Cote d’Ivoire made it three wins from three in the CAN 2027 qualifiers by beating Gambia 2-1 in Bouake on Thursday, 12 November, with Malick Yalcouye, Yan Diomande and Elye Wahi among the leading performers.

The Elephants made an impressive start at the Stade de la Paix, scoring twice within seven minutes and putting themselves in a strong position. However, their performance became less assured as the match progressed, leaving former Cote d’Ivoire international Ibrahima Bakayoko with both positives and concerns to highlight in an interview with Africafoot.

Yalcouye provides the early spark

Brighton midfielder Malick Yalcouye opened the scoring in the 17th minute, capping an energetic display in the middle of the pitch.

His movement made him readily available to receive the ball, while his willingness to drive forward added momentum to Cote d’Ivoire’s attacking play. His performance was regarded as one of the main positives from the victory and marked him out as a particularly encouraging presence in the side.

Seven minutes later, Yan Diomande played a decisive role in doubling the advantage. The Real Madrid winger pressed the Gambian defence, won possession and then supplied Elye Wahi, who finished the move to make it 2-0 in the 24th minute.

Diomande’s intensity and directness made him a constant threat. His contribution demonstrated how pressure without the ball could quickly create opportunities for the Elephants in attack.

Wahi, the Nice forward, completed the move with a composed finish. Positioned well inside the penalty area, he made the most of Diomande’s work and provided an important goal for both his confidence and the competition for places in the Ivorian attack.

Defensive concerns remain

Despite the positive opening, Cote d’Ivoire did not maintain the same level of control throughout the game.

Gambia reduced the deficit in the 38th minute when Musa Barrow’s shot took a deflection after a corner. The goal exposed a lack of concentration in dealing with set-pieces and second balls, areas Bakayoko believes require greater vigilance from the Ivorian defence.

The hosts also struggled to manage the second half. The tempo dropped, chances became less frequent and Gambia were able to keep the contest alive until the final stages.

For Bakayoko, the issue goes beyond the back four. Cote d’Ivoire must also improve how it controls matches after taking the lead, particularly when opponents increase their intensity.

The result nevertheless keeps the Elephants’ perfect record intact in the CAN 2027 qualifying campaign. Their next assignment comes against Gambia in the fourth round of matches at Bakau, where they will look to confirm the progress made in Bouake while addressing the defensive and game-management weaknesses exposed in the first meeting.

Mohamed Salah became Egypt’s outright leading international goalscorer after scoring twice against Malawi on Friday, 13 November 2026.

The 34-year-old reached 70 goals for the Pharaohs during the third round of matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, moving one goal ahead of former Egypt international Hossam Hassan.

Salah’s two goals took him past Hassan’s total of 69 and secured his place at the top of the national team’s scoring charts. The milestone carries added significance because Hassan is now Egypt’s manager and previously coached Salah with the national side.

The Liverpool forward has spent much of his international career among Egypt’s most influential players, regularly taking responsibility in important matches and establishing himself as one of the team’s leaders.

His 69th and 70th goals underline his consistency and longevity for Egypt. Since making his debut for the national team, Salah has continued to deliver at major moments and has repeatedly helped carry the side through key fixtures.

At 34, he remains a central figure for the Pharaohs and is still adding to a record that had previously belonged to one of the most important players in Egyptian football.

By moving beyond Hassan, Salah has reached another significant landmark in the history of the national team. Known as the “Egyptian King”, he now stands alone as the leading scorer in the Pharaohs’ history.

Gernot Rohr believes Benin have developed greater maturity and confidence since the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as they continue their strong start to qualifying for the 2027 tournament.

Benin beat Central African Republic 4-1 in Abidjan on Thursday to move on to seven points from three matches in Group F, with a goal difference of +4. The teams meet again in Douala, Cameroon, on Monday.

“It is very encouraging, but we must remain cautious,” Rohr said. “We will know a little more on Monday after the match against Central African Republic in Douala. Taking a point away from home would be a good result, but we will be ambitious.

