Africa

World Cup: South Africa reaches knockout stage for first time

26, June 2026

World Cup: South Africa reaches knockout stage for first time 0

South Africa beat South Korea 1-0 on Wednesday to reach the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history, an astonishing turnaround after a dismal opening defeat.

The Bafana Bafana, playing in a World Cup for the first time since they hosted it in 2010, were widely written off after their 2-0 loss to Group A winners Mexico in the tournament’s curtain raiser.

But they battled to a draw against the Czech Republic and came out on top of what was effectively a shootout with South Korea for second place in Monterrey, thanks to Thapelo Maseko’s second-half strike.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos said it was difficult to put his side’s achievement into words.

“We scored that goal, and it was 20 minutes of heartbeating and hoping that the game should be finished as soon as possible,” said the Belgian.

“So yes, we are in the second round. It’s historic. But I’m very happy for the guys. I’ve worked with them for five years. And what we did in those five years is amazing.”

South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo made a shock call by leaving captain Son Heung-min — considered by many to be Asia’s greatest-ever player — out of the starting line-up.

The Asian team started strongly, with stand-in captain Kim Min-jae’s powerful header blocked on the goalline by Aubrey Modiba before Lee Kang-in flashed wide.

South Africa quickly settled, playing with hunger and adventure, but their finishing was wasteful.

They seemed certain to take the lead in the 30th minute when the ball fell to Evidence Makgopa after South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu parried Thalente Mbatha’s shot.

But Makgopa could only tamely poke the ball straight at the goalkeeper from close range.

Son came on at the start of the second half, one of three changes made by coach Hong as he sought to change the script.

Early in the second period Maseko squandered another good position while South Korea forward Oh Hyeon-gyu tested goalkeeper Ronwen Williams at the other end.

As news filtered through from Mexico City that the host nation were leading against the Czech Republic, there was an added sense of urgency.

South Africa seized their moment with Tshepang Moremi crossing to Maseko, who this time kept his cool, firing home inside the near post in the 63rd minute.

South Korea pushed hard in the closing stages but ran out of time, meaning South Africa will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on June 28.

Ochoa’s sixth World Cup finals

Co-hosts Mexico topped the group with nine points after winning all three of their matches.

El Tri completed their first round with a 100% record after romping past the Czech Republic 3-0 in the Estadio Azteca.

Mexico move on to a last-32 match in the same stadium on June 30 while the Czechs return home after finishing bottom of the group.

Mateo Chavez gave Mexico the lead in the 55th minute and Julian Quinones took advantage of disarray in the Czech defence six minutes later to extend the lead.

Alvaro Fidalgo completed a sparkling evening for the Mexicans as he smashed in a cross four minutes into added time.

Mexico even brought on goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa as a second-half substitute, allowing the veteran to play in a sixth World Cup finals at the age of 40.

Source: AFP

Who is the African World Cup goalscorer older than Ronaldo and Messi?

25, June 2026

Who is the African World Cup goalscorer older than Ronaldo and Messi? 0

Cristiano Ronaldo may have scored at a record sixth Fifa World Cup, but there is one piece of history which still eludes both him and Lionel Messi, who celebrated his 39th birthday on Wednesday.

When Ronaldo broke the deadlock against Uzbekistan in Portugal’s second group match he became the second-oldest scorer in the history of the tournament, finding the back of the net at the ripe old age of 41 years and 138 days.

But the former Manchester United and Real Madrid man still sits behind Cameroon great Roger Milla on the all-time list.

Milla first featured at the 1982 finals in Spain but found global fame aged 38 with four goals as the Indomitable Lions reached the quarter-finals at Italia 90 – the first African team to make it that far – marking his efforts with a dance by the corner flag which became his trademark.

Four years later, Milla was back on the scoresheet at USA 94, slotting in from eight yards against Russia. The corner flag wiggle was back again, but Cameroon lost the game 6-1 and went out at the group stage.

However, Ronaldo will no doubt take some pride in the fact he bumped Messi down from third to fourth on the list after the Argentina forward had netted aged 38 years and 363 days in his side’s win over Austria.

Messi could also be overtaken by Bosnia-Herzegovina striker Edin Dzeko or Croatia midfielder Luka Modric, both 40, should either bag a goal.

