by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 17, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
The journey to Rabat is now complete as Senegal and Morocco emerged from a gripping semi-final round to secure their places in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
In the first semi-final, Senegal faced Egypt in a clash layered with history, nearly four years after the Teranga Lions broke Egyptian hearts in the AFCON 2021 final. That memory appeared to serve as motivation for Egypt, but it was Senegal who gradually took control.
After a goalless first half, Senegal found their breakthrough through a moment of fortune and quality. Lamine Camara’s deflected effort fell kindly into the path of Sadio Mané, who unleashed a powerful half-volley from outside the box. Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy could only watch as the ball deflected off his hands and into the net.
Egypt failed to muster a response, managing their first shot on target deep into stoppage time in the 94th minute. It was another bitter ending for Mohamed Salah and the Pharaohs, whose quest for continental glory suffered yet another setback.
With Senegal through, attention shifted to Rabat, where tournament hosts Morocco locked horns with an in-form Nigerian side.
The second semi-final began cautiously before bursting into life with waves of attacking football from both teams. Nigeria threatened first when Alex Iwobi’s incisive pass set up Ademola Lookman, whose effort forced a sharp save in the opening stages.
Morocco responded in the 39th minute as Ismael Saibari cut inside the box and fired a shot that again required quick reflexes from Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
After the break, the Atlas Lions raised the tempo, dispossessing Lookman in midfield to launch a dangerous counterattack that ended with Abde Ezzalzouli curling a shot that was once more kept out by Nwabali.
As the clock ticked down, the atmosphere inside the stadium became electric, with Moroccan fans urging their side forward. Despite relentless pressure, the deadlock remained, sending the match into extra time and eventually penalties.
The shootout delivered high drama. Nigeria converted their opening kick before Morocco responded in kind. The turning point came when Nwabali saved Hamza Igamane’s effort, briefly silencing the home crowd. However, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou restored hope by denying Samuel Chukwueze, and later produced another crucial save from Bruno Onyemaechi to put the hosts on the brink.
With history within reach, Youssef En-Nesyri stepped up and calmly converted the decisive penalty, sparking wild celebrations as Morocco reached their first AFCON final in over 50 years.
The stage is now set for a blockbuster showdown. Senegal versus Morocco. Sunday in Rabat.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 17, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Senegal captain Sadio Mané is determined to end his Africa Cup of Nations journey on a high note, declaring his desire to add another winner’s medal as he prepares for what is expected to be his final AFCON appearance.
“A final is meant to be won,” Mané said. “I will be very happy to play my last AFCON final, to enjoy it and to make my country win.”
While Mané remains Senegal’s talisman, the Teranga Lions boast a wealth of attacking options capable of deciding the final. Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson, Habib Diallo, Ismaila Sarr and highly rated 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye all provide additional firepower as Senegal look to overwhelm their opponents.
However, Senegal will be forced to cope without influential captain Kalidou Koulibaly and midfielder Habib Diarra, both of whom are suspended for the showpiece. There is still plenty of experience in the squad, with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye among the players who lifted the trophy during Senegal’s last AFCON triumph.
This will be Senegal’s fourth appearance in an AFCON final. The West Africans fell short in 2002 and 2019 before finally breaking their duck with a historic title win four years ago.
Meanwhile, head coach Thiaw, like his counterpart Regragui, knows the pain of AFCON defeat from his playing days, having been part of the Senegal squad that lost to Cameroon on penalties 24 years ago. He now has the opportunity to write his own chapter of history by potentially becoming the first coach to win both the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the Africa Cup of Nations.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 17, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Premier League side Sunderland are reportedly monitoring Ghanaian international Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and are prepared to open negotiations with Leicester City over a potential transfer.
The 21-year-old winger has been one of Leicester’s standout performers this season, producing a series of eye-catching displays and scoring spectacular goals for the Foxes. His form has made him one of the most exciting young attackers in the English Championship.
Fatawu has enjoyed an explosive campaign, recording 12 goal contributions in 26 league appearances, with five goals and seven assists to his name. His consistency has played a key role in Leicester’s push this season and has attracted interest from several clubs.
According to reports, Sunderland are actively searching for a young attacking prospect and have identified the Ghana international as an ideal fit. However, it remains unclear whether the Black Cats will pursue a move during the current transfer window or wait until the summer.
Fatawu will be hoping to maintain his momentum and earn another starting role when Leicester travel to face league leaders Coventry City in their Championship round 27 fixture.
The former Sporting CP man is also focused on sustaining his fine form in order to strengthen his case for a place in Ghana’s Black Stars squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 17, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
As the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) continues to showcase the continent’s rich football heritage, a select group of legendary players stand out for their exceptional goal-scoring exploits in the tournament’s history.
At the summit of the all-time scorers’ chart is Cameroon great Samuel Eto’o, whose 18 goals remain the benchmark at AFCON and a lasting testament to his dominance on Africa’s biggest stage.
Côte d’Ivoire icon Laurent Pokou follows in second place with 14 goals, while Nigeria’s legendary striker Rashidi Yekini ranks third after finding the net 13 times during his AFCON career.
Egyptian forward Hassan El-Shazly sits fourth with 12 goals, while several African football greats share fifth place, each scoring 11 goals across different editions of the tournament.
These names represent a golden era of African football, with their performances leaving an enduring legacy at the continent’s flagship competition.
AFCON All-Time Top Scorers:
1. Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon) – 18 goals
2. Laurent Pokou (Côte d’Ivoire) – 14 goals
3. Rashidi Yekini (Nigeria) – 13 goals
4. Hassan El-Shazly (Egypt) – 12 goals
5. Didier Drogba (Côte d’Ivoire) – 11 goals
6. Patrick Mboma (Cameroon) – 11 goals
7. Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – 11 goals
8. Hossam Hassan (Egypt) – 11 goals
9. Sadio Mané (Senegal) – 11 goals
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 17, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigeria’s Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has openly admitted his disappointment at contesting the third-place playoff at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations instead of fighting for the title.
Speaking ahead of Nigeria’s clash with Egypt in the bronze medal match scheduled for Saturday, January 17, at 16:00 GMT, Chelle revealed that his ambitions for the tournament were firmly focused on lifting the trophy.
The Super Eagles narrowly missed out on a second consecutive AFCON final after suffering a painful penalty shootout defeat to hosts Morocco in the semi-finals. Reflecting on the setback, Chelle did not shy away from expressing his frustration, while also praising his players’ efforts throughout the competition.
“I’m disappointed to be here. I had big ambitions for this tournament,” Chelle said during his pre-match press conference. “After we lost to Morocco, I told my players to keep their heads up because they had a great tournament.”
Nigeria’s opponents, Egypt, also arrive at the third-place playoff nursing their own disappointment. The Pharaohs were edged out 1–0 by Senegal in the semi-finals, denying them the chance to pursue a record-extending eighth AFCON crown.
Both sides will now look to end their AFCON 2025 campaign on a positive note as they battle for the bronze medal.
