Senegal advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 as winners of their group on Tuesday, leaving the Democratic Republic of Congo facing a heavyweight tie against Algeria while Tanzania reached the knockout stage for the first time.&nbsp;Sadio Mane's Senegal, African champions in 2022, defeated Benin 3-0 in Tangier to top Group D on goal difference ahead of the Leopards, who won by the same margin against Botswana in Rabat.&nbsp;Abdoulaye Seck and Habib Diallo scored either side of half-time for the Lions of Teranga before skipper Kalidou Koulibaly was sent off. Cherif Ndiaye converted a penalty deep in injury time.&nbsp;Ex-Chelsea playmaker Gael Kakuta, now based in Turkey, was in outstanding form with two goals and an assist as DR Congo saw off already-eliminated Botswana.&nbsp;His backheel set up Nathanael Mbuku for the opener at Al Medina Stadium in Morocco's capital, and Kakuta then converted a penalty late in the first half.&nbsp;Kakuta got his second and his team's third on the hour mark and the Leopards then had a fourth goal scored by Fiston Mayele ruled out by VAR for a handball.&nbsp;It looked at one point as though Senegal and DR Congo might end the group stage with identical records, leaving open the possibility of a drawing of lots to decide their final positions.&nbsp;In the end both finish with seven points from three games with Senegal on top by a difference of just two goals.&nbsp;Pape Thiaw's team now have a kinder draw as they remain in Tangier for a last-16 tie on Saturday against the third-place finisher in Group E, either Burkina Faso or Sudan.&nbsp;The Leopards, in contrast, must play 2019 champions Algeria next Tuesday with the winner of that potentially having to face Nigeria in the quarter-finals.&nbsp;"We wanted a fourth goal to maybe force a drawing of lots, and we wanted to score as many goals as possible to try to win the group," said Sebastien Desabre, the Democratic Republic of Congo coach.&nbsp;"It wasn't to be but I'm not disappointed, I'm proud. We have achieved the objective of reaching the last 16."&nbsp;Benin's three points are enough for them to go through as one of the best third-placed teams.&nbsp;It will be just their second appearance in the AFCON knockout stages, with their reward a tie against Mohamed Salah's Egypt on Monday.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a><h2>Nigeria stay perfect</h2>Tanzania made history in progressing from their group for the first time, 45 years after their maiden AFCON appearance, by drawing 1-1 with fellow qualifiers Tunisia in Rabat.&nbsp;Ismael Gharbi converted a penalty just before half-time for Tunisia and Feisal Salum levelled early in the second half.&nbsp;Tanzania have still to win in 12 matches spanning four AFCON appearances. They squeezed into the round of 16 after two draws and one loss.&nbsp;Tunisia finished second in Group C with four points, five behind table-toppers Nigeria. Tanzania pipped Angola on goals scored for one of four places reserved for third-placed teams.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;Raphael Onyedika scored twice as already qualified Nigeria overcame 10-man Uganda 3-1 in the other Group C match to maintain a 100 percent record after the group stage.&nbsp;Paul Onuachu had given Nigeria the lead in the first half in Fes and Uganda suffered a huge blow on 56 minutes when goalkeeper Salim Magoola -- on as a substitute -- was red-carded for handling outside the area.&nbsp;Onyedika then scored his two goals before Rogers Mato got a consolation for Uganda as they head home.&nbsp;Tanzania now face a daunting task against hosts and title favourites Morocco in Rabat on Sunday, one day after Tunisia tackle Mali.&nbsp;Nigeria will meet the third-placed team in Group F -- currently Mozambique -- on Monday in Fes.&nbsp;"We did not have enough time to prepare the team, but worked together with the federation," said Argentina-born Tanzania coach Miguel Gamondi, appointed only last month.&nbsp;"I feel very proud, not just for myself, but for the country. To qualify is great for Tanzania.&nbsp;"I hope this success will be a reminder to these players and the next generation of players of the potential of Tanzanian football."&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sadio Mane's Senegal, African champions in 2022, defeated Benin 3-0 in Tangier to top Group D on goal difference ahead of the Leopards, who won by the same margin against Botswana in Rabat.

Senegal advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 as winners of their group on Tuesday, leaving the Democratic Republic of Congo facing a heavyweight tie against Algeria while Tanzania reached the knockout stage for the first time. Sadio Mane's Senegal, African champions in 2022, defeated Benin 3-0 in Tangier to top Group D on goal difference ahead of the Leopards, who won by the same margin against Botswana in Rabat. Abdoulaye Seck and Habib Diallo scored either side of half-time for the Lions of Teranga before skipper Kalidou Koulibaly was sent off. Cherif Ndiaye converted a penalty deep in injury time. Ex-Chelsea playmaker Gael Kakuta, now based in Turkey, was in outstanding form with two goals and an assist as DR Congo saw off already-eliminated Botswana. His backheel set up Nathanael Mbuku for the opener at Al Medina Stadium in Morocco's capital, and Kakuta then converted a penalty late in the first half. Kakuta got his second and his team's third on the hour mark and the Leopards then had a fourth goal scored by Fiston Mayele ruled out by VAR for a handball. It looked at one point as though Senegal and DR Congo might end the group stage with identical records, leaving open the possibility of a drawing of lots to decide their final positions. In the end both finish with seven points from three games with Senegal on top by a difference of just two goals. Pape Thiaw's team now have a kinder draw as they remain in Tangier for a last-16 tie on Saturday against the third-place finisher in Group E, either Burkina Faso or Sudan. The Leopards, in contrast, must play 2019 champions Algeria next Tuesday with the winner of that potentially having to face Nigeria in the quarter-finals. "We wanted a fourth goal to maybe force a drawing of lots, and we wanted to score as many goals as possible to try to win the group," said Sebastien Desabre, the Democratic Republic of Congo coach. "It wasn't to be but I'm not disappointed, I'm proud. We have achieved the objective of reaching the last 16." Benin's three points are enough for them to go through as one of the best third-placed teams. It will be just their second appearance in the AFCON knockout stages, with their reward a tie against Mohamed Salah's Egypt on Monday. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Nigeria stay perfect Tanzania made history in progressing from their group for the first time, 45 years after their maiden AFCON appearance, by drawing 1-1 with fellow qualifiers Tunisia in Rabat. Ismael Gharbi converted a penalty just before half-time for Tunisia and Feisal Salum levelled early in the second half. Tanzania have still to win in 12 matches spanning four AFCON appearances. They squeezed into the round of 16 after two draws and one loss. Tunisia finished second in Group C with four points, five behind table-toppers Nigeria. Tanzania pipped Angola on goals scored for one of four places reserved for third-placed teams. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes Raphael Onyedika scored twice as already qualified Nigeria overcame 10-man Uganda 3-1 in the other Group C match to maintain a 100 percent record after the group stage. Paul Onuachu had given Nigeria the lead in the first half in Fes and Uganda suffered a huge blow on 56 minutes when goalkeeper Salim Magoola -- on as a substitute -- was red-carded for handling outside the area. Onyedika then scored his two goals before Rogers Mato got a consolation for Uganda as they head home. Tanzania now face a daunting task against hosts and title favourites Morocco in Rabat on Sunday, one day after Tunisia tackle Mali. Nigeria will meet the third-placed team in Group F -- currently Mozambique -- on Monday in Fes. "We did not have enough time to prepare the team, but worked together with the federation," said Argentina-born Tanzania coach Miguel Gamondi, appointed only last month. "I feel very proud, not just for myself, but for the country. To qualify is great for Tanzania. "I hope this success will be a reminder to these players and the next generation of players of the potential of Tanzanian football." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sadio Mane's Senegal, African champions in 2022, defeated Benin 3-0 in Tangier to top Group D on goal difference ahead of the Leopards, who won by the same margin against Botswana in Rabat.

