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Ahmed Hassan leads AFCON quarterfinals history with four goals, edging past Eto'o and Drogba. He also features among the most-capped players in this round, alongside icons from Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, and Nigeria. This piece revisits the record holders in goals and appearances who shaped the quarterfinal era. A light touch of humor keeps the game entertaining.
Jordan’s U23s beat Saudi Arabia U23 3-2 in a tense AFC U23 Asian Cup clash. The result keeps the group race wide open with Vietnam leading the standings. Saudi still have a chance to advance but must rebound in the final group game. A late swing in the match keeps fans on edge and the knockout picture fluid.
Karim Benzema starred for Al-Ittihad, scoring a first-half hat-trick against Al-Kholoud in the Saudi Pro League. He found the net at 13, 28, and 35 minutes, pushing his league tally to seven for the season and signaling a dominant campaign. The treble marked a club-record in the Saudi Pro League era, surpassing Mokhtar Flata. The performance strengthens Al-Ittihad's title push as the season unfolds. Light-hearted note: even the nets had to take a breath after that burst of goals.
Senegal defeated Mali 1-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals, extending their unbeaten streak to 16 matches. Nigeria’s historic 16-match AFCON run is mirrored, and Egypt’s 24-game record remains the all-time benchmark. Senegal now aims to approach that mark in the semifinals as they await the winner of Egypt vs Ivory Coast. The piece highlights upcoming matchups and the stakes for the Lions of Teranga.
Sadio Mane’s absence has rattled Al Nassr’s attack, sapping their usual bite as injuries and international duty bite into form. The Senegalese forward missed recent fixtures after joining his national team for the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving a gap in the World’s offense. Al Nassr then drew 2-2 with Al Ettifaq and lost to Al Ahli and Al Qadsiah, highlighting a downturn in attacking effectiveness. Sami Al-Jaber argues Mane’s departure created a significant blow that Jorge Jesus has struggled to replace, underscoring reliance on Mane’s pace and pressing leadership.
Cameroon's Frank Majri says Morocco are the clear favorites to reach the AFCON 2025 semi-finals ahead of the quarterfinal clash. He describes a technically strong Moroccan side that will be tough to beat, and outlines Cameroon’s plan to deny space and apply aggression. He stresses the need to be efficient and precise to seize chances while keeping a clean sheet. He concedes Morocco may have a home advantage, but Cameroon will still push for qualification, anticipating more Moroccan fans in attendance but not letting that affect them.
Murad Hawsawi, Gulf’s midfielder, is close to transferring to Al Hilal in the winter window. Negotiations are in advanced stages and a multi-year deal is being lined up. The move pits Al Hilal against rivals in a high-stakes battle, buoyed by Hawsawi’s solid form this season. He cites role models like Salman Al-Faraj and hopes to join Saudi football’s elite.
Al-Akhodod hosts Al-Ahli in a pivotal Saudi Pro League clash. The piece lists the broadcast channels and online streaming options for the 2025-2026 season. It notes Al-Ahli’s chase for a first win against the visitors in top-flight since August 2023, while Al-Akhodod fights to climb the table. It also covers kickoff details, venue, and how to watch from abroad with VPN tips.
Riyad Mahrez drops a bombshell ahead of the AFCON 2025 quarterfinal between Algeria and Nigeria in Morocco. The captain suggests this AFCON edition could be his last. Algeria faces a historic, tough test in Marrakesh as Mahrez, now 34, eyes a second continental star. The veteran forward emphasizes a transitional squad but clings to the shared ambition of glory.
In Buraydah, Al Ittihad hosts Al Khulood in Round 14 of the 2025-26 Roshen Saudi Pro League. Coach Sergio Conceicao fields a trusted starting XI to keep the momentum from recent wins. The defense is anchored by Rajkovic, with a potent midfield trio and a dangerous forward line led by Benzema and Diaby, plus Roger Fernandes. Several players are out due to tactical choices or injuries as both teams chase a better position in the table. The match promises a tactical battle with chances and a few surprises along the way.
