Category: Sports

The drama surrounding the AFCON 2025 final is far from over. Days after Senegal defeated Morocco to lift the trophy, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down major disciplinary sanctions affecting players, coaches, and both football federations.

The ruling follows chaotic scenes and heated protests during and after the final in Rabat, prompting CAF’s disciplinary committee to step in with suspensions and significant fines.

Here’s everything fans need to know.

Senegal emerged champions after a tense final that stretched into extra time, but controversy overshadowed the closing stages of the match. Disputed decisions, prolonged VAR reviews, and emotional reactions from players and staff triggered confrontations on the pitch and protests from both benches.

CAF later reviewed the incidents and concluded that several individuals and teams violated competition regulations and fair-play standards.

Senegal Hit Hard

CAF punished several Senegal representatives following the match:

• Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw received a five-match suspension in CAF competitions and a substantial fine after being found guilty of unsporting conduct.
• Players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr were each handed two-match suspensions for misconduct toward match officials.
• The Senegal Football Federation was also fined heavily for incidents involving team officials and supporter behavior.

Morocco Also Sanctioned

Morocco did not escape punishment either.

• Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, with one match suspended pending good behavior.
• Moroccan midfielder Ismaël Saibari was given a three-match ban along with a financial penalty.
• The Moroccan Football Federation was fined over incidents involving match-day conduct and supporter actions.

CAF also rejected Morocco’s official protest regarding decisions made during the final.

The suspensions will apply only to CAF competitions, meaning affected players and officials can still participate in non-CAF tournaments, including World Cup fixtures.

While AFCON 2025 will be remembered for Senegal’s triumph, the post-final controversy has sparked debate about officiating, VAR decisions, and pressure on players and coaches during major tournaments.

Senegal celebrate continental glory, but both finalists now face consequences from one of the most dramatic AFCON finals in recent memory. The fallout serves as a reminder that in modern football, what happens after the whistle can sometimes be just as significant as what happens during the match.

Stay with Streamdorm Sports for more updates and analysis on African and global football stories.

For more than 150 years, the FA Cup has survived on tradition alone giant-killings, muddy pitches, packed lower-league grounds, and a sense of history no other competition can replicate. Now, the Football Association (FA) is making one of its most modern moves yet.

The FA has commissioned a record label under Universal Music Group to create official anthems for both the men’s and women’s FA Cup competitions, a move designed to give the tournament a recognisable audio identity similar to the UEFA Champions League anthem.

Once introduced, the anthem will be played before every FA Cup match, becoming a permanent part of the competition’s broadcast and stadium presentation.

The plan is simple but ambitious: create a piece of music that instantly signals FA Cup football. Much like the Champions League theme heightens anticipation before kick-off, the FA Cup anthem is expected to play during pre-match moments such as player walk-outs or handshakes, from the early rounds all the way to Wembley.

This isn’t just about music; it’s about branding. Football bodies increasingly use sound as a way to build emotional connection, and the FA believes the world’s oldest cup competition should have a sonic signature that matches its global reach.

Crucially, the FA has been careful to stress that this move is not about replacing tradition.

Iconic elements like “Abide With Me”, which has been sung before the FA Cup final since the 1920s, will remain untouched. Clubs will also continue to use their own walk-out music. The anthem is intended to add to the occasion, not overwrite it.

In short, this is an attempt to modernise the FA Cup’s presentation without stripping away what makes it special.

Another notable detail is the decision to commission separate anthems for the men’s and women’s FA Cup competitions. This signals the FA’s intention to give both tournaments distinct identities, rather than treating the women’s competition as an afterthought.

Reports suggest a British composer will be involved in the creative process, with fan consultation expected before anything is finalised.

Details on the anthem’s release and debut are expected in the coming months. When it finally plays for the first time, it will mark a new chapter in the story of English football’s most historic tournament.

President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye has formally honoured the Senegalese national football team with national awards following their victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace in Dakar, days after the Lions of Teranga returned home as continental champions. Senegal defeated host nation Morocco in the final to secure their second AFCON title, reinforcing their status as one of Africa’s leading football nations.

During the official reception, President Faye decorated the players, coaching crew, and technical officials with Senegal’s national honours.

Senegal Crowned AFCON 2025 Champions After Dramatic Final Against Morocco

Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw and members of the squad were elevated to the rank of Commander of the National Order of the Lion, one of the country’s highest civilian distinctions. The awards were presented in recognition of their sporting excellence and their contribution to national pride.

In addition to the national honours, the Senegalese government announced a comprehensive rewards package for the team and delegation.

Each player is to receive: 75 million CFA francs, and a 1,500 square-metre plot of land located along the Petite Côte.

Officials and members of the wider delegation will also benefit from financial rewards and land allocations. According to government sources, the total value of the rewards package is estimated at over 3 billion CFA francs.

Coach Pape Thiaw et les joueurs de l’équipe nationale ont été élevés au grade de Commandeur de l’Ordre national du Lion du Sénégal. pic.twitter.com/sxHfEwj7t1

— Vie-Publique SN (@ViePubliqueSN) January 20, 2026

The team earlier received a hero’s welcome upon their arrival in Dakar, with supporters lining major routes in the capital to celebrate the champions. The celebrations culminated in the formal state reception where the honours were officially conferred.

