Sports

18, January 2026

Africa Cup of Nations: very little positive to say about the end of the game ⁰

Senegal beat Morocco to win the Africa Cup of Nations for a second time – but only after the final was overshadowed when they temporarily refused to play when the hosts were awarded a controversial stoppage-time penalty with the match goalless.

Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye scored the only goal in the fourth minute of extra time to seal a second triumph in four years for the Lions.

The game was marred by late controversy as Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw tried to usher his team off the field when Morocco were awarded a spot-kick in the 98th minute when defender El Hadji Malick Diouf brought down Brahim Diaz.

When the players returned to the field roughly 16 minutes later, Real Madrid forward Diaz stepped up to take the penalty, but had his attempted Panenka penalty saved by Edouard Mendy.

Thiaw, 44, was irritated with referee Jean Jacques Ndala – who awarded the penalty after reviewing the incident on the VAR monitor – for ruling out a goal for his side moments earlier.

Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr had bundled home from close range, but his effort was chalked off for a foul by Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi.

Senegal goalkeeper Mendy went to the dressing room, but returned to the field after Sadio Mane encouraged his players to finish the game.

Gueye scored the only goal of the game with a stunning individual effort in the 94th minute.

Diaz, meanwhile, was substituted in extra time as Morocco missed the chance to win a first Afcon title since 1976.

‘Little positive to say, but Mane comes out of this well’

There is very little positive to say about the end of this game, but one person to come out of it well is Mane.

He was the one Senegal player who clearly did not want to walk down the tunnel and was telling his team-mates to come back out.

He also walked over to the Senegal fans after the full-time whistle, begging them to calm down.

There is now a line of armoured police in front of those fans to my left. It’s been quite violent down there on several occasions.

Source: BBC

16, January 2026

Indomitable Lions: Eto’o handed ban and fine for misconduct ⁰

Former Cameroon star Samuel Eto’o has been handed a four-match ban and fined $20,000 (£14,960) after being found guilty of misconduct by a Confederation of African Football (Caf) disciplinary panel.

A Caf statement said that Eto’o, now president of his nation’s football federation (Fecafoot), had violated its principles of sportsmanship during the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final between Cameroon and Morocco.

The former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker was reportedly seen making an angry gesture over some of the decisions taken by the officials as the Indomitable Lions lost 2-0 to the tournament hosts.

Caf boss Patrice Motsepe, who was also in attendance in the stadium in Rabat, appeared to have witnessed Eto’o’s frustration.

On Monday the continent’s governing body announced it was launching an investigation into “violent confrontations and unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials” during last-eight matches.

In response, Fecafoot rejected Caf’s decision, describing the process as one that “raises serious reservations about the fundamental requirements of a fair trial”.

Fecafoot then expressed support for its president in a statement on Wednesday, while suggesting Eto’o would appeal against the sanction.

Since assuming his role in in 2021, Eto’o’s image as a legend of the game has been dented by controversy and scandals.

He has faced accusations of improper conduct and poor management, with some football stakeholders also complaining of grave irregularities within Fecafoot.

He has often rejected such allegations, touting his achievements at the helm of the organisation.

Source: BBC

12, January 2026

FECAFOOT commends Morocco’s hospitality after quarter-final defeat ⁰

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has received an official letter from the Cameroonian Football Federation following the quarter-final encounter between the two nations at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

In the message, the Cameroonian Football Federation expressed its deep appreciation to its Moroccan counterpart for the excellent organisation of the tournament and the high standard of hospitality extended to the Cameroonian delegation throughout their stay.

The Cameroonian FA also praised the quality of the reception and the vibrant atmosphere at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, highlighting the warm welcome shown to the players and technical staff during the match.

In addition, Cameroon congratulated the Moroccan national team on securing qualification to the semi-finals after their 2-0 victory, while wishing the Atlas Lions success as they continue their quest for the AFCON title.

The letter further underlined the strong fraternal and sporting ties between the two nations, expressing confidence that future competitions will continue to be marked by mutual respect, sportsmanship and cooperation among African countries.

Source: Africa Soccer

12, January 2026

Morocco start Nigeria build-up after Cameroon win as AFCON semi nears ⁰

Morocco resumed preparations on Sunday for its Africa Cup of Nations semifinal against Nigeria, with coach Walid Regragui managing workloads as the hosts target a place in the final.

