by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 17, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Soccer, Uncategorized
Before heading to the Africa Cup of Nations, Brahim Diaz thanked Real Madrid fans for their support in 2025, promising, “See you all next year, full of excitement.”
However, the start of 2026 has been a tale of two worlds: Brahim is reveling in Morocco’s AFCON run, while Madridistas face frustration after another disappointing Copa del Rey exit under rookie coach Alvaro Arbeloa.
Brahim’s AFCON performances suggest that if he doesn’t get regular minutes at Madrid, a move elsewhere could be in his best interest. The 26-year-old has flourished as Morocco’s main man, proving a point to those who doubted him at the Bernabeu.
A Journey of Talent and Transfers
Brahim, once heralded as a prodigy in Spain, caught Pep Guardiola’s eye as a teenager at Barcelona. Although he eventually joined Manchester City, Guardiola noted at the time that he hoped Brahim would earn the minutes he hadn’t received. A move to Real Madrid in 2019 seemed promising, but limited game time, particularly under Xabi Alonso, stifled his progress.
After shining on loan at AC Milan, Brahim returned to Madrid but remained largely a squad player, starting just three La Liga matches and one Champions League game before departing for AFCON duty.
Finding a Home with Morocco
Brahim debuted for Spain in 2021 but never became a regular for La Roja. Tired of waiting, he switched allegiance to Morocco in March 2024, responding to repeated calls from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and coach Walid Regragui. “I feel 100% Spanish and 100% Moroccan,” he said, emphasizing his connection to both countries but choosing Morocco with his heart.
Integration came quickly. Captain Achraf Hakimi welcomed Brahim as a brother, and he soon referred to the Atlas Lions as a “family.” On the pitch, Brahim has been Morocco’s talisman, scoring seven goals in AFCON qualifying and maintaining his form during the finals, often being the difference-maker.
AFCON Impact and X-Factor
Brahim’s performances have impressed everyone, with former Morocco midfielder Mustapha El Haddaoui noting, “I didn’t expect him to be at this level” given his limited minutes at Real Madrid. He has scored Morocco’s opener or only goal in four of six AFCON matches, with the team relying heavily on him for creativity and finishing. Coach Regragui describes him as having the “X factor” and praises his work ethic, discipline, and understanding of what it means to play with Moroccan blood.
Brahim Diaz may still face uncertainty regarding his future at Real Madrid, but for Morocco, he has already become a transformative figure, blending talent, determination, and heart to lead the Atlas Lions toward AFCON glory.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 17, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer, Uncategorized
A historic moment for Moroccan football has led the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports to postpone nationwide exams originally scheduled for Monday, January 19. The decision, announced in a press release on Friday, allows students to watch the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal in peace of mind.
“The measure takes into account the overlap between the exams and the AFCON final (…) and the strong interest this continental sporting event generates among students, families, and the entire Moroccan population,” the ministry explained. Exams will now take place 48 hours later, on Tuesday, January 20 and Wednesday, January 21, giving students extra time to prepare.
Former Minister of Youth and Sports Mohamed Ouzzine had advocated for the decision, noting the widespread enthusiasm for the national team and highlighting that many young Moroccans have never experienced a national sporting event of this intensity. The AFCON final, Morocco’s first since a 2004 defeat to Tunisia, promises a unique atmosphere, especially at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium, where remaining tickets are being sold at a premium.
The ministry emphasized that the move reflects its ongoing commitment to balance academic priorities with the special circumstances of major national events. For students, the slight postponement may even offer an opportunity for extra revision before sitting their exams.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 17, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Botswana has officially launched its bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations, proposing a joint venture with South Africa. The announcement comes as the CAF Executive Committee convenes in Rabat to plan the framework for upcoming continental tournaments.
For Botswana, the co-hosting project offers a renewed opportunity after its unsuccessful solo bid for the 2027 edition. If successful, the Southern African partnership would bring the prestigious competition back to the region.