Senegal’s AFCON 2025 success adds to the country’s growing football legacy and sets the tone for upcoming international competitions, including World Cup qualifiers and future continental tournaments.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will receive $2.5 million in prize money after finishing third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The bronze medal reward follows the official prize structure released for the tournament, which allocates $2.5 million to third-place finishers. Nigeria secured the position after edging out their opponents in the third-place playoff, ending the tournament on a positive note.

AFCON 2025 came with a significantly improved financial package, reflecting CAF’s continued push to increase the tournament’s global appeal and competitiveness. Under the prize breakdown, the champions take home $10 million, runners-up earn $4 million, while fourth place receives $1.3 million. Teams that reached the quarterfinals also pocket $800,000, with additional rewards for group-stage placements.

For the Super Eagles, the bronze finish represents both a sporting and financial boost. After a challenging campaign filled with high-intensity matches and dramatic moments, Nigeria’s podium finish reaffirms their status as one of Africa’s most consistent football powerhouses.

Beyond the prize money, the team’s performance in Morocco has been widely praised by fans, with several players delivering standout displays throughout the competition. The result also provides momentum as Nigeria looks ahead to future international fixtures and qualification campaigns.

Senegal emerged as champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after edging host nation Morocco in a tense and dramatic final that went into extra time at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat.

The final, played on January 18, 2026, ended 1–0 in favour of Senegal, sealing their second AFCON title after a night filled with controversy, resilience, and decisive moments .

The match remained goalless after 90 minutes, with both teams cancelling each other out in a tactical contest defined by defensive organisation and limited clear-cut chances. Morocco enjoyed spells of possession, while Senegal stayed compact and patient, waiting for opportunities on the break .

Drama erupted deep into stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty. The decision sparked strong protests from the Senegal camp and briefly halted play. When the penalty was eventually taken, Brahim Díaz’s effort was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, keeping the final level and forcing extra time .

The breakthrough arrived in extra time as Pape Gueye found the net with a well-placed finish, giving Senegal the lead in what proved to be the decisive moment of the final. Senegal then held firm under late Moroccan pressure to see out the victory and secure the trophy .

The win marks Senegal’s second Africa Cup of Nations triumph, following their maiden title in 2021. It also caps an impressive tournament run in which the Lions of Teranga combined defensive solidity with timely attacking contributions across the knockout stages .

For Morocco, the defeat ends a strong home campaign in heartbreak. Backed by passionate home support, the Atlas Lions came close to lifting their first AFCON title since 1976 but were ultimately overpowered by fine margins in a tightly contested final.

AFCON 2025 will be remembered for its competitiveness, drama, and high-quality knockout football, with the final standing out as one of the tournament’s most intense matches. A rollercoaster season. 

In a thrilling conclusion to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured the third-place finish with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Egypt’s Pharaohs at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.

The bronze medal match; a showdown between two of Africa’s most decorated footballing nations  remained scoreless through regulation time, forcing the tie into a high-pressure penalty shootout. The Super Eagles prevailed 4–2 on penalties after a 0-0 stalemate in 120 minutes of football. 

Neither side could find the breakthrough over the course of the match. Both Nigeria and Egypt created few clear-cut chances, as defences dominated and goalkeepers were rarely seriously tested in open play. After full time, the deadlock stood, sending the match into penalties where fine margins would decide the bronze medal. 

In the shootout, Nigeria showed remarkable composure under pressure to edge past Egypt 4–2 on penalties with thanks to Nwabali. The Super Eagles’ spot-kick takers were clinical when it mattered most, converting their chances while Egypt were less consistent from the spot. 

This win extends Nigeria’s impressive record in AFCON third-place playoffs. Before this match, the Super Eagles had won all seven previous bronze-medal games they contested, and this latest result brings their total to nine AFCON third-place finishes, the most by any nation in the competition’s history. 

The AFCON stage has long been the backdrop for memorable clashes between Nigeria and Egypt, and this latest encounter added another chapter to their rivalry. Across all AFCON meetings, Nigeria hold a historical edge in head-to-head contests, and this win reinforces their dominance in third-place fixtures. 

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has rewritten the history books, not just with its high drama and standout performances, but with an unprecedented scoring explosion that makes it the highest-scoring edition of AFCON ever.

With 120 goals scored before the final matches, this tournament has surpassed all previous editions in sheer goal output, overtaking the old record and delivering an unforgettable spectacle for fans across Africa and beyond. 

From the group stages to the knockout rounds, AFCON 2025 has been defined by its attacking intensity. Teams came out with an offensive mindset that yielded a stunning average of roughly 2.45 goals per game across the competition; outpacing even major global tournaments such as Euro 2024. 

This is not just statistics. It is a clear indicator of how African football has evolved in recent years: more technical forwards, bolder tactical approaches, and a greater emphasis on entertainment without sacrificing competitiveness.

