For the first time in two decades, the senior national team will miss the AFCON, which will be held in Morocco later this year. The Black Stars finished bottom of Group F in the qualifiers, with three losses and three draws, earning just three points.

With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers set to resume in March, Raji, a former chairman of the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA), emphasized the importance of unity and support for the team moving forward.

He also called on Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku to spearhead efforts to unite everyone behind the Black Stars.

“Let’s all come together and rally behind the Black Stars despite whatever has happened in the past,” Raji told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

“We have World Cup qualifiers to play, and we will only be able to qualify when we come together, and it must start from Kurt Okraku.”

Raji also stressed that while qualifying for the World Cup will be a tough challenge, it is achievable.

“Qualifying for the World Cup is a big task, but it is a doable task. Kurt Okraku must initiate the process to bring everyone together for that course of qualifying for the World Cup,” he added.

The Black Stars are set to face Chad and Madagascar in the upcoming Matchday 5 and 6 fixtures of the qualifiers.

READ ALSO

• Alhaji Raji defends Kurt Okraku’s leadership despite Black Stars’ struggles
• Otto Addo is not good enough to coach Black Stars – Alhaji Raji

Nyantakyi, who served as GFA president from 2005 to 2018, is credited with overseeing a golden era for Ghanaian football.

Most notably, he led the Black Stars to their first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification in 2006, held in Germany. Under his leadership, the team participated in two more World Cups—reaching the quarterfinals in the 2010 edition in South Africa and exiting at the group stage in 2014 in Brazil.

Nyantakyi also guided the Black Stars to two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in 2010 and 2015, though they finished as runners-up on both occasions.

At the youth level, Ghana achieved historic success under his tenure. The Black Satellites made history by becoming the first African team to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2009 in Egypt.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Alhaji Raji praised Nyantakyi’s accomplishments.
“Kwesi Nyantakyi is the best GFA president to have ever emerged from the country,” he stated.
“He achieved a lot of things when he was in office. His only challenge was the other stuff that we all know, but for me, he remains the best-ever GFA president,” he added.

However, Nyantakyi’s tenure ended in controversy when he was implicated in alleged corruption following an investigative documentary by journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

After his exit, the GFA was temporarily managed by a Normalisation Committee before Kurt Okraku assumed leadership in 2019.

READ ALSO

• Otto Addo is not good enough to coach Black Stars – Alhaji Raji
• Alhaji Raji defends Kurt Okraku’s leadership despite Black Stars’ struggles

The Falcons of Jediane have been drawn into Group F, where they will face Algeria, Burkina Faso, and Equatorial Guinea.

Reacting to the tournament draw, the former Ghana coach emphasized that Sudan is ready to compete without fear.

“Sudan is in Group E, and all the teams there are really good. For me, if you are participating in a competition, your goal should always be to aim for the cup,” he said.

“If you’re afraid of any team, then why are you participating in the competition in the first place? I believe Sudan will perform very well, and I’m hopeful that, no matter the team we face, we will try our best to get a victory,” Appiah added.

The 2025 AFCON is set to kick off on Sunday, December 21, with the final scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026.

Six cities and nine stadiums have been selected for Africa’s flagship football tournament, which will run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.

They are Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, Fes and Tangier.

Host Cities and Stadiums: 

Rashford, 27, has not played for United since 12 December and on Sunday Amorim said he would rather have 63-year-old goalkeeper coach Jorge Vital in his squad rather than “a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day”.

Former United defender Rio Ferdinand, a six-time Premier League title winner, says Rashford will have to leave Old Trafford.

“If I was the player the manager said that about, my heart, my pride, my ego – it’s embarrassment,” said Ferdinand on his Rio Presents YouTube channel.

“For someone to question your application, to question you giving 100 per cent for the team, saying you’re lacking effort and taking shortcuts, that’s a damning comment. There’s no way back for Marcus after that.

“If he did come back that means other players can take their foot off the gas and have a way back into the team and take shortcuts.”

Premier League title winner Chris Sutton said Rashford needs to improve his attitude.

“He is too big for his boots,” said Sutton on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club. “It’s quite basic what Amorim said and for whatever reason, Rashford is playing up and that’s totally unacceptable.

“We all know Marcus Rashford was a wonderful player, probably still is. What Amorim has done is his last resort, and is well within his rights to do. He is not asking for anything extraordinary, just asking for Rashford to apply himself every day.

“He has done it before, but for whatever reason he’s not doing it now.”

‘You have to look at yourself’

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Marcus Rashford played in Manchester United’s FA Cup final win over Manchester City in May

Rashford has been with United since the age of seven, made more than 400 appearances, won the Europa League, two FA Cups and two EFL Cups.

Amorim became United manager in November, replacing Erik ten Hag, and the England striker scored in Amorim’s first game in charge, a 1-1 away draw at Ipswich on 24 November.

Rashford also scored twice in a 4-0 win over Everton a week later, but was left out of the squad for United’s 2-1 victory at Manchester City on 15 December and subsequently told journalist Henry Winter he was “ready for a new challenge”.

Ferdinand felt Rashford would have made a public statement if Amorim’s latest comments were incorrect.

“For me, if it isn’t true, I’m coming out all guns blazing. I’m holding a press conference and saying ‘I’m not having anyone say that about me’,” said Ferdinand.

“You only do that if you are 100 per cent sure that nobody can say you’re taking shortcuts. We’re in an era where you have the ability to really communicate with the fans directly so the story is not getting twisted.

“I would love to sit across the table from Marcus and look into his eyes and see if he could say that. If you can’t, you have to look at yourself.”

Rashford move ‘best for all parties’ – Meulensteen

Rashford has been linked with a move during the January transfer window and former United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen says the forward should leave.

“If I was Rashford, I would make every means work to see if I could get that transfer over the line, no matter how,” said Meulensteen on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“It would be best for all parties and would be good for Rashford to rediscover himself in a new league.

“It’s never a good thing to highlight personal issues with a player in public. It does nobody any favours. Not the players, not the manager and not the club.”

Rashford has played 60 times for England, including against winners Italy in the final of the European Championship in 2021.

He scored 30 goals in all competitions for Manchester United in 2022-23, but Ferdinand says Rashford will need to prove he can find that form again.

“When is the penny going to drop, that it’s nobody else’s fault, the only person that can change is me, not a manager, or someone telling me I have to play a certain way,” added Ferdinand.

“Then go into training every day with a spring in your step because you’re a lucky guy and don’t think anyone owes you anything. Go and earn the right to play and earn plaudits.”

Sutton says Rashford is in danger of losing the peak years of his career and added: “If he does not move, unless he really gets back in favour and knuckles down, he could be a player that rots for a while and that’s no good for anyone.”

Timeline: How things went wrong for Rashford under Amorim

• 24 November: Marcus Rashford scores the first goal for Manchester United under Ruben Amorim, in a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town
• 1 December: Scores twice in a 4-0 win over Everton
• 12 December: Is substituted after 56 minutes of the Europa League tie with Viktoria Plzen. United are losing 1-0 and his replacement Rasmus Hojlund scores twice in a 2-1 win
• 15 December: Left out of United’s squad for 2-1 win over Manchester City
• 17 December: In an interview with Henry Winter, Rashford says he “needs a new challenge”
• 20 January: Sources close to Rashford say he has not given up hope of playing for United again
• 26 January: When asked about Rashford, Amorim says he would rather put his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach on the bench instead of “a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day”

The 32-year-old Brazil international joined for 90m euros (£77.6m) in August 2023 but has only played seven times for the club after injuries.

Still the world’s most expensive footballer after his £200m move to Paris St-Germain in 2017, he has only made two appearances this season – most recently a substitute appearance in November.

He has been heavily linked with a return to former club Santos in Brazil.

“The club expresses its thanks and appreciation to Neymar for what he has provided throughout his career at Al-Hilal, and wish the player success in his career,” Al-Hilal said.

Neymar had around seven months remaining on his contract, having joined Al-Hilal on a two-year deal with a reported wage of 150m euros (£129.2m) a year.

He joined claiming he wanted to “write new sporting history” but had a prolonged spell on the sidelines after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament during Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023.

He returned in October last year and although he played down an apparent hamstring issue in his second match back, he has not featured since.

Neymar came through the youth system at Santos, where he scored 136 goals in 225 games, before a high-profile move to Barcelona in 2013.

He made 186 appearances across four seasons in Spain, winning two La Liga titles, the Champions League and the Club World Cup before his world-record move to PSG as a 25-year-old.

