Tag: Africa Cup of Nations

Nicolas Jackson set to return to Chelsea after Bayern loan

Nicolas Jackson
November 2025

Jackson’s Bayern stay will almost certainly end as a straight loan, since he cannot reach the appearance threshold that would trigger a £56.2m obligation to buy. AFCON absences and limited starts mean the 40-start clause is now mathematically impossible. The Senegal striker has only six qualifying starts and will miss more games while on international duty, leaving Bayern with no automatic purchase requirement. Despite a fractured relationship with Chelsea and Enzo Maresca, his agent still hopes to negotiate a permanent move away from Stamford Bridge.

Amorim tries to delay AFCON exits for Mbeumo, Amad and Mazraoui

Ruben Amorim
November 2025

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim plans talks with the federations of Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Morocco to delay AFCON call-ups for Mbeumo, Amad and Mazraoui so he can keep them deeper into December during a packed Premier League and FA Cup run. AFCON rules allow nations to demand players two weeks before their first group games, which could remove the trio around the Wolves match on 8 December, but United are pushing for release after Bournemouth on 15 December to limit the number of fixtures they miss.

Sesko Ruled Out For Weeks As United Sweat On Striker Depth Before AFCON

Benjamin Sesko (Manchester United)
November 2025

Manchester United have confirmed Benjamin Sesko faces several weeks out with a knee injury suffered in the 2-2 draw against Tottenham, leaving Ruben Amorim short of centre-forward options and raising doubts over whether the £74m striker will regain rhythm before Bryan Mbeumo departs for AFCON. Scans ruled out major ligament damage but Sesko’s setback, after only two goals in 12 games, leaves Joshua Zirkzee as the lone natural nine while United lean on academy options; Amorim also said Harry Maguire is out and Kobbie Mainoo doubtful, compounding selection problems.

Hakimi crowned Africa’s best as Morocco dominate awards night

Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
November 2025

Achraf Hakimi has been named African Player of the Year after a treble-winning season with Paris Saint-Germain, beating Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen as he capped a landmark awards night that also recognised Morocco’s growing influence across men’s and women’s football. Recovering from a serious ankle sprain, Hakimi is racing to be fit to lead hosts Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations, while team-mates Ghizlane Chebbak and Yassine Bounou, rising star Othmane Maamma and coach Bubista of Cape Verde also collected major continental honours.

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