Latest news with #AFCON2023
Morocco World
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Moroccan international Yunis Abdelhamid set to join AS FAR
Rabat – Morocco's football club AS FAR has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Moroccan international defender Yunis Abdelhamid on a free-transfer deal that will bring the 37-year-old to Botola Pro once his contract with AS Saint-Étienne expires on June 30. Abdelhamid has already signed preliminary papers for a one-year contract and is expected in Rabat next week for medical tests and the formal presentation. Abdelhamid spent his entire professional life in France, amassing 439 senior appearances and 24 goals. He started with AC Arles, Valenciennes, Dijon, Stade de Reims, and, this past season, Saint-Étienne. The Moroccan defender became a regular starter at Reims, where he captained the side and logged 236 matches, helping Reims clinch the 2017-18 Ligue 2 title, which prompted them to Ligue 1. Even in 2024-25, an injury-managed campaign at Saint-Étienne, he started 16 league games and played 1,004 minutes, still ranking in the squad's top three for clearances and aerial duels won. New Portuguese coach Alexandre Santos, appointed in February, has pushed the club to add an experienced veteran who can strengthen AS FAR defense ahead of a third consecutive CAF Champions League run. Abdelhamid earned 16 caps for Morocco and was part of Walid Regragui's expanded squad for AFCON 2023. Playing in the Botola gives the veteran a chance to stay match-fit and ready if called up for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Tags: AS FARFootballMoroccosportsYunis Abdelhamid
The South African
30-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Broos explains why he likes Orlando Pirates star Selepe so much
Hugo Broos has provided some enlightening reasons as to why he picked Orlando Pirates youngster Simphiwe Selepe in his Bafana squad. 'I've always said age doesn't matter,' said Broos while discussing 20-year-old Orlando Pirates star Simphiwe Selepe on SABC TV . 'Quality, talent and when I see the last three, four games that Selepe played, I have to give him a chance. Again, maybe it will be too soon, but we can only see when we put him in the team and when he's playing a game. 'So again, the opportunity is very good to do it, and the age, okay, what's the problem with the age? He has the talent, it's up to him. 'What I like about Selepe, first of all, he is a good midfielder and he is good at passing. He scored a goal, so he's not only defensive, but he can also help the team offensively, and he's young.' Orlando Pirates fans are expectant on Soweto Derby Day. Image: BackpagePix Bafana boss Hugo Broos has again excluded Orlando Pirates duo Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa from his squad. The pair made a preliminary group of 42 but haven't made the final 23. Instead, Broos has opted for an array of wide attackers and a solitary central striker, Richards Bay man Yanela Mbuthuma. Couldn't South Africa have benefited from having another traditional number 9 in this 23-man group? It begs the question: Does Broos have a vendetta against Mabasa Makgopa? The latter was a key component for Bafana at AFCON 2023, while Mabasa won the PSL Golden Boot in the 2023-2024 season. Pirates' best player is returning What are your early thoughts on Selepe? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
30-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Riveiro throws unintentional shade at Orlando Pirates?
Jose Rivreiro is settling into his new surroundings at Al Ahly and sounds impressed. What has the former Orlando Pirates boss said? We won't read between the lines too much, but it sounds as though Jose Riveiro feels he's taken a step up with his move to Egyptian giants Al Ahly. Bafana boss Hugo Broos has again excluded Orlando Pirates duo Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa from his squad. The pair made a preliminary group of 42 but haven't made the final 23. Instead, Broos has opted for an array of wide attackers and a solitary central striker, Richards Bay man Yanela Mbuthuma. Couldn't South Africa have benefited from having another traditional number 9 in this 23-man group? It begs the question: Does Broos have a vendetta against Mabasa Makgopa? The latter was a key component for Bafana at AFCON 2023, while Mabasa won the PSL Golden Boot in the 2023-2024 season. Orlando Pirates' best player is returning Broos explains why he likes Selepe so much Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
30-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
What did Orlando Pirates duo Mabasa, Makgopa do to offend Broos?