“A victory would bring us very close to qualification. However, we will have to be very attentive because Central African Republic, who have no points, will probably see this as their last chance to stay in the race. We should therefore expect a difficult match.”

Benin had already drawn 1-1 with Burkina Faso and beaten Mauritania 2-1 in September. Rohr said Thursday’s victory was designed to build on those results, despite his side’s respect for Central African Republic’s key players Geoffrey Kondogbia and Louis Mafouta.

Imourane Hassane gave Benin an early lead before Central African Republic equalised. The hosts then restored their advantage and went into half-time two goals ahead.

“We were able to win the match comfortably thanks to our seriousness, the 4-3-3 system that we are mastering better and better, and the individual and collective quality of the squad,” Rohr said.

Benin were again without striker and captain Steve Mounie, but Rohr said the team had adapted successfully to his absence.

“We do not necessarily play in the same way when Steve is there or not,” he said. “When he is with us, we often look for his heading ability, an area in which he is very strong. When he is not on the pitch, we favour a game played more along the ground.”

Rohr rejected the idea that one or two individuals were solely responsible for Benin’s results, pointing instead to a stronger collective spirit.

“It is a whole,” he said. “A collective that has developed automatisms and enjoys working together. There has been a new mentality for several months.”

He believes that progress began at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Benin reached the last 16 and pushed Egypt before losing 3-1 after extra time.

“I think that tournament allowed the team to take a step forward,” Rohr said. “It gained experience, became more mature and has greater confidence.”

He highlighted the leadership of Junior Olaitan, Aiyegoun Tosin, Steve Mounie and Sessi D’Almeida, while also praising younger members of the squad. Rohr added that players facing difficulties at club level, including Hassane Imourane at Grasshoppers Zurich and unattached defender Mohamed Tijani, had still performed well for Benin.

Benin have been unable to play in Cotonou for some time because they do not have an approved stadium. Rohr said hosting matches in Abidjan had worked, but the team missed the support it would receive at home.

He said the stadium could be available at the beginning of next year, potentially allowing Benin to host Burkina Faso in Cotonou in March.

Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi scored twice for Morocco in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Niger, recording his first double for his country.

The 28-year-old struck in the 27th and 45th minutes to reach the milestone. Hakimi had never previously scored more than once in a match for Morocco during his international career.

He now has 14 goals and 22 assists in 104 appearances for the national team. His Morocco debut came in autumn 2016.

Hakimi has also recently scored the first hat-trick of his career, finding the net three times for Paris Saint-Germain against Le Havre in a Ligue 1 match at the end of October.

Nigeria began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 3-1 victory over Tanzania in Uyo, as Tolu Arokodare came off the bench to score twice and earn praise from head coach Eric Chelle.

The Super Eagles took the lead after only two minutes at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday evening, when Alhassan Yusuf found the net. Tanzania responded before half-time through Alphonce Msanga, leaving Nigeria frustrated after failing to turn their early control into further chances.

Arokodare was introduced at the interval and restored Nigeria’s advantage seven minutes after the restart. He struck again eight minutes later to secure three points for the hosts.

Chelle highlighted the 25-year-old’s effectiveness in the penalty area after the match.

“His strength is in the box. When you bring the ball into the box, he’s maybe actually the best striker,” said the Franco-Malian coach.

Arokodare’s first goal followed intelligent movement and a composed finish after Wilfred Ndidi’s involvement. His second showed both power and composure as he converted a delivery from fellow substitute Moses Usor.

The manager was pleased with the result but warned that Nigeria still had work to do.

“There are a lot of good things, but there are some bad things. We are not perfect. We have a few days to correct everything,” he told reporters.

Nigeria’s performance improved considerably after the break. The introduction of Arokodare and Usor gave the attack greater energy and provided a clearer focal point, allowing the Super Eagles to play with more directness and threat.

