Latest news with #AFCON2023
The South African
7 days ago
- 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
7 days ago
- 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
7 days ago
- 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
CAF
28-01-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Ex-Nigeria captain Yobo confident in Super Eagles' title prospects after draw
Nigeria's legendary captain, Joseph Yobo, has expressed confidence in the Super Eagles' chances of clinching a fourth TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title at the 2025 tournament, following the official draw held on Monday in Rabat, Morocco. The Super Eagles were drawn into Group C alongside 2004 champions Tunisia, East African duo Uganda and Tanzania—co-hosts of the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF AFCON. Reflecting on the group and Nigeria's historical pedigree, Yobo, a key figure in Nigeria's last AFCON triumph in 2013, was optimistic about the team's prospects. 'We have a good young crop and a new generation of players that have been together for a long time, so I don't think that understanding is a problem for them,' Yobo said. 'Looking at the group, it's never going to be easy for us, but knowing the Super Eagles, coming out of the group is never a problem.' Nigeria heads into the tournament with a storied AFCON history, boasting 16 medals from 20 appearances, including three titles (1980, 1994, and 2013), five runner-up finishes, and eight bronze medals. The team narrowly missed adding a fourth star in 2023, falling 2-1 to Côte d'Ivoire in the final. Yobo, who was also one of the assistants during Monday's draw, emphasized that the team's focus should not just be on progressing through the group stage but on securing the ultimate prize. 'I hope that we start very well and we can take that momentum to the final. We are building on our last performance at AFCON 2023, and it's about time we get our hands on the trophy again. I think we have the players and a wonderful new coach to do that.' Tunisia, the most decorated opponent in Group C after Nigeria, will pose a significant challenge. The North Africans famously knocked out the Super Eagles in the 2021 Round of 16 and boast one AFCON title from their 21 appearances. Uganda, making their eighth appearance, and Tanzania, featuring for only the fourth time, will aim to upset the odds. Yobo, however, remained confident, highlighting Nigeria's depth and the recent improvements under their new coach. 'We do have a very good team, the players are improving. It's all about carrying that energy from the group stages and keeping the momentum,' he noted. AFCON 2025, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, promises thrilling encounters with 24 nations vying for glory in Morocco.
