Mali booked their place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 after defeating Tunisia 3-2 on penalties following a hard-fought draw in regulation time and extra time (1-1).
In a physically demanding battle, Tunisia were forced into an early change as defender Dylan Bronn left the pitch injured. Mali’s task became even more difficult in the 27th minute when Wayo Coulibaly was shown a red card for a poorly timed challenge on Hannibal Mejbri.
Despite their numerical advantage, Tunisia failed to impose themselves before the break, and the two sides went into half-time locked at 0-0.
Played in a vibrant atmosphere at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, Tunisia returned from the interval with renewed attacking intent. However, their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by a well-organized Malian defence and an inspired Djigui Diarra in goal.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 88th minute when Firat Chaouat rose highest to head home Elias Saad’s cross, leaving Diarra with no chance. Just as Tunisia looked set for victory, drama struck in stoppage time. A handball by Yassine Meriah in the penalty area gave Mali a lifeline, and Lassine Sinayoko calmly converted from the spot in the 90+6th minute to score his third goal of the tournament and force extra time.
As had been the case for much of the match, extra time produced little in the way of clear chances, and the contest was decided by a penalty shoot-out. Mali proved more composed from the spot, converting three penalties to Tunisia’s two, with Djigui Diarra once again playing a decisive role.
Mali will now face Senegal in the quarter-finals, after the Teranga Lions secured a 3-1 victory over Sudan earlier in the day.
Post-match reactions:
Djigui Diarra (Mali), TotalEnergies Man of the Match:
“From the start of the match, we knew it was going to be difficult, especially after one of our players received a red card. We spoke among ourselves as players and the coach gave us valuable advice. The match remained tough right through to the penalty shoot-out. We worked very hard to reach this result, and when it came to penalties, all the players said it was time to qualify. Personally, I was thinking about the Malian people.”
Sami Trabelsi – Tunisia Head Coach:
“It was a difficult match. Tunisia were in control, but unfortunately after scoring, something incomprehensible happened and we made a mistake. Of course, there is great disappointment and pain after Tunisia’s elimination from the competition. A defeat remains a defeat, even if it comes via penalties. It is true that we could have qualified, as our opponents played with ten men from the end of the first half, but it did not happen.
The responsibility for the loss lies with the coach, that is certain. The players gave everything they had in a match we largely controlled, and we cannot blame them.”
Tom Saintfiet – Mali Head Coach:
“I am proud of the goalkeeper and of all the players. Before the match, I told them that they are champions. If we had played with 11 players, we might have had even more advantages. After the red card, we remained calm and adapted to the situation, because football is also played with intelligence. We prepared very well for the match against Tunisia, and the players knew exactly what they were doing.
We will face Senegal in the quarterfinals. Senegal will be the favourites, just as Morocco and Tunisia were in our previous matches. We have a clear objective, which is to remain in the competition.”
Allin beats Yuta, El Clon Wins Debut, Storm and Shafir Brawl, and More
AEW Collision began its residency back at Esports Stadium Arlington, live on TNT and streaming on HBO Max, with a star-studded Saturday night of the best professional wrestling in the world!
Darby Allin took care of Wheeler Yuta in their first one-on-one match in over three years, despite interference from Daniel Garcia and Marina Shafir, the latter of whom was ejected from ringside and got into it with “Timeless” Toni Storm! As a result, Storm and Shafir will battle it out on Dynamite!
Shelton Benjamin defeated Dante Martin of SkyFlight to build some momentum heading into his Continental Eliminator against AEW Continental Champion Jon Moxley this Wednesday on Dynamite. Don Callis finally unleashed El Clon for a successful in-ring debut in an impressive victory against Angelico. But when Clon tried to do further damage, Komander ran out to stop him. Later in the night, it was El Clon who cost Komander his match against Hechicero. With the win, Hechicero earned a shot at TNT Champion Mark Briscoe next week on Collision!
Plus, JetSpeed handled Big Bill and Bryan Keith in tag team action, and Eddie Kingston and Ortiz called out the Grizzled Young Veterans! All that and so much more came your way from Arlington!
Here’s everything that went down on AEW Collision for January 3, 2026, including your full results and match recaps.
We Hear From Timeless Love Bombs, Shelton Benjamin and MVP, Dante Martin and Christopher Daniels, and Darby Allin
Before we got to the action, the Timeless Love Bombs told us they were returning to Collision for some “Hot Texas Action” and apologized for what they were going to do tonight to Hyan and Maya World, because they liked them. Christopher Daniels said SkyFlight is a cohesive unit, so with Scorpio Sky out, Dante Martin will step in his place to defeat Shelton Benjamin. Martin flew into frame to say Benjamin is one of the greatest athletes, but tonight, Benjamin finds out that Martin is inhuman. MVP said this is the beginning of the first fiscal quarter for The Hurt Syndicate, and Martin has an unfortunate collision with Benjamin. MVP said it’s business as usual for The Hurt Syndicate. And that business? Benjamin let them know, “We hurt people.”
Darby Allin said he’s this close to taking care of the Death Riders, but now he has to go through Wheeler Yuta? He’s gonna start 2026 off by breaking Yuta’s face!
Don Callis Family’s El Clon defeats Angelico
El Clon’s debut had an ominous feel to it, as it came in the same building where Hologram, the man to whom El Clon has many parallels, made his AEW debut. Clon showed a level of intensity not typically seen with such lucha tactics. His speed was too much for Angelico, over and over from the jump, including a springboard DDT that was executed with perfect precision. Clon even calmed the crowd down to get the most impact out of a huge chop across Angelico’s chest. Angelico struck back and sent Clon to the corner, but Clon escaped and seemed to pause in midair to hit a Pele kick to Angelico’s head!
