Africa

Lyle Foster struck late as South Africa beat Angola 2-1 in Marrakesh, sealing an opening Africa Cup of Nations victory for the first time in 21 years.

Patson Daka struck deep into stoppage time to rescue Zambia from defeat as the Copper Bullets held Mali to a 1-1 draw in their Africa Cup of Nations Group A opener in Casablanca.

Morocco opened their Africa Cup of Nations Group A campaign with a commanding 2-0 win over Comoros at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, setting the tone for their tournament ambitions.

Caf president Patrice Motsepe has unveiled a new era for African football, confirming that Afcon will shift to a four-year cycle after 2027, while introducing an annual African Nations League starting in 2029.

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted his side must adapt their approach ahead of a tough trip to Aston Villa, with AFCON absences forcing tactical flexibility at a critical stage of the season.

Mohamed Salah has addressed growing tension at Liverpool after admitting he felt “thrown under the bus,” with teammates and coach Arne Slot insisting the squad has moved on as the Egypt star heads to AFCON with questions surrounding his future.

As AFCON returns with its trademark tension and unpredictability, betPawa has unveiled 1UP on Double Chance, a feature designed to match the intensity and quick momentum shifts of Africa’s biggest football stage.

Premier League managers are bracing for a difficult period as the Africa Cup of Nations strips several clubs of key first team players, forcing tactical reshuffles and squad depth tests during a demanding stretch of fixtures.

Harambee Starlets capped their Algerian tour with a promising 1–1 draw, showing growth, discipline and renewed belief ahead of the 2026 WAFCON.

Nairobi United’s missed chances proved costly as AS Maniema Union snatched a 1–0 win at Kasarani, leaving the Kenyan debutants rooted to the bottom of Group B.

Nairobi United suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat away to Wydad AC in their CAF Confederation Cup group-stage opener, undone by an early goal, relentless pressure, and a late strike that sealed a difficult night in Casablanca.

Simba SC opened their CAF Champions League group campaign with a disappointing 1–0 home defeat to Petro Atlético, who capitalised on a second-half opportunity to secure all three points in Dar es Salaam.

CR Belouizdad opened their CAF Confederation Cup group campaign with a composed 2–0 victory over Singida Black Stars, sealing the result early through two well-taken first-half goals.

Mamelodi Sundowns overcame Saint Eloi Lupopo 3–1, Young Africans edged FAR Rabat 1–0, and Al Ahly cruised past Kabylie 4–1 in a dominant night for African giants across continental competitions.

Pyramids FC and RS Berkane each claimed emphatic 3–0 victories, with Ahmed Atef firing a hat-trick for Pyramids and Berkane cruising past Power Dynamos to extend their strong continental form.