Africa’s premier biennial men’s football championship
Airspace has reopened between Mali and Algeria and ambassadors are to resume duties after a year-long diplomatic rift triggered by a drone incident. Mali says its airspace is open to all civilian and military flights; Algeria confirms the move as ties thaw in a volatile Sahel.
South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has been found dead at a home in Cape Town's Schotsche Kloof neighbourhood. Police have opened an inquest and are investigating; authorities have not released a cause of death. Adams had played in South Africa's three World Cup group matches and had helped the nation reach the knockout stage for the first time.
Senegal has dismissed head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw and his technical staff following a World Cup last-32 exit. The federation says the move is in the best interests of Senegalese football after a disappointing campaign that saw the team go out to Belgium in the last 32 after leading 2-0. The decision follows prior reporting of changes in medical and coaching staff and comes amid controversy around Afcon 2025.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport will hold the Morocco–Senegal AFCON final case hearing behind closed doors in Lausanne, with no verdict date yet. Senegal appealed Caf’s ruling that Morocco won 3-0 after Senegal walked off the pitch in Rabat following a late penalty. The outcome will not be announced on the hearing day.
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.
Real Madrid have completed a €125m upfront fee plus €15m in add-ons to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, making him the club’s sixth summer arrival under Jose Mourinho. The 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger starred at the World Cup and becomes Madrid’s answer to long-term talent priorities.
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.