• Vinicius Jr scores a stunning goal to rescue a 1-1 draw for Brazil against Morocco in Group C
• Carlo Ancelotti apologises after his team produce a disappointing display in his first World Cup match as manager
• The five-time champions avoid their first opening-game defeat since 1934 but look second best for long periods
• Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr reaches 10 goals for his country with his strike in New Jersey
• Brazil must improve quickly with matches against Haiti and Scotland coming next in the group stage

Vinicius Jr proved why he is Brazil’s most important player with a moment of magic that saved his country from embarrassment. The Real Madrid forward scored a brilliant equalizer to earn a 1-1 draw against Morocco in their World Cup opener at the New Jersey stadium.

Before the tournament, Vinicius Jr promised he was not chasing individual awards. “I am here to help Brazil get back to the top,” he said. He kept his word when his team needed him most. Brazil were losing 1-0 and playing poorly when Vinicius received the ball inside the penalty area. He cut inside from the left and fired a powerful shot into the roof of the net.

This was Brazil’s first match of the tournament, but they did not look like five-time world champions. Morocco controlled the game and took the lead through Ismael Saibari. The African side created more chances and looked fitter and sharper.

Carlo Ancelotti, who is managing at his first World Cup at age 67, had to make changes at half-time. He replaced the ageing Casemiro and defender Roger Ibanez. The Italian coach later apologised to the fans for the poor performance. “I am sorry we didn’t play as well as we hoped,” he said. “We have to do better. We must be more balanced and more aggressive.”

Football experts criticised Brazil’s display. Former England captain Alan Shearer called it “ragged”. Ex-Chelsea star Gus Poyet said he was surprised by Brazil’s technical mistakes. “They were missing simple passes,” he told BBC Sport. However, expert Tim Vickery warned that Brazil are dangerous because they can win even when they play badly.

Brazil have not won the World Cup since 2002. Their qualifying campaign was difficult, with six defeats in 18 games. This result raises questions about whether they can end their 24-year wait for the trophy. They will face Haiti in Philadelphia on 19 June and Scotland in Miami on 24 June.

For Vinicius Jr, this was his 10th goal for Brazil. He hopes this tournament will make him a legend like Pele and Ronaldo. “I want to write the history of this country,” he said. “We must do everything to win.”

• Vinícius Júnior scores his 10th international goal to earn Brazil a 1-1 draw against Morocco
• Ismael Saibari puts Morocco ahead with a brilliant lob over Alisson Becker
• Carlo Ancelotti admits Brazil played with nerves and must improve quickly
• Roger Ibañez struggles at right-back as Morocco target Brazil’s defensive weaknesses
• Neymar misses the match due to a calf injury

Vinícius Júnior saved Brazil from an embarrassing start to their World Cup campaign with a vital equaliser against a brilliant Morocco side. The Real Madrid forward struck from a tight angle to secure a 1-1 draw at the New York New Jersey Stadium after Ismael Saibari had given Morocco a deserved lead.

Carlo Ancelotti, who took charge of the national team last year, watched his players struggle badly during the first 45 minutes. Morocco controlled the midfield through the excellent teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi, while Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães could not stop the North African attacks.

The problems started early for Brazil. Ancelotti surprised many fans by playing Roger Ibañez at right-back instead of his usual centre-back position. Morocco noticed this weakness immediately. Noussair Mazraoui attacked down the left wing several times, and Morocco created chances before Brahim Díaz sent a perfect long pass to Saibari. The midfielder calmly lifted the ball over the stranded Alisson to make it 1-0.

Brazil looked nervous and could not find their rhythm. However, Vinícius Júnior changed the game just before half-time. He received the ball from Guimarães on the left side, beat a defender, and smashed the ball past Yassine Bounou. This was his 50th appearance for Brazil and his 10th goal.

At half-time, Ancelotti made important changes. He replaced Casemiro and Ibañez with Fabinho and Danilo. This made the team more solid. Brazil looked better in the second half and created more chances. Lucas Paquetá forced a good save from Bounou, and substitute Luis Henrique nearly won the match during 10 minutes of added time.

