All articles tagged with #afcon
Amid Senegal’s dramatic AFCON final and Morocco’s near-miss, The Ringer previews the 2026 World Cup build‑up, including a predicted USMNT starting XI (Freese; Richards, Ream, Robinson; Dest, Robinson; Adams, McKennie; Weah, Pulisic; Balogun) and accompanying stock-watch and award features shaping the tournament.
Senegal defeated host Morocco in a dramatic AFCON final to clinch the title, after a stoppage-time Ismaila Sarr goal was ruled off due to a push and Brahim Diaz’s panenka penalty was saved by Edouard Mendy; Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in extra time. Pape Matar Sarr, who did not feature in the knockout rounds, fell ill during the final and was hospitalized, likely ruling him out of Tottenham’s midweek Champions League clash against Dortmund.
Senegal's unused substitute Yehvann Diouf became the towel guardian in a rain-soaked Afcon final, repeatedly shielding goalkeeper Edouard Mendy's towel from Morocco's attempts; he even clashed with ball boys, and later joked on Instagram about the medal and the towel after Senegal's victory.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino urged CAF to take action after chaotic AFCON final where Senegal’s players briefly walked off in protest over a stoppage-time Morocco penalty; CAF and FRMF condemned the incidents and opened investigations, with potential disciplinary measures anticipated.
Senegal clinched a second AFCON title with Pape Gueye’s extra-time thunderbolt, but the final was overshadowed by chaotic scenes as Senegalese players walked off in protest after a stoppage-time VAR-awarded Morocco penalty, Brahim Diaz missing with a panenka.
Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat, defeating host Morocco in a dramatic final marked by a disputed penalty call and on-field scuffles, with Sadio Mane leading celebrations for the Senegalese side.
Senegal walked off the pitch after a stoppage-time penalty was awarded to hosts Morocco for a foul on Brahim Diaz in the Afcon final; goalkeeper Edouard Mendy briefly left the field before captain Sadio Mane urged his teammates to finish, while pundits including Efan Ekoku criticized the reaction as a poor look.
The Senegalese Football Federation says players and staff faced security risks and logistical issues on arrival in Rabat for Sunday's AFCON final with hosts Morocco, citing insufficient security, crowded fans, hotel problems, ticket allocations, and a suboptimal training pitch at the Moroccan base. Coach Pape Thiaw called the incident “not normal” and urged better security, while Mane’s future at the tournament remains uncertain as the coach disputed the idea that his decision to retire is final.
Ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations semifinal in Rabat, Nigeria (led by Victor Osimhen) face hosts Morocco, who rely on Brahim Diaz and a solid defense after beating Cameroon in the quarters. Nigeria’s captain Wilfred Ndidi is suspended, with Raphael Onyedika set to start, while Morocco’s back line features Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina and Mazraoui. Kickoff is 3pm ET with beIN Sports US coverage. The piece previews lineups and includes a prediction of a 1-2 win for Morocco.
Live updates and preview for the Africa Cup of Nations semifinal between Senegal and Egypt in Tangier, with lineup notes, injuries (Koulibaly) and stars Salah and Mane; beIN Sports USA coverage, and a prediction that Egypt edges Senegal 2-1.
Gabon has lifted sanctions on its national team and star forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after a disappointing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The penalties—including sacking coach Thierry Mouyouma and excluding Aubameyang and captain Bruno Ecuele Manga—were overturned by new sports minister Paul Ulrich Kessany. He invited Fegafoot to present plans for a new technical staff ahead of the 2027 Afcon qualifiers, amid FIFA’s long-standing caution over government interference in football bodies.
Omar Marmoush scored for Egypt in a 1-0 win over South Africa, helping them reach the last-16 of AFCON, despite playing the second half with 10 men and facing a late penalty appeal, with Mohamed Salah also scoring from a penalty.
Algeria opened their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 3-0 win over Sudan, with Riyad Mahrez scoring twice, while Côte d’Ivoire secured a 1-0 victory against Mozambique, and Cameroon beat Gabon 1-0 in their opener. Burkina Faso also won dramatically against Equatorial Guinea with two stoppage-time goals. The tournament featured notable performances, red cards, and historic moments, setting the stage for an exciting competition.
Alex Iwobi, a Fulham midfielder and Nigerian international, describes the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) as a 'special' tournament that celebrates African culture and provides a platform for national pride. Nigeria aims to redeem itself after recent disappointments, and Iwobi emphasizes the tournament's growing recognition and importance in African and global football. He also reflects on his journey from London to representing Nigeria and the significance of Afcon for African players.
Thousands of football fans in Abidjan celebrated Ivory Coast's third Africa Cup of Nations win with a victory parade after the team's unlikely triumph, having lost two group games and fired their manager mid-tournament. The parade, featuring the players on a flatbed truck, culminated in a trophy presentation at Félix Houphouët Boigny stadium. The team's underdog story, including the goal scored by Sébastien Haller, who had recently battled testicular cancer, has made them national heroes, with fans around the world hailing their victory as one of the greatest turnarounds in football tournament history.