AFCON: Senegal top group ahead of DR Congo as Tanzania make history

Riyad Mahrez scored twice as Algeria launched their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a comfortable 3-0 Group E win against 10-man Sudan in Rabat.


African Cup of Nations: 2019 Champions Algeria begin campaign with win over Sudan

Ademola Lookman secured a 2-1 win for a wasteful Nigeria against Tanzania in Fes on Tuesday in their opening Africa Cup of Nations match.&nbsp;After the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle would have hoped for more goals given the opportunities his side created.&nbsp;Star striker Victor Osimhen was among the culprits. He failed to score but could have claimed a hat-trick with better finishing.&nbsp;Nigerian centre-half Semi Ajayi opened the scoring in the first half, before Charles M'Mombwa levelled soon after half-time.&nbsp;However, Atalanta attacker Lookman struck the winning goal shortly after the equaliser to spare Nigeria's blushes.&nbsp;The first half followed a predictable pattern with three-time champions Nigeria pressing and Tanzania soaking up pressure as they sought a first win after three draws and six losses in three previous AFCON appearances.&nbsp;Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Masudi suffered a facial injury after advancing off his line to block a shot by Akor Adams.&nbsp;From the resultant corner, Sevilla striker Adams came close as his near-post header hit the top of the crossbar.&nbsp;The east Africans threatened for the first time on 14 minutes with an acrobatic shot from Saimon Msuva comfortably saved by Stanley Nwabali.&nbsp;As rain began to fall in Fes, Nigerian frustrations surfaced with 2023 African player of the year Osimhen upset after being fouled by Ibrahim Hamad.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a><h2>Osimhen misses</h2>Osimhen then became the focal point of Nigerian attacks, threatening to score twice before another attempt was cleared off the line by Bakari Nondo.&nbsp;That set-piece led to the Super Eagles taking the lead as the ball was played back to Alex Iwobi, whose cross was nodded into the corner of the net by Ajayi for his second international goal.&nbsp;Samuel Chukwueze had a chance to increase the lead just before half-time, but &nbsp;his close-range shot was tipped over by Masudi.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a>&nbsp;The opening seven minutes of the second period were dramatic as an Osimhen goal was ruled offside, before M'Mombwa equalised on 50 minutes and then 2024 African player of the year Lookman restored Nigeria's lead two minutes later with a rising shot from just outside the box.&nbsp;Chelle introduced veteran Moses Simon for Adams in the vain hope of building a wider lead ahead of what is likely to be their toughest Group C match, against Tunisia in Fes on Saturday.&nbsp;Tanzania squandered a chance to equalise with three minutes of regular time remaining as a Mohamed Hussein cross evaded Nwabali, but substitute Kelvin John failed to connect with the ball.&nbsp;Group C action continues later Tuesday with Tunisia taking on Uganda in Rabat.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Nigerian centre-half Semi Ajayi opened the scoring in the first half, before Charles M'Mombwa levelled soon after half-time.

Ademola Lookman secured a 2-1 win for a wasteful Nigeria against Tanzania in Fes on Tuesday in their opening Africa Cup of Nations match. After the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle would have hoped for more goals given the opportunities his side created. Star striker Victor Osimhen was among the culprits. He failed to score but could have claimed a hat-trick with better finishing. Nigerian centre-half Semi Ajayi opened the scoring in the first half, before Charles M'Mombwa levelled soon after half-time. However, Atalanta attacker Lookman struck the winning goal shortly after the equaliser to spare Nigeria's blushes. The first half followed a predictable pattern with three-time champions Nigeria pressing and Tanzania soaking up pressure as they sought a first win after three draws and six losses in three previous AFCON appearances. Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Masudi suffered a facial injury after advancing off his line to block a shot by Akor Adams. From the resultant corner, Sevilla striker Adams came close as his near-post header hit the top of the crossbar. The east Africans threatened for the first time on 14 minutes with an acrobatic shot from Saimon Msuva comfortably saved by Stanley Nwabali. As rain began to fall in Fes, Nigerian frustrations surfaced with 2023 African player of the year Osimhen upset after being fouled by Ibrahim Hamad. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes Osimhen misses Osimhen then became the focal point of Nigerian attacks, threatening to score twice before another attempt was cleared off the line by Bakari Nondo. That set-piece led to the Super Eagles taking the lead as the ball was played back to Alex Iwobi, whose cross was nodded into the corner of the net by Ajayi for his second international goal. Samuel Chukwueze had a chance to increase the lead just before half-time, but his close-range shot was tipped over by Masudi. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes The opening seven minutes of the second period were dramatic as an Osimhen goal was ruled offside, before M'Mombwa equalised on 50 minutes and then 2024 African player of the year Lookman restored Nigeria's lead two minutes later with a rising shot from just outside the box. Chelle introduced veteran Moses Simon for Adams in the vain hope of building a wider lead ahead of what is likely to be their toughest Group C match, against Tunisia in Fes on Saturday. Tanzania squandered a chance to equalise with three minutes of regular time remaining as a Mohamed Hussein cross evaded Nwabali, but substitute Kelvin John failed to connect with the ball. Group C action continues later Tuesday with Tunisia taking on Uganda in Rabat. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Nigerian centre-half Semi Ajayi opened the scoring in the first half, before Charles M'Mombwa levelled soon after half-time.

