Cameroon opened their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Gabon in Agadir, putting behind them a turbulent build-up to the tournament. Karl Etta Eyong’s early strike proved decisive, while Algeria, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso also started their group-stage journeys with wins on Wednesday.
The Indomitable Lions arrived at the competition amid confusion and controversy. After Belgian coach Marc Brys was dismissed in unclear circumstances, local coach David Pagou was appointed to lead the team. However, Brys publicly claimed he had not been formally informed of his removal and even announced his own squad for the tournament. Matters were further complicated when Pagou unveiled his selection, leaving out established stars such as André Onana, Vincent Aboubakar and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.
The Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) eventually clarified the situation, but combined with the injury of Frank Zambo Anguissa and a recent World Cup play-off elimination by the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon entered the tournament under heavy pressure.
On the pitch, however, they responded convincingly. Etta Eyong scored after just six minutes, finishing calmly after Bryan Mbeumo capitalised on a defensive mix-up in the Gabon backline. The 22-year-old forward, earning his first international goal, is one of several new faces in a youthful Cameroon squad and quickly justified his inclusion.
Gabon pushed for an equaliser but struggled to break down a disciplined Cameroonian defence. The narrow win gave Pagou’s side a vital boost and suggested the team may be able to move forward despite recent instability.
In the same Group F, defending champions Ivory Coast secured a controlled 1-0 win over Mozambique in Marrakesh. Manchester United winger Amad Diallo scored the only goal shortly after half-time, meeting Frank Kessié’s knockdown to beat goalkeeper Ernan Siluane.
Ivory Coast dominated much of the match, creating several chances, while Mozambique offered little attacking threat. Head coach Emerse Faé praised his team’s organisation and mentality, highlighting their defensive solidity and collective effort.
Attention now turns to a highly anticipated Group F clash between Cameroon and Ivory Coast on December 28, with both teams aiming to seal qualification for the knockout stage. Gabon and Mozambique will also meet on the same day in search of their first points.
Earlier, Algeria delivered one of the most impressive performances of the tournament so far, defeating Sudan 3-0 in Rabat. Riyad Mahrez was the standout player, scoring twice and leading a dominant display in front of passionate Algerian supporters.
Mahrez opened the scoring inside two minutes before Sudan were reduced to ten men late in the first half. Algeria took full control after the break, with Mahrez adding a second and young substitute Ibrahim Maza completing the scoring late on.
The comprehensive win underlined Algeria’s depth, balance and attacking quality, marking a strong statement of intent as they pursue their first Africa Cup of Nations title since 2019.
About the author
Norway Crown Princess’s Son Jailed for Rape
Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted on two counts of rape and several other criminal offences by the Oslo District Court. The 29-year-old was cleared of two additional rape charges but found guilty of multiple offences involving violence, abuse and reckless conduct. Høiby attended the verdict hearing via video link due to health-related reasons and was not physically present in the courtroom. Prosecutors had sought a prison sentence of seven years and seven months, while the defense argued for a significantly shorter term of 18 months. His legal team has indicated that an appeal is likely. The case has attracted widespread attention in Norway because of Høiby's close connection to the royal family. Although he holds no royal title, he was raised alongside members of […]
Russian Strikes Damage Kyiv Cathedral, Kill 11
At least 11 people have lost their lives following a series of Russian missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, including attacks that caused significant damage to Kyiv's historic Dormition Cathedral, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Four fatalities were reported in Kyiv after residential areas came under attack, while five emergency responders were killed in the northeastern city of Kharkiv while battling a blaze triggered by a strike. Ukrainian authorities said dozens of others were injured nationwide. The Dormition Cathedral, a landmark dating back to the 11th century and part of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery complex, suffered extensive damage during the overnight assault. Zelensky described the attack as a serious blow to Ukraine's religious and cultural heritage. Images from the site showed a large breach in one section of the cathedral, with parts of the roof destroyed by fire. The […]
