The knockout phase is set to kick off on Saturday, January 3, and run through Tuesday, January 6, with two matches scheduled daily at 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm (local time), according to details published on CAF’s official website on Wednesday.

The round of 16 will burst into life on Saturday as 2021 champions Senegal square up against Sudan at the Grand Stade de Tangier, marking the first do-or-die encounter of the tournament. Later that evening, Mali will lock horns with Tunisia in Casablanca, with Mali hoping to move closer to a maiden AFCON crown, while the North Africans aim to relive the glory of their lone triumph in 2004.

Attention will shift to Sunday, when host nation Morocco faces Tanzania at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat. The Atlas Lions topped Group A, while Tanzania snuck into the knockout phase as one of the best third-placed teams from Group C.

Sunday night promises fireworks as South Africa battle Cameroon in Rabat, a clash layered with intrigue as Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos comes up against the Indomitable Lions— the very team he guided to AFCON success in 2017.

Egypt and Nigeria Enter the Fray

On Monday, seven-time champions Egypt will take on Benin in Agadir as the Pharaohs continue their quest for a first AFCON title since 2010.

Later that night, Nigeria, one of the most impressive sides in the group stage, will face Mozambique at the Complexe Sportif de Fès. The Super Eagles will be eyeing a deep run as they seek to go one better than their silver-medal finish at AFCON 2023.

The Round of 16 will wrap up on Tuesday, with Algeria clashing against DR Congo in Rabat before defending champions Côte d’Ivoire take on Burkina Faso in Marrakech, closing what promises to be a thrilling opening knockout round.

CAF also confirmed that the quarter-finals will hold on January 9 and 10, while the grand finale is scheduled for January 18 at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.

CAF AFCON MOROCCO 2025 – ROUND OF 16 FIXTURES

Saturday, January 3, 2026

• Senegal vs Sudan — 5:00 pm, Grand Stade de Tangier
• Mali vs Tunisia — 8:00 pm, Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca

Sunday, January 4, 2026

• Morocco vs Tanzania — 5:00 pm, Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat
• South Africa vs Cameroon — 8:00 pm, Stade Al Medina, Rabat

Monday, January 5, 2026

• Egypt vs Benin — 5:00 pm, Grand Stade de Agadir
• Nigeria vs Mozambique — 8:00 pm, Complexe Sportif de Fès

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

• Algeria vs DR Congo — 5:00 pm, Stade Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan, Rabat
• Côte d’Ivoire vs Burkina Faso — 8:00 pm, Grand Stade de Marrakech

With the group stage drama now behind them, Africa’s finest will turn their attention to knockout football—where one mistake can end a dream, and one moment can make history.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on AFCON Morocco 2025: CAF Unveils Round of 16 Match Schedule.

Football fans from Cairo to Cape Town are gearing up for a December like no other, as the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) prepares to take over Morocco.

The tournament kicks off Sunday, December 21, 2025. For nearly a month, six Moroccan cities Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Agadir, Marrakech, and Fez—will burst into colour, noise, and national pride until the final whistle on January 18, 2026.

And this year’s lineup? A continental buffet.
Twenty-four nations have secured their spots: Morocco (hosts), Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Algeria, DR Congo, Senegal, Egypt, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, South Africa, Gabon, Tunisia, Nigeria, Zambia, Mali, Zimbabwe, Comoros, Sudan, Benin, Tanzania, Botswana, and Mozambique.

With the stage set, the group fixtures tell their own story—fresh rivalries, old grudges, and a December packed with football drama.
Below is the full journey each team must navigate in the group stage of AFCON 2025.

• AFCON 2025 – Full Group Stage Fixtures

GROUP A – Rabat & Casablanca Set the Tone

GROUP B – North vs South, Fire vs Flair

GROUP C – Nigeria’s Road Through Fès and Rabat

GROUP D – Champions Senegal Begin Their Charge

GROUP E – A Battle of Giants and Underdogs

GROUP F – Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and a Storm in Marrakech

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Africa Awaits: AFCON 2025 Group Stage Fixtures Ignite Morocco.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana will not be part of the 28-man roster, continuing a challenging season for the 29-year-old.

