Africa Cup of Nations news

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Adidas have chosen a fitting moment to celebrate one of football’s most recognisable figures, unveiling a special-edition F50 boot created in honour of Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations. The release, titled the F50 Salah, is designed to reflect both the winger’s extraordinary impact on the modern game.

The Africa Cup of Nations is back this December and January, with the continent's very best set to battle it out in Morocco as they aim to take Cote d'Ivoire's crown after their unlikely victory at the start of 2024. AFCON's prestige, drama and quality remains up there with the Euros and Copa America, but the downside for European clubs is it's another tournament which falls slap bang in the middle of their seasonal calendar, meaning most teams will be losing players for up to a month.

Manchester United reportedly complained to FIFA after Morocco refused to allow Noussair Mazraoui to play in the club's Premier League game against Bournemouth. The Red Devils believed that the defender should have been eligible under the Africa Cup of Nations release arrangements. FIFA’s regulations state that players selected for AFCON squads must be released seven days before their nation’s opening fixture, with the release period beginning on December 15 - the day of the Bournemouth clash.

Arne Slot says there is "no issue to resolve" with Mohamed Salah after the Liverpool forward returned to the fold in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Brighton. The Egypt star was left out of Tuesday’s Champions League win over Inter Milan after an explosive interview in which he accused the club of "throwing me under the bus" and saying his relationship with the Reds boss had broken down.

The festive season is a busy time of year for football fans, while December 25 is quiet, football is still played in some countries.

Chaos is descending at Cameroon's Football Federation on the eve of the Africa Cup of Nations. Two squads have been named for the tournament, with two managers both intending to lead the side forward to the finals. Marc Brys was sacked by FA president Samuel Eto'o but remains in a 'bitter feud' with the legendary striker, who he claims is 'narcissistic' and has put his own best interests over those of the nation.

Marc Brys has refused to acknowledge his sacking as Cameroon manager, instead naming his squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament. The Belgian has been feuding with Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot) president Samuel Eto'o and was recently dismissed from his post, but is staying resolute as he is yet to receive a proper termination notice.

Wilfried Zaha is returning to the Ivory Coast fold after a prolonged spell away, with the 33-year-old earning a surprise recall for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. The Charlotte FC winger had been absent from the national team squad for two years, having initially slipped out of contention following disagreements with former coach Patrice Beaumelle. As a consequence, Zaha missed Les Éléphants' triumphant campaign on home soil in 2023.

Mohamed Salah has reportedly been given the chance to link up with the Egypt squad earlier than planned amid the furore around his uncertain Liverpool future. The 33-year-old grabbed the headlines when he accused the Reds of "throwing him under the bus" after being left out of the starting XI. While speculation has mounted about an Anfield exit, it seems a January departure is very unlikely.

Liverpool and Manchester United are two of many teams throughout Europe who are set to benefit after FIFA revealed those involved will be able to play for their clubs for an extra week before jetting off for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Mohamed Salah and Bryan Mbeumo are among the Premier League's top forwards but will leave their sides to represent Egypt and Cameroon respectively when the tournament kicks off in Morocco later this month.

Arne Slot has revealed the date on which Mohamed Salah will join the Egypt squad for AFCON, while admitting that the Liverpool star was "not happy" with his benching at West Ham over the weekend. The Dutchman said that the club, Salah and the Egyptian FA jointly agreed on the final date, following a swirl of rumours that the forward might depart earlier than expected after Egypt arranged a friendly against Nigeria on December 14.

Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa has been left out of the DR Congo squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, which is slated to commence on December 21. Although the decision will be a shock for the forward, it should benefit the Magpies, who are still waiting to see their £55 million summer signing in action. The 29-year-old has not featured for the Premier League club since arriving from Brentford due to a knee injury suffered on international duty just days after completing his move.

Goalkeeper Andre Onana has suffered another crushing blow after being left out of Cameroon’s squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. The 29-year-old has endured a torrid 2025-26 season, having lost his position as Manchester United’s No. 1 before being allowed to move to Turkish side Trabzonspor on a season-long loan in September.

Como winger Assane Diao is in line to be called up to the Senegal national team for the Africa Cup of Nations, but Cesc Fabregas wants him to stay at the Serie A side for the time being. The 20-year-old has been limited to just four appearances in the Italian top-flight this season, sparking the coach to claim his involvement at AFCON is "illogical".

Head coach Ruben Amorim says Manchester United will attempt to delay the departures of Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui to the Africa Cup of Nations. The Portuguese is keen to keep hold of the trio for as long as possible as the Red Devils prepare for a hectic festive schedule which will see them play six Premier League games in December.