A man who styled himself as a marabout on social media and boldly promised Mali victory at the Africa Cup of Nations has been arrested for fraud after collecting more than 22 million CFA francs (about €33,500), local sources told Agence France-Presse (AFP).

The man, identified only as Sinayogo, had solicited donations online in exchange for spiritual assurances that the Eagles of Mali would lift the continental trophy. His claims collapsed dramatically on Friday night when Mali were knocked out of the tournament at the quarter-final stage by Senegal, losing 1–0.

According to one of his associates, Sinayogo had raised more than 22 million CFA francs during Mali’s run at the Africa Cup of Nations. But following the elimination, anger spilt onto the streets. An irate crowd reportedly gathered at his residence, forcing police to intervene and remove him for his own safety.

Sinayogo was arrested on Saturday and placed in detention at the cybercrime unit, according to two videographers who previously worked with him and later visited him in custody. Authorities confirmed he is being held on suspicion of fraud linked to online deception.

“Charlatanism is punishable by law in Mali,” an official from the cybercrime unit told AFP. The official added that taking action earlier would have been difficult while the national team remained in the competition, describing the period as “the heat of the Africa Cup of Nations.”

Further details have since emerged about Sinayogo’s rise. A social media content creator close to him said the man was previously known as a political activist before “proclaiming himself a marabout overnight and making a fortune.”

The case has ignited debate in Mali over superstition, social media influence and the emotional pull of football, as hopes of continental glory once again gave way to disappointment — and, this time, a police investigation.

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Gabon’s football authorities have lifted government-imposed measures affecting the national team and senior players following the country’s early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Gabon Football Association confirmed that sanctions announced after Gabon’s poor showing at the tournament in Morocco had been withdrawn. Gabon finished bottom of Group F after defeats to Cameroon, Mozambique and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire.

The measures were initially announced on national television by the then Sports Minister, who ordered the suspension of the national team as well as disciplinary action against captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and defender Bruno Ecuele Manga following the winless campaign.

However, newly appointed Sports Minister Paul Ulrich Kessany reversed the decision, amid concerns that continued government intervention could expose Gabon to sanctions from FIFA, which maintains a strict policy against political interference in football administration.

“The government measures suspending the national team have been lifted, as well as the exclusion of players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga following the unsatisfactory results of the national team at the Africa Cup of Nations,” the Gabon FA said.

The federation added that Minister Kessany stressed the urgency of upcoming international commitments, including preparations for the draw of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers for the 2027 edition, as a key factor behind the decision.

Gabon will now turn its attention to rebuilding efforts as they seek to put its AFCON disappointment behind it and refocus on future continental competitions.

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By Kunle Solaja, Casablanca

Away from the roar of stadiums and the tension of Africa Cup of Nations semi-final battles, a different side of Morocco came into focus in Casablanca.

Facilitated by the Moroccan National Association of Media and Publishers, visiting journalists were hosted at CFC First, the flagship complex of Casablanca Finance City—a modern business district redefining Morocco’s economic identity.

From a tourist’s perspective, the contrast was striking. Casablanca’s older quarters tell stories of colonial history and Atlantic resilience, but CFC First speaks the language of the future. Sleek glass towers, wide boulevards and carefully landscaped spaces present an image more commonly associated with global financial capitals than a traditional North African city.

According to the tour guide, Marzouk Abdeltif, the place was previously used as an air strip before it was converted to an economic nerve centre. Virtually all global brands have offices at the CFC. There are incentives to make them stay and even attract more global brands.

The ease of doing business in Morocco is so attractive that the kingdom is fast becoming an economic hub, not just in Africa, but across the globe.

CFC First stands at the heart of Casablanca Finance City, a project launched in the 2010s to position Morocco as a leading financial and business gateway to Africa.

The financial hub as observed from one of the adjornig highrise buildings.

The hub hosts multinational corporations, regional headquarters, banks, insurance firms, consulting companies and fintech operators, all drawn by Morocco’s political stability, strategic location and investor-friendly reforms.

Guided through the district, visitors quickly grasp how the project has impacted the Moroccan economy.

Casablanca Finance City has attracted billions of dollars in foreign direct investment, created thousands of high-skilled jobs and strengthened Morocco’s role as a bridge between Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Many companies operating from CFC coordinate activities across West and Central Africa, making Casablanca a decision-making centre for the continent.

The economic ripple effects extend beyond finance. Real estate development, hospitality, transport and professional services have all expanded alongside the hub. Cafés, hotels and residential projects surrounding CFC First reflect a growing expatriate and professional community, contributing to Casablanca’s evolving urban lifestyle.

For journalists in town primarily for football, the visit offered a broader narrative. Just as Morocco has demonstrated organisational excellence in hosting the Africa Cup of Nations, Casablanca Finance City reflects long-term planning and economic ambition.

The same efficiency seen in match logistics and media coordination is mirrored in boardrooms and trading floors.

As the AFCON drama continued elsewhere, CFC First quietly underscored another Moroccan success story—one measured not in goals or trophies, but in capital flows, continental influence and sustainable growth. For visitors, it was a reminder that beyond the passion of football, Morocco is steadily positioning itself as one of Africa’s most important economic hubs.

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