Tag Archives: AFCON 2025

Africa, Awards

UPDATE: Walid Regragui Named AFCON 2025 Coach of the Tournament

Leave a comment

CAF Honours Moroccan Coach for Tactical Brilliance and Morocco’s Impressive AFCON Campaign

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially named Walid Regragui as the AFCON 2025 Coach of the Tournament, following Morocco’s outstanding performance and his exceptional tactical leadership throughout the competition.

CAF’s recognition highlights Regragui’s ability to combine discipline, flexibility, and strategic intelligence, qualities that consistently set Morocco apart from their opponents during the tournament.

Throughout AFCON 2025, Regragui demonstrated a deep understanding of game management, often adjusting formations and player roles seamlessly to counter different styles of play. His tactical mastery ensured Morocco remained one of the most organized and difficult teams to break down, earning praise from analysts, fans, and fellow coaches alike.

Morocco’s journey in the tournament was marked by defensive solidity, intelligent pressing, and quick transitions — hallmarks of Regragui’s football philosophy. Under his guidance, the Atlas Lions displayed maturity and composure in high-pressure moments, reinforcing their status as one of Africa’s elite football nations.

CAF Honours Moroccan Coach, Walid Regragui for Tactical Brilliance.

CAF, in its statement, commended Regragui for his “exceptional leadership, tactical intelligence, and consistency,” noting that his influence extended beyond results to the overall quality of football Morocco showcased during the competition.

This latest accolade further cements Walid Regragui’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s most respected coaches. Since taking charge of the Moroccan national team, he has continued to elevate their competitive standards on the continental and global stage.

Moroccan football fans have welcomed the announcement with pride, viewing the award as both personal recognition for Regragui and a reflection of the country’s sustained football progress.

As Africa looks ahead to future international competitions, Walid Regragui’s AFCON 2025 recognition stands as a testament to the impact of strong leadership, tactical innovation, and long-term vision in modern African football.

Also read: Brahim Díaz‘s words after he missed a crucial penalty against Senegal in the recent Afcon final.

Africa, International, Sports, Trending

Sadio Mané Explains AFCON Decision, Penalty Controversy and Leadership Role

Leave a comment

Mané Says AFCON Journey Is Over After Senegal’s Historic Triumph

Senegal captain Sadio Mané has delivered an emotional and powerful statement following Senegal’s dramatic triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations, shedding light on leadership decisions, the controversial penalty moment, and his future with the national team.

Speaking after the intense final, Mané began by expressing deep gratitude to the Senegalese people, acknowledging the difficulty of the journey and the collective effort behind the victory.

“First of all, I would like to thank the Senegalese people. It wasn’t easy, but we did it together. I’m so happy,” Mané said.

In a statement that has sparked widespread discussion, the former Liverpool forward suggested that his chapter with the Africa Cup of Nations may have come to an end.

“As I’ve already said, for me, with the Africa Cup of Nations, it’s over.”

Penalty Controversy Addressed

Mané also addressed the controversial penalty awarded during the match, a moment that nearly altered the outcome of the final.

“Regarding the penalty, I don’t think it was a penalty. But if the referee decides it’s a penalty, there’s no problem.”

His calm and respectful response has earned praise from fans and pundits, highlighting his maturity and sportsmanship in high-pressure situations.

Leadership Behind Senegal Staying on the Pitch

One of the most critical revelations from Mané’s comments was his role in convincing the Senegal team to continue the match amid rising tension.

Sadio Mani took an advice from Claude

According to Mané, emotions were running high, and many players wanted to leave the pitch. He sought advice from respected African football figures Claude Le Roy and El Hadji Diouf, both of whom urged him to keep the team focused.

“Everyone wanted to leave. I asked Claude Le Roy for his opinion, and he told me we had to play. El Hadji Diouf told me the same thing.”

Mané then took responsibility as captain, rallying his teammates to push forward regardless of the outcome.

“I told the guys: whatever happens, we have to take responsibility. We’re going to play.”

A Captain’s Legacy

Mané’s words underline not just his influence on the pitch but his leadership off it. As Senegal continues to celebrate its AFCON success, many believe this moment further cements Mané’s legacy as one of Africa’s greatest football leaders.