That was in contrast to an untidy first half in which Tanzania grew into the contest after Yusuf’s early goal. Defensive mistakes allowed the Taifa Stars to apply pressure and force Nigeria to work hard before the interval.

Nigeria now sit second in Group L with six points, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau. Their next fixture is the return match in Tanzania, which Chelle regards as the immediate priority.

“We have to go to Tanzania to win this game. The most important is the next game,” he said.

Tanzania have already secured their place at the 2027 finals as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda, meaning they will approach the fixture with less pressure.

Chelle’s comments also indicated that he expects improvement from his side, particularly in controlling matches and limiting individual errors. Arokodare’s display, meanwhile, gives him another attacking option after the striker’s strong club form finally produced a decisive contribution for the national team.

His ability to hold off defenders, retain possession and finish clinically offers Nigeria a different dimension. The coach’s assessment of his work in the box suggests the staff recognise where the Ajax forward can have the greatest impact.

The victory gives Nigeria momentum, but Chelle’s message was clear: the campaign cannot be judged on one result. The next match in Tanzania will show whether the Super Eagles can build on an imperfect performance that ultimately delivered all three points.

Ademola Lookman’s fitness is in doubt after the Atletico Madrid forward was forced off with a knee injury during Nigeria’s 3-1 win over Tanzania in their AFCON 2027 qualifier in Uyo on Friday.

The 29-year-old started at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium and made an immediate impact. After combining with Akor Adams in the second minute, Lookman created the opening for Alhassan Yusuf to score.

He continued to pose a threat for Nigeria until shortly before half-time, when he went down and indicated that he could not carry on. Moses Simon replaced him before the interval, with the score level at 1-1.

Nigeria eventually secured victory with two second-half goals from substitute Tolu Arokodare. However, the result was overshadowed by the latest injury concern surrounding one of the Super Eagles’ key attacking players.

Head coach Eric Chelle said Lookman had been affected by a challenge rather than suffering an injury without contact.

“His knee started to feel bad after he took a knock,” Chelle said at his post-match press conference. “That is why he had to come off.”

The extent of the problem has yet to be established. Lookman will undergo further assessment to determine whether he can take part in the return leg against Tanzania in Zanzibar on Tuesday.

The incident adds to a series of fitness concerns involving the forward during his international career. At AFCON 2025, Lookman required attention after a heavy challenge against Tunisia, although he later reassured supporters that he was “good and fine”.

He has also experienced muscle and other soft-tissue problems while with Nigeria. At club level, absences, including a knee injury earlier in 2025, have at times affected his availability and match sharpness when he has joined up with the national team.

Those interruptions have occasionally disrupted his rhythm, despite Lookman remaining one of Nigeria’s most creative attacking options in the absence of Victor Osimhen.

Atletico Madrid will be monitoring the situation, with Lookman having had a stop-start campaign in Spain. A prolonged absence would be a setback for both club and country, although Nigeria’s immediate focus is on establishing the seriousness of the injury before the second match against Tanzania.

A successful outcome across the two fixtures would leave Chelle’s side firmly in contention for automatic qualification from Group L.

Lookman’s latest setback came after he had helped create the opening goal, underlining how quickly the circumstances can change in international football. Nigeria will hope the knee knock is only minor and that their influential forward can return soon.

Arsenal winger Max Dowman became the youngest player to represent England Under-21s when he made his debut in a narrow friendly defeat by Portugal.

The 16-year-old came on in the 61st minute, with England ultimately losing the match by a single goal.

According to Afcnewsroom, Dowman’s appearance means he has taken the record for the youngest player in the history of England’s youth side. He surpassed Jude Bellingham’s mark, with Dowman making his debut four months younger than the former record-holder.

Dowman has made 19 appearances for Arsenal’s first team, scoring three goals and providing one assist.

The Arsenal prospect will turn 17 on 31 December.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has discussed the challenge facing Mauricio Pochettino after the Argentine was appointed Manchester United’s new manager.