Japan centre-back Yuto Nagamoto is also nine months older than the Argentine legend but is yet to make an appearance.

Or could a veteran goalkeeper turn themselves into an unlikely hero? Six are older than Messi, including Germany’s Manuel Neuer, Cape Verde’s Vozinha and Uruguay’s Fernando Muslera – but no keeper has ever scored in 22 editions of the World Cup stretching back to 1930.

Austria’s Marko Arnautovic, 37, has entered the top 10 at this tournament thanks to his late penalty in the win over Jordan.

But Milla’s record looks set to stand for some time unless, that is, Ronaldo or Messi fancy the idea of playing on home soil when the 2030 World Cup hosts games in both Portugal and Argentina.

You wouldn’t rule it out, right?

The World Cup’s top 10 oldest goalscorers

Roger Milla runs as he celebrates scoring against Russia at the 1994 World Cup by spreading his arms out wide with a wide grin on his face. Milla wears a green Cameroon shirt with a red collar and a bold number nine on the chest, with red shorts. Out of focus in the background a referee in a yellow shirt and black shorts and a Russia player in a white shirt and blue shorts can be seen in front of a crowd
Image caption,Roger Milla played for Cameroon between 1973 and 1994

1. Roger Milla – Cameroon vs Russia (28 June 1994) – 42 years, 39 days

2. Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal vs Uzbekistan (23 June 2026) – 41 years, 138 days

3. Pepe – Portugal vs Switzerland (6 December 2022) – 39 years, 283 days

4. Lionel Messi – Argentina vs Austria (22 June 2026) – 38 years, 363 days

5. Gunnar Gren – Sweden v Germany (24 June 1958) – 37 years, 236 days

6. Cuauhtemoc Blanco – Mexico v France (17 June 2010) – 37 years, 151 days

7. Felipe Baloy – Panama vs England (24 June 2018) – 37 years, 120 days

8. Marko Arnautovic – Austria v Jordan (17 June 2026) – 37 years, 58 days

9. Obdulio Varela – Uruguay vs England (26 June 1954) – 36 years, 279 days

10. Martin Palermo – Argentina vs Greece (22 June 2010) – 36 years, 227 days

Culled from the BBC

Africa sends record 10 teams into World Cup as 2026 tournament begins

10, June 2026

Africa sends record 10 teams into World Cup as 2026 tournament begins 0

Africa will make history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with 10 teams representing the continent, the largest African contingent ever seen at the tournament.

The competition kicks off on Thursday in North America, with South Africa facing co-hosts Mexico in the opening match, and for the first time Africa will have double-digit representation on football’s biggest stage.

Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia will carry the continent’s hopes at the expanded 48-team tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

It is a landmark moment for African football, coming four years after Morocco became the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final at Qatar 2022.

The increase in representation gives the continent a wider opportunity to build on that breakthrough and to challenge deeper into the competition than ever before.

Africa’s World Cup story began in 1934, when Egypt became the first team from the continent to appear at the finals.

For decades, African representation remained limited.

Morocco became the continent’s next participant in 1970, before DR Congo, then competing as Zaire, appeared in 1974.

Tunisia followed in 1978, before Algeria and Cameroon represented Africa at the 1982 tournament.

By 1986, Algeria and Morocco carried the continent’s hopes, while Cameroon and Egypt featured in 1990.

The 1994 World Cup saw Cameroon, Morocco and Nigeria represent Africa, before the continent had five teams for the first time in 1998: Cameroon, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa and Tunisia.

That five-team representation continued in 2002, with Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia, before Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo and Tunisia qualified for the 2006 tournament.

Africa’s previous record came in 2010, when six teams appeared at the World Cup hosted by South Africa.

Algeria, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa were all present, with Ghana going on to reach the quarter-finals before losing to Uruguay on penalties.

In 2014, Africa was represented by Algeria, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria.

Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia qualified in 2018, while Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia carried African hopes in Qatar in 2022.

Morocco’s run to the semi-finals in Qatar changed the global perception of African teams at the World Cup.

The Atlas Lions defeated Belgium, Spain and Portugal on their way to the last four, giving African football its strongest statement yet at the tournament.