Onana struggled to maintain his starting position at Manchester United before moving on a season-long loan to Turkish side Trabzonspor in September. Despite the squad featuring four goalkeepers, his omission stands out as one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.

Fans and analysts alike were taken aback, given Onana’s experience and previous contributions to the national team. Nevertheless, Cameroon have included several key players, mixing seasoned internationals with rising talent.

Notable inclusions are Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo, Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, who is rumored to be on the move to Old Trafford next summer, and former Tottenham winger Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, now with Saudi club Dariya.

🚨🛑 André Onana and Vincent Aboubakar have been left out of Cameroon squad for the AFCON. pic.twitter.com/aCjsmB9Djh

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 1, 2025

Cameroon Squad – AFCON 2025

Goalkeepers: Devis Epassy (Dinamo Bucharest), Simon Omossola (St Eloi Lupopo), Simon Ngapandouetnbu (Montpellier), Edouard Sombang (Colombe Du Dja)

Defenders: Samuel Kotto (Gent), Gerzino Nyamsi (Lokomotiv Moscow), Jean-Charles Castelletto (Al-Duhail), Nouhou Tolo (Seattle Sounders), Flavien Enzo Boyomo (Osasuna), Mahamadou Nagida (Rennes), Christopher Wooh (Spartak Moscow), Junior Tchamadeu (Stoke City), Darlin Yongwa (FC Lorient)

Midfielders: Martin Ndzie (Rapid Vienna), Carlos Baleba (Brighton & Hove Albion), Arthur Avom (FC Lorient), Eric-Junior Dina Ebimbe (Brest), Brice Ambina (Valerenga), Jean Junior Onana (Genoa), Olivier Kemen (Istanbul B.B)

Forwards: Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United), Christian Bassogog (Al-Okhdood), George-Kevin N’koudou (Al-Diriyah), Danny Namaso (Auxerre), Frank Magri (Toulouse), Karl Etta Eyong (Levante), Christian Kofane (Bayer Leverkusen), Patrick Soko (Almeria)

While Onana’s absence will certainly spark debates, the squad as a whole blends youth and experience, promising an exciting and competitive campaign for the Indomitable Lions as they chase AFCON glory.

🚨 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟: Andre Onana is not included in Cameroon’s squad list for the AFCON. pic.twitter.com/jwXbCAizGJ

— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) December 1, 2025

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Cameroon announce official squad for AFCON 2025.

The countdown is on! Africa is gearing up for the 35th edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, promising thrilling football, star-studded clashes, and unforgettable moments as 24 of the continent’s top teams battle for glory.

When does AFCON 2025 kick off?

The tournament runs from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, wrapping up the year with elite football and starting the new year with knockout drama.

Who is hosting?

Morocco will play host, welcoming fans across nine world-class stadiums in six cities, ensuring electrifying atmospheres and top-tier facilities for players and supporters alike.

Countries that qualified for AFCON 2025

• Group A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros
• Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
• Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
• Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin Republic, Botswana
• Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
• Group F: Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique

Where to watch

Fans across Sub-Saharan Africa can catch the action live on SuperSport and CANAL+. In Nigeria, all matches will be broadcast on SuperSport via DStv and GOtv, so you won’t miss a single goal.

Get ready for AFCON 2025—Africa’s biggest football stage is back!

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on AFCON 2025: What Football Fans Need to Know.

It was a tense finish that kept fans on edge, but Nigeria got the job done edging Burkina Faso out of contention after a dramatic last-minute goal against Benin Republic ensured the Super Eagles finished among the playoff contenders.

Now, the real test begins.

The CAF playoff stage, set for November 2025, promises high-stakes football as the four best runners-up from all nine qualifying groups battle it out for one last chance at World Cup glory.

The format is simple yet brutal single-leg semifinals, with the two winners advancing to a decisive final clas.

The champion of that final will move on to the inter-confederation playoffs, where they’ll face teams from other continents for one of the last remaining World Cup spots.

It’s the final hurdle a chance to turn near-miss heartbreak into a history-making qualification.

•  CAF World Cup Playoff Standings

Gabon – 16 pts

Nigeria – 15 pts

Cameroon – 15 pts

DR Congo – 15 pts

• ⚽ CAF World Cup Playoff Fixtures

Nigeria 🇳🇬 vs Gabon 🇬🇦

Cameroon 🇨🇲 vs DR Congo 🇨🇩

The stakes couldn’t be higher with Nigeria vs Gabon shaping up as one of the most anticipated clashes of the playoff round.

Victory here would put the Super Eagles just two games away from securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and one step closer to restoring their pride on the global stage.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on 2026 FIFA World Cup: CAF reveals Super Eagles opponent for Playoffs.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Final Draw was officially conducted on Monday, January 27, 2025, at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat, Morocco.

The glamorous ceremony, attended by football icons and dignitaries, determined the group stage paths for the 24 teams vying for Africa’s most prestigious football trophy.

The tournament, scheduled to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, will be hosted across six cities and nine stadiums in Morocco. The draw divided the qualified teams into six groups of four, setting the stage for an exciting four weeks of football.

Out of CAF’s 52 member nations, 50 participated in the qualifiers. Following a preliminary round, 48 teams were split into 12 groups of four. Each team played six matches in a home and away-format, with the top two teams from each group securing their spots in the finals.

Now, the stage is set for Africa’s best to compete for continental supremacy, but only one nation will emerge as the champion.

AFCON 2025 Groups:

– Group A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros
– Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
– Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
– Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
– Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
– Group F: Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique

With strong contenders spread across all groups, the tournament promises thrilling matchups and intense competition as nations chase the ultimate prize—becoming kings of African football.

https://twitter.com/CAF_Online/status/1883962863397790091?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1883962863397790091%7Ctwgr%5E91d16839b19a63e099a5b25535e10ad8ac0d4637%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pulsesports.ng%2Ffootball%2Fstory%2Fafcon-2025-eric-chelle-all-smiles-as-super-eagles-draw-tunisia-2025012719521322284

Watch the full draw below:

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on AFCON 2025 Draw Confirmed: Path to Glory Set.

The draw will take place on Monday, January 27, 2025, at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat, Morocco, setting the stage for what promises to be another thrilling tournament in African football.

The event will determine the grouping of the 24 qualified teams into six pools for the first round. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, will progress to the Round of 16, ensuring intense competition from the outset.

The draw ceremony is expected to attract notable figures from the world of African football, including federation officials, legendary players, and global media, amplifying the excitement ahead of the tournament. Fans worldwide can catch the live broadcast on CAF’s official social media platforms and partner broadcasters.

AFCON 2025 Pots

Pot 1:
– Morocco
– Senegal
– Egypt
– Algeria
– Nigeria
– Côte d’Ivoire

Pot 2:
– Cameroon
– Mali
– Tunisia
– South Africa
– DR Congo
– Burkina Faso

Pot 3:
– Gabon
– Angola
– Zambia
– Uganda
– Equatorial Guinea
– Benin Republic

Pot 4:
– Mozambique
– Comoros
– Tanzania
– Sudan
– Zimbabwe
– Botswana

The stage is now set for AFCON 2025, as fans eagerly await the draw to see how the groups will shape up.

The tournament promises to deliver exceptional football, highlighting the talent and passion of African teams on the continental stage.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on AFCON 2025 Draw: Official Date, Venue, and Pots Revealed.

The latest FIFA rankings have been released by the global football governing body, with Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles, holding their position in the highly competitive standings.

Nigeria had previously dropped from 38th to 39th in the rankings after a series of disappointing performances. Under former head coaches José Peseiro and Finidi George, the Super Eagles failed to secure a win in their last four qualifying matches.

Despite this, they have retained their 39th place in the latest FIFA rankings. The Super Eagles continue to rank ahead of several African rivals, including Ghana, South Africa, Cameroon, and Algeria.

According to FIFA’s official account on X, “All teams in the top 10 hold their positions in the latest #FIFARanking! 📊. Plus, Bolivia, Brunei Darussalam, and Samoa all make big progress!”

All teams in the top 10 hold their positions in the latest #FIFARanking! 📊

Plus, Bolivia, Brunei Darussalam and Samoa all make big progress! 🆙

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) September 19, 2024

Cameroon has dropped two spots to 53rd place, while South Africa (59th) and Ghana (70th) have each fallen two and six places, respectively.

On a positive note for African teams, Algeria has climbed five spots to 41st, just two places behind Nigeria. Meanwhile, Congo (58th) and Burkina Faso (63rd) have moved up by two and four positions, respectively.

The Super Eagles will be hoping their recent performances will boost their standing in the next FIFA rankings.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on FIFA ranking: Super Eagles maintain spot.

Cameroon manager Rigobert Song has decided to bench Andre Onana for the crucial must-win clash against The Gambia in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Cameroon is currently sitting in third place in Group C with one point, needing a victory to have a chance at securing one of the top two spots. However, their fate also depends on the outcome of the Guinea vs. Senegal match.

Despite Onana flying directly from Manchester to the AFCON with a chartered private jet, he was absent from the first game of the tournament, causing frustration even though he arrived in time to play. Cameroon drew the initial game 1-1 with Guinea and suffered a 3-1 defeat against Senegal in their second match, with Onana making a costly error.

Onana, with 37 caps to his name, is an experienced goalkeeper. His replacement for the upcoming game, Fabrice Ondoa, has 49 caps but plays in the French third-tier with Nimes Olympique.

The decision to bench Onana may impact his confidence, especially considering recent struggles both internationally and domestically, including mistakes during his time with Manchester United under Erik ten Hag.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Why did Cameroon bench André Onana for their AFCON clash with The Gambia?.

At the recently opened Parc des Expositions in Abidjan, the draw for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was successfully held. Several of the best football teams from the African continent will compete in the event, which is set to take place in January 2024.

In the draw, Nigeria’s Super Eagles were placed in Group A, and they will compete alongside the host nation, Ivory Coast. This sets the stage for an exciting competition as these teams vie for supremacy.

The defending champions, Senegal, find themselves in Group C, and they will face competition from teams like Cameroon, Guinea, and The Gambia.

AFCON promises to be an intense and competitive tournament, with numerous strong teams competing for the prestigious title.

Here is the full draw:

Group A
Ivory Coast
NigeriaGhana
Equatorial Guinea
Guinea-Bissau

Group B
Egypt
Cape Verde
Mozambique

Group C
Senegal
Cameroon
Guinea
Gambia

Group D
Algeria
Burkina Faso
Mauritania
Angola

Group E
Tunisia
Mali
South Africa
Namibia

Group F
Morocco
DR Congo
Zambia
Tanzania.

The groups are set. ✅#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 is now ready to kick off in January! 🇨🇮⚽️

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations will officially kick off on January 13, 2024, with the final game set to be played on February 11, 2024. pic.twitter.com/CbOg0eimId

— SportingXplorer (@SportingXplorer) October 12, 2023

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on FULL LIST: Group Stage Draws For 2023 AFCON.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Andre Onana confirms he will represent Cameroon once again.

Andre Onana, the goalie for Manchester United, has been recalled by Rigobert Song to the Cameroon national squad.

Halfway through the 2022 World Cup, the Cameroon manager and United goaltender allegedly got into an argument about tactics, and the United goalie left for his own nation. According to reports, the 26-year-old goalkeeper departed the training facility before announcing his retirement from international competition. Song said that Onana had persuaded him not to consider the goalie for the next two group games against Serbia and Brazil.

Since then, Onana has reconsidered retirement, and the two have resolved to lay their differences to rest.

Song told reporters after including Onana in his latest Cameroon squad: “It all depended on him. He knew what he had to do. If he’s on the list, it’s because he did the right thing. He’s one of the best goalkeepers, the door was always open. There was never a problem with Andre. Today, we are satisfied that he is reunited with the group.”

Since the World Cup, Onana has risen in prominence and can claim to represent Inter Milan in a Champions League final.

His development has not gone unnoticed, and United chose to spend big money to replace David de Gea as their starting goalkeeper by paying Inter £48 million ($62m) in the summer.

Before departing for international service, Onana has a job to do against Arsenal this coming weekend while wearing the United colours.

When The Indomitable Lions play Burundi in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on September 12, he is likely to regain his position in goal for Cameroon.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on ‘It all depended on him’ – Cameroon boss explains Onana recall.