In Paris he won five league titles prior to his move to Saudi Arabia.

Shortly after the move he overtook Pele to become Brazil’s all-time leading male goalscorer with 78 goals, but has not played for his country since his initial knee injury in 2023.

Coote, 42, said the pressure of his work contributed to the behaviour that led to his sacking by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in December.

Speaking to the Sun in an interview published on Monday night he said: “I’m gay and I have struggled with feeling proud of being ‘me’ over a long period of time.

“I have received deeply unpleasant abuse during my career as a ref and to add my sexuality to that would have been really difficult.”

Coote, who officiated more than 100 top-flight games, gave his first interview to the Sun, the newspaper which led the reporting of his misconduct.

In a separate statement issued late on Monday, he apologised for the behaviour that led to his sacking, saying: “This has been one of the most difficult periods of my life. I take full responsibility for my actions, which fell way below what was expected of me.

“I am truly sorry for any offence caused by my actions and for the negative spotlight it put on the game that I love. I hope people will understand that they were private moments taken during very low times in my life. They do not reflect who I am today or what I think.”

Speaking about his sexuality to the Sun, Coote said he felt a “deep sense of shame” during his teenage years and told his parents when he was 21 and his friends when he was 25.

“My sexuality isn’t the only reason that led me to be in that position,” he said. “But I’m not telling an authentic story if I don’t say that I’m gay, and that I’ve had real struggles dealing with hiding that.

“I hid my emotions as a young ref and I hid my sexuality as well – a good quality as a referee but a terrible quality as a human being,” he said. “And that’s led me to a whole course of behaviours.”

He has spoken as police investigate “threats and abuse” directed at referee Michael Oliver following Arsenal’s game against Wolves on Saturday.

Coote revealed that he received death threats during his career, with some also made towards his late mother.

He also said he needed to have an accelerated response tag fitted at his home address so he could speak to police in an emergency.

‘I don’t recognise myself in video’

Coote was initially suspended by the PGMOL on 11 November after a video emerged on social media of him making derogatory comments about Liverpool and the club’s former manager Jurgen Klopp.

He now says he apologises “to anybody who I’ve offended by my actions” and that he “was not sober” at the time the video was recorded.

On 13 November, the Sun published photos it says were taken during last year’s European Championship, alleging that they appeared to show Coote sniffing a white powder through a rolled up US bank note.

His conduct is under investigation by the Football Association and European football’s governing body Uefa.

Coote told the Sun he has been in an “incredibly dark place” since the photographs of him at the Euros were published and he was “not sure I’d here today” without the support of family and colleagues.

On 27 November, the FA opened a new investigation following an allegation that Coote had discussed giving a yellow card before a Championship match between Leeds and West Brom in 2019. He has always denied these allegations.

Discussing the events that led up to his sacking, he says his mum died suddenly in 2023 and at the same time his uncle was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

In the 2023-24 season, he says he officiated more than 90 games around the world, followed by the European Championship and then the Olympics, and struggled with the pressure and stress of his work, adding: “The physical and psychological demands on match officials is really significant.

“I don’t recognise myself in the cocaine video. I can’t resonate with how I felt then, but that was me. I was struggling with the schedule and there was no opportunity to stop. And so I found myself in that position – escaping.”

Coote told the Sun he is over his drug habit after having therapy and felt “a huge sense of shame” for what happened.

“I’m guilty of doing what I did, but I’m trying to be the best person that I can be now. I’ve taken steps to try and be the best I can be both from a physical and a mental wellbeing [perspective],” he added.

“To other people who are in my situation, I’d say seek help and talk to somebody because if you bottle it up like I have done, it has to come out in some way.”

BBC Sport has contacted the PGMOL for comment.

On Monday night in Rabat, 24 nations discovered their group-stage opponents for Africa’s premier men’s football tournament. A total of 52 CAF member nations participated in the qualifiers, with only two failing to progress.

After a preliminary round, 48 teams were grouped into 12 groups of four, competing in home-and-away fixtures across six matchdays. The top two teams from each group secured their spots in the tournament.

The 2025 AFCON will take place across six cities over four weeks, with only one nation set to claim the title of champions of Africa. Below is a breakdown of the tournament details and the full group-stage draw:

2025 AFCON Group Stage Draw

• Group A: Morocco (hosts), Mali, Zambia, Comoros
• Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
• Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
• Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
• Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
• Group F: Ivory Coast (holders), Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique

Tournament Format and Schedule
The tournament kicks off on December 21, 2025, with group-stage matches running until December 31, excluding Christmas Day. The knockout stages will follow this schedule:

• Round of 16: January 3–6, 2026
• Quarter-finals: January 9–10, 2026
• Semi-finals: January 14, 2026
• Third-Place Playoff: January 17, 2026
• Final: January 18, 2026

The stage is set for an electrifying competition as Africa’s best teams compete for continental glory.

Appiah, who also serves as an Executive Council member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), guided Sudan to a historic AFCON qualification despite the challenges posed by civil unrest in the country.

The Falcons of Jediane secured second place in their group with 8 points, overcoming the odds by defeating Ghana 2-0 in the return leg in Libya, following a goalless draw at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Meanwhile, Ghana failed to qualify for the AFCON for the first time in 21 years, ending their campaign without a single victory in the qualifiers.

“When the draw placed Ghana in our group, I did several interviews where I said I hoped both Ghana and Sudan would qualify. It’s unfortunate Ghana couldn’t make it,” Appiah told CAF. “As a Ghanaian, I’m not happy about that, but football has evolved, and every country needs to prepare well for competitions. I hope Ghana learns from this and comes back stronger in future tournaments.”

Appiah, who has previously captained and coached Ghana, has played a key role in instilling resilience in Sudan’s squad, transforming them into a symbol of hope.

Sudan will find out their group opponents later today, as the AFCON draw is set to take place tonight in Rabat.

Addo, who stepped down after Ghana’s early exit from the 2022 World Cup, was rehired in March 2024 on a three-year contract with a one-year extension option.

However, under his leadership, the Black Stars suffered a major setback by failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking the first time in two decades that Ghana has missed the tournament.

The team finished bottom of Group F with just three points from three draws and three defeats, a result that has raised concerns about Addo’s coaching abilities.

Despite these disappointing results, it is anticipated that Addo will continue in his role as the Black Stars coach.

Alhaji Raji, however, believes that the former Ghana international is not up to the task.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, he stated, “Otto Addo is not up to the task as Black Stars coach but he still remains the coach. People around him should advise him.”

Raji also criticized Addo’s approach, saying, “He is always demanding that the team should train behind closed doors, which does not work for me.”

Looking ahead, the Black Stars will seek redemption in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with key fixtures against Chad and Madagascar in March 2025.

Okraku, who assumed office in 2019 and is currently in his second term, has overseen mixed results for the country’s national teams.

While the senior men’s team, the Black Stars, has faced significant challenges—including failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and early exits in both the 2021 and 2023 AFCON tournaments—there have been notable successes in women’s football.

The Black Queens, for instance, recently secured qualification for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which will take place in Morocco later this year.

Despite the criticism surrounding the Black Stars’ performance, Alhaji Raji believes Okraku’s administration should not be judged solely on the national team’s struggles.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Raji stated, “I don’t believe that Kurt Okraku’s administration has been bad, and football has not collapsed under his leadership. The main challenge is the Black Stars’ poor performance, but that doesn’t mean his tenure has been a failure.”

While the Black Stars’ disappointing results in recent AFCONs—where they were eliminated in the group stage—and their early exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar have placed Okraku under scrutiny, Raji maintains that the GFA President has made important strides in other areas of Ghana football.

His comments follow Ghana’s shocking failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in two decades.

The Black Stars finished at the bottom of Group F with just three points, having drawn three matches and lost three in six games.

When asked whether football in Ghana is in a poor state, the veteran football administrator insisted that the sport is not in bad shape overall but noted that the Black Stars’ inconsistency is the primary issue.

“I don’t think football in Ghana is generally bad. The only thing that is struggling is the Black Stars and other national teams,” he told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

“The Black Stars are struggling because of the inconsistencies. Every national team in the world has core and consistent players, but in the case of the Black Stars, it has always been different players.”

He emphasized that Otto Addo’s frequent changes in the squad have negatively impacted the team’s performance.

“Otto Addo keeps inviting different players in every call-up, which does not help the team, and that has been the problem for the Black Stars,” he added.

Despite mounting pressure on Otto Addo following the Black Stars’ AFCON failure, he is expected to retain his role.