Now, with 10 teams involved, the continent has more chances to create another historic run.

Cape Verde’s qualification is one of the standout stories of the 2026 tournament, with the island nation set for its first World Cup appearance.

DR Congo also return to the global stage for the first time since 1974, adding another powerful storyline to Africa’s participation.

South Africa’s return is also significant. Bafana Bafana are back at the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010, and they will open the competition against Mexico in a fixture rich with history.

Ghana, Senegal, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire all bring World Cup experience, while Cape Verde and DR Congo add freshness and renewed energy to the African challenge.

For the continent, the 2026 World Cup is not only about numbers.

It is about whether African teams can turn record representation into record performance.

The expanded tournament offers more places, but it also brings greater expectations.

After years of near misses, dramatic exits and unforgettable moments, Africa arrives in North America with its strongest presence yet.

From Egypt’s first appearance in 1934 to 10 teams in 2026, the journey has been long, difficult and historic.

Now the continent has another opportunity to show that its place at the World Cup is not just growing in size, but also in ambition.

African participation at the FIFA World Cup

1934: Egypt

1970: Morocco

1974: DR Congo

1978: Tunisia

1982: Algeria, Cameroon

1986: Algeria, Morocco

1990: Cameroon, Egypt

1994: Cameroon, Morocco, Nigeria

1998: Cameroon, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia

2002: Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia

2006: Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Tunisia

2010: Algeria, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa

2014: Algeria, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria

2018: Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia

2022: Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia

2026: Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia

Culled from CAF

Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum: Cameroon mourns a guardian of national pride

13, May 2026

Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum: Cameroon mourns a guardian of national pride 0

The President of the National Olympic and Sports Committee of Cameroon is no more! Retired Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum died today in Yaoundé, the nation’s capital. No details have been released regarding the circumstances of his passing. But family sources have hinted that his funeral is scheduled to take place in a few hours at the Etoudi Mosque in Yaoundé. The nation is not mourning only a sports administrator but a builder of dreams, a guardian of national pride and a giant of African sport who has travelled to the land of his ancestors aged 76.

Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum was a gentleman par excellence who believed in the Anglo-Saxon tradition of integrity and he carried the Olympic spirit not as a title but as a calling. To be sure, he stood at the crossroads of discipline and vision, blending the firmness of a Cameroonian soldier with the heart of a mentor. Under Colonel Hamad Kalkaba’s leadership, Africa’s sporting movements found not only integrity and dignity but also direction. He believed and fervently too that sport could unite tribes, generations and nations and he dedicated his whole life to making that belief real.

From stadiums in Douala, Buea, Bamenda, Garoua and Yaoundé to international Olympic assemblies, Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum’s voice carried the hopes of African athletes. Kalkaba fought endlessly for the recognition of African sport on the world stage, ensuring that the dreams born on dusty training grounds could shine beneath Olympic lights.

But far beyond the medals, the international congresses and the titles, Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum will be remembered for something deeper: his unwavering faith in the Cameroonian youth.

Colonel Kalkaba saw potential where everyone saw limitation.

Colonel Kalkaba inspired courage where others saw obstacles.

Colonel Kalkaba reminded the world that excellence belongs to Africa too.

Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum left something behind that is very difficult to describe but the world is very much aware!

Even in death, Colonel Kalkaba’s legacy lives on:

in every Cameroonian athlete who dares to dream,

in every African flag raised in international competition,

and in every young sportsman or woman who now believes the world stage is within reach. Colonel Kalkaba did not merely lead institutions. Kalkaba shaped destinies.

May Yaoundé remember Colonel Kalkaba’s footsteps.

May Cameroon honour Colonel Kalkaba’s sacrifice.

May Africa never forget his service.

And may his soul find eternal peace among the champions he inspired.

Born on November 11, 1950 in Kawadji near Kousséri, he served as President of the National Olympic and Sports Committee of Cameroon since 1998, President of the African Athletics Confederation (CAA), and Vice President of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) since August 2015.

He replaced Lamine Diack following the death of Primo Nebiolo and lost the presidency of the International Military Sports Council in 2014. In 2024, he was elected President of the African Olympic Sports Confederation.

