Skip to main content

AFCON 2025 Favorites: Who Will Rise to the Challenge Against Ivory Coast?

AFCON 2025 in Morocco shapes up as a wide‑open tournament where holders Ivory Coast arrive with a target on their backs and a cluster of heavyweights – Morocco, Senegal, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria and Cameroon – all capable of dethroning them. The quality of squads, the depth of tactical ideas and the tournament’s expanded 24‑team format mean the question is no longer “Can anyone stop Ivory Coast?” but “Who will be brave enough to seize the moment when it comes?”​ Setting the stage in Morocco AFCON 2025 runs from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, with 24 teams competing across six Moroccan cities and nine stadiums. The tournament keeps the now‑familiar structure of six groups of four, with the top two and the four best third‑placed teams reaching the round of 16, which often produces chaotic, upset‑filled knockout brackets.​ The hosts Morocco headline Group A with Mali, Zambia and Comoros, while Ivory Coast are drawn into a star‑studded Group F with Cameroon, Gabon and Mozambique, ensu...
Post a Comment

Arsenal star set to leave following preseason, with former Premier League winners in discussions with the Gunners to sign him.

According to Sky Sports, Arsenal striker Reiss Nelson will explore his alternatives following the pre-season tour of the United States, given his unclear future with the North London club. Last season, the 24-year-old appeared in 23 games in all competitions, but only started three times, and he is willing to leave for better opportunities.

Some Premier League and European clubs are interested in acquiring Nelson's talents, with West Ham United watching his situation and Leicester City already in talks with Arsenal about signing him. The Hale End youth graduate wants to stay in the Premier League if he departs the Gunners this summer, giving the 2015-16 champions a significant advantage in their pursuit of the attacker following their return to the English top division. However, landing him will not be cheap, since Nelson has three years left on his present contract, with the option to extend it by 12 months.

The former England youth international played 71 minutes against Manchester United in Arsenal's first pre-season encounter, as well as 63 minutes against Bournemouth on Thursday. Nelson is scheduled to play again against Liverpool on Thursday and Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, and he will most likely have decided on his future by the time he returns from Arsenal's trip.

Emile Smith Rowe has already decided to join Fulham, and the Craven Cottage club has signed an agreement in principle with the North Londoners for a £34 million transfer. Nelson might be the next to depart if Leicester or West Ham can persuade him to join them, and he will be eager to show himself elsewhere after failing to break into boss Mikel Arteta's first-team plans.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Comparative Strengths Of South American Nations: Which Team Will Dominate In The 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Argentina and Brazil will enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the powerhouses of South America, but Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia, Paraguay, and Bolivia also offer compelling narratives and strengths. Recent qualifiers and squad evolution signal a continental resurgence, with each team showcasing unique qualities and championship aspirations.​ South America's Qualified Teams Argentina Brazil Uruguay Ecuador Colombia Paraguay Bolivia (intercontinental playoff entry)​ Argentina: The Champions' Shield Reigning world champions Argentina have blended experienced superstars and hungry youth under the direction of Lionel Scaloni. The squad sits atop South American qualifiers, having clinched their spot comfortably ahead of others. Key names include Emiliano Martinez (GK), Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nahuel Molina (defense), Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez (midfield), and attacking talents like Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, and of course, Lionel Messi.​ Streng...
Post a Comment
Read more

Real Madrid's Bold Move: Xabi Alonso Targets Alvaro Carreras After Release Clause Agreement.

Real Madrid’s Left-Back Revolution Real Madrid is causing a stir in the summer transfer market under Xabi Alonso's new management. After securing Kylian Mbappé and Endrick, the club has now set its sights on Manchester United’s Álvaro Carreras, triggering his €25 million release clause. 1. Who Is Álvaro Carreras? – Rising Star Profile Background & Career Trajectory Age: 21 (Born: April 22, 2003) Nationality: Spanish Position: Left-Back / Left Wing-Back Current Club: SL Benfica Key Strengths: Pace, crossing, defensive awareness A graduate of Manchester United's academy, Carreras played on loan at Granada the previous season and made an impression with his defensive tenacity and attacking contributions. 2024/25 Season Stats (SL Benfica – Liga Portugal) Metric                     Per 90           Liga Portugal (LBs)
Post a Comment
Read more

London City Lionesses: How New Signings Will Boost Their WSL Campaign.

The roar from Hayes Lane is getting louder. After a historic 2024/2025 season culminating in their triumphant promotion as Women's Championship winners, London City Lionesses are not just content with making up the numbers in the Women's Super League (WSL). Under the astute ownership of Michele Kang and guided by their ambitious management team, the Lionesses have been exceptionally busy in the summer transfer window, making a series of astute signings that signal a serious intent to not just survive, but to truly compete in England's top tier. The move from Championship to WSL is always challenging. The pace, physicality, and technical demands intensify significantly. Clubs often struggle to adapt, leading to a quick return to the second tier. However, London City Lionesses are approaching this challenge with a strategic, calculated aggression in the transfer market, aiming to defy the odds and establish themselves as a formidable WSL presence. To understand the profound i...
Post a Comment
Read more