With excitement already building ahead of the competition, the draw confirmed the qualifying groups that will determine which nations secure places at the continental showpiece set to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

A total of 48 national teams were distributed across four seeding pots before being placed into their respective groups. The qualification format will see the top two teams from each group advance to the main tournament, setting up what is expected to be a fiercely competitive journey across the continent.

For the Nigeria national football team, the draw delivered a group containing the Madagascar national football team, the Tanzania national football team, and the Guinea-Bissau national football team. The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, will be expected to navigate the group strongly as they continue their quest for another continental title.

Meanwhile, reigning African champions Morocco national football team, begin their title defense from Group A, where they have been paired with the Gabon national football team, Niger national football team, and Lesotho national football team.

Another intriguing storyline from the draw involves the South African national football team, who continue to impress under head coach Hugo Broos. South Africa will compete in Group D, where they are set for a fascinating encounter against Kenya national football team, now managed by former South African striker Benni McCarthy.

With the groups now finalized, focus will gradually shift toward the upcoming fixtures as countries across Africa prepare for what promises to be another intense and dramatic qualification campaign on the road to AFCON 2027.

FULL DRAW – AFCON 2027

Group A

• Morocco
• Gabon
• Niger
• Lesotho

Group B

• Egypt
• Angola
• Malawi
• South Sudan

Group C

• Ivory Coast
• Ghana
• Gambia
• Somalia

Group D

• South Africa
• Guinea
• Kenya
• Eritrea

Group E

• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Sierra Leone
• Zimbabwe

Group F

• Burkina Faso
• Benin
• Mauritania
• Central African Republic

Group G

• Cameroon
• Comoros
• Namibia
• Congo

Group H

• Tunisia
• Uganda
• Libya
• Botswana

Group I

• Algeria
• Zambia
• Togo
• Burundi

Group J

• Senegal
• Mozambique
• Sudan
• Ethiopia

Group K

• Mali
• Cape Verde
• Rwanda
• Liberia

Group L

• Nigeria
• Madagascar
• Tanzania
• Guinea-Bissau

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Often described as the “Oscars of African football,” the CAF Awards will return to Nigeria for the first time since 2017, marking another major moment for the country’s sporting profile on the continent.

Nigeria has previously hosted the prestigious ceremony multiple times: in Lagos in 2008 and 2013 and in Abuja in 2015 and 2017.

This time, the country will split hosting duties between its two major cities in what many see as an effort to showcase both Nigeria’s football heritage and growing event infrastructure.

The 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly is scheduled to be held in Abuja in October 2026. The gathering will bring together representatives from all 54 African football associations alongside top FIFA officials to discuss key football matters affecting the continent.

Two months later, Lagos will host the 2026 CAF Awards in December — a glamorous ceremony expected to honour the continent’s best players, coaches, clubs, and national teams.

Major categories expected on the night include African Player of the Year for both men and women, Coach of the Year, and National Team of the Year.

The successful hosting bid reportedly received approval from Bola Ahmed Tinubu following discussions with Patrice Motsepe during the Africa Forward Summit held in Nairobi in May 2026.

Nigeria’s delegation at the talks included Ibrahim Gusau, former Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

Beyond the glamour of the awards night, many fans and football stakeholders see the hosting rights as an opportunity to reignite interest in Nigeria’s football ecosystem, which has faced years of criticism over infrastructure challenges, poor administration, and underinvestment.

The country has not hosted a major FIFA tournament since the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where Nigeria finished runners-up after losing 1-0 to Switzerland in the final.

With the CAF Awards now returning to Lagos during the festive “Detty December” season, expectations are already building around what could become one of the biggest entertainment and sporting moments on the African calendar in 2026.

Many Nigerian fans will also be hoping the ceremony delivers something even more memorable — the return of a Nigerian player to the top of African football’s podium.

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According to a communiqué posted on CAF’s website on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the competition is scheduled to kick off on June 19 and conclude on July 18, 2027. The announcement comes as qualifying matches continue across the continent.

“This will be the first time in AFCON history that three nations will jointly host the tournament,” CAF noted, highlighting the organization’s ambition to expand the competition’s reach and infrastructure across Africa.

