Morocco vs Comoros to set tone for Afcon

African football stands on the cusp of another compelling chapter as the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off in Morocco on Sunday, December 21. While the opening fixture between hosts Morocco and Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat may not immediately stir memories of classic AFCON showdowns, the tournament itself carries a weight of expectation that extends far beyond the first whistle. Morocco arrives as both host nation and one of the continent’s most formidable footballing powers. The Atlas Lions have enjoyed a golden period in recent years, highlighted by their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and consistent dominance at youth and club levels. With a squad brimming with Europe-based stars, tactical maturity, and home support behind them, Morocco are widely tipped as favourites to lift the trophy. For many fans, AFCON 2026 represents an opportunity for the North African giants to finally translate their promise into continental glory on home soil. Yet, the beauty of the Africa Cup of Nations lies precisely in its unpredictability. The opening opponents, Comoros, may be considered lightweights in African football, but their very presence at the finals tells a remarkable story. The tiny Indian Ocean nation, with a population of less than a million, has steadily defied expectations through organisation, discipline, and an unshakeable belief. Their qualification alone is a triumph, especially when contrasted with the absence of traditional heavyweights such as Ghana, whose failure to qualify sent shockwaves across the continent. Ghana’s absence is symbolic of a broader shift in African football. Once-dominant nations can no longer rely on history and reputation alone. Improved coaching, better scouting of diaspora talent, and increased tactical awareness have narrowed the gap between Africa’s elite and its emerging sides. Teams like Comoros, Cape Verde, and Equatorial Guinea have shown that structure and unity can rival pedigree. AFCON 2026, therefore, is not just a competition—it is a reflection of a changing football landscape. For Comoros, the opening match against Morocco is less about expectation and more about opportunity. With little pressure and everything to gain, they can approach the contest with freedom. AFCON history is littered with examples of underdogs upsetting giants, and Comoros will take inspiration from those narratives. Even a spirited performance could set the tone for a campaign that further cements their growing reputation. As the tournament unfolds across Morocco’s modern stadiums, fans can expect drama, colour, and passion—the hallmarks of African football. Beyond the favourites and familiar names, AFCON 2026 promises fresh stories and new heroes. Whether Morocco ultimately justify their status or another surprise nation captures the imagination, one thing is certain: African football continues to evolve, and this tournament is poised to celebrate both its powerhouses and its dreamers.

Proteas, Springboks out for more glory for South Africa

South Africa’s three major national teams — the Springboks, Bafana Bafana and the Proteas — all delivered statement victories last weekend, setting the nation alight with pride and reminding the world of the country’s enduring sporting pedigree. It was a rare moment when rugby, football and cricket converged to produce a collective surge of national confidence. In Turin on Saturday, the Springboks defeated Italy 32–12 in a Test match that reaffirmed their status as the number-one team in world rugby. While the Azzurri have long outgrown their reputation as easy beats, few expected them to topple the reigning world champions. Yet the context of the Springbok victory made the result especially remarkable. South Africa were forced to play with 14 men for almost the entire match after lock Franco Mostert received a red card in the 11th minute for a tackle on Italian flyhalf Paolo Garbisi. Apart from New Zealand referee James Doleman, few observers — including commentators and analysts — believed the incident warranted the harshest sanction. What followed was a revelation of the Springboks’ character. Rather than retreat into a defensive shell, they played with ferocity, intelligence and immense composure. Their dominance with a man down was reminiscent of the previous weekend’s triumph in Paris, where they also weathered a red card but still managed to stun an 80,000-strong crowd at the Stade de France. These back-to-back performances have reinforced the perception that the Springboks possess not only world-class skill but a collective mental toughness unmatched in modern rugby. South Africa’s football team added to the national celebration. Also on Saturday, Bafana Bafana extended their impressive unbeaten run to 25 matches with a stylish 3–1 win over Zambia in Gqeberha. From the opening whistle, Bafana displayed fluidity, confidence and attacking intent, leaving the visitors struggling to contain their movement. The only blemish on an otherwise polished performance came in stoppage time, when a lapse in concentration allowed Zambia to score a consolation goal. Even so, the result highlighted the momentum and stability that coach Hugo Broos has instilled in the squad — something South African football fans have long yearned for. But perhaps the most dramatic achievement of the weekend belonged to the Proteas. In Kolkata, the South African Test cricket side shocked India with a 30-run victory, securing their first Test win on Indian soil since 2010. The match, a tense and low-scoring encounter, unfolded over just three days but offered every twist and nuance that makes Test cricket the sport’s purest format. Bowlers on both sides controlled proceedings, and every run became a negotiation under pressure. South Africa’s composure in foreign conditions — against a team nearly unbeatable at home — made the triumph particularly special. The Proteas now head into the second and final Test in Guwahati on Saturday, 22 November, with a golden opportunity to clinch a historic series victory. The last time South Africa won a Test series in India was in the 1999/00 season. India, bruised but dangerous, will no doubt throw everything at the visitors, setting the stage for a cliffhanger of immense sporting and psychological stakes. The Springboks, too, are back in action on Saturday in a blockbuster clash against their long-time bogey team, the Republic of Ireland. Dublin is bracing for a fiery encounter between two of the most tactically astute sides in world rugby. With the Boks eager to settle old scores and Ireland seeking to defend their home turf, the match promises to be another global spectacle. With victories across rugby, football and cricket, South Africa’s sporting spirit is riding a powerful wave. The coming weekend may yet elevate that momentum even further.

