Sports

Senegal Clinch AFCON 2025 Title with 1-0 Extra-Time Victory Over Hosts Morocco

Published

6 months ago

January 18, 2026

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In one of the most chaotic and unforgettable finals in Africa Cup of Nations history, Senegal emerged as champions after defeating host nation Morocco 1-0 in extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Midfielder Pape Gueye delivered a thunderous strike in the first period of extra time, firing a spectacular left-footed shot into the top corner to secure Senegal’s second continental crown since their 2021 triumph.

The goal proved decisive in a tense, low-scoring encounter that had remained goalless through 90 minutes.

The match will be remembered as much for its dramatic finish as for the football itself. Deep into second-half stoppage time, the referee awarded Morocco a controversial penalty following a lengthy VAR review, ruling that Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf had fouled Brahim Diaz in the box.

The decision sparked fury among the Senegalese players, who briefly walked off the pitch in protest, leading to unprecedented scenes of chaos and lengthy delays.

After returning to the field, Diaz stepped up for the spot-kick but saw his audacious Panenka attempt comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, keeping the scores level and sending the game into extra time.

Senegal’s resilience shone through in the additional 30 minutes, where Gueye’s moment of brilliance sealed a famous upset against the heavily favored hosts, who were chasing their first AFCON title since 1976.

The Lions of Teranga, led by talismanic forward Sadio Mané in what may be his final AFCON appearance, demonstrated tactical discipline and defensive solidity throughout the tournament. Their victory marks them as one of the continent’s premier forces in recent years.

For Morocco, the result ends a dream of continental glory on home soil, extending their wait for a second title to 50 years. Despite the heartbreak, the Atlas Lions’ run to the final showcased their growing stature in African football.

This extraordinary final, filled with tension, controversy, and high drama, will be talked about for years to come as Senegal lift the trophy in stunning fashion.

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Sports

Cape Verde faces defending world cup champions , Argentina today

The Atlantic archipelago have become one of the fairytale stories of this year’s expanded 48-team tournament, confounding expectations by earning a draw with Spain before squeezing into the last 32 ahead of Group H rivals Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Published

2 days ago

July 3, 2026

OCHEFA

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A classic David versus Goliath encounter will take centre stage at the World Cup on Friday as tiny Cape Verde face Lionel Messi and Argentina with a place in the last 16 at stake.

Cape Verde, the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout rounds, face the defending champions in Miami dreaming of pulling off what would be the greatest upset in World Cup history.

Argentina, who breezed into the knockout rounds with the help of six goals from captain Messi, will be expected to swat aside the African qualifiers to move one step closer to their dream of back-to-back World Cup titles.But Cape Verde insist they will not be overawed by the occasion and the prospect of sharing a field with the reigning world champions and eight-time Ballon D’Or winner Messi.

Sports

Team Nigeria Targets 20 Golds at Commonwealth Games

Published

3 days ago

July 2, 2026

Charles Flames

45 Views

Nigeria’s sports authorities have expressed strong confidence in Team Nigeria’s chances at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with officials projecting a haul of between 16 and 20 gold medals.

The optimism was expressed during the official unveiling of the national team ahead of the competition.

Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, Comrade Philip Shaibu, said the athletes have enjoyed better and earlier preparations than in previous competitions, and noted that all necessary logistics, including training and travel arrangements have been provided, leaving the athletes with the responsibility of delivering success for the country.

Shaibu said the commitment, determination and quality displayed by the athletes have convinced him that Nigeria can achieve at least 20 gold medals at the Games.

He also highlighted ongoing efforts by the National Institute for Sports to strengthen grassroots sports development and expand talent discovery across the country.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, stated that preparations for the Games began long before the competition through talent identification and strategic planning.

According to him, the team will arrive in Glasgow about 20 days before the opening of the Games to allow athletes acclimatize and improve their performance.

Meanwhile, the National Sports Commission Director-General, Bukola Olopade, explained that the medal projections are based on careful planning and sustained preparation over the past year and a half. He said the Commission remains committed to providing the support needed for athletes to achieve the country’s targets.

Olopade, however, warned that indiscipline would not be tolerated within Team Nigeria, stressing that athletes must adhere to the Commission’s rules and resolve concerns through official channels, and warned that misconduct or actions capable of damaging the team’s image could attract sanctions, including expulsion from the contingent.