SPORTS

AFCON 2025: What Rwanda, Benin & Libya Have To Do To Qualify Like Nigeria

Published

1 month ago

November 18, 2024

AFCON 2025: What Rwanda, Benin & Libya need to qualify | fab.ng

Benin Republic, Rwanda, and Libya: A Tight Race for AFCON 2025

Benin Republic, Rwanda, and Libya are currently battling intensely for a single spot at AFCON 2025, set to take place in Morocco.

As the qualifying series for Group D heads into its final matchday, the competition remains wide open. The Cheetahs, Amavubi, and the Mediterranean Knights are all still in the race for a coveted spot at the tournament.

However, only one will join Nigeria, who have already secured their qualification with a 1-1 draw against Gernot Rohr’s side at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.

With Monday’s decisive matches quickly approaching, each team has a realistic chance of booking their ticket to AFCON 2025.

However, in the end, only one team will succeed in advancing alongside the Super Eagles to Morocco.

Let’s dive into what each country needs to clinch the final qualification spot.

What Result Does the Benin Republic Need to Qualify?

Benin Republic finds itself in a strong position heading into the final matchday. Currently, they hold second place with seven points, thanks to two wins and a draw. To secure a spot at AFCON 2025, Benin has several possible pathways.

A win or even a draw against Libya in Tripoli would guarantee their place in Morocco. However, if Benin suffers a loss, they must ensure that the defeat is by no more than a two-goal margin while also managing to score at least once.

This is crucial because, despite losing the reverse fixture 2-1 to Libya, a similar scoreline in Tripoli would still see Benin qualify based on overall goal difference.

On the other hand, if Benin loses by two clear goals, their hopes of reaching AFCON 2025 after a six-year absence would be dashed.

In that scenario, Libya would likely qualify on goal difference in head-to-head encounters among the tied teams.

Since their first AFCON appearance in Tunisia in 2004, Benin has reached the finals four times, with their best showing being a quarter-final finish at Egypt in 2019.

What Does Rwanda Need to Secure AFCON 2025 Qualification?

For Rwanda, the path to AFCON 2025 is clear but challenging. A win over Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo would secure their spot, provided Benin fails to win against Libya.

Torsten Spittler’s side will draw confidence from their recent 1-0 away triumph over Lesotho during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. With Nigeria already qualified, Rwanda hopes that coach Eguavoen might field a weakened squad.

However, if Rwanda manages to defeat the Super Eagles and Benin draws against Libya, Rwanda would still miss out on AFCON 2025 due to goal difference in head-to-head matchups with Benin.

The Amavubi endured a heavy 3-0 defeat against Benin in Abidjan but later secured a crucial 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture in Kigali. Thus, to secure their AFCON 2025 ticket, Rwanda must first overcome Nigeria and then hope that Benin loses in Tripoli.

Since their debut at AFCON 2004, where they finished ninth, Rwanda has yet to qualify again for Africa’s most prestigious tournament. Overcoming Nigeria in Uyo would certainly be a historic feat for the Amavubi.

How Can Libya Qualify for AFCON 2025?

Libya faces a tough but not impossible path to AFCON 2025. Coach Nasser Al-Hadiri’s team must secure a win over the Benin Republic by at least two goals while hoping Rwanda fails to pull off a victory in Nigeria.

Libya’s qualification hopes appeared slim after the Confederation of African Football sanctioned them, resulting in the loss of three points and three goals due to the mistreatment of the Nigerian national team.

Despite this setback, Libya’s recent 1-0 away win against Rwanda and Benin’s draw with Nigeria have revived their chances. They now sit at the bottom of Group D with just one win from five matches.

If Libya manages to snatch the AFCON 2025 ticket from both Benin and Rwanda, it would mark one of the most dramatic turnarounds in African football.

Historically, Libya has qualified for the AFCON three times, with their best performance being a runners-up finish in 1982 when they hosted the tournament. Should they qualify for AFCON 2025, it would be their first appearance in over a decade.

Finally…

As the final day of the qualifiers looms, fans are eagerly anticipating the outcome. The battle for the remaining spot in AFCON 2025 is far from settled. Benin, Rwanda, and Libya each have strong reasons to believe they can secure that last ticket to Morocco.

Whether it comes down to goal difference, head-to-head matchups, or a last-minute surge, only one of these teams will join Nigeria in representing Group D at AFCON 2025.

