by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 9, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Amad Diallo has admitted it feels “impossible” to be compared with Ivory Coast legends Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré, insisting his focus remains on carving out his own legacy with the Elephants.
The Manchester United winger may have only 15 international appearances since making his senior debut in March 2021, but at just 23, he has already emerged as one of Ivory Coast’s on-field leaders at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
Amad has been instrumental in his country’s run to the quarter-finals, contributing directly to four goals in four matches—scoring three times and providing one assist. Ahead of the last eight, only Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman had more goal involvements, while no player at the tournament has been involved in more shots than Amad, with 24 contributions comprising 15 attempts and nine chances created.
His eye-catching performances have inevitably drawn comparisons with national icons Drogba, Ivory Coast’s all-time leading scorer, and midfield powerhouse Yaya Touré, who played a pivotal role in the country’s 2015 AFCON triumph.
“I feel really good, relaxed and free on the pitch,” Amad told Stats Perform.“I’m in a good place physically and mentally, and I try to give the maximum every time I play.
“I’m in a good place physically and mentally, and I try to give the maximum every time I play.
“I’m here to be one of the offensive leaders. But comparisons with legends like Didier Drogba or Yaya Touré are impossible. They wrote their own history. They are legends of African and European football.
“I’m trying to follow my own path, stay humble, and help my country win a fourth star.”
This is Amad’s first AFCON appearance, having missed Ivory Coast’s title win two years ago due to injury. With three goals already at the 2025 tournament, only Laurent Pokou and Joël Tiéhi have scored more goals for the Elephants in a single AFCON edition.
Beyond his personal form, Amad is embracing his growing responsibility within the squad, drawing on experience gained at both international level and at Manchester United.
“It’s true I’m 23, but I’ve gained a lot of experience,” he said. “Today, I’m one of the leaders of this team, and it gives me great pleasure to carry that responsibility.
“I try to advise the younger players and share what I’ve learned at Manchester United. I always tell them to stay humble, because that’s what separates a good player from a great one.”
Ivory Coast face Egypt in the quarter-finals on Saturday as they look to defend their AFCON crown and become the first team to retain the title since Egypt’s historic three-peat between 2006 and 2010.
Alongside team success, Amad has clear personal ambitions.
“Winning the African Ballon d’Or is one of my life goals,” he added.
“I will do everything possible to achieve it one day.”
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 9, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
With Bafana Bafana exiting the Africa Cup of Nations early, many South African football fans have shifted their focus to referee Abongile Tom, whose commanding performances have made him one of the most talked-about officials at the tournament.
The 32-year-old has taken charge of three matches so far at AFCON 2025. His campaign began in the group stages with the fixture between DR Congo and Benin, followed by a round-of-16 encounter between Mali and Tunisia. However, it was the high-stakes quarter-final clash between Mali and Senegal that truly brought Tom into the spotlight.
In a tense and physically demanding contest, Tom showed little hesitation in sending off Mali captain Yves Bissouma, a decision that divided opinion but underlined his firm, no-nonsense approach to officiating.
Abongile Tom captures attention on the continental stage
As South Africa’s sole remaining representative at the tournament, Tom has enjoyed strong backing from fans at home. Many have praised his composure, authority, and consistency in enforcing the laws of the game.
Veteran broadcaster Robert Marawa was among those to commend Tom’s rise, also acknowledging another South African official involved at AFCON.
“A solid tournament so far and thoroughly deserves this appointment. Congratulations baba,” Marawa wrote.
“Mr Consistency also appointed as Assistant Referee — well done Zakhele Siwela.”
Fans divided but engaged by Tom’s officiating
Social media reaction has largely been positive, with supporters applauding Tom’s decisiveness.
“I love this man’s decision-making — very profound and spot on. For me, he’s the referee of the tournament,” posted @johntoto7.
Others added humour to their praise, with @t_junction1 joking: “When is the next Abongile Tom fixture? I want to place a bet on bookings.”
Another fan, @_asamiami, echoed the sentiment: “Abongile Tom is my favourite referee this tournament. I hope he officiates the final.”
Not all reactions were complimentary, however. Some critics feel his strict interpretation of the rules affects the flow of games. @AmosBaraza6 argued that referees should manage matches more subtly, saying Tom’s style was “emotional and irrational” and disrupted entertaining football.
