Africa’s premier biennial men’s football championship, evolving in format and schedule
David Owori, 27, captain of SC Villa, has died after being attacked while resisting a robbery outside his Makindye home. He helped SC Villa win a record 17th Uganda Premier League title in 2024 and represented the Uganda Cranes. Police are pursuing suspects; tributes pour in from FUFA, Parliament, and fans.
Arsenal have secured Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United for £75m on a four-year deal with an option for a further year. The transfer closes a long-running saga and strengthens Arsenal’s midfield as they move to defend their title. Newcastle accept a fee around £75m as they look to replace him with younger options.
Bournemouth has completed the signing of 22-year-old António Silva from Benfica for about €24.7m, with add-ons bringing potential total to €29.7m. The Portuguese defender, who has 20 caps and featured in World Cup and Euro 2024 squads, joins under manager Marco Rose to bolster a squad aiming for stability after a summer of heavy player sales.
Artan has become the first non-European official to referee the UEFA Super Cup, guiding Paris Saint‑Germain to a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa in Salzburg. His appointment follows UEFA’s CAF cooperation and comes after a US entry denial that sparked international scrutiny. The match confirms Artan’s place among Africa’s top referees and marks a historic moment for Somali football.
Arsenal have added Bruno Guimarães to the midfield and introduced him in a warm-up with Como, where a 1-1 draw led to a 4-3 shootout win. Myles-Skelly has started to cement his midfield role, while the club’s transfer activity remains high ahead of the season.
Carlos Queiroz has been re-appointed head coach of the Ghana Black Stars, returning to lead the team for the next phase of its programme. He takes charge after a period of upheaval, aiming to guide Ghana into Afcon qualification and beyond.
World Athletics has awarded Nairobi the 2029 World Championships, marking Africa’s first hosting of the event. Munich will stage 2031, while London and Rome miss out. Kenya touts upgrades to Kasarani Stadium and infrastructure as a historic milestone for African sport.
Egypt has rested Mohamed Salah for the AFCON qualifier against South Sudan due to concerns over the artificial surface in Juba. Salah started the Angola match but was substituted, with the EFA citing surface-related injury risks. South Sudan visit on 29 September at Juba Stadium.
The Ghana Football Association has terminated the contract with veteran Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz by mutual consent, ending a turbulent five-month spell after his reappointment in September. Ghana faced defeats in AFCON qualifying, including a 4-2 loss to Gambia, and the team sits at the bottom of Group C.
Senegal has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport after CAF ruled Morocco the champions following Senegal’s walk-off in Rabat. A CAS hearing in Lausanne is underway to determine the rightful winner of the title, with the next AFCON tournament looming.
Motsepe has defended Africa’s stance on AFCON, saying Africa’s interests are protected as CAF weighs returning to a two-year cycle. The plan has broad African support but faces leadership tensions while Infantino’s influence looms. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are set to host the next edition.
CAF has reversed its December plan to run AFCON on a four-year cycle, reinstating a biennial schedule after an executive decision. Motsepe says the move advances African football and players, while concerns linger about the Africa Nations League timeline and funding. Next editions are set for 2027, 2028, 2031 and 2033 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with no AFCON in 2030.