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Top 12 africa cup of nations News Today

#1
AFCON ref who ended game early twice in huge controversy and what he's doing now
#1 out of 12
sports1d ago

AFCON ref who ended game early twice in huge controversy and what he's doing now

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/africa-cup-of-nations-referee-36542667
Dailystar.co.uk
  • Sikazwe ended the Mali–Tunisia match early, blowing for full time at 85 minutes in 2022.
  • He resumed play and then blew the whistle again at 89:47 amid stoppages and VAR checks.
  • Tournament organizers insisted the match be completed 20 minutes later despite Tunisian plans to not return.
  • Sikazwe defended his actions, citing heat and risk of missing life due to heatstroke.
  • He later said the weather and humidity affected him, suggesting danger to his life.
  • Sikazwe retired from refereeing and moved into a CAF technical instructor role.
  • The 2026 AFCON edition featured the same referee in spotlight as the tournament progressed.
  • Sikazwe’s 2016 officiating controversy arose from not showing Sergio Ramos a red card in the Club World Cup Final.
  • Sikazwe faced a temporary CAF suspension later lifted by FIFA amid corruption suspicions.
  • In his final domestic game, Sikazwe received a guard of honour from both teams.
  • The article notes ongoing reflection on Sikazwe’s decision-making and its impact on AFCON history.
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#2
Confidence runs high in London’s Little Morocco as Afcon glory beckons
#2 out of 12
sports1d ago

Confidence runs high in London’s Little Morocco as Afcon glory beckons

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jan/17/afcon-little-morocco-london-confidence-high
Theguardian.com
  • London’s Moroccan diaspora in North Kensington hosts watch parties as Afcon final nears.
  • Locals say football has united the community and offered relief from gloom over Gaza and local issues.
  • Community figures expect a big turnout in Trafalgar Square if Morocco wins.
  • Morocco's potential win would mark their first Afcon trophy since 1976.
  • Residents connect football success with broader community pride and cultural identity.
  • Cafes on Golborne Road are showing matches and building community screens for the final.
  • Celebrations could spill into public spaces if Morocco wins, with plans for street celebrations.
  • Moroccan families anticipate shared meals and extended family gatherings to mark a potential victory.
  • The article underscores the positive mood despite broader political and economic concerns.
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#3
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw begs Sadio Mane to reconsider international retirement
#3 out of 12
sports1d ago

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw begs Sadio Mane to reconsider international retirement

https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/47637712/senegal-coach-pape-thiaw-begs-sadio-mane-reconsider-international-retirement
Espn.com
  • Senegal coach Pape Thiaw urges Morocco to safeguard Africa's image at AFCON final, stressing unity and fair play across the continent.
  • Thiaw cites recent Senegal concerns about treatment and logistics, framing them as risks to fairness and the tournament's reputation.
  • Thiaw warns that missteps around organization could undermine Africa's top players' chances at Ballon d'Or and other honors.
  • Thiaw frames Mane as central to Senegal's identity and World Cup plans, emphasizing his broad impact beyond the field.
  • The coach stresses Mane's generosity, humility, and influence as a model for Senegal's football path.
  • Senegal's AFCON final against Morocco is set in Rabat as the team pursues a second continental title.
  • Mane earns Man of the Match in the semi and signals resolve to win the AFCON title for Dakar.
  • The semifinal win over Egypt propelled Senegal toward the final, reinforcing Mane's leadership during the campaign.
  • Officials and teammates praised Mane's impact, comparing him to Ballon d'Or-level talent and stressing his ongoing value.
  • The article centers on Mane's influence and Senegal's intent to keep him through future competitions, underscoring national pride.
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#4
Only a thrilling final can save a predictable Africa Cup of Nations from being forgotten | Jonathan Wilson
#4 out of 12
sports1d ago

Only a thrilling final can save a predictable Africa Cup of Nations from being forgotten | Jonathan Wilson