Ghana’s next matches are scheduled for March, when the Black Stars will face Chad and Madagascar in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Football in the West African nation is currently facing significant challenges, with both clubs and national teams struggling to perform on the international stage.

For the first time in two decades, the Black Stars failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Similarly, the Black Galaxies missed out on a spot in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after losing a two-legged tie to Nigeria.

Akonnor, who captained the Black Stars in four AFCON tournaments, believes collective action is necessary to restore Ghana’s footballing glory.

“We need to rise up to the occasion because things are falling apart. We talk of the national team, which has not qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations,” the former Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak coach told Radio Gold Sports.

“But when was the last time any of our clubs qualified for the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League and the Confederation Cup and all that? We need to rise up to the occasion. We can transform things, we can change it, but we all have to get on board—not just the FA alone, all of us, especially you, the media.”

“You need to help change things so that we can see ourselves at the top again,” Akonnor added.

Ghana will now shift focus to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which resume in March. The Black Stars will host Chad at home before traveling to face Madagascar.

Muntari, who briefly returned to the domestic league during the 2021/22 season, previously played for Liberty Professionals before embarking on a successful career in Europe.

During his time with Accra Hearts of Oak, he helped the team win the President’s Cup and the MTN FA Cup but chose not to renew his contract.

In an interview with 3Sports, the 40-year-old former Inter Milan and AC Milan star lamented the state of Ghana’s top-tier league.

“Hearts fans and the president were amazing,” Muntari, who won the Champions League in 2010, told 3Sports.

“The league is a big hole where they are dumping money. There is no future for the local league.”

“I am hoping I can get some funds and really help them. It’s a mess. When I was there, it was a mess. Maybe now it is worse. If we don’t help these guys, we won’t get the top players.”

Muntari also highlighted poor conditions in the league, including inadequate facilities.

“The changing rooms smell. That respect is not there. I didn’t even want my laundry done. I would take it home. When you get into changing rooms, they smell bad. It is not just one team; everybody,” Muntari, who played in the 2006, 2010, and 2014 World Cups in Germany, South Africa, and Brazil, added.

Muntari, who represented Ghana at three World Cups, voiced hope that he could secure funding to help improve the league.

Currently, the Ghana Premier League faces significant challenges, including the lack of a headline sponsor and broadcast rights holder.

The event, set for 19h00 local time (18h00 GMT), will reveal the group stage opponents for 24 teams competing for African football’s most coveted trophy.

The draw is more than just a formal procedure—it marks the symbolic beginning of Africa’s premier football competition, which will run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.

With the mood across the continent reaching fever pitch, coaches, players, and fans are eager to find out who their teams will face in the group stage battles.

The 24 Competing Nations

The tournament features a blend of perennial powerhouses, rising stars, and debutants:

• Pot 1: Morocco (hosts), Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire (defending champions)
• Pot 2: Cameroon, Mali, Tunisia, South Africa, DR Congo, Burkina Faso
• Pot 3: Gabon, Angola, Zambia, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea, Benin
• Pot 4: Mozambique, Comoros, Tanzania, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Botswana

The diversity of teams promises a competition filled with contrasting styles and narratives.

Favourites and Underdogs

Host nation Morocco, returning to host the AFCON for the first time since 1988, will look to capitalize on their home advantage. The Atlas Lions, riding high on their historic 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinal run, are among the favourites.

Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire are also eyeing back-to-back triumphs after lifting the trophy on home soil just one year ago. Senegal, the 2021 winners, led by coach Pape Thiaw, are equally determined to make history.

Meanwhile, underdogs like Botswana, returning to the AFCON for only the second time since 2012, and Comoros, looking to replicate their surprise 2021 campaign, bring a unique edge to the tournament.

Record Holders and Dark Horses

The record champions Egypt, spearheaded by stars like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, remain a formidable force. However, teams like Mali and Burkina Faso, often labeled as dark horses, could upset the traditional order with their talented squads.

Draw Mechanics

The draw will divide the 24 teams into six groups of four, with the top two in each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, advancing to the round of 16.

Morocco automatically occupies position A1 as hosts, while the rest of the teams are seeded based on their FIFA rankings.

A Star-Studded Evening

The Mohammed V National Theatre, inaugurated in 1961, is dressed for the occasion, showcasing Morocco’s elegance and cultural heritage.

The event will feature musical performances by internationally renowned artists like RedOne and Gims, celebrating the unity of sport and culture.

African football legends such as Essam El Hadary, Patrick Mboma, and Mustapha Hadji will grace the event, adding gravitas to the evening.

Broadcast live to over 90 countries on CAF’s platforms and global broadcasters, the AFCON 2025 draw symbolizes the unifying power of African football.

The tournament, scheduled from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, promises a showcase of talent, resilience, and passion as Africa’s finest compete for continental glory.

The event will determine the group-stage opponents for the 24 qualified teams and is expected to provide plenty of drama, excitement, and anticipation across Africa.

Here is everything you know about the Final Draw for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.

Key Details

• Host Nation: Morocco
• Host City: Rabat
• Date: Monday, 27 January 2025
• Time: 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT / 20:00 Cairo time)
• Venue: Mohammed V National Theatre, a historic and cultural landmark in the heart of Rabat.
• Edition: 35th
• Competition Dates: 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026

Teams in the Draw

The 24 teams qualified for the tournament are:

1. Pot 1: Morocco (hosts), Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire
2. Pot 2: Cameroon, Mali, Tunisia, South Africa, DR Congo, Burkina Faso
3. Pot 3: Gabon, Angola, Zambia, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea, Benin
4. Pot 4: Mozambique, Comoros, Tanzania, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Botswana

Notably, 12 of the 24 teams have previously won the AFCON title, sharing an impressive total of 28 championships among them. Egypt is the record holder with seven titles, followed by Cameroon (five), and Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria (three each).

Draw Assistants

African legends Mustapha Hadji, Serge Aurier, Aliou Cisse and Joseph Yobo will be assistants at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 Final Draw.

Qualifying Highlights

• Morocco: The hosts dominated Group B in the qualifiers with a perfect record (18 points), scoring 26 goals and conceding only two.
• Algeria: Topped Group 5 with 16 points, scoring 16 goals and conceding two.
• Senegal: Topped Group 12 with 16 points, scoring 10 goals and conceding just one.
• Other teams like Zambia, Côte d’Ivoire, and Tunisia also impressed with solid performances.

Legends and Special Guests

The draw will feature several African football legends, including:

• Essam El Hadary (Egypt): Record-breaking goalkeeper with four AFCON titles.
• Patrick Mboma (Cameroon): Two-time AFCON champion and former African Footballer of the Year.
• Gervinho (Côte d’Ivoire): 2015 AFCON winner.
• Mustapha Hadji (Morocco): Iconic Moroccan playmaker and former star.

Draw Procedure

The 24 teams will be placed into six groups of four. The top two teams in each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stage.

Where to Watch the Draw

Fans worldwide can catch the action live on CAF TV (YouTube) and other major broadcasters such as beIN Sports, SuperSport, Canal+, and Azam TV, ensuring the event reaches over 90 countries.

A Historic Stage

The Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat has been adorned with the branding of the competition, reflecting the grandeur of the event. As Africa’s best prepare to learn their paths, the anticipation across the continent is at fever pitch.

The AFCON 2025 Final Draw promises to be an unforgettable moment in African football, setting the stage for Morocco to host the continent’s premier football tournament for the first time since 1988.

The England forward has not been involved in a matchday squad for United for six weeks and he was left out once again for Sunday’s 1-0 win at Fulham in the Premier League.

With the transfer window closing on 3 February, it is unclear what the future holds for Rashford, who Amorim criticised for not showing the attitude of someone “giving the maximum every day”.

“It’s always the same reason – the training, the way I see a footballer should do in life. It’s every day, every detail,” said Amorim, when asked why Rashford was not available.

“If things don’t change, I will not change. It’s the same situation for every player, if you do the maximum and right things we can use every player.

“You can see on the bench we miss a bit of pace on the bench, but I would put [Manchester United goalkeeper coach Jorge] Vital before a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day.”

Sources close to Rashford had been adamant the 27-year-old has no issue with Amorim and was willing to play for the club again.

Hopes of a move to AC Milan have been dashed by the arrival of Kyle Walker as the Italian club can only sign one English player this month.

A potential loan to Barcelona depends on the exit of a couple of players and neither Eric Garcia nor Ansu Fati have shown much inclination to leave the Nou Camp.

Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given told BBC Match of the Day: “The fans aren’t stupid. They see it’s not good enough from the players and Ruben Amorim is just being honest.