Wasteful Nigeria open AFCON campaign with narrow win over Tanzania

Nigeria's refusal to play an Africa Cup of Nations fixture in Libya after alleged "inhumane treatment" of their squad, overshadowed Algeria and Cameroon qualifying on Monday for the 2025 finals.

"This is getting scary," said forward Victor Boniface on social media after the Nigerian squad were stranded at an airport 225 kilometres (140 miles) by road from Benghazi, the match venue.

"We have been stuck at the airport for almost 13 hours with no food, Wi-Fi or place to sleep. Africa, we can do better," he added on X (formerly twitter).

Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba, who accompanied Nigeria to north Africa, told AFP: "If CAF know their job, Libya ought to be banned from international football."

Nigeria beat Libya 1-0 in Uyo last Friday in Group D and the teams were set to meet again in the fourth round in Benghazi on Tuesday.

Furious at the way they were allegedly treated, the Nigerian delegation returned home on Monday, a CAF official confirmed to AFP.

A Libyan Football Federation statement said: "We reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation.

"There are no grounds to accuse the... Libyan Football Federation of deliberately orchestrating the incident. Such actions are inconsistent with our values and principles.

"It is important to highlight that just last week our own national team faced significant challenges upon arrival in Nigeria."

CAF reacted to the incident by saying in a statement that they had been in contact with Libyan and Nigerian authorities.

"The matter has been referred to the CAF disciplinary board for investigation and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated CAF statutes and regulations," it said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/pcb-issues-show-cause-notice-to-fakhar-zaman-for-questioning-decision-to-drop-babar-azam-from-england-tests-767407">PCB issues 'show cause' notice to Fakhar Zaman for questioning decision to drop Babar Azam from England Tests</a>

<h2>Free-kick sinks Kenya</h2>

Ahead of the Group D fixtures on Tuesday -- Rwanda host Benin in the other -- Nigeria and Benin were well placed to fill the top two places and qualify for the finals.

Three-time AFCON champions Nigeria have seven points, Benin six, Rwanda two and Libya one, halfway through the six-round qualifying competition.

In Group J, Cameroon substitute Boris Enow beat Kenya goalkeeper Bryne Omondi off a free-kick outside the area to give the five-time AFCON title-holders a 1-0 win and qualification.

Kenya, beaten 4-1 in Yaounde last Friday, were forced to move the home fixture to Uganda as stadiums in Nairobi are being renovated for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Second-placed Zimbabwe beat Namibia 3-1 to move four points ahead of Kenya in the fight for the other qualifying place. The rivals meet next month in the penultimate round.

Borussia Dortmund defender Ramy Bensebaini converted an 18th-minute penalty to earn two-time AFCON champions Algeria a 1-0 Group E win over Togo in Lome.

Algeria have a maximum 12 points from four outings and second-placed Equatorial Guinea are likely to join them at the 2025 tournament, which Morocco will host.&nbsp;

Substitute Dorian Hanza scored in added time to give Equatorial Guinea a 2-1 win against Liberia in Paynesville, and a five-point advantage over Togo.

Captain Elias 'Domingues' Pelembe, who turns 41 in November, opened the scoring for Mozambique in a 3-0 Group I victory over Eswatini. It moved the Mambas (snakes) above Mali to first place.

However, Mali will qualify if they win in Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday. The fixture is one of 16 scheduled.

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Nigeria's refusal to play an Africa Cup of Nations fixture in Libya after alleged "inhumane treatment" of their squad, overshadowed Algeria and Cameroon qualifying on Monday for the 2025 finals.

Nigeria's refusal to play an Africa Cup of Nations fixture in Libya after alleged "inhumane treatment" of their squad, overshadowed Algeria and Cameroon qualifying on Monday for the 2025 finals. "This is getting scary," said forward Victor Boniface on social media after the Nigerian squad were stranded at an airport 225 kilometres (140 miles) by road from Benghazi, the match venue. "We have been stuck at the airport for almost 13 hours with no food, Wi-Fi or place to sleep. Africa, we can do better," he added on X (formerly twitter). Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba, who accompanied Nigeria to north Africa, told AFP: "If CAF know their job, Libya ought to be banned from international football." Nigeria beat Libya 1-0 in Uyo last Friday in Group D and the teams were set to meet again in the fourth round in Benghazi on Tuesday. Furious at the way they were allegedly treated, the Nigerian delegation returned home on Monday, a CAF official confirmed to AFP. A Libyan Football Federation statement said: "We reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation. "There are no grounds to accuse the... Libyan Football Federation of deliberately orchestrating the incident. Such actions are inconsistent with our values and principles. "It is important to highlight that just last week our own national team faced significant challenges upon arrival in Nigeria." CAF reacted to the incident by saying in a statement that they had been in contact with Libyan and Nigerian authorities. "The matter has been referred to the CAF disciplinary board for investigation and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated CAF statutes and regulations," it said. ALSO READ | PCB issues 'show cause' notice to Fakhar Zaman for questioning decision to drop Babar Azam from England Tests Free-kick sinks Kenya Ahead of the Group D fixtures on Tuesday -- Rwanda host Benin in the other -- Nigeria and Benin were well placed to fill the top two places and qualify for the finals. Three-time AFCON champions Nigeria have seven points, Benin six, Rwanda two and Libya one, halfway through the six-round qualifying competition. In Group J, Cameroon substitute Boris Enow beat Kenya goalkeeper Bryne Omondi off a free-kick outside the area to give the five-time AFCON title-holders a 1-0 win and qualification. Kenya, beaten 4-1 in Yaounde last Friday, were forced to move the home fixture to Uganda as stadiums in Nairobi are being renovated for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN). Second-placed Zimbabwe beat Namibia 3-1 to move four points ahead of Kenya in the fight for the other qualifying place. The rivals meet next month in the penultimate round. Borussia Dortmund defender Ramy Bensebaini converted an 18th-minute penalty to earn two-time AFCON champions Algeria a 1-0 Group E win over Togo in Lome. Algeria have a maximum 12 points from four outings and second-placed Equatorial Guinea are likely to join them at the 2025 tournament, which Morocco will host. Substitute Dorian Hanza scored in added time to give Equatorial Guinea a 2-1 win against Liberia in Paynesville, and a five-point advantage over Togo. Captain Elias 'Domingues' Pelembe, who turns 41 in November, opened the scoring for Mozambique in a 3-0 Group I victory over Eswatini. It moved the Mambas (snakes) above Mali to first place. However, Mali will qualify if they win in Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday. The fixture is one of 16 scheduled. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