Rest well, Colonel!  Your race was long, your finish was honorable and your legacy is immortal.

To this I put my name

Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

CAF and UEFA sign MoU aimed at strengthening collaboration

30, April 2026

CAF and UEFA sign MoU aimed at strengthening collaboration 0

The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) President Dr Patrice Motsepe and the Union of European Football Associations (“UEFA”) President Mr Aleksander Čeferin have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) aimed at strengthening collaboration, growth and development of football across Europe and Africa.

The MoU, signed in Vancouver, Canada, underlines the guiding principles shared by CAF and UEFA, highlighting football’s role in promoting inclusion, participation and social cohesion, while reaffirming a joint commitment to solidarity, integrity and openness.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “African Football has experienced significant growth over the past few years and we continue to build towards making it among the best in the world. By signing the Memorandum of Understanding with UEFA, we are strengthening our historic ties and friendship between Africa and Europe that has seen some of the best African players succeeding in European Leagues. This partnership with UEFA includes youth and women’s football, development, the education and training of coaches and referees, the enhancement of governance and institutional development. It also< reflects CAF and UEFA’s shared vision of using football as a tool to bring together and unite the people of our two Continents. By combining our expertise and resources, CAF and UEFA will ensure that football continues to be a source of hope, joy and unity for millions of people worldwide.”

UEFA President Mr Aleksander Čeferin said: “Europe and Africa are home to extraordinary football landscapes, where the game plays a vital role both on the pitch and within society. This Memorandum of Understanding reflects our shared commitment to expanding opportunities for boys and girls in youth football, while harnessing the power of the game to advance women’s football and promote women’s health and wellbeing. By working closely with CAF, we aim to invest in people, share expertise and strengthen football’s positive and lasting impact on communities across both continents.”

The MoU, which runs until 30 June 2031, will combine expertise and experience across several strategic areas, including:

  • Youth and women’s football: CAF Member Associations will participate in selected CAF-UEFA Youth Competitions alongside opportunities for reciprocal involvement in initiatives such as the CAF African Schools Football Championship.
  • Football development programmes: Implementation of initiatives supporting tailored, long‑term projects and partnerships between European and African Member Associations.
  • Coach education: Focusing on the sharing of technical know‑how, best practice and collaborative learning activities to strengthen and align coaching structures across both Confederations.
  • Refereeing: Opportunities for match officials and referee instructors for knowledge exchange. 
  • Exchange of expertise and institutional knowledge: Including observer programmes at major club and national team tournaments, as well as contributions to conferences and professional events organised by both Confederations.
  • Education and capacity development: With access to selected programmes, joint work on education pathways and cooperation on football medicine through the development of dedicated training frameworks.
  • Governance and coordination: Featuring regular meetings and progress reviews to ensure alignment on priorities and effective delivery of agreed activities.

This MoU reaffirms CAF and UEFA’s shared conviction that football can act as a driver for opportunity, education and positive social impact across Europe and Africa, while providing a basis for CAF and UEFA to develop additional joint initiatives over time.

Culled from CAF

Congo’s World Cup extended celebration triggers growing tensions in Spain

6, April 2026

Congo’s World Cup extended celebration triggers growing tensions in Spain 0

Three Spanish clubs have formally lodged complaint with La Liga against the DR Congo national team after several players failed to return on time following the country’s qualification for FIFA World Cup.

Real Betis, Espanyol and Elche jointly submitted the complaint to La Liga which is expected to escalate the matter to the Spanish Football Federation and inform as tensions grow over what clubs see as a breach of international regulations.

Players absent days after qualification

DR Congo secured their place at the 2026 World Cup — set to take place in June across the United States, Canada and Mexico — marking their first appearance in the tournament in more than five decades.

However, the celebrations that followed have created friction.

Several Congolese internationals, including Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis), Yannick Bolasie Dianagana (Elche), and Leandro Bikél (Espanyol), have yet to return to their clubs days after qualification. All three players have already missed official matches, raising concerns among their teams.

According to reports, the Congolese Football Federation kept the squad in the country to take part in extended celebrations, delaying their release.

He added that the case has now been referred to FIFA’s disciplinary bodies warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent.