“If you don’t train hard and dedicate your life, you won’t be in the team. You have to show your manager you deserve a place in the team.”

Ex-Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger added: “He wants to set an example but, if he does that, they will never be friends again.

“Amorim is also under pressure, if he is very harsh with the players then his teams have to improve.”

‘It’s 50, not 40’ – Amorim jokes he’s aged 10 years at Man Utd

Amorim has endured a testing start to life as Manchester United manager, having struggled to get his style of play to produce results.

Sunday’s game at Fulham looked to be heading towards a drab goalless draw before Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike in the closing stages secured victory.

It was only Manchester United’s fourth Premier League win since Amorim took over as manager in November.

Amorim, who turns 40 on Monday, joked: “It’s not 40… I’m 50.

“After two months at Manchester United, it’s 50. It’s a privilege to spend my 40th birthday here.”

Amorim will have welcomed the chance to smile as there’s not been too many opportunities to do so in his time at the club so far.

The performance at Fulham was not convincing but they got the result, and means they have now won three of their past four games.

“Today was not the best match but we managed to win,” added Amorim.

“The important thing is I have a clear idea of what I want to do. Sometimes I’m frustrated.

“We want to play a different style and we are going to play different style in the future.”

‘We have to be cautious’ – Amorim’s transfer warning

With just over a week to go until the transfer window closes, Manchester United are yet to make a signing, with the focus having been very much on outgoings.

Winger Antony, who joined Manchester United from Ajax in August 2022 for £81.3m, departed on Saturday to join Real Betis on loan for the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, Argentina forward Alejandro Garnacho has also been linked with a move away from the club, although Amorim started the 20-year-old at Fulham.

Garnacho, like his team-mates, put in a largely flat display at Craven Cottage, but did play a part in the winner, with his cutback eventually finding its way to goalscorer Martinez.

It has been said that selling Garnacho could help Manchester United to bring in funds to make purchases and avoid potentially breaching profit and sustainability rules.

The Red Devils have been linked with potential moves for Lecce full-back Patrick Dorg and Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku but for now Amorim is having to continue to work with what he has got.

“We have to cautious,” he added.

“We did make mistakes in the past and we cannot do it now.”

Saturday’s Action:
Accra Lions secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Medeama SC at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium. A 71st-minute penalty by Lucky Nwafor was enough to seal the win for the home side in a hard-fought encounter.

Sunday Highlights:
Asante Kotoko continued their fine form with a crucial 1-0 victory over Karela United at the Baba Yara Stadium. After a goalless first half, Justice Blay converted a 64th-minute penalty, a result that elevated Kotoko to the top of the league standings.

At the Ampain AAK II Sports Arena, Basake Holy Stars and Hearts of Oak played out an entertaining goalless draw, with both teams unable to find the back of the net.

Meanwhile, Bechem United maintained their impressive home record with a 2-0 triumph over Nations FC at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park. Isaiah Nyarko’s 27th-minute strike gave Bechem the lead, and Emmanuel Abban’s 85th-minute goal sealed the victory.

Young Apostles added to Nsoatreman FC’s struggles with a 1-0 win at the Wenchi Sports Stadium. Emmanuel Fosu Kyei’s 55th-minute goal proved decisive.

Berekum Chelsea also delivered a dominant home performance, beating Vision FC 1-0 courtesy of Emmanuel Sarpong’s 28th-minute strike.

Heart of Lions bounced back to winning ways with a 2-1 victory against Aduana Stars at the Kpando Sports Stadium. Kwesi Pong opened the scoring in the 52nd minute before Asante Seedorf Afful doubled the lead. Aduana’s Alex Boakye pulled one back in the 86th minute, but it was too little, too late.

FC Samartex and Dreams FC played out a 1-1 draw at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena. Mohammed Alhassan Mankuyeli gave Samartex the lead just after halftime in the 46th minute, but Dreams FC equalized through Joseph Esso in the 77th minute.

In the final game of the round, Legon Cities stunned in-form Bibiani GoldStars with a 1-0 victory at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium. Fredrick Akatuk’s 52nd-minute strike boosted Legon Cities’ hopes of escaping the relegation zone.

Current Standings:
Asante Kotoko, Bibiani GoldStars, Heart of Lions, and Nations FC occupy the top four spots. At the other end, Legon Cities, Accra Lions, and Karela United remain in the relegation zone as the battle for survival intensifies.

FULL TIME

The Argentine defender’s speculative 25-yard effort took a wicked nick off Sasa Lukic that looped over Bernd Leno 12 minutes from time.

It was the visitors’ only shot on target in a match of few opportunities and lifts The Red Devils – who see boss Amorim turn 40 on Monday – up to 12th spot in the Premier League standings.

Fulham had the better of the first half and went close through Alex Iwobi, but struggled to create much of note following the interval.

The home side had hoped to extend a six-match unbeaten run on home turf, but were thwarted late on as United substitute Toby Collyer cleared Joachim Andersen’s header off the line.

It means Fulham sit in 10th place, eight points adrift of the top five. Improving United are four points further back.

The Foxes, trailing 1-0 at half-time, scored twice in four minutes after the break through Jamie Vardy and Bilal El Khannouss to end a run of seven consecutive defeats in the Premier League.

Brazil striker Richarlison had opened the scoring for Spurs just after the half-hour mark, heading in a brilliant cross from defender Pedro Porro.

Leicester captain Vardy equalised from close range a minute into the second half when goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky failed to deal with Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s cross.

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side were ahead four minutes later when midfielder El Khannouss curled in a fantastic effort from 25 yards into the bottom corner.

Spurs poured forward in search of an equaliser but their failure to find one means Ange Postecoglou’s side have won just one of their past 11 matches in the Premier League, leaving them in 15th.

Leicester’s win lifts the Foxes into 17th, one point above Wolves – who drop into the bottom three as a result.

Spurs fans turn on chairman Levy

The anger inside Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was palpable before Leicester’s comeback.

Thursday’s 3-2 win against Hoffenheim in the Europa League had done little to alleviate the pressure on chairman Daniel Levy.

There were chants against Levy from the travelling support in Germany but the animosity towards him reached new levels in north London, as the home fans made their feelings known about the club’s progress – or lack of – under his stewardship.

As results have worsened over the past few weeks, the pressure has also increased on Postecoglou.

But it is clear, from the view of supporters at least, that they feel the problems at the club run far deeper.

If the chants were audible when Spurs were winning, they ramped up a notch or two as Leicester took a grip on the game.

The Foxes were in freefall before arriving in north London, with manager Van Nistelrooy said to be clinging on to his job.

That their victory appeared so comfortable is an indictment not only of Postecoglou, but of the team built by Levy.

While Postecoglou may be running out of credit – Spurs are 15th and have collected five points from the past 33 available – it was Levy who bore the brunt of supporters’ anger within the ground.

While results are the main reason for supporter fury, the inactivity of the club in the transfer window is only making things worse.

Czech goalkeeper Kinsky remains Spurs’ only signing of the January transfer window.

Postecoglou urged the club to show “urgency” in the market after the defeat by Everton last weekend.

With eight days left in the transfer window, both Postecoglou and Levy are in need of help.

Van Nistelrooy gets response – and result – he needed

If Postecoglou has been feeling the heat, spare a thought for Van Nistelrooy.

The Dutchman had guided Leicester to just one league victory in nine matches since taking the hot seat at King Power Stadium.

His Leicester side had lost seven league games on the bounce, and defeat in north London would have seen them match a club record of eight consecutive defeats, which was set in 2001.

Reports in the week claimed the former Manchester United forward had a bust-up with midfielder Facundo Buonanotte after the Foxes’ defeat by Fulham last week.

Put simply, the pressure was building.

Even with Spurs in the form they are in, few expected Leicester to leave the capital with three points.

But Van Nistelrooy got the performance – and consequently the result – he has been craving from his players.

The former PSV Eindhoven boss has been frustrated with individual errors and lapses in concentration in previous games, which he feels have undermined results.

But their display here was the full package for 97 minutes.

Vardy, 38, was a constant threat in behind and didn’t allow Spurs’ defence to build from the back when Leicester were out of possession.

He got his eighth goal of the season by gambling – as he always does – with a run into the six-yard box.

The former England striker celebrated like he did when he scored against Spurs in the reverse fixture earlier this season – pointing to the Premier League badge on his arm to remind supporters that he won the league title in 2016.

In goal, Jakub Stolarczyk made a number of saves in the first half to keep Leicester within striking distance.

It was notable that Van Nistelrooy made a beeline for the Polish goalkeeper on the pitch afterwards.

In truth, though, Spurs did not threaten the Leicester goal too much after the Foxes took the lead. Leicester dropped deeper and Spurs applied pressure, but at no point did it feel like an equaliser was inevitable.

Van Nistelrooy’s delight was clear. Not only had he managed to get a tune out of his players, but the result takes the Foxes out of the bottom three.

The new logo, a modern and iconic symbol for African football, celebrates the heritage and unity of the African continent.

The TotalEnergies CAF AFCON finals, between 21 December 2025 and 18 January 2026 in Morocco, will be the latest chapter in the rich history of Africa’s greatest show and the logo for the tournament bridges the world of sport and art, and tells a story of pride, resilience and hope.

Inspired by Moroccan ‘’zellij’’, a timeless mosaic art form, the tournament logo redefines football as a canvas where creativity, precision and passion collide.

The TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025 logo reflects the synergy between tradition and modernity. Each pattern and shape symbolizes the unity of nations, players and fans, echoing how football and art come together to create something extraordinary.

Just as zellij pieces are meticulously crafted and assembled to form breathtaking designs, every moment in football builds toward a masterpiece of skill, teamwork and triumph.

The vibrant colors; gold for achievement, green for unity, red for resilience and blue for boundless potential, go beyond mere aesthetics. They embody the spirit of African football, representing the energy of the game, the strength of the players and the passion of the fans.

Merging the geometry of football with the intricate artistry of zellij, it captures the precision and movement of the game while honouring Africa’s cultural legacy. It is a celebration of African craftsmanship and the beauty of football’s dynamism.

TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025 will be a living gallery of African football, where every pass, goal and cheer from the fans contributes to the art of the game. It is more than a tournament, it is a stage where creativity, culture and sport come together to showcase Africa’s soul to the world.

Despite the Black Stars’ four AFCON titles, this will be the first time in two decades that Ghana will not participate in the tournament, which will be hosted in Morocco later this year.

After six qualifying matches, Ghana ended up at the bottom of Group F with just three points from three draws and three losses.

Kwakye Ofosu pointed out that the sharp decline in the national football scene has caused many Ghanaians to lose interest in sports.

“In the sporting arena, these days there is little to be enthused about as a Ghanaian sports fan. I support the Black Stars, but we failed to qualify for the AFCON tournament, and many Ghanaians have lost interest in what the national teams do,” he said on TV3.

He also shared that he feels disconnected from local clubs, stating, “These days, I claim I support Hearts of Oak, but I don’t even know one player of the club, nor do I know one player of Asante Kotoko because sports are essentially dead in this country. So even rekindling the public interest in sports to support national teams is a difficult task.”

The Black Stars are set to return to international competition in March when they face Chad and Madagascar in the final two World Cup qualifiers for 2026.

Balmer, who has been capped by Northern Ireland up to under-21 level, was reportedly named after former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

While the name Kofi is traditionally given to boys born on a Friday in Ghana, Balmer has no Ghanaian roots and was, amusingly, born on a Tuesday.

After joining Motherwell from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2024, Balmer finally made his Premiership debut in January 2025. Coming off the bench in a 2-1 win over St Mirren after Dan Casey’s red card, Balmer hopes to capitalise on the opportunity.

“You always have to be ready because you never know when you’re going to get your opportunity,” he said. “For me, it was not to lose my head, not to sort of throw the toys out of the pram. I just had to be patient.”

Reflecting on his long-awaited chance, Balmer added: “Saturday probably came quicker than I expected, but at the same time, I’d done all my preparations, and I was ready to come on and do the job that I had to do. It was good. It was long-awaited. I had to be patient for it, and thankfully it happened.”

Balmer is now determined to make the most of his opportunities: “Now it’s just up to me to perform and do well in training to get a certain spot and hopefully keep it. When you get the shirt, you’re always fighting for a position, and the gaffer says if you get the shirt, you have to play well to keep it. That’s all on me. I have to keep concentration and try to perform the best I can.”

Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell has expressed confidence in Balmer’s abilities and potential. “I had a conversation with Kofi a couple of weeks ago. It’s always important to acknowledge how well people are performing around training sessions when they are not necessarily getting on the pitch. And he has been training really well.

“We knew we were bringing in a good player anyway. He came with a good pedigree and decent match experience for his age, and he has always been one we feel can grow and flourish here.”

Balmer’s career began at Ballymena United, where he debuted in the NIFL Premiership at just 16 years old. Over four seasons, he gained valuable experience, winning the Ulster Young Footballer of the Year for the 2018–19 season before moving to Larne in 2021.

After turning professional, he won the County Antrim Shield in 2022, earning a move to Crystal Palace. Loan spells at Port Vale and AFC Wimbledon followed before he joined Motherwell in 2024.

As he continues to establish himself at Motherwell, Balmer’s story remains as intriguing off the pitch as it is on it, thanks to his unique name and the promise he brings to the footballing world.

GoldStars wrapped up the first half of the season in commanding style, leading the league table with 33 points. Their impressive performance included nine wins, six draws, and only two losses.

As the league resumes this weekend, Manso shared his optimism during a pre-match press conference ahead of their Matchday 18 clash against Legon Cities at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The experienced coach, formerly in charge of Kotoko, expressed confidence in his team’s ability to achieve the ultimate prize.

“It is possible we can win the Premier League title. We are not scared of any opposition,” Manso said.

He further assured fans of the team’s determination, emphasizing their strong form in the first half of the season.

“We will go all out against any side, and with our performance in the first half, nobody can rule us out of winning the title,” he added.

The former Ghana international further urged his players to step up their performance in the second round of the season.

“At the end of the first round, we amassed 33 points, which is good for us,” he said.

“It means we have done well, but it also means that we cannot go into the second half of the season with the same level of performance.

“We need to step up and improve,” he added.

The much-anticipated match is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 GMT.

Despite ongoing civil unrest in the country, Sudan’s national team, the Falcons of Jediane, has secured a spot in the prestigious competition, set to take place in Morocco later this year.

Appiah, who masterminded Sudan’s qualification at the expense of his home country, Ghana, remains optimistic ahead of the tournament.

Speaking to CAF ahead of the group stage draw on January 27, he said: “Once you’ve qualified for AFCON, as a coach, I don’t think you should have any preferences regarding who you’re drawn against.

“We must be ready to face anyone. If you fear any team, then you shouldn’t participate in the competition at all. The key is preparation and confidence.”

Under Appiah’s leadership, the Falcons of Jediane finished second in Group F with 8 points. They now aim to make a significant impact in Morocco, inspired by their coach’s unwavering determination and strategic mindset.

Sanchez was caught badly out of position as he came out, then tried to scurry back as Haaland tussled with Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah to reach Ederson’s long punt forward.

When Haaland won the physical duel, he deliberately moved the ball on to his left foot before chipping Sanchez for his 18th league goal of the season and his sixth in his last six games in all competitions.

Phil Foden wrapped up victory three minutes from time when he ran on to Haaland’s lay-off to score his fifth goal in four games.

The win extended City’s unbeaten league run to six, gave Ederson the notable achievement of becoming the first goalkeeper to claim two assists in a single season in 16 years and, more importantly, spared the blushes of £33.6m debutant Abdukodir Khusanov, who had been at fault for Chelsea’s third-minute opener – when he headed the ball into Nicolas Jackson’s path deep into the City half. Jackson’s square pass to Noni Madueke gave the forward a tap-in.

Foden struck a post and City’s other new signing Omar Marmoush had a goal disallowed before Josko Gvardiol equalised as he reacted quickest to finish the rebound after Sanchez had denied Matheus Nunes.

After a bright start, during which they failed to take a golden chance to double their lead when Cole Palmer squared a pass too far in front of Jackson, who would have had an open goal to aim at, Chelsea faded and are now without a win in 11 meetings with City.

Despite rotating his stellar roster of international attacking players, Enzo Maresca’s side did not really threaten to force their way back into the contest once Haaland had struck.

Juventus, unbeaten in their first 21 league matches under new head coach Thiago Motta, took the lead through debutant Randal Kolo Muani.

League leaders Napoli equalised through Frank Anguissa, who headed in his 10th goal for the club in 140 appearances.

Napoli were awarded a penalty 20 minutes from time when Juventus defender Manuel Locatelli brought down former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay.

Lukaku, who saw a move to Juventus fall through in 2023, slotted his penalty past Michele di Gregorio for his ninth goal of the season.

The victory extends Napoli’s lead over second-placed Inter Milan to six points, though they have played two games more than Simone Inzaghi’s side.

Juventus’ defeat leaves the club in fifth, 16 points behind Napoli and two points behind Lazio, who occupy the final Champions League spot.

The 24-year-old Brazilian signed for United from Ajax in August 2022 for £81.3m – the second most expensive player in the club’s history behind Paul Pogba.

He has scored 12 goals in 96 appearances for United but has only scored once in the Premier League since April 2023.

United sources say the deal is covering a minimum of 84% of Antony’s salary, which is over £100,000 per week.

He remains under contract at Old Trafford until 2027.

“Everybody at United would like to wish Antony the best of luck for his spell in Seville,” said the Old Trafford club.

Antony started brightly under former United manager Erik ten Hag – also his previous boss at Ajax – by scoring three goals in his opening three league games.

However, after failing to live up to his transfer fee, Antony has struggled for first-team opportunities and this season has featured in just 13 of United’s 33 games in all competitions.

The Cherries came in off the back of a stunning 4-1 win at Newcastle United, while Forest had been the league’s surprise package as they rose to third place in the table.

It was Bournemouth who continued a brilliant sequence of form under manager Andoni Iraola, led by Dango Outarra’s hat-trick, with a performance of the highest quality to take Forest’s usually miserly rearguard apart.

Justin Kluivert’s 11th league goal of the campaign – and only his second at home – gave Bournemouth the lead after nine minutes when he took advantages of four Forest defenders standing off him to beat keeper Matz Sels from 25 yards.

Forest’s hopes of a recovery were extinguished early in the second half when Bournemouth hit top gear, Dango Outtara heading home Kluivert’s cross after 55 minutes then driving home the third six minutes later.

As Forest fell apart under Bournemouth’s barrage, the usual reliable Sels fumbled Marcus Tavernier’s shot to gift Outtara his third, then Antoine Semenyo finished off a solo run for the fifth in stoppage time.

Referee Michael Oliver’s first-half decision to send off Lewis-Skelly – after he fouled Matt Doherty 30 yards from the hosts’ goal to stop the Wolves defender breaking from a corner – stunned the Gunners.

At 18 years and 121 days, Lewis-Skelly became the third youngest player to be sent off in the Premier League, behind Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen.

Joao Gomes’ dismissal, for a second yellow card after a foul on Jurrien Timber with 20 minutes left, was more routine but it will be no more than a footnote.

Lewis-Skelly’s red could have had an immediate impact on the title race if the second-placed Gunners dropped points to fall further behind leaders Liverpool, who beat Ipswich 4-1.

But they showed resilience to snatch the victory thanks to Calafiori, on as a substitute following a half-time reshuffle.

The defender’s fine low finish with 16 minutes left kept the Gunners six points adrift of Liverpool.

Myles-Skelly’s 43rd-minute red ignited what had been a forgettable game, with the only early talking point Wolves fans’ chants against owners Fosun, calling on them to “back the team or sell the club” with their side 17th in the table.

Pablo Sarabia volleyed over and Kai Havertz nodded wide before he was denied by Jose Sa.

Havertz again went close after the break with Matheus Cunha threatening twice before Calafiori pounced.

The Reds scored three goals in the first half to effectively end the game as a contest, and even looked like going eight clear with a game in hand until 10-man Arsenal beat Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Nevertheless Liverpool did what they had to do to stay on course for a second league title in six years, with Gakpo scoring in either half, while Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah also netted.

Ipswich were thrashed 6-0 at home by reigning champions Manchester City in their last outing and arrived at Anfield clearly determined to avoid a similar scoreline.

They barely offered any attacking threat as they sat deep to try to frustrate Liverpool, but their resistance lasted just 11 minutes as an incisive attack by the Reds opened them up, Ibrahima Konate threading a ball through to Szoboszlai, who drove a shot in at the near post.

Salah has accounted for the majority of Liverpool’s goals at Anfield, so it was no surprise when he got on the scoresheet 10 minutes before the break, firing into the roof of the net from a tight angle.

A third duly arrived just before the break when Szoboszlai’s shot was parried and Gakpo was on hand to turn in the loose ball.

The second half was largely a non-event with the damage already done, but Gakpo added a fourth when he powered in a header.

The travelling fans were given something to celebrate in stoppage time when Jacob Greaves headed home a consolation from a corner.

With five minutes of a largely uneventful first half remaining, Brighton defender Joel Veltman appeared to deliberately shepherd the ball out of play with his hand while under pressure from Beto inside the penalty area.

After being invited by the video assistant referee (VAR) to consult his pitchside monitor, on-field official Tim Robinson pointed to the spot and Ndiaye sent a low effort into the bottom corner to give Everton the lead.

Brighton created little in the first half but emerged for the second period with greater purpose, Kaoru Mitoma curling a shot wide of the far post before Orel Mangala and Jordan Pickford combined to clear Joao Pedro’s close-range effort behind for a corner.

Half-time substitute Georginio Rutter flashed a shot narrowly wide after shrugging off Jarrad Branthwaite on the edge of the box but there was no way through for the Seagulls as their unbeaten start to 2025 came to an end.

Everton’s second away win of the season lifts them seven points clear of the relegation zone with a game in hand, while Brighton remain ninth.

More than 3,500 Rangers fans were in the away end for Thursday’s Europa League game between the sides but television footage showed dozens more celebrating an 88th-minute equaliser in a game they lost 2-1.

United say they took a number of “strict” preventative measures to block away fans securing tickets in the home end and the club insists tickets were only allocated to supporters on the club’s database.

But the club acknowledged that, given the “unauthorised touting of tickets”, they could not “completely eliminate” the possibility of away fans sitting in the home end.

United will launch a full investigation into how tickets for home areas reached Rangers fans and say they will impose the “strongest possible sanctions” against registered ticket holders found to be in breach of regulations.

Following the match, Greater Manchester Police said they made 39 arrests across the night – 26 of which came following disorder in the city centre.

The club apologised to supporters in 2023 after more than 2000 Galatasaray fans were allowed to access the home section for a Champions League match at Old Trafford.

The Turkish club were fined £44,420 for the behaviour of their supporters at the stadium.

Guardiola did not quite say City, who face Chelsea at home on Saturday, had completely lost their ‘fear factor’.

However, as he assessed a torrid season he zeroed in on a change in approach that indicates opponents are not intimidated the way they once were, with teams pressing his side more.

“Everyone came to the Etihad and stayed back,” he said. “The first team I saw man-marking was Neil Warnock at Cardiff. Now everyone does it. Everyone comes here, it doesn’t matter, man to man.

“They just jump to Ederson or Stefan [Ortega]. You have to adapt, do it better with the ball, otherwise you are not qualifying for the Champions League.”

City are currently fifth in the Premier League – 12 points off leaders Liverpool. Towards the end of 2024 they won only one game out of 13 and now find themselves having to beat Club Brugge on Wednesday just to claim a Champions League play-off place following this week’s defeat by Paris St-Germain.

Although City have £123m-worth of new talent available for the Premier League encounter with Chelsea, Guardiola does not believe that alone will solve his problems.

He dismissed those who focus on running statistics as evidence of whether a team is performing to its maximum or not, instead pointing out his side have not used the ball well enough.

“Speed is important but against PSG we ran more than them,” he said. “Our problem is with the ball. This season it is what we have missed.

“If you have the ball and don’t pass properly to your mate, everything is so difficult.”

When City won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend of the season, few would have predicted by the time the return meeting came around that Chelsea would be higher in the table and Guardiola’s team would be just a point in front of Bournemouth.

Guardiola believes qualification for next season’s Champions League would be like winning a trophy, given the injuries that cost him the services of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and leave him with one fit central defender this weekend, excluding new additions Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov.

He also said there was merit in Jose Mourinho’s famous claim that finishing second behind City with Manchester United in 2017-18 was one of the greatest achievements of his career.

“There are seasons when there are a lot of difficulties,” Guardiola said. “How do you stand up? How do you stay there?

“I remember Jose. I don’t know the reality of United but he said many times finishing second in that season was his biggest success. I understand completely.”

Multiple reports state that the deal includes the option for the Serie A giants to sign the 34-year-old permanently in the summer.

Walker has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a UEFA Champions League since joining City from Tottenham in 2017.

The England international said that it was a dream come true to have played for the club in a farewell post on social media.

“Manchester City… where do I start? Signing for this incredible club in 2017 was a dream come true,” he said on Instagram.

“Seven years later, winning 17 trophies, including the Champions League and the famous treble is something I could only have dreamt as a child.