US-Iran Deal May Ease Global Economic Pressure
More than three months after the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran began, Washington and Tehran have reached a framework agreement aimed at reducing tensions and laying the groundwork for a longer-term resolution. A key component of the agreement is the planned reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important maritime trade routes. The waterway normally handles nearly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making it critical to international energy markets. The disruption of traffic through the strait since late February triggered sharp increases in global energy prices and raised concerns about supply shortages. While the new agreement has been welcomed by markets, shipping activity in the region remains limited, highlighting the challenges involved in restoring normal operations. Industry experts caution that a full recovery will take time. Hundreds of vessels […]
Paul Kagame en visite de travail à Lomé
Le président du Rwanda, Paul Kagame, est en visite de travail au Togo ce lundi, dans le cadre de la Convention et exposition africaines du transport aérien organisée à Lomé du 15 au 19 juin 2026. Au cours de son séjour, le dirigeant rwandais doit rencontrer le président du Conseil, Faure Gnassingbé. Les échanges entre les deux responsables porteront sur plusieurs sujets d'intérêt commun, notamment le renforcement des relations bilatérales et les perspectives de coopération entre leurs pays. Cette rencontre intervient à l'occasion d'un événement majeur consacré au développement du transport aérien sur le continent africain. Elle offre également aux deux dirigeants l'opportunité de discuter des enjeux économiques et stratégiques qui concernent l'Afrique, ainsi que des initiatives visant à soutenir l'intégration et la croissance du continent. Reconnu pour son engagement en faveur du développement économique et de la transformation de […]
AFR100 : jusqu’à 50 000 $ pour les projets verts
Les organisations togolaises impliquées dans la restauration des terres dégradées et la préservation des ressources naturelles ont désormais accès à un nouveau mécanisme de financement dans le cadre du programme AFR100, soutenu par l'Organisation des Nations unies pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture (FAO). L'initiative, lancée à travers le dispositif des Subventions Directes aux Bénéficiaires (Direct Beneficiary Grants), vise à accompagner les acteurs locaux engagés dans la protection de l'environnement et la gestion durable des écosystèmes. L'appel à projets est ouvert aux organisations communautaires, coopératives, associations de producteurs agricoles et forestiers, organisations non gouvernementales ainsi qu'aux structures dirigées par des femmes ou des jeunes opérant dans les zones d'intervention du programme. Les bénéficiaires pourront obtenir un financement compris entre 5 000 et 50 000 dollars pour mettre en œuvre diverses initiatives environnementales. Les projets éligibles concernent notamment le reboisement, l'agroforesterie, la conservation […]
BTP au Togo : les entreprises alertent sur leurs défis
Les acteurs du secteur du bâtiment et des travaux publics (BTP) au Togo ont mis en lumière les principales difficultés qui freinent le développement des entreprises nationales lors des premiers « Media Days » organisés récemment à Lomé par le Groupement National des Entrepreneurs du Bâtiment et des Travaux Publics du Togo (GNEBTP-Togo). Placée sous le thème « Le BTP au cœur du développement : comprendre pour mieux agir », cette rencontre a rassemblé entrepreneurs, ingénieurs, architectes, laboratoires techniques et représentants des médias. L'objectif était de mieux faire connaître les réalités d'un secteur stratégique qui joue un rôle essentiel dans la réalisation des infrastructures et dans les investissements publics du pays. Au cours des échanges, les professionnels ont souligné plusieurs obstacles majeurs, notamment la qualité insuffisante de certaines études techniques, les retards de paiement, les difficultés d'accès au financement bancaire, […]
Related
Argentina and France start World Cup quests with high-stakes rematch
Argentina and France, two of the world's biggest football powers, will kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaigns against each other in a highly anticipated rematch of the epic 2022 final. The two heavyweights met in the 2022 Qatar World Cup final, where Argentina won 4-2 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw that required 30 minutes of extra time. Lionel Messi sealed his first World Cup title with two goals in that match, while Kylian Mbappé scored a hat-trick for France before the shootout. The match is now regarded as one of the most iconic World Cup finals in history, with 1.5 billion viewers worldwide watching Messi secure Argentina's third overall title. Argentina became the second team ever to win the tournament after losing their opening match, following Spain's route in 2010. This 2026 rematch comes at MetLife […]