Manchester United officially announced Pochettino’s appointment on Friday, a day after confirming the departure of his predecessor, Michael Carrick.

Carragher said the expectations at Manchester United would be demanding, warning: “They will not accept that.”

Pochettino agreed to leave the United States national team to take charge of Manchester United.

Barcelona will have scouts at the friendly between Argentina and Uruguay as the club evaluates two central defenders, according to Sport.

The match is scheduled to begin at 02:00 Moscow time today, with representatives of the Catalan club expected to be in attendance.

Their focus will reportedly be on Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United and Uruguay defender Juan Rodriguez of Cagliari.

Martinez, 28, is valued at 45m euros by the football statistics website Transfermarkt, while Rodriguez, 21, has an estimated market value of 14m euros.

The report comes after earlier claims that Barcelona will not be able to spend a significant sum during the winter transfer window.

Mauricio Pochettino has spoken about how he reached an agreement to become Manchester United manager, describing the appointment as “one of the toughest decisions in my career”.

The Argentine will remain in charge of the USA for their next two matches against Haiti before taking up his responsibilities at the English club.

Manchester United’s first fixture under their new manager is scheduled for 22 November, when they travel to face Liverpool.

Former England striker Alan Shearer does not regard Liverpool as contenders to win the Premier League this season.

Liverpool have collected 18 points from their opening 10 league matches and sit fourth in the table. Chelsea are fifth on 16 points, while Arsenal lead the standings with 27 points.

Liverpool’s next Premier League fixture is at home to Manchester United on 22 November. Chelsea will host Leeds a day earlier.

Manchester United’s current players are significantly weaker both mentally and physically than the team ?????? ??????????? played in during the 1990s, according to the former Old Trafford midfielder.

???????????, now head coach of Dynamo Bryansk, said the club’s priorities had changed. In his view, Manchester United once came before everything else, whereas players today are more focused on putting themselves first.

He also questioned the authenticity of the current squad’s displays of commitment, saying there was more “show” than genuine action when it came to demonstrating a willingness to fight for the team.

??????????? added that problems should remain inside the dressing room rather than being made public. He also claimed that most members of the current Manchester United squad would, at best, have been substitutes during Alex Ferguson’s time in charge.

Real Madrid are interested in Atletico Mineiro’s 18-year-old defender Vitao, with Brighton and Everton also monitoring the Brazilian.

Brighton are preparing to make the first formal approach for Vitao and are willing to offer €14m during the winter transfer window, according to Sport.

That figure is below the €20m release clause written into the defender’s contract for foreign clubs.

Atletico Mineiro have attempted to extend Vitao’s deal, with the proposed changes including a higher salary and an increased release clause. However, negotiations have reached an impasse in recent weeks.

Vitao currently earns one of the lowest salaries among players in the Brazilian championship.

Shooting Stars scored twice in the closing stages to secure a 2-1 win over Bendel Insurance in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 13 meeting at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, on Friday night.

The game looked set to finish goalless before the hosts broke the deadlock in the 84th minute. Olakunle Akala found the breakthrough, giving Shooting Stars a late advantage.

Qamar Adegoke then extended the lead two minutes into stoppage time, putting Shooting Stars in control and seemingly securing all three points for the home side.

Bendel Insurance responded with the final kick of the match, Alex Oweilayefa reducing the deficit. However, the late goal came too late to prevent the visitors from suffering defeat.

The result moved Shooting Stars up to seventh in the NPFL standings, with 18 points from 13 matches.

Bendel Insurance remained in second place despite the loss, having collected 21 points from the same number of games.

Benin made a strong statement in the CAN 2027 qualifiers by beating Central African Republic 4-1 at the Felix-Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on Thursday, 12 November 2026.

The victory, secured on matchday three, was inspired in part by a brace from Tosin Aiyegun and moved the Guepards to the top of Group F with seven points.

However, several Beninese observers believe the team must improve in a number of areas before the return fixture in Douala on Monday, 16 November.

Aiyegun leads improved attack

For Adetonah Lugy, the most encouraging aspect of the performance was Benin’s attacking efficiency. He was particularly impressed by the work of the forward line featuring Tosin Aiyegun, Rodolfo Aloko and Yamirou Ouorou.

Speaking to 229foot, Lugy said the Guepards could have scored even more goals considering the chances they created. He nevertheless called on the players to show greater determination and provide the extra commitment that has sometimes been missing from their performances.

Lugy also felt Joseph Oloko, who came on during the match, had enough time to make a greater impact.

The observer also assessed Junior Olaitan’s contribution. Although Olaitan has been performing well for his club in Turkey, Lugy believes the player has been less adventurous when representing Benin.

Despite that reservation, Lugy regarded the overall display as satisfactory. He praised a solid defence and a midfield that performed at the required level, describing the win over Central African Republic as an encouraging foundation for the remainder of the qualifying campaign.

Salou warns Benin against complacency

Marouane Salou also welcomed the result, with Benin’s renewed sharpness in front of goal among the main positives for the sports consultant and member of the Benin supporters’ association.

But Salou warned that qualification should not yet be treated as secured. In his assessment, Central African Republic showed during periods of the game that they could cause Benin problems, particularly through their possession and spells of pressure.

The Guepards will therefore need to maintain their concentration, address the mistakes made in Abidjan and take advantage of every opportunity in the second meeting, Salou said.

Benin’s seven points and position at the top of Group F give them a significant advantage, but they must confirm their progress in Douala if they are to continue their path towards CAN 2027 with confidence.

Yassine Bounou is making his 100th appearance for Morocco in Friday’s match against Niger, reaching the milestone during the third round of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations on 13 November 2026.

The 35-year-old becomes one of only a small number of Morocco internationals to reach a century of caps. Since making his debut, Bounou has established himself as a key figure for the Atlas Lions and one of Africa’s leading goalkeepers.

His 100th international appearance also highlights his longevity at the highest level. Bounou has featured for Morocco at several major tournaments and played a central role in the team’s historic run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Morocco became the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final when they advanced to the last four at that tournament.

Bounou’s appearance against Niger formally places him in Morocco’s 100-cap club, further cementing his status as one of the defining figures in the history of the Atlas Lions.

Nigeria moved up to second place in Group L of the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying competition after beating Tanzania 3-1 on Friday, 13 November 2026.

The Super Eagles made a fast start and secured the points with two goals from Tolu Arokodare after the interval. The result gives Nigeria six points from three matches and keeps them firmly in contention for qualification.

Nigeria needed only two minutes to take the lead. Alhassan Yusuf finished the opening attack to put the visitors ahead before Tanzania gradually found a way back into the contest.

Their response was rewarded in the 32nd minute, when Alphonce Msanga scored the equaliser. The goal ensured the sides went into half-time level after a first half in which both teams had established periods of control.

Nigeria restored their advantage seven minutes after the restart. Arokodare found the net in the 52nd minute to put the Super Eagles back in front.

The Nigerian forward struck again eight minutes later, completing his double and extending the lead to 3-1. His second goal gave Nigeria a decisive advantage and left Tanzania facing a difficult task in the remainder of the match.

The victory represents an important result for Nigeria after three rounds of Group L fixtures. The Super Eagles are now second in the standings with six points, while the win keeps their qualification campaign on course.

Nigeria will look to build on the result in the next rounds as they continue their pursuit of a place at the Africa Cup of Nations 2027.

Cameroon moved to the top of their group after beating Namibia 2-0 at Japoma, with former Cameroon U23 assistant coach Laurent Djam praising the team’s pressing, tactical balance and growing identity.

Speaking to Africafoot the day after the win, Djam described the result as an important step for the Indomitable Lions, while also identifying areas that still require improvement ahead of the return match.