“An unusual situation” says Espanyol coach

Espanyol manager Manolo González also expressed frustration ahead of his side’s recent fixture against Real Betis.

Source: Foot Africa

2025 Africa Cup of Nations: Patrice Motsepe should go and go now!

19, March 2026

2025 Africa Cup of Nations: Patrice Motsepe should go and go now! 0

Corruption in all walks of life across Africa is well documented. But even by African standards, the decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to retroactively award the 2025 AFCON title to Morocco, more than 60 days after Senegal won the final 1:0 is not merely controversial, it is absurd. CAF’s statement, invoking Articles 82 and 84, declared Senegal to have forfeited the final, converting a completed match into a 3: 0 victory for Morocco. What makes the decision indefensible is that the match was played to completion, overseen by match officials, and accepted at full-time with CAF and FIFA official presenting the medals and trophy to the players and teams. One cannot have it both ways; a game cannot be fully played and retrospectively forfeited.

AFCON 2025, hosted in Morocco was clouded with controversy. Throughout the competition, particularly in matches involving the host nation, there were persistent complaints about questionable refereeing and inconsistent VAR interventions. Supporters of Cameroon and Nigeria pointed to ignored penalty appeals and un-reviewed fouls by VAR during their games against Morocco in the quarter and semi-finals respectively. Cameroon and Nigeria fans were aggrieved, but accepted the oldest principle in football, that when the referee blows the final whistle, the result stands.

Had Articles 82 and 84 been applied on that day and Morocco declared winner there and then, there would have been outrage, certainly in many parts of the football world, but also closure. Instead, CAF failed to act in real time, only to resurrect its rulebook in a dark committee room weeks later in a move that is incoherent and institutionally damaging. The result is not justice, but confusion and accusations of corruption. This decision has the potential to break CAF up as an organization. There are many in sub-Saharan Africa who already believe that Morocco and the North African nations are using their financial resources to create their own rules in CAF and this is unacceptable.

As explained by Osasu Obayiuwana on Talksport Radio in the UK, rules must be applied prospectively, not retrospectively. If an authority fails to enforce a rule at the relevant moment, it cannot later invoke it to alter an outcome, unless fraud or fundamental illegality is proven. No such finding has been established here. This is not the correction of injustice; it is the creation of it by denying Senegal their victory. If matches completed under a referee’s authority can be rewritten in backrooms, then the referee ceases to be an arbiter. He becomes a temporary facilitator whose decisions are provisional and negotiable.

If Senegal forfeited the match, why was it allowed to continue after the seventeen minutes delay? Even within football circles, the reaction has been scathing. A member of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) described the decision as “unacceptable and disgraceful to African football.” There are the whispers that officials empowered to influence outcomes may have taken their rewards but failed to deliver. This has led to awkward conversations between the parties involved in the scheme. Many say this ruling is less about law and more about settling accounts by the parties. Whether true or not, CAF has once again created the conditions in which such suspicions of corruption thrive.

Senegal’s government has called the ruling as “unprecedented and exceptionally serious,” and called for an independent international investigation into suspected corruption within CAF. They have rightly signaled their intention to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.  There is hope within lovers of African football and justice that the original result will be restored. But even if it is, the damage has already been done. Because in football, the final whistle is supposed to end the argument. In African football, it has just started one.

African football has never lacked brilliance. From George Weah to Didier Drogba, from Roger Milla to Samuel Eto’o, the continent has produced generations of extraordinary talent. What it has too often lacked is institutional credibility. Decisions like this erode the very foundations of trust upon which the beautiful game in Africa depends. For the credibility of the game, many now argue that Patrice Motsepe must take responsibility for this mess and resign immediately.

By Isong Asu

Cameroon Concord London Bureau Chief

Mafia: Morocco awarded Afcon title after CAF overturns result

18, March 2026

Mafia: Morocco awarded Afcon title after CAF overturns result 0

Morocco have been declared the winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the Confederation of African Football (Caf) overturned the result of the final following Senegal’s controversial walk-off.

Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 in the final on 18 January in a match which was overshadowed when the Senegalese players refused to play after the hosts were awarded a stoppage-time penalty with the match goalless.