Nigeria will face Morocco on Wednesday at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with kickoff scheduled for 9 pm local time, after both sides won their quarterfinals 2 0. Morocco beat Cameroon in Rabat on Friday, while Nigeria eliminated Algeria in Marrakech on Saturday.

Moroccan media reported that Regragui split his squad into two groups, with non starters from the Cameroon match doing technical work on the pitch at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, while starters followed an indoor recovery session.

Source: MSM

7, January 2026

AFCON 2025: Tougher test awaits anxious hosts Morocco ⁰

Hosts Morocco can expect the first proper examination of their ability to go on and win the Africa Cup of Nations when they take on a feisty Cameroon in the quarter-finals at the weekend.

The top-ranked Moroccans were not stretched in the group phase of the tournament, where they finished top of the standings, nor in their last-16 clash against Tanzania on Sunday.

Yet they delivered only one convincing performance when they beat Zambia in their last of their group matches and against Cameroon in Rabat on Friday there will need to be a marked improvement if they are to advance towards the target of a first continental title in 50 years.

The home side were heavy pre-tournament favourites but have looked anxious and nervy at times, feeling the intense pressure and will be cautious of the threat that Cameroon pose. “We will try to disrupt them,” said Cameroon coach David Pagou, promising a physical battle.

The game will be one of the highlights of a blockbuster set of last-eight ties, with Algeria meeting Nigeria on Saturday and Egypt’s clash against defending champions Ivory Coast later on the same day also eagerly anticipated.

Only Senegal, who take on Mali in the first quarter-final in Tangier on Friday, are expected to ease through to the semi-finals, up against opponents who have made it to the latter stages of the tournament without winning a game.

Mali have drawn four successive matches in Morocco, advancing on post-match penalties over Tunisia in the last 16 despite being down to 10 men for most of the match. Their fighting spirit is not expected to be enough to hold out against Senegal’s attack, which has scored 10 goals at the tournament.

Algeria and Nigeria are the only teams to have won all four of their matches in Morocco and both have given strong indicators of their ability to take the title.

Ivory Coast were also in impressive form in the last 16 as they brushed aside Burkina Faso 3-0 on Tuesday and are set to reignite a Cup of Nations rivalry with Egypt, who are looking to give talisman Mohamed Salah international success to go along with his numerous achievements at club level with Liverpool.

“We’ll simply try to impose our rhythm (of play) on Egypt,” said Ivorian coach Emerse Fae.

The quarter-final winners advance to the last four to be played in Rabat and Tangier on January 14.

Source: Reuters

7, January 2026

Manchester United: Carrick and Solskjaer frontrunners for caretaker role ⁰

Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have emerged as the frontrunners to become Manchester United’s caretaker manager until the end of the season.

The former players have both previously managed United – very briefly as caretaker in Carrick’s case – and are set for face-to-face talks with the club’s leadership.

It is not out of the question the pair could also work together because Carrick was a significant part of Solskjaer’s coaching team when he replaced Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford in 2018.

Darren Fletcher, United’s current under-18s coach, who has also been spoken to about the job, will continue as interim manager until a caretaker is appointed.

Former midfielder Fletcher takes charge of his first match on Wednesday, when United visit Burnley (20:15 GMT) in the Premier League, after which the recruitment process will resume.

One player has told BBC Sport they felt it was possible the role could be shared by more than one of the contenders, or that Fletcher could even stay in the job until the end of the season if the next two matches are positive.

Solskjaer initially took charge in a similar fashion when United sacked Mourinho in 2018, and he subsequently became the full-time manager for three years before he was sacked in November 2021.

Carrick then had a three-game stint as temporary boss after Solskjaer’s dismissal before he left the club in December 2021.

The former England midfielder has been out of work since he was sacked by Championship club Middlesbrough last June after two and a half years in charge.

Solskjaer was sacked by Turkish club Besiktas in August.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and former Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi – now at Marseille – are understood to be early contenders for the full-time job.

Glasner, who won the FA Cup with the Eagles last season, was asked about the link during his news conference on Tuesday.

He said: “I am Crystal Palace manager and it makes no sense for you to ask me any more questions about it.”

