Latest news with #AliouCissé
Libya Observer
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Libya Observer
Libya to face Palestine in Arab Cup 2025 qualifier
Libya will face Palestine in a decisive Arab Cup 2025 play-off, following the draw for the qualifying round of the tournament set to take place in Qatar. The fixture is scheduled for 25 or 26 November in Doha, with the winner advancing to the group stage of the competition. Under FIFA's current format, nine teams have secured direct entry to the group stage, while 14 others — including Libya — must compete in qualification matches. The Libyan Football Federation confirmed the national team's participation and expressed confidence in its new direction under Senegalese coach Aliou Cissé, who was recently appointed to lead a rebuild of the squad. FIFA has allocated record prize money for the 2025 edition of the Arab Cup, raising the competition's profile and offering teams strong financial incentives. The tournament's prize fund ranks among the highest for Arab football events, reflecting FIFA's stated commitment to developing the game in the region. Tags: Arab Cup 2025
CAF
23-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: What to expect from Match Day 6 of the qualifiers
Following the successful conclusion of Match Day 5 of the qualifiers, CAFOnline takes a look at some exciting fixtures lined up for Match Day 6 of the qualifiers set to take place between 23 – 26 March 2025. Group A ● Egypt - Sierra Leone: Egypt, the leader of the group with 13 points, recently secured a 2-0 victory against Ethiopia, strengthening their position at the top. Sierra Leone, on the other hand, is looking to improve its standing.● Guinea-Bissau - Burkina Faso: Burkina Faso, second with 8 points, must win to stay in the race for direct qualification. Guinea-Bissau, although ranked lower, could play the role of a spoiler. Past encounters show a slight advantage for Burkina Faso, but every match remains open. ● Ethiopia - Djibouti: Both teams, at the bottom of the standings, are not going down without a fight. Ethiopia, despite its recent loss to Egypt, is the favourite against Djibouti, which has often struggled in these qualifiers. Group B ● Sudan vs. South Sudan: After holding Senegal to a 0-0 draw, Sudan remains at the top of Group B with 11 points. The Nile Crocodiles approach their next match against their neighbours with the ambition to assert their superiority and move closer to a historic World Cup qualification. Buoyed by positive momentum, Sudan faces a South Sudanese team still searching for its first win in these qualifiers.● Senegal vs. Togo: As the runner-up behind Sudan, Senegal must win to secure its position. Historically, Senegal has often dominated Togo, which could influence the morale of both teams. ● Mauritania vs. DR Congo: A crucial match for both teams aiming to move up the table. DR Congo has recently shown strong performances, but Mauritania, playing at home, could surprise. Group C ● Nigeria vs. Zimbabwe: The Super Eagles begin their comeback operation. With only 6 points, Nigeria lags in the qualification race, but their first win against Rwanda has revived confidence in the former African champions, led by Eric Chelle. Zimbabwe hopes to secure its first win in these qualifiers.● Benin vs. South Africa: South Africa, the group leader with 10 points, aims to maintain its lead over its closest rival, Benin, with 8 points. The Cheetahs will play at home, looking to take advantage of this. ● Rwanda vs. Lesotho: Both teams, in search of points, often play close matches. Rwanda recently suffered a 2-0 loss at home to Nigeria, while Lesotho aims to capitalize on this opportunity. Group D ● Eswatini vs. Mauritius: A match between two teams at the bottom of the standings. Eswatini has a slight advantage over Mauritius, but both will seek victory for pride.● Angola vs. Cape Verde: Cape Verde, leading the group with 10 points, looks to consolidate its position. Angola, with the home advantage, could cause problems. ● Cameroon vs. Libya: After being held to a 0-0 draw by Eswatini, Cameroon must win to reassure itself. But Libya who are under Aliou Cissé cannot be ruled out just yet. Group E ● Burundi vs. Seychelles: Burundi aims to capitalize on this match to improve its position. Seychelles, often struggling, will attempt to cause an upset. ● Morocco vs. Tanzania: Morocco, the group leader with an almost perfect record, aims to continue its momentum. Tanzania, although competitive, will need to outperform past performances to challenge the Atlas Lions. Group F ● Kenya vs. Gabon: A crucial match for both teams aiming to move up the table. Gabon, one point behind leaders Côte d'Ivoire, has shown strong recent performances, but Kenya, playing at home, could benefit from the support of its fans. ● Côte d'Ivoire vs. Gambia: Côte d'Ivoire, leading with a perfect record, seeks to continue its streak. Gambia, though competitive, will need a great performance to destabilize the African champions. Group G ● Botswana vs. Somalia: After losing 3-1 to Algeria, Botswana will look to bounce back. Somalia, on the other hand, held Guinea to a 0-0 draw, demonstrating its defensive solidity and potential to surprise in this qualification campaign.