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Tag: African football

  • Cameroon Edge South Africa 2–1 to Reach AFCON Q/Finals

    Cameroon Edge South Africa 2–1 to Reach AFCON Q/Finals

    RABAT, Morocco — In a gripping AFCON2025 Round of 16 clash on Sunday, 4 January 2026, Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions booked their place in the quarter-finals with a 2–1 victory over South Africa’s Bafana Bafana at the Al Medina Stadium.

    The result sends Cameroon into the last eight to face hosts Morocco later this week, while South Africa’s promising tournament run comes to an end.

    South Africa started with intensity, dominating early possession and fashioning several good chances. Relebohile Mofokeng threatened in the opening stages and Lyle Foster appeared to score, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

    But it was Cameroon who struck first. In the 34th minute, Junior Tchamadeu reacted quickly inside the box to tap in after a rebound fell his way, giving the Indomitable Lions the lead against the run of play.

    Just minutes after the restart, Cameroon doubled their lead. Christian Kofane, the 19-year-old forward, climbed highest to head in a pinpoint cross from Mahamadou Nagida in the 47th minute, making it 2–0 and swinging momentum firmly in Cameroon’s favour.

    That goal underscored Cameroon’s efficiency, taking their opportunities with composure when presented, despite South Africa’s better start.

    South Africa refused to wilt. In the 88th minute, substitute Evidence Makgopa met a precise delivery from Aubrey Modiba to score a powerful close-range finish, pulling one back and igniting hopes of a late turnaround.

    But Cameroon’s defence and goalkeeper Devis Epassy stood firm in the closing moments, withstanding Bafana Bafana’s pressure to secure the 2–1 victory and progression.

    Cameroon’s victory keeps alive their hopes of continental glory and sets up a quarter-final showdown with Morocco, a match that promises to be one of the standout ties of the AFCON 2025 knockout rounds.

    For South Africa, it’s a bitter exit but one that provides valuable lessons as they look ahead to future tournaments and competitions.

  • Nigeria Outgun Tunisia in Thrilling AFCON 2025 Group Clash

    Nigeria Outgun Tunisia in Thrilling AFCON 2025 Group Clash

    Nigeria booked their place via a Victor Osimhen-assisted 3-2 win over rivals, Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in an entertaining Group C encounter played in Fez, Morocco.

    The Super Eagles produced a dominant attacking display to take control of the match early, putting the Carthage Eagles under sustained pressure with their pace and movement.

    Nigeria’s breakthrough came late in the first half when Victor Osimhen rose highest to power home a header, giving his side a deserved lead at the 44th minute.

    Nigeria continued on the front foot after the restart and were rewarded with two quick goals that appeared to put the contest beyond Tunisia’s reach.

    Wilfred Ndidi doubled the advantage with a well-taken strike from midfield before Ademola Lookman added a third, finishing off a swift counter-attack that showcased Nigeria’s attacking quality.

    Tunisia, however, refused to capitulate. The North Africans mounted a spirited comeback, pulling a goal back through Montassar Talbi and later converting a penalty to set up a tense finale.

    Despite late pressure, Nigeria’s defence held firm to secure all three points.

    The result confirmed Nigeria’s qualification for the round of 16 and strengthened their credentials as one of the tournament favourites.

    Tunisia, meanwhile, were left to reflect on missed opportunities as they turn their attention to their remaining group fixture in search of qualification.

    Speaking after the match, Nigeria’s coaching staff praised the team’s attacking intent while stressing the need for greater concentration in defence.

    Tunisian officials acknowledged their side’s resilience but admitted the slow start proved costly.

    The latest chapter in the long-standing Nigeria–Tunisia rivalry once again delivered drama, goals and intensity, underlining why both nations remain among Africa’s football heavyweights at AFCON 2025.

  • AFCON 2024 Qualifier: Madugu Replaces Oshoala, Echegini

    Coach Justin Madugu has been compelled to pick replacements for forward Asisat Oshoala and midfielder Jennifer Echegini after the duo voluntarily opted out of the Super Falcons’ squad that is due to contest a 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations final qualifying fixture against Cape Verde, with the first leg in Abuja in four days.

    NFF’s Assistant Director (Technical), Abdulrafiu Yusuf, said the two players had been sent their flight tickets to travel to Nigeria a whole week before they announced on Saturday that they would be unable to join the squad.

    “We were surprised that they had the flight tickets for so long and did not say anything, only for them to send different messages on Saturday that they would be unable to make the trip. However, Coach Madugu has moved swiftly to call up replacements for them,” disclosed Yusuf.

    Midfield lynchpin Halimatu Ayinde, who missed the 2024 Olympics qualifying fixture against Ethiopia last month, is still out injured, and forward Ifeoma Onumonu also requested to be left out, saying she is nursing an injury. Defender Michelle Alozie told the team administrator that she will be undergoing a surgery.

    Madugu has called up Portugal-based Peace Efih to once again fill the space vacated by Ayinde, while Rivers Angels’ midfielder Motunrayo Ezekiel will take the place of Christy Ucheibe, who is unable to travel to Nigeria from her base in Portugal.

    Nigeria U20 Girls’ ace forward Chioma Olise will take the place of US-based Echegini while Chiamaka Chukwu of Rivers Angels has been called up to take Oshoala’s place.

    The Super Falcons will host the first leg of the fixture against their counterparts from Cape Verde at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Thursday, 30th November, with the second leg scheduled for the Santiago-Estadio Nacional Blue Shark in Praia on Tuesday, 5th December.

    NEW LIST OF INVITED PLAYERS:

    Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia); Christiana Obia (Edo Queens)

    Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca FC, Mexico); Glory Edet (FCF TP Mazembe, DR Congo); Rihanat Kasali (Bayelsa Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Stade de Reims, France); Akudo Ogbonna (Remo Stars Ladies); Rofiat Imuran (Stade de Reims, France) 

    Midfielders: Motunrayo Ezekiel (Rivers Angels); Esther Onyenezide (FC Robo Queens); Peace Efih (Sporting Club de Braga, Portugal); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid FC, Spain); Deborah Abiodun (University of Pittsburgh, USA); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain); Chioma Olise (Edo Queens) 

    Forwards: Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Chiamaka Chukwu (Rivers Angels); Esther Okoronkwo (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain).