Sports
Africa Football: A Look at The Best National Teams on the Continent
There is a widespread belief that an African nation will eventually achieve the ultimate prize and win the FIFA World Cup. This belief grew stronger when, for the first time ever in 2022, an African team reached the semi-finals. African nations are eager to surpass this achievement. Which African nations, according to some of the best African online betting sites and casinos, have the best odds of winning the world cup in 2026? In this article, we will take a look at the best national teams on the continent.
Morocco
Few fans would have given Morocco a chance of achieving an unlikely bid for World Cup glory heading into the tournament in 2002. However, they surpassed all expectations to become the first African nation to compete in the semi-finals of the competition. Their run to the last four was memorable, as they overcame both Spain and Portugal in dramatic fashion before finally being eliminated by subsequent runners-up France.
Morocco has often been seen as one of the most successful nations in Africa, as they were ranked the top national side from the region for three straight years between 1997 and 1999 by FIFA. They have constantly been a national side from the region that has made history, which was evident once again in 1986, as they became the first team from Africa to finish top of a World Cup group.
Senegal
Senegal has been one of the most consistent teams in the region throughout their history, and they have always threatened to play a huge role at major tournaments. As one of the most famous teams from the continent, they have reached the World Cup on multiple occasions, with their best showing coming in 2002, as they became just the second team from Africa to reach the quarterfinals. That edition of the World Cup put the African nations on the map, as Senegal created a major shock when they defeated the reigning world champions France in the group stage, before beating Sweden in the round of 16. Senegal finally managed to land a major honor for the first time in history in 2021, as they won the Africa Cup of Nations, ending a run of two straight final defeats in the tournament.
Ivory Coast
The Ivory Coast has produced some of the finest players to come out of Africa throughout history, with stars such as Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, and Kolo Toure all playing key roles in team success in Europe. At the national level, they achieved their most famous success in 1992, as they won the Africa Cup of Nations. However, further success has followed since then, as they won the same honor in 2015, before appearing in three straight editions of the World Cup between 2006 and 2015. But, there was often disappointment surrounding their performances at the major tournament, as they couldn’t make it through the group stage despite boasting one of the most exciting teams.
Cameroon
There are few more globally popular African national sides around than Cameroon. The nation has successfully qualified for the World Cup on eight occasions, which is more than any other side in the region. They also achieved qualification on four straight occasions between 1990 and 2002. However, they only made it out of the group stage on one occasion.
But, that successful campaign in 1990 remains one of the most celebrated victories achieved by the national team, as they grew supporters from all corners of the world before their eventual elimination at the hands of England. Cameroon has also won the Africa Cup of Nations on five occasions. The national side also holds the prestigious honor of being the only African side to have beaten Brazil in a competitive match, having achieved the feat in both the 2003 Confederations Cup and the 2022 World Cup.
Conclusion
There has been no shortage of success stories surrounding African nations throughout history, and it seems only a matter of time before a nation from the CAF region is able to achieve immortality by winning the FIFA World Cup. The sport in Africa remains at an all-time popularity level, with millions of fans watching domestic action from around Europe that features some of the brightest stars from Africa. It also promises to be an exciting 12 months of football within the nation with the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in January.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Senegalese Football Federation has said it would appeal against the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to strip it of the 2025 AFCON trophy at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
It called the decision “an unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable decision which brings discredit to African football”.
CAF on Tuesday night declared Morocco champions, following a walkout staged by the Senegal team, but later returned to defeat Morocco 1-0.
CAF, in a statement yesterday, said “the Senegal national team is declared to have forfeited the match,” a 1-0 victory in the final, “with the result being officially recorded as 3-0” in favour of Morocco.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) said in a statement “its action was never intended to contest the sporting performance of the teams participating in this competition, but solely to request the application of the competition regulations”.
During the final on January 18, with the scoreline 0-0, Congolese referee Jean Jacques Ndala gave a spot-kick in the eighth minute of added time.
Ndala was advised by the video assistant referee (VAR) to consult the pitchside monitor and review defender El Hadji Malick Diouf’s challenge on Diaz.
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw, still incensed by Ndala’s decision a few moments earlier to disallow a Senegal goal from Ismaila Sarr, ushered his team off the field.
The decision follows an appeal by the Moroccan FA, which CAF said is “declared admissible in form” and was upheld.
CAF added that “through the conduct of its team”, Senegal infringed on Article 82 of the regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, and as a result, Article 84 became applicable.
Article 82 states that if a team refuses to play or leaves the ground before the end of regulation time without the referee’s authorisation, it will be considered the loser and eliminated from the competition.
Article 84 complements this provision, stating that any team that violates Article 82 will be permanently eliminated and will lose the match 3-0.
By Dipo Olowookere
Senegal has been stripped of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy it won on January 18, 2026.
In a statement on Tuesday night, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) said the trophy now belongs to Morocco, which hosted the tournament.
