Sports
2025 AFCON To Be Played In July-August – CAF Official
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reached an agreement in principle for the 2025 Cup of Nations to be played in July and August next year in Morocco, a CAF official has told AFP.
Earlier this month CAF president Patrice Motsepe refused to confirm the dates of the next Africa Cup of Nations, with organisers left with little time to stage a qualifying competition were it to be held in January and February.
However, playing it in June and July next year would mean a clash with FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup which is due to take place in North America.
On Monday a member of the competitions committee told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity, that there was “an agreement in principle between CAF and the Moroccan Football Federation for the AFCON to be held during the summer, more precisely in July and August” 2025.
“This agreement was found with the support of FIFA after talks that began several months ago and which intensified during the last edition which finished this month in Ivory Coast,” the source added.
“The dates currently proposed are July 20-August 16 or 17, 2025.”
The last two Africa Cup of Nations were both pushed back from the original dates. The 2021 tournament, hosted by Cameroon, was played in January and February of 2022. The most recent edition had initially been planned for June and July last year but was rescheduled over weather concerns.
Qualifying for the 2025 AFCON has yet to start. A preliminary round is due to be played next month.
The 2027 Cup of Nations will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Nigeria will face the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 2026 World Cup playoff final on Sunday.
The winner of this game will represent Africa at the intercontinental playoff in March 2026.
The Super Eagles on Thursday, thrashed Gabon 4-1 in their semi-final game, with Victor Osimhen scoring twice in extra time.
In the second half of the day, DR Congo pulled off a surprise result, as they beat Cameroon 1-0.
Captain Chancel Mbemba headed in a late winner in stoppage time, to give his country a chance of qualifying for next year’s tournament.
The game will be played at the newly built Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
After over 120 minutes, Nigeria qualify for 2026 World Cup after pummelling Gabon national team 4-1 in Rabat , Morocco on Thursday.
Gangling Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen silenced the Gabonese scoring the third and fourth goal in the fourth stanza game which finished at a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes.
Akor Adams put Nigeria ahead in the 78th minute, but just as the Super Eagles seemed poised for a 1-0 win, Mario Lemina struck for Gabon in the 89th minute, sending the match into extra time.
In extra time, Nigeria regained the lead when substitute Chidera Ejuke scored his first goal for the Super Eagles after 97 minutes.
Osimhen, who squandered a great chance to win the match at the end of regular time, firing wide with only goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba to beat, atoned on 102 minutes, firing across goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba into the far corner after being set up by Benjamin Fredrick.
He struck again on 110 minutes, controlling a long pass before once again beating Mbaba with a shot into the far corner.
The winner will advance to the play-off final to face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo.
After over 120 minutes, Nigeria qualify for 2026 World Cup after pummelling Gabon national team 4-1 in Rabat , Morocco on Thursday.
Gangling Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen silenced the Gabonese scoring the third and fourth goal in the fourth stanza game which finished at a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes.
In the 78th minute Adam scored the opener for Nigeria and the Gabonese equalised in the 89th minute.
Details shortly….
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