SPORT - The African Mirror

Dec

18

2025

TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in numbers

FOOTBALL

Ahead of the draw for the 35th edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 that will be staged in Rabat on January 27, Cafonline.com has rounded up the numbers on the continent’s greatest footballing show. 0 – There will be no debut nation at these finals in Morocco. All 24 teams have competed at least once before in the continental showpiece, though Botswana and Comoros will be making a second appearance. 1 – Former Zambia goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene is the only gloveman to score at the AFCON when he netted a penalty in a 1-1…

Dec

16

2025

By SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

The Eagles have landed: Africa’s finest prepare for continental glory

FOOTBALL

FOUR days. That's all that stands between the football-mad continent and its most beloved sporting obsession. The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations - AFCON, to its friends, the tournament that makes grown men weep and entire nations grind to a halt - is about to kick off in Morocco. And if recent squad announcements are anything to go by, we're in for another rollercoaster of drama, redemption, and the kind of chaos only African football can conjure. From Cairo to Cape Town, Dakar to Dar es Salaam, the conversation is singular: who will add their name to a roll…

Dec

16

2025

By The African Mirror

Exclusive: FIM Africa president backs South Africa to host major international motorsport events

MOTORSPORT

SOUTH Africa’s growing reputation as a global motorsport destination received a major boost following a successful World Supercross Championship finale held in Cape Town this past weekend. FIM Africa President Marco Comana praised the event and confirmed his support for the country hosting more international motorsport competitions in the future. The historic race weekend marked the first time the World Supercross Championship was staged on African soil, a milestone moment for motorsport on the continent. According to Comana, the occasion was long overdue. “For us at FIM Africa, it is a dream come true. We waited a long time to…

Dec

09

2025

By The African Mirror

The Pharaoh’s fury: Has Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool love story turned to ashes?

FOOTBALL

WELL, well, well. If this isn't the most spectacular falling-out since your favourite soap opera's Christmas special, then call me a Spurs supporter and be done with it. Mohamed Salah - the man who's scored more goals for Liverpool than most of us have had hot dinners, the Egyptian King who turned Anfield into his personal palace, the forward who made defending against Liverpool about as enjoyable as a root canal - is now warming the bench like it's a five-star Egyptian resort in Sharm el-Sheikh. Except there's no sun, no sea, and absolutely no smiles. The Fall from Grace…

Dec

06

2025

By Jovial Rantao

Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw: A continent’s date with destiny

SPORT

WHEN the small white draw balls were opened in Washington D.C. on Friday, the football gods revealed their plans for Africa's nine warriors - potentially ten, if DRC can navigate their intercontinental obstacle course. What emerged was a tapestry of revenge matches, baptisms by fire, and just enough breathing room to keep hope alive. The Heavyweight Bouts Morocco vs. Brazil: When Atlas Met the Samba Kings The Atlas Lions, fresh off their swashbuckling semi-final run in Qatar that had the entire Arab world dancing in the streets, have been handed the ultimate litmus test. Group C pairs them with Brazil…

Dec

03

2025

By Jovial Rantao

Special Olympics lights flame of hope for inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities

SPORT

SOUTH AFRICAN government officials, law enforcement, and disability advocates gathered Monday to advance efforts supporting citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities through a symbolic ceremony transferring responsibility for the 2026 Special Olympics National Games. The Flame of Hope Handover Ceremony at Carousel Casino marked the official transition of hosting duties from Limpopo Province to North West Province, bringing together representatives from the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, the South African Police Service, and traditional leaders. The event centered on the Flame of Hope, a global Special Olympics symbol representing the organization’s commitment to inclusion for people with…

Dec

04

2025

By SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

South Africa and Uganda claim historic spots at Women’s Softball World Cup after thrilling Nairobi showdown

SPORT

IN a tournament that crackled with intensity at Nairobi's Field of Dreams, South Africa and Uganda have punched their tickets to the WBSC Women's Softball World Cup 2026/2027, cementing eastern and southern Africa's presence on softball's biggest stage. World No. 37 South Africa blazed through the WBSC Africa Women's Softball Continental Championship undefeated, crushing all four opponents to claim the continent's premier qualification spot. But it was Uganda's dramatic 14-3 victory over host nation Kenya in a nail-biting playoff that provided the tournament's defining moment - and earned the East African nation its first-ever legitimate World Cup berth. The double…

Nov

28

2025

By SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

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…