Exciting Round of 16 line-up complete at TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025

RABAT,  Morocco 

The fixtures for the Round of 16 at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 have been set following a thrilling group stage campaign that highlighted the world-class quality of football on the continent.

The first knockout stage will be staged from Saturday, 3 January to Tuesday, 6 January, with two matches every day at 17h00 local time / 16h00 GMT and 20h00 local time / 19h00 local time as the remaining sides battle it out for a quarter-final place.  

Hosts Morocco face Tanzania at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat on Sunday (17h00 local time / 16h00 GMT) with an expectant crowd roaring them on as they seek a first continental title in 50 years.

Morocco topped Group A, with Tanzania qualifying as one of the four best third-placed sides out of Group C.

South Africa and Cameroon will lock horns later that same day at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat (20h00 local time / 19h00 GMT), pitting coach Hugo Broos against the side he led to the title in 2017.

Before those fixtures, 2021 winners Senegal take on Sudan on Saturday (17h00 local time / 16h00 GMT) in the first of the Round of 16 games at the Grand Stade de Tangier to kick-off the knockout phase.

Later that evening Mali tackle Tunisia (20h00 local time / 19h00 GMT) at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, with the former seeking a maiden continental crown and Tunisia looking to repeat their 2004 triumph.

Egypt are record seven-time winners of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON but have not lifted the trophy since 2010, a long wait for fans of the Pharaohs. They face Benin on Monday (17h00 local time / 16h00 GMT) at the Grand Stade de Agadir.

Later that evening Nigeria, among the most impressive sides in the group stages, will play Mozambique (20h00 local time / 19h00 GMT) at the Complexe Sportif de Fès as they seek to go one better than their silver medal finish at the 2023 edition. 

Algeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo meet on Tuesday (17h00 local time / 16h00 GMT) at the Stade Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, before the round concludes in a meeting between defending champions Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso (20h00 local time / 19h00 GMT) at the Grand Stade de Marrakech.

The quarter-finals will be played on 9-10 January, with the final scheduled for 18 January at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah.

TOTALENERGIES CAF AFCON MOROCCO 2025 ROUND OF 16 FIXTURES:

Saturday, 3 January 2026

Senegal vs Sudan

17h00 local time / 16h00 GMT

Grand Stade de Tangier

Mali vs Tunisia

20h00 local time / 19h00 GMT

Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca

Sunday, 4 January 2026

Morocco vs Tanzania

17h00 local time / 16h00 GMT

Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat

South Africa vs Cameroon

20h00 local time / 19h00 GMT

Stade Al Medina, Rabat

Monday, 5 January 2026

Egypt vs Benin

17h00 local time / 16h00 GMT

Grand Stade de Agadir

Nigeria vs Mozambique

20h00 local time / 19h00 GMT

Complexe Sportif de Fès

Tuesday, 6 January 2026

Algeria vs DR Congo

17h00 local time / 16h00 GMT

Stade Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan, Rabat

Cote d’Ivoire vs Burkina Faso

20h00 local time / 19h00 GMT

Grand Stade de Marrakech

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 01/01/2026

 

Burkina Faso, Mali restrict entry for US nationals in reciprocal move

BAMAKO,  Mali 

Mali and Burkina Faso have announced travel restrictions on American nationals in a tit-for-tat move after the United States included both African countries on a no-entry list.

US President Donald Trump, who has long campaigned to restrict immigration, expanded a travel ban earlier this month by barring people from seven more countries.

The list included Syrian citizens, as well as Palestinian Authority passport holders, and nationals of some of Africa's poorest countries, including also Niger, Sierra Leone and South Sudan.

The White House said it was banning foreigners who "intend to threaten" Americans.

The move brought to nearly 40 the number of countries whose citizens face restrictions in coming to the United States solely by virtue of nationality.

Burkina Faso and Mali, which are both led by military juntas, responded in statements issued separately by their foreign ministries, seen Wednesday by AFP.

They said they were imposing "equivalent measures" on US citizens.

Burkina Faso's foreign ministry said in the statement that it was applying "equivalent visa measures" on Americans.

Mali said it was, "with immediate effect", applying "the same conditions and requirements on American nationals that the American authorities have imposed on Malian citizens entering the United States".

It also voiced its "regret" that the United States had made "such an important decision without the slightest prior consultation".

The two countries in west Africa's jihadist-hit Sahelian region are members of a confederation, formed in 2023, that also includes Niger.

The leaders of Burkina, Mali and Niger have made sovereignty their watchword, leaving the West African bloc ECOWAS, while turning away from traditional partner France and closer to Russia but have maintained generally cordial relations with the United States.