AFCON Qualifiers: Nigeria refuse to play in Libya as Algeria, Cameroon qualify

Hosts Ivory Coast stunned Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday, knocking out the reigning champions on penalties in the last 16 to keep their hopes of winning the title on home soil alive.

A week ago it looked as if the Ivorians were set for a humiliating group-stage exit from their own AFCON, but now they are into the quarter-finals after beating Senegal 5-4 on penalties following a tie that finished 1-1 at the end of extra time.

The Elephants scraped into the knockout phase with the worst record of the four best third-placed sides to advance, after finishing the first round with a humiliating 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea, their heaviest ever home defeat.

They followed that by sacking veteran French coach Jean-Louis Gasset and trying unsuccessfully to bring in former boss Herve Renard on a short-term deal.

But instead former player Emerse Fae was appointed on an interim basis, hoping to rouse a shell-shocked team for a daunting tie against the holders.

It looked like being a trying evening for Ivory Coast in Yamoussoukro as Senegal went ahead in the fourth minute when Habib Diallo brought down Sadio Mane's cross from the left and finished emphatically.

Mane then escaped with a yellow card for a dangerous challenge on Ibrahim Sangare soon after, although Senegal also felt hard done by early in the second half.

Ismaila Sarr went down in the box in a tangle of legs with Odilon Kossounou, but no penalty was given and the referee did not come across to review the incident on the pitchside monitor.

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<h2>Kessie the hero</h2>

Instead, it was the Ivorians who won a late penalty of their own, a VAR review showing that Nicolas Pepe was chopped down by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Franck Kessie of Saudi club Al Ahli, who was dropped to the bench at kick-off, converted the penalty to force extra time.

With no further scoring, it came down to penalties, and Senegal's Moussa Niakhate was the only player to miss, seeing his effort strike the post.

Kessie then netted the decisive kick to take Ivory Coast through to a last-eight tie against Mali or Burkina Faso in the central city of Bouake on Saturday.

Neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso clash in the last 16 in the northern city of Korhogo on Tuesday.

"We are feeling a lot of emotion," Ivory Coast striker Sebastien Haller told broadcaster Canal Plus Afrique.

"The last few days have not been easy but we had to believe in ourselves."

Senegal go out after being the only team to win all three games during the group stage, and their elimination means no reigning champion has made it beyond the first knockout round of a Cup of Nations since Egypt won a third consecutive title in 2010.

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<h2>Mauritania run ended</h2>

Earlier on Monday, Cape Verde won an AFCON knockout tie for the first time in their history as a late Ryan Mendes penalty gave them a 1-0 victory over Mauritania in Abidjan.

The tie was drifting towards extra time when Cape Verde won a spot-kick as substitute Gilson Tavares Benchimol was brought down in the box by Mauritania goalkeeper Babacar Niasse.

Captain Mendes then converted with just two minutes of the 90 remaining to break the resistance of a Mauritania side appearing in the knockout phase for the first time.

Cape Verde advance to a quarter-final on Saturday in Yamoussoukro against either Morocco or South Africa, who meet in the last 16 on Tuesday in San-Pedro.

The tiny Atlantic Ocean island nation had got out of their group in two of their three previous appearances at the AFCON, but had never before won a knockout tie.

"We are proud of everything we have done up to now. We always tried to win the game and we thoroughly deserved the victory," said Cape Verde coach Pedro 'Bubista' Brito, who believes his side can go further still in the tournament.

"We have our objective, which from day one has been to get to the semi-finals.

"We are one step away from that now and we are going to keep going, while obviously staying humble and respecting our opponents, but we believe. That is our focus and we are going to try and get there."

Hosts Ivory Coast stunned Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday, knocking out the reigning champions on penalties in the last 16 to keep their hopes of winning the title on home soil alive.