Mexico's super stadium the right choice for 2026 World Cup opener

Many football fans around the world, including in South Africa, mistakenly believe that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted solely by the United States. In fact, the tournament will be co-hosted by three North American countries: Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City will host the opening match on Thursday, June 11, 2026. With a capacity of 87,000, it will become the first stadium in World Cup history to host three opening matches, having previously done so in 1970 and 1986. The opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca promises to celebrate Mexico’s rich football heritage while offering a glimpse into the broader cultural legacy of the Americas. Expect the ceremony to showcase elements of Aztec history. The Aztecs, also known as the Mexica—the root of the modern name “Mexico”—were the architects of a sophisticated Mesoamerican civilization centered in what is now central and southern Mexico. Their capital, Tenochtitlan, was founded in 1325, and their society thrived until the Spanish conquest in 1521. The Aztec civilization contributed significantly to the world’s knowledge and culture. Innovations such as the chinampa system of floating gardens, step pyramids, a 260-day religious calendar, the macuahuitl weapon, and extensive canoe transportation networks reflect their advanced society. Education was mandatory and comprehensive, blending practical skills with religious and military instruction. The 2026 World Cup will conclude with the final match on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA, bringing together fans from across the globe to celebrate the beautiful game.

Soweto giants Chiefs, Pirates share Lubumbashi spotlight

South Africa’s biggest football clubs, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, find themselves in a rare shared situation this weekend — both are in Lubumbashi, DR Congo, for continental battles. First off the mark are Chiefs, who on Saturday meet AS Simba in the CAF Confederation Cup at the TP Mazembe Stadium. Kick-off is at 3pm SA time. On Sunday, Pirates take on Saint Eloi Lupopo in the CAF Champions League at the 35,000-capacity Stade Frédéric Kibassa Maliba. While Lupopo are based in Lubumbashi — the DRC’s second-largest city after Kinshasa — Simba hail from Kolwezi, about 300km northwest of Lubumbashi. They have been forced to stage their CAF home fixtures in Katanga’s capital because their home province, Lualaba, lacks a CAF-approved stadium. Simba booked their spot in the 2025–26 CAF Confederation Cup by winning the Coupe du Congo, the national cup competition, defeating MK Kinshasa 1–0 in the final. Jacques Mangoba netted the decisive goal in the 90th minute, sealing both the trophy and a US$250,000 (about R4.3 million) first prize. Lupopo, meanwhile, are traditional rivals of TP Mazembe. Both clubs were founded in 1939, and their meetings in the famed Lubumbashi derby remain among the fiercest in African football. The two sides once shared the city-run Stade Frédéric Kibassa Maliba before TP Mazembe owner Moïse Katumbi funded the construction of the club’s own modern ground, the TP Mazembe Stadium, opened in 2011. The two venues are just 4km apart, located in the neighbouring Lubumbashi communes of Kenya and Kalamondo respectively. Though TP Mazembe Stadium holds just 18,500 fans, it is widely rated among the best football facilities in Central Africa, featuring modern dressing rooms, VIP suites, covered stands, a press centre and advanced floodlights. Both the Pirates and Chiefs fixtures are part of the second preliminary round, with the winners advancing to the group stages of the Champions League and Confederation Cup respectively. It would be refreshing to see the two Soweto giants cast aside their rivalry, if only briefly, and support each other in Congo. Meanwhile, two other South African clubs are also in continental action this weekend. Stellenbosch FC (Confederation Cup) visit 15 de Agosto in Equatorial Guinea at the 8,000-capacity Estadio de Ebibeyin on Saturday (4pm SA time), while Mamelodi Sundowns (Champions League) face Nigerian champions Remo Stars at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta on Sunday (5pm SA time). The venue, located in the hometown of the late music legend Fela Kuti, seats only 10,000 — a setting that could make Sundowns feel right at home. Good luck to all four South African clubs flying the flag in Africa.