Scheduling the tournament in June and July is part of CAF’s strategy to align AFCON with the global football calendar. By doing so, the governing body aims to reduce clashes with European club seasons while ensuring ideal playing conditions for teams, many of which feature players active in top international leagues.

Despite the excitement over the 2027 edition, controversy still surrounds the 2025 AFCON. CAF controversially declared Morocco the winner, even though Senegal won the match on the pitch. The case is now under review at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which will determine the rightful champion after examining the evidence.

The announcement of the 2027 dates sets the stage for what promises to be a landmark edition of Africa’s premier football tournament, combining innovation, expanded hosting, and attention to players’ welfare.

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Motsepe met with Senegalese football chief Bassirou Diomaye Faye during the visit, stressing that his trip was meant to show solidarity with local football leadership. However, he did not directly address CAF’s disputed ruling that stripped Senegal of its AFCON title last month—a decision that has ignited widespread debate across the continent.

The controversy stems from the chaotic January final, in which Senegalese players staged a walkout, prompting questions over officiating and governance in African football. During his visit, Motsepe acknowledged concerns over the credibility of certain refereeing and CAF judicial decisions.

“Some of those decisions do not enjoy the respect and credibility which is very important to us,” he said.

President Faye, who has consistently defended the national team, engaged in talks with Motsepe aimed at easing tensions and restoring confidence in African football administration.

The visit comes as CAF faces growing scrutiny over its decision-making processes, with calls from stakeholders for greater transparency and accountability in managing football across the continent. The Dakar trip underscores Motsepe’s efforts to reassure member associations while navigating a highly sensitive period in African football.

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In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, authorities in Dakar described CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of the title as “grossly illegal, profoundly unjust, and a sham,” escalating what began as a football controversy into a full-blown diplomatic and legal standoff.

The latest development follows CAF’s Appeals Committee ruling, which overturned Senegal’s 1–0 extra-time victory over Morocco and instead awarded a 3–0 forfeit win to the North African side. The decision was based on a brief protest during the match, when Senegalese players walked off the pitch over a disputed penalty call before later returning to complete the game.

Reacting to the ruling, the Senegalese government argued that CAF’s action contradicts the very foundation of fair competition in sport.

“Senegal cannot tolerate an administrative decision that erases commitment, merit, and sporting excellence achieved on the field,” the statement read. “By calling into question a result achieved at the end of a match that was properly played to its conclusion, CAF seriously undermines its own credibility and the trust of the African people.”

The government confirmed its full backing for the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) as it prepares to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne. However, officials hinted that the matter may go beyond CAS, with plans to explore additional legal avenues if necessary.

Beyond the legal challenge, Senegal has also raised serious concerns about the integrity of CAF’s decision-making process. The government is pushing for an external audit, citing “suspected corruption” and demanding greater transparency around how the Appeals Committee reached its verdict.

At home, the government has thrown its weight behind the players, insisting that Sadio Mané and his teammates remain the “rightful and only” champions in the eyes of the nation.

The controversy centres on Article 84 of AFCON regulations, which CAF interpreted to mean that Senegal’s temporary walk-off—even though the team returned to finish and win the match—constituted a forfeiture. While Morocco has maintained that it only sought the “strict application of competition regulations,” Senegal views the outcome as a targeted and unfair punishment.

As tensions rise, the Senegalese government has appealed for calm among angry fans across West Africa, assuring citizens that it will pursue justice until what it calls the “truth of the pitch” is recognised globally.

With the battle now stretching beyond football into legal and political territory, the AFCON 2025 saga is shaping up to be one of the most controversial episodes in African football history.

BREAKING: Senegal’s government call for an investigation into suspected corruption at CAF following the governing body’s decision to overturn the Africa Cup of Nations victory 🚨 pic.twitter.com/9aJLhEJuaL

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 18, 2026

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The fallout from CAF’s controversial decision to award the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco has deepened, with the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) and captain Sadio Mané both breaking their silence in strongly worded statements.

In a ruling that has stunned the football world, CAF officially overturned Senegal’s victory two months after the final, declaring Morocco champions instead. The decision, announced on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, followed a review of events that occurred during the January 18 final in Rabat.