France seek to banish 2002 ghost against Senegal’s Teranga Lions in New Jersey
France will face Senegal's Lions of Teranga at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on June 16 in a Group I match that brings back memories of one of the greatest World Cup upsets in history. The fixture immediately conjures the ghost of Seoul, where Senegal shocked the world by beating then-champion France 1-0 in their opening match at the 2002 World Cup. In the 30th minute of that match, Papa Bouba Diop scored after meeting El Hadji Diouf's cut-back, ripping off his shirt and sprinting to the corner flag as his teammates celebrated in a circle of pure joy. Senegal held firm for the 1-0 victory, and France went home in disgrace without scoring a single goal across the entire group stage. That night not only eliminated the holders but also rewrote the Senegalese football psyche, marking the start of […]
Serena Williams to play doubles with sister Venus at Wimbledon
Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Wimbledon, doubles tennis, Centre Court, sisters team up, tennis reunion, legendary players, Grand Slam, WTA, tennis brothers and sisters, sports news, Wimbledon 2026, tennis siblings, women's tennis Full contentSerena Williams will join her sister Venus Williams for a rare doubles match at Wimbledon, bringing together two of the most celebrated names in tennis history for a special reunion on the iconic Centre Court. Both sisters dominated the tennis world for decades, collectively winning 12 Wimbledon singles titles between 2000 and 2016—Venus with five and Serena with seven—while remaining close competitors and family allies. The pair previously teamed up to win the women’s doubles title at Wimbledon in 2000, defeating Ai Sugiyama and Julie Halard for the championship. Serena and Venus also won the gold medal in doubles at the London 2012 Olympics, successfully defending their doubles […]
Edo Queens clinch second NWFL Premiership title, secure continental ticket
Edo Queens have been crowned champions of the 2025/26 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership following a determined 0-0 draw against Bayelsa Queens, securing their second domestic title and a ticket to continental competition. The Benin City-based team, also known as the Benin Arsenals Ladies or Benin Ladies, finished the NWFL Premiership season as champions with another silverware after the goalless draw that was enough to clinch the league title. The highly contested encounter could not produce any goal, but the point share secured the league title for Edo Queens and capped off an impressive campaign throughout the season. The triumph marks a second NWFL Premiership title for head coach Moses Aduku, who once again guided Edo Queens to domestic success with a disciplined and consistent performance. This follows their first-ever title won in 2023-24, when they emerged as champions […]
Real Madrid confirm €60m Cucurella signing from Chelsea
Real Madrid have finalized a deal worth up to £51.8 million to sign Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella, with the transfer set to be completed after the conclusion of the World Cup. The arrangement includes a base fee of £47.5 million plus an additional £4.3 million in performance-related bonuses, establishing a permanent move agreed among all parties. Fabrizio Romano revealed that Cucurella has agreed to a six-year deal at the Bernabeu, with Real Madrid paying Chelsea €60 million (£52 million) for his services. The 27-year-old Spanish left-back is currently representing Spain in the World Cup tournament taking place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Cucurella, who transferred to Chelsea for £63 million from Brighton in 2022, has expressed a strong desire to return to Spain, having developed through Barcelona's youth system. The move comes as a blow to incoming Chelsea […]
Egypt, Cape Verde face stiff tests in World Cup openers
Egypt and Cape Verde are set for challenging World Cup opener matches, with both African nations preparing to face tough opponents in the 2026 tournament in North America. Egypt, the seven-time African champions, is looking to add to their World Cup legacy after qualifying for the finals as the third African nation to secure a spot. Led by superstar Mohamed Salah, who scored twice in Egypt's decisive 3-0 victory against Djibouti to clinch their spot at the World Cup, the team boasts an impressive unbeaten campaign with 23 points. Having participated in three previous World Cups, Egypt now aims to overcome their historic challenge of not winning a game in the World Cup tournament. Ibrahim Adel opened the scoring in Egypt's qualification match, then Mohamed Salah netted two goals after Adel initiated the scoring, allowing Egypt to triumph over the […]