AFCON OPINION: WHY NIGERIA’S PERFECT GROUP STAGE MAKES THEM THE CLEAR TITLE FAVORITES
Egypt chases an eighth title against Benin, while Nigeria faces Mozambique. Read expert previews from Hossam Hassan and Gernot Rohr.
Egypt has won the Cup of Nations seven times—more than anyone else—and they've finished as runners-up three times since the tournament started back in 1957. Benin, on the other hand, has only reached the quarter-finals once in its four previous appearances at Africa’s top football tournament.
“We have to stay sharp and disciplined if we want to go far,” Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said before the match in Agadir on Monday.
He didn’t downplay the challenge: “The match against Benin will be tough,” said the 59-year-old, who knows a thing or two about this tournament—he won it three times as a player for Egypt over his long international career.
“They’re organised and competitive, and we respect them a lot.”
Gernot Rohr, who manages Benin, admitted his team isn't the favourite going into the match at Stade Adrar.
“We know we’re up against a top side, and it’s going to be really tough,” said the 72-year-old German.
“But we’ve played the big teams before. That experience counts. I hope it helps us step up and give everything we’ve got.
“We’re not the favourites—everyone knows that—but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to play well and qualify.”
Benin finally earned their first-ever Cup of Nations win in the group stage when it beat Botswana.
“That victory gave the players confidence. It gave the staff confidence, too. But it doesn’t mean we’ve suddenly become something we’re not,” Rohr said.
“We know where we come from, and we know our resources aren’t the same as our opponents.”
Nigeria comes into their last-16 match at Stade de Fes with some swagger. They’re one of only two teams at this year’s Cup to cruise through the group stage with a perfect record.
They started by beating Tanzania 2-1, then edged Tunisia 3-2. For their last Group C game, even with several changes to the lineup, they took care of Uganda 3-1.
“I’ve been under pressure since the day I took the Nigeria job,” said their coach, Eric Chelle.
“We go into every game wanting to prove ourselves. Right now, all we’re thinking about is Mozambique.
“We’ve done a lot right to get here, but we’ve made mistakes, too. We’ve looked at everything, and we’re working to keep improving.”
While Nigeria chases a fourth title, Mozambique is enjoying something new—they’ve reached the knockout rounds for the first time in six appearances.
“It’s a huge moment for us,” coach Chiquinho Conde said.
“Honestly, we’re all thrilled. I don’t think we even realise yet what this means back home.
“We just want to keep playing for our country—a country that’s been through tough times. Now, with football giving people hope, we have a chance to bring some happiness.”
MARSEILLE MELTDOWN: WHY MEDHI BENATIA QUIT AFTER A BITTER MASON GREENWOOD FALLOUT
Marseille meltdown: Medhi Benatia resigns as Sporting Director after clashes with Mason Greenwood. Get the latest on De Zerbi’s exit.
Marseille’s sporting director, Medhi Benatia, has quit his job after reports of friction with Mason Greenwood, the former Manchester United striker.
It’s a tough time for the club. Benatia’s exit comes with pressure piling up; Marseille’s going through a rough patch that also saw Roberto De Zerbi walk out. De Zerbi left after that brutal 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The team are sitting in fourth, and they just missed out on the next round of the Champions League in dramatic fashion.
Benatia, who used to play for Morocco and had a solid career with Bayern Munich, Roma, and Juventus, confirmed he’s stepping down. In his statement, he didn’t hold back: “Since I got here, I’ve poured my heart into this job with one goal: getting Marseille back where it belongs. I know this club inside out. I understand what it asks of you and the passion behind it.”
He tried to keep things positive: “We’re still in the fight. Making the Champions League is within reach, and we’re still gunning for the Coupe de France. Even with the setbacks and bad luck, the project’s still moving forward on the pitch. But I can’t ignore what’s happening around us.”
Benatia pointed to growing frustration and a communication breakdown: “In Marseille, results speak for themselves. You know I don’t sugarcoat things. With all the tension in management, I’ve handed in my resignation because, to me, the club always comes first. I don’t want to be an obstacle or a burden.”
He finished with a note of regret: “I did everything I could, but I couldn’t calm things down around the team even though I really believe they can hit their targets.”
Apparently, Benatia and Greenwood just didn’t get along. Greenwood’s been crucial for Marseille since joining in 2024, and while De Zerbi backed him publicly, things between Benatia and Greenwood reportedly got icy. L’Equipe claimed the two barely spoke, and Benatia didn’t hide his criticism on or off the field.
Some say Benatia got fed up with Greenwood ignoring commercial duties last summer and not caring about the fallout. Now De Zerbi’s on the market, a familiar name for clubs like Manchester United and Tottenham, both hunting for new managers.
De Zerbi’s already been linked to United before. After his stint at Brighton, he was apparently considered for the Old Trafford job before they stuck with Erik ten Hag.
ARRESTS AT THE MKM: WHY POLICE INTERVENED DURING HULL CITY’S FA CUP DEFEAT
Police made arrests at the MKM Stadium as Chelsea beat Hull 4-0. Read the full report on Pedro Neto's hat-trick and the fan fallout.
Hull City say police made arrests after fans started up discriminatory chants during their 4-0 FA Cup loss to Chelsea on Friday night. Early in the game, the stadium’s PA system cut in with a warning: stop the chanting, or face arrest. Stewards and police didn’t mess around in the second half; the club announced they’d actually detained some supporters.
The chant targeted Chelsea and was homophobic. It’s not the first time this kind of thing has happened. Back in 2022, the Crown Prosecution Service made it clear that a certain lyric in the chant is a homophobic slur, and using it can land you in legal trouble. Just ask Paul Boardman, a Liverpool fan who got slapped with a Wembley ban and a £500 fine for shouting it at a train station.
Meanwhile, the game itself got away from Hull. Chelsea rolled over them, with Pedro Neto bagging a hat-trick. Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic still found a few positives, though. He liked the team’s defensive setup and thought they could’ve used their counterattacks better. “We deserved at least one goal,” he said, “but if we play like this, we’ll be in a good spot in the Championship.” He’s already thinking ahead to the next match against QPR.
On the other side, Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior was back at the MKM Stadium, his old stomping ground. He was buzzing about his team’s attitude and effort, especially in the first half. “Hull are flying in the Championship, and I hope they make the Premier League,” he said. “But our mentality and quality tonight made the difference.” He singled out Pedro Neto for his work rate and finishing, but really, he seemed proud of the whole squad. “Everyone put in a shift. The mentality was spot on.”
The night was extra special for Rosenior. He had more than 20 family members in the stands and got warm applause from both sets of fans. “This club means a lot to my family and me,” he said. “I really appreciate the welcome. It was a good night all around.”