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jan/17/only-a-thrilling-final-can-save-a-predictable-africa-cup-of-nations-from-being-forgotten
Theguardian.com
  • The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 has high-quality football but few shocks, risking memory as a forgotten tournament.
  • Morocco and Senegal reach a final where both sides are coached by Africans, continuing a trend since 1965.
  • The final pits Morocco against Senegal, with Morocco hosting and Karim En-Nesyri among standout players.
  • The piece notes Africa’s growing diaspora influence, with many players born outside Africa.
  • The author cites a regulatory shift that allowed players to switch allegiance under certain conditions.
  • The final is framed as a test of whether drama can redeem the tournament amid looming World Cup narratives.
  • The article highlights Africa’s modern football infrastructure and the academy system feeding talent.
  • Morocco’s Hakimi and Bounou noted as standout performers in keeping Morocco competitive.
  • The piece notes the tournament’s content-production success for organisers, despite criticisms.
  • The final match-up is described as a test of North versus Sub-Saharan Africa strength.
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#5
Nigeria derrota por penales a Egipto y acaba tercera de la CAN
#5 out of 12
sports1d ago

Nigeria derrota por penales a Egipto y acaba tercera de la CAN

https://www.si.com/mx/nigeria-derrota-por-penales-a-egipto-y-acaba-tercera-de-la-can-01kf6t7wvhma
Si.com
  • Nigeria win third place at CAN after beating Egypt on penalties in Casablanca.
  • Salah and Marmoush blunder in the shootout; Lookman scores the decisive penalty for Nigeria.
  • The match ended goalless before the penalties, with both teams short of goals in Casablanca.
  • Nigeria’s Lookman converted the final penalty, sealing third place for the Super Eagles.
  • Salah, at 33, may have played his last CAN match as he ends a disappointing season with Egypt.
  • Egypt, the continent's most titled team, failed to clinch a podium in this CAN edition.
  • The upcoming final featured hosts Morocco against Senegal in Rabat.
  • Casablanca hosted the CAN third-place playoff between Nigeria and Egypt.
  • The match determined the third-place team for the tournament behind Morocco and Senegal.
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#6
A golden generation of Senegal stars is coming to the end. Another is emerging
#6 out of 12
sports17h ago

A golden generation of Senegal stars is coming to the end. Another is emerging

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6978582/2026/01/18/senegal-new-golden-generation-mane-mbaye-sarr/
Nytimes.com
  • Mamadou Sarr stepped in for the injured Koulibaly during the AFCON semi-final, signaling a smooth transition for Senegal's defense.
  • The article frames Sarr's rise as a passing of the torch from veteran stars like Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Idrissa Gana Gueye.
  • Young talents such as El Hadji Malick Diouf, Habib Diarra, and Lamine Camara have begun to make their mark in top leagues.
  • The piece notes a growing core with Sarr, Diarra, and Camara potentially forming Senegal’s engine room for a decade or more.
  • Attacking youngsters Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye, and Ibrahim Mbaye are highlighted as part of the forward line with long-term potential.
  • The article emphasizes cautious optimism, acknowledging the need to balance youth development with experienced players' winning mentality.
  • Senegal aims for the 2026 World Cup with a renewed squad while pursuing another AFCON title in Rabat.
  • Coach Pape Thiaw described Mane as an example and signaled he hoped to keep him in the squad as long as possible.
  • Mendy, Gana Gueye, and Mane remain key figures, with Koulibaly also central, as the team looks to translate talent into titles.
  • Senegal’s AFCON and World Cup campaigns are framed as opportunities to nurture the next generation through the right pathways.
  • The article notes Sarr’s limited caps but praise for his seamless club-to-international transition during a crucial semi-final.
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#7
Burna Boy spotlights African culture & heritage ahead of AFCON final as Nigerian icon drops new music video featuring Eduardo Camavinga, Nico Williams & more | Goal.com UK
#7 out of 12
entertainment15h ago

