The group-stage qualifiers kick off on Thursday, September 24, 2026, with Matchdays 1 and 2 running until October 6. Since the opening fixtures are yet to be played, all 48 teams currently begin with zero points.

The qualifying campaign will consist of six matchdays. After the opening two rounds, the action will return between November 9 and 17, 2026, before the final two matchdays are played from March 22 to 30, 2027.

2027 AFCON Qualifying Groups

Group A: Morocco, Gabon, Niger, Lesotho
Group B: Egypt, Angola, Malawi, South Sudan
Group C: Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, The Gambia, Somalia
Group D: South Africa, Guinea, Kenya, Eritrea
Group E: DR 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.

2027 AFCON Qualifiers Group Standings

With the group stage yet to begin, every team starts with 0 points, 0 goals scored and 0 goals conceded.

The same starting record applies to all teams across Groups B to L ahead of Matchday 1.

Matchday 1 Fixtures

Thursday, September 24

• Namibia vs Congo — Group G
• DR Congo vs Equatorial Guinea — Group E
• Mauritania vs Central African Republic — Group F
• Libya vs Botswana — Group H
• Côte d’Ivoire vs Ghana — Group C
• Sierra Leone vs Zimbabwe — Group E
• Cameroon vs Comoros — Group G
• Tunisia vs Uganda — Group H

Friday, September 25

• Tanzania vs Guinea-Bissau — Group L
• Niger vs Lesotho — Group A
• Malawi vs South Sudan — Group B
• The Gambia vs Somalia — Group C
• Togo vs Burundi — Group I
• Sudan vs Ethiopia — Group J
• Rwanda vs Liberia — Group K
• Nigeria vs Madagascar — Group L
• Morocco vs Gabon — Group A
• Egypt vs Angola — Group B
• Burkina Faso vs Benin — Group F
• Algeria vs Zambia — Group I
• Senegal vs Mozambique — Group J
• Mali vs Cape Verde — Group K

Saturday, September 26

• Kenya vs Eritrea — Group D
• South Africa vs Guinea — Group D.

Matchday 2 Fixtures

The second round begins on September 28, with the final fixtures scheduled for October 6.

September 28

• Equatorial Guinea vs Sierra Leone — Group E
• Zimbabwe vs DR Congo — Group E
• Central African Republic vs Burkina Faso — Group F
• Botswana vs Tunisia — Group H

September 29

• Gabon vs Niger — Group A
• Lesotho vs Morocco — Group A
• South Sudan vs Egypt — Group B
• Ghana vs The Gambia — Group C
• Somalia vs Côte d’Ivoire — Group C
• Benin vs Mauritania — Group F
• Comoros vs Namibia — Group G
• Congo vs Cameroon — Group G
• Uganda vs Libya — Group H
• Zambia vs Togo — Group I
• Burundi vs Algeria — Group I
• Mozambique vs Sudan — Group J
• Ethiopia vs Senegal — Group J
• Cape Verde vs Rwanda — Group K
• Liberia vs Mali — Group K
• Madagascar vs Tanzania — Group L
• Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria — Group L

September 30

• Eritrea vs South Africa — Group D

October 1

• Guinea vs Kenya — Group D

October 6

• Angola vs Malawi — Group B.

2027 AFCON Qualification Format

The qualifiers are being contested on a home-and-away basis across six matchdays, with 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four.

In groups without a co-host, the top two teams will qualify for the 2027 AFCON finals.

There is a slight difference in Groups D, H and L, which contain co-hosts Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania respectively. Those three nations have already secured automatic qualification, meaning only the highest-ranked team outside the host will qualify from each of those groups.

For Nigeria, that makes Group L particularly significant, with the Super Eagles drawn alongside Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau. Tanzania already have their place at the finals secured as one of the co-hosts.

When Is AFCON 2027?

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will take place from June 19 to July 17, 2027, with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda jointly hosting the tournament. It will be the first AFCON to be staged across three countries.

The remaining qualification schedule is:

• Matchdays 1 & 2: September 24 – October 6, 2026
• Matchdays 3 & 4: November 9 – 17, 2026
• Matchdays 5 & 6: March 22 – 30, 2027

By the end of the final window, the 24-team field for the tournament is expected to be complete.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on 2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Groups, Fixtures, Standings and Key Dates.

This milestone not only increases the continent’s representation but also raises hopes of going further than Morocco’s historic semi-final run in 2022.

The qualified African teams are Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Cape Verde, South Africa, and DR Congo. Nine teams earned direct qualification as group winners, while DR Congo secured their spot through the intercontinental playoffs.

This expanded representation gives African teams a stronger platform to compete for top honors while also showcasing emerging talents on a global stage. Scouts, clubs, and fans worldwide will be watching closely, potentially opening doors for many players to secure moves to top leagues.

As expectations rise, African nations are not only aiming to participate but also to make a significant impact. With growing confidence and recent progress in international competitions, the dream of an African country lifting the World Cup trophy feels closer than ever.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Africa to Make History with 10 Teams at 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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.

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.

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 2024 CAF Awards are set to celebrate the year’s top achievements in African football, recognizing exceptional players and clubs across various categories in men’s and women’s competitions.

CAF has just released the full list of nominees who will vie for honours at the ceremony slated for December in Marrakesh, Morocco.

This prestigious annual event showcases Africa’s football talent, spotlighting standout players, teams, coaches, and emerging talents across multiple award categories.

The final contenders in each category reflect a blend of seasoned stars and breakout talents, highlighting those who have delivered exceptional performances in club and international competitions throughout the year. The event promises to be a thrilling showcase of African football’s finest talent.

Men’s National Team of the Year

• Angola
• Burkina Faso
• Ivory Coast
• DR Congo
• Morocco
• Mozambique
• Nigeria
• South Africa
• Sudan
• Uganda

Men’s Young Player of the Year

• Carlos Baleba
• Karim Konaté
• Oumar Diakite
• Yankuba Minteh
• Abdul Aziz Issah
• Bilal El Khannouss
• Eliesse Ben Seghir
• El Hadji Malick Diouf
• Lamine Camara
• Amanallah Memmiche

Men’s Interclub Player of the Year

• Oussama Benbot
• Issoufou Dayo
• Ahmed Sayed ‘Zizo’
• Hussein El Shahat
• Mostafa Shobeir
• Abdul Aziz Issah
• John Antwi
• Amanallah Memmiche
• Yassine Meriah
• Ronwen Williams

Men’s Player of the Year

• Ademola Lookman
• Amine Gouiri
• Achraf Hakimi
• Chancel Mbemba
• Ronwen Williams
• Sehoru Guirassy
• Simon Adingra
• Soufinane Rahimi
• William Troost-Ekoong

Men’s Club of the Year

• Petro Luanda
• TP Mazembe
• Al Ahly
• Zamalek
• Dreams FC
• RS Berkane
• Mamelodi Sundowns
• Simba SC
• Yanga
• Esperance de Tunis

Coach of the Year

• Pedro Gonçalves (Angola)
• Brahima Traore (Burkina Faso)
• Emerse Faé (Côte d’Ivoire)
• José Gomes (Zamalek)
• Marcel Koller (Al Ahly)
• Chiquinho (Mozambique)
• Hugo Broos (South Africa)
• Florent Ibenge (Al Hilal)
• Kwesi Appiah (Sudan)

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on CAF Awards 2024 nominees announced.

Chris Brown is once again under fire after responding to a recent Instagram post by Women For Change, a South African organization dedicated to fighting gender-based violence (GBV). The group initiated a petition to cancel Brown’s upcoming sold-out concert in South Africa, citing his past abuse allegations as grounds for the cancellation.

In reaction to the petition, which has gained significant attention, Brown commented, “Can’t wait to come.” Many perceived his remark as dismissive, sparking intense debate across social media. Fans and critics are deeply divided, with some supporting the singer and others questioning his presence in South Africa.

Chris Brown is cooking 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/fjYWfYg2kI

— Aashish. (@AashishRamnunan) October 16, 2024

Among those weighing in on the controversy was South African activist Ntsiki Mazwai, who commented, “It’s fascinating how you’re focused on Chris Brown but celebrate your local celebrity alleged rapists and abusers. The truth is, most of you are grandstanding.”

While some defended Brown, calling out double standards in how abuse allegations are treated, others expressed concern, with one user writing, “God please protect Chris Brown from evil. Let those who lack forgiveness burn.”

The petition to stop Brown’s performance has generated both support and opposition, highlighting the complex dynamics surrounding celebrities with contentious histories.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Chris Brown Sparks Outrage with Response to GBV Petition Against His South African Show..

Global music mogul 50 Cent has officially launched his premium alcohol brands, Le Chemin Du Roi Champagne and Branson Cognac, in South Africa.

The rapper and entrepreneur shared the exciting news on Twitter, letting his South African fans know that they can now purchase these luxury beverages at Makro and Norman Goodfellows stores.

“Great News SOUTH AFRICA! Le Chemin Du Roi Champagne & Branson Cognac are now available in your country! Stop by any Makro or Norman Goodfellows stores to pick up a bottle before they sell out,” 50 Cent tweeted.

Great News SOUTH AFRICA! Le Chemin Du Roi Champagne & Branson Cognac are now available in your country! Stop by any Makro or Norman Goodfellows stores to pick up a bottle before they sellout 🍾🥃 @bransoncognac @lecheminduroi pic.twitter.com/jddtbCI148

— 50cent (@50cent) October 2, 2024

This move marks another significant milestone in 50 Cent’s expanding business portfolio, giving South African consumers access to his high-end liquor line.

Fans are eager to get their hands on the exclusive bottles, though the announcement has also sparked discussions on social media.

While many expressed excitement, others voiced concerns about the lack of local job creation tied to such foreign ventures. One user commented, “South Africa is one of the biggest markets in the world, but these brands aren’t creating jobs. We have an unemployment rate over 40%, mostly affecting the youth target market.”

The introduction of 50 Cent’s luxury brands comes at a time of mixed emotions, but fans remain enthusiastic about the opportunity to experience his premium products.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on 50 Cent Expands Business Empire to South Africa with Premium Brands..

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.

Popular Nigerian singer and songwriter Teniola Apata, professionally known as Teni, was seen weeping profusely following Ivory Coast’s victory over Nigeria in the AFCON Final.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria faced defeat in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 on Sunday, February 11, as Ivory Coast, the host country, clinched a 2-1 win.

Although the Super Eagles scored first in the first half of the game, the Elephants of Ivory Coast managed to equalize in the second half and later secure a second goal.

The match unfolded at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

With Ivory Coast lifting the trophy, they take home $7 million, while the runners-up, Nigeria, receive $4 million. The two losing semi-finalists, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, each receive $2.5 million.

Following the defeat, singer Teni, known for her unwavering support for the Super Eagles throughout the competition, was visibly distraught. In a video shared via her verified Instagram page, Teni is seen crying uncontrollably, expressing her deep disappointment and sorrow over Nigeria’s loss in the AFCON final against Ivory Coast.

Captioning the video, Teni wrote, “AHHHHHHHHHHHH ISAKABAAAAAAAAAA!!! Whyyyyyyyyyyyy.”

Watch the video below:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by TENI OTG (@tenientertainer)

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