标签： Africa

Amid what the United Nations identifies as the world’s most severe humanitarian catastrophe, Sudan’s national football team has emerged as an unexpected symbol of national unity and hope. Forward Abobaker Eisa, currently playing for Thai club Chonburi after stints with English Football League teams, reveals how Sudan’s qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations provides temporary solace for a nation torn apart by conflict.

The ongoing civil war, triggered by a violent power struggle between the national army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in April 2023, has resulted in catastrophic consequences: over 150,000 fatalities, more than 12 million displaced persons, widespread famine, and reported genocide in Darfur. This devastating context forced Sudan to play all their qualifying matches on foreign soil, making their Afcon qualification—only their fourth since 1976—particularly remarkable.

Eisa emphasizes the transformative power of football during these dark times: ‘There’s not a lot of smiles at the minute, so we’re trying to use football as a way to get people’s minds off the war. Even qualifying for Afcon and having fans cheer us on—the fact that we’re there is already bringing hope.’

The team’s preparation reflects the nation’s displacement crisis. Even players from Sudanese clubs Al-Hilal and Al-Merrikh now train abroad due to security concerns, with teams relocating first to Mauritania and subsequently to Rwanda.

Despite physical distance, the conflict remains emotionally present for players. Eisa acknowledges the complex emotional dynamic: ‘It’s difficult to block the war out. Some people’s families are still there, many have been affected.’ This awareness creates both despair and determination, with players discussing how to assist through donations while recognizing their limitations.

As the 1970 champions prepare to face Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Burkina Faso in the group stage, Eisa confirms every match represents a ‘big deal’ for Sudanese citizens seeking distraction from suffering. His concluding message encapsulates the team’s mission: ‘As long as we go out there and fight for what’s ours, I think everyone will be happy.’

Mozambique’s national football team approaches the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with unprecedented optimism despite being drawn in the tournament’s most challenging group. Former international star Manuel ‘Tico Tico’ Bucuane reveals the growing belief within the squad that they can achieve their first-ever knockout stage appearance.

The Mambas face formidable opponents in Group F, including defending champions Ivory Coast, five-time winners Cameroon, and Gabon led by superstar Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. This daunting challenge comes despite Mozambique’s historical struggles at the continental showcase—having never advanced beyond the group stage in five previous attempts and still seeking their first victory after 15 matches (5 draws, 10 losses).

Bucuane, who scored Mozambique’s inaugural Afcon goal in 1996, emphasizes the significance of qualification itself: “Mozambique doesn’t always play at this level so whenever the team qualifies, it’s a big achievement for the country.” The retired striker notes substantial progress under coach Chiquinho Conde, who took charge in October 2021, particularly through strategic naturalization of players from diverse football environments.

A transformative factor in Mozambique’s development has been the breakthrough of players in elite European competitions. Left-back Reinildo made history as the first Mozambican Premier League player with his Sunderland debut in August following a transfer from Atletico Madrid. Meanwhile, defender Bruno Langa (Pafos) and forward Geny Catamo (Sporting CP) have gained valuable Champions League experience this season.

“Reinildo playing in the Premier League is a huge thing for the country,” Bucuane stated. “He’s really carrying the Mozambique flag and opening that door in England. All that experience these players are gaining they’re bringing back to the national team.”

The team’s recent performances have fueled optimism, including holding African powerhouses Egypt and Ghana to draws during the 2023 edition. This marked the first time Mozambique achieved back-to-back Afcon qualifications since 1998, demonstrating consistent progress in their football development.

Bucuane, whose iconic 1996 goal remains etched in national memory, emphasizes football’s social significance: “Mozambique goes through a lot of challenges socially and football is the light that comes to shine on the people. We’re all behind the team and looking forward to our first Afcon victory.”

The Mambas begin their campaign against Ivory Coast on December 25th, followed by matches against Gabon (December 28th) and Cameroon (December 31st), carrying the hopes of a nation eager to rewrite its football history.

Fulham Football Club secured a crucial 1-0 victory against Nottingham Forest in Monday’s Premier League clash at Craven Cottage, significantly altering the relegation landscape. Mexican striker Raul Jimenez proved the difference-maker, converting a first-half penalty to maintain his impeccable record from the spot in England’s top flight.

The match represented a classic six-pointer between teams positioned near the bottom of the table. Marco Silva’s Fulham entered the contest merely two points above their opponents, but Jimenez’s clinical finish in stoppage time of the opening half propelled them to a more comfortable position in the standings.

