Nigeria clinch AFCON 2025’s third slot

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….Beat Egypt 4-2 on penalties..

CASABLANCA-(MaraviPost)-Nigeria have finished the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in third place after edging past seven time champions Egypt 4–2 on penalties following a goalless draw in the third place playoff.

The encounter, played on Saturday evening in Morocco, was a tightly contested affair with both sides struggling to break the deadlock in regulation time. E

gypt and Nigeria created half chances but solid defending and disciplined goalkeeping ensured the match ended 0–0, forcing a penalty shootout to decide the bronze medal.

In the shootout, Nigeria showed greater composure from the spot. The Super Eagles converted four of their penalties, while Egypt missed two, handing Nigeria a deserved victory and confirming their place on the AFCON 2025 podium.

Nigeria’s goalkeeper emerged as one of the key figures of the night, making crucial saves that swung the momentum in favour of the West Africans.

For Nigeria, the result caps off a strong campaign, especially after narrowly missing out on a place in the final. Finishing third adds another respectable achievement to their rich AFCON history and reinforces their reputation as one of Africa’s most consistent footballing nations.

Egypt, meanwhile, had to settle for fourth place despite their experience and pedigree in the competition. The Pharaohs will reflect on missed opportunities in both the semi final and the third place match as they look ahead to future tournaments.

The AFCON 2025 final is scheduled for Sunday with hosts Morocco facing Senegal.

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Gabon Government suspends national football team after 2025 AFCON exit

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LIBREVILLE-(MaraviPost)-The Gabonese government has taken drastic measures against the country’s national football team following a disastrous exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament currently taking place in Morocco.

In a statement broadcast on national television, Gabon’s Minister of Sports, Simplice Désiré Mamboula, announced the immediate suspension of the entire national team, popularly known as The Panthers, until further notice. 

The decision comes after Gabon finished bottom of Group F, losing all three of their group matches.

As part of the shake up, the government dismissed head coach Thierry Mouyouma and dissolved the entire technical and coaching staff, citing poor performance and lack of discipline within the team setup.

The minister also revealed that senior players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga, who served as team captain, have been barred from future national team duties.

 Authorities accused the experienced players of failing to provide leadership during the tournament.

Gabon suffered defeats against Cameroon, Mozambique and Ivory Coast, exiting the competition without a single point. 

The poor showing sparked outrage among fans back home, with many calling for accountability and reforms in the country’s football administration.

Government officials described the AFCON campaign as “humiliating” and said the suspension is meant to allow time for reflection and restructuring of national football.

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Moroccan Atlas Lions’ clinical display sends Zambia Chipolopolo packing: AFCON2025

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Airtel Malawi

RABAT-(MaraviPost)-Morocco’s technical superiority and ball retention skills were on full display as they stormed to a 3-0 win over Zambia, securing top spot in Group A.

Ayoub El Kaabi’s stunning bicycle kick and Brahim Diaz’s composed finish sealed the deal, showcasing Morocco’s attacking firepower and Zambia’s defensive frailties.

Capital One

Zambia’s inability to capitalize on their previous defensive resilience proved costly, as Morocco’s relentless pressure paid off, exposing gaps in the Chipolopolo’s setup.

Morocco’s dominance was evident, with possession and set-piece expertise proving decisive in their favor, leaving Zambia struggling to cope.

The win propels Morocco into the knockout stage, while Zambia’s chances now hinge on favorable outcomes elsewhere, highlighting their need for tactical overhaul.

Zambia’s 11-match winless streak at AFCON looms large, emphasizing urgent need for improvement, as Morocco prepares for tougher tests ahead.

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Sakala’s sudden illness puts Chipolopolo Boys in disarray: AFCON 2025

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Airtel Malawi

CASABLANCA-(MaraviPost)-Fashion Sakala, captain of the Chipolopolo Boys, was rushed to a hospital in Rabat today after falling ill, team doctor Wesley Ngongo confirmed.

This unexpected turn of events has left the team scrambling to adjust their lineup.

Capital One

Sakala was taken to Hôpital Universitaire International Mohammed VI in the Moroccan capital at around 12:30 local time after complaining of abdominal discomfort, dizziness, and general weakness during a routine medical check.

The symptoms raised concerns among the medical team, prompting immediate action.