Clon followed with a tilt-o-whirl lungblower and his take on the Portal Bomb to defeat Angelico for a successful debut! Serpentico came in to check on Angelico, so El Clon attacked him until Komander ran out to make the save. El Clon left satisfied with his work.
Jon Moxley Knows What’s Coming From Shelton Benjamin
We heard from the AEW Continental Champion, Jon Moxley, backstage. “What do you get when you take a dozen of the most capable, most durable, hungriest wrestlers on the planet, strip them of everything but their will, stick ’em in a blender for the month, and call it the Continental Classic? Who do you think comes out of that? Maybe not who you expected, although maybe you should have. What comes out of that? Something unique like nothing else in professional wrestling, not whatever this,” Moxley knocked on the AEW Continental Championship, “is made of.
“Like pressure creates diamonds, the alchemy of blood and sweat and pain and tears and broken bones and concussions and disappointment and thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat and going to insane places in your mind, ‘cause you’re so hurt, but you wanna win so bad! Competition! This is like nothing else in professional wrestling. This is something with a barrier to entry. This is something with a very high price tag.
When I step into the ring with Shelton Benjamin on Wednesday, he will be very high on the list of straight-up baddest dudes I’ve ever been in the ring with. He can and should and will throw me around like a ragdoll. There’s really nothing I do better than Shelton Benjamin. And I have all the respect in the world for those guys. They’re the real thing. They’ve paid their dues in full, so I’m gonna drop any pretense. But on Wednesday, Shelton Benjamin, think of the price tag. You’re gonna have to do a whole lot more than hurt me.”
Timeless Love Bombs (“Timeless” Toni Storm and Mina Shirakawa) defeat Hyan and Maya World
Shirakawa and World started things for their respective teams, but when Mina began her dance from the mat, World nearly took her out with a short-range thrust kick. Shirakawa blocked it, and the two had a stalemate, so Storm and Hyan tagged in for the first time. Storm took World down with a shoulder block, followed by a short dropkick and a German suplex. Mina tagged back in with a quick suplex to bring Storm back into the match. Storm dropped Shirakawa off her shoulder for an assisted tornillo to get a two-count. Hyan pushed Storm into her corner so that World could tag in. Storm avoided their double-team and took both down with a dropkick. Hyan and World were knocked to the floor, so Storm helped Shirakawa scale the ropes to hit a crossbody to the floor!
Shirakawa found herself away from Storm and in the wrong corner for a few minutes, which allowed Hyan and World to hit a double-team gutbuster. Hyan and Shirakawa wound up in a strike battle that saw Shirakawa create space with a spinning backfist so she could tag Storm! Storm unloaded on World with a big boot and a DDT, but World kicked out at two! Storm tried a Storm Zero, but World backdropped out of it and tagged Hyan. Hyan and World hit a facebuster-dropkick-bulldog combo on Storm in quick succession, but they only got a two.
World tagged back in and scaled the ropes to hit a double-team blockbuster on Storm. And Shirakawa saved her partner from a three-count just in time! Storm avoided World and Hyan long enough for Mina to come off the top with a dropkick to both! Shirakawa hit a hip attack to both in the corner, so Storm followed with one of her own. Shirakawa hit World with a slingblade and then dove onto Hyan on the floor. Storm finished World off with a Storm Zero for the win! They shook the hands of Hyan and World after the match. However, while they were still making their way back up the ramp, the music of Marina Shafir played for our next match, as she entered from the crowd with Storm looking for a fight before being escorted to the back by officials.
MegaProblems (Megan Bayne and Marina Shafir) defeat Rache Chanel and Londyn Dior
Shafir quickly took Dior to the mat and knocked Chanel off the apron. Shafir brought Dior to the corner to tag in Bayne, who lit up Dior with gut checks followed by an overhead throw. Bayne missed a charge in the corner, so Chanel tagged in. Chanel missed a clothesline to Bayne, but ate one from Shafir. Bayne picked up Dior for a tornado slam and dropped her onto Shafir, who locked in Mother’s Milk for the immediate tap-out victory.
The Don Callis Family Wants More of the Same in 2026
While Lance Archer and Hechicero were decimating an unlucky few behind him, Josh Alexander said it was a new year, but more of the same from the Don Callis Family. We saw what El Clon could do, and in a few hours at Wrestle Kingdom, Konosuke Takeshita will successfully defend the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, and Kazuchika Okada will send the legendary Hiroshi Tanahashi into retirement with a loss. We then saw that Alexander was saying all this with someone else trapped in an ankle lock. He sent Hechicero out to beat Komader, so Hechicero could earn a TNT Title shot against Mark Briscoe next week on Collision!
Winner Gets TNT Title Match vs. Mark Briscoe on Next Week’s Collision: Don Callis Family’s Hechicero defeats Komander
Both men traded pin attempts right at the bell and then went to more of a feeling-out process before Hechicero tried to stretch Komander, which he escaped with a headscissors. Hechicero caught Komander in midair to slam him to the ground and then slammed Komander’s knee into the canvas before bringing him to the corner with a chop. Komander escaped another attempt by bouncing between the middle and top ropes before hitting a hurricanrana to take down Hechicero! However, Komander quickly found himself back on the mat, until he kicked his way out and somehow used an inverted flip off the ropes to rebound and armdrag Hechicero to the floor! That was spectacular! Komander tried to dive onto Hechicero, but was caught and powerbombed into the guardrail!
