馃嚫馃嚦SenegalWest Africa
CAF releases official schedule for AFCON 2027 qualifiers
via SeneNews2 min read
The Confederation of African Football CAF has released the official schedule for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON qualifiers, with the final tournament set to take place in East Africa. The preliminary round, involving 12 lower-ranked nations, was played in March 2026 to determine the final teams for the group stage. The main qualification phase will involve 48 nations divided into twelve groups of four teams. The first two matchdays are scheduled for September 21 to October 6, 2026, followed by matchdays three and four from November 9 to 17, 2026. The decisive final two matchdays will be held from March 22 to 30, 2027. Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are automatically qualified as co-hosts for the final tournament, which will run from June 19 to July 18, 2027. This marks the first time these three East African nations will co-host the competition.
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President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has appointed Alain Diouf as Minister to the President of the Republic, responsible for monitoring and evaluating the "Senegal 2050" national transformation agenda. This decision, announced via decree n掳 2026-1143 on June 5, 2026, aims to strengthen the oversight of public policies related to this strategic vision for Senegal's future. Alain Diouf's mission is to ensure the implementation and evaluation of the "Senegal 2050" agenda, which serves as the strategic development framework for the country. The decree did not provide further details regarding the scope of his new functions. This appointment is part of an effort to enhance the management and monitoring of public policies linked to the "Senegal 2050" vision.
Mexico City launched the 2026 World Cup with a festive atmosphere, marked by the national team's 2-0 victory over South Africa at the Azteca Stadium. The opening ceremony featured traditional and modern music, including performances by Shakira and Burna Boy, celebrating Mexico's culture. However, the event was also marred by clashes between police and protesters outside the stadium, as well as overcrowding at the fan zone. Striking teachers had used the tournament to voice their demands, leading to blockades in parts of the capital. Despite these tensions, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that the situation was "under control." Thousands of fans, some arriving as early as 6:30 AM, flocked to the stadium, which was secured by a large police presence. Protesters, demanding justice for missing persons, confronted law enforcement, tearing down barriers and engaging in physical altercations. FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the trophy to the crowd, and the official World Cup anthem, "DNA," was performed by Andrea Bocelli and Ejae.
Winger Abde Ezzalzouli and defender Nayef Aguerd have been removed from the Moroccan national team for the World Cup due to injuries, just two days before their opening match against Brazil. This is a significant blow for the Atlas Lions. The FIFA updated the list of 26 players from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, showing that Ezzalzouli and Aguerd have been replaced by Angers left-winger Amine Sba茂 and Al-Fateh club defender Marwane Saadane. Ezzalzouli sustained a right knee sprain during the first half of a preparatory match against Norway. Aguerd has been sidelined since March after surgery for a groin injury. The absence of Ezzalzouli, 24, is particularly impactful given his impressive form with Betis this season, where he played a key role in the team's fifth-place finish in La Liga and qualification for the Champions League. He also contributed to the club reaching the Europa League quarterfinals. Aguerd's experience as a central defender and his contribution to the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists were highly valued by the new coach, Mohamed Ouahbi. Morocco faces a shortage of experienced central defenders following the retirement of former captain Romain Sa茂ss, the injury of Torino defender Adam Masina during the last Africa Cup of Nations, and the long unavailability of Crystal Palace defender Chadi Riad, who has just returned to competition. Fulham defender Issa Diop, who chose to represent Morocco, has joined the team.