the women’s award was bagged by Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa.

The Best XI players in the Women’s Category were dominated by South Africa, while Morocco’s World Cup semi-final team had two members in the male version.

Losing sight

In 2003, aged six years, Jagwe lost his partial sight during a routine polio immunization campaign that was carried out in the country for children aged below 10.

“I was six years old then when an immunization campaign was carried out in my school. We all came out and got immunized. But after a few seconds, I felt uneasy and collapsed. Incidentally, there was a burning charcoal stove that burnt all my body,” Jagwe narrated. 

From that moment, Jagwe’s sight became partial and he could not see objects properly. He was taken to the hospital and spent almost months getting treatment for the burns he suffered. “Eventually after staying in the hospital for almost two months, the doctor realized that my left eyesight could not be restored. But they managed to work on the right eyesight partially,“ he said. 

Jagwe’s single mother was the only breadwinner of the family, though his distant relatives could come in handy once in a while to give help.

“Growing up, especially in primary school life was not easy. My mother rented and looked for work to earn a living on a daily basis. She was a single mother after the demise of our father at a tender age," he said.

Education

From his primary school at New Valley and secondary education at MIP College, Kawempe, Jagwe joined Makerere University Business School (MUBS), where he graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Computing.

At the university, Jagwe held several positions, especially in the disability movement .   “I was a student leader (MUBS Guild) 2016/2017 and 2017/2018, I was the Minister for Students with Disabilities on the Makerere University Business School Student Guild Executive,” he said.

Other Responsibilities

Having been the founder of blind football, Jagwe is also a parasport administrator and a disability inclusion advocate. He is a volunteer in charge of Cerebral Palsy-Football Development in Uganda on behalf of the International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football (IFCPF) and   Para Football organization, an international body promoting football for persons with disabilities as one of its personnel for football development in Africa .

Starting blind football

Blind football is an adapted form of five-a-side football played with an audible ball on a pitch surrounded by kick-boards - a physical barrier indicating the touchlines - and without the offside rule.

Jagwe developed the idea of introducing blind football in order to raise awareness about visuality impairment and Gender-Based Violence. “After participating in sports games at the university I realized that there was no football club for visually impaired persons. I went and I did research more about the sport if it’s registered with any affiliated sports body in the country,” he said.

Jagwe said that he officially decided to register Blind Football Uganda in 2021 after visiting several blind schools in the eastern and central regions where he enrolled visually impaired youths into clubs. 

Through YouTube channels (where blind football matches are relayed and recorded), visually impaired players in Uganda are able to learn and master the game. Jagwe said that they held two (football tourney) competitions during the months of March 2022 and July 2023, which saw over five clubs across the region compete.

“T he first blind club competition staged in March 2022 by Blind Football Uganda (BFU) attracted the attention of the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA), the supreme body that governs blind sport in the world. This enabled us to be known worldwide and receive a certificate of recognition,” he said.

IBSA offers technical clinics, workshops and donations of sports equipment to its registered members worldwide, which Jagwe hopes would come in handy after being registered.

Jagwe said visually impaired players participate physically and even make new friends during the tourneys. He plans to move across the country and ensure that blind football is introduced in primary and secondary schools.

Challenges

Most of the blind players face many challenges including travelling to competition areas, and lack of rightful equipment to use on the pitches.

“The challenges we face include transporting players to competition areas, which has caused us to postpone some tournaments. We lack rightful equipment to use on our football pitches upcountry where such tournaments would be organized,” he said.

Many blind students or youths are now gaining recognition and offers following their participation in various blind football competitions. Over 140 blind youths are now actively enrolled in blind football clubs in Uganda.

Reaction from blind football players

Rogers Ojok, a student of Kyambogo University (who lost his sight in primary school) said that he started playing blind football last year. “I use my ears to hear the sound of the ball, then I have to follow or kick the ball. We knock each other as you see we are blind here on the pitch,” he said.

Ojok hopes with more training and participation in competitions, he will definitely be able to represent Uganda with other blind players at the regional and continental levels.