Source: BBC

4, January 2026

Indomitable Lions beat Bafana Bafana to reach AFCON 2025 quarterfinals against Morocco ⁰

A statement win in the Round of 16. Cameroon showed efficiency and composure to knock out South Africa and book a quarterfinal date with the host.

An intense battle from the opening whistle

The AFCON 2025 Round of 16 clash got off to a fast, physical start as South Africa and Cameroon traded early momentum. Both sides tested the waters, with set pieces and direct play defining the opening exchanges.

Bafana Bafana looked to assert themselves through crosses and dead-ball situations, while the Indomitable Lions relied on pace, power and quick transitions going forward.

Tchamadeu breaks the deadlock

The breakthrough arrived in the 41st minute. Junior Tchamadeu capitalized on a well-worked move to beat the South African back line and give Cameroon a deserved lead heading into the break.

South Africa tried to respond before halftime, including a saved effort from Oswin Appollis, but lacked the final touch to draw level.

Kofane doubles the lead and Cameroon take control

The second half could not have started better for Cameroon. At 54 minutes, Christian Kofane struck to make it 2-0, putting immediate pressure on South Africa and shifting full control of the match to the Lions.

With the advantage secured, Cameroon managed the tempo intelligently, closing down spaces and looking to exploit gaps on the counter.

Late drama, but no comeback

Just when the match seemed settled, South Africa found a late lifeline. In the 88th minute, Evidence Maggopa attacked the space inside the box to meet a long delivery from Aubrey Modiba, pulling one back to make it 2–1 and adding real tension to the closing moments.

Despite a late push from Bafana Bafana, Cameroon held their nerve and protected the lead to secure their place in the AFCON 2025 quarterfinals.

Cameroon march on to a heavyweight quarterfinal

Solid at the back, clinical in front of goal and composed in key moments, Cameroon closed out a 2-1 victory to secure their place in the quarterfinals. Awaiting them is a blockbuster showdown against tournament hosts Morocco.

The Indomitable Lions move forward with confidence, while South Africa bow out after a spirited performance that ultimately fell short when it mattered most.

Source: beIN Sports

30, December 2025

Tributes as Joshua team members die in fatal crash ⁰

Two of Anthony Joshua’s “close friends and team members” were killed in the car crash in Nigeria in which the British heavyweight boxer was injured.

Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodeledied when the vehicle they were in, alongside Joshua and another passenger, collided with a stationary truck on a major road near Lagos.

Joshua is stable and conscious and did not require emergency medical help, according to Ogun state government., external

Joshua’s promoters Matchroom offered their “deepest condolences and prayers” to the family and friends of Ghami and Ayodele, who was also known as ‘Latz’.

“With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away,” read a statement.

“Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG can confirm that Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment. He is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation.

“Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected – and we ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.”

Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn said: “With the heaviest of hearts. Two great men. Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone.”

A spokesperson for Joshua said Ghami and Ayodele were “integral” to the boxer’s team, adding the news of their deaths was “truly shocking and devastating”.

‘Massive parts of the Joshua machine’

Ghami was Joshua’s full-time sport and exercise rehabilitation coach and had worked with the 36-year-old for more than 10 years.

He helped the former heavyweight champion prepare for some of the biggest bouts of his career, including the title-winning fight against Wladimir Klitschko in 2017 and this month’s win over Jake Paul.

Ghami has also worked with former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell and the Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green.

Just hours before the crash, Joshua posted a video on Instagram of him playing table tennis with his long-time friend Ayodele, a personal trainer.

Boxing expert Steve Bunce described Ghami and Ayodele as “two of Joshua’s closest friends”.

“They’ve been with him, if not from the start, at least very early on. Latz is AJ’s personal trainer and Sina is his strength and conditioning man. They are with him all the time,” Bunce told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“He calls them his boys. They’re more than that. They are friends. They may have strict jobs, they might be his strength and conditioning coach, his personal trainer, his dietitian, his nutritionist, but they’re close and he loves that close circle.

“Sina and Latz are massive parts of the Anthony Joshua machine.”

Sina Ghami pictured in a busy boxing ring with boxers Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul at the end of their recent fight — Image caption,Sina Ghami (left) alongside Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul in the ring following their fight on 19 December

Fellow boxer Chris Eubank Jr was among those to pay tribute to Ghami and Ayodele, calling them “genuinely good men”.