The former coach was particularly encouraged by Cameroon’s decision to change their system. He said the adjustment, built around a 4-2-3-1 formation, provided the side with greater balance and offered positive indications for the matches ahead.

Strong start and high pressing

Djam praised Cameroon’s opening to the game, comparing the first period to a basketball quarter because of the intensity of the team’s high press.

The Indomitable Lions began the match aggressively and attempted to prevent Namibia from building their attacks from deep. For Djam, that approach was one of the clearest signs of a team developing a more recognisable style.

He also highlighted the performances of Arthur Avom Ebong and Yondjo in midfield. Avom, the vice-captain, was identified as one of the key satisfactions of the match, while Djam viewed Yondjo’s first appearance with an indulgent eye.

Mbeumo asked to take greater responsibility

In the attacking department, Djam pointed to the pace available to Cameroon but said he expected more leadership from captain Bryan Mbeumo.

The former coach believes Cameroon possess the speed required to cause opponents problems, particularly during quick transitions. However, he wants Mbeumo to play a greater role in directing the attacking effort and providing leadership in the final third.

Djam also explained Cameroon’s more cautious second-half display. He attributed the team’s retreat partly to the need to manage the game after taking control, but called for substitutions to have a greater impact when changes are made.

The result, he concluded, was more than just an important addition to Cameroon’s points tally. It suggested that a new side is taking shape, with a clearer identity based on possession, intense pressing and rapid transitions.

The 4-2-3-1 system and the near-perfect start were major positives, but Djam stressed that the substitutes must contribute more decisively. He also wants the midfield to improve its control of the tempo so it can supply Cameroon’s fast forwards more effectively.

With a reassuring goalkeeper and a squad that has shown it can respond during a match, the Indomitable Lions approach the return fixture with confidence. Djam’s warning, however, was that concentration must be maintained.

Cameroon will soon play Namibia again in the fourth round of qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Tunisia’s CAN 2027 qualifying campaign suffered a major setback as they were beaten 2-0 at home by Libya on Friday, 13 November 2026.

The defeat, in the third round of matches, leaves the Aigles de Carthage bottom of Group H with only two points and puts their hopes of progressing under serious pressure.

The game remained goalless until the closing moments of the first half, when Libya were awarded a penalty. Ali Youssif converted from the spot in the 44th minute to give the visitors the lead just before the interval.

Tunisia attempted to recover after the break, but Libya made effective use of the spaces left by the hosts as they pushed forward in search of an equaliser.

The visitors doubled their advantage in the 62nd minute when Hamdou El Hounia found the net, putting Libya in a commanding position and bringing them closer to an important away victory.

Tunisia continued to look for a way back into the match, but could not reduce the deficit. Libya held on to secure all three points without any further change to the score.

The result moves Libya to the top of Group H with four points, while Tunisia remain at the foot of the table on two points after three matches.

The Aigles de Carthage must now respond in their next fixtures if they are to revive their qualification campaign for CAN 2027.

Burkina Faso secured a crucial 1-0 win over Mauritania on Friday, 13 November 2026, with Elohim Kabore scoring late to decide the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier.

The match appeared to be heading for a goalless draw until Kabore found the breakthrough in the closing minutes. His decisive finish earned the Etalons three points and ended Mauritania’s hopes of taking a positive result from the third round of Group F fixtures.

Mauritania defended resolutely for most of the game and matched their opponents in an closely fought contest. Both sides created opportunities during a tense and evenly balanced encounter, but neither could find a way through for much of the 90 minutes.

Burkina Faso were forced to remain patient as Mauritania maintained their resistance. With regulation time almost complete, the home side the Etalons finally made their pressure count through Kabore’s late goal.

The result was a particularly painful one for Mauritania, who had held firm throughout almost the entire match before conceding in the final stages.

Burkina Faso now have seven points from their opening three matches and sit second in Group F. Their narrow victory keeps them within reach of leaders Benin and strengthens their position in the race to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027.

The Etalons will now look to maintain that momentum in their next fixtures.