Following a delay of around 17 minutes, the players did eventually return and Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved before Senegal’s Pape Gueye scored an extra-time winner.

However, that result has now been overturned after a decision by an appeal board at African football’s governing body.

A statement from Caf said that Senegal are “declared to have forfeited the final match” with the “result of the match being recorded as 3-0 in favour” of Morocco.

The Senegalese Football Federation said it would appeal Caf’s decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, calling it “unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable”.

The decision follows an appeal by Moroccan FA (FRMF) which Caf said is “declared admissible in form” and was upheld.

Caf added that “through the conduct of its team” Senegal infringed on Article 82 of regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations and as a result Article 84 became applicable.

Article 82 states that if a team refuses to play or leaves the ground before the end of regulation time without the referee’s authorisation, it will be considered the loser and eliminated from the competition.

Article 84 complements this provision, stating that any team that violates Articles 82 will be permanently eliminated and will lose the match 3-0.

A statement from FRMF said that their decision to appeal the final result was “never intended to challenge the sporting performance of the teams” but was a request for the “application of the competition’s regulations”.

“The federation reaffirms its commitment to respecting the rules, ensuring clarity in the competitive framework, and maintaining stability within African competitions,” the FRMF statement added.

“It also wishes to commend all the nations that took part in this edition of the Afcon, which has been a major moment for African football.”

Earlier, a video was posted on the X account of the Senegal men’s national team, external of their players celebrating on a bus parade with the Afcon trophy and an ‘OK’ emoji.

Maher Mezahi, a North African football journalist, told BBC Radio 5 Live that the decision to overturn the result will not change the emotional impact of what unfolded on the pitch for those who witnessed it.

“We cannot erase the final 16 minutes of that match and what we saw,” he said.

“We cannot erase the feelings of seeing Senegal lift the trophy and the players going home with the medal and them having a parade.”

Instagram story posts from Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr and West Ham's El Hadji Malick Diouf
Image caption,Some of Senegal’s players reacted to the news on social media. Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr posted a series of crying laughter emojis on his Instagram stories shortly after the announcement, while West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf uploaded a post-tournament celebration image captioned with “Champions, speak up!” and a photo of his medal accompanied by “How to make your party real”

What happened in the Afcon final?

With the scoreline 0-0, referee Jean Jacques Ndala gave a spot-kick in the eighth minute of added on time.

Ndala was advised by the video assistant referee (VAR) to consult the pitchside monitor and review defender El Hadji Malick Diouf’s challenge on Diaz.

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw, still incensed by Ndala’s decision a few moments earlier to disallow a Senegal goal from Ismaila Sarr, ushered his team off the field.

Former Liverpool striker Sadio Mane stayed on the pitch and tried to encourage his Senegal team-mates to finish the game.

After a 17-minute delay, Senegal’s players did eventually return.

Real Madrid forward Diaz was trusted with the penalty, but his tame ‘Panenka’ effort was caught by Senegal keeper Edouard Mendy who barely had to move, and Ndala immediately blew his whistle for full-time.

Villarreal midfielder Gueye then scored the winning goal in the fourth minute of extra time to seal a second triumph in five years for Senegal.

In his post-match news conference, Morocco coach Walid Regragui said Senegal’s actions were “shameful” and do not “honour Africa”.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino strongly condemned the “ugly scenes” in a post on Instagram.

Thiaw, meanwhile, had his media briefing cancelled after a ruckus broke out in the press room.

But in a later post-match interview he accepted that he should not have ordered his team off the field and he had reacted “in the heat of the moment”.

Morocco subsequently parted company with head coach Walid Regragui on 5 March – four months before the World Cup finals.

Source: BBC

Football: Senegalese national killed in Morocco after AFCON final

26, January 2026

Football: Senegalese national killed in Morocco after AFCON final 0

A Senegalese national has been killed in Morocco following the Africa Cup of Nations final, according to a report by Senegalese journalist Lala Rassoul, prompting shock and calls for justice within the Senegalese community.

The journalist said the victim, identified as Charles Diouf, was attacked by unknown individuals after the conclusion of the final match.

He sustained multiple stab wounds from a bladed weapon and later died from his injuries. No further details were immediately available about the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Lala Rassoul explained that the incident took place under conditions that remain unclear and are now the subject of official investigations.