Morocco also had opportunities to win. Achraf Hakimi chose to shoot when he could have passed to Díaz in a better position. Alisson also made a late mistake that almost cost Brazil dearly.

“We need to improve,” said Ancelotti after the match. “The team was anxious at the start. We cannot lose heart, but we must look at what we did wrong.” Morocco’s coach agreed that his players felt disappointed not to win against the five-time champions.

Brazil will hope to play better in their next match without the injured Neymar. For now, they must thank Vinícius Júnior for saving a point when defeat looked possible.

• Brazil and Morocco share the points in a 1-1 draw at the World Cup 2026 group stage
• Vinicius Junior scores a brilliant goal for the five-time world champions
• Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produces a solid performance between the sticks
• The result complicates Morocco’s path to the knockout stages of the tournament
• A fan mixes football commentary with clever references to famous U2 songs

A football supporter named Peter shared memories from Salvador’s 2006 Carnival. He recalled watching U2’s lead singer Bono attend the festival as a special guest. The Irish rock star appeared multiple times before large crowds. Local Brazilian artists welcomed him warmly. However, the hot weather clearly troubled the musician.

Today, another Bono faced Brazilian pressure. Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, nicknamed Bono, showed excellent calmness throughout the match. He stopped several attacks from the South American side. The only exception was a powerful strike from Vinicius Junior. This goal brought Brazil level. Yet the North African team remained steady against their opponents. As Peter noted, football moves in mysterious ways.

The result leaves Morocco in a difficult position. The team entered the tournament hoping to lift the trophy. However, one point from this match is not enough for their ambitions. They still have not found what they are looking for in this campaign.

• Neymar ruled out of Brazil’s opening World Cup fixture against Morocco on Saturday
• 34-year-old recovering from calf injury and yet to resume full training
• Manager Carlo Ancelotti expects him to return to squad sessions next week
• Record goalscorer could miss second group game against Haiti on 20 June
• Santos forward has not played for Brazil since 2023 due to fitness problems

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Neymar will miss Brazil’s opening World Cup match against Morocco this Saturday. The 34-year-old forward is still recovering from a calf problem and has not returned to full training.

The Santos attacker will rejoin the squad for group sessions next week. This timeline makes him doubtful for Brazil’s second group fixture against Haiti on 20 June.

Brazil conclude their group stage against Scotland on 24 June. The team must manage their campaign without their record goalscorer for at least the first match.

Ancelotti praised the star’s importance to the squad. “Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible,” he said. “We call him up not only for his technical quality, which is indisputable, but also for his experience and the example he can set for the young players in this group.”

Neymar has not featured for the Selecao since 2023 because of ongoing injury struggles. Despite this, Ancelotti selected him ahead of Chelsea striker Joao Pedro and Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison for the tournament.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has scored 79 goals in 128 caps for Brazil. He surpassed Pele’s record of 77 goals to become the country’s all-time leading scorer.

This tournament could mark Neymar’s fourth World Cup appearance. He has previously represented Brazil at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions.

• Morocco’s historic semi-final run in 2022 has inspired the entire continent.
• Nine African teams will compete at the expanded 2026 World Cup in North America.
• Investment in youth academies and grassroots programmes remains crucial for success.
• Nations are strengthening squads by recruiting players from the diaspora.
• The new 48-team format offers more chances for African sides to gain experience.

Sunday Oliseh has one major dream. The former Nigeria captain wants to see an African nation win the World Cup. Oliseh helped his country win Olympic gold in 1996. However, he is still waiting for an African team to lift the biggest trophy in football.

The World Cup started in 1930. Since then, 49 African teams from 13 countries have played in the tournament. Yet only one team has reached the semi-finals. Morocco made history in Qatar in 2022. They became the first African side to get to the last four.

This result came long after Pele’s famous prediction. The Brazilian legend said in the 1970s that an African team would win the World Cup before the year 2000. That has not happened. Now the big question is when it will finally occur.

