FOOTBALL - The African Mirror

Jan

30

2025

“We will fight for the title” – Thiaw sets ambitious goal for Senegal

FOOTBALL

SENEGAL head coach Pape Thiaw has set high ambitions for his team ahead of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco. Speaking after the tournament draw in Rabat on Monday night, Thiaw acknowledged the challenges ahead but exuded confidence in the Lions of Teranga's ability to compete for their second continental title. “It will not be easy at all. These are all teams that have proven themselves,” Thiaw remarked, emphasizing the heightened competitiveness of African football. “There are no more small teams in Africa, but we are Senegal, and we will do everything to be there.”…

Jan

30

2025

By The African Mirror

TotalEnergies and CAF extend and deepen their partnership for a further four years

FOOTBALL

A day after the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final Draw, President of the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Dr Patrice Motsepe, and Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies concluded an agreement extending their partnership for a further four years. TotalEnergies will now sponsor 12 major CAF events and CAF competitions in the period: 2025-2028. These include the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2024, TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, and TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda 2027, amongst others. With the extension of this partnership, TotalEnergies…

Jan

29

2025

By The African Mirror

Serge Aurier eyes tough Group F challenge as Cote d’Ivoire defends title

FOOTBALL

SPEAKING after the draw held in Rabat on Monday night, Ivorian captain Serge Aurier acknowledged the challenge but exuded confidence in his team’s ability to progress. “Of course, it’s difficult. Matches between Cameroon and Cote d'Ivoire are always intense,” Aurier said. “But we cannot overlook Gabon and Mozambique. African football has progressed significantly, and every team poses a challenge.” Côte d’Ivoire, fresh from their triumphant home-soil campaign in 2023, aim to replicate their success in Morocco. Aurier emphasized the importance of advancing beyond the group stage, citing the team’s proven ability to excel in knockout rounds. “We hope to get…

Jan

28

2025

By The African Mirror

A Desert Symphony: AFCON 2025 brings football magic to Morocco

FOOTBALL

THE ancient medinas of Morocco are stirring with new energy as the nation prepares to host Africa's greatest football spectacle. The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations promises to transform Morocco's December festive season into an unprecedented celebration of sport and culture, where the rhythmic beats of Gnawa music will blend with the roars of passionate fans. In Rabat's historic streets, where modern architecture meets timeless tradition, hosts Morocco will launch their campaign against the Comoros Islands on December 21. The majestic Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca will stand witness to epic battles, its towering minaret overlooking a city pulsing with…

Jan

28

2025

By The African Mirror

Aliou Cissé: “The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations requires special preparation”

FOOTBALL

FROM a losing finalist in 2002 to a victorious strategist at the 2021 edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Aliou Cissé's story with Africa's most prestigious competition is a true tale of perseverance and success. In this interview, the former Senegal captain and coach shares his unreserved view of this key event and analyses the ambitions of the Lions of Teranga for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025 in Morocco. CAFOnline.com: You have been designated to attend the draw for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025. How do you feel about this responsibility?Aliou Cissé: It's an experience that I've…

Jan

28

2025

By The African Mirror

CAF and Morocco LOC announce Host Cities and Venues for TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025

FOOTBALL

THE Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) together with Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football and the Local Organizing Committee of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 have announced the cities that will host matches in the competition. Six cities and nine stadiums have been selected for Africa’s flagship football tournament, which will run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026. They are Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, Fes and Tangier. Host Cities and Stadiums: Host CityStadium NameCapacityRabatComplexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah69 500RabatStade Al Barid18 000RabatStade Olympique Annexe Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah 21 000RabatComplexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay EL Hassan22 000CasablancaComplexe Sportif Mohammed V45 000AgadirGrand Stade d’Agadir41 144MarrakechGrand…

Jan

17

2025

By Jovial Rantao

DIALLO’S DIVINE DOZEN: Ivorian’s 12-minute hat-trick rescues United from Saints shock”

FOOTBALL

ON a night when Manchester United seemed destined for humiliation, two African stars wrote their names into Old Trafford folklore. The stage belonged to Amad Diallo, the diminutive Ivorian who transformed from right wing-back to goalscoring hero in a breathtaking 12-minute spell that will long live in the memory of the United faithful. With United trailing to Southampton – a team anchored at the bottom of the Premier League – it was first Andre Onana, the Cameroonian goalkeeper, who kept his team's hopes alive. His heroics included a spectacular double save, first denying Tyler Dibling's powerful strike before producing an…

Dec

17

2024

By The African Mirror

The moment of redemption: Amad Diallo’s derby triumph

FOOTBALL

IN the cauldron of the Etihad Stadium, where Manchester City's dominance has long been unquestioned, a young Ivorian emerged to rewrite the narrative. Amad Diallo, once written off as too lightweight, and too young, transformed from a bench-warmer to a match-winner in 90 breathtaking minutes. The derby was slipping away from Manchester United. City led 1-0, and the game seemed destined to continue their recent pattern of disappointment. But Diallo had other plans. With a composure that belied his years, he first won a crucial penalty, drawing Matheus Nunes into a rash challenge that allowed Bruno Fernandes to equalize. Then…

Nov

21

2024

By The African Mirror

Dreams and Heartbreak: African Nations Cup’s final qualification drama unfolds

FOOTBALL

IN a pulsating finale to the African Cup of Nations qualifiers, three nations etched their names into football history on an unforgettable Tuesday that saw dreams realized and others shattered across the continent. Botswana, Mozambique, and Tanzania emerged triumphant from the crucible of qualification, each writing their own remarkable chapter in their football narratives. Desert Miracle in Cairo In the shadow of the pyramids, Botswana authored one of football's most compelling David versus Goliath tales. The Zebras, rank outsiders against the mighty Pharaohs of Egypt, stunned the football world with a performance that will be spoken about for generations. When…

Nov

17

2024

By The African Mirror

Dreams and heartbreak: Historic night reshapes African football landscape

FOOTBALL

IN a dramatic night of African football that saw dreams both made and shattered, four-time champions Ghana crashed out of Africa Cup of Nations qualification while the tiny island nation of Comoros wrote another chapter in their fairytale journey to the continent's biggest stage. The stunning elimination of Ghana, a powerhouse of African football, marks the end of their remarkable decade-long streak of finals appearances, despite Jordan Ayew's spectacular free-kick against Angola. The Black Stars' fall from grace was sealed when Angola's substitute Zini headed home in the second half, leaving the football-mad nation of Ghana watching next year's tournament…