Burna Boy spotlights African culture & heritage ahead of AFCON final as Nigerian icon drops new music video featuring Eduardo Camavinga, Nico Williams & more | Goal.com UK

https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/burna-boy-african-culture-heritage-afcon-final-new-music-video-eduardo-camavinga-nico-williams/blt885af6076321b5b6
Goal.com
  • Burna Boy launches a cross‑disciplinary campaign to elevate African culture ahead of AFCON final in Morocco.
  • The initiative spans music, fashion, sport and storytelling to own African narratives globally.
  • The first release is the single 'For Everybody' and a video featuring football stars like Camavinga and Williams.
  • Directed by Dave Meyers, the video highlights energy, rhythm and global impact of African sport.
  • Burna Boy emphasizes ownership of culture, stories and global influence in the campaign.
  • The project marks the campaign’s long-term platform to strengthen African narratives across media.
  • The music video features a lineup of football icons connected to African heritage.
  • AFCON final timing anchors the campaign as a milestone for Africa’s cultural storytelling.
  • The initiative intends to strengthen ownership of African narratives globally through multiple media channels.
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#8
Africa Cup of Nations final buildup, Premier League news, and more – matchday live
#8 out of 12
sports13h ago

Africa Cup of Nations final buildup, Premier League news, and more – matchday live

https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jan/18/africa-cup-of-nations-final-buildup-premier-league-news-and-more-matchday-live
Theguardian.com
  • Senegal and host Morocco meet for the Africa Cup of Nations final at 7pm GMT in Rabat, with both teams aiming to lift the title.
  • Morocco reached the final after beating Mali in the semi and Cameroon in the quarter, while Senegal defeated Egypt in the semis to advance.
  • London’s Moroccan community in North Kensington is hopeful of a historic title for Atlas Lions in front of a global diaspora.
  • The Guardian notes ongoing Premier League tensions, including Unai Emery’s Villa and the City–United title chase as context for the day’s fixtures.
  • Manager Oliver Glasner publicly criticized Crystal Palace’s board amid transfer upheaval ahead of the season’s end.
  • Timely Premier League results include Manchester United’s derby win and Tottenham’s troubled home defeat adding to title race chatter.
  • The article provides minute-by-minute matchday coverage and invites reader engagement via live comments.
  • The Guardian’s live feed highlights the Afcon final’s significance despite a tournament seen as lacking shocks.
  • The final’s context includes pre-match analysis and qualifiers from both teams’ journeys to the climax.
  • The piece forecasts a potentially thrilling final amid high expectations for Atlas Lions’ success.
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#9
Brahim Diaz: How Spain-born Real Madrid forward became Morocco icon at Afcon
#9 out of 12
sports12h ago

Brahim Diaz: How Spain-born Real Madrid forward became Morocco icon at Afcon

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cgrdqq5w5ldohttps://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/brahim-diaz-morocco-star-misses-114th-minute-penalty-afcon-final-baffling-panenka-attempt-backfires-senegal-players-storm-off-pitch-protest/blt8dc52a2b533b1af9https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/diaz-penalty-morocco-senegal-afcon-36572971
Bbc.com and 9 more
  • Morocco hosts AFCON final chaos as Senegal protest over late penalty leads to walk-off and tense finish.
  • Diaz's late penalty miss underscores an AFCON finale defined by volatility, protests, and officiating drama.
  • Pape Thiaw called his players off the pitch in an extraordinary protest amid AFCON final officiating tensions.
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#10
AFCON final stadium cost £200m and sparked outrage after four tournament games
#10 out of 12
sports8h ago

AFCON final stadium cost £200m and sparked outrage after four tournament games

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/afcon-final-stadium-pitch-controversy-36563529
Dailystar.co.uk
  • The AFCON final at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium drew attention over a costly upgrade and pitch concerns.
  • Ivory Coast's 2024 final was hosted after improvements, with a £25m funding boost sought for the surface.
  • In 2023, a waterlogged pitch caused the Mali friendly to be halted at halftime, prompting apology from sports officials.
  • The Alassane Ouattara Stadium opened in 2020 and cost around £200 million to construct.
  • A rain-heavy period flooded stadium corridors, hindering matchday conditions during AFCON preparations.
  • Mauritania and Morocco advanced to the final after a penalty shootout win over Nigeria, setting up a Morocco–Senegal final.
  • The controversy prompted public apologies from Ivory Coast’s Sports Minister Claude Paulin Danho.
  • CAF blamed the surface issue on algae, which prevented proper rainwater drainage.
  • Ivory Coast staged AFCON for the first time since 1984, celebrating the nation’s first tournament title since 2015.
  • The final will be held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with Morocco seeking the title.
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