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• CAF eyes tenth World Cup slot as DR Congo set for historic playoff, Nigeria, Senegal, star anew

  While the DR Congo stands on the verge of a historic 2026 World Cup berth in the inter-confederation playoffs, Nigeria and Senegal begin new cycles following a turbulent period of coaching changes and administrative controversy. ​The Democratic Republic of Congo arrives in Zapopan, Mexico, as favorites to secure Africa’s tenth World Cup spot. Seeded in Path 1, Sebastien Desabre’s “Leopards” await the winner of the Jamaica versus New Caledonia semi-final for a decisive clash on March 31. Desabre, who has successfully recruited several diaspora stars, remains confident in ending a 52-year drought, noting, “The nation will come to a standstill for Congo DR’s final.” ​Nigeria’s Super Eagles travel to Antalya, Turkey, to face Iran and Jordan without talisman Victor Osimhen, who is sidelined following arm surgery. Head coach Eric Chelle has utilized this window to blood new talent like Philip Otele and Collins Sor while maintaining his tactical diamond formation. Despite missing the World Cup, Chelle is focused on the “Mission ’27” reboot, aiming to restore national pride after their recent AFCON semi-final exit. ​In a week dominated by off-field drama, Senegal officially begins its appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after being stripped of their AFCON title. CAF awarded the trophy to Morocco following a chaotic final, citing Senegal’s brief walk-off as a forfeit. Amidst the tension, the Teranga Lions face Peru in Paris, where coach Pape Thiaw must stabilize a squad that feels “unequivocally rejected” by the continental governing body.

• AFCON: Victor Osimhen seeks squad harmony ahead of Algeria clash

  Nigeria’s Super Eagles aim to overcome internal disputes and World Cup disappointment as they face Algeria in a high-profile AFCON quarter-final led by star duo Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

  Nigeria prepares for a high-stakes Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Algeria in Marrakesh, bolstered by a tournament-high 12 goals.

  Despite failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the Super Eagles have dominated their path, including a 4-0 thrashing of Mozambique.

  Led by star strikers Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, the team views continental success as vital redemption for their recent international failures.

  Off-field tensions have threatened to overshadow their on-pitch success following rumors of a bonus dispute and a potential training boycott.

  Reports now suggest the financial issues have been resolved, with NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau stating, “payments had been processed.”

  This follows a visible on-field disagreement between Osimhen and Lookman during the last-16 win, though the squad has since resumed regular training under coach Eric Chelle.

  The upcoming clash is a rematch of the 2019 semi-final, which Nigeria lost to a late Algerian goal.

  Lookman, who has three goals and four assists, remains focused on the team’s top talent despite recent friction.

  Regarding Osimhen, Lookman told journalists: “He’s our number one guy, everyone knows this. Top striker, top player, the rest is not really important.”

• 10-man Mali beat Tunisia on penalties to set-up AFCON QF date with Senegal

  Despite playing with ten men for the majority of the match, Mali eliminated Tunisia from AFCON 2025 via a penalty shootout after a late exchange of goals forced a 1-1 draw.

  Mali secured a dramatic spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals after defeating Tunisia 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw through extra time.

  The match took an early turn when Mali’s Woyo Coulibaly was shown a straight red card in the 26th minute for a reckless challenge.

  Despite playing with a numerical disadvantage for over 90 minutes, the Malian side displayed immense resilience against their North African opponents.

  The contest remained deadlocked until the 88th minute when Tunisia’s Firas Chaouat appeared to seal a victory with a clinical header into the bottom corner.

  However, drama unfolded in stoppage time when a handball in the box gifted Mali a lifeline.

  Lassine Sinayoko converted the resulting penalty with composure, neutralizing the Tunisian lead and forcing the Round of 16 encounter into a tense period of extra time.

  With no further goals in the additional thirty minutes, the match moved to a decisive shootout.

  Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra emerged as the hero of the night, producing vital saves to frustrate the Carthage Eagles.

  Bilal Toure eventually converted the winning spot-kick, completing a remarkable comeback for the ten-man Eagles and ending Tunisia’s journey in the tournament.

• Ademola Lookman inspires Nigeria into the last 16 after thrilling win over Tunisia

  Nigeria secured their place in the AFCON knockout stages after a dominant Ademola Lookman performance inspired a 3-2 victory over a resilient Tunisia.

  Ademola Lookman delivered a masterclass performance to guide Nigeria into the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 with a 3-2 victory over Tunisia.

  After a dominant opening, Victor Osimhen broke the deadlock in the 44th minute, heading home a Lookman cross.

  Captain Wilfred Ndidi doubled the lead shortly after halftime, marking his first international goal, before Lookman added a third with a clinical finish in the 67th minute.

  Despite trailing by three, Tunisia mounted a spirited late comeback. Montassar Talbi ignited hope by glancing a free-kick past Stanley Nwabali, and Ali Abdi converted a late penalty following a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel.

  The “Eagles of Carthage” nearly forced a draw in the dying moments, but Ferjani Sassi’s header drifted agonizingly wide.

  The result ensures Nigeria’s progression, while Tunisia remains second in the group heading into their final match.

  The match was defined by individual brilliance and high emotion. Man of the Match Ademola Lookman was the catalyst, being “involved in all three Nigeria goals.”

  Meanwhile, Osimhen finally found the net after earlier frustrations, “letting out his emotion in the celebration.”

  Nigeria’s resilience preserves their impressive tournament record, having now secured “seven wins from their last eight group stage matches at AFCON finals.”

• Preview: Uganda and Tanzania fight for AFCON survival in Group C clash

  East African rivals Uganda and Tanzania meet in a crucial Group C clash where both teams must secure points to avoid a likely group-stage elimination from AFCON 2025.

  Uganda and Tanzania face a high-stakes encounter this Saturday at the Stade El Barid in Rabat, with both nations desperate to keep their AFCON 2025 dreams alive.

  Following opening-day defeats—Uganda falling 3-1 to Tunisia and Tanzania losing 2-1 to Nigeria—a second loss for either side could signal a premature exit from the tournament.

  The match marks the first time these East African neighbours have met in the finals of Africa’s premier football competition.

  Uganda’s recent form is a cause for concern, with the loss to Tunisia marking their third defeat in four games across all competitions.

  Paul Put’s side has struggled historically in this tournament, losing six of their last nine AFCON fixtures.

  “After losing the first match, the game against Tanzania is currently the most important game of the tournament, and we need to be aggressive and secure the result we need,” Put stated ahead of the critical fixture.

  Tanzania enters the match seeking their first-ever victory at an AFCON finals after ten attempts.

  Despite their recent 2-1 loss to Nigeria, the Taifa Stars have shown a newfound attacking edge under Miguel Ángel Gamondi, scoring four goals in their last two outings.

  Captain Mbwana Samatta emphasized the need for focus after their opening slip-up, noting, “We put up a good show, but failed to concentrate after making it 1-1 and immediately conceded a goal.”