Native Doctor Arrested For Allegedly Scamming Fans With Mali AFCON Victory Claims

A self-proclaimed marabout was arrested in Bamako for allegedly defrauding football fans by promising victory for the Mali national team at the Africa Cup of Nations. The man, identified as Mr Sinayogo, reportedly collected over 22 million CFA francs, roughly €33,500, from supporters before Mali’s 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Senegal. He is now being held by the cybercrime division on charges of fraud. Two videographers who visited him confirmed his detention, noting that authorities had delayed action while the tournament was ongoing. According to a social media content creator close to Sinayogo, the man, formerly a political activist, “proclaimed himself a marabout overnight and made a fortune.” Mali’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals ended in Tangiers on January 9 when recalled Senegal striker Iliman Ndiaye scored in the first half. The match turned further against Mali when captain Yves Bissouma was sent off in first-half added time after receiving a second yellow card. Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra made a string of outstanding saves, but a costly error allowed Senegal to take the lead. Senegal, the 2022 champions, will face either title-holders Ivory Coast or seven-time winners Egypt in the semi-finals. Ndiaye, who was named player of the match, said, “I am happy to have won the award, but the most important thing is we have progressed to the semi-finals. We played well and are constantly improving.” Senegal coach Pape Thiaw added, “It was not an easy match against a talented Mali team. Had we been more clinical in front of goal we could have scored more goals.” Mali coach Tom Saintfiet said, “It was a difficult match for us because we had to play with 10 men. I am proud of the players for what they did, not only tonight but throughout the AFCON.” Earlier in the match, Bissouma was yellow-carded for fouling Senegal forward Sadio Mane, while Mali striker Lassine Sinayoko was denied by a brilliant sliding tackle from Senegal’s Krepin Diatta.

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CAF Investigates Player, Official, And Media Misconduct During AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has launched an investigation into alleged misconduct by players, officials, and media personnel during the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 quarter-final matches between Cameroon and Morocco, and Algeria and Nigeria. The probe follows reports of post-match confrontations with referees and concerns over inappropriate behaviour on the pitch. In a statement on Monday, CAF said it has collected match reports and video evidence suggesting possible violations, which have now been referred to the Disciplinary Board for review. “CAF has referred the matters to the Disciplinary Board for investigation and has called for appropriate action to be taken if the identified persons are found guilty of any wrongdoing. CAF is also reviewing footage of an incident involving members of the media who allegedly misbehaved in the mixed zone area,” the statement said. In the quarter-finals, Nigeria defeated Algeria 2-0 in Marrakech, with goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams securing the Super Eagles’ place in the semifinals. Post-match footage showed Algerian players confronting referees, resulting in minor scuffles and an attempted pitch invasion by fans, which was halted by stadium security. The Algerian team cited controversial refereeing decisions by Senegalese official Issa Sy, including a denied penalty for an alleged handball in the Nigerian box. Morocco also advanced with a 2-0 win over Cameroon, although the match was marked by refereeing disputes. Cameroon argued that two potential penalties involving Moroccan defender Adam Masina were wrongly denied. Morocco’s coach, Walid Regragui, dismissed allegations of home-team bias in his post-match press briefing. CAF reiterated its commitment to maintaining professional conduct at all events, stating: “CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour during matches, particularly actions targeting referees or match organisers. Appropriate measures will be taken against anyone whose conduct falls short of professional standards at CAF events.”

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Egypt Reach AFCON Semi-Final With 3-2 Victory Over Ivory Coast

Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush were key as Egypt defeated defending champions Ivory Coast 3-2 to advance to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, setting up a blockbuster clash with Senegal. The Pharaohs struck early when Marmoush capitalised on a midfield error to fire Egypt ahead inside four minutes. The early goal set the tone, with Ivory Coast struggling to respond despite Amad Diallo having a close-range effort blocked. Egypt extended their lead on 32 minutes as Salah’s corner found Ramy Rabia, who rose highest to head home from close range. Seven minutes later, the Elephants pulled one back when Ahmed Abou El Fotouh inadvertently diverted Diomande’s delivery into his own net. After the break, Egypt regained a two-goal cushion when Rabia’s sweeping pass set up Emam Ashour, whose low cross was finished confidently by Salah. Ivory Coast responded again, with Guela Doue scoring from a scramble following a corner to make it 3-2. Despite late pressure from the holders, Egypt held on to secure their place in the semi-finals and move a step closer to claiming a record eighth AFCON title.