“To play alongside so many top players has pushed me to be the best version of myself, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity I’ve had at the Etihad.

“A huge thank you to so many people, the coaching staff, the kit men and all the backroom staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes.

“You make every day enjoyable and provide the platform for us to perform at our best.

“To my team-mates, from the moment I walked through the door I felt at home. Thank you for the great memories and for all the success we have shared together. You are friends, but also family for life.

“To Pep Guardiola, thank you for believing in me and working so hard to bring me here in 2017. Together, we’ve celebrated 17 trophies, and your guidance has helped shape me into the player I am today. I’ll be forever grateful.

“To Annie, our children and all my family who have been there and supported me on this journey thank you.

“Most importantly, to the fans – thank you for embracing me as one of your own from day one. Your unwavering support, week in, week out, home and away, will never be forgotten. I wish you all constant success going forward. Thank you.”

Guardiola revealed earlier in January that Walker had asked to leave the club in pursuit of a move abroad.

The defender has endured a tumultuous first half of the campaign but will strengthen The Rossoneri’s options at right back.

Milan boss Sergio Conceicao has struggled with options in that role with both Emerson Royal and Davide Calabria struggling for form.

Walker joined City from Tottenham in 2017 for a reported £50 million and went on to win 17 trophies in his time at The Etihad.

He helped the club win a historic treble and played in the 2023 Champions League triumph over Milan’s city rivals Inter.

For the first time in two decades, Ghana, a four-time African champion, failed to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament, finishing at the bottom of Group F.

The Black Stars ended their qualifying campaign with three draws and three losses from six matches.

While many fans and pundits have pointed fingers at head coach Otto Addo for the team’s disappointing performance, Abdul Salam insists that the real fault lies with the GFA.

According to him, the association’s leadership has caused discontent within the football community, leading to the poor form of the national team.

“To me, Pep Guardiola is the best coach in the world, but he cannot handle the Black Stars. Otto Addo has done nothing wrong as coach of the national team,” he told Kessben FM.

He further criticized the state of Ghanaian football, pointing to deeper issues beyond the coaching staff.

“For our coach to celebrate an equalizing goal tells you our football has collapsed.

“Semenyo, Inaki, Kudus, and others are mature players. Otto Addo has nothing to teach them. Anyone can coach the Black Stars.”

He accused the GFA of fostering a toxic environment within Ghanaian football, claiming their actions have had a negative impact on the team’s performance.

“Otto Addo can’t be blamed for Black Stars AFCON qualification failure. We didn’t qualify because of evil leaders. They’ve really hurt people within the football fraternity. Their evil deeds are paying off,” he added.

Despite the disappointment, the Black Stars will have an opportunity to redeem themselves in March when they face Chad and Madagascar in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The Swiss coach officially assumed the role on a three-year contract after opting not to renew her position with Ghana’s Black Queens.

Häuptle was introduced as the new coach on Friday at Lusaka’s Pamodzi Hotel.

Speaking at the unveiling, Häuptle expressed her enthusiasm for taking on the role, revealing that coaching the Copper Queens had long been a dream of hers.

“It was always a wish for me to take over this team because there are so many fantastic players, there is so much potential I see in this team and of course, I know that the expectations are very high,” she said.

Häuptle praised the team’s previous achievements, particularly their bronze medal at the 2022 WAFCON, and emphasized her ambitions.

“The team already got bronze (at the WAFCON 2022) and it’s our objective to go and top this result.”

Her long-term vision includes leading the team to qualification for major tournaments, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympics, with a focus on advancing past the group stage.

She stressed the importance of development, stating, “Furthermore, we want to qualify for the big tournaments, be back at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Olympics and pass the group stage. We also need to ensure that we do the right development steps, and results don’t just fall from the sky.

“We must have a lot of preparatory games that we invest in our youth teams with U17 World Cup, so I am very curious to take over the work and I will ensure that I give my all,” she added.

Häuptle succeeds Bruce Mwape as head coach, with reports suggesting her monthly salary will be $8,000.

The announcement was made on Friday at the Taj Pamodzi Hotel, where the Swiss coach signed a three-year contract to lead Zambia’s national women’s team. Häuptle replaces Bruce Mwape, who previously held the position.

Nora chose not to renew her contract with Ghana after her two-year deal expired, leading to her departure.

Now, she will focus on guiding Zambia in its preparations for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) scheduled for July.

Her immediate task will be to get the team ready for the tournament, including organizing a series of friendly matches.

Zambia had previously eliminated Nora’s Black Queens from the qualifiers for the 2024 Olympic Games in a two-legged tie.

Following Häuptle’s exit, the Ghana Football Association appointed Kim Lars Bjorkegren as the new head coach of the Black Queens.

At the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, Accra Lions, currently at the bottom of the table, will face Medeama SC, with the match starting at 15:00 GMT.

On Sunday, Berekum Chelsea will host Vision FC at the Golden City Park, while Young Apostles will take on Nsoatreman FC at the Wenchi Sports Stadium.

Defending champions FC Samartex will battle Dreams FC at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, and Bechem United will play Nations FC at Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park.

At the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, Legon Cities will welcome league leaders Bibiani GoldStars, while Heart of Lions will meet Aduana Stars at the Kpando Sports Stadium.

At the Ampian AAK II Sports Arena, Basake Holy Stars will face Hearts of Oak, while Asante Kotoko will host Karela United at Baba Yara Stadium.

All Sunday matches are set to kick off at 15:00 GMT.

Full Fixtures:

• Accra Lions v Medeama SC
• Berekum Chelsea v Vision FC
• Young Apostles v Nsoatreman FC
• FC Samartex v Dreams FC
• Bechem United v Nations FC
• Legon Cities v Bibiani GoldStars
• Heart of Lions v Aduana Stars
• Basake Holy Stars v Hearts of Oak
• Asante Kotoko v Karela United

Arsenal have been short of attacking options after losing Bukayo Saka to a long-term hamstring injury and striker Gabriel Jesus with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The Gunners are challenging for the Premier League title for the third season in a row but a number of injuries to key players and inconsistent results has seen them slip to six points behind Liverpool, who also have a game in hand.

Arsenal have also been knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United and are trailing Newcastle 2-0 after the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. In both of those matches the Gunners missed a host of goalscoring opportunities.

“My opinion is clear that we lost two very very important players, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus. So we lack goals, we lack people, we lack options in the frontline, it’s clear,” Arteta said.

“It is clear that in the period that we lost them, ideally we need some help. We were short already and now we are even shorter. The team still copes with that.”

However, he said he would only do “what is right for the club” and is “actively looking” to “get the right player”.

“Any player, no,” he added. “[It has to be] someone that makes us better and has an impact in the team.”

Arsenal have been linked with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko and also Wolves forward Matheus Cunha but Arteta, who did not comment on either player in his pre-match news conference said it’s not a certainty that Arsenal will be able to complete a deal for a forward.

“It doesn’t just depend on Arsenal, on Mikel or our will. It depends on the market and a lot of different factors.” Arteta added.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice said after the win over north London rivals Tottenham that he would not be “surprised” if Arsenal do try to sign a striker in this window, but Arteta said his players haven’t said to him that they feel like they need someone to come in.

“We have all been there, we all look at each other.” Arteta said.

“We have very, very short numbers for many, many weeks and they recognise the situation, we all do.”

However, the Arsenal boss did say that he does sometimes speak to his players about potential signings, especially if they have played together before, to get an insight into their characters.

“That’s getting us away from the computer and what the data is saying and it is real,” said the Spaniard.

“I have seen it, I sense it. A player can score a lot of goals, great. How does this player react when he hasn’t scored for six or seven games?

“This is what I am interested in. Watch an interview with a player who hasn’t scored for six games, and then what kind of goals does he score?

“Against which teams in which context? Is it first half or second half? Is it only with his right foot, only headers, only in open spaces? Does he like the physical contact of this league?

“There are a lot of things. So when you have a player that has spent a lot of days with him, that is really valuable information to have.”

Ansah, the former Vice Chairman of GHALCA, received 95 votes, decisively defeating his rival, Isaac Wilberforce Koomson, who managed 35 votes.

This victory marks the end of Kudjoe Fianoo’s lengthy tenure as chairman, as he steps aside to make way for Ansah’s leadership.

In the Vice Chairmanship race, Phyllis Marku successfully defended her position by defeating Nana Amankwaa Kwakye.

Ansah, with three terms of experience as a GHALCA executive member, is poised to lead the association with a vision centered on ethical governance and unity.