Before Morocco, three African teams reached the quarter-finals. Cameroon did it in 1990. Senegal managed it in 2002. Ghana followed in 2010. Morocco went further by beating Belgium, Spain and Portugal.

Their success came from long-term planning. King Mohammed VI of Morocco invested heavily in football. The country opened a top academy in 2009. In 2019, they opened a training complex worth $65 million. These facilities help produce the best players.

William Troost-Ekong is a former captain of Nigeria. He says Morocco has created a perfect model. “It starts with structure and planning,” he told BBC Sport Africa. “Investment is very important. It needs support from government level.”

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is also helping. They have increased prize money for the Africa Cup of Nations. They are also investing in school competitions. CAF President Patrice Motsepe is confident. “An African country will be champions of the world,” he said.

Claude Le Roy is a famous coach. He has managed six African nations. He believes youth development is the answer. “You need to work with young players,” the 78-year-old said. “That is the base of everything.”

History has not been kind to African teams. Colonial rule stopped many countries from playing in early tournaments. Egypt was the only African team in the first eight World Cups. Africa even boycotted the 1966 World Cup in England.

The number of African teams has grown slowly. There was one place in 1970, 1974 and 1978. Europe had at least nine spots. South America had three. Africa got two spots in 1982. This rose to three in 1994 and five in 1998.

South Africa hosted the World Cup in 2010. Six African teams played that year. The 2026 tournament will be different. It will have 48 teams. Nine African teams will qualify automatically. DR Congo also qualified through the play-offs.

Ronwen Williams is the captain of South Africa. He will lead his team in the opening match in Mexico City. He says the 2026 World Cup will be special for Africa. “Our leagues and competitions have improved,” he said. “It is amazing to see so many countries at the highest level.”

African teams have won 37 out of 162 World Cup matches. Williams and Troost-Ekong say more teams means better chances. Two-thirds of teams will now go through the group stage. This format helps African sides gain experience.

“You need exposure to improve,” Troost-Ekong explained. “Experience is invaluable.”

Many African nations now recruit players from abroad. Some players were born in Europe but have African parents. Others trained in top European academies. This diaspora policy strengthens national teams.

Morocco has convinced several foreign-born players to join them. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was born in Canada. Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz were born in Spain. All three now play for the Atlas Lions.

DR Congo and Cape Verde also use this strategy. DR Congo has 11 players born in France. They also have players born in Belgium, Switzerland and England. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe both played for England youth teams. Now they play for DR Congo.

Gabriel Zakuani is a former DR Congo captain. He now finds players for the national team. “You have to get players to believe in your vision,” he said. He tells them they can still reach the World Cup even if they cannot play for France or England.

The success of Morocco has changed mindsets. Players now believe they can reach the semi-finals. South Africa goalkeeper Williams agrees. “What Morocco did was the start,” he said. “It starts with belief.”

Senegal forward Iliman Ndiaye has a winning mentality. “I would not pack my suitcase if I did not want to win,” he said. “I do not go to the World Cup to be a tourist.”

Investment, more teams and strong belief are important. But luck is also needed. Senegal lost in 2002 because of the golden goal rule. That rule does not exist anymore.

African football is moving forward. The dream of winning the World Cup is getting closer.

Morocco World Cup 2026 Confirmed Squad List

Morocco announced 19 confirmed players across defense and midfield pending final forward selections.

Yassine Bounou, Munir El Kajoui and Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti provide the three shot-stopping options selected by Mohamed Ouahbi for the tournament. Bounou returns as the established number one after his heroics in Qatar 2022, while El Kajoui offers experience from the Turkish league and Tagnaouti brings recent form from domestic competition. Goalkeeping depth remains a strength for the Atlas Lions as they prepare for the expanded 48-team format.