● Algeria vs. Mozambique: Algeria, the group leader, demonstrated its superiority with a convincing 3-1 victory over Somalia in the first match day of the qualifiers. Mozambique, despite a loss to Algeria in the second matchday, will attempt to cause an upset. ● Uganda vs. Guinea: Uganda recently suffered a 3-1 defeat to Mozambique, while Guinea disappointed with a 0-0 draw against Somalia. Past encounters between these two teams have often been balanced, suggesting an intense match ahead. Group H ● Liberia vs. São Tomé and Príncipe: After strong resistance against Tunisia, Liberia eventually lost 1-0. This leaves them in a delicate position ahead of their match against São Tomé and Príncipe, who are still seeking their first points in these qualifiers.● Tunisia vs. Malawi: Tunisia started the qualifiers strongly with a 1-0 win over São Tomé and Príncipe. Malawi, after a 1-0 victory over Liberia, will look to continue from the confidence boosting result. ● Namibia vs. Equatorial Guinea: Namibia lost 1-0 to Equatorial Guinea on the first match day. This return match offers Namibia a chance for revenge, but Equatorial Guinea will look to repeat its victorious performance. Group I● Central African Republic vs. Mali: Mali began the qualifiers with a 3-1 victory over Chad, while the Central African Republic suffered a 4-2 loss to Comoros. Past encounters between these two teams are rare, making the outcome of this match hard to predict.● Madagascar vs. Ghana: Ghana won 1-0 against Madagascar on the first match day. Madagascar will look to reverse the trend in this return match, but Ghana, with its positive historical record, is the favourite. ● Comoros vs. Chad: Comoros started the qualifiers with a 4-2 victory over the Central African Republic, while Chad lost 3-1 to Mali. Comoros, on the rise in recent years, could capitalize on its momentum to claim the win.
CAF
28-01-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Aliou Cissé confident in Senegal's chances despite tough draw
Senegal's former coach, Aliou Cissé, has sounded a warning to the opponents of the Lions of Teranga in Group D of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025. Drawn alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Benin, and Botswana, Senegal is determined to prove their dominance and erase the disappointment of their early exit in 2023. 'A difficult group, since two of these teams, we know them. For a long time, we have been playing against them,' said Cissé, who led Senegal to their first AFCON title in the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2021. 'The advantage is that we know them, and the disadvantage is that they know us too. But I have no doubt that Senegal can get through.' The group-stage showdown between Senegal and the DR Congo is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated clashes of the tournament. The two sides have a rich footballing history and are both eager to establish psychological supremacy before their crucial World Cup qualifier just months later. 'This match will be explosive,' Cissé who was one of the draw assistants remarked. 'The Lions of Teranga have experience and depth, but the Leopards bring youthful energy and technique. This duel promises to be closely contested and could well be decided by very little.' Senegal's formidable defence, anchored by Kalidou Koulibaly and Abdou Diallo, will face off against the DRC's attacking talents, including the dynamic Yoane Wissa. The group also features Benin, a team with World Cup ambitions, and Botswana, making only their second AFCON appearance after debuting in 2012. After their unexpected round-of-16 exit to Côte d'Ivoire in 2023, Senegal enters this tournament with renewed focus under new coach Pape Thiaw. The Lions dominated the group stage in the last edition but faltered when it mattered most, a pattern they are determined to break in Morocco. 'The last tournament was a learning experience,' said Cissé. 'Now it's about building on that and using our experience to regain the trophy.' The draw in Rabat revealed challenges for many of Africa's footballing heavyweights. Reigning champions Côte d'Ivoire face a daunting Group F with Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique, while hosts Morocco will navigate Group A against Mali, Zambia, and Comoros. Group B rekindles the historic rivalry between Egypt and South Africa, alongside Angola and Zimbabwe, while Algeria headlines Group E with Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan. The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 will run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, across six Moroccan cities. The 24-team tournament features six groups, with the top two teams and four best third-placed sides advancing to the knockout stage.