The match, which was locked at 0-0 deep into stoppage time, took a dramatic turn when Senegal’s players staged a protest by walking off the pitch for about 20 minutes after a controversial penalty was awarded to Morocco. Although the team later returned—reportedly convinced by their captain, Sadio Mané—and went on to win 1-0 after extra time, CAF ruled that the temporary walk-off breached competition rules.

Citing Articles 82 and 84, CAF’s Appeals Committee concluded that Senegal’s action amounted to a forfeiture, leading to a 3-0 victory being awarded to Morocco and the title officially reassigned.

Reacting swiftly, the Senegalese Football Federation rejected the decision outright, describing it as both unfair and damaging to the image of African football. The body also confirmed plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

“The Senegalese Football Federation condemns this unjust, unprecedented, and unacceptable decision, which brings African football into disrepute. We acted in the interest of fair play on the night, yet we are being punished for a situation handled with the utmost leadership by our captain.”

The federation maintained that since the match was completed and a winner emerged on the pitch, the original result should not have been overturned.

Sadio Mané, who was instrumental in ensuring the match resumed and was later named Player of the Tournament, also expressed deep disappointment over the development.

“We won that trophy with our sweat and our hearts on the pitch in Rabat,” he said. “To take it away in a boardroom months later is not football. I went into that dressing room to bring my brothers back because we wanted to prove we were the best through play, not politics. This decision hurts every Senegalese person, but we know who the real champions are.”

With the ruling, Morocco has been officially crowned AFCON 2025 champions via a 3-0 forfeit, while Senegal’s players—including Mané—have been stripped of their winners’ medals. The case is now expected to head to CAS, setting up a potentially lengthy legal battle.

The controversy has sparked widespread debate about officiating, discipline, and the increasing influence of VAR in African football. While Morocco insists the decision simply reflects enforcement of the rules, many in Senegal see it as a harsh and targeted sanction.

As attention shifts toward the 2026 World Cup, the Lions of Teranga now face not only preparations on the pitch but also a fight off it—one aimed at reclaiming a title they believe was rightfully theirs.

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The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has taken a dramatic and unexpected turn, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially handing the title to Morocco following a controversial appeal decision.

What was initially celebrated as a hard-fought triumph for Senegal has now been reversed, rewriting the narrative of one of the tournament’s most intense finals in recent memory.

The final, played earlier in the year, saw Senegal secure a narrow 1–0 win over Morocco after extra time in a fiercely contested clash. However, the match was marred by tension during a crucial VAR decision, when Senegalese players protested a penalty call and briefly walked off the pitch.

That moment, which seemed like a passing incident at the time, would later become the centrepiece of the controversy. Morocco subsequently lodged an official complaint, asking CAF to review the circumstances surrounding the disruption.

After weeks of review, CAF’s Appeal Board ruled that Senegal’s temporary walk-off amounted to a breach of competition regulations. Acting in line with its disciplinary code, the governing body imposed a strict sanction.

As a result, the match was awarded to Morocco as a 3–0 forfeit, effectively handing them the AFCON 2025 trophy. The decision not only overturns the original result but also delivers a historic continental title to Morocco, sparking celebrations among their supporters.

Meanwhile, the fallout is far from over. Senegal are expected to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, setting the stage for a legal battle that could further prolong the controversy.

The incident is already being described as one of the most contentious moments in African football history, underlining both the growing impact of VAR decisions and the importance of discipline at the highest level of the game.

The CAF Appeal Board decided that in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 (“the Match”),…

— CAF Media (@CAF_Media) March 17, 2026

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has put speculation to rest, confirming that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will go ahead as originally scheduled and will not be pushed to 2028.

The decision was reached after an Executive Committee meeting held in Dar es Salaam on Friday, where CAF leaders moved swiftly to address growing reports suggesting a possible postponement.

Those rumours gained momentum earlier this week after UK outlet The Guardian claimed the tournament could be shifted due to concerns over the preparedness of co-hosts Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The report triggered widespread debate, with some stakeholders expressing cautious openness to a delay.

Among them was Kenya’s Local Organising Committee chairman, Nicholas Musonye, who admitted that the country’s election year could pose distractions.

However, CAF president Patrice Motsepe firmly dismissed any suggestion that the tournament would be taken away from East Africa.

