The Confederation of African Football has begun exploring contingency plans for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations amid mounting fears that co-hosts Kenya and Uganda will fail to meet crucial infrastructure deadlines. Although scheduled alongside Tanzania for June 2027, slow stadium works have forced the governing body to sound out potential backups.
Yanga head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has opened up on the profound impact Pitso Mosimane had on his tactical philosophy during their trophy-laden era at Mamelodi Sundowns. The former Masandawana assistant credited his old mentor for teaching him the necessity of prioritizing results over aesthetic appeal in elite competition, and believes "Jingles" appointment as South Africa coach is the right call by SAFA.
Bolton Wanderers left back Max Conway has opened the door for a future with Bafana Bafana, revealing a deep-seated desire to represent the South African national team. The 23-year-old defender, who has become a staple for the Trotters in the English Championship, is eligible to play for the 1996 African champions through his grandmother.
The South African football legend has thrown his weight behind the new national team coach and insisted that any local coach of Mosimane's calibre deserves financial parity with their European counterparts.
The SAFA boss has wasted no time in turning up the heat on South Africa's new coach following his high-profile return to the national team dugout. The association chief has effectively handed the legendary tactician a 'must-win' mandate ahead of his first competitive fixture back in charge of the national team.
The newly appointed South Africa head coach has officially outlined his vision for the national team, suggesting that a fresh wave of talent is ready to break into the side. Following his appointment to succeed the Belgian, the legendary tactician has confirmed that while the core foundation remains, the door is wide open for those previously overlooked.
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.
Although the continental competition took place last year in August, the matter of unpaid bonuses only resurfaced five days ago when Neo Maema revealed they are yet to receive a penny. According to the players' association's top official, they have escalated the matter to the South African Football Association with a view of resolving it once and for all.
The Super Eagles showed their class with a near-perfect display against the East African nation on Tuesday night in the final pool outing to make three wins in a row. However, it was not a good outing for Paul Put's men, who were eliminated without tasting a win. They lost two games and drew once from the three fixtures.
Looking for a third straight victory in Morocco, the Super Eagles will face the East Africans, who are yet to win a game. Nigeria, who have already qualified for the knockout stage, have been impressive so far with victories against Tanzania and Tunisia. On the other hand, the Uganda Cranes are looking for their first win after an opening loss to Tunisia, which was followed by a 1-1 draw against Taifa Stars of Tanzania.
Inspired by their 26-year-old star, the Carthage Eagles managed a convincing victory over the Uganda Cranes as their AFCON campaign started as they wished. The East Africans struck late in the second half to deny the North Africans a clean sheet. The 2004 AFCON champions now top their group ahead of Nigeria, who also won their opening game.
The experienced goalkeeper has joined a growing list of players from Masandawana who have found homes at the lower league club. His place in the squad that will head to the AFCON finals is now doubtful, given that he is also injured.
Molefi Ntseki's men were fortunate to get a point in their third game in the pool as they struggled to deal with the now-eliminated West African nation.
GOAL's Thabang Kgeledi runs the rule over South Africa's African Nations Championship squad full of free agents needing to play their way back into the PSL.
Uganda