The Botswana-South Africa bid faces strong competition, particularly from Morocco, which is also seeking to host the landmark 2028 tournament. CAF’s final decision is eagerly anticipated by nations and fans across the continent.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 17, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
The Senegal national football team has raised major concerns over security, accommodation, training arrangements and ticketing ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco.
In a strongly worded statement released on Saturday, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) said it was forced to speak out “in the interest of transparency and the defence of the Senegal national team,” citing several organisational shortcomings during preparations for the tournament’s showpiece event.
The communiqué, issued by the Secretariat of the Teranga Lions and addressed to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the general public, warned that the issues identified could affect safety, fairness and the overall integrity of the final.
Among the federation’s key concerns was what it described as inadequate security during the team’s arrival in Morocco, particularly at the Rabat railway station.
“The FSF deplores the clear absence of an adequate safety device when the Senegalese delegation arrived at the Rabat railway station,” the statement read, adding that the situation exposed players and officials “to promiscuity and risks incompatible with the standards of a competition of this magnitude and the prestige of a continental final.”
The FSF also disclosed that it had to lodge a formal complaint before suitable accommodation was secured for the team.
“Regarding hotel logistics, the FSF informs that an official protest by mail was necessary to win the case,” the statement noted, confirming that a five-star hotel was eventually allocated to the squad to ensure optimal recovery conditions.
On the training front, Senegal rejected the facility proposed by organisers, raising concerns over sporting fairness.
“The FSF has officially notified CAF of its categorical refusal to hold its training sessions at the Mohammed VI Complex,” the communiqué stated, describing the venue as the base camp of their final opponents and therefore a potential competitive disadvantage.
The federation added that, at the time of issuing the statement, Senegal had still “not yet received notification of the training site” designated for the team.
Ticketing arrangements also came under scrutiny. The FSF lamented the limited allocation of VIP access, revealing that Senegal received only two VVIP tickets for the final. Unlike the semi-final stage, the federation said there was no provision for additional VIP or VVIP tickets.
Although Senegal confirmed it had purchased the maximum number of tickets authorised by CAF—300 Category 1, 850 Category 2 and 1,700 Category 3—it stressed that the allocation remains far below demand from supporters.
The statement concluded with a direct appeal to CAF and the Local Organising Committee to take swift action.
“The Senegalese Football Federation calls on CAF and the Local Organising Committee to take all immediate corrective measures to ensure respect for the principles of fair play, equal treatment and safety, which are essential to the success of this African football festival,” it read.
Senegal will be aiming to secure another AFCON title when they contest the 2025 final, following their semi-final victory over Egypt earlier in the week.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 17, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer, Uncategorized
French actor Omar Sy could hardly hide his pride on Wednesday as he watched Senegal book their place in the Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco. A passionate supporter of the Teranga Lions, Sy went beyond the stands after the victory, heading into the dressing room to personally congratulate the players.
Wearing a cap and scarf in Senegal’s colours and flashing his trademark smile, the Trappes-born actor delivered a heartfelt “thank you guys” to the squad, capturing the depth of his connection to the team.
Seated in the stands alongside former Senegal internationals Bafétimbi Gomis, Mamadou Niang and El Hadji Diouf, Sy followed every moment of Senegal’s win over Egypt. He particularly relished Sadio Mané’s decisive goal, which sealed qualification for the final and sent the Teranga Lions into celebration.
Sy’s passion for Senegalese football is well documented. In 2022, he publicly expressed his joy as Senegal lifted their first AFCON title, proudly posting on Instagram from his home. “Long live the Lions, Champions of Africa. Bravo to our Gaindés, our Mbarode! So proud and happy,” he wrote at the time.
This Sunday’s final will carry an added personal twist for the actor, as Senegal face Morocco, the country passionately supported by one of his closest friends, comedian and actor Jamel Debbouze. Both men, lifelong friends who grew up together in Trappes, are devoted football fans and will find themselves on opposing sides for the duration of the final.
For two hours, friendly rivalry will replace friendship as Senegal and Morocco battle for continental supremacy, with Omar Sy and Jamel Debbouze watching on, each hoping their nation will emerge as kings of Africa.