“The AFCON next year in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda is going to be enormously successful and I saw lots of media speculation and even the Guardian in London, that there is an allegation that I am here to tell Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda that I am taking away the AFCON because our three countries are not going to be ready,” Motsepe said after the meeting.

“That is totally unfounded. Sometimes I say certain things and the media says something opposite. I am enormously confident that we will succeed. There are always challenges, I had a big challenge in Cameroon [AFCON 2021] soon after I became president [of CAF].

“I was told Cameroon is not ready so I have to take it away and they recommended a number of countries who were ready. But we have to believe in our people that there will be challenges.”

Preparations are ongoing across the three nations. Kenya and Tanzania currently have two new stadiums under construction, while broader concerns around transport, accommodation and training facilities remain part of the logistical conversation.

Still, Motsepe remains optimistic that those hurdles will be cleared before kick-off.

“There will be information in the media that this stadium, pitch or grass is not ready, hotels not enough but we will fix those challenges,” he added.

“We will have a celebration [in East Africa]. I can say as the president of the 54 football associations in Africa, I was so proud of how Tanzania played in Morocco [AFCON 2025], I was proud of how Uganda played and in my head I was so proud of how Kenya would have played.

“And we will use this tournament to find the best young players. East Africa is going to be a powerhouse of the best football on the continental as much as West Africa, North Africa and Southern Africa is a powerhouse.”

With CAF confirming the tournament window of June to July 2027, East Africa can now turn its full attention to final preparations, ready to host the competition in the region for the very first time.

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down multiple sanctions against the football federations of Senegal and Morocco, while confirming a five-month suspension for Senegalese coach Pape Thiaw following the dramatic incidents at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Morocco.

The final, held in Rabat, descended into chaos for over fifteen minutes as Senegal threatened to abandon the pitch in protest of refereeing decisions by Congolese official Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo.

The controversy peaked when Morocco was awarded a late penalty after a VAR review. However, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy brilliantly denied Brahim Diaz’s panenka attempt, pushing the match into extra time.

The decisive moment came just three minutes into extra time when Pape Gueye struck a stunning left-footed goal from the edge of the box, securing Senegal’s second AFCON title.

CAF’s disciplinary action focused on Thiaw, who was caught instructing his players to head back to the locker room after Morocco’s penalty.

“To suspend Pape Thiaw, the head coach of the Senegalese national team, for five (5) official CAF matches for his unsporting conduct in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play and integrity and for bringing the game into disrepute, and also fined USD 100,000,” read the CAF statement.

Thiaw’s suspension will cover the AFCON 2027 qualifiers, but he remains eligible to lead Senegal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Lions of Teranga are in Group I with France, Norway, and the winners of intercontinental playoffs between Bolivia, Suriname, and Iraq.

CAF also sanctioned Senegalese players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, suspending them for two matches each for unsporting behaviour toward the referee.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) wasn’t spared either, facing fines totaling USD 615,000 for various breaches:

• USD 300,000 for improper conduct of supporters
• USD 300,000 for unsporting behaviour of players and technical staff
• USD 15,000 for cautions received by five players

Morocco also faced penalties. Defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match ban, with one match suspended for a year, while Ismael Saibari was handed a three-match suspension and fined USD 100,000. The Federation Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) was fined USD 200,000 for ball boys’ misconduct and USD 100,000 for improper conduct by players and staff who interfered with the VAR review.

Finally, CAF dismissed Morocco’s protest alleging violations by Senegal under Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations, officially reaffirming Senegal as 2025 AFCON champions.

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed heavy sanctions on Algeria following multiple acts of misconduct during their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 quarter-final defeat to the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

In an official communiqué issued on Wednesday, January 21, 2025, CAF confirmed that the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) was found guilty of several breaches of the competition’s disciplinary and security regulations.

According to CAF, the sanctions stemmed from improper conduct by Algerian players and team officials, including confrontations with match officials after the final whistle and a failure to maintain discipline throughout the encounter.

CAF described the behaviour as unacceptable and contrary to the principles of fair play and sportsmanship expected at a major continental tournament.

Supporter misconduct also contributed significantly to the punishment. CAF cited the lighting of flares, the throwing of objects onto the pitch, and lapses in crowd control and stadium security as aggravating factors during the match.