Nine defenders received call-ups including Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Anas Salah-Eddine, Youssef Bellammari, Zakaria El Ouahdi, Nayef Aguerd, Chadi Riad, Redouane Halhal and Issa Diop. Hakimi and Mazraoui provide world-class width from full-back positions, while Aguerd and Diop add physical presence and aerial ability to the central defense. Salah-Eddine and Bellammari offer additional cover across the backline, ensuring Ouahbi has tactical flexibility against different attacking threats.

Seven midfielders complete the confirmed list including Samir El Mourabet, Ayoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui, Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss and Ismael Saibari. Amrabat brings defensive steel and ball-winning capacity, while Ounahi offers creativity and forward passing. El Khannouss provides technical quality on the ball, and Saibari adds versatility across multiple midfield roles. Forward line details were not included in the FIFA source announcement and remain pending confirmation ahead of the tournament kickoff, leaving the attacking roster subject to future updates. Full squad details and team information appear on the World Cup 2026 teams page.

Key Atlas Lions Players for Kenyan Viewers

Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi and Sofyan Amrabat headline the confirmed selections that Kenyan viewers should monitor during Group C matches.

The veteran goalkeeper returns after his standout 2022 tournament performance, offering experienced leadership that East African fans following African representation can rely on. Bounou’s distribution and shot-stopping ability proved crucial during Morocco’s historic semifinal run, making him a key figure for the Atlas Lions’ 2026 campaign. His ability to organize the defense and initiate attacks from the back provides the foundation for Morocco’s tactical approach. Kenyan audiences watching African teams will recognize Bounou as the backbone of the defensive structure.

Defensive width and quality comes from Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui, who provide world-class full-back capabilities on both flanks. Hakimi’s overlapping runs and Mazraoui’s technical ability combine defensive solidity with attacking overlap that will be crucial in Group C matches against varied opposition. Their capacity to support wingers while maintaining defensive discipline allows Morocco to control wide areas against any opponent.

Sofyan Amrabat and Azzedine Ounahi anchor the center with proven international experience, while younger talents like Ayoub Bouaddi offer fresh energy for Morocco’s expanded 2026 campaign. Amrabat’s ball-winning ability and Ounahi’s creative passing provide the tactical balance necessary for navigating the 48-team tournament format. Kenyan viewers watching African teams progress should note how this midfield trio transitions between defense and attack.

Kenya Fan Guide to Morocco Fixtures

Moroccan kick-offs will display in East Africa Time (EAT, UTC+3) without daylight saving adjustments throughout the tournament.

Morocco competes in Group C of the expanded 48-team tournament, carrying African hopes after their historic 2022 semifinal run that captured Kenyan and continental attention. The Atlas Lions’ progress through the group stage will determine their path in the knockout rounds, with Morocco Group C fixtures providing full opponent details and match dates. African football supporters across Kenya will follow these matches closely as Morocco represents the continent’s highest achiever from the previous tournament.

East Africa Time scheduling ensures Kenyan viewers face no clock changes when planning viewing sessions, with all fixtures listed at consistent UTC+3 hours. Fans should consult the World Cup 2026 full schedule in Kenya Time page for exact kick-off times once FIFA releases the final tournament timetable. This consistency eliminates confusion during summer months when other regions implement daylight saving time. The fixed UTC+3 offset matches Kenya’s standard time throughout the year, simplifying planning for early morning or late evening matches.

Fixture access remains available through Pulser’s FIFA hub and dedicated pages, which update automatically as FIFA confirms match schedules and venues. Readers should check the Group C page and full schedule page for confirmed match dates, opponent details and exact Kenya Time kick-offs as FIFA releases the final tournament schedule. Kenyan supporters can rely on these resources to plan their viewing without converting time zones manually.

Morocco’s full match information

World Cup 2026 Group C: Teams, Fixtures & Kenya Time
2026 FIFA Prediction: Brazil vs Morocco
2026 FIFA Prediction: Scotland vs Morocco
2026 FIFA Prediction: Morocco vs Haiti

FAQ

Which players are confirmed in Morocco’s 2026 World Cup squad?

