Tom Saintfiet says Mali must improve after making AFCON last 16 without winning a game
Mali coach Tom Saintfiet admits it feels strange to progress to the knockout round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations without registering a win.
Achraf Hakimi targets AFCON glory after successful return from injury
Goals from Ayoub El Kaabi (9', 50') and Brahim Diaz (27') sealed the win at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, and the country's place in the knockout rounds as Group A winners.
Hakimi was missing from the 2-0 opening day win over Comoros and 1-1 draw with Mali, but made his comeback just past the hour mark, as a replacement for Noussair Mazraouri on Monday.
The Atlas Lions will next face the third placed finisher in either Group C or E in the last 16 of the competition.
Hakimi revealed on ZamFoot that he was delighted to be back and is fully focused on helping his team lift the 2025 AFCON trophy.
“I didn't expect to recover this early. It feels great to be back from injury and I'm really excited to be part of AFCON again,” he said.
"Morocco has been playing very well without me, and that shows the strength of this group. I'm now here to help make the team even stronger," added the Paris Saint-Germain defender.
“We have one objective and one objective only — to win AFCON,” he concluded.
Zambia head coach Moses Sichone on AFCON exit: It is painful to leave the tournament
Zambia head coach Moses Sichone has apologised to the country's supporters after their Africa Cup of Nations campaign ended with a heavy 3-0 defeat to hosts Morocco on Monday.
'We were our own worst enemy', says Hugo Broos as Bafana edge Zimbabwe to reach last 16
Bafana boss Hugo Broos admits his side "fell asleep" in their final Africa Cup of Nations Group B match with Zimbabwe before emerging with a 3-2 victory.
Algeria edge Burkina Faso to seal last 16 place at AFCON 2025
Algeria secured their place in the last 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso on Sunday.