Forest, despite arriving with momentum from six wins in their previous eight matches across all competitions—including a impressive 3-0 triumph over Tottenham—failed to replicate their recent form. Manager Sean Dyche lamented his team’s lack of cutting edge, noting their inability to convert opportunities into meaningful threats on goal.

The game’s decisive moment arrived when Douglas Luiz fouled Fulham’s Kevin in the penalty area deep into first-half added time. Jimenez stepped up and calmly dispatched the spot-kick, marking his 11th successful penalty from 11 attempts in Premier League competition, sending goalkeeper John Victor the wrong way.

Forest created several opportunities to equalize, particularly through Brazilian striker Igor Jesus who wasted two first-half chances and saw a second-half chip drift just over the crossbar. Additional efforts from Murillo and Morgan Gibbs-White tested Fulham’s defense but ultimately failed to beat goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

The victory provides Fulham with consecutive league wins following their triumph over Burnley, despite missing several key players including Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey who are representing Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Africa Cup of Nations witnessed thrilling opening encounters in Group B as continental heavyweights Egypt and South Africa emerged victorious in hard-fought matches on Monday. In a dramatic conclusion in Agadir, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah delivered a decisive blow deep into stoppage time, securing a 2-1 comeback victory against a resilient Zimbabwe. The Pharaohs found themselves trailing after Prince Dube’s 20th-minute opener but equalized through Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush in the 63rd minute before Salah’s last-gasp heroics.

Simultaneously in Marrakesh, South Africa ended their longstanding opening-match jinx with a 2-1 triumph over Angola. Burnley striker Lyle Foster became the match-winner with his 79th-minute strike, capitalizing on South Africa’s second-half dominance. The 2024 bronze medalists had taken an early lead through Oswin Appollis before Angola’s Show leveled the scoreline. The victory marked South Africa’s first opening match win since 2006, setting up a crucial top-of-the-table clash against Egypt on Friday.

In Group A action, Mali experienced late disappointment as they conceded a stoppage-time equalizer to Zambia in Casablanca, settling for a 1-1 draw. Lassina Sinayoko’s 61st-minute opener was canceled out by Patson Daka’s dramatic header in added time. Mali coach Tom Saintfiet described the result as ‘very painful,’ particularly after El Bilal Toure had missed a first-half penalty. The result leaves hosts Morocco atop Group A with three points following their opening victory against Comoros.

In a significant reshuffling of their championship squad, Cricket Australia has announced major roster changes ahead of the final Ashes Tests. Spinner Todd Murphy has been called up to replace the injured Nathan Lyon, while captain Pat Cummins will sit out the remainder of the series to manage his back injury.

The changes come despite Australia’s decisive victory in the third Test at Adelaide, where they clinched the series 82 runs against England to retain the Ashes. Lyon’s hamstring injury, sustained during Sunday’s match, has ruled him out for the remainder of the competition, creating an opportunity for Murphy, long considered Lyon’s natural successor.

Steve Smith returns to captaincy duties despite missing the third Test due to vertigo. Smith, who previously led the side during the first two Tests in Cummins’ absence, will resume leadership responsibilities for the upcoming matches.

Coach Andrew McDonald explained the strategic decision regarding Cummins at a Melbourne Cricket Ground press conference: “Pat won’t play any part in the rest of the series. We were taking on some risk with him, and we’ve now won the series—that was the goal. To position him for further risk and jeopardize his long-term fitness is not something we want to do.”

The bowling attack will likely see Brendan Doggett or Michael Neser replacing Cummins, who delivered an impressive six-for-117 performance in Adelaide. Additionally, Jhye Richardson has been called into the squad following strong domestic form after shoulder surgery rehabilitation.

Murphy, 25, brings considerable experience with seven Tests since his 2023 debut in India. The selection panel faces strategic decisions regarding spin options, with all-rounder Beau Webster providing part-time off-spin alternatives.

McDonald expressed confidence in Murphy’s readiness: “Todd’s been an important part of key overseas series. He played in the last Ashes back in 2023, and we feel Todd’s back to his best.”

Meanwhile, veteran spinner Lyon underwent surgery Tuesday for his hamstring injury. McDonald described the 38-year-old as “devastated” but already focused on returning for Australia’s 2027 tour of India.

Top-order batsman Usman Khawaja retains his squad position despite briefly being dropped for the Adelaide Test, only to be recalled when Smith was ruled out minutes before play.

The revised Australian squad for remaining Tests: Steve Smith (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.