Hechicero remained in control until Komander struck his way out of the corner and fought for a DDT that connected! Komander leapt onto Hechicero’s shoulders, but Hechicero caught him on the way down, and Komander tried to get free. Hechicero didn’t let Komander make much impact, but Komander broke loose only for Hechicero to trap Komander’s legs to propel him off the second rope and into a bow-and-arrow submission! How unique! Hechicero converted that into a cross armbreaker, but Komander broke it by getting to the ropes. Hechicero took too much time taunting and missed a charge in the corner that sent him shoulder-first into the steel post! Komander hit a running dropkick to knock Hechicero to the floor and then went to the opposite top turnbuckle. Komander ran the entire length of the ring across the top rope to hit a twisting body press onto Hechicero on the floor! Unbelievable!
Komander threw Hechicero back in the ring and hit a step-up enzuigiri from the apron to put Hechicero down. Komander went to the top, so Hechicero rolled to the floor only for Komander to make a seamless adjustment to walk the ropes and hit a moonsault to the floor! Back in the ring, Komander hit a sunset-flip bomb for a two-count. Hechicero came back with a hammerlock swing into a backbreaker, but Komander took Hechicero down with a kick to the knee, followed by a poisonrana! With Hechicero down, Komander went to the top, but while the referee was checking on Hechicero, El Clon ran down and pushed Komander off the top rope! Hechicero took advantage with a knee strike combo and then twisted Komander up to trap his shoulder for a three-count. Hechicero and El Clon celebrated after the match. Hechicero will now face TNT Champion Mark Briscoe for the TNT Title next week on Collision!
Eddie Kingston and Ortiz Want the Grizzled Young Veterans
Tony Schiavone brought out Eddie Kingston and Ortiz to the ring, as they earned a big reception from the Arlington crowd! Schiavone brought up Ortiz’s return to save Kingston from the Grizzled Young Veterans, but first, Kingston shouted out multiple birthdays in the crowd! Eddie is for the birthday people! Kingston called Ortiz his right hand and said he nearly quit multiple times because he hasn’t had Ortiz by his side, but now that he does, he’ll have to stick around a while. Ortiz said Kingston was born with the gift of gab, and Ortiz said he was born with the gift of putting his foot in people’s asses!
“GYV! We coming for you!”
Kingston reiterated the message, “Grizzled Young Vets, we will get you! Get ready, boys!”
Big Bill and Bryan Keith are Coming to Collect on JetSpeed
Lexy Nair tried to ask Big Bill and Bryan Keith about JetSpeed, but first Bill made a point of asking if he had heard right that Eddie Kingston had finally found someone he could trust. What a dope. Keith added that Kingston was a “dumbass.” Bill said JetSpeed made a lot of enemies and that there’s a bounty on them, so it’s a good thing he knows a bounty hunter. Keith said it’s time to pay up!
JetSpeed (“Speedball” Mike Bailey and “The Jet” Kevin Knight) defeat Big Bill and Bryan Keith
Bailey and Keith started things off, each man showing off their powerful kicks and strikes, until Keith gained control and brought Bailey to the wrong corner, allowing Bill to do some damage after Knight was knocked off the apron. Bailey was sent back to his corner, but avoided a charge, so Knight sprang to the top to hit a dropkick on both opponents. They sent Keith out and had Bill join him on a low bridge. JetSpeed hit stereo planchas to the outside, bringing Keith back in to focus on him. Bailey hit rolling knees with Knight following with a spinning splash for a two-count.
Knight slammed Keith and went to the top, but was shoved off by Bill and knocked to the floor by Keith. In the ring, Bill hit a huge sidewalk slam on Bailey as Keith ran Knight into the barricade on the outside. Bill and Keith ripped at Bailey’s face, as they were clearly in complete control of collecting their bounty!
It looked like Knight would finally make a tag, but Bill knocked Bailey to the floor before it could happen. Knight then did his best to avoid Bill and cut him down to size, which he finally did with a big dropkick. Bailey and Bryan tagged in at the same time, with Bailey flying off the top with a missile dropkick to Bryan, followed by a running kick to knock Bill to the floor. A big kick combo followed by a running shooting star looked like Bailey would get a pin on Keith, but Bill tossed Bailey off and to the mat like he was nothing! Bill and Keith double-teamed Bailey with a pair of big boots, but Knight came in to make the save. Knight dropkicked Bill off the apron to the floor and then went to the top, where he received a stumbling Keith from a kick from Bailey that allowed Knight to hit a flying clothesline as Bailey moonsaulted onto Bill on the floor at the same time! Textbook JetSpeed offense!
Bailey went to the top, but Keith cut him off and hit an exploder from the top! A missed kick by Keith turned into an exchange of reversals and a near-fall by Keith. Bill tried to keep Knight from the ring, but back in the ring, Bailey and Keith traded two more near-falls until Bailey nailed Keith with moonsault knees to the chest. Bailey kicked Bill off the apron and hit a triangle moonsault as Knight went to the top for a UFO Splash on Keith to get the pinfall victory! After the match, Big Bill tried to attack from behind, but JetSpeed avoided him and celebrated up the ramp.
Grizzled Young Veterans Respond to Kingston and Ortiz
Zack Gibson and James Drake responded to Kingston and Ortiz by saying it’s a heartwarming story of two best friends, but they see Kingston and Ortiz for who they truly are, which is two New York street rats. And now GYV will make their names in AEW at the expense of Kingston and Ortiz!