FIFA confirmed 19 players across goalkeepers (Bounou, El Kajoui, Tagnaouti), defenders (Hakimi, Mazraoui, Aguerd, Diop, and five others), and midfielders (Amrabat, Ounahi, El Khannouss, and four others). The forward selections were not included in the official announcement.

What time will Morocco matches be in Kenya?

All Morocco matches will be scheduled in East Africa Time (EAT, UTC+3). Exact kick-off times are available on Pulser’s World Cup 2026 schedule page converted specifically for Kenya.

Who is coaching Morocco at the 2026 World Cup?

Mohamed Ouahbi is the head coach who announced the 26-man squad for the tournament.

Reference

1. Morocco | FIFA World Cup 2026

• The 2026 World Cup will feature a record 10 African teams after the tournament expanded to 48 countries
• Morocco hope to repeat their historic semi-final run from the 2022 Qatar tournament
• Cape Verde will play at the finals for the first time ever, while DR Congo return after 52 years
• The tournament takes place across the United States, Mexico and Canada from 11 June to 19 July
• BBC Sport Africa highlights seven key players who could shine for their nations

Africa will send a record number of teams to the World Cup next summer. The tournament in North America will feature 48 nations for the first time. Ten of those countries will come from the African continent.

Morocco made history in Qatar four years ago. They became the first African side to reach the semi-finals. Now they want to go even further. Cape Verde will make their debut appearance at the finals. DR Congo will return for the first time since 1974.

Here are seven players who could make a big impact for their countries.

Antoine Semenyo (Ghana)

Semenyo was born in London. The 26-year-old plays for Manchester City. He did not win the Premier League this season. However, he did win the FA Cup. He scored the winning goal against Chelsea in the final last month. He used brilliant skill to create that chance.

This has been his best season for scoring goals. He found the net 17 times in the English top flight. He moved to the Etihad Stadium in January. He scored seven goals after that move.

Ghana will need him. Their other big star, Mohammed Kudus of Tottenham, is injured. Semenyo went to the 2022 World Cup but did not play much. He came on as a substitute. Ghana went out in the group stage. They also missed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Now Semenyo wants to score his first goal at a major tournament. Ghana face England, Croatia and Panama in Group L.

Diomande (Ivory Coast)

The Ivory Coast are back at the World Cup for the first time since 2014. They have one of the best young players in Germany. The 19-year-old plays for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. He won the Rookie of the Season award. He scored 12 goals and made eight assists. His team finished third and qualified for the Champions League.

Big clubs want to sign him. Liverpool and Chelsea have both shown interest. He could cost a lot of money.

He played at Afcon 2025. He started four of his country’s five games. He attempted more dribbles than any other player in the Bundesliga this season. He also won more duels than anyone else. He is very dangerous when he runs at defenders.

Germany will face him in Group E. They will know all about his skills. The Ivory Coast will also play against Ecuador and Curacao. Curacao are making their first appearance at the tournament.

Ronwen Williams (South Africa)

South Africa are back at the World Cup for the first time since 2010. That year they hosted the tournament. Their first goal is to reach the knockout stage. They have never done this before. They went out in the group stage in 1998 and 2002. In 2010 they became the first host nation to fail to reach the last 16.

Williams is their captain. He plays for Mamelodi Sundowns. He is a goalkeeper. He became famous for saving penalties. He stopped four spot kicks in a shootout against Cape Verde. This happened in the Afcon 2023 quarter-finals.

The 34-year-old says he loves being captain. He has plenty of experience in big games. He just won the African Champions League with Sundowns.

South Africa play the opening game of the tournament. They face co-hosts Mexico on 11 June. Then they play the Czech Republic and South Korea.

Roberto Lopes (Cape Verde)

Cape Verde are a small island nation. They have had amazing success recently. They reached the quarter-finals at Afcon 2023. Then they finished above Cameroon in qualifying. Cameroon are one of Africa’s strongest teams.

Lopes is a centre-back. He plays for Shamrock Rovers in Ireland. He was born in Dublin. He is 33 years old. He has a strong Irish accent.