Check here for more sports updates.

Related Topics:AFCON AFCON 2025 Football sports

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SPORTS

Ademola Lookman Named African Footballer Of The Year, Barbra Banda Picks Up Women’s Award

Published

1 day ago

December 17, 2024

Reporter

Ademola Lookman named African Footballer of the Year | fab.ng

Ademola Lookman, 27, was awarded the prestigious African Footballer of the Year title by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This happened at their awards ceremony on Monday.

Lookman’s exceptional performances throughout the year earned him this honour. Particularly, his remarkable hat-trick in the Europa League final is where his Italian club, Atalanta, triumphed over Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin this past May.

Additionally, Lookman played a key role in Nigeria’s success at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) earlier in the year. He helped the team reach the final in the Ivory Coast.

During the tournament, Ademola Lookman scored three goals.

“This award is a blessing, to be recognised as best player in Africa is something incredible,” he said.

“Four years ago my career fell down but now I’m here as the best player in Africa. Don’t let your failures stop your dreams.”

Lookman won the African Footballer of the Year award, surpassing strong contenders such as Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, and South Africa’s goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

When the stars align, they spell 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐥𝐚 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐦𝐚𝐧. 🌟

Ladies and gentlemen, your Men’s Player of the Year! 🏆#CAFAwards2024 pic.twitter.com/xtHxJozThj

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) December 16, 2024

A panel of national team coaches and captains determined the award, though the voting tallies have not been released yet.

This achievement makes Lookman the seventh Nigerian player to win the prestigious award, following in the footsteps of last year’s winner, Victor Osimhen.

He joins a distinguished list of past Nigerian winners, including Nwankwo Kanu (who won twice), Emmanuel Amunike, Victor Ikpeba, and Rashidi Yekini.

In other award categories, Zambia’s Barbra Banda was named African Women’s Player of the Year.

Shining bright as always! 🌟

𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐫𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 is the Women’s Player of the Year after a season of stellar performances!#CAFAwards2024 pic.twitter.com/OIhXql2dgf

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) December 16, 2024

Despite being excluded from the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals due to gender eligibility issues, Banda was cleared by FIFA to compete in the 2023 Women’s World Cup and went on to play in this year’s Paris Olympics.

Men’s awards:

Player of the Year: Ademola Lookman (NGR)

Club Player of the Year: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns/RSA)

Goalkeeper of the Year: Ronwen Williams (RSA)

Young Player of the Year: Lamine Camara (SEN)

Coach of the Year: Emerse Fae (CIV)

National Team of the Year: Ivory Coast

Club of the Year: Al Ahly (EGY)

Best X1: Andre Onana (CMR); Achraf Hakimi (MAR), Kalidou Koulibaly (SEN), Chancel Mbemba (COD); Mohammed Kudus (GHA), Sofyan Amrabat (MAR), Franck Kessie (CIV), Yves Bissouma (MLI); Mohamed Salah (EGY), Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman (both NGR)

Women’s awards:

Player of the Year: Barbra Banda (ZAM)

Club Player of the Year: Sanaa Mssoudy (FAR Rabat/MAR)

Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (NGR)

Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (MAR)

Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe/COD)

National Team of the Year: Nigeria

Club of the Year: TP Mazembe

Best XI: Andile Dlamini (RSA); Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale (both NGR), Lebohang Ramalepe, Karabo Dlamini; Linda Motlhalo (all RSA), Rasheedat Ajibade (NGR), Ghizlane Chebbak (MAR); Barbra Banda (ZAM), Asisat Oshoala (NGR), Tabitha Chawinga (MAW)

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SPORTS

Harry Maguire Says Manchester United’s Win Over City Is The Start Of A ‘Positive Journey’

Published

2 days ago

December 16, 2024

Reporter

Harry Maguire speaks on win over Man City by Man United | fab.ng

Harry Maguire, 31, expressed optimism following the dramatic victory over Man City by Man United. He called it a “statement” win that will boost the team’s confidence.

The victory comes as United continues adapting to a new system under head coach Ruben Amorim.

The match at the Etihad saw Man City initially take the lead through Josko Gvardiol’s precise header, putting them on track for a crucial win. However, United’s resilience shone late in the game.

Captain Bruno Fernandes equalised in the 88th minute, converting a penalty earned by Amad Diallo. Moments later, Diallo delivered a stunning 90th-minute goal to secure the win for United.