Lack of suitable home venue points to deepening crisis for Lesotho football

The relocation of Lioli’s “home” fixture against Orlando Pirates from Lesotho to the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein underscores the deepening crisis of football infrastructure in the mountain kingdom. While football remains a unifying and popular sport in Lesotho, the absence of an internationally compliant stadium has turned home advantage into a paradox—forcing clubs and national teams alike to host matches on foreign soil. At the heart of this problem is the Setsoto Stadium in Maseru, the only facility previously recognized for international use. Since its suspension in 2021 by FIFA and CAF, due to its failure to meet international standards, Lesotho has been stripped of the ability to host matches at home. This not only damages the country’s sporting reputation but also undermines the growth of local football. For Lioli and other clubs, being forced to host continental matches outside the country strips them of the psychological and logistical benefits that come with playing in front of their own supporters. A Bloemfontein fixture against Pirates, although closer than many alternatives, still robs Lioli of the unique atmosphere their fans could have created in Teyateyaneng or Maseru. The symbolism of a national stadium lying dormant for years is damning. Stadium maintenance and renovation are not merely technical matters; they reflect governance, planning, and prioritization of resources. The fact that FIFA’s regional delegation only visited Setsoto last month to assess progress suggests that little has been done since the suspension. This delay reflects a lack of urgency from the Lesotho government, which should treat stadium compliance as a national priority. For a country whose national teams must play “home” games abroad, the damage extends beyond football—it dents national pride and imposes unnecessary costs. Financially, the consequences are severe. Clubs like Lioli must now shoulder additional travel and accommodation expenses when hosting fixtures in South Africa. Supporters face the same burden, with many unable to afford the journey across the border, leading to reduced crowd support. For the national team, this situation diminishes the potential for revenue generation through gate takings, merchandising, and hospitality. At a time when African football needs to be strengthened at grassroots and national levels, such infrastructural shortcomings widen the gap between countries with strong sporting institutions and those without. Politically, the Setsoto crisis points to a failure in public policy. Governments across Africa frequently make grand promises about sports development but often neglect the unglamorous task of infrastructure maintenance. While Lesotho is not alone in this regard, the prolonged suspension of its only national stadium is exceptional and reflects a broader governance deficit. International football bodies like FIFA can push for compliance, but ultimately, the political will to prioritize sports infrastructure must come from within Lesotho itself. There are also continental implications. CAF’s insistence on international standards is correct—it ensures player safety, television broadcast quality, and a professional environment. Yet the harsh reality is that several African nations face similar struggles. Lesotho’s plight raises a broader debate: should CAF and FIFA do more to provide technical and financial assistance to struggling associations, or is it solely the responsibility of national governments? In conclusion, the Lioli–Pirates fixture in Bloemfontein is more than a logistical inconvenience; it is a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting sports infrastructure. For Lesotho, the inability to host matches at home has diminished football’s power to inspire and unite. Unless the Setsoto Stadium is urgently renovated and maintained, the country risks permanent exile from the global football family, with dire consequences for the development of its players, clubs, and national pride.