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Nigeria Set To Clash With Morocco In AFCON 2025 Semifinals After Beating Algeria 2–0

Nigeria advanced to the AFCON 2025 semifinals with a 2–0 triumph over Algeria on Sunday, setting up a highly anticipated showdown against tournament hosts Morocco. Morocco had secured their semifinal spot a day earlier by defeating Cameroon 2–0 in Rabat, marking their first return to the AFCON last four since 2004. Buoyed by their passionate home fans, the Atlas Lions are now just one win away from a historic final on home soil. The quarterfinal clash between Nigeria and Algeria was intense and physical in the first half, ending goalless at the break. Nigeria surged after the restart, with Victor Osimhen opening the scoring in the 47th minute through a powerful header. Ten minutes later, Osimhen set up Akor Adams to double the lead, sealing Nigeria’s place in the semifinals. Wednesday’s semifinal will be the fifth AFCON meeting between Morocco and Nigeria. The two nations are evenly matched historically, with Morocco winning twice in 1976, Nigeria taking a semifinal in 1980, and Morocco edging the 2004 encounter. With two wins apiece, this semifinal will finally tip the balance and determine who moves on to the final. The clash between Morocco and Nigeria takes place on Wednesday, January 14, with both teams aiming to make history and secure a place in the AFCON 2025 final.

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Morocco Defeat Cameroon 2–0 To Advance To AFCON 2025 Semifinals

Morocco sealed a place in the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a convincing 2–0 win over Cameroon on Friday night at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The Atlas Lions struck first in the 26th minute through Brahim Diaz, who capitalised on sustained pressure to give the hosts an early advantage. Cameroon attempted to respond in the second half but were unable to find a breakthrough, and their challenge faded further when Ismael Saibari doubled Morocco’s lead in the 74th minute. Morocco’s quarterfinal appearance followed a narrow 1–0 victory over Tanzania in the Round of 16. They had earlier topped Group A with seven points, ending the group stage in style with a dominant 3–0 win against Zambia. Cameroon reached the last eight after edging South Africa 2–1. The Indomitable Lions finished second in Group F on seven points, having recorded wins over Gabon and Mozambique and a draw with Côte d’Ivoire.

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Senegal Defeat Mali 1–0 To Advance To AFCON 2025 Semi-Finals

Senegal secured a 1–0 victory over Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 quarter-finals in Tangier, booking their spot in the semi-finals. The only goal of the match came in the 27th minute from Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye. Mali’s hopes were further hampered when Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma was shown a second yellow card in added time before halftime, reducing the Eagles to ten men. The win reinforces Senegal’s dominance over Mali, keeping the Lions of Teranga unbeaten against their neighbours and marking their fifth appearance in an AFCON semi-final. The team also extends an impressive streak of 15 consecutive matches without defeat in the tournament. Mali had advanced from the Round of 16 via penalties against Tunisia but struggled to break through Senegal’s organised defence. The Eagles, who had drawn all their matches in regulation time prior to this game, exit the tournament without reaching a semi-final for the first time since 2013. Senegal now move closer to AFCON glory and will face a high-stakes semi-final clash as the tournament reaches its concluding stages.

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Algeria, Nigeria To Face Off In AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals

Algeria and Nigeria are set to meet in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Fennec Foxes booked their place in the last eight with a late 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo. After a tense 90 minutes that ended goalless, it looked like the match would be decided by penalties. However, in the 118th minute, Adil Boulbina cut in from the left and fired a stunning strike to secure victory. The Super Eagles advanced on Monday following an emphatic 4-0 victory against Mozambique in Fez, setting up the eagerly anticipated clash with Algeria. The quarter-final showdown will take place on Saturday, January 10, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm local time.

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Super Eagles Storm AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals With 4–0 Win Over Mozambique

Nigeria’s Super Eagles cruised into the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with an emphatic 4–0 win over Mozambique in their Round of 16 encounter in Fès. Fresh from a flawless group stage where they won all three matches to finish top of Group C, the Eagles wasted no time asserting their dominance. Mozambique, who reached the knockout phase for the first time after qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams from Group F, found it difficult to contain Nigeria’s speed and fluid attacking play. The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Ademola Lookman finished off a move created by Akor Adams. Nigeria tightened their grip on the match five minutes later as Victor Osimhen doubled the lead. Shortly after the restart, Lookman turned provider again, teeing up Osimhen for his second goal in the 47th minute to put the game firmly beyond reach. Akor Adams capped Nigeria’s commanding display in the 75th minute with the fourth goal, sealing a comprehensive victory. Wilfred Ndidi led the team from midfield, partnering Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, while Stanley Nwabali returned between the posts. The defensive line of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi ensured Mozambique posed little threat throughout the contest. Head coach Chelle rotated his squad in the second half, introducing Paul Onuachu and Samuel Chukwueze for Akor Adams and Lookman, while Tom Dele-Bashiru and Onyedika replaced Onyeka and Ndidi. Moses Simon also came on for Osimhen as Nigeria comfortably managed the closing stages. By the 80th minute, the Super Eagles had recorded eight shots on target, with Mozambique failing to register a single effort that troubled Nwabali. The result sends Nigeria into the quarter-finals in confident fashion as they continue their push for a fourth AFCON crown. Their next opponents will be decided from the clash between Algeria and Congo DR.

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