Lights Out Between The Opps and Hangman and Swerve on Dynamite!
We took a look back at the rivalry between “Hangman” Adam Page & Swerve Strickland and The Opps, which led to the match made for this Wednesday’s Dynamite. Page and Strickland will team to face Powerhouse Hobbs and HOOK in a LIGHTS OUT match!
The Hurt Syndicate’s Shelton Benjamin defeats Dante Martin
Benjamin easily powered Martin down and then decided to toy with him a bit more until Christopher Daniels got in Martin’s ear to talk him up. Martin started to use his quickness to his advantage with some inhuman athleticism, although Benjamin’s brute strength quickly powered Martin back down to the mat. Martin avoided Benjamin twice in the corner and hit an enzuigiri, but when he tried to springboard to the top rope, Benjamin shoved him to the floor, where Martin hit rib-first on the guardrail! Medical came over to check on Martin, as this match could be over just as quickly as it began.
Martin was defiant and demanded to continue, bringing up Benjamin’s mother, so Benjamin got all over him on the outside. Benjamin continued to dominate in the ring with a rib breaker to Martin across his knee. Martin fought back with a boot from the corner to stop Benjamin and followed with a tornado DDT! While clearly in pain from the ribs, Martin still found his way to the top and nailed a crossover splash to get a two-count. Martin bounced from one side of the top ropes to the other for a beautiful moonsault into a pin attempt, but Benjamin powered out and held onto Martin. Martin answered by putting on a sleeperhold until Benjamin shoved him off with authority! Benjamin threw Martin across the ring and back again with a pair of German suplexes. He nailed a third that put Martin on his head and followed with a rising knee in the corner, followed by a thrust kick on the jaw of Martin to get the 1-2-3 and a bit more momentum heading into his Continental Eliminator against AEW Continental Champion Jon Moxley this Wednesday on Dynamite.
MVP got in the ring to ask the crowd to give proper respect to Dante Martin, especially since he stepped in for Scorpio Sky against Benjamin. Benjamin brought Martin up to his feet and shook his hand. MVP directed the attention back at Benjamin because he had business with Jon Moxley. MVP gave Moxley credit for rising and winning the Continental Classic. He then questioned Moxley’s ethos and the desire to lead a revolution. MVP said they just want to make money. MVP said Moxley will get punched, kicked, and thrown around like a sack of dirty laundry. He said Benjamin is more dangerous than Moxley because Moxley is motivated by showing everyone that he is the man. This Wednesday on Dynamite, Benjamin’s business remains the same as it always is: hurting people.
Sammy Guevara Challenges ROH World Champion Bandido
Lexy Nair was with one-half of the ROH World Tag Team Champions, Sammy Guevara, and the ROH World Champion, Bandido, because Guevara asked for this time. He said he was tired of seeing the wrong people get opportunities, and Bandido shouldn’t be the one to face MJF for the AEW World Title. Guevara said on the first Dynamite that it was his destiny to be the AEW World Champion, so he’s challenging Bandido for this Wednesday’s Dynamite, and he’s going to do something so heinous that Bandido would be out, and Guevara would take his place! Bandido asked Guevara why he’s so angry. All he had to do was ask. “You got it, amigo!” That match was later made official for Dynamite in four days!
A Medical Update From Stokely Hathaway
Tony Schiavone read a medical update from Stokely Hathaway as we saw fans holding signs that said The Stokely Foundation:
“I appreciate the thoughts and prayers. And for those of you who mocked me, you’re dead to me. I’ve been receiving the best care here at the Vivian Banks Medical Center. I’ve been so courageous, they nicknamed me ‘Little Lashley’ even though I’m the stronger one. I’ve been receiving the best care, and my medical bills have surpassed $400,000. Please find a place in your heart to donate today. See Tony Schiavone after the show for details. Tony has nothing to do after the show than drink anyway, so might as well make him useful, God bless everyone. Stokely.”
Schiavone threw the letter away.
Darby Allin defeats Wheeler Yuta
Before our main event, we saw just how deep the list of challengers is for the new AEW World Champion, MJF, including Kenny Omega, “Hangman” Adam Page and Swerve Strickland.
Yuta came to the ring with Marina Shafir and Jon Moxley, as Moxley joined the commentary team for the main event! Allin frustrated Yuta early with an armdrag to send him to the outside, but when Allin tried to follow, Shafir got in the way. Allin came out anyway, so Yuta chopped him and threw him into the barricade. Yuta threw him back in the ring, but Allin turned a suplex into a near-fall and then a crossbody. Allin took Yuta down in the corner and tried for a Coffin Drop, but Shafir distracted him long enough for Yuta to get up and crotch Allin on the top. He pulled Allin off the top with a neckbreaker onto the apron!
Yuta flipped Allin head-over-heels with a back body-drop and followed with a German suplex to get a near-fall before continuing the attack on the floor and then back into the ring. Allin fought back with a reverse shoulder block, followed by a code red, which earned him a near-fall. Allin was once again distracted by Shafir, who grabbed his foot near the rope for a trip. The referee saw it and ejected Shafir from ringside! Shafir protested, so “Timeless” Toni Storm came out to go after Shafir! As the referee paid attention to those two fierce rivals, Daniel Garcia came out of nowhere to clothesline Allin on the floor. He threw Allin back in, so Yuta was able to hit a fireman’s carry spinning slam for a two-count.
