South Africa opened their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 campaign with a narrow 2–1 victory against Angola, claiming all three points in a competitive Group B encounter.
The match was evenly balanced for long spells, but South Africa showed greater composure in key moments to edge past a determined Angolan side.
Early Pressure Pays Off
Bafana Bafana started on the front foot, pressing high and moving the ball quickly. Their positive approach paid off in the 21st minute, when Oswin Appollis finished off a well-worked attacking move to give South Africa the lead.
The goal settled South Africa into the game, but Angola responded with confidence rather than caution.
Angola Hit Back Before the Break
Angola grew into the contest and were rewarded in the 35th minute. After sustained pressure, Show found space inside the box and calmly converted to bring the scores level.
The equaliser shifted momentum, and both teams went into halftime locked at 1–1, with little to separate them.
Late Winner Seals It for Bafana Bafana
The second half was tense and tactical, with chances at both ends. As the game edged toward a draw, South Africa found the breakthrough they needed.
In the 79th minute, Bafana Bafana struck the decisive goal, restoring their lead and sending their supporters into celebration. From that point on, South Africa managed the game smartly, limiting Angola’s chances and seeing out the result.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially unveiled the African Nations League, a brand new annual competition aimed at showcasing Africa’s top national teams and players. The announcement, made by CAF President Patrice Motsepe in Rabat, marks a major restructure in African football, alongside changes to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) calendar.
What Is the African Nations League?
The African Nations League is set to be an annual senior national team tournament, designed to give CAF member nations more competitive fixtures outside the AFCON cycle. CAF describes it as a “world-class senior national team competition” that will feature the best African players, including stars based in top international leagues.
This competition is part of CAF’s broader strategy to provide more regular, meaningful football for national teams, increase exposure for African players, and boost commercial opportunities for the continent’s football ecosystem.
Structure and Timing
While CAF has confirmed the launch, the inaugural season is expected to kick off in 2029. The tournament will reportedly feature all 54 CAF member associations, organized into regional groups across North, East, West, Central, and Southern Africa.
Matches are expected to take place during FIFA international windows, with a finals phase determining the annual champion. By structuring the league this way, CAF aims to align with the global football calendar while reducing conflicts with major club competitions.
AFCON Calendar Restructure
The African Nations League is closely linked to CAF’s decision to move AFCON to a four-year cycle, starting after the 2028 edition. Previously held every two years, AFCON’s shift creates a gap in the football calendar, which the new league will now fill.
According to CAF, this ensures that African national team football remains exciting and competitive every year, keeping fans engaged even in AFCON off-years.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe highlighted that the league would offer “an annual platform for Africa’s best players to compete at the highest level,” reinforcing the continent’s growing influence in world football.
Mali and Zambia played out a thrilling 1–1 draw in their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Group A match at the Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca. The game was a mix of tactical battles, late drama, and moments of individual brilliance.
The first half ended goalless, with both sides cautious but creating glimpses of attacking potential. Mali’s persistence paid off in the 61st minute when Lassine Sinayoko capitalized on a corner, heading the ball past the Zambian goalkeeper to give the Eagles the lead.
After scoring, Mali controlled possession and looked comfortable, but Zambia was far from done.
Zambia showed tremendous resilience and refused to settle for defeat. Their efforts were rewarded in stoppage time, as Patson Daka rose above the defense to head in a dramatic equalizer. The goal stunned Mali and sparked celebrations for Zambia, salvaging a crucial point from a challenging game.
Key Takeaways
Mali dominated possession and looked dangerous on the break, but finishing let them down in crucial moments.
Zambia’s late equalizer highlights their fighting spirit and ability to capitalize on mistakes.
Both teams will now look to build on this result as they continue their Group A campaigns, knowing every point counts in the race for the knockout stages.
Morocco began their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a solid 2–0 victory over Comoros, sending an early warning to the rest of the continent about their title ambitions.
After a tense first half that ended goalless, the Atlas Lions showed their quality in the second half, scoring twice to secure all three points.
The opening 45 minutes were tightly contested. Morocco dominated possession and controlled the tempo, but Comoros remained compact and disciplined at the back. Clear chances were limited, and both teams went into halftime without a goal.
Despite Morocco’s attacking depth, Comoros frustrated their opponents with organised defending and quick transitions, forcing Morocco to remain patient.
The breakthrough finally came in the 55th minute, when Brahim Díaz found the back of the net. The Real Madrid forward calmly finished after sustained pressure from Morocco, lifting the weight off his team’s shoulders.
The goal immediately shifted the momentum of the game, with Morocco growing in confidence and Comoros struggling to regain control.
Morocco wrapped up the win in the 74th minute through Ayoub El Kaabi, who produced a stunning overhead kick to double the lead. The goal stood out as one of the early highlights of the tournament and effectively ended Comoros’ hopes of a comeback.
This win gives Morocco a strong start in their AFCON group, reinforcing their status as one of the tournament favourites. With attacking depth, defensive stability, and individual brilliance on display, the Atlas Lions will be confident heading into their next fixture.
For Comoros, the result was a tough opening, but their defensive discipline in the first half showed they are capable of competing at this level if they improve their attacking output.