He first heard from Cape Verde through LinkedIn. This is a business networking website. The message was in Portuguese. He ignored it at first. He made his debut in 2019. He only missed one game in World Cup qualifying.

His team face a difficult group. They are in Group H with Spain and Uruguay. Both countries have won the World Cup before. They also play Saudi Arabia. Lopes will need to use all his experience and leadership at the back.

Brahim Diaz (Morocco)

Diaz plays for Real Madrid. He was the star player for Morocco at Afcon 2025. The tournament was held in Morocco. He scored five goals. His team reached the final.

However, he had a bad moment in that final. The score was 0-0 in extra time. He took a penalty. He tried a Panenka chip down the middle. The Senegal goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, saved it easily.

The Senegal players had walked off the pitch before the penalty. They were protesting the decision. Diaz had to wait a long time to take it. He was taken off early in extra time. He cried as Senegal won 1-0.

Later, an appeals board gave the title to Morocco. Senegal took the case to court. Diaz was born in Malaga, Spain. He played for Spain’s Under-21 team. He only switched to Morocco in 2024. This was after their World Cup semi-final run in Qatar.

He now has a chance to make up for his penalty miss. Morocco face Brazil in their first game. Brazil have won the tournament five times. Then they play Scotland and Haiti in Group C.

Ismaila Sarr (Senegal)

Sarr plays for Crystal Palace in England. He is 28 years old. He has scored 21 goals this season. This is the best total of his career. Nine of those goals came in the Conference League. This helped Palace win their first ever European trophy.

This will be his third World Cup. Senegal went out in the group stage in 2018. Four years ago they lost 3-0 to England in the last 16.

Senegal are the reigning African champions. They won Afcon 2025 on the pitch. They face France in Group I. France have won the World Cup twice. They also play Norway and Iraq. Norway have Erling Haaland in their team.

Senegal beat France in their first ever World Cup match in 2002. France were the holders at that time. Senegal reached the quarter-finals that year. Sarr hopes to cause another upset.

Omar Marmoush (Egypt)

Marmoush joined Manchester City in January last year. The transfer cost £59 million. He has not fully matched that price tag yet. But he did help City win the League Cup and FA Cup this season.

He is 27 years old. He only started eight Premier League games in 2025-26. However, he is a key player for Egypt. He is always in the starting eleven for his country.

He scored twice at Afcon 2025. Egypt finished fourth in that tournament. Now he will play at his first World Cup.

Egypt were the first African country to play at the World Cup. They have won the Africa Cup of Nations seven times. But they have never won a match at the World Cup. They lost in the first round in 1934. They went out in the group stage in 1990 and 2018.

Mohamed Salah is the captain. He has just returned from injury. He had a difficult season with Liverpool. The coach, Hossam Hassan, will look to Marmoush to deliver the goals.

• Senegal striker Iliman Ndiaye maintains the Teranga Lions are the rightful 2025 AFCON winners
• The Court of Arbitration for Sport is yet to deliver a verdict on Senegal’s appeal against the trophy confiscation
• CAF stripped Senegal of the title in March, awarding it to Morocco after the final’s controversial walk-off
• Ndiaye says the squad will stay fully focused on the upcoming 2026 World Cup in North America
• Senegal will face France, Norway and Iraq in Group I of the tournament

Senegal forward Iliman Ndiaye has declared that his team are the true champions of Africa. He spoke out as the country waits for the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to decide the fate of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations trophy.

The legal battle started after Senegal beat hosts Morocco 1-0 in the final in January. The match went to extra time after a dramatic finish to normal play. Several Senegal players left the pitch in protest when the referee awarded Morocco a penalty during added time. The team stayed away for around 17 minutes before returning to finish the game.

Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy then saved a soft chip penalty from Brahim Diaz. Pape Gueye scored the winning goal in extra time to give Senegal the cup. However, football officials later took action against the West African side.

On 17 March, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) appeals panel took the title away from Senegal. They ruled that the players broke tournament rules by walking off without the referee’s permission. The board gave the trophy to Morocco instead. Senegal’s football federation has now asked CAS to review this decision. A verdict is still pending.