Despite the mixed opinions, Abongile Tom’s performances have ensured he remains central to discussions at AFCON 2025, highlighting South Africa’s growing influence in top-level African officiating.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 9, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Algeria midfielder Ramiz Zerrouki has played down suggestions that the Desert Foxes will focus solely on Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman when they face Nigeria, insisting the Super Eagles possess quality across the pitch.
Osimhen and Lookman have been Nigeria’s standout attackers at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with both players scoring three goals apiece.
Beyond their goals, the duo have also contributed creatively, as Lookman has registered four assists while Osimhen has added one.
However, Zerrouki stressed that Nigeria’s threat extends far beyond their two star forwards. Midfielder Raphael Onyedika has already scored twice at the tournament, while Akor Adams and Wilfred Ndidi have also chipped in with crucial goals.
“It’s not only the two of them,” Zerrouki told journalists ahead of Algeria’s training session on Friday. “All the Nigerian players have their quality. They are a very good team and we are going to prepare ourselves to face them. Like I said, it’s going to be a big game.”
Both Nigeria and Algeria head into the highly anticipated clash with perfect records, having won all their matches so far, raising questions about pressure on the two sides. Zerrouki acknowledged the stakes but remained composed.
“Pressure is always part of a tournament when teams who have performed well meet and one has to go out,” he said. “For us, we are going to do everything and see how it goes.”
Algeria booked their place in the quarter-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 extra-time victory over DR Congo, while the Super Eagles cruised into the last eight after a commanding 4-0 win against Mozambique.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 9, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has credited Nigeria’s impressive run at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations to the team’s attacking firepower.
Nigeria have emerged as one of the most feared sides in the tournament, scoring 12 goals in four matches in Morocco. The goals have been spread across the squad, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman leading the charge on three goals each. Raphael Onyedika has added a brace, while Semi Ajayi, Akor Adams and Wilfred Ndidi have also found the net.
Speaking during Friday’s training session ahead of the crucial showdown with Algeria, Onyeka pointed to the efficiency of the Super Eagles’ forwards as the key factor behind their strong performances.
“Our secret has been our strikers,” Onyeka said. “They are scoring goals and I think that’s what has really helped us in this tournament.”
Nigeria’s next opponents, Algeria, have also enjoyed a perfect run so far, winning all four of their matches and showcasing a solid defensive structure. Onyeka acknowledged the quality of the Desert Foxes but insisted Nigeria’s focus remains inward.
“They are a very good team. They got nine points in the group stage and won their round of 16 game,” he said. “It’s not going to be an easy game, but we are going to focus on ourselves and see how we can get the win tomorrow.”
The Brentford midfielder also expressed confidence in the Super Eagles’ midfield unit, highlighting the balance and understanding within the team.
“We are ready,” Onyeka added. “Alex (Iwobi) is doing Alex things — making passes and driving the team forward. Wilfred (Ndidi) is holding the midfield, and I’m doing what I do best.”
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 9, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Brahim Díaz’s goal in Morocco’s 2-0 quarter-final victory over Cameroon on Friday etched his name into Africa Cup of Nations history, as he found the net in each of his team’s first five matches at the tournament.
The Real Madrid forward opened his scoring account in Morocco’s opening win over Comoros and maintained the streak with goals in group-stage victories against Mali and Zambia. He then delivered the decisive strike in the round of 16 against Tanzania before adding another in the quarter-finals.
That run has made Díaz only the second player in AFCON history to score in five consecutive matches in a single edition of the competition, placing him in elite company alongside Ghana legend Osei Kofi.
Kofi, one of African football’s early icons, was a key figure for the Black Stars during the 1960s. He featured prominently in several AFCON tournaments and finished as the top scorer at the 1965 edition, cementing his status as one of Ghana’s most influential footballers.
Díaz’s remarkable consistency has been central to Morocco’s march into the semi-finals on home soil and has firmly positioned him as a leading contender for the player of the tournament award.
With the competition nearing its climax, the 25-year-old now sets his sights on guiding the Atlas Lions to their first Africa Cup of Nations title since 1976. Should Díaz score in Morocco’s semi-final encounter, he would stand alone in history as the first player ever to score in six consecutive AFCON matches.