Hosts Ivory Coast stunned Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday, knocking out the reigning champions on penalties in the last 16 to keep their hopes of winning the title on home soil alive. A week ago it looked as if the Ivorians were set for a humiliating group-stage exit from their own AFCON, but now they are into the quarter-finals after beating Senegal 5-4 on penalties following a tie that finished 1-1 at the end of extra time. The Elephants scraped into the knockout phase with the worst record of the four best third-placed sides to advance, after finishing the first round with a humiliating 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea, their heaviest ever home defeat. They followed that by sacking veteran French coach Jean-Louis Gasset and trying unsuccessfully to bring in former boss Herve Renard on a short-term deal. But instead former player Emerse Fae was appointed on an interim basis, hoping to rouse a shell-shocked team for a daunting tie against the holders. It looked like being a trying evening for Ivory Coast in Yamoussoukro as Senegal went ahead in the fourth minute when Habib Diallo brought down Sadio Mane's cross from the left and finished emphatically. Mane then escaped with a yellow card for a dangerous challenge on Ibrahim Sangare soon after, although Senegal also felt hard done by early in the second half. Ismaila Sarr went down in the box in a tangle of legs with Odilon Kossounou, but no penalty was given and the referee did not come across to review the incident on the pitchside monitor. × Kessie the hero Instead, it was the Ivorians who won a late penalty of their own, a VAR review showing that Nicolas Pepe was chopped down by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Franck Kessie of Saudi club Al Ahli, who was dropped to the bench at kick-off, converted the penalty to force extra time. With no further scoring, it came down to penalties, and Senegal's Moussa Niakhate was the only player to miss, seeing his effort strike the post. Kessie then netted the decisive kick to take Ivory Coast through to a last-eight tie against Mali or Burkina Faso in the central city of Bouake on Saturday. Neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso clash in the last 16 in the northern city of Korhogo on Tuesday. "We are feeling a lot of emotion," Ivory Coast striker Sebastien Haller told broadcaster Canal Plus Afrique. "The last few days have not been easy but we had to believe in ourselves." Senegal go out after being the only team to win all three games during the group stage, and their elimination means no reigning champion has made it beyond the first knockout round of a Cup of Nations since Egypt won a third consecutive title in 2010. ALSO READ | Who is Sourabh Kumar - Uttar Pradesh cricketer who left IAF to pursue his ambitions? Mauritania run ended Earlier on Monday, Cape Verde won an AFCON knockout tie for the first time in their history as a late Ryan Mendes penalty gave them a 1-0 victory over Mauritania in Abidjan. The tie was drifting towards extra time when Cape Verde won a spot-kick as substitute Gilson Tavares Benchimol was brought down in the box by Mauritania goalkeeper Babacar Niasse. Captain Mendes then converted with just two minutes of the 90 remaining to break the resistance of a Mauritania side appearing in the knockout phase for the first time. Cape Verde advance to a quarter-final on Saturday in Yamoussoukro against either Morocco or South Africa, who meet in the last 16 on Tuesday in San-Pedro. The tiny Atlantic Ocean island nation had got out of their group in two of their three previous appearances at the AFCON, but had never before won a knockout tie. "We are proud of everything we have done up to now. We always tried to win the game and we thoroughly deserved the victory," said Cape Verde coach Pedro 'Bubista' Brito, who believes his side can go further still in the tournament. "We have our objective, which from day one has been to get to the semi-finals. "We are one step away from that now and we are going to keep going, while obviously staying humble and respecting our opponents, but we believe. That is our focus and we are going to try and get there."

AFCON: Ivory Coast stun AFCON holders Senegal, Cape Verde into quarter-finals

At least six fans died in a stampede at the Yaounde Olembe Stadium in&nbsp;Cameroon&nbsp;on Monday before the host nation's round of 16 game in the African Cup of Nations against Comoros, the Central African nation's national broadcaster reported.

It said dozens of others were injured.

Images shared on social media, which Reuters could not immediately authenticate, showed screaming fans being crushed at an entrance gate.

Continental soccer government body CAF said in a statement that it was aware of an incident at the stadium.

"CAF is currently investigating the situation and trying to get more details on what transpired. We are in constant communication with the Cameroon&nbsp;government and the local organizing committee," it said.

Following a low turnout in the first-round games at brand new stadiums built for the continent's premier men's soccer tournament,&nbsp;Cameroon&nbsp;authorities had&nbsp;thrown open stadium gates, organised mass transport and given out free tickets to lure fans.

Cameroon&nbsp;beat 10-man Comoros 2-1 in the game to advance to the quarter-finals.

At least six fans died in a stampede at the Yaounde Olembe Stadium in Cameroon on Monday before the host nation's round of 16 game in the African Cup of Nations against Comoros, the Central African nation's national broadcaster reported.

At least six fans died in a stampede at the Yaounde Olembe Stadium in Cameroon on Monday before the host nation's round of 16 game in the African Cup of Nations against Comoros, the Central African nation's national broadcaster reported. It said dozens of others were injured. Images shared on social media, which Reuters could not immediately authenticate, showed screaming fans being crushed at an entrance gate. Continental soccer government body CAF said in a statement that it was aware of an incident at the stadium. "CAF is currently investigating the situation and trying to get more details on what transpired. We are in constant communication with the Cameroon government and the local organizing committee," it said. Following a low turnout in the first-round games at brand new stadiums built for the continent's premier men's soccer tournament, Cameroon authorities had thrown open stadium gates, organised mass transport and given out free tickets to lure fans. Cameroon beat 10-man Comoros 2-1 in the game to advance to the quarter-finals.

At least six killed in Cameroon stadium stampede

Next January’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon have been postponed by one year and will now take place in 2022, the Confederation of African Football decided on Tuesday.

The COVID-19 health crisis has suspended football across most of the continent since March and left little time to complete the qualification competition.

The Cup of Nations was due to be held from Jan. 9-Feb. 6 next year but will now be scheduled for January 2022.

Cameroon will get to stage the semi-finals and final of this year’s African Champions League which will be played at a single venue in Douala, CAF’s executive committee decided.

Next January’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon have been postponed by one year and will now take place in 2022, the Confederation of African Football decided on Tuesday.

Next January’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon have been postponed by one year and will now take place in 2022, the Confederation of African Football decided on Tuesday. The COVID-19 health crisis has suspended football across most of the continent since March and left little time to complete the qualification competition. The Cup of Nations was due to be held from Jan. 9-Feb. 6 next year but will now be scheduled for January 2022. Cameroon will get to stage the semi-finals and final of this year’s African Champions League which will be played at a single venue in Douala, CAF’s executive committee decided.

African Cup of Nations postponed from January next year to 2022

Former coach and player Farouk Gaafar put his finger on Egyptian football's fundamental problem even if his call for the military to take over and run the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) with an "iron fist" amounted to inviting the fox into the chicken pen.

Gaafar issued his call after Egypt, once the undisputed king of African football, was knocked out of the African Cup of Nations that it is hosting in a bid to bolster its international image tarnished by systematic violations of human rights. Egypt’s government is headed by general-turned-president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who initially came to power in a military coup.

Egypt’s bid has been marred by multiple events besides its poor performance in the tournament.&nbsp;

Fans exploited matches to honour legendary but controversial retired player Mohamed Aboutreika as well as the deaths of 94 fans in two separate politically charged incidents in 2012 and 2015.

