Gabon Government suspends national football team after 2025 AFCON exit

Posted on by admin

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.

Discover more from The Maravi Post

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

The Maravi Post

Bobi Wine rails against regime brutality as campaign enters final lap

Posted on by admin

KAMPALA-(MaraviPost)-Bobi Wine has written on his Facebook page, highlighting the challenges his presidential campaign has faced in Uganda.

The opposition leader stated that his campaign has been met with ongoing brutality and interference from the regime, including intimidation, teargassing, arrests, and attacks on supporters.

Wine claimed that his team has been blocked from accessing towns, main roads, and campaigning in some districts, severely hindering their efforts.

Bobi Wine

Despite these obstacles, Wine emphasized that the reception from the people has been overwhelmingly positive, with millions of Ugandans turning out to welcome him and assert their desire for change.

The opposition leader expressed his determination to reclaim the country and stand for a New Uganda, rallying his supporters to join him in this quest.

Wine’s New Year address has galvanized support for his #ANewUgandaNow campaign, with many calling for a #ProtestVote2026 to bring about change in Uganda.

The hashtag #PeoplePowerOurPower has trended, reflecting the growing momentum behind Wine’s presidential bid.

Discover more from The Maravi Post

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

The Maravi Post

Ghana Police arrest self-proclaimed prophet Ebo Noah for spreading fear

Posted on by admin

ACCRA-(MaraviPost)-Ghanaian police have arrested a man identified as Evans Eshun, also known as Ebo Noah, for allegedly spreading fear among the public with his apocalyptic prophecies.

The self-proclaimed prophet had been claiming that the world would come to an end on Christmas Day 2025, sparking widespread panic.

Eshun had been telling people that massive floods would occur on that day, killing anyone who refused to board one of his eight prepared ark-like vessels.

Prophet Ebo Noah arrested

However, as the predicted date passed without incident, it became clear that his prophecies were baseless.

The police say such false prophets cause unnecessary distress and confusion among the public.

Eshun’s actions had caused significant alarm, with many people likely affected by his claims.

The authorities are taking steps to address the issue, emphasizing the harm caused by spreading unfounded prophecies.

The incident highlights the need for critical thinking and verification of information, especially when it comes to sensational claims.

Discover more from The Maravi Post

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

The Maravi Post

Malawi referees earn Global vote of confidence ahead of 2026 Season

Posted on by admin

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-FIFA’s confirmation of Malawi’s international referees for the 2026 season has been received as a major boost for the country’s match officials, highlighting growing trust in local refereeing standards.

A total of 17 Malawian officials have been cleared to officiate international assignments in 2026, reflecting Malawi’s continued presence on the global football stage under FIFA’s watch.

The approved contingent is made up of six centre referees, nine assistant referees and two beach soccer referees, demonstrating balanced representation across different officiating roles.

One of the key highlights of the list is the inclusion of Emily Chathamthumba, who steps in following the retirement of experienced referee Bernadetta Kuyimbira, marking a generational transition in women’s refereeing.

Rose Zimba has also reclaimed her place on the FIFA International Referees List, signaling a successful return after meeting FIFA’s stringent reassessment criteria.

In the area of match technology, Eness Gumbo remains Malawi’s sole Video Assistant Referee (VAR), continuing to carry the responsibility of representing the country in this highly specialized role.

Malawi’s footprint in beach soccer has also been maintained, with Mathews Ngwira and Solomon Siliwonde approved to officiate in the discipline at international level.

According to FIFA regulations, all Member Associations are required to submit annual nominations for referees, either for renewal or new inclusion, a process coordinated locally by the FAM Referees Committee.

The committee conducts detailed internal assessments to ensure nominees comply with FIFA requirements, including medical clearance, fitness tests and performance evaluations.

Once the nominations are forwarded, FIFA retains full authority to approve or reject any official who does not meet its global standards, underscoring the competitiveness of international refereeing.

Successful referees are permitted to officiate international fixtures and wear the prestigious FIFA badge throughout the 2026 calendar year, although the badge remains FIFA property and is subject to annual review.

Commenting on the development, sports analyst Ibrahim Phiri described the announcement as encouraging for Malawian referees but stressed that professionalism and consistency will be key if FIFA’s confidence is to be sustained.

Discover more from The Maravi Post

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

The Maravi Post

Tanzania into historical round of 16: AFCON 2025

Posted on by admin

CASABLANCA-(MaraviPost)-Tanzania have written a new chapter in their football history after qualifying for the Round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, becoming the first nation to reach the knockout stage with just two points.

The Taifa Stars secured their place following a hard fought 1–1 draw against Tunisia in their final Group C encounter, a result that proved decisive in a tightly contested group.

Tunisia took the lead late in the first half after being awarded a penalty, which was calmly converted to give the North Africans the advantage heading into the break.

Tanzania responded with determination early in the second half when midfielder Feisal Salum scored a crucial equaliser, restoring hope and shifting the momentum of the match.

The draw meant Tanzania completed the group stage with two points, having registered two draws and one defeat, without recording a single victory in the group.

Despite the low points tally, the Taifa Stars progressed as one of the four best third placed teams, benefiting from the AFCON format introduced after the tournament’s expansion to 24 teams.

Tanzania edged out Angola, who also finished with two points, on the basis of goals scored, a margin that ultimately separated qualification from elimination.

This achievement marks Tanzania’s first ever progression beyond the group stage at the Africa Cup of Nations, ending decades of early exits at the continental showpiece.

Group C was topped by Nigeria, who finished with a perfect record after winning all three matches, while Tunisia advanced as runners up with four points.

Discover more from The Maravi Post

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

The Maravi Post

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

Posted on by admin

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.

Discover more from The Maravi Post

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

The Maravi Post