Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
Veteran administrator Tom Alila warns that Football Kenya Federation infighting and court battles with CEO Harold Ndege risk delaying projects and damaging Kenya’s image ahead of co-hosting AFCON 2027.
A tactical guide to the AFCON quarter-finals, breaking down Mali v Senegal, Morocco v Cameroon, Nigeria v Algeria and Egypt v Ivory Coast, with low-scoring games expected and four favourites tipped to edge through.
Years of mismanagement, public spats and last-minute upheavals have long haunted Cameroonian football, but the chaos that preceded this AFCON was extraordinary even by those low standards.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles briefly threatened to boycott training and travel over unpaid AFCON win bonuses before officials showed proof of processed payments, easing tensions ahead of the Algeria quarterfinal in Marrakech.
Victor Osimhen grabbed a brace, while Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams added the gloss, but it was Iwobi’s vision and long-range passing that pulled the strings.
Some African teams landed favourable paths; others drew gauntlets that will test depth, experience and nerves.
AFCON’s Round of 16 continues on Monday in Agadir and Fès as Egypt face Benin and Nigeria meet Mozambique, with two more quarter-final places and major reputations on the line.
The Paris Saint-Germain full-back, starting his first match in over two months after an ankle layoff, delivered the decisive assist for Brahim Díaz, whose fierce finish beat goalkeeper Hussein Masalanga at the near post and sent the Atlas Lions into the last eight.
It looked as if Tunisia had got the job done on Saturday against a Mali side forced to play most of the game a man down when substitute Firas Chaouat headed the Carthage Eagles in front in the 88th minute.
Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula announced the measures after the 3-2 defeat by Ivory Coast on 31 December.
The hosts broke the deadlock in the second half when Brahim Díaz converted a chance created by Mazraoui, and Ayoub El Kaabi sealed the win with a stunning overhead kick late on.
For some players, AFCON is a spotlight, a month-long audition in front of scouts, sporting directors and rival clubs.