Allin moved just in time to avoid a Yuta splash from the top, but when it looked like Allin would chase after, he dove to the opposite side and nailed Garcia with a dive. He ran back to the apron with Yuta, but Yuta flipped Allin over and off the apron with a running knee! Yuta hit a knee to Allin’s jaw and threw him back in, but only got a two-count. Yuta hammered down on Allin with an elbow and tried a Scorpion Death Lock, but Allin started getting free, so Yuta slingshotted him, only for Allin to launch to the top rope. He came back down with a stomp to Yuta and went back up to hit a Coffin Drop! That wasn’t enough, so he hit another, but pulled Yuta up at two! Allin locked in the Scorpion Death Lock to get the submission victory!
We learned that on Dynamite, it will be “Timeless” Toni Storm vs. Marina Shafir!
We’ll be back in Arlington next Saturday, as our Collision residency continues, but first, it’s Dynamite in Tulsa this Wednesday!
Until Sunday, December 28, 2025, Mozambique had never tasted victory at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations. Sixteen matches, spread across decades, had passed without a single celebratory dance.
That long wait finally came to an end at the Grand Stade d’Agadir, where the Mambas stunned Gabon 3–2 to write one of the most emotional chapters in their football history.
The result was historic on two fronts: it marked Mozambique’s first-ever AFCON victory and sealed their maiden qualification to the knockout stages, in what is only their sixth appearance at the continental showpiece.
“I still don’t have the words to explain this feeling,” said Reinildo Mandava, one of the most experienced figures in the squad. “I can’t find the right words to explain what I am feeling, and what everyone in the team is feeling. I am proud of myself, proud of the team, and proud of what the coach has done with this group.”
The 31-year-old defender, who has represented Mozambique for 12 years since making his senior debut in 2013, knows better than most what this breakthrough means. And the emotion, he insists, stretches far beyond the dressing room.
“Everyone at home is happy. The mood is very positive, and everyone I speak to is excited for us,” he added.
For Mozambique, this triumph is the reward for years of perseverance and heartbreak. From their AFCON debut in 1986, when an eight-team tournament ended with three defeats and seven goals conceded, to decades of near misses, progress had often felt painfully out of reach.
Image credit: CAFonline
Their current head coach, Chiquinho Conde, knows that journey intimately. A 20-year-old midfielder in the 1986 squad, he returned as a player in 1996 and later captained the side in 1998, enduring campaigns that yielded little reward.
Now, as head coach, Conde has finally achieved what eluded him as a player.
“I was part of this team for many years and we lost all the time,” he told CAFOnline, a broad smile spreading across his face. “It was discouraging and heartbreaking because we always put in so much effort but never got the result. To achieve this now, with this new generation, means everything to me.”
Conde’s impact has been built patiently. Appointed four years ago, he introduced a clear structure and long-term project aimed at transforming Mozambican football.
“We created a model and adapted it to the qualities of our players,” he explained. “We identified our weaknesses, especially defensively, and started by changing the mindset. It was difficult at first, but we kept working, and the players began to believe.”
His approach was meticulous. A pool of 50 players was tracked in a database, forming the backbone of a disciplined selection process—one that did not escape criticism.
“It wasn’t easy,” Conde admitted. “But I selected players I believed in, and the important thing was that they believed in me. We worked with strict principles. If someone didn’t accept them, they had to leave. My way is structure, hard work, and discipline.”
The reward for that conviction is now tangible. That solitary win over Gabon has transformed belief across the squad and the nation watching from home.
“This is special for us,” Conde said. “Our people needed this. They go through a lot, and we have a responsibility to make them happy. Football does that. These players are now stars—they have taken their place in Mozambique’s history.”
Reinildo echoed his coach’s sentiments, dedicating the moment to the nation.
“This is for the people of Mozambique,” he said. “They supported us even when we weren’t winning. Now, they deserve this joy.”
Image credit: CAFonline
With belief soaring, expectations have risen too. Mozambique will turn their attention to the Round of 16, where a blockbuster meeting against Nigeria awaits on Monday night, and a possible stab at another piece of history.
“For our country, football is everything,” Conde concluded. “We will do everything possible to keep making our people and our nation proud.”
Darby Allin vs. Wheeler Yuta, Timeless Love Bombs in Action, El Clon Debuts, More
We are thrilled to be back in Arlington, Texas, at Esports Stadium Arlington to begin another residency, starting with AEW Collision LIVE tonight at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on TNT and streaming on HBO Max!
As Darby Allin tries to finish his crusade against the Death Riders, he’ll face a man who feels he’s been overlooked by Allin: Wheeler Yuta.
“Timeless” Toni Storm will return to her first love, Mina Shirakawa, as the Timeless Love Bombs face the newest members of the AEW roster, Hyan and Maya World.
Plus, after months of waiting, it looks like Don Callis is ready to unleash El Clon, who will make his in-ring debut tonight.
And Shelton Benjamin has an AEW Continental Championship Eliminator against Continental Champion Jon Moxley coming up in four days on Dynamite, but before that, he’ll face two-time former TNT Champion Scorpio Sky on Collision!
All that and more is coming your way from Arlington! Here’s your complete AEW Collision preview for January 3, 2026.
AEW Collision Matches, Preview for Saturday, January 3
Darby Allin vs. Wheeler Yuta
After Darby Allin beat Gabe Kidd at Worlds End, he said on this week’s Dynamite that he has set his sights on the AEW World Championship and the one Death Rider he’s yet to beat, PAC.
That didn’t sit well with Wheeler Yuta, who thought Allin was spouting some revisionist history. So tonight, Yuta gets a chance to back up his words, while Allin tries to take another step towards his ultimate goal of defeating all the Death Riders and moving on to the AEW World Title.