Ssemakula Rashid, a Makerere University student said that he joined the blind football league in December last year after a friend introduced him to the game. “I now have hopes that the sky is the limit for me. I got blind at an early age, though I had an interest in playing football. I am really happy and I have been training since last year. My hopes are that I go professional one day,” he said.

Mugume Amos, Chairperson of the Uganda National Association of the Blind (UNAB), said that the introduction of blind football helps visually impaired people to show their abilities within their disability. “As an organization, UNAB which oversees the blind people in the country, I believe such entities for visually impaired people need to be assisted and even get funding through the Ministry of Sports," he said.

The two other awards included Best Forward (Top 11 of the season) and Top Goal Scorer for scoring 23 goals in the 2022/2023 season.

The 27-year-old Malawian plays as a forward for  Division 1 women's club  Paris Saint-Germain and was the first women's footballer from Malawi to play for  a European club. She joined the club on a season-long loan from Chinese champions Wuhan.

This is not the first time Tabitha is in the spotlight. In November, she was named together with her sister as the two Malawian sisters among the 30 nominees for the 2023 Player of the Year Award by the Confederation of African Football (CAF)

She was also named among the best XI players of the league, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) reported.

The cause of death remains undisclosed.

While tragic, Dwamena is not the first footballer to have lost his life while playing the beautiful game.

Just this year, there have been similar cases of footballers dying on the football pitch. On February 15, Arne Espeel, a 25-year-old Belgian goalkeeper for Winkel Sport B, collapsed just moments after saving a penalty and was declared dead after being rushed to the hospital.

Croatian youth Martin Filipčić, aged 15, collapsed during a youth league match. After expressing discomfort to the referee, he collapsed while receiving medical attention, succumbing to an undisclosed condition on April 12.

36-year-old Brazilian player Deon associated with Bahia de Feira in Brazil, on August 9 collapsed during a training session. Despite immediate resuscitation attempts, paramedics confirmed his death at the training site.

These tragedies on the football pitch have been a repetition of history. June 26, marked the 20 th anniversary of the tragic passing of Cameroonian midfielder Marc-Vivien Foé.

The Cameroonian legend on June 26, 2003, aged 28 collapsed and died in the 72nd minute of a FIFA Confederations Cup semi-final match against Colombia.

As far back as 1989, Samuel Okwaraji of Nigeria, during a 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Angola in Lagos, collapsed and died on the field at the age of 25.

In August 2007, Spanish footballer Antonio Puerta suffered a cardiac arrest, collapsing in the penalty area during Sevilla’s La Liga fixture against Getafe. Puerta tragically lost consciousness and passed away at the age of 22.

While these stars were unlucky to have lost their lives on the pitch, a few others have survived after collapsing on the pitch.

Danish footballer Christian Eriksen survived after collapsing on the pitch in an official Euros tournament in June 2021. The midfielder now plays for English side Manchester United in the Premier League.

Former English footballer of Congolese descent, Fabrice Muamba also survived a collapse during a game for his club side Bolton Wanderers in the English Premier League in 2012.

Although Muamba survived, he could not continue his career after the incident.

Asamoah, who represented his country in 74 appearances for the Black Stars, is at the forefront of this project, accompanied by Ghana's Consul to Italy, Massimiliano Colasuonno Taricone who launched it at a press conference held at the SMAC Sports Centre within Casa Trasaco in Accra.

Taricone expressed his enthusiasm for the venture during the press conference, highlighting the backing from Juventus, the Italian Embassy in Ghana, the Ministry of Sports, and the Ministry of Education.

"Our mission is to imbue young Ghanaians with the Juventus spirit. We aim to impart not only football skills but also values that will guide them throughout their lives," Asamoah told journalists.

The facility boasts of an astroturf football pitch, a padel tennis court, a versatile court that accommodates basketball, volleyball, futsal, and skating, as well as a 6-a-side futsal arena. In addition, it includes four classrooms, each with a seating capacity for 30 children.

Juventus Academy Ghana marks another expansion for the European club which has a global presence across more than 50 countries and on all continents.