The competent authorities are expected to determine how the events unfolded and to identify those responsible for the killing.

The death has cast a shadow over the aftermath of the Africa Cup of Nations final, which had drawn large crowds and intense emotions.

While celebrations and gatherings followed the match, the reported killing has shifted focus to concerns over safety and accountability.

Members of the Senegalese community expressed deep sadness and disbelief at the news.

Many have called for a thorough and transparent investigation, urging authorities to establish the facts and ensure that those involved are brought to justice.

The case has resonated widely among Senegalese supporters and expatriates, who described the incident as a devastating loss.

The journalist’s account underscored the uncertainty that continues to surround the case, noting that official findings will be crucial in clarifying what happened.

Until investigators conclude their work, questions remain about the motive for the attack and the identity of the assailants.

As the investigation proceeds, the incident has highlighted the profound impact such acts can have beyond the immediate tragedy, affecting communities already processing the emotional intensity of a major sporting event.

For many Senegalese, the focus has shifted from the outcome of the final to mourning a compatriot and seeking answers.

Authorities have yet to release further information, and no arrests have been announced.

The Senegalese community continues to await developments, emphasizing the need for clarity, justice and accountability in the wake of the reported killing.

Source: Africa Soccer

‘An ambassador for African football’ – Mane is Senegal’s Afcon hero

19, January 2026

‘An ambassador for African football’ – Mane is Senegal’s Afcon hero 0

Sadio Mane was the hero for Senegal once again, but not for the reasons you would expect.

The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich forward claimed his second Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) crown on Sunday, with the Teranga Lions beating host nation Morocco in a final filled with controversy.

In stoppage time, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw tried to usher his team off the field after Morocco were awarded a penalty in the 98th minute when defender El Hadji Malick Diouf brought down Brahim Diaz.

With the Senegal players back in the changing rooms, Mane was pictured entering and then ushering them back out on to the pitch, with the help of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Roughly 16 minutes after the spot-kick was awarded, Diaz’s Panenka penalty was easily caught by Mendy in a nightmare moment for one of the stars of the tournament.

At 0-0 the game went to extra time. Pape Gueye rocketed in a winner and sealed a dramatic title.

Mane, who has said this will be his last Afcon, goes out as a leader – having been presented with the captain’s armband by his team-mates before the trophy was lifted.

He told African media: “Yes, it was I who convinced the team to return to the field.

“The players and the coach had decided to withdraw, and I didn’t understand that decision, but finally, I told everyone to return immediately and to play no matter the cost.”

Former Nigeria forward Daniel Amokachi told BBC World Service: “Mane went the extra mile to get his team back and it has paid off.

“What an ambassador for football he is. We know the kind of person he is off the pitch and he knows what football is all about.”

Former Morocco international Hassan Kachloul said “Africa football and world football were losing” until Mane intervened.

“What I like more than anything, the only player from the Senegalese team was Sadio Mane,” he told E4.

“That shows the great man he is. He went back to the dressing room and brought those players back. Mane was the man to bring them back on.”

    Where it started for the ‘legend of Senegal’

    For Mane, it all started in Bambali.

    It was in south-west Senegal that he began playing football on its red earth-lined streets and sandy pitches and where, aged 13, he watched Liverpool’s famous comeback against AC Milan in the Champions League final in 2005.

    Since then he has gone on to lift both that prestigious trophy and the Premier League with the Reds, as well as claiming two Afcon titles with the Teranga Lions.

    Mane scored the winning penalty against Egypt in the final of the 2021 edition and described it as “the best day of my life and the best trophy of my life”.

    A stadium was named after him in the city of Sedhiou, just under 20km from his hometown, following that triumph as a recognition of his achievements.

    Now a two-time champion and 33 years old, Mane has capped off his Afcon career on an ultimate high.

    But Gueye says the squad aim to convince Mane, who he called “a legend of Senegal”, to change his mind about this being his final Afcon and remain with the team for at least the 2027 edition in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

    “We’re going to try to keep him with us a bit longer, because he still has some great years to give,” the 26-year-old Villarreal man told BBC Afrique.