As a result, the Algerian FA has been fined approximately $100,000, covering both team-related and crowd-related offences.

In addition to the financial penalties, CAF has handed out player suspensions, which will be enforced during Algeria’s qualification campaign for AFCON 2027.

CAF stressed that the sanctions are intended to serve as a strong warning, reiterating that indiscipline—whether from players, officials, or supporters—will not be tolerated, particularly at flagship tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations.

CAF impose heavy sanctions on Algeria for misconduct against Nigeria;

—Zidane, 2 match ban
—Belghali, 2 match ban
—€5k fine, improper conduct
—€25k fine, bad behaviour
—€5k fine, use of flares
—€5k fine, objects thrown by fans
—€10k fine, breached safety measures
—€50k… pic.twitter.com/1JkVuBQxjJ

— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) January 21, 2026

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The official squad is dominated by players from the tournament’s top three nations, reflecting their impact throughout the month-long competition.

AFCON 2025 Best XI

Goalkeeper:

• Yassine Bounou (Morocco) – Awarded Best Goalkeeper, providing a safe pair of hands throughout the tournament.

Defenders:

• Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) – Right-back, part of Morocco’s defensive backbone.
• Calvin Bassey (Nigeria) – Central defender, praised for his physicality and consistency.
• Moussa Niakhaté (Senegal) – Central defender, forming a solid partnership with Bassey.
• Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco) – Left-back, complementing Morocco’s defensive unit.

Midfielders:

• Idrissa Gana Gueye (Senegal) – Anchoring the midfield with defensive discipline.
• Pape Gueye (Senegal) – Defensive midfield powerhouse and scorer of the winning goal in the final.
• Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) – Winger, recognised for his creativity and assist tally.

Forwards:

• Brahim Díaz (Morocco) – Tournament Golden Boot winner with five goals.
• Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – Striking force and one of the tournament’s most lethal forwards.
• Sadio Mané (Senegal) – Captain and Player of the Tournament, leading Senegal’s attack with authority.

Nigeria had three players in the final XI: Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Calvin Bassey, highlighting their impressive performances despite finishing third.

The selection underscores the dominance of Senegal and Morocco, with both teams providing the bulk of the defensive and midfield structures, while the attack was shared among the top performers of the tournament.

This Best XI celebrates the players who made the biggest impact on AFCON 2025, combining talent, consistency, and moments of magic on the biggest stage in African football.

Excellence, position by position. Meet the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 best XI. 🌟@Midea pic.twitter.com/DP3r3AzMiF

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 21, 2026

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Following the dramatic and controversial conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that it has launched a formal investigation into incidents it described as “unacceptable behavior” during Sunday night’s final between hosts Morocco and Senegal.

Although Senegal secured their second AFCON title with a 1–0 extra-time victory at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, the historic final was overshadowed by chaotic scenes late in regulation time, including a rare on-field protest that saw Senegalese players walk off the pitch.

Tensions escalated deep into stoppage time after Senegal thought they had taken the lead when Ismaila Sarr forced the ball home. However, Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala ruled the goal out for a foul by Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi.

Moments later, controversy intensified when a VAR review awarded Morocco a penalty for a foul on Brahim Díaz. The decision triggered an unprecedented response, as Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players to abandon the field in protest.

The match was delayed for approximately 17 minutes as CAF officials and security personnel worked to restore order. While most of the Senegal squad headed toward the tunnel, captain Sadio Mané remained on the pitch and was instrumental in persuading his teammates to return so the match could continue.

When play finally resumed in the 24th minute of stoppage time, Díaz attempted a Panenka penalty, but his effort was comfortably saved by Edouard Mendy. The match proceeded to extra time, where Pape Gueye struck a stunning winner in the 94th minute to seal the title for Senegal.

Reactions after the match were sharply divided. Morocco coach Walid Regragui branded the walk-off “shameful,” warning that it damaged the global image of African football. On the other hand, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw apologised for the emotional response but cited long-standing frustrations with officiating and tournament logistics.

In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, CAF confirmed that disciplinary action could follow.

“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers,” the statement read. “CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to the competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”

With investigations now underway, sanctions are expected as CAF seeks to protect the integrity of African football following one of the most controversial finals in AFCON history.

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