Club Friendlies Home | Goal.com South Africa

Club Friendlies Overview

Cardoso: Sundowns will fight until the end

The tactician has delivered a defiant message to title rivals Orlando Pirates, insisting that the Brazilians will not surrender their crown without a fight. Despite a gruelling schedule that has left his squad battling exhaustion, the Portuguese manager remains adamant that his side will push until the final whistle of their season-ending clash against TS Galaxy.

Mokoena slams officiating in Downs vs Chiefs

The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Jomo Cosmos midfielder has sensationally claimed that the referee failed to issue red cards during the blockbuster clash between the Brazilians and Amakhosi. The shock 1-1 outcome at Loftus Versfeld has been dominated by conversations regarding the officiating after a series of heavy challenges left multiple players with serious injuries.

Sundowns’ legend claims they have the 'perfect material' to conquer Africa

The Brazilians icon has backed his former club to end their long wait for a second continental crown, insisting the current squad possesses the necessary depth and quality to go all the way. The SA representatives are eyeing a historic second star to add to the one they famously secured back in 2016 under Pitso Mosimane.

Themba Zwane, Mamelodi Sundowns, June 2025

Zwane hails Sundowns' South American stars

The Masandawana captain has opened up on the significant impact the imported talent has had on the club’s sustained dominance. The veteran midfielder highlighted how the influx of overseas stars has provided the necessary quality to keep his side at the pinnacle of African football.

Newcastle United v Liverpool - Premier League

Ex-England star Shelvey retires & immediately takes first head coaching role

Jonjo Shelvey is calling time on his distinguished playing career to immediately transition into management with UAE third-tier outfit Arabian Falcons FC. The former Liverpool and England playmaker is stepping into the dugout to lead a promotion charge, marking a swift end to his playing days in the Middle East alongside Ravel Morrison.

Lionel Messi pitch invader Inter Miami Independiente del Valle 2026

📽️ | Messi tackled by pitch invader during chaotic friendly

Lionel Messi was tackled to the turf by a pitch-invading fan during Inter Miami’s chaotic friendly clash with Independiente del Valle. The MLS Cup winners had been due to face Ecuadorian opponents on February 13, but the contest had to be rearranged. It eventually took place in Puerto Rico on February 26, with Argentine GOAT Messi among the stars on show.

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	PTS	Form
1	Coventry	46	28	11	7	97	45	52	95	W W W D D
2	Ipswich	46	23	15	8	80	47	33	84	W D D W D
3	Millwall	46	24	11	11	64	49	15	83	W D W W D
4	Southampton	46	22	14	10	82	56	26	80	W D D W W
5	Middlesbrough	46	22	14	10	72	47	25	80	D W W D L

Pos

Team

+/-

PTS

Form

Coventry

W
W
W
D
D

Ipswich

W
D
D
W
D

Millwall

W
D
W
W
D

Southampton

W
D
D
W
W

Middlesbrough

D
W
W
D
L

Frequently asked questions

Who has won the most AFCON titles?

Egypt are the team who have won the most AFCON titles in history, with seven to their name. It was in 1957, the inaugural edition of AFCON, where Egypt attained glory. They would go on to add three more trophies before the turn of the century (1957, 1986, 1998), before completing a threepeat in 2006, 2008, and 2010.

How many teams are in the AFCON?

The first-ever AFCON featured just three teams. Between 1968 and 1990, eight teams featured in the tournament. An expansion in 1992 saw 12 teams feature in AFCON, and 16 from 1998. The latest expansion in 2019, though, sees 24 teams fight for glory.

Who has made the most AFCON appearances ever?

Cameroon legend Rigobert Song set the record of most AFCON appearances in 2010, playing in his 36th game in the tournament. That record was equalled by Ghanaian icon Andre Ayew in 2024.

Who is the all-time top scorer of the AFCON?

Cameroon icon Samuel Eto'o leads the all-time goalscoring charts with an impressive 18 goals over the course of 29 matches during six different tournaments.

Who is the oldest player ever in the AFCON and how old was he?

Egypt's Essam El Hadary is the oldest player ever to play in AFCON at the age of 44 years and 21 days. He achieved this feat in 2017 during Egypt's 2-1 loss to Cameroon.

Who is the youngest player ever in the AFCON and how old was he?

Former Ghana defender Joseph Odoi made his AFCON debut in 1984 at the age of 15 years and 164 days, becoming the youngest player ever to feature in the African Cup of Nations.

Which famous players have played in the AFCON?

Samuel Eto'o, Mohamed Salah, Yaya Toure, Didier Drogba, Jay-Jay Okocha, Sadio Mane, Roger Milla, Ahmed Hassan, George Weah, etc, are some of the biggest names to have featured in the African Cup of Nations.

Which famous managers have managed in the AFCON?

Charles Gyamfi, Hassan Shehata, Herve Renard, and Avram Grant are some of the most famous coaches to have led their respective teams at AFCON.