World soccer body FIFA, in a legally controversial move, took over management of its Cairo-based affiliate, the corruption-riddled Confederation of African Football (CAF), on the eve of the tournament.

As if all of this were not enough, Egyptian midfielder Amr Warda was initially banned early in the tournament from further participation amid mounting allegations of online sexual harassment, but then under pressure from his teammates reinstated.

Like many fans and some executives, Gaafar, who managed the military’s Talaee el Geish (Army’s Vanguards) Sports Club for seven years, blamed Egypt’s poor performance in the African tournament as well as last year’s World Cup in Russia on the EFA’s lack of accountability.

EFA president Hany Abo Rida sacked Mexican national team coach Javier Aguirre and resigned together with the majority of the group’s board members hours after the Egyptian national team’s crucial defeat at the hands of South Africa.

“The state has done everything, but the football federation and the players have done nothing. There is nothing better than the discipline of the armed forces… football needs to be run with an iron fist,” Gaafar said on a pro-government television show.

There is no doubt that Egyptian football desperately needs deep structural reform. The problem is that the state of the sport reflects Egypt’s broader structural problems. The country’s military is as much part of the problem as it is part of the solution.

Add to this the fact that a military takeover of soccer would deepen problems because it would violate FIFA’s insistence on a fictional separation of sports and politics and likely lead to a suspension of the EFA’s membership of the world soccer body.

Alaa Sadek, a Qatar-based Egyptian critic of Al-Sisi, moreover, noted that Egypt had failed to qualify for the World Cup in the 31 years between 1936 and 1967 that it was headed by a military officer.

Sadek charged that Egyptian soccer had recently failed domestically and internationally because Al-Sisi since coming to office in 2013 had turned the EFA into an “army camp.”

Newspaper editor Gamal Sultan noted that the government and the military’s recent assault on the EFA ocurred only after Egypt lost its decisive match against South Africa.

“Only last week, the EFA was clean, acceptable and patriotic. They were received by Sisi and the minister of defence and celebrated only when their victories served the image of the regime. One week later, the EFA has become corrupt and wanted for investigations. These are the standards of justice in today’s Egypt,” Sultan said.

In a rare broad-based lifting of an eight-year-old ban on unfettered attendance of football matches by fans, Egypt’s defeat in the African Cup was witnessed by 75,000 mostly Egyptian spectators, many of whom have long accused the EFA of mismanagement and corruption.

Egypt has with brief exceptions banned fans from stadia since the first day of the January 2011 popular revolt that toppled president Hosni Mubarak in a bid to stop soccer from being a venue for the release of pent-up popular anger and frustration as well as anti-government protest.

The government has made exemptions for international matches so that it could not be blamed for weak national team performance and to avoid putting the ban on international display.

More recently, small groups of fans have been admitted to domestic matches but only after identifying themselves with their IDs and with approval of their club.

Fans, nonetheless, defied bans on political slogans and jerseys during the African tournament by chanting Aboutreika’s name in the stadium and in online videos that went viral.

A legendary player, Aboutreika, who was consistently public about his politics, retired in 2013 after helping Egypt clinch three African Cups.

He has since been forced into exile in Qatar after being accused of having been a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, a political group that Al-Sisi has brutally tried to crush.

Aboutreika was sentenced to jail in absentia last November for tax evasion in what many view as trumped-up charges.

Fans also ignored rules imposed to prevent political expression by lighting up the stadium with their mobile phone flashlights during the South Africa match in commemoration of the 72 supporters that died in 2012 in a stampede and 22 others in another stampede three years later.

Many fans believe the incidents were instigated in an effort to intimidate fans and cut the most militant among them down to size.

Militant football fans played a key role in the 2011 uprising as well as subsequent protests, including against Al-Sisi’s coup that overthrew Mohammed Morsi, a Muslim Brother and the country’s first and only democratically elected leader.

The role of the fans highlighted the threats and opportunities posed to autocrats by soccer, the only thing that evokes the kind of deep-seated passion associated with religion.

As a result, stadiums as a public space that were contested and difficult to control threatened autocratic leaders’ grip on power. Yet, soccer’s popularity offered autocrats an opportunity to shore up their tarnished image by associating themselves with something that had immense public acceptance.

If anything, Egypt’s African Cup of Nations demonstrates that exploiting football&nbsp;for political purposes is a tricky business.

Tweeted journalist Karim Zidan under the trending hashtag ‘Team of sexual harassers:’ "Egypt's national team is…its national embarrassment ... Plenty of Egyptians are basking in the team's loss today."

Much like in the latter part of toppled Mubarak’s 30-year rule, Zidan was inferring that fans see the national team as Al-Sisi’s squad rather than Egypt’s.

In a country in which all expressions of dissent are brutally repressed, that is a clear rejection of Al-Sisi’s effort to polish his and Egypt’s severely tarnished image as it gets. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Former coach and player Farouk Gaafar put his finger on Egyptian football's fundamental problem even if his call for the military to take over and run the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) with an "iron fist" amounted to inviting the fox into the chicken pen.