CAF
27-01-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Final Draw for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 produces intriguing groups for continent's greatest show
Published: Monday, 27 January 2025 The Final Draw for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025 was concluded following a star-studded ceremony at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat on Monday, 27 January, giving the 24 qualified teams their path to the trophy. The teams were drawn into six groups each containing four sides ahead of the 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026 finals tournament that will be spread across six host cities and nine stadia in Morocco as Africa's best chase the continent's most coveted trophy. Hosts Morocco headline Group A and will take on Mali, Zambia and Comoros in what looks a hotly contested seven-time winners Egypt face a trio of Southern African teams in Group B in the form of last year's bronze medalists South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe. In Group C, Nigeria will lock horns with Tunisia and the East African duo of Uganda and Tanzania, who will be TotalEnergies CAF AFCON co-hosts in 2027. The 2021 champions Senegal go up against Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin and Botswana in Group D. Algeria, winners in 2019, take on Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea and Sudan in an interesting Group E. And defending champions Cote d'Ivoire face old rivals and five-time winners Cameroon, Gabon and Mozambique in Group F as they look to claim back-to-back titles. The top two teams in each pool will advance to the round of 16, along with the four best Third-placed sides. The draw, which was broadcast in over 90 countries worldwide, was conducted with the assistance of African legends Serge Aurier, Aliou Cissé, Joseph Yobo and Mustapha Hadji. Morocco is hosting the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON for the first time since 1988 TOTALENERGIES CAF AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS, MOROCCO 2025 GROUP A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros GROUP B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe GROUP C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania GROUP D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana GROUP E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan GROUP F: Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique For more on the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, visit Further Enquiries: CAF Communications communications@
CAF
27-01-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Aliou Cissé: "The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations requires special preparation"
From a losing finalist in 2002 to a victorious strategist at the 2021 edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Aliou Cissé's story with Africa's most prestigious competition is a true tale of perseverance and success. In this interview, the former Senegal captain and coach shares his unreserved view of this key event and analyses the ambitions of the Lions of Teranga for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025 in Morocco. You have been designated to attend the draw for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025. How do you feel about this responsibility? Aliou Cissé: It's an experience that I've already had in other contexts, but which always requires special preparation. It's not our daily life as coaches or players. We are more comfortable on the pitch, but with clear instructions and rehearsals, it becomes natural. Like the players before a match, we rehearse our gestures to understand the steps we must take. Why is the draw so crucial for the competition? It's a first for me to attend a draw, because I've never been there before, neither for the AFCON nor for the World Cup. However, this exercise symbolizes the beginning of an adventure for each team, with major strategic stakes. Senegal is now one of the powers of African football. What is your analysis of them? Senegal needs no introduction. We are among the best teams on the continent, with a place in the top 20 in the world according to the FIFA ranking. This progression reflects the experience of our players, some of whom have played in four or five AFCONs, as well as two World Cups. We also have a very ambitious group of young people. Since our historic victory in 2022, the objective has been clear: to aim for the title every time we participate. The TotalEnergies CAF AFCON will be held in Morocco. How do you perceive this edition? Morocco offers modern infrastructure and a high-level organization. It will be a special TotalEnergies CAF AFCON. African football is constantly evolving, and I hope that this edition will mark a historic turning point. You have lived through over two decades of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, first as a player and then a coach. How do you see its evolution? The tournament has progressed on all levels: infrastructure, team preparation and coach training. With the increase from 16 to 24 teams, it has become even more competitive and is followed internationally. It is a celebration for all of Africa, and players are willing to leave their clubs in the middle of the season to participate. What are the key elements to win an AFCON? It takes a lot of work, patience and a bit of luck. The players have to be at the top of their game at the right time and have a competitive mentality until the end. Conditions can be demanding in Africa, but perseverance always pays off in the end. Finally, any advice for young coaches? Be ready, organized, and adaptable. African football has its particularities, and you have to know how to adjust. But it's a unique and deeply enriching experience. For more on the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, visit Further Enquiries:CAF Communications communications@