The result marked Ruben Amorim’s biggest success since taking over from Erik ten Hag last month. Furthermore, it signals growing momentum as Man United adjusts to his strategies and tactics.

Maguire highlighted the impact of such a win in fostering belief and unity within the squad as they navigate the transition under their new manager.

“It’s been a difficult start to the season for us and not much for our fans to cheer about,” said defender Maguire.

“It was a great performance in the end to come here and have 50-50 of the ball, have the same amount of shots as them.

“It’s not been like that in recent years, so it’s an improvement but still a long way to go.”

AMAD DIALLO PUTS MAN UNITED AHEAD IN THE 90TH MINUTE! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/Q3I684gEDz

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 15, 2024

Arsenal and Nottingham Forest ruthlessly exposed Manchester United’s defensive frailties this month. This inflicted painful Premier League defeats that have left the once-storied club languishing in an uncharacteristic 13th place.

“Obviously, we had back-to-back defeats in the Premier League. So to come here and to put a statement down is really important for our confidence and the belief of where we’re going and where Ruben’s going to take us,” said Maguire.

“I’m sure it’s going to be a positive journey.”

Manchester United’s triumph exposed Manchester City’s ongoing performance crisis. This further extends their winless streak to eight defeats in their last 11 matches across all competitions.

Rubén Amorim, the newly appointed manager, has already witnessed two of those losses since taking charge. This includes a notable period that included his remarkable 4-1 Champions League victory with Sporting Lisbon before his move to Manchester.

His transition to Man City has coincided with the team’s continued struggles. Also, it highlights the challenging period the club is currently experiencing.

“I think you can see we have a good structure, a good style of play, the way that he wants us to work,” Maguire said of the new manager’s impact.

“But, yeah, I think his demands, he’s tactically very good. He’s proven that he’s a winner.”

Check out more sports updates here.

SPORTS

Barcelona’s Dominant Victory: Raphinha Shines In 5-1 Win Over Mallorca

Published

2 weeks ago

December 3, 2024

Reporter

Raphinha Shines In 5-1 Win for Barcelona Mallorca | fab.ng

A second-half brace by Raphinha played a pivotal role in the Blaugrana’s success as Barcelona extended their lead at the top of LaLiga to four points.

They did this with a commanding 5-1 victory over Mallorca, breaking a three-match winless streak in the league.

After a surprising home defeat to Las Palmas, Barcelona needed a strong performance against an in-form Mallorca side. Determined from the outset, Hansi Flick’s team applied early pressure.

Their efforts paid off in the 12th minute when Ferran Torres capitalised on a defensive error, nudging the ball past Leo Roman to score his second goal of the season.

Buoyed by this early breakthrough, Barcelona continued to dominate. Torres nearly added a second, but Roman’s sharp reflexes kept the scoreline in check.

Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal missed a crucial opportunity, firing wide when well-positioned in the box.

Despite Barcelona’s dominance, Mallorca remained dangerous on the counterattack. Their persistence paid off just before halftime.

Pablo Maffeo unselfishly set up Vedat Muriqi, who tapped in from close range to level the score. This goal highlighted Mallorca’s resilience and set the stage for an intense second half.

Mallorca - Barcelona match stats

Raphinha Takes Charge in the Second Half

Barcelona resumed with renewed intensity after the break. Torres and Raphinha both came close to restoring the lead.

Their pressure finally yielded a penalty when Johan Mojica fouled Yamal in the area. Raphinha confidently converted the spot-kick, notching his 15th goal across all competitions.

The Brazilian forward continued to lead Barcelona’s attack. In the 60th minute, Yamal delivered a stunning trivela cross, which Raphinha expertly finished, extending Barcelona’s lead to 3-1.

This goal underlined their attacking prowess and tactical cohesion.

With momentum firmly on their side, Barcelona sealed the win with two late goals. Frenkie de Jong capitalised on a loose ball to score, demonstrating perfect positioning.

Minutes later, he assisted Pau Victor, who easily slotted home, making it 5-1. These late strikes not only secured the win but also extended Barcelona’s unbeaten streak against Mallorca to 17 matches (15 wins, 2 draws).

This dominant performance reaffirms Barcelona’s title credentials. Their blend of youthful energy and experienced leadership, highlighted by Raphinha’s brilliance, sends a clear message to their LaLiga rivals.

Check out more sports news here.