Morocco’s fans block the Atlas Lions’ bus ahead of a crucial Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal against Cameroon. The crowd chants coach Walid Regragui and star Achraf Hakimi, waving banners demanding CAN glory and revenge for a historic 1988 semifinal. Hakimi responds to the fervor as stadium attendance is tipped to exceed 66,000. The clash pits two continental heavyweights in a high-stakes showdown with legacy on the line.
Mali faced another red-card setback in the AFCON 2025 quarterfinal against Senegal. The Eagles’ discipline record continues to make headlines as red cards mount. Mali still advanced to the quarterfinals by beating Tunisia on penalties. The match underscores a broader trend of disciplinary challenges for Mali in this tournament. A light note at the end reminds readers that football can be surprising, even funny in defeat.
Nigeria steered away from a potential pay dispute ahead of the AFCON 2025 quarterfinal against Algeria. The government and Central Bank coordinated to settle group stage bonuses and speed up transfers. A finance minister update confirms ongoing progress and smooth payments. Nigeria eyes a continental title as they head into the knockout rounds.
Wydad Sporting Club confirmed the signing of Moroccan defender Salah Mesdaq from Zamalek during the winter window. The club described a one-and-a-half-year deal with an option to extend. Mesdaq previously played for Zamalek after a stint in Morocco, leaving the Egyptian side due to salary payment issues. He becomes the fifth new arrival for Wydad this window, with Amine Ben Hashem playing a pivotal role in sealing the deal.
Rigobert Song weighs in on AFCON 2025, arguing Cameroon’s defense can strike fear into opponents as they face host Morocco. He highlights the shifting odds, with Algeria, Senegal, and Ivory Coast rising as serious threats. Song suggests Cameroon has surged into the top trio, while reminding everyone to beware the undefeated Lions. The piece blends bold claims with a pinch of humor about football’s wild unpredictability.
Egypt meets Ivory Coast in the AFCON 2025 quarterfinals, after both teams won their Round of 16 games. The CAF has announced an Algerian-led refereeing crew with VAR oversight from another Algerian official. The match, to be played at Adrar Stadium in Morocco, pits a historically tense Egyptian side against a potent Ivory Coast outfit. Background on the referee and officials adds extra intrigue to an already high-stakes encounter.
Senegal and Mali met in the AFCON quarterfinals in Morocco, delivering a sharp opening. Habib Diallo missed an early chance for Senegal, while Mali had a potential penalty denied after VAR review. Eliman Ndai put Senegal ahead with a 27th-minute strike. The result sets up a semi-final against the winner of Egypt vs Ivory Coast, as both teams push for a continental run. A few tense moments and fast counter-attacks marked the match.
Al Hilal is closing in on a winter signing from the Gulf, adding Morad Housawi from Al Khaleej on a three-year deal worth 5 million SAR per season. The club also agreed to bring in goalkeeper Rayan Al-Dosri this window. Dosri's arrival is meant to replace Matteo Batoulié, who is out of coach Simone Inzaghi's plans, with Yasin Bono unavailable for AFCON 2025. An earlier attempt to sign Ahmed Al-Kassar did not materialize, prompting the Gulf move.
Manchester United’s interim manager Darren Fletcher outlines key squad updates and the club’s priority to win the FA Cup during a period of transition. He confirms limited discussions with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and highlights the academy’s role and returns from injury. The coach mentions Mazraoui and Mbembo’s AFCON absences and emphasizes that the FA Cup remains the main trophy to pursue this season.
Doubts about Vinicius Junior’s future grow as Real Madrid stalls on a new contract. Madrid remains keen to keep the Brazilian star, while Vinicius prefers to stay for now. ESPN says a Saudi move is not on his radar if he leaves. If renewal fails, the winger targets a top European club, with Chelsea currently in rumor mill but no formal talks.