Niger has not officially announced any counter-measures to the US travel ban, but the country's news agency, citing a diplomatic source, said last week that such measures had been decided.

In his December 17 announcement, Trump also imposed partial travel restrictions on citizens of other African countries including the most populous, Nigeria, as well as Ivory Coast and Senegal, which  qualified for the football World Cup to be played next year in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Trump administration has promised to let in athletes for the football tournament but has made no such promises for fans of blacklisted countries.

Burkina Faso said in October it refused to take in people kicked out of the United States, in a snub to one of Trump's signature migration policies.

Burkina Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore at the time said the proposal was "indecent".

Since his return to the White House in January, the Trump administration has made deporting people to third countries -- often to nations they have no connection to -- part of a sweeping immigration crackdown.

Somalis rally nationwide against Israel’s recognition of Somaliland

MOGADISHU, Somalia 

Tens of thousands of Somalis took to the streets across the country on Tuesday to protest Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared breakaway region that Somalia considers part of its sovereign territory.

Large crowds gathered in the capital Mogadishu at the national stadium, where religious leaders led rallies calling for unity and condemning the move as an attack on Somalia’s territorial integrity. 

Similar demonstrations were reported in Baidoa, Guriel, Dhusamareeb, Las Anod and Buhoodle, with protesters waving Somali flags and chanting slogans rejecting the recognition.

Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, warned that Israel’s decision could have serious regional consequences. He said the move threatens security in the Horn of Africa and beyond, including the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and could embolden extremist groups operating in the region.

In Las Anod, demonstrators framed the protests as a show of national solidarity. “I am actually supporting the unity of the Somali people, wherever they are,” said protester Mohamed Ismail. “We’re against all aggression from the Israeli government, especially Benjamin Netanyahu and his Zionist movement.”

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but had not been formally recognized by any country until last week. More than 20 nations have since condemned Israel’s move. 

Somalia also raised the issue at an emergency UN Security Council meeting, arguing that the recognition poses a threat to regional stability, a claim Israel has rejected.

Junta leader Doumbouya declared winner of Guinea's presidential election

CONAKRY,  Guinea 

Junta leader General Mamdi Doumbouya was declared the winner of Guinea’s presidential election according to incomplete results released late on Tuesday.

The vote is the first presidential election since the coup that ousted President Alpha Condé in 2021 and is widely seen as a means of legitimising Doumbouya’s stay in power.

Incomplete results announced on Tuesday, gave him 86.7 percent of votes counted so far.

“After centralizing, verifying, and compiling the provisional results of the first round of the presidential election on December 22, 2025, acting in strict compliance with the law, I hereby declare that Mr. Mamadi Doumbouya, candidate of the GMD, having obtained an absolute majority of the valid votes cast, is provisionally declared elected in the presidential election of December 28, 2025,” Djenabou Touré, of Guinea's General Directorate of Elections, told reporters on Tuesday.

Doumbouya faced eight other candidates but the opposition has been weakened by a crackdown on dissent and the dissolution of more than 50 political parties. Major opposition candidates were either barred from running or are in exile.

Yéro Baldé, a former education minister in Condé's government, came a distant second with 6.5 percent of the votes.

The directorate said that 80.9 percent of the 6.7 million registered voters had cast their ballots.

The vote was held under a new constitution approved in a referendum in September. It revokes a ban on military leaders running for office and extends the presidential term from five years to seven.

Despite Guinea’s rich mineral resources — including as the world’s biggest exporter of bauxite, used to make aluminum — more than half of its 15 million people are experiencing record levels of poverty and food insecurity, according to the World Food Program.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 31/12/2025

 

Tanzania hold Tunisia to earn crucial draw and keep their AFCON 2025 hopes alive

RABAT,  Morocco 

At the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Tanzania and Tunisia played to a 1–1 draw at the end of a largely subdued contest, Tanzania coming from a goal down to equalize in a result that caried significant implications for the Group standings.

Tunisia enjoyed early control of possession but struggled to raise the tempo. After a series of attacks and threat at goal from Ismael Gharbi, including a cracking left foot curler that struck the post, the Carthage Eagles were eventually rewarded in the 42nd minute. 

Hazem Mastouri was fouled in the box by Bakari Mwamnyeto and following a lengthy VAR review, Tunisia was awarded a penalty. Gharbi stepped up to convert, giving Tunisia a deserved lead. 

The North Africans went into the break 1–0 ahead after a first half that was low on rhythm but comfortably managed.