Ndiaye, who plays for Everton, told the BBC World Service that the squad feels no different. “In our eyes, and in the eyes of many people, we are the champions of Africa,” he said. “Whatever they decide, it will not disturb us. We have the same hunger and focus for the World Cup.”

The 2026 World Cup takes place in Canada, Mexico and the USA from 11 June to 19 July. Senegal are in Group I alongside France, Norway and Iraq.

The forward explained what caused the walk-off in the final in Rabat. He said emotions were high after two bad decisions. First, the referee disallowed a goal by Ismaila Sarr for a foul on Achraf Hakimi. Then, after checking a monitor, the official gave Morocco a penalty for a pull by El Hadji Malick Diouf.

Ndiaye was on the bench at the time. He said veteran star Sadio Mane stayed on the pitch and ran to the changing room to bring the team back. “The manager and the players who stayed outside told everyone to return and finish the match,” Ndiaye explained.

Despite defending his team’s actions, Ndiaye admitted the whole affair looks bad for the sport. “It is not a good look for African football,” he said. “We need to stay together and lift up the game in Africa. I hope they put this right.” Senegal even showed the trophy to fans before a friendly against Peru in late March, days after the Caf ruling.

• Sofiane Boufal confirms his departure from Le Havre via Instagram
• The Morocco international played a key role in the club’s Ligue 1 survival last season
• Boufal earns recall to the Atlas Lions after two-and-a-half-year absence

Morocco winger Sofiane Boufal has announced he will leave Le Havre. The 32-year-old confirmed the news on his Instagram account on Wednesday.

Boufal joined the French side in January on a free transfer from Union Saint-Gilloise. He made an immediate impact during the second half of the campaign. The former Lille and Angers star played in all 17 league fixtures after the winter break. He started 13 matches and scored once while creating four goals for his team-mates.

His performances proved crucial as Le Havre avoided relegation from the top flight. The club finished the season safely in the division.

The attacking midfielder has also revived his international career. Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi selected Boufal for the preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup. This marks his first call-up to the Atlas Lions in two and a half years.

Boufal has earned 46 caps for his country and scored eight goals. His strong form in Normandy has clearly caught the attention of the national team management.

• Achraf Hakimi will miss the next few weeks after damaging his right thigh against Bayern Munich.
• The Moroccan defender is unavailable for the Champions League semi-final second leg in Munich on 6 May.
• The injury casts doubt over his readiness for the 2026 World Cup finals starting in six weeks.

Paris Saint-Germain have suffered a major blow ahead of their European showdown. Full-back Achraf Hakimi faces an extended spell on the treatment table following an injury sustained during Tuesday’s thrilling 5-4 win over Bayern Munich.

The French club issued a statement confirming the defender’s condition. “Having suffered a right thigh injury during the match against Bayern, Hakimi will remain in treatment for the next few weeks,” PSG said.

This diagnosis rules the 26-year-old out of the return fixture at the Allianz Arena on 6 May. The Parisians hold a narrow advantage after a high-scoring first leg at the Parc des Princes, where Hakimi played the entire match and created a goal for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

The right-back showed signs of distress in the closing stages. He clutched his hamstring late in the game but remained on the pitch. Manager Luis Enrique had already used all five substitutions, leaving Hakimi with no option but to finish the contest.

The setback follows a recent fitness concern. Hakimi sat out the second half of PSG’s 3-0 league victory at Angers last weekend before returning to the starting eleven for the European clash.

The timing creates problems for both club and country. Hakimi has been an ever-present figure for Luis Enrique’s side this term. He also scored in last season’s 5-0 final triumph over Inter Milan, a result that secured the club’s first European crown.

National team concerns add further pressure. Morocco are preparing for the 2026 World Cup finals across the United States, Canada and Mexico, which begin in approximately six weeks. Hakimi played a vital role in their historic semi-final run at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Medical staff now face a race against time to ensure the star defender recovers for the global showpiece.