“This morning Fashion complained of experiencing abnormal pain, feeling weak and dizzy during my routine check on the players. We have rushed him to the hospital,” Dr. Ngongo said, highlighting the sudden nature of Sakala’s illness.

The team’s medical team is closely monitoring the situation.

Following the incident, Sakala has been officially ruled out of tonight’s decisive AFCON 2025 Group A fixture against hosts Morocco, a significant setback for the Copper Bullets.

The team’s reliance on Sakala’s skills makes his absence a major concern.

As head coach Moses Sichone finalizes his starting XI and substitutes, the Saudi Arabia–based striker will not be available for selection, forcing the team to regroup and strategize.

This unexpected change may impact the team’s performance against Morocco.

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Salah strike sends Egypt into AFCON 2025 round of 16

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Airtel Malawi

CASABLANCA-(MaraviPost)-Egypt became the first nation to book a place in the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, according to CAF standings, following a hard-fought 1–0 victory over South Africa in a tense Group B encounter on Friday evening.

The Pharaohs leaned on Mohamed Salah’s first half penalty to secure all three points in a match marked by VAR drama and resolute defending.

Capital One

The decisive moment arrived just before half time when VAR intervened after South Africa defender Khuliso Mudau was judged to have fouled Salah inside the penalty area.

The Liverpool forward stepped up confidently and converted from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to give Egypt the lead.

Egypt’s task became significantly tougher minutes later when right back Mohamed Hany was shown a second yellow card and sent off.

The dismissal forced the Pharaohs to reshuffle and adopt a more conservative approach for the remainder of the contest.

South Africa came out with renewed intensity in the second half, dominating possession and pinning Egypt deep in their own half.

Bafana Bafana moved the ball purposefully and attempted to stretch Egypt’s compact defensive block, creating pressure but failing to carve out a clear cut chance.

Despite playing with ten men, Egypt remained a threat on the counter attack with Salah and his teammates exploiting spaces whenever they appeared. Their backline stayed disciplined under sustained pressure, frustrating South Africa’s attacking efforts.

Late in the game, South Africa appealed for a penalty after another VAR review but the decision went against them, compounding their frustration as the clock ticked down.

Egypt’s goalkeeper and defenders showed composure in the closing moments to preserve their slender advantage.

At the final whistle, Egypt celebrated a vital victory that strengthened their grip on Group B with six points from two games and boosted confidence ahead of the knockout stages.

South Africa, it was a painful defeat, especially after a much improved second half performance that ultimately went unrewarded.

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Burkina Faso complete late comeback against Equatorial Guinea: AFCON2025

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Airtel Malawi

CASABLANCA-(MaraviPost)-The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations produced early fireworks in Group E as Burkina Faso faced Equatorial Guinea in a dramatic encounter that lived up to the tournament’s reputation.

Both teams entered the match with one mission to make a strong statement in Group E, knowing that early points could prove decisive in the race to reach the knockout stages.

Capital One

The opening half was tightly contested with Burkina Faso pushing forward while Equatorial Guinea remained disciplined at the back, and the teams went into the break deadlocked at 0-0.

The game’s first major turning point arrived in the second half when Basilio Ndong of Equatorial Guinea was shown a red card, becoming the first player sent off at AFCON 2025.

Reduced to ten men, Equatorial Guinea were forced into a defensive shape as Burkina Faso intensified their attacks in search of a breakthrough.

The Stallions believed they had taken the lead when Lassina Traoré found the net but celebrations were cut short after VAR ruled the goal out, keeping the score level.

Against the run of play, Equatorial Guinea stunned their opponents when Marvin Anieboh opened the scoring, giving the National Thunder a surprising 1-0 advantage.

The goal injected new belief into Equatorial Guinea as they fought bravely to protect their lead despite their numerical disadvantage of ten men.

Burkina Faso refused to surrender and were rewarded when Georgi Minoungou struck to level the match at 1-1, reigniting hopes of a comeback in Group E.

The Stallions pushed forward relentlessly in the closing minutes of the game.

Their persistence paid off when Edmond Tapsoba netted the decisive goal, completing a dramatic turnaround and sealing a 2-1 victory for Burkina Faso.

The win handed Burkina Faso vital three points in Group E of AFCON 2025, while Equatorial Guinea were left to reflect on a spirited performance undone by a red card and late goals.

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