Team SA looks sharper for Tokyo world athletics championships

When the 20th World Athletics Championships get underway at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday, September 13, Team South Africa will be chasing a return to the global podium after an agonizing eight-year wait. Not since the 2017 edition in London has the country won medals at the world’s premier athletics showpiece. That year, Wayde van Niekerk, Caster Semenya, and Luvo Manyonga spearheaded a golden generation, delivering six medals combined. In 2017, Van Niekerk claimed gold in the 400m and silver in the 200m, Semenya won the 800m and secured bronze in the 1,500m, while Manyonga leapt to gold in the long jump. Ruswahl Samaai added a long jump bronze to complete what remains one of South Africa’s finest performances at a World Championships. Since then, however, the nation has endured a dry spell, failing to reach the podium in subsequent editions. This year, hope has been rekindled. A 49-member squad carries the weight of expectation, led by the experienced Akani Simbine, who remains one of the world’s premier sprinters. The evergreen 31-year-old grabbed silver in the 100m at the 2024 Paris Olympics, finally stepping onto the Olympic podium after years of near-misses. In Tokyo, Simbine once again carries South Africa’s sprinting dreams, and he will be joined by two promising compatriots, Retshidisitswe Mlenga and Gift Leokela. Van Niekerk is also back, though this time he has shifted his focus to the 200m, making way for a new star in the 400m: Zakithi Nene. If there is one athlete who embodies South Africa’s new wave, it is Nene. After surprising many by reaching the Olympic final in Paris last year, the 26-year-old has since proven he belongs among the best. In 2025, he became the world’s fastest over one lap, clocking a breathtaking 43.76 seconds in Nairobi, the fastest time recorded globally this season. With consistent sub-45 performances and strong Diamond League results—including a runner-up finish behind Olympic champion Quincy Hall in Rome—Nene is widely seen as South Africa’s strongest medal hope. The team suffered a setback when teen sprint sensation Benjamin Walaza, who impressed in Paris, withdrew this week due to an injury. His replacement, however, brings a fascinating storyline. Retshidisitswe Mlenga, once a teenage prodigy, returns to the global stage after serving a four-year ban for doping. At just 25, the Bloemfontein-born sprinter is eager to revive his career. Mlenga won gold at the 2017 World Under-18 Championships before his suspension derailed his progress. Now, with a second chance, he is motivated to make the 100m final and perhaps even push for a medal. His presence alongside Simbine and Leokela gives South Africa depth in the men’s sprint events. On the women’s side, South Africa’s brightest prospects lie in the middle distance and field events. Prudence Sekgodiso has emerged as a force in the 800m. Earlier this year, she won the World Indoor title, and she enters Tokyo with renewed confidence. The 22-year-old also set a personal best of 1:57.16 in Ostrava to claim victory at the prestigious Golden Spike meet. While her Olympic campaign ended in disappointment after fading in the final, Sekgodiso’s consistency and talent make her a genuine contender for a medal. In the javelin, Jo-Ane van Dyk is targeting another podium finish after securing silver at the Paris Olympics with a throw of 63.93m. She has remained competitive on the international circuit, producing a season’s best of 62.77m in Oslo, where she placed third behind Japan’s Haruka Kitaguchi and Serbia’s Adriana Vilagos. With her proven ability to deliver on the big stage, Van Dyk is among South Africa’s strongest female medal prospects in Tokyo. As the competition kicks off, South Africa’s mix of seasoned campaigners and fresh talent creates a sense of cautious optimism. The likes of Simbine and Van Niekerk will provide experience, while Nene, Sekgodiso, and Van Dyk could well usher in a new era of success. If the pieces fall into place, Team SA may finally break its medal drought and reignite the golden memories of 2017. The World Championships conclude on September 21, and South Africa will be hoping that by then, its athletes will have returned to the podium, restoring the nation’s pride on the global athletics stage. All the best, Team SA!