    “I heard what he said and we’ll see what he decides to do. But we really want him to stay with us for many more years.”

    A humble and charitable man

    Sadio Mane wheels away in celebration with a smile on his face as he is chased by Senegal team-mate Iliman Ndiaye. Both players wear green Senegal kits, while Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, wearing purple, is seen dejected in the background standing in front of a white net
    Image caption,Mane leads the way at Afcon 2025 for chances created (18), shots on target (10) and most touches in the opposition half (295)

    Mane, now plying his trade in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, may have a glittering trophy cabinet but he has never forgotten his roots.

    He won hearts with charitable acts in Bambali by pledging money to build a hospital and school, contributing to the construction of mosques and providing funds to aid the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

    He also sent 300 Liverpool shirts to his hometown before the Anfield club’s appearance in the 2018 Champions League final, which Real Madrid ultimately won 3-1.

    “If Sadio comes here, he behaves very humbly, on a level with the people in Bambali,” Fode Boucar Dahaba, the president of a regional league, told BBC Sport Africa on a visit to the village a few years ago.

    “He doesn’t want to stand out. The village gives all this love back to him.”

    Family members describe him as someone who is “working for everybody” and a “good Muslim”.

    That was evident during his time in England’s top flight, when he helped clean the toilets at a mosque in Toxteth after one Liverpool victory.

    “He wanted to remain discreet and wasn’t doing it for publicity,” said Abu Usamah Al-Tahabi, the imam at Al Rahma Mosque.

    “He’s not a person looking for fanfare. There’s no arrogance.”

    Senegal centre-back Moussa Niakhate hailed Mane as “an incredible man” in the lead-up to the final.

    “I won’t have enough time to describe what Sadio represents for African football, and more particularly for the Senegalese people,” he added.

    Senegal ‘expect’ contributions from Mane

    Idrissa Gana Gueye stands talking to Sadio Mane during a football match. Both players wear white shirts bearing green, yellow and red detail on the front and green shorts. Gana Gueye's shirt has the the number five on the chest while Mane's kit bears a 10 on the chest and left short leg
    Image caption,Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye (left) described Mane as a “big player” whom the Teranga Lions expect to deliver

    Mane has over 120 caps and is his country’s record goalscorer with 53 goals.

    He has so often been the hero on the pitch in recent years, and he intends to play at the World Cup later this year, where more great memories could be made.

    He had an early penalty kick saved during the first half of the 2021 Afcon final but stepped up again to decide the shootout with Egypt in Yaounde.

    A little over a month later he settled their 2022 Fifa World Cup play-off against the Pharaohs in the same way – after that match also went the distance – although he ultimately missed out on the tournament in Qatar through injury.

    He has mainly been a creative force at this year’s Afcon finals, but his 78th-minute strike against Egypt, who were once again on the receiving end of Mane’s magic, proved enough to send the Teranga Lions through to the final.

    “That’s what we expect from him,” midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye told the BBC World Service after his decisive intervention in Tangier on Wednesday.

    “[He is] a big player and he needs to show it in big games. He showed it again.”

    ‘We would like to keep him for as long as possible’

    Sadio Mane holds his right fist aloft in celebration as he is held aloft by Senegal team-mates after scoring a goal. Behind him in the distance a large crowd can be seen out of focus in the stands
    Image caption,Mane was Senegal’s top scorer in their successful qualifying campaign for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, with give goals

    Mane may have a humble demeanour and does not captain Senegal, but when he speaks his team-mates take note.

    “In his pre-match speech [before playing Egypt] he motivated all of us,” Pape Gueye said.

    “He had the right words to make sure we went into the match fully focused.

    “He has the experience of big matches, so he also knows how to calm us down. You can see it a lot in his gestures – he tells us to stay calm, even after we score or if we concede a goal.”

    Mane won the vast majority of his international caps under Aliou Cisse, who was in charge of the West Africans from 2015 to 2024, but current coach Pape Thiaw is understandably keen for his talisman to remain part of the national set-up.

    “I think he made his decision in the heat of the moment and the country does not agree, and I as coach of the national team do not agree at all,” Thiaw said.

    “We would like to keep him for as long as possible.”

    Culled from the BBC

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