Former coach and player Farouk Gaafar put his finger on Egyptian football's fundamental problem even if his call for the military to take over and run the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) with an "iron fist" amounted to inviting the fox into the chicken pen. Gaafar issued his call after Egypt, once the undisputed king of African football, was knocked out of the African Cup of Nations that it is hosting in a bid to bolster its international image tarnished by systematic violations of human rights. Egypt’s government is headed by general-turned-president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who initially came to power in a military coup. Egypt’s bid has been marred by multiple events besides its poor performance in the tournament. Fans exploited matches to honour legendary but controversial retired player Mohamed Aboutreika as well as the deaths of 94 fans in two separate politically charged incidents in 2012 and 2015. World soccer body FIFA, in a legally controversial move, took over management of its Cairo-based affiliate, the corruption-riddled Confederation of African Football (CAF), on the eve of the tournament. As if all of this were not enough, Egyptian midfielder Amr Warda was initially banned early in the tournament from further participation amid mounting allegations of online sexual harassment, but then under pressure from his teammates reinstated. Like many fans and some executives, Gaafar, who managed the military’s Talaee el Geish (Army’s Vanguards) Sports Club for seven years, blamed Egypt’s poor performance in the African tournament as well as last year’s World Cup in Russia on the EFA’s lack of accountability. EFA president Hany Abo Rida sacked Mexican national team coach Javier Aguirre and resigned together with the majority of the group’s board members hours after the Egyptian national team’s crucial defeat at the hands of South Africa. “The state has done everything, but the football federation and the players have done nothing. There is nothing better than the discipline of the armed forces… football needs to be run with an iron fist,” Gaafar said on a pro-government television show. There is no doubt that Egyptian football desperately needs deep structural reform. The problem is that the state of the sport reflects Egypt’s broader structural problems. The country’s military is as much part of the problem as it is part of the solution. Add to this the fact that a military takeover of soccer would deepen problems because it would violate FIFA’s insistence on a fictional separation of sports and politics and likely lead to a suspension of the EFA’s membership of the world soccer body. Alaa Sadek, a Qatar-based Egyptian critic of Al-Sisi, moreover, noted that Egypt had failed to qualify for the World Cup in the 31 years between 1936 and 1967 that it was headed by a military officer. Sadek charged that Egyptian soccer had recently failed domestically and internationally because Al-Sisi since coming to office in 2013 had turned the EFA into an “army camp.” Newspaper editor Gamal Sultan noted that the government and the military’s recent assault on the EFA ocurred only after Egypt lost its decisive match against South Africa. “Only last week, the EFA was clean, acceptable and patriotic. They were received by Sisi and the minister of defence and celebrated only when their victories served the image of the regime. One week later, the EFA has become corrupt and wanted for investigations. These are the standards of justice in today’s Egypt,” Sultan said. In a rare broad-based lifting of an eight-year-old ban on unfettered attendance of football matches by fans, Egypt’s defeat in the African Cup was witnessed by 75,000 mostly Egyptian spectators, many of whom have long accused the EFA of mismanagement and corruption. Egypt has with brief exceptions banned fans from stadia since the first day of the January 2011 popular revolt that toppled president Hosni Mubarak in a bid to stop soccer from being a venue for the release of pent-up popular anger and frustration as well as anti-government protest. The government has made exemptions for international matches so that it could not be blamed for weak national team performance and to avoid putting the ban on international display. More recently, small groups of fans have been admitted to domestic matches but only after identifying themselves with their IDs and with approval of their club. Fans, nonetheless, defied bans on political slogans and jerseys during the African tournament by chanting Aboutreika’s name in the stadium and in online videos that went viral. A legendary player, Aboutreika, who was consistently public about his politics, retired in 2013 after helping Egypt clinch three African Cups. He has since been forced into exile in Qatar after being accused of having been a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, a political group that Al-Sisi has brutally tried to crush. Aboutreika was sentenced to jail in absentia last November for tax evasion in what many view as trumped-up charges. Fans also ignored rules imposed to prevent political expression by lighting up the stadium with their mobile phone flashlights during the South Africa match in commemoration of the 72 supporters that died in 2012 in a stampede and 22 others in another stampede three years later. Many fans believe the incidents were instigated in an effort to intimidate fans and cut the most militant among them down to size. Militant football fans played a key role in the 2011 uprising as well as subsequent protests, including against Al-Sisi’s coup that overthrew Mohammed Morsi, a Muslim Brother and the country’s first and only democratically elected leader. The role of the fans highlighted the threats and opportunities posed to autocrats by soccer, the only thing that evokes the kind of deep-seated passion associated with religion. As a result, stadiums as a public space that were contested and difficult to control threatened autocratic leaders’ grip on power. Yet, soccer’s popularity offered autocrats an opportunity to shore up their tarnished image by associating themselves with something that had immense public acceptance. If anything, Egypt’s African Cup of Nations demonstrates that exploiting football for political purposes is a tricky business. Tweeted journalist Karim Zidan under the trending hashtag ‘Team of sexual harassers:’ "Egypt's national team is…its national embarrassment ... Plenty of Egyptians are basking in the team's loss today." Much like in the latter part of toppled Mubarak’s 30-year rule, Zidan was inferring that fans see the national team as Al-Sisi’s squad rather than Egypt’s. In a country in which all expressions of dissent are brutally repressed, that is a clear rejection of Al-Sisi’s effort to polish his and Egypt’s severely tarnished image as it gets. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Egyptian football desperately needs deep structural reform

A drastic and dramatic overhaul of African football is expected to be announced on Thursday, the eve of the kickoff of the African Cup of Nations, in the wake of corruption scandals consuming the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The CAF executive committee took a stunning decision on Wednesday to cede control of the running of the organisation and have FIFA general secretary Fatma Samoura parachuted in as "<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-to-stick-with-32-teams-for-2022-football-world-cup-in-qatar-220740&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiU-Iq08PfiAhVFqY8KHTMtBeIQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3qcqXm7lwjFYI6bVIbphJY">FIFA </a>High Commissioner for Africa", according to sources.

No announcement has been made by African football’s governing body but its beleaguered president Ahmad Ahmad is scheduled to hold a press conference in Cairo on Thursday at 0900 GMT.

Ahmad, who is the subject of an ethics investigation by FIFA after allegations of corruption and sexual misconduct, proposed the idea in a document shared with colleagues on the executive committee, the sources said.

Samoura is to lead a FIFA team that will conduct "a root-and-branch review of the governance of the confederation, oversee the operational management of the organisation, and recommend where needed a series of reform efforts. This will be done in order to put CAF itself on a modern and sound footing, improve its image and reputation and thus ensure that CAF is better equipped to face future challenges and to grasp future opportunities," the document read.

FIFA is to also undertake a forensic audit of the monies they have been giving CAF.

The idea of sending Samoura to Africa is said to have been put together by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and CAF vice president Amaju Pinnick in the wake of Ahmad’s brief detention by French police last week for questioning on corruption allegations.

Ahmad, who is seeking to hold onto some semblance of power or even walk away from his post without sanction, had been forced to accept the deal and then propose it to his own colleagues, CAF sources told Reuters on Thursday.