Timeless Love Bombs (“Timeless” Toni Storm and Mina Shirakawa) vs. Hyan and Maya World
Toni Storm has been preoccupied helping The Conglomeration against the Death Riders in memorable mixed tornado tags of late, but tonight, she’ll be back alongside her lover, Mina Shirakawa, as they look to get back into AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championship contention.
Hyan and Maya World became the newest signers to AEW after another impressive performance against the Sisters of Sin at Worlds End Zero Hour. Can they upset Storm and Shirakawa tonight in Arlington?
El Clon Debuts!
El Clon has already caused plenty of chaos as a member of the Don Callis Family, but tonight, he’ll make his in-ring debut in the same building as the man he put on the shelf, Hologram, made his debut. Just how dangerous can El Clon be in the ring? We’ll find out tonight!
Shelton Benjamin vs. Scorpio Sky
Shelton Benjamin made his intentions clear on Dynamite when he stared down AEW Continental Champion Jon Moxley after Moxley beat Josh Alexander in an AEW Continental Championship Eliminator. Moxley responded to Benjamin’s body language backstage later in the night, and as a result, Benjamin will have his own Continental Championship Eliminator vs. Moxley this Wednesday on Dynamite.
Before that, though, Benjamin has to face SkyFlight’s Scorpio Sky. Sky is a two-time TNT Champion and one-half of the first AEW World Tag Team Champions, so it should be a great matchup between two veterans facing off for the first time in 15 years!
AFCON 2025: Gueye brace fires Senegal into quarter finals
Image credit: CAFonline
Gueye strikes twice as Senegal come from a goal down
Sadio Mane make history to top all-time assist chart
Mali to face Tunisia in the late kick off
Senegal 3-1 Sudan
P. Gueye (29’, 45+3’), I. Mbaye (77)/ A. Abdellah (6’)
Pape Gueye struck twice as former champions Senegal came from behind to beat Sudan 3-1 in Tangier on Saturday evening and book their place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025, reports CAFonline.
An early moment of brilliance from Aamir Abdallah had given Sudan a shock lead, but Senegal responded with authority, Gueye netting a decisive brace before substitute Ibrahima Mbaye sealed the victory late on.
While Gueye took centre stage with his goals, history also beckoned for Sadio Mané. The Senegal captain provided two assists — for Gueye’s second goal and Mbaye’s strike — moving him clear at the top of the AFCON all-time assists chart with nine, two more than Côte d’Ivoire legend Yaya Touré.
Sudan made a dream start, stunning the defending champions just six minutes in. Abdallah finished a swift counter-attack with a sublime curling effort from his favored left foot.
Senegal, however, remained composed and steadily grew into the contest. Their persistence paid off in the 29th minute when Gueye restored parity. Mané dispossessed Mohamed Abuaagla in midfield and quickly released Gueye, who calmly drove a low finish past the goalkeeper.
The equalizer sparked Senegal into life. Moments earlier, Gueye had tested the keeper from range, while Nicolas Jackson saw a close-range effort denied following a dangerous delivery from the left.
The Lions of Teranga completed the turnaround deep into first-half stoppage time. Jackson again played a key role, cutting the ball back for Gueye, who produced a delightful curling finish from inside the box to make it 2-1.
Image credit: CAFonline
Sudan pushed for a response after the break and came agonizingly close just two minutes into the second half. However, Edouard Mendy produced a superb reflex save to deny Sheddy Barglan from close range.
That proved to be Sudan’s final meaningful threat. Senegal controlled proceedings thereafter and wrapped up the contest 13 minutes from time. Substitute Mbaye unleashed a powerful strike from inside the area after yet another incisive Mané assist to put the result beyond doubt.
Sudan were unable to mount a late comeback as Senegal comfortably saw out the match, underlining their credentials as serious contenders for the AFCON crown once again.
Image credit: CAFonline
Post-match reaction
Pape Gueye – TotalEnergies Man of the Match: “I am happy to have won the award and obviously it was the collective team effort that led to the award so this is for the entire team. I am very happy about our win and most importantly how we reacted after going down 1-0. It was tough to come back but with the determination shown by my colleagues and I we managed to win the game. We are through to the quarter-finals and it will be tougher so we have to prepare for it with the same big focus we have had since the start of the competition.”
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw: “We played against this very disciplined Sudan team and they showed that they got to stage by merit. We needed to dig deep to come from a goal down to be able to win the match. I give credit to my players for the way they focused on the game and recovered to win the match. Now we will focus on the next match by correcting some of the mistakes we noted in this game and pursue our goals with intensity.”
Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah: “Of course I am disappointed with the result of the game but proud of the effort of my players throughout this competition. We played against a very experienced Senegal team but we showed our quality. Despite the result tonight I am sure the Sudanese people know that we came to this competition and proudly represented them.”
“They are the favourites to win the whole competition but we are not scared of nobody.”
Those were the words of Sudan forward Mohamed Eisa as Sudan wrapped up their final training session on Friday, 2 January, ahead of their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Round of 16 showdown with Senegal.
Respect for the former African champions is rightfully there, but fear has no place in Sudan’s camp according to the Sudanese forward.
Senegal arrive in Tangier unbeaten, group winners and widely tipped as title contenders.
Sudan, by contrast, advanced from Group E with just three points and are contesting their first-ever TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Round of 16 match, Yet Eisa believes that contrast works in Sudan’s favour – freeing them from expectation and placing the weight of pressure squarely on their opponents.
