SPORT - The African Mirror

Feb

09

2025

Sébastien Siani: “Winning an AFCON is the Holy Grail”

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A key man in coach Hugo Broos' set-up during Cameroon's victory at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Gabon 2017, midfielder Sébastien Siani was one of the main architects of that success. Who doesn't remember his equalising goal against Guinea-Bissau on the second day of the group stage which had turned a match that started badly for the Indomitable Lions, who won 2-1 to stay on course for the knockout round. And it was Siani who, with a clever pass, located Vincent Aboubakar for the sumptuous winning goal in the final against Egypt as Cameroon triumphed 2-1 to lift…

Feb

08

2025

By The African Mirror

TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025: Unpredictable outcome in dicey Group D

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THE TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 promises to pick up from the exceptionally high standards set in Cote d’Ivoire last year. Following the official draw of the group stages for the 24 qualified nations, the battle lines have officially been drawn for the 35th edition of Africa’s biggest football spectacle set for Morocco between 21 December 2025 and 18 January 2026. An interesting Group that emerged from the draw conducted last month in Rabat was that of Group D, which saw Benin, Botswana, DR Congo, and Senegal all housed together in a dicey pool. While Senegal and DR…

Feb

07

2025

By The African Mirror

TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025: Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire face tough fixtures in Group F

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THE TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, will see defending champions Côte d'Ivoire lead Group F, where they will face stiff competition from Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique. With five-time winners Cameroon among their challengers, and two unpredictable teams in Gabon and Mozambique, this group promises high-stakes drama. Côte d'Ivoire Open Title Defence Against Mozambique The Elephants will begin their AFCON 2025 title defence on December 24, 2025, against Mozambique at Grand Stade de Marrakech in Marrakech. Fresh off their victorious campaign in AFCON 2023, Côte d'Ivoire will be determined to start strong. However, Mozambique, returning to the tournament…

Feb

07

2025

By The African Mirror

TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana clashes revealed in Group D

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THE TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, will witness an exciting battle in Group D, featuring Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana. The group promises a mix of experience and ambition, with the 2021 AFCON champions, Senegal, looking to dominate, while DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana aim to cause upsets. Senegal Begins Title Hunt Against Benin The group kicks off on December 23, 2025, with Senegal facing Benin at Stade de Tanger in Tangier. The Teranga Lions, who won their maiden AFCON title in 2021, are among the favourites and will be expected to start strong. However, Benin, known for…

Feb

06

2025

By The African Mirror

TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025: East Africa’s time to rise

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SPECIAL focus will be on East Africa’s performance at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, as the region continues to attract attention as hosts of this year’s TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship as well as the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2027. The Ugandan Cranes alongside the Taifa Stars of Tanzania are the two East African representatives at this year’s TotalEnergies CAF AFCON finals set to take place between 21 December 2025 – 18 January 2026. Interestingly, both nations find themselves in a tough Group C that has them pitted against three-time champions, Nigeria as well as 2004 winners, Tunisia. As co-hosts of…

Feb

05

2025

By The African Mirror

Chipolopolo skipper Lubambo Musonda on Zambia’s chances in Morocco

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ZAMBIA have been drawn in a “fair group” and will need to work hard for a great TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 tournament. These were the views expressed by Chipolopolo captain, Lubambo Musonda on the team’s chances at the finals set to take place in Morocco between 25 December 2025 – 18 January 2026. The Southern African nation finds themselves housed in Group A alongside tournament hosts, Morocco, and Mali as well as Southern African counterparts Comoros in one of the groups fiercely dubbed as the group of death. Zambia kick-off their campaign against West African powerhouse,…

Feb

05

2025

By The African Mirror

Congolese Star, Merveille Kanjinga signs with PSG

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DEMOCRATIC Republic of Congo star, Merveille Kanjinga has officially put pen to paper with French club, Paris Saint-Germain after the club announced the signing on Friday, 31 January in a move that will see Kanjinga at the club until 2027. Developed by Congolese giants TP Mazembe, Kanjinga has established herself as one of the best players on the continent with her outstanding performances. In her first season (2021), Kanjinga finished as the top scorer of the National Championship with 23 goals. Her goal-scoring instinct and consistency were key to Mazembe's success, with whom she secured three doubles (Cup and League)…

Feb

05

2025

By The African Mirror

Wydad bolster squad with South African Lorch signing amid transfer drive

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MOROCCAN giants Wydad Casablanca have completed the signing of South African winger Thembinkosi Lorch from Mamelodi Sundowns, reinforcing their squad in a significant winter transfer window. Lorch, 30, joins the Botola Pro side on a six-month loan deal with an option to buy, becoming Wydad’s fourth signing of the January window. The former Orlando Pirates star arrives at a crucial time as the club looks to compete on multiple fronts domestically and in continental competitions. The announcement was made in a stylized video, reminiscent of Egyptian side Al Ahly’s unveiling of Anthony Modeste last summer. Lorch, known for his pace and…

Feb

03

2025

By The African Mirror

CAF announce match schedule for TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025

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Hosts Morocco and Comoros to open the tournament on 21 December, 2025 Six cities and nine stadiums to stage Africa’s flagship sports event Final to be played at the 69,500-seater Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat on 18 January, 2026 THE Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has announced the match schedule for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 which will see nine venues used across six cities for the continent’s greatest football show. Morocco and Comoros will kick off the tournament on 21 December 2025 with a Group A fixture at the newly-built 69,500-seater Complexe Sportif…

Feb

03

2025

By The African Mirror

Mali Coach Tom Saintfiet: “We want to play seven matches at AFCON 2025”

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MALI head coach Tom Saintfiet has set his sights on a deep run at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, insisting that his team’s ambition is to reach at least the semi-finals. Speaking after the group stage draw in Rabat, the Belgian tactician expressed satisfaction with the Group A draw, which sees Mali face hosts Morocco, Zambia, and Comoros. While acknowledging the challenge ahead, Saintfiet remains confident that the Eagles can compete at the highest level. Mali, who will be making their 14th AFCON appearance, were drawn in a group that features Morocco, a team that made history…