Standard Sumgayit Overview

Since the announcement of changes to the biennial tournament, the governing body has been putting out fires, repeatedly trying to reassure stakeholders and clarify what the new era will look like for the tournament. Recently, rumours emerged again that the next edition could be postponed, owing to the unpreparedness of the host countries.

There are only three certainties in life: death, taxes and a dramatic Africa Cup of Nations. However, even by the tournament's extraordinary standards, the final of the 2025 edition was like nothing we've ever seen before - albeit not in a good way. In the 93rd minute of a tense but largely uneventful encounter in Rabat, Senegal had a goal from Ismaila Sarr very harshly disallowed for a perceived foul by Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi beforehand. Just moments later, Morocco were awarded a penalty after an invention by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), who had spotted a minor tug on Brahim Diaz's shirt by El Hadji Malick Diouf.

In a wide-ranging blog interview, the former AFCON winner revealed his views on the tournament's semi final stage, the battle between Mane and Salah, the upcoming final and picks his standout players.

Morocco stirmed into the last eight of the continental competition following a slim victory over the Taifa Stars at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah on Sunday. The East Africans threatened to upset the hosts, especially in the first half, but the contest ended up in favour of the home side, who remain on course to reach the final of this competition.