“All the pressure is going to be on Senegal. They’re expected to go one-nil or two-nil up in the first 10 minutes, but we’re not going to try and let them do that. We’re going to have our own game plan and try and do something.”
It is an underdog narrative Sudan are embracing rather than resisting. Despite having scored just once in the tournament and conceding six goals — the highest of any team to reach the knockout stage — confidence within the squad has not wavered.
Midfielder Ammar Taifour echoed Eisa’s message, stressing that belief is essential if Sudan are to challenge one of Africa’s most elite and star-studded sides.
“We must have ambition. We must be confident in ourselves or else you will not achieve anything. Our country supports us, and for us, this is what we need in order to win against Senegal, Inshallah.”
History leans heavily in Senegal’s favour. The Lions of Teranga are unbeaten in seven previous meetings with Sudan, recording four wins and three draws, and have never lost to East African opposition at the AFCON finals. Yet two of those encounters ended level at the 2024 CHAN tournament, offering Sudan evidence that belief and strong will can narrow the gap.
“Our fans always support us, and this makes it easier for us. But we must work hard and concentrate because Senegal is a big opponent. We show them respect, but we also believe in ourselves” concluded Taifour.
Saturday’s meeting at the Grande Stade de Tangier will be the first between the two sides at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON.
Kick-off is scheduled for 17h00 Local Time (16h00 GMT).
Nottingham Forest fell to defeat against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon, reports Nottingham Forest FC.
After Ollie Watkins gave the home side the half-time lead, John McGinn doubled the advantage before the Reds pulled a goal back through Morgan Gibbs-White.
However, the home side restored their two-goal lead minutes later to round off the scoring in the Second City.
On a bitterly cold afternoon in Birmingham, the home side came close to opening the scoring inside the opening two minutes when John Victor spread himself well to deny Watkins.
Forest rallied thereafter, controlling the play and restricting the home side in the way of chances.
Image credit: Nottingham Forest FC
With efforts on goal proving elusive for both sides, the Reds fashioned the next chance when Omari Hutchinson brought the best out of Emiliano Martínez in the Villa goal.
With one minute added at the end of the first half, the home side took the lead when Watkins fired the ball into the net from distance.
Half-time: Aston Villa 1-0 Forest
Ten minutes into the second period, the home side doubled their lead when McGinn netted his first of the game.
Image credit: Nottingham Forest FC
Forest set about finding a way back into the contest and halved the deficit when Gibbs-White chipped the ball over the Villa ’keeper to give the Reds hope of a fightback.
McGinn netted his second from distance on 73 minutes.
Gibbs-White almost added his second with time beginning to run down for the Reds, only for Martínez to spring to his left to deny the Forest no. 10.
Sean Dyche’s side are next in action on Wednesday with a trip to West Ham United in the Premier League next on our agenda.
AFCON 2025: Former African Footballers of the Year and new contenders set to shape group-stage
The group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 has underlined a familiar truth about African football: experience still matters, but a new generation is rapidly closing the gap, reports CAFonline.
Across six groups and 24 matches, a blend of decorated winners and emerging stars has driven performances, influenced results and ignited debate over who could claim the continent’s top individual honor next.
With 87 goals scored before the knockout rounds, several African Footballer of the Year winners have once again stepped forward when their teams needed them most. At the same time, younger talents have delivered defining moments that suggest the balance of power may soon shift.
Proven winners still delivering
For Senegal, Sadio Mané, African Footballer of the Year in 2019 and 2022, combined leadership with efficiency.
His goal in the group stage, alongside two from Nicolas Jackson, helped the Lions of Teranga finish top of Group D, reinforcing Mané’s enduring influence in major tournaments.
Algeria’s campaign has been driven by Riyad Mahrez, the 2016 African Footballer of the Year.
Mahrez emerged as one of the group stage’s standout performers, scoring three goals — including a brace against Sudan and a crucial strike versus Burkina Faso — as the Desert Foxes topped Group E with authority.
Egypt, meanwhile, leaned heavily on Mohamed Salah, winner of the award in 2017 and 2018.
Salah struck twice, delivering a dramatic last-gasp winner against Zimbabwe before netting the decisive goal against South Africa to keep the Pharaohs top of Group B.
Despite Gabon’s early exit, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, African Footballer of the Year in 2015, showed his instincts remain intact, scoring during the group stage and reinforcing his reputation as one of Africa’s most reliable finishers.
Recent winners set to sparkle
For hosts Morocco, Achraf Hakimi, the 2025 African Footballer of the Year, returned from injury to feature on matchday three, offering defensive stability and attacking thrust as the Atlas Lions navigated a demanding group.
Alongside the established names, several players used the group stage to strengthen their case as future African Footballer of the Year contenders. Nigeria’s campaign has been shaped by Ademola Lookman, the 2024 winner, who contributed two goals and two assists, including a match-winning performance against Tunisia that earned him the Man of the Match award.
Nigeria also benefited from the physical presence of Victor Osimhen, African Footballer of the Year in 2023, whose goal against Tunisia underlined his continued importance in big matches.
Rising stars stake their claim
Côte d’Ivoire’s attacking spark came from Amad Diallo, who scored twice in the group stage, including a decisive winner against Mozambique, combining pace, vision and composure.
Elsewhere, Bryan Mbeumo provided creativity and goals for Cameroon, while Raphaël Onyedika quietly controlled midfield proceedings for Nigeria, dictating tempo and enabling attacking transitions.
Experience meets ambition
As AFCON 2025 moves into the knockout rounds, the group stage has set a clear tone. Former African Footballers of the Year — Mané, Mahrez, Salah, Aubameyang and Hakimi — continue to shape matches with authority and composure.