Orlando Pirates strikers Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa are in the wilderness for Bafana Bafana again. What's going on there? Bafana boss Hugo Broos has again excluded Orlando Pirates duo Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa from his squad. The pair made a preliminary group of 42 but haven't made the final 23. Instead, Broos has opted for an array of wide attackers and a solitary central striker, Richards Bay man Yanela Mbuthuma. Couldn't South Africa have benefited from having another traditional number 9 in this 23-man group? It begs the question: Does Broos have a vendetta against Mabasa Makgopa? The latter was a key component for Bafana at AFCON 2023, while Mabasa won the PSL Golden Boot in the 2023-2024 season. Pirates' best player is returning Head coach Hugo Broos at the press conference at the DHL Stadium. Image via Tarren Saunders The Buccaneers have wrapped up the signing of Chippa United and Bafana midfield playmaker Sinoxolo Kwayiba. The 25-year-old is part of Hugo Broos' latest South Africa squad to contest friendlies in June. Kwayiba bagged six goals and an assist from 25 league appearances for the Chilli Boys this season. NINE Pirates players called up for Bafana Orlando Pirates snap up former Real Madrid opposition analyst? Do you think either Makgopa or Mabasa deserve to play for South Africa? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
CAF
07-02-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025: Defending champions Côte d'Ivoire face tough fixtures in Group F
Published: Friday, 07 February 2025 The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, will see defending champions Côte d'Ivoire lead Group F, where they will face stiff competition from Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique. With five-time winners Cameroon among their challengers, and two unpredictable teams in Gabon and Mozambique, this group promises high-stakes drama. Côte d'Ivoire Open Title Defence Against Mozambique The Elephants will begin their AFCON 2025 title defence on December 24, 2025, against Mozambique at Grand Stade de Marrakech in Marrakech. Fresh off their victorious campaign in AFCON 2023, Côte d'Ivoire will be determined to start strong. However, Mozambique, returning to the tournament with renewed ambition, will be eager to make a statement. On the same day, Cameroon will clash with Gabon at Grand Stade d'Agadir in Agadir. This Central African derby promises to be one of the most exciting fixtures in the group, with both sides boasting top players plying their trade in Europe's elite leagues. Cameroon vs Côte d'Ivoire: The Group F Showpiece Match One of the most anticipated matches of the tournament will take place on December 28, when Côte d'Ivoire face Cameroon at Grand Stade de Marrakech in Marrakech. This clash of two AFCON giants will likely decide the group's top spot. Meanwhile, Gabon will take on Mozambique at Grand Stade d'Agadir in Agadir on the same day. With qualification on the line, this could be a must-win game for both teams. Final Day Drama on January 3, 2026 The last round of Group F fixtures will take place on December 31, with Mozambique facing Cameroon at Grand Stade d'Agadir in Agadir, while Côte d'Ivoire battle Gabon at Grand Stade de Marrakech in Marrakech. These matches could determine the fate of the teams fighting for a place in the Round of 16. With only two automatic qualification spots and a potential third-place route to the knockout rounds, Group F promises thrilling battles and unpredictable outcomes. Group F Fixtures – AFCON 2025 Matchday Fixture Date Stadium City 1 Côte d'Ivoire vs Mozambique 24 Dec 2025 Grand Stade de Marrakech Marrakech 1 Cameroon vs Gabon 24 Dec 2025 Grand Stade d'Agadir Agadir 2 Gabon vs Mozambique 28 Dec 2025 Grand Stade d'Agadir Agadir 2 Côte d'Ivoire vs Cameroon 28 Dec 2025 Grand Stade de Marrakech Marrakech 3 Mozambique vs Cameroon 31 Dec 2025 Grand Stade d'Agadir Agadir 3 Côte d'Ivoire vs Gabon 31 Dec 2025 Grand Stade de Marrakech Marrakech