Final Score
Morocco 2–0 Comoros
Goals: Brahim Díaz (55’), Ayoub El Kaabi (74’)
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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards celebrate the exceptional talents and achievements in African football. Among the most prestigious honours is the African Player of the Year award, recognizing the continent’s top footballer annually.
Nigerian Recipients of the African Player of the Year Award
Nigeria has a rich history of producing world-class footballers who have been honoured with this prestigious award . As of December 16, 2024, Nigerian players have secured the African Player of the Year award eight times, with Ademola Lookman being the latest winner.
Here is a list of Nigerian players who have won the award:
Rashidi Yekini (1993)
Yekini was the first Nigerian to win the award in 1993, following his remarkable performances that led Nigeria to victory in the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and a strong showing at the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The legendary footballer passed on May 4th, 2012.
Rashidi Yekini
Emmanuel Amunike (1994)
Amunike clinched the title in 1994 after playing a pivotal role in Nigeria’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and contributing significantly to the national team’s success.
Emmanuel Amunike
Nwankwo Kanu (1996, 1999)
Kanu is a two-time recipient, winning in 1996 and 1999. His exceptional skills were evident during his tenure with Ajax, Inter Milan, and Arsenal, as well as his contributions to Nigeria’s Olympic gold medal in 1996.
Nwankwo Kanu
Victor Ikpeba (1997)
Ikpeba earned the award in 1997, following impressive performances with AS Monaco and the Nigerian national team, particularly during the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Victor Ikpeba
Victor Osimhen (2023)
Osimhen was honored in 2023 after a stellar season with Napoli, where he played a crucial role in their Serie A triumph, and his consistent goal-scoring for the Nigerian national team.
Victor Osimhen
Ademola Lookman (2024)
On December 16, 2024, Lookman became the seventh Nigerian to receive the award. His outstanding year included a hat-trick in Atalanta’s Europa League final victory and significant contributions to Nigeria’s journey to the Africa Cup of Nations final, where he scored three goals.
Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman’s remarkable year
Ademola Lookman’s achievements in 2024 have been nothing short of extraordinary. The 27-year-old forward, who plays for Atalanta in Italy’s Serie A, was instrumental in the club’s success, notably scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final. His domestic league performance was equally impressive, with 17 goals last season and 11 goals in the current campaign. On the international stage, Lookman role has been pivotal in Nigeria’s progression to the Africa Cup of Nations final, contributing three crucial goals during the tournament.
Upon receiving the award, Lookman expressed immense pride and encouraged perseverance in pursuing dreams despite setbacks. His recognition marks a continuation of Nigeria’s legacy in African football, inspiring future generations of Nigerian footballers to strive for excellence on both continental and global stages.
Nigeria has long been a dominant force in African women’s football, and this is reflected in the number of times Nigerian female players have been honoured with the prestigious CAF Women’s Player of the Year Award. Since the award’s inception in 2001, Nigerian players have won it multiple times, showcasing their exceptional talent and influence in African football. Below is a list of these players and their remarkable achievements.
Mercy Akide (2001)
Mercy Akide made history as the first-ever winner of the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award. Known for her goal-scoring prowess, Akide played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Key Achievements
Starred in Nigeria’s victories at the Africa Women’s Championship.
Played in three FIFA Women’s World Cups (1995, 1999, 2003).
Mercy Akide
Perpetua Nkwocha (2004, 2005, 2010, 2011)
Perpetua Nkwocha remains one of the most celebrated African footballers of all time. She won the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award a record four times, cementing her legacy as a legend of the game.
Key Achievements
Instrumental in Nigeria’s Africa Women’s Championship wins.
Scored an incredible 11 goals in the 2006 Africa Women’s Championship, setting a record.
Represented Nigeria in four FIFA Women’s World Cups and the Olympic Games.
Perpetua Nwocha
Cynthia Uwak (2006, 2007)
Cynthia Uwak is another Nigerian star who captured the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award back-to-back in 2006 and 2007. Her speed and technical ability made her a standout player during her era.
Key Achievements
Key figure in Nigeria’s Africa Women’s Championship triumphs.
Played for top clubs in Europe, enhancing her reputation as a world-class forward.
Cynthia Uwak
Asisat Oshoala (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022)
Asisat Oshoala is the most decorated Nigerian female player in CAF history, having won the Women’s Player of the Year award five times. She is widely regarded as one of the best female footballers to come out of Africa.
Key Achievements
Won multiple Africa Women’s Cup of Nations titles with Nigeria.
Made history as the first African woman to play for FC Barcelona Femeni, where she continues to shine on the global stage.
Played a significant role in Barcelona’s UEFA Women’s Champions League victory in 2021.
She was Named BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2015.
Asisat Oshoala
Chiamaka Nnadozie (2024): Goal Keeper of the Year
Chiamaka Nnadozie was honored as the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year in 2024. Her outstanding performances for Paris FC and the Nigerian national team have been pivotal in her recognition.
Chiamaka Nnadozie
These accolades highlight the significant contributions of Nigerian female footballers to the sport and their continued influence on the African football landscape.
Nigerian female players have consistently dominated African football, with legends like Perpetua Nkwocha and Asisat Oshoala setting benchmarks for excellence. Their achievements highlight Nigeria’s strength in women’s football and inspire upcoming players to aim for greatness on both the African and global stages.