At the same time, rising stars such as Diallo, Mbeumo and Onyedika have signalled their readiness to inherit the spotlight.
The next phase of the tournament will test whether experience or youthful momentum ultimately prevails — and may well determine who emerges as Africa’s next Footballer of the Year.
On rising African stars, and the future of local coaches
Image credit: CAFonline
Former Cameroonian international Joel Epalle shares his insights from Agadir, where he’s commentating for CAF TV at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, writes CAFonline.
From standout teams like Mozambique to surprising disappointments like Gabon, Epalle reflects on the first round of the tournament, the evolution of African football, and the growing impact of local coaches on the continent’s game.
What is your assessment of the first round of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025?
It’s a positive assessment because all the favorites we expected performed well and qualified for the second round. Only a few underdogs who could have caused upsets didn’t manage to stand out—Angola and Gabon, for example, exited quietly. Overall, I’m satisfied, especially since there are teams like Mozambique, who qualified for the second round for the first time. Benin, who wasn’t necessarily expected, also qualified, as did Sudan. It’s a positive outcome with quality football, tactical play, and entertainment across all fields.
Which team has impressed you the most so far?
I’d say Mozambique. I didn’t necessarily expect them to perform at this level. Tactically, they were very well organized. To go far in the AFCON, you need athletic qualities, but the Mozambicans are quite skillful—they played with freedom and confidence. Their football relied on sharp transitions, executed perfectly. Also, the fact that their players are mainly made from the local league and their coach is national too contributed. The coach, himself a former international, was able to implement his philosophy, and the players delivered.
Any disappointment in this first round?
My biggest disappointment is Gabon. I wasn’t expecting the performance they showed, especially compared to what they displayed recently in the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Of course, they were missing key players like Aubameyang, Lemina, and Allevinah, but I don’t think Gabon could only rely on those players to qualify. Being eliminated with zero points is a huge disappointment.
As a former Indomitable Lion, what is your take on Cameroon’s matches?
On one hand, I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly these players showed quality and maturity in their game. I expected the team to gel by the third group match, but they were already very strong early on. I also praise the coach’s decisions regarding his squad. He made some tough choices, cutting players who didn’t fit his plans. There were some internal disputes in the team, and he used his experience to make the best decisions. Today, time proves him right. For a long time, Cameroonians hadn’t seen players with this fighting spirit and determination. It’s good for Cameroon and for Africa because AFCON needs a strong Cameroon.
What can we expect from the Round of 16 starting this Saturday?
It will likely be a continuation of what the favorites showed in the group stage. There might be a few surprises, but given the matchups, logic will probably prevail with Morocco, Egypt, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria advancing. The South Africa vs. Cameroon match deserves attention—Hugo Broos knows the Indomitable Lions well, having won the AFCON with them in 2017. Tactically, this could be one of the best matches of the Round of 16.
On a personal level, you’re commentating the matches in Agadir for CAF TV. How has that experience been?
It’s going extremely well. I comment alongside my colleague Oumar Diaby, and we are very much on the same wavelength. We are fully immersed in the matches. Agadir is amazing—the atmosphere and the quality of the pitches are fantastic. Everything allows players to perform at their best. There have been many twists, unexpected scenarios, emotional highs—this is why we love AFCON. Sometimes, you think you know the outcome of a match in advance, but as the tournament progresses, you realize surprises can happen. That’s what we experienced here in Agadir.
In general, what do you think of the organization of the TotalEnergies CAF CAN Morocco 2025?
The organization is excellent—top-notch. It’s one of the best AFCONs I’ve attended. In Morocco, matches are held in nine stadiums, which is a big change from the four or six we had before. These aren’t small venues—they meet European standards, with beautiful pitches. Even the weather contributes to high-quality football.
What do you think of the evolution of African football today?
African football has progressed significantly. This AFCON shows that we are approaching the level of Europe’s best leagues. If this trend continues, especially for “smaller nations” that are working hard and starting to emerge, it bodes well for the future. I also want to applaud African football leaders for trusting local expertise. In the past, many coaches were expatriates—not necessarily a bad thing—but it’s important to give local coaches trust and resources. We’ve seen Aliou Cissé win with Senegal and Djamel Belmadi with Algeria. My dream is that one day all AFCON teams will have local coaches. It will help African football evolve because local coaches understand African players’ specifics and how to get the best from them. It would be a real plus for the tournament.
Since retiring, you’ve earned coaching diplomas and even served as assistant for Cameroon at AFCON. Will we see Joel Epalle on the sidelines soon?
Yes, I am working towards that. I’ve earned my coaching diplomas (UEFA A License) and had the chance to coach an amateur team in France. We achieved four promotions from the highest departmental level to the top regional level, which led to my promotion as assistant to Clarence Seedorf and Patrick Kluivert for Cameroon. In one year, I learned a lot from them—it was an honor. Contributing as a player and now as a coach for my country is priceless. It’s also a message to African federations: despite our expertise, opportunities in Europe are limited due to a glass ceiling. Very few African coaches lead top European clubs, so we need our federations to open doors and allow us to bring both our European experience and local knowledge. I continue to develop while waiting for the next opportunity.
Final words…
I’d like to thank CAF for giving us the chance to be part of this AFCON. I am also amazed by the warm welcome we received, especially here in Agadir, which is a great work environment with a friendly atmosphere. Long live African football!
Image credit: CAFonline
Image credit: CAFonline
Image credit: CAFonline
Image credit: CAFonline