Nigerians pay the price for ignoring their own league

Earlier this year, Nigerian media, commentators, and football followers erupted in outrage following the March 25 World Cup qualifier in Uyo, where the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe. On paper, it should have been an easy assignment. Nigeria’s squad, stacked with stars from Europe’s top leagues, was expected to sweep aside a Zimbabwean side traditionally considered lightweight. Yet the Warriors who arrived in Uyo were far from the Zimbabwe of old. The southern Africans had undergone a quiet transformation, with several players now plying their trade in big European leagues. Zimbabwe has also borrowed from West Africans by pursuing diaspora kids for its national team. The outpouring of anger in Nigeria was not surprising, given the country’s unmatched passion for football. But in hindsight, the fury was misplaced. The ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN), currently being staged in East Africa, has brutally exposed where Nigeria’s real weakness lies. Unlike the AFCON or World Cup qualifiers, CHAN is reserved strictly for players who feature in their domestic leagues. And Nigeria has fared disastrously, crashing out after two successive defeats—1-0 to Senegal and 4-0 to Sudan. Their final group match against Congo-Brazzaville on August 19 is a dead rubber, with the Super Eagles already eliminated. The lesson is clear: Nigeria’s league is simply too weak to sustain a competitive national team structure. Long before CHAN laid it bare, the decline of Nigerian club football was evident. The country’s clubs have become invisible in the advanced stages of CAF competitions. The last Nigerian side to command continental respect was Enyimba, and that was years ago. Since then, South African, Central African, and even East African clubs, have pulled ahead to challenge the North African domination. While mismanagement and corruption within the football system are always cited as culprits, ordinary Nigerians also shoulder part of the blame. The obsession with the English Premier League and other European competitions has drained local football of attention, revenue, and prestige. Stadiums remain half-empty, clubs struggle to attract sponsorship, and promising players lack the competitive environment to flourish at home. If Nigerian fans redirected even half of their passion to their own league, the results would be transformative. Stronger domestic clubs would attract investment, create jobs, and nurture talent that could feed directly into the Super Eagles setup. More importantly, Nigeria would rely less on scouring the globe for players of Nigerian descent and instead develop world-class talent within its borders.

Until that shift happens, Nigeria will continue to punch below its weight in African football. This week the Nigerian Premier Football League kicks off for the 2025/2026 season - with new champions Remo Stars hosting Rivers United on Friday in Ikenne, Ogun state, for the opening match. Hopefully, the season start will also mark the start of a new attitude by Nigerians towards their own league. And it's no rocket science, Naija guys and gals, just show the NPFL more love than any other league in the world. Finidi George coaches Rivers; what more would people want to appreciate that charity begins at home!

Ambitious Pyramids rank as Pirates' most important foe so far this CAF season

For decades, the Egyptian league had been dominated by Cairo giants Al Ahly and Zamalek football clubs, with some limited challenge offered by Ismaily and Arab Contractors. Both Ismaily and Arab Contractors had significantly receded in the past decade, with the Contractors (now preferring to be known as Al Mokawloon Al Arab) losing their premier league status as they currently campaign in the Egyptian second-tier. Despite their fallen fortunes, the Contractors and Ismaily remain among five other clubs to win the Egyptian league apart from Al Ahly and Zamalek. Amid these events Pyramids FC emerged in 2018 to forcefully stake a claim in the top 3 of the Egyptian league. The club was in fact formed in 2008 as Al Assiouty Sport in Beni Suef, a city 120km south of Cairo. In 2018, a season after the club had returned to premier for its second stint, it was bought by the chairman of the Saudi Sports Authority Turki Al-Sheikh, renamed Pyramids and relocated to New Cairo, a modern metropolitan city developing on the outskirts of the original Cairo. In their first season under the new name, Pyramids finished third in the Egyptian and reached the final of the 2019 Egyptian Cup where they lost to Zamalek. The same year, the club was bought by UAE businessman Salem Al Shamsi and continued to fortify its position in the Egyptian top 3. Pyramids have now finished as runners-up to the league title three times including the previous season. They were runners-up in 2019/2020 CAF Confederation Cup, losing to Morocco's RS Berkane in the final. In the meantime, Pyramids' value also increased by leaps and bounds that last year at €22.25-million, they were ranked the third most valuable African club behind Mamelodi Sundowns (€35.40m) and Al Ahly (€28.45m). They value is set to increase as they are on course to win their first Egyptian league title, as they lead the league table. Today, Pyramids seek to raise the bar to a higher level in their quest to be rated among the best when they come up against Orlando Pirates in the Champions League semifinals. The first leg is scheduled for 6pm at the FNB Stadium. Pirates' home venue, Orlando Stadium, is not available after it was booked for Easter festivities by the Grace Bible Church. Pirates should know they are meeting a hugely ambitious club, and by now, I trust they have not only studied the team's strengths and weaknesses but also understand Pyramids' philosophy and ambition. So, today it will not be about winning a football match for both teams but a show of determination to grow their brands and respect on the continent. In my opinion, this is the most important challenge for Pirates in their Champions League journey this season. Pyramids mean business and Pirates in return must show they have a longer, colourful history that the visitors must respect. The only way to achieve that is to win today and eventually qualify for the final by sailing through in the second leg on April 25.