AFCON
Can Cameroon escape goalkeeper-less Comoros in this upset-filled AFCON?
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
The 33rd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations will propablly go down as the most upset-filled in recent history.
Defending champions and unbeaten team for 37 matches, Algeria were dumped out. Likewise, four-time champions, Ghana could not make it from the group stage.
The Gambia shocked on of Africa’s powerhouses, Tunisia at the Group stage. Tunisia who won just one group stage match and heavily depleted, found strenght to oust Nigeria, the only team among 24 to have won its three group matches.
And thus, everything begin to go tupsy turvy. Adios formbook, bye bye too predictability!
Unrated and debutants Comoros Islands outsted the great Black Stars of Ghana, sending AFCON followers to begin a search of the chain of islands’ location on the map.
In a tournament that has shown that no team is immune from shock, will hosts, Cameroon also experience the bitter taste?
They are today billed against an unrated Comoros, the Cinderella team of the tournament.
To underscore their lowly rating, they are also depleted in number of players and are likely going to face giants, Cameroon without a proper goalkeeper.
None of their three registered goalkeeper is available. The main one is outrightly injured while the two others tested positive to Covid-19.
Glory-dreaming Comoros will have to convert an outfield player as a goalkeeper if none of the two registered ones comes out with a good Covid test result.
Their situation is akin to that Tunisia who in addition to seven players and their lead coach not being available and had to make a long journey to Garoua apart from losing at least two days to logistics as Nigeria concluded their group games ahead, still summon strengh and courage to ousts the Super Eagles.
Cameroon would undoubtedly have learnt a lesson or two from the Nigeria-Tunisia episode to avert any upset.
“We must respect our opponent of the day even if they are playing their first AFCON,” indicated the Cameroonian coach, Antonio Conceicao.
“We are calmly preparing our meeting and our objective remains clear, the February 6th final”.
Continuing, the coach remarked: “We know that we are going against a good team from the Comoros. We have studied our opponent who remains difficult.
“It is true that it is not a team with a big name, but they have very good players. They are a disciplined team, focused and playing without pressure. The objective for us is to win to go further in the competition.”
“We are living a dream”. These are the words of Comoros captain Nadjim Abdou 24 hours from the historic round of 16 between the Cœlacanthes and the Indomitable Lions.
“We know we are going to play against a great team, but all this is a bonus for us,” said the Comorian captain.
Daniel Padovani, the Comoros goalkeepers’ coach added: “We played our all-out during the group stage and that’s what allowed us to progress to the round of 16.
“We are experiencing an exceptional situation with several players and staff members affected by COVID-19. We must manage this situation and find the necessary solutions. We will play with the same values, with our usual state of mind”.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Super Eagles for their impressive performance in the 4–0 victory over Benin Republic, praising the team for keeping Nigeria’s qualification hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Adebayo Onanuga, the President lauded the players for their “hunger, passion, and determination” during the crucial qualifier in Uyo, describing their display as one that has “reignited Nigerians’ football pride.”
“While the job is not yet complete, I join millions of Nigerian football fans in wishing our team every success in the playoffs,” Tinubu said. “The mood across the country reflects a shared belief that Nigeria deserves a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Canada, Mexico, and the United States will host.”
Reaffirming the government’s backing, President Tinubu assured the players and coaching crew of full Federal Government support as they prepare for the decisive play-off stage.
“Nigerians everywhere believe in you, and I do too,” he said. “We look forward to seeing you fly our flag proudly on the world stage.”
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
The Organizing Committee of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 has announced a strong start to ticket sales, confirming that 58,000 tickets had been sold as of Tuesday at 5:00 p.m.
According to an official update, the enthusiasm for the continental showpiece has also been reflected on the Yalla App, where 145,731 applications have been received so far. In addition, a total of 121,924 FAN IDs have been issued, including 31,058 belonging to foreign nationals representing 108 countries around the world.
In response to the overwhelming demand, the committee disclosed that technical teams are working round the clock to enhance the ticketing and FAN ID systems to ensure smooth processing for fans.
To assist applicants and ensure better communication, the organizers have provided a dedicated customer service line: +212 5 30 30 20 30. The hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in Arabic, English, and French, and is staffed by over 600 agents trained to respond to inquiries and provide user support.
Fans can also reach the support team via email at info@yallamorocco.ma.
The Organizing Committee expressed gratitude to supporters, media representatives, delegations, and partners for their enthusiasm and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a seamless and memorable experience for all stakeholders during AFCON Morocco 2025.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Ticket sales for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 will officially open on Monday, 13 October 2025, with an exclusive 48-hour pre-sale window reserved for Visa cardholders, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced.
Fans across Africa and around the world will be able to secure their seats for what promises to be the continent’s biggest football spectacle, which will run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
The special Visa pre-sale period will run from Monday, 13 October at 09:00 Moroccan time (08:00 GMT) until Wednesday, 15 October at 08:00 GMT, before general ticket sales open to all fans using other payment methods.
To streamline ticket purchases and enhance security, the Local Organizing Committee has launched the YALLA App, an integrated digital platform for fans to obtain their Fan ID — a mandatory requirement for buying tickets — and apply for E-Visas (AEVM) where necessary.
According to organizers, each registered Fan ID allows supporters to buy only one ticket per match, ensuring wider access and transparency in ticket distribution.
The process for obtaining tickets is straightforward:
- Download the YALLA App, available on Google Play and the App Store.
- Apply for a Fan ID and E-Visa (if required) through the app.
- Once approved, Visa cardholders can visit tickets.cafonline.com starting from Monday, 13 October at 09:00 Moroccan time (08:00 GMT) to purchase their AFCON 2025 tickets.
The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is expected to deliver a festival of football and culture, with fans urged to complete their Fan ID registration early to avoid last-minute rushes.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Two Decades After Their Defeat, Mamelodi Sundowns Return to Abeokuta
Major Injury Concerns for Mamelodi Sundowns Ahead of Abeokuta Clash
Ribeiro’s Shock Exit Forces Tactical Reset at Mamelodi Sundowns Ahead of Clash with Remo Stars
- U20 FOOTBALL1 week ago
Flying Eagles Bank on ‘Magic of October 8’ to overcome Argentina
- World Cup1 week ago
CAF Rule Change May Boost Nigeria’s World Cup Qualification Hopes
- World Cup4 days ago
Victor Osimhen qualifies South Africa for World Cup as Super Eagles go for Play-Off
- World Cup1 week ago
BREAKING! Lookman Suspended for Crucial Benin Clash
- World Cup1 week ago
Logistics reduce Super Eagles 23-man squad
- World Cup1 week ago
Judgment Day Beckons in Group C: Only One Ticket, Three Contenders, Infinite Drama
- FIFA RANKING21 hours ago
Nigeria Jumps Four Places in New FIFA Rankings; Stirs Optimism in Local Football Circles
- World Cup7 days ago
Super Eagles Stranded in Angola After Aircraft Suffers Cracked Windscreen