Several nations contributed heavily to the scoring surge, with heavyweights like Morocco, Senegal, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire leading the offensive charge throughout the tournament. 

At the same time, individual players stood out:

• Brahim Díaz (Morocco) emerged as the tournament’s top scorer, netting five goals and becoming one of the standout stars of the competition. 
• Close behind are Mohamed Salah (Egypt) and Victor Osimhen (Nigeria), each finding the back of the net four times and still in contention for further honours with the last stages remaining. 

Historically, AFCON tournaments were often characterised by cautious play and tight defences. But 2025 has flipped that narrative. This edition has become a statement: the continent now boasts an attacking football culture that rivals the best in the world. 

With the final still to be played, the goal total could rise even further, potentially setting an even higher benchmark for future competitions.

As the tournament heads into its climax with the final in Rabat, all eyes are on Senegal and Morocco, the two teams contesting the AFCON final; a match that could add more goals to this record-breaking total. 

British former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has returned to training at the gym as part of his recovery following a devastating car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends and members of his boxing team. 

The incident occurred on December 29, 2025, when the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and his entourage collided with a stationary truck on a busy road near Lagos, Nigeria. The crash tragically killed strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele, both of whom were close to Joshua. 

Joshua, 36, sustained injuries in the collision but was discharged from hospital two days later and allowed to recuperate at home. Since then, he has shared footage of himself working out; hitting pads, riding a stationary bike, and engaging in other exercises with one clip captioned “mental strength therapy.” 

The workout videos mark Joshua’s first public return to training amid a period of intense emotional and physical recovery. The sessions appear to be part of his effort not just to regain fitness, but also to cope with the emotional aftermath of losing two close members of his team. 

The boxer, who has Nigerian roots and was in the country on holiday following his recent win over Jake Paul in Miami, has been supported by promoter Eddie Hearn, who emphasized that discussions about Joshua’s boxing future will be postponed until he is ready physically and mentally. 

Hearn has publicly stated that, while he believes Joshua will return to the ring eventually, the timing of any future fights is not being rushed. The former champion is being given space to grieve and to decide his next steps at his own pace. 

In a dramatic and tightly contested semi-final at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat, host nation Morocco edged Nigeria in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw through regulation and extra time, booking their place in the final against Senegal.

The clash at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah lived up to its billing as one of the tournament’s biggest fixtures, with both sides showing tactical awareness and defensive resilience in front of a packed home crowd. 

Neither team managed to break the deadlock over 120 minutes of intense football. Morocco, driven by a vocal home support and the creative influence of Brahim Díaz, pressed for openings, but the Super Eagles’ defence stood firm for long periods. Nigeria, unbeaten in the competition leading into this match, struggled to carve out meaningful goal-scoring opportunities against a well-organised Moroccan rearguard. 

The match was marked by robust challenges, cautious tactical play, and moments of individual skill, but the scoreboard remained untouched through both 90 minutes and extra time. 

With the scoreline still 0–0 after extra time, the semi-final was decided by penalties. In a tense shootout, Morocco held their nerve to prevail and eliminate Nigeria from the competition. The decisive moments came as both teams traded successful spot-kicks and critical saves, ultimately tipping the balance in favour of the Atlas Lions.

Morocco’s victory ended Nigeria’s bid for an AFCON title this year and propelled the hosts into the final, where they will meet Senegal, who advanced by beating Egypt in the other semi-final. Morocco are now one win away from lifting their first Africa Cup of Nations trophy since 1976, a feat that would cement a historic achievement on home soil. 

For Nigeria, the narrow defeat brings an end to a strong tournament run, one that saw them go undefeated through the group stage and score freely in earlier rounds but falls just short of another final appearance. 

In a fiercely contested Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semi-final in Tangier, Senegal defeated Egypt to secure their place in the tournament final. The clash between two African football powerhouses delivered drama, tactical discipline, and a moment of individual brilliance that decided the match.

Senegal progressed to the AFCON final with a narrow victory over Egypt, winning 1–0 in a game largely defined by strong defensive organisation and moments of attacking incisiveness. The decisive score came from Senegalese skipper Sadio Mané, who struck late in the second half to separate the sides and send the Lions of Teranga through to the title match. 

While Egypt fought hard throughout the match, they were unable to break down Senegal’s defence or find the crucial goal that would have kept their continental dreams alive. Despite creating opportunities, the Pharaohs struggled to convert them into clear scoring chances, ultimately falling short against a resolute Senegal side. 

The headline narrative of the match was the renewal of the rivalry between Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah two of Africa’s most iconic footballers who previously faced off in major AFCON knockout ties, including the dramatic 2021 final. 

Mané’s decisive intervention not only put Senegal ahead but also highlighted his continued importance in big games for his nation. For Egypt, Mohamed Salah remained a focal point of attack, but even his influence wasn’t enough to overturn Senegal’s narrow advantage.

Senegal’s approach showcased tactical discipline and defensive solidity, frustrating Egypt’s attempts to gain control in midfield. The team managed to absorb pressure at key moments while remaining dangerous on transition; a blend that proved effective in a match where chances were limited.