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AFCON 2025: Cameroon see off South Africa to battle Morocco in quarter-finals
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Cameroon defeated South Africa 2–1 in the Round of 16 fixtures of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Sunday to set up a quarter-finals showdown with tournament hosts Morocco.
Five-time AFCON winners Cameroon proved too strong at the Stade El Barida, keeping their title hopes alive and compensating for their failure to qualify for this year’s FIFA World Cup in North America.
Goals from Junior Tchamadeu and teenage striker Christian Kofane sealed victory for the Indomitable Lions, although they were forced to withstand late pressure after substitute Evidence Makgopa pulled one back for South Africa two minutes from time.
Earlier on Sunday, hosts Morocco edged Tanzania 1–0 in Rabat to secure their place in the quarter-finals, thanks to a decisive second-half strike from Brahim Diaz.
Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi set up Diaz, who fired past goalkeeper Hussein Masalanga at the near post midway through the second half.
Speaking after being named Man of the Match, Diaz said:
“The competition is growing in intensity, and we have just faced our toughest opposition so far. Not everything worked, but fortunately, we managed to secure the qualification. Now we go back to work to be fully ready for the quarter-finals.”
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui praised his side’s resilience after the match.
“We knew it was not going to be easy. The first half was not good, but I recognised my team much more in the second half. The most important thing is qualification,” he said.
Morocco will face Cameroon on Friday for a place in the last four.
Arsenal are exploring a deal to sign winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge.
According to The Athletic, a move for Tzolis would not impact the Gunners’ interest in Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers or an alternative target.
The club’s sporting director, Andrea Bertea, continues to work in the market to strengthen their attack.
Sources believe a deal for Tzolis could be possible for around €40million.
The 24-year-old scored 43 goals for Club Brugge across two seasons, having found the net 23 times for Fortuna Dusseldorf in 2. Bundesliga in 2023-24.
Arsenal are looking to bring in a new left winger, and have inquired about Juventus’ 21-year-old Turkey international Kenan Yildiz.
Ghana have suffered a major setback ahead of their opening match at the 2026 World Cup after midfielder Thomas Partey was reportedly denied entry into Canada.
Partey will be unavailable to play in Ghana opening match against Panama in Canada on June 17, access denied.
The Black Stars are scheduled to face Panama on Wednesday in their first Group game at the BMO Field in Toronto.
However, Partey will not be available for the encounter after being unable to travel to Canada, according to The Athletic.
The development comes as a major blow to Ghana’s preparations, with the former Arsenal midfielder expected to play a key role in the team’s campaign.
Partey’s absence means Ghana will have to make changes to its midfield plans for the match against Panama.
The reason for the entry denial was not officially stated by Ghanaian football authorities, but the Canadian government website states that “if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada.”
Partey was recently charged with sexual assault, but he is awaiting trial and has not been convicted.
The former Arsenal star has denied the charges.
His unavailability leaves Ghana without one of their most experienced players as they begin their World Cup campaign in Toronto.
Ghana will be hoping to begin their campaign on a strong note despite Partey’s absence.
The Black Stars are among the African teams expected to make an impact at the tournament, but the latest development has added pressure on the coaching crew ahead of the opener.
The team will now have to rely on other midfield options to fill the gap left by Partey as they seek victory against Panama.
Co-hosts Mexico kicked off the 2026 World Cup against South Africa in Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on Thursday.
Mexico’s forward #16 Julian Quinones celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.
Co-hosts Mexico kicked off the 2026 World Cup against South Africa in Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on Thursday.
The 29-year-old struck in the ninth minute, his powerful shot going between the legs of the South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to send the 80,000 spectators wild.
Mexico’s forward Julian Quinones celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.
It was the earliest first goal at a World Cup since 2006, when Philipp Lahm netted for Germany against Costa Rica after six minutes.
The South Africa players have been exchanging some short passes, trying to open up the opposition’s defence and hit them swiftly on the break, but the co-hosts have been dominant so far.
South Africa’s forward Iqraam Rayners and Mexico’s defender Johan Vasquez fight for the ball during the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.
Before the kickoff, the 80,000-strong crowd was entertained by Nigerian star Burna Boy, Colombian singer Shakira and a host of performers in an opening ceremony.
More to follow…
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