SPORT - The African Mirror

Nov

28

2025

CAF takes AFCON trophy to the world: a bold new chapter in African football’s global story

FOOTBALL

IN a groundbreaking move that underscores African football's growing global influence, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has launched an ambitious Diaspora Tour, bringing the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations trophy to the heart of Europe's football capitals. The iconic trophy will make its first stop in London at Below the Lights, Piccadilly Circus, on 28 November, before travelling to Paris on 4 December at YOYO in the Palais de Tokyo. This innovative marketing initiative represents far more than a promotional exercise - it is a powerful acknowledgement of the unbreakable thread connecting African football to its millions of…

Nov

28

2025

By SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

The ITRI Ball: A Geometric masterpiece destined for glory – and possibly a few bruised shins

FOOTBALL

IN what can only be described as the most elaborately designed object that millionaire athletes will routinely boot into the stratosphere, CAF and PUMA have unveiled the ITRI - the official match ball for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. This isn't just any sphere of stitched panels, mind you. This is a ball with heritage. A ball with meaning. A ball that costs €130 and will inevitably end up in a Moroccan hedge at some point during the tournament. The ITRI - named after the star on Morocco's flag, because apparently calling it "Kevin" lacked gravitas…

Nov

28

2025

By The African Mirror

Georgi Minoungou (Burkina Faso): “AFCON, a childhood dream turned national mission”

FOOTBALL

Emerging at the FIFA Club World Cup with Seattle Sounders, the young Burkinabè has become a standard-bearer for the Stallions’ new generation At 23, he is set for his first TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, driven by unshakable faith and resilience forged through adversity Balancing international recognition with deep attachment to homeland, Georgi Minoungou wants to write an inspiring chapter in Burkinabè football He was one of the faces of the off-season. At 23, Georgi Minoungou has risen rapidly, thrust into the spotlight at the FIFA Club World Cup with Seattle Sounders. Lined up against stars such as Achraf…

Nov

20

2025

By The African Mirror

Rabat lights up as Hakimi makes history and the Atlas Kingdom dominates CAF Awards 2025

FOOTBALL

THE Moroccan capital of Rabat transformed into the beating heart of African football on Wednesday night as the continent's finest gathered for a glittering celebration of excellence that will be remembered for generations. In a ceremony that sparkled with star power and historic achievements, Morocco claimed the spotlight with an unprecedented sweep that underscored their remarkable rise as a football powerhouse. Leading the charge was Paris Saint-Germain's elegant defender Achraf Hakimi, who etched his name into the record books by becoming the first defender in over five decades to claim the CAF Men's Player of the Year crown. A Defender…

Nov

14

2025

By SPORTS REPORTER

African football’s golden dawn: Nine nations storm U-17 World Cup knockouts

FOOTBALL

AFRICA is painting the FIFA U-17 World Cup in brilliant shades of promise and power. Nine nations from the continent have surged into the Round of 32, announcing to the world that African football's next generation isn't just knocking on the door – they've kicked it wide open. This isn't hope. This isn't potential. This is the arrival. From the sun-scorched pitches of West Africa to the tactical academies of North Africa, the continent's youth revolution is unfolding on football's global stage with swagger, skill, and an unmistakable sense of destiny. And with two all-African knockout clashes already confirmed, the…

Nov

14

2025

By SPORTS REPORTER

African soccer star sues Manchester United for £1 million over alleged medical negligence

FOOTBALL

MANCHESTER United faces a High Court battle with former defender Axel Tuanzebe, who is suing the club for more than £1 million over alleged medical negligence that he claims has left him unable to play professional football without restriction. Court documents obtained by Sky Sports reveal the 27-year-old DR Congo international alleges the Premier League club failed to appropriately treat a spinal stress fracture that has plagued his career since 2020, ultimately derailing his promising trajectory at one of football's most storied institutions. The legal claim, first filed in July 2023 when Tuanzebe departed Old Trafford, centres on allegations that…

Nov

11

2025

By SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

From São Tomé to the Premier League: the extraordinary journey of Nuno Espírito Santo

FOOTBALL

IN a sport where African players illuminate pitches across Europe's elite leagues, African coaches remain conspicuously rare in football's boardrooms and technical areas. Yet from the tiny island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe - a speck of volcanic beauty in the Gulf of Guinea - emerged a man who would quietly shatter barriers and rewrite the record books of English football management. Nuno Herlander Simões Espírito Santo isn't just another successful coach. He is a trailblazer, the first Black manager to take permanent charge of four different Premier League clubs, a distinction that speaks volumes about both his quality…

Nov

07

2025

By SPORTS REPORTER

African football’s rising generation lights up Qatar

FOOTBALL

THE future of African football blazed across the pristine pitches of Qatar on Thursday, as the continent's young lions demonstrated why they're among the most exciting prospects at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup. In a display of composure beyond his years, Senegal's Alwaly Camara struck early thunder in Al Rayyan, smashing home the decisive goal after just eight minutes to sink Costa Rica 1-0 in a Group C encounter that showcased West African flair at its finest. The Teranga Cubs controlled proceedings with the confidence of champions, dominating possession and territory, though they'll rue missed opportunities to put the match…

Nov

07

2025

By SPORTS REPORTER

The great African goal rush: 13 contenders battle for continental glory (and your clicks!)

FOOTBALL

MOVE over, Puskas – Africa's got its own beautiful game to celebrate The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has thrown open the velvet ropes to its most democratic red carpet event: the Goal of the Year category at the #CAFAwards25. And this time, dear supporters, you are the kingmakers. Between 6 January and 15 October 2025, thirteen moments of pure footballing sorcery were captured on camera – strikes so spectacular that CAF's Technical Panel simply couldn't keep them to themselves. From thunderbolts to toe-pokes of destiny, these goals represent the continent's finest "did that just happen?" moments. Here's where it…

Nov

04

2025

By SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

Eliud Kipchoge: The king’s new quest – seven marathons, seven continents, one limitless vision

ATHLETICS

MOST legends retire to rest on their laurels. Eliud Kipchoge? He's just getting started. Fresh from his 17th-place finish at the New York City Marathon—completing his quest for the Abbott World Marathon Majors Seven Star Hall of Fame just three days before his 41st birthday—the greatest marathoner of all time unveiled a breathtaking new chapter: Eliud Kipchoge's World Tour. Over the next two years, the Kenyan icon will run seven marathons across seven continents, from the familiar roads of major cities to the frozen, unforgiving terrain of Antarctica. This isn't about breaking records anymore. This is about breaking barriers of…