With FIFA seeking to improve football's image, the Ahmad controversy has come as a major embarrassment to Infantino, who has been claiming a new-look, clean and corruption-free <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/chelsea-lose-transfer-ban-appeal-but-can-register-minor-players-says-fifa-217035&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiU-Iq08PfiAhVFqY8KHTMtBeIQFjAIegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3zfSoPzTPOwQBHYqhoeIeF">FIFA</a>.

Ahmad, by virtue of his position as leader of African football, is automatically a FIFA vice president.

African football has been rocked not only by the firing of CAF general secretary Amr Fahmy for whistleblowing but also a walk-off in the Champions League final and the alleged assault on a referee by another of CAF’s vice presidents.

The Cup of Nations kicks off in Cairo on Friday when hosts Egypt take on Zimbabwe.

A drastic and dramatic overhaul of African football is expected to be announced on Thursday, the eve of the kickoff of the African Cup of Nations, in the wake of corruption scandals consuming the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

A drastic and dramatic overhaul of African football is expected to be announced on Thursday, the eve of the kickoff of the African Cup of Nations, in the wake of corruption scandals consuming the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The CAF executive committee took a stunning decision on Wednesday to cede control of the running of the organisation and have FIFA general secretary Fatma Samoura parachuted in as "FIFA High Commissioner for Africa", according to sources. No announcement has been made by African football’s governing body but its beleaguered president Ahmad Ahmad is scheduled to hold a press conference in Cairo on Thursday at 0900 GMT. Ahmad, who is the subject of an ethics investigation by FIFA after allegations of corruption and sexual misconduct, proposed the idea in a document shared with colleagues on the executive committee, the sources said. Samoura is to lead a FIFA team that will conduct "a root-and-branch review of the governance of the confederation, oversee the operational management of the organisation, and recommend where needed a series of reform efforts. This will be done in order to put CAF itself on a modern and sound footing, improve its image and reputation and thus ensure that CAF is better equipped to face future challenges and to grasp future opportunities," the document read. FIFA is to also undertake a forensic audit of the monies they have been giving CAF. The idea of sending Samoura to Africa is said to have been put together by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and CAF vice president Amaju Pinnick in the wake of Ahmad’s brief detention by French police last week for questioning on corruption allegations. Ahmad, who is seeking to hold onto some semblance of power or even walk away from his post without sanction, had been forced to accept the deal and then propose it to his own colleagues, CAF sources told Reuters on Thursday. With FIFA seeking to improve football's image, the Ahmad controversy has come as a major embarrassment to Infantino, who has been claiming a new-look, clean and corruption-free FIFA. Ahmad, by virtue of his position as leader of African football, is automatically a FIFA vice president. African football has been rocked not only by the firing of CAF general secretary Amr Fahmy for whistleblowing but also a walk-off in the Champions League final and the alleged assault on a referee by another of CAF’s vice presidents. The Cup of Nations kicks off in Cairo on Friday when hosts Egypt take on Zimbabwe.

FIFA expected to overhaul African football after corruption scandal

Liverpool star <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/mohamed-salahs-50th-goal-for-liverpool-is-incredible-208326&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjAiMuToOHiAhVB7XMBHZlxAAAQFjAIegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1kD4GlAXMPqn5hHNEBPCKR">Mohamed Salah</a> headlines the 23-man Egypt squad Mexican coach Javier Aguirre unveiled Tuesday for the African Cup of Nations.

The tournament runs from June 21- July 19, with Egypt's first match against Zimbabwe on June 21.

Squad

Goalkeepers: 
Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly), Ahmed al-Shennawy (Pyramids) and Mahmoud Abdelrahim Genesh (Zamalek)

Defenders: 
Ahmed Elmohamady (Aston Villa/ENG), Omar Gaber (Pyramids), Ayman Ashraf (Al Ahly), Mahmoud Hamdy el-Winsh (Zamalek), Baher ElMohamady (Ismaily), Ahmed Hegazi (West Bromwich Albion/ENG), Ahmed Ayman Mansour(Pyramids), Mahmoud Alaa (Zamalek)

Midfielders: 
Waleed Soliman (Al Ahly), Abdullah al-Saeed (Pyramids), Mohamed Elneny (Arsenal/ENG), Tarek Hamed (Zamalek), Ali Ahmed Ghazal (Feirense/POR), Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet (Kasimpasa/TUR), Amr Warda (Atromitos/GRE), Nabil Emad Donga (Pyramids), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool/ENG)&nbsp;

Forwards: 
Marwan Mohsen (Al Ahly), &nbsp;Ahmed Hassan Kouka (Olympiacos/GRE), Ahmed Ali Kamel (Al Mokawloon)

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah headlines the 23-man Egypt squad Mexican coach Javier Aguirre unveiled Tuesday for the African Cup of Nations. The tournament runs from June 21- July 19, with Egypt's first match against Zimbabwe on June 21.

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah headlines the 23-man Egypt squad Mexican coach Javier Aguirre unveiled Tuesday for the African Cup of Nations. The tournament runs from June 21- July 19, with Egypt's first match against Zimbabwe on June 21. Squad Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly), Ahmed al-Shennawy (Pyramids) and Mahmoud Abdelrahim Genesh (Zamalek) Defenders: Ahmed Elmohamady (Aston Villa/ENG), Omar Gaber (Pyramids), Ayman Ashraf (Al Ahly), Mahmoud Hamdy el-Winsh (Zamalek), Baher ElMohamady (Ismaily), Ahmed Hegazi (West Bromwich Albion/ENG), Ahmed Ayman Mansour(Pyramids), Mahmoud Alaa (Zamalek) Midfielders: Waleed Soliman (Al Ahly), Abdullah al-Saeed (Pyramids), Mohamed Elneny (Arsenal/ENG), Tarek Hamed (Zamalek), Ali Ahmed Ghazal (Feirense/POR), Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet (Kasimpasa/TUR), Amr Warda (Atromitos/GRE), Nabil Emad Donga (Pyramids), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool/ENG) Forwards: Marwan Mohsen (Al Ahly), Ahmed Hassan Kouka (Olympiacos/GRE), Ahmed Ali Kamel (Al Mokawloon)

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah headlines Egypt squad for African Cup of Nations

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