The British middleweight said:, external “Thank god our heavyweight champ survived that horrible car crash. And pray for the two fallen soldiers Latz & Sina & their families. I knew both, they were genuinely good men. Rest in Peace boys.”

Joshua was in Nigeria after stopping American YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul in the sixth round of their heavyweight bout in Miami earlier this month.

Writing on X,, external Paul said: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”

Former New Zealand rugby star Sonny Bill Williams posted pictures with Joshua and Latif,, external adding: “Rest easy brother Abdul Latif, may the most high make it easy for your loved ones.”

British bantamweight Shannon Courtenay said:, external “RIP Sina and Latz, two good guys. Last week we’re all having fun in Miami and today you’re gone, life really is too short. May the Lord look over their loved ones during this awful time.”

Video from the scene showed Joshua being helped out from the back seat of a wrecked large car.

Five adult men were involved in the crash in total, Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said.

They added that Joshua and another man – the vehicle’s driver – were rescued by the boxer’s security team.

The incident involved two vehicles, a black Lexus and a stationary red commercial truck, and took place on the busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway at around 12:00 local time (11:00 GMT) on Monday.

The FRSC said the Lexus was “suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit”, based on preliminary findings.

It said the car appeared to have “lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre” and crashed into the stationary truck by the side of the road.

‘Emotional impact of crash impossible to measure’

Joshua had only just returned to the ring after more than a year out, beating Jake Paul on Netflix in what was a huge pay day, and he was in Nigeria simply to spend New Year with family when this tragedy struck.

The plan had been for Joshua to fight again in Saudi Arabia in February before eventually moving towards the long-talked-about Tyson Fury bout later in 2026. But right now, those plans feel secondary.

Joshua has lost two people close to him, friends first and foremost, including his long-time strength and conditioning coach Ghami, and the emotional impact of that is impossible to measure. Ghami was by his side throughout fight week in Miami, and joined him in the ring after his win over Paul.

Whatever he decides to do next in the twilight of his career almost feels insignificant, with the boxing world united in hoping that one of Britain’s most accomplished fighters comes through this ordeal in good health.

Source: BBC

29, December 2025

Anthony Joshua injured in Nigeria car crash, with two others dead ⁰

British boxer Anthony Joshua has been injured, with two others killed, in a car crash near Lagos in Nigeria.

Local police tell the BBC that Joshua has been taken to hospital – they earlier said he suffered minor injuries but is “fine”

Officials suspect Joshua’s vehicle crashed into a stationary lorry while overtaking at speed – Joshua was pictured in the back of his vehicle

Other pictures, posted by officials, show a badly-damaged car and a dented lorry

Joshua – a two-time world heavyweight champion – has family roots in Sagamu, a town in Ogun State, Nigeria

One relative tells the BBC of their family’s shock – saying Joshua normally visits Nigeria around the New Year.

Source: BBC

26, December 2025

AFCON organisers allowing fans in for free to fill empty stands ⁰

Organisers at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco are allowing supporters in for free after kick-off in matches where stadiums are not full, a Confederation of African Football (CAF) source told AFP.

The Group F game between Cameroon and Gabon on Wednesday in Agadir kicked off in front of almost empty stands, but the ground filled up significantly over the course of the first half despite incessant rain.

The official attendance was later announced as 35,200 inside a venue that can hold over 45,000.

There have been similar scenes at numerous matches across the opening days of the competition, even leading to confusion over the attendance figures themselves.

The crowd at Tuesday’s Group D encounter between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Benin at Rabat’s Al Medina Stadium – which filled up considerably over the course of the game – was initially announced as 6,703 before later being corrected to 13,073.

The CAF source indicated that organisers, in agreement with African football’s governing body, were opening stands around 20 minutes into games to allow fans gathered outside to enter without paying.

Filling stadiums is an important issue for Cup of Nations organisers in Morocco, for which a successful hosting of the tournament is key as it builds towards the 2030 World Cup to be jointly held in the North African country, Spain and Portugal.

CAF’s official ticketing platform on Thursday showed seats available for almost all remaining group matches for prices starting at 100 MAD (US$10.96).

The only matches shown as sell-outs were hosts Morocco’s games against Mali on Friday and Zambia on Monday, as well as Algeria against Burkina Faso on Sunday and Algeria versus Equatorial Guinea next Wednesday.

Source: AFP