CK Updates
AFCON Report – Mali advance despite Comoros frustration – 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
Toibibou Kenan of Comoros challenged by Mamadou Sangare of Mali during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON match between Comoros and Mali at the Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco on 29 December 2025 ©Nour Aknajja/BackpagePix
Monday Dec 29, 2025. 23:01
Mali were held to a 0-0 draw by a stubborn Comoros side in the third and final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group A match, which was played at the Mohamed V Stadium, on Monday night.
As a result, the Eagles of Mali – the Group A runners-up – progressed to the Round of 16, where they will take on the Group C runners-up on January 3 in Casablanca. Comoros’ Coelacanths, on the other hand, bowed out of the tournament after finishing third in Group A with two points.
The Eagles asserted their dominance from the first whistle, with Yannick Pandor being the busier of the two goalkeepers. The 24-year-old denied Kamory Doumbia at the near-post in the 18th minute after the Coelacanths were exposed.
Pandor then pulled off a fantastic save to deny Yves Bissouma in the 41st minute, before parrying away Dorgeles Nene’s powerful long-range shot two minutes before the half-time break. The score was 0-0 at the interval thanks to Pandor’s goalkeeping heroics.
Mali continued to dominate possession after the restart. Coach Stefano Cusin decided to introduce experienced attacker El Fardou Ben, who has netted a record 20 goals for Comoros, in the 57th minute as the Coelacanths looked to change the complexion of the game and take the lead.
However, the two teams struggle to create clear-cut chances in the latter stages of the match. Mali were reduced to 10 players after Amadou Haidara was dismissed in the 89th minute, but the Eagles stood firm at the back, and the game ended in a 0-0 draw.
Comoros 0
Mali 0
Comoros: Yannick Pandor – Ahmed Soilihi (Boura 57′), Kenan Toibibou, Akim Abdallah, Yannis Kari, Yacine Bourhane (I. Mohamed 72′), Benjaloud Youssouf (Bakari 84′), Zaydou Youssouf (M’Changama 72′), Rafiki Said, Myziane Maolida (El Fardou Ben 57′), Faiz Selemani
Mali: Djigui Diarra – Abdoulaye Diaby, Ousmane Camara (A. Haidara 70′), Fode Doucoure, Nathan Gassama, Mamadou Sangare (L. Coulibaly 83′), Mohamed Camara, Yves Bissouma (M. Doumbia 70′), Kamory Doumbia, Lassine Sinayoko (M. Camara 83′), Nene Dorgeles (G. Diarra 70′)
CK Updates
WSL: Jana Fernandez signs new London City Lionesses contract
London City Lionesses defender Jana Fernandez has signed a new contract, keeping her at the club until 2029.
The 24-year-old has become a key player for Eder Maestre’s side since joining from Barcelona a year ago.
She played in every Women’s Super League match for London City last season as they finished sixth in their debut campaign in the top flight.
Her performances at right-back earned her the fans’ votes for club player of the season.
“I’m absolutely delighted to sign a new contract here at London City,” said Fernandez.
“When I arrived in England one year ago I joined this club with dreams for the future.
“Potential, excitement and progress are three words I associate with the club and I’m pleased to commit my future. I feel at home and settled here.
“We are building something special together, as players, staff and fans, and I can’t wait to play my part.”
Before her move to England, Fernandez spent her career at Barcelona, graduating from their academy and becoming a five-time league champion.
She also won the Champions League and Copa de la Reina three times.
Fernandez was part of the Spain team that finished runners-up to England at Euro 2025.
She has been joined at London City by former Barcelona team-mates Alexia Putellas – the two-time Ballon d’Or winner – and Mapi Leon.
Under US billionaire owner Michele Kang, London City hope to break into the WSL’s traditional top three and qualify for the Champions League.
Having attracted big names in the summer, it was crucial London City retained their other talent, and they have been able to do that with Fernandez and England winger Freya Godfrey committing their futures in recent months.
CK Updates
Hibs: David Gray ‘will continue until told otherwise’ – but has Hibs boss lost the fans?
Kieron: Kilmarnock could have won by three or four and it wouldn’t of flattered them. Hibs were so poor tonight. David Gray’s position is hanging by a thread.
Stuart: The players on that pitch have to take as much responsibility as Gray for this result, nowhere near good enough. Amateur performance.
Andy: How can Gray continue to keep his job? The players are not playing for him. The club is a mess. Banning the only fans that bring an atmosphere. Benching three of our best players. So confusing.
Chris: Question the tactics. Thought for long time long ball is desperate and lacks ambition. Pressure indeed on David Gray.
Lee: If we end the game two points off bottom spot then it’s surely time up for the Hibs manager. It’s not a run and recovery from a bad position needed, it’s deliver and results from the get go the support demands for a club of our size.
Stuart: The players on that pitch have to take as much responsibility as David Gray for this result, nowhere near good enough. Amateur performance.
Paul: Long balls to no-one as usual from Hibs and as usual our keeper is a weak link. Gray has to go even if we win as this is awful football. Bring in Neil Lennon or Steve Clarke asap before our season drifts to nothing as usual.
Andy: How can Gray continue to keep his job? The players are not playing for him. The club is a mess. Banning the only fans that bring an atmosphere. Benching three of our best players. So confusing.
Brian: Worst backline in Scotland, midfielders trot about like headless chickens, feel sorry for strikers. Gray clueless. No plan. No tactics. Blah, blah, blah after game as usual but won’t resign. Board have to act.
SMcDhfc: David Gray has lost the team, it was obvious tonight. As an attacking force, we were shocking, lots of huffing and puffing but not one real effort on target. The players should be embarrassed after that display, but they will get the result they are after, Gray sacked.
Craig: I like Gray but believe it’s time he goes. He has one formation. It’s just not good enough. But, if he goes, Malky MacKay [director of football] should go too. His signings have been terrible.
CK Updates
Thomas Tuchel: England boss regrets not eating Azteca turf after World Cup win in Mexico
England’s victory was only the third time Mexico had tasted defeat at the stadium in 90 competitive matches.
Tuchel described it as one of the highlights of the campaign and hailed the “huge bond” within the camp, especially the reaction to Jordan Henderson’s tournament-ending injury after falling over an advertising hoarding while celebrating the Azteca success.
“This game had so much of what you could wish for,” added the German. “If you needed any proof of what it meant to these players and how they were with each other, it was the moment Jordan fell over and broke his arm.
“Within a second, the players were there. Every single player was there stopping the celebrations, building a shield, protecting Jordan, not going anywhere, in full empathy. It was so special.”
England are next in action against World Cup winners Spain on 26 September in their 2026-27 Uefa Nations League opener, with the 2028 European Championships also on Tuchel’s radar.
Confident of ending England’s wait for a first senior men’s trophy since 1966, he believed their World Cup run not only cemented his relationship with the squad – “it feels like they are my players now” – but also represented “something to build on”.
Tuchel added: “I’m very excited. I think we got another step closer and I think we’re there.”
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CK Updates24 hours agoNorthern Ireland: Eligibility rules ‘not particularly fair’ – Michael O’Neill
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CK Updates12 hours agoHibs: David Gray ‘will continue until told otherwise’ – but has Hibs boss lost the fans?
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CK Updates18 hours agoThomas Tuchel: England boss regrets not eating Azteca turf after World Cup win in Mexico