Senegal defeated Morocco by a lone goal to clinch the title in extra time after earlier leaving the pitch due to a penalty awarded to the host nation, which was later lost after a restart.
The penalty was awarded in the last minute of the match following a VAR check by Congolese referee, Jean-Jacques Ndala, after Brahim Diaz had been tugged to the ground by Senegal full back, El Hadji Malick Diouf.
The Senegalese team was not happy with the call because they had earlier been denied one against Morocco. The Teranga Lions’ coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, ordered his players to leave the pitch in protest, but Sadio Mane persuaded them to return after a 14-minute delay, and when the spot kick was taken by Diaz, he played it into the hands of Édouard Mendy.
The game went into extra time, and in the 94th minute, Pape Gueye netted the only goal.
After the tournament, Morocco launched an appeal to void Senegal’s win, but lost as CAF said Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations were not violated.
However, in a twist, the football governing body on the continent made a U-turn, declaring Morocco the 2025 AFCON champions.
It recorded the final match as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), setting aside the earlier decision of the CAF Disciplinary Board.
CAF upheld “the appeal lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF)” and declared it “admissible,” agreeing that “Articles 82 and 84” were breached.
“The CAF Appeal Board further finds that the conduct of the Senegal team falls within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations,” a part of the statement read.
“In application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, the Senegal team is declared to have forfeited the match, with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF),” it further announced.
The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 concludes this week as the second-leg fixtures determine which teams will advance to the quarter-finals. All the key fixtures will be broadcast live on SuperSport across DStv and GOtv.
Tuesday: Rescue Missions and Defensive Masterclasses
Tuesday’s action begins at 6:45 pm as Sporting Lisbon hosts Bodo/Glimt. The Norwegian side produced one of the competition’s standout results with a 3–0 first-leg victory and will aim to protect that advantage in Lisbon, while Sporting must deliver a remarkable comeback to keep their European hopes alive. The match airs on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202).
At 9:00 pm, Manchester City face Real Madrid in another high-profile encounter. Madrid holds a commanding 3–0 advantage after an impressive first-leg performance, leaving City with a daunting task at the Etihad Stadium against the most decorated club in the competition. The match will be shown on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202).
Also at 9:00 pm, Chelsea welcomes Paris Saint-Germain to Stamford Bridge. PSG arrive with a 5–2 aggregate lead and the attacking quality to threaten on the counter, while Chelsea must produce a near-perfect performance to overturn the deficit. The match airs on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203).
At the same time, Arsenal take on Bayer Leverkusen with the tie finely balanced at 1–1. Both teams impressed in the first leg, and the decisive encounter at the Emirates Stadium promises a tightly contested tactical battle. Watch live on SS La Liga (GOtv Ch. 62, DStv Ch. 204).
Wednesday: Deciders Across Europe
Wednesday’s programme begins at 6:45 pm as Barcelona host Newcastle United with the aggregate score level at 1–1. Newcastle travel to Spain with renewed confidence after recent domestic victories, while Barcelona will rely on their experience and home support to push for qualification. The match airs on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203).
At 9:00 pm, Liverpool welcome Galatasaray to Anfield, trailing 1–0 from the first leg. With the tie still within reach, Liverpool must produce a strong performance at home to overturn the deficit against a Galatasaray side full of belief. The match will be shown on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202).
Also at 9:00 pm, Tottenham face Atletico Madrid in North London. Atletico carry a commanding 5–2 advantage after the first leg and will look to rely on their defensive organisation, while Spurs must deliver an attacking display to keep the contest alive. The match airs on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203).
The night concludes in Munich, where Bayern Munich hosts Atalanta with a comfortable 6–1 aggregate lead. Bayern appear firmly in control of the tie, while Atalanta will aim to restore pride after a difficult first leg. Watch live on SS La Liga (GOtv Ch. 62, DStv Ch. 204).
Round of 16 – Second Leg Fixtures
Tuesday, 17 March
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Sporting Lisbon vs Bodo/Glimt — 6:45 pm (SS Football Plus HD)
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Manchester City vs Real Madrid — 9:00 pm (SS Football Plus HD)
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Chelsea vs Paris Saint-Germain — 9:00 pm (SS Premier League)
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Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen — 9:00 pm (SS La Liga)
Wednesday, 18 March
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Barcelona vs Newcastle United — 6:45 pm (SS Premier League)
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Liverpool vs Galatasaray — 9:00 pm (SS Football Plus HD)
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Tottenham Hotspur vs Atletico Madrid — 9:00 pm (SS Premier League)
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Bayern Munich vs Atalanta — 9:00pm (SS La Liga)
Catch Every Game
Catch all the UEFA Champions League action live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. Matches are also available to stream via DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. Manage or upgrade your subscription via the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps, visit www.dstv.com or www.gotvafrica.com, or dial *288# to stay connected.
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