Africa, Ghana Media, Sports

Daniel Laryea Appointed Referee for Morocco vs Nigeria AFCON 2025 Semi-Final

Leave a comment

Ghanaian official handed high-profile AFCON assignment

Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea has been officially appointed to take charge of the highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semi-final encounter between Morocco and Nigeria. The announcement marks another major milestone in Laryea’s officiating career on the continental stage.

The semi-final showdown between two African heavyweights is expected to attract massive attention across the continent, with Morocco and Nigeria both eyeing a place in the AFCON 2025 final. CAF’s decision to hand the fixture to Laryea reflects strong confidence in his experience, consistency, and ability to manage high-pressure matches.

Daniel Laryea Appointed Referee for Morocco vs Nigeria AFCON 2025 Semi-Final 8

Daniel Laryea has previously officiated several key CAF competitions, earning praise for his firm control, fitness levels, and application of the laws of the game. His selection for such a decisive fixture further highlights Ghana’s growing reputation in African football officiating.

The match itself promises to be fiercely contested, with Morocco relying on their tactical discipline and technical quality, while Nigeria bring pace, power, and attacking threat. Laryea’s role will be crucial in ensuring fairness, discipline, and smooth flow throughout the encounter.

Daniel Laryea Appointed Referee for Morocco vs Nigeria AFCON 2025 Semi-Final 9

Football fans across Africa, especially in Ghana, will be proud to see a local referee trusted with one of the tournament’s biggest matches. His performance will be closely watched as the stakes rise at this advanced stage of the competition.

As AFCON 2025 edges closer to its climax, all eyes will be on the semi-final clash, with Daniel Laryea tasked with maintaining order in what is expected to be an intense and emotionally charged battle.

Africa, Security, Sports, Tragedy

FBI Studies Morocco’s AFCON Security Model Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

Leave a comment

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16 match between Algeria and DR Congo, which Algeria won 1-0 after extra time, was closely monitored by a delegation of FBI agents on Sunday night.

The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) delegation was in Morocco from January 4 to January 6, 2026, to study the country’s security architecture during AFCON 2025 as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States alongside Canada and Mexico.

FBI Studies Morocco’s AFCON Security Model Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup 13

During the high-stakes Algeria vs DR Congo encounter, the FBI agents observed various security and safety measures implemented by Moroccan authorities. These included crowd control strategies, stadium entry screening procedures, coordination with international and local police agencies, and emergency response readiness.

Particular attention was given to the use of advanced technology, including drone surveillance, high-definition CCTV systems, and real-time monitoring tools used to manage large crowds and detect potential threats. The agents also assessed how security teams communicated across multiple agencies during the match.

FBI Studies Morocco’s AFCON Security Model Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup 14

Morocco’s hosting of AFCON 2025 has been widely praised for its organization and security efficiency, making it a valuable case study for U.S. authorities as they prepare to host the world’s biggest football tournament in 2026.

Algeria’s narrow extra-time victory over DR Congo provided an intense atmosphere, offering the FBI delegation a realistic scenario to evaluate how Morocco’s security systems performed under pressure during a knockout-stage match.

Africa, Sports

Daniel Laryea Named Ghana’s Sole Referee for 2025 AFCON

Leave a comment

Bleoo 06’ Bleoobi Daniel Laryea has etched his name into Ghana’s football history after being selected as the country’s only referee for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). At just 38 years old, the former Accra Academy old boy’s appointment stands as a powerful testament to consistency, discipline, and intellectual excellence.

Daniel Laryea Named Ghana’s Sole Referee for 2025 AFCON 17

Daniel Laryea’s rise has never been accidental. Armed with two academic degrees and shaped by a proud family background deeply rooted in refereeing, his journey reflects a rare blend of education and sporting professionalism. His understanding of the game goes beyond the pitch, combining sharp judgment, composure under pressure, and respect for the laws of football.

Over the years, Laryea has built a solid reputation locally and internationally, earning trust through fair officiating and calm authority in high-stakes matches. His selection as Ghana’s sole referee for AFCON 2025 places him among the continent’s elite officials and highlights Ghana’s continued contribution to African football beyond players and coaches.

For young referees across the country, Laryea’s achievement is an inspiration — proof that excellence, learning, and integrity can elevate Ghanaian officiating to the highest level. As AFCON 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on Daniel Laryea to represent the nation with distinction and pride.