After the restart, Tunisia opted to protect their advantage rather than push on. That cautious approach gradually invited Tanzania back into the game, with the Taifa Stars growing in confidence and intent. 

The ambitious Tanzanians finally found their moment in the 54th minute. Feisal Salum curled a fine effort from the edge of the area, the bounce catching goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen off guard as the ball nestled into the net.

The closing stages lacked intensity, as both sides made multiple substitutions and appeared content with the outcome. Tanzania, aware that the point could place them among the best third-placed teams, managed the clock intelligently. 

The 1–1 draw officially secured Tunisia’s qualification to the Round of 16 on second place in the group, while Tanzania preserved a strong chance of progression as one of the best four third placed ranked teams. 

Tanzania's all-time record in the Africa Cup:

12 games

0 wins

5 draws

7 losses 

Bafana Bafana brave fightback to see off Zimbabwe 'Warriors'

CASABLANCA, Morocco 

South Africa reached the knockout stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 after edging a spirited Zimbabwe side 3–2 in a gripping Group B encounter on Monday.

In a match that swung repeatedly and remained in doubt until the final whistle, South Africa showed composure under pressure to secure a victory that could prove decisive in their qualification bid.

Bafana Bafana made the perfect start, striking inside seven minutes. Tshepang Moremi capitalised on a deflected effort, lifting the ball over goalkeeper Arubi to hand South Africa an early lead. 

Encouraged by the opener, South Africa pressed forward with confidence, as Thapelo Mbule and Oswin Appollis drove their side’s attacking momentum.

Zimbabwe, however, refused to be overawed. Their response was swift and spectacular. In the 19th minute, Tawanda Maswanhise produced a moment of individual brilliance, weaving past several defenders before unleashing a powerful finish to restore parity and ignite the contest.

After an entertaining first half, South Africa regained control shortly after the restart. Defensive hesitation from Zimbabwe proved costly in the 50th minute, allowing Lyle Foster to pounce and cleverly lob Arubi with a looping header to make it 2–1.

Yet Zimbabwe remained a constant threat. Maswanhise came agonisingly close to drawing level again when his fierce strike rattled the post midway through the second half, underlining the Warriors’ attacking intent.

The decisive moment arrived in the final quarter of an hour. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded South Africa a penalty for a handball by Marvelous Nakamba.

Oswin Appollis stepped up and calmly converted from the spot in the 82nd minute, extending South Africa’s lead and seemingly settling the contest.

Zimbabwe were not finished. An own goal from Aubrey Modiba reduced the deficit and sparked a frantic finale, with the Warriors throwing bodies forward in stoppage time in search of an equaliser.

South Africa, though stretched and under sustained pressure, defended resolutely to see out the match. 

Their ability to withstand Zimbabwe’s late onslaught ensured a vital three points, while the Warriors were left to reflect on a brave performance that ultimately went unrewarded.

The hard-earned win leaves South Africa firmly through to the next round of the competition finishing second with six points, while Zimbabwe will return home after finishing bottom of the group with just one point.

Atlas Lions power past Chipolopolo to seal top spot

RABAT, Morocco 

Morocco responded emphatically to the pressure of a decisive final group match, producing a commanding 3–0 victory over Zambia on Monday night to finish top of Group A at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025.

The hosts set the tone early, playing with urgency and clarity from the opening exchanges. Their dominance was rewarded inside nine minutes when Ayoub El Kaabi opened the scoring. 

A cleverly worked short corner from the right saw Azzedine Ounahi float an inviting delivery to the far post, where El Kaabi rose unchallenged to head home from close range.

The second goal arrived in the 27th minute, once again highlighting Ounahi’s creative influence. The midfielder slipped a perfectly weighted pass down the left to Abde Ezzalzouli, whose low cross evaded El Kaabi but fell invitingly to Brahim Diaz.

The winger showed composure to guide a left-footed finish past goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata Mwanza, doubling the lead before half-time.

Any hope of a Zambian response was extinguished shortly after the interval. Morocco resumed with the same attacking intent, and El Kaabi struck again in spectacular fashion in the 53rd minute.

From another short free-kick routine, Ounahi clipped the ball into the box, where El Kaabi improvised brilliantly, executing an acrobatic bicycle kick with his back to goal. 

Although initially flagged offside, VAR intervened to confirm the goal, sealing both his brace and the result.

The victory sees Walid Regragui’s side finish the group stage with seven points, securing first place ahead of Mali, who also progress after a goalless draw with Comoros.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 30/12/2025