by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 16, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Real Oviedo Women have announced the signing of Ghana international midfielder Nancy Amoh, who joins the Spanish side from Liga F club DUX Logroño. The 20-year-old has signed a contract keeping her at the club until June 30, 2026.
A bronze medallist at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Amoh is expected to strengthen Oviedo’s midfield with her defensive discipline and left-footed balance as the team pushes forward in the second half of the season.
“Nancy Amoh (18/09/2005, Kumasi, Ghana) becomes a new player for Real Oviedo Women until June 30, 2026,” the club said on its official website. “A full international with Ghana, the left-footed midfielder arrives from DUX Logroño to provide solidity and balance in the midfield.”
Amoh rose to prominence after calmly converting the decisive penalty in Ghana’s shootout victory over South Africa at the 2023 WAFCON in Morocco. She began her career with Ampem Darkoa Ladies in the Ghana Women’s Premier League before moving to Europe, and her move to Oviedo represents another significant step in her growing career in European football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 16, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final has been confirmed, with hosts Morocco set to face Senegal in Rabat next Sunday after overcoming Nigeria and Egypt in their respective semi-final encounters.
The showpiece occasion carries added significance for Paris Saint-Germain, as teammates Achraf Hakimi and Ibrahim Mbaye will line up on opposite sides in African football’s biggest match. Speaking ahead of PSG’s Ligue 1 clash with LOSC, head coach Luis Enrique expressed his delight at seeing both players reach the final, describing their achievements as a source of pride.
The Spanish tactician praised the duo’s journey and performances throughout the tournament but admitted his thoughts are also turning toward their swift return to Paris. “I’m proud, honestly, because it’s great to see them in a final,” Luis Enrique said. “But you also think about them coming back quickly,” he added with a smile.
Mindful of the heavy workload his players have endured in recent months, the PSG coach revealed he chose not to send them personal messages during the tournament, allowing them to fully embrace the occasion. “Only one can win, but it’s positive for PSG, for Senegal, and for Morocco,” he concluded, extending his best wishes to both players ahead of the AFCON final.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 16, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
As Morocco and Senegal prepare to clash in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat on Sunday, AFP Sport has highlighted five of the most unforgettable title deciders in the history of the competition. From dramatic comebacks to emotionally charged triumphs, these finals have helped shape AFCON’s rich legacy.
Ethiopia 4–2 Egypt (1962)
The highest-scoring final in AFCON history delivered breathtaking drama in Addis Ababa. Tournament hosts Ethiopia twice came from behind against defending champions Egypt before scoring two goals in extra time to secure their first and only continental crown. Mengistu Worku was the hero, netting a late equaliser six minutes from time and adding a fourth goal in extra time in front of a packed 30,000 crowd.
Congo 3–2 Mali (1972)
Congo Brazzaville stunned Mali in Yaoundé with a blistering spell that turned the final on its head. After trailing 1–0 at half-time in a contest between two debut finalists, the Congolese struck three times in just seven minutes around the hour mark. Jean-Michel M’Bono scored twice in quick succession before François M’Pelé sealed the win and went on to be named the tournament’s standout player.
Nigeria 2–1 Zambia (1994)
One of the most emotionally charged finals saw Nigeria defeat Zambia in Tunis to lift their second AFCON title. Zambia had reached the final less than a year after a tragic plane crash claimed the lives of 18 national team members. Elijah Litana gave Zambia an early lead, but Emmanuel Amunike responded with two goals to secure victory for the Super Eagles.
South Africa 2–0 Tunisia (1996)
In a historic moment for African football, hosts South Africa claimed the 1996 title in Johannesburg just four years after returning from international isolation. Watched by an 80,000-strong crowd — including Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk — substitute Mark Williams scored twice to inspire Bafana Bafana to glory.
Zambia 0–0 Ivory Coast (2012)
Zambia produced one of the greatest shocks in AFCON history by defeating favourites Ivory Coast 8–7 on penalties after a goalless final in Libreville. Didier Drogba missed a crucial penalty in normal time, while further misses in the shoot-out allowed defender Stoppila Sunzu to slot home the decisive kick. The triumph was deeply symbolic, coming near the site of Zambia’s 1993 air disaster.
As anticipation builds for the 2025 final, these iconic moments serve as a reminder of AFCON’s unique ability to blend drama, history and emotion on the grandest stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 16, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has already etched its name into history, becoming the highest-scoring edition of the tournament after producing 120 goals ahead of Sunday’s final.
The new milestone eclipses the previous record of 102 goals set during the 2019 tournament in Egypt, underlining the attacking intent, technical quality and growing confidence of African teams on the continental stage.
Top scorers driving the goal rush
Several of Africa’s leading nations have played a major role in the goal surge, with Morocco, Senegal, Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire all displaying impressive depth and attacking firepower. Emerging talents have also risen to the occasion, matching established stars in influence and impact.
Morocco’s Brahim Diaz currently tops the scoring chart with five goals, while Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen trail closely with four apiece. With the third-place playoff and the final yet to be contested, the Golden Boot race remains wide open.
Tactical evolution fuels attacking football
AFCON 2025 has been marked by a clear shift towards bolder, more expansive tactical approaches, allowing attackers greater freedom to express themselves.
The tournament has delivered a series of thrilling comebacks, dramatic late goals and end-to-end contests, keeping fans enthralled from the group stage through to the knockout rounds.
The expanded 24-team format has added depth to the competition without compromising quality, proving that a larger tournament can still produce exciting, high-scoring football.
Beyond the numbers, the 120-goal landmark signals a new chapter in African football. Players are increasingly versatile, technically refined and physically prepared, while teams are showing greater ambition by prioritising creativity and attacking play over caution.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Morocco’s packed and colourful stadiums, AFCON 2025 has delivered a goal-filled spectacle that reflects the evolution and growing confidence of the African game.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 16, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
The Confederation of African Football (CAF), in partnership with global sportswear brand PUMA, has unveiled a limited-edition ITRI match ball to commemorate the grand finale of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.
The specially designed ball will be used in Sunday’s highly anticipated final, serving as a symbol of the tournament’s rich heritage while celebrating the flair, skill and unforgettable moments that have defined this edition of Africa’s flagship football competition.
Created to honour the spirit of African football, the commemorative ITRI ball blends advanced performance technology with a distinctive visual design that reflects both the continent’s deep football culture and the modern evolution of the game. Its debut in the final adds an extra layer of prestige to what promises to be a thrilling climax to AFCON 2025.
Beyond its striking appearance, the special-edition ball features innovative technology aimed at improving accuracy, control and flight consistency, allowing players to perform at the highest level. The release further highlights CAF’s commitment to merging innovation with tradition.
As the tournament reaches its conclusion, the limited-edition ITRI match ball stands not just as a tool of play, but as a lasting emblem of an AFCON edition destined to be remembered for years.
