Sports
Morocco Edges Nigeria in Dramatic Penalty Shootout to Reach AFCON 2025 Final
In a tense and tightly contested semi-final clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, host nation Morocco advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final after a 4-2 victory over Nigeria in a penalty shootout, following a gripping 0-0 draw through 120 minutes of regulation and extra time.
The match, a heavyweight showdown between the Super Eagles and the Atlas Lions, remained goalless despite moments of intense pressure from both sides.
Nigeria, who entered the knockout stages with a perfect record and prolific scoring form, struggled to break down Morocco’s resolute defense, managing only a handful of shots across the entire contest.
Morocco, buoyed by a passionate home crowd in Rabat, dominated large periods but couldn’t convert their chances, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali producing key saves to keep the Super Eagles alive.
As the game headed to penalties, drama unfolded. Yassine Bounou, Morocco’s world-class shot-stopper, emerged as the hero once again, making crucial saves from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi. Morocco’s takers — including Neil El Aynaoui, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Achraf Hakimi, and the decisive Youssef En-Nesyri — converted confidently to seal the win.
The result sends Morocco into their first AFCON final since 2004, where they will face Senegal on Sunday in a bid to claim their first continental title in 50 years (since 1976).
For Nigeria, the defeat marks another painful penalty shootout exit, ending their hopes of a fourth AFCON crown and first since 2013.
The Super Eagles will now prepare for the third-place playoff against the loser of the other semi-final. Morocco’s progression keeps the dream alive for the hosts, who have shown defensive solidity and composure under pressure throughout the tournament.
Sports
FIFA proposes one‑minute off‑field rule for injured players
If approved, the measure would be incorporated into football’s global rulebook.
FIFA on Monday proposed a new rule that would require players who receive on-field medical treatment to remain off the pitch for at least one minute.
BBC Sport reported that the proposal which is aimed at reducing time-wasting on the pitch, will be discussed during the annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board, the body responsible for the Laws of the Game.
If approved, the measure would be incorporated into football’s global rulebook.
At present, the Laws of the Game do not specify a mandatory period that injured players must stay off the field after treatment. Domestic competitions are allowed to implement their own guidelines.
Sports
48 nations to compete as FIFA releases schedule for Series 2026
Twelve groups of four teams each—nine men’s groups and three women’s groups—will compete, hosted by 11 FIFA Member Associations.
FIFA has released the full match schedule for the FIFA Series 2026, the expanded edition of its international friendly tournament, which will bring together 48 national teams from all six confederations.
The fixtures, published on the association’s website on Monday, are scheduled for the March and April 2026 international match window.
Twelve groups of four teams each—nine men’s groups and three women’s groups—will compete, hosted by 11 FIFA Member Associations.
Rwanda will stage two groups, while other hosts include Australia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Thailand, and Uzbekistan.
All matches are official international friendlies and will be broadcast globally, providing fans worldwide with access and giving participating teams valuable exposure, particularly for those that rarely face opponents from other confederations.
According to FIFA, participating Member Associations have chosen their preferred competition formats within each group, either a semi-final and final structure.
Sports
FIFA commits $75m to rebuild war-damaged football facilities in Gaza
According to FIFA, the initiative includes plans to construct a football academy, a new 20,000-seat national stadium and dozens of mini-pitches across Gaza.
The world football governing body, FIFA, has announced plans to mobilise $75 million to rebuild football facilities in Gaza destroyed during the war between Israel and Hamas.
The announcement was made on Thursday during the inaugural meeting of the “Board of Peace,” convened in Washington by U.S. President Donald Trump. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also attended the meeting, which focused primarily on reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip.
Trump disclosed that FIFA would help raise “a total of $75 million for projects in Gaza,” noting that the initiative would include football-related investments such as playing fields and high-profile visits by global football stars.
“I’m also pleased to announce that FIFA will be helping to raise a total of $75 million for projects in Gaza,” Trump said, adding that the projects would centre on building fields and attracting some of the sport’s biggest names.
According to FIFA, the initiative includes plans to construct a football academy, a new 20,000-seat national stadium and dozens of mini-pitches across Gaza.
The first phase will prioritise building small-sided fields within three to six months, while the proposed stadium is expected to take between 18 and 36 months to complete.
FIFA also confirmed plans to help establish youth and amateur leagues as part of the long-term development strategy.
Infantino described the agreement as “a landmark partnership” designed to channel investment into football, supporting recovery efforts in post-conflict areas.
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