He pledged to drive GHALCA toward greater success while fostering collaboration among its members.

A total of 134 members participated in the elections, representing various sectors of Ghanaian football: 36 from the Premier League, 48 from Division One, 30 from Regional Football Associations (RFAs), and 20 from the Women’s Premier League.

Koomson’s bid for the chairmanship marked his third attempt, following unsuccessful campaigns against Fianoo in 2016 and 2020.

Other Election Highlights:

• Premier League Representative: Fred Tinda (Gold Stars) triumphed over Joseph Nkoo (Asante Kotoko) and Abdul Rahman Yakubu (Vision FC).

Unopposed Positions:

• Treasurer: Patrick Martey Boye retained his role for a second term.
• Division One League Representative: Eric Opoku.
• Regional Clubs Representative: Gabriel Godwin Kwao.
• Women’s Premier League Representative: ASP Naomi F. Abdulai, CEO of Prisons Ladies.

With the elections concluded, Ansah and his team are set to steer GHALCA into a new era of progress and innovation.

Elections were held on Thursday, January 23, at the Accra Sports Stadium, ushering in a new leadership team for the organization.

John Ansah, formerly the Vice Chairman of GHALCA, emerged as the new Chairman after defeating Isaac Wilberforce Koomson.

Ansah secured 96 out of 132 votes, while Koomson received 35 votes. Phylis Marku Moncar made history by being elected as the first female Vice Chairperson and will support Ansah in steering the association forward.

In a statement, Mr. Okraku praised the newly elected leaders for their accomplishments:

“It is with great humility that I extend warm-hearted congratulations to Mr. John Ansah on his election as the new Chairman of the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) for the next four years. I also wish to congratulate the first female Vice Chairperson, Ms. Phylis Marku Moncar, and the elected Executive Council members for this momentous feat.”

He commended their dedication and leadership, noting the trust their colleagues have placed in them. Mr. Okraku expressed optimism about the future under their leadership:

“This new chapter signifies an exciting journey ahead, and I have no doubt that the new leadership will continue to inspire and guide the club’s welfare body.”

The GFA President also urged the new GHALCA executives to prioritize integrity and innovation while driving the development of football in Ghana:

“As you step into these new roles, may you lead with integrity and vision, fostering innovation and growth in the forward march of GHALCA and Ghana football. I am confident GHALCA will work closely with the Ghana Football Association in unity, combining diverse talents, perspectives, and ideas into a shared vision.”

He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two organizations to achieve sustainable progress:

“Together, we have the power to create positive change and foster a culture of inclusiveness, innovation, and progress. By standing shoulder to shoulder, GHALCA and the GFA will pave the way for success and make a lasting impact.”

The election results mark a new chapter for GHALCA as its leadership commits to guiding the association to greater heights in the years to come.

In a statement made on Tuesday, the organization pointed to Morocco’s strong track record in hosting some of the continent’s major football events.

CAF said Morocco was not a surprise choice as host, referring to their past hosting of the 2018 African Nations Championship, the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup.

Morocco hosted its first AFCON in 1988, a tournament in which only eight countries participated.

With 24 nations participating in 2025, the event reflects the strides African football has made over three decades.

Morocco will have several world-class facilities to host the tournament. The soon-to-be-announced official venues may include the Mohammed V Sports Complex in Casablanca, the Prince Moulay Abdellah Complex in Rabat, and major stadiums in Tangier, Agadir, Marrakech, and Fez.

Many of these venues are being renovated to meet and exceed competition standards.

CAF commends Morocco’s modern infrastructure, enthusiastic football fans, and proven experience in hosting major sporting events. This is what CAF believes will make Morocco a good candidate for organizing an AFCON that sets a new standard.

The competition is to be held from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

The tournament’s group stage draw is scheduled for next Monday at 7 p.m at Mohammed V Theatre.

Morocco, as the host nation, qualified automatically, while 23 other teams earned their places through qualifying rounds held between September and November 2024.

The lineup includes strong teams such as Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Nigeria, Egypt, and Algeria. Other nations, like Ghana and Guinea, failed to qualify.

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City have certainly endured a disappointing season by their very high standards, with the prospect of winning a fifth straight title now seemingly off the table, while Chelsea have shown impressive growth this term, but have gone through a ‘wobble’ in recent weeks.

When the teams met earlier this season at Stamford Bridge, the Citizens claimed a 2-0 away win thanks to goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic, and the Blues will be keen to secure some revenge at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening.

“In football you need to be clinical, otherwise the game is always open,” said Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who wants to see his team be more ruthless in attack. “I always said that the important thing is to create chances, because if you create chances it means that you are doing the right things.

“Sometimes you create and you score. Sometimes you create one chance and you score one. And sometimes you need to create 10 to score two.”

The round opens on Saturday afternoon with five matches, headlined by title favourites Liverpool hosting Ipswich Town at Anfield, while Arsenal will face a potential banana skin away to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium.

Sunday’s action features a London battle between Crystal Palace and Brentford; Tottenham Hotspur will host Leicester City; Aston Villa and West Ham United will have their ‘claret and blue’ derby; and Fulham will welcome Manchester United to Craven Cottage.

Fulham have been one of the teams punching above their weight this season, with manager Marco Silva recently praising the impact of Mexican striker Raul Jimenez: “He’s been doing that all his career. He’s our best penalty taker. He showed he is very good. The way he fought and made it hard for the defenders. He is in a really good moment.”

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Broadcast details

Saturday 25 January

17:00: AFC Bournemouth v Nottingham Forest – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1 and SuperSport OTT2

17:00: Brighton & Hove Albion v Everton – LIVE on SuperSport OTT3

17:00: Liverpool v Ipswich Town – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2

17:00: Southampton v Newcastle United – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 2

17:00: Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 3 and SuperSport Blitz

19:30: Manchester City v Chelsea – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2

Sunday 26 January

16:00: Crystal Palace v Brentford – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 3

16:00: Tottenham Hotspur v Leicester City – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2

18:30: Aston Villa v West Ham United – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2

21:00: Fulham v Manchester United – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2

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The first title challenger in action on the weekend is Atletico Madrid, who will welcome Villarreal to the Metropolitano Stadium. The teams played out a thrilling 2-2 draw when they met earlier this season, but Los Rojiblancos will be determined to claim all three points this time around.

“We need to keep improving; we are working as a team, including those who come on as substitutes. This is not a coincidence – the team is evolving and believes in what it does,” said Atletico manager Diego Simeone.

Champions Real Madrid will have the chance to respond on Saturday night when they head to the Jose Zorrilla Municipal Stadium to face Real Valladolid. The Pucelanos have lost six straight matches against Real (failing to even score a goal in the sequence) but midfielder Kike Perez is hopeful that they will break their drought.

“It has been a long time since Valladolid beat Real Madrid, this is true,” said the 27-year-old. “But we will be at home and have the support of our fans. Anything is possible if we believe and play to our potential.”

Barcelona will have to wait until Sunday night for their clash with Valencia at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium. While the Blaugrana are looking to keep themselves in the race for the championship, Los Che are fighting for their La Liga lives – with coach Carlos Corberan hoping that the team and the supporters can go on a journey together.

“The fans respond when they see the team’s dedication, when they see the commitment, attitude… it is a fanbase that understands, appreciates and responds,” said Corberan.

“Rather than asking them for anything, it is about giving them everything. That is the commitment that I have had since my first day and that I share with my players.”

The round also features a Friday night battle between Las Palmas and Osasuna; Sevilla welcome Espanyol to Andalusia on Saturday; and a Monday night treat pits Alaves against Celta Vigo at the Mendizorroza Stadium.

You are entitled to the best football… After all, you’re a DStv subscriber! Get and stay connected to DStv and ensure you don’t miss a single game!

To upgrade or manage your subscription download the MyDStv app on your mobile app store or visit www.dstv.com.

You can also catch all the action while on the move. Stream all matches on the DStv Stream app by downloading it from the app store today!

Broadcast details

Friday 24 January

22:00: Las Palmas v Osasuna – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

Saturday 25 January

15:00: Mallorca v Real Betis – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

17:15: Atletico Madrid v Villarreal – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

19:30: Sevilla v Espanyol – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

22:00: Real Valladolid v Real Madrid – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

Sunday 26 January

15:00: Rayo Vallecano v Girona – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

17:15: Real Sociedad v Getafe – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

19:30: Athletic Bilbao v Leganes – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

22:00: Barcelona v Valencia – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

Monday 27 January

22:00: Alaves v Celta Vigo – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3