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From Diaz To ‘Mazadona’ – Five Young Players Impressing At 2025 AFCON

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The Africa Cup of Nations reaches the quarter-final stage this weekend with a series of mouthwatering ties between the continent’s heavyweights. AFP Sport picks out five stars enjoying their first AFCON to look out for in the last eight:

Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid/Morocco)

Morocco’s forward #10 Brahim Diaz celebrates after Morocco won the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) quarter-final football match between Cameroon and Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdallah stadium in Rabat on January 9, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

Moroccans were perhaps pinning their hopes of Cup of Nations glory on home soil on skipper Achraf Hakimi. But while the African player of the year hardly featured in the group stage as he recovered from injury, Diaz wasted no time in becoming their key man.

Diaz, 26, has scored in every game including the crucial strike to beat Tanzania in the last 16. That makes him the tournament’s leading marksman on four goals.

Born in Malaga, Diaz was capped by Spain at full international level in 2021 but later switched allegiance to Morocco, from where his father hails. The ex-Manchester City and AC Milan winger broke into the Atlas Lions’ side shortly after the last AFCON in 2024 and will have an important part to play against Cameroon on Friday.

Christian Kofane (Bayer Leverkusen/Cameroon)

Cameroon’s forward #26 Christian Kofane celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) round of 16 football match between South Africa and Cameroon at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat on January 4, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

Cameroon appear to be in permanent turmoil these days but they have so far enjoyed a successful AFCON with a number of exciting young players to the fore. None more so than Kofane, the 19-year-old forward from Douala who joined Bayer Leverkusen ahead of this campaign from Albacete in Spain’s second tier.

He has started 10 games for Leverkusen this season, scoring against the likes of Borussia Dortmund and in the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven. Those performances convinced new Indomitable Lions coach David Pagou to include him in his squad to go to Morocco.

Kofane made his first appearance in the 1-1 draw with Ivory Coast before netting the winner against Mozambique in the final group game and then the goal that secured a 2-1 success over South Africa in the last 16.

Ibrahim Mbaye (Paris Saint-Germain/Senegal)

Senegal’s forward #27 Ibrahim Mbaye (C) celebrates with teammates after the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) round of 16 football match between Senegal and Sudan at Grand Stadium in Tangiers on January 3, 2026. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP)

The 17-year-old PSG winger hails from the suburbs of the French capital and represented France at youth international level before deciding in the run-up to the Cup of Nations to play for Senegal, his father’s country of origin.

Mbaye, who has made 20 appearances for European champions PSG this season, was therefore handed a debut for the Lions of Teranga in a November friendly defeat by Brazil.

He has gone on to have a significant impact for Senegal in Morocco, showing that he belongs among the likes of Sadio Mane and Iliman Ndiaye.

Mbaye came off the bench to set up his team’s equaliser in a 1-1 draw with DR Congo, and set up a goal as a substitute in the 3-0 win over Benin. Again appearing from the bench, Mbaye scored the third goal in the 3-1 win over Sudan in the last 16. His side face Mali in the last eight on Friday.

Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen/Algeria)

Algeria’s midfielder #22 Ibrahim Maza and Democratic Republic Of Congo’s forward #17 Cedric Bakambu compete for the ball during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) round of 16 football match between Algeria and Democratic Republic of Congo at the Prince Moulay El Hassan
Stadium in Rabat on January 6, 2026. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP)

“Mazadona” has been thrilling on Algeria’s run to the quarters. The 20-year-old Berlin-born attacking midfielder represented Germany as a youth but has Algerian heritage and opted in late 2024 to play for them after impressive performances for Hertha Berlin.

Maza, who joined Leverkusen ahead of this season for a reported 12 million euros ($14m), has had a huge impact for Algeria playing behind the striker.

He came off the bench to score in their opening win against Sudan and has started every game since, picking up the man of the match prize against Burkina Faso and finding the net against Equatorial Guinea. A future superstar.

Akor Adams (Sevilla/Nigeria)

Nigeria’s forward #22 Akor Adams celebrates scoring the team’s fourth goal during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) round of 16 football match between Nigeria and Mozambique at the Sports Complex stadium in Fes on January 5, 2026. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP)

The big 25-year-old striker is a great addition to a fearsome Nigerian attack led by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

Adams, who joined La Liga side Sevilla from Montpellier a year ago, was not part of the Super Eagles set-up until October, when he scored on his debut in World Cup qualifying against Lesotho.

AFCON 2025: Preview, Kick-off Time, Team News As Super Eagles Eye Semis

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Nigeria are up against Algeria in the quarter-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a semi-final ticket on the line. 

The AFCON classic is a rematch of the 2019 semi-final between the Desert Foxes and the Super Eagles, won by the Algerians courtesy of a stunning late free kick from Riyad Mahrez.

Saturday’s eagerly anticipated match will see two teams on a winning streak at the 2025 AFCON taking on each other. Nigeria’s attacking flair, with 12 goals in four games, will be put to the test against an Algerian defence that has conceded just one in the same number of games. 

The deadly attacking duo of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will be up against an impregnable Luca Zidane in goal for the 2019 champions, making the clash an interesting encounter.

Nigeria trounced Mozambique 4-0 in the round of 16 to reach the quarter-final, while the Algerians pipped DR Congo 1-0 to book their ticket to the last-eight. 

Nigeria’s forward #22 Akor Adams celebrates scoring the team’s fourth goal during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) round of 16 football match between Nigeria and Mozambique at the Sports Complex stadium in Fes on January 5, 2026. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP)

Nigeria Team News

The Super Eagles go into the encounter against Algeria after a bonus row with players threatening to boycott the game. But with that resolved, the team has the full complement of players for selection. Lookman and Osimhen, both on three goals each, are expected to continue their fine form at the AFCON. The defensive solidity of the West Africans will be tested again, having kept only one clean sheet so far. 

Striker Akor Adams is also a threat to any opponent. The Sevilla man has two assists and a goal in the AFCON. Fulham’s Alex Iwobi has grown into the tournament, and Nigeria need him to be in his best element on Saturday, pulling the strings from the middle of the pack!

Eric Chelle will likely keep faith with the same players who featured in the defeat of the Mozambicans on Monday. 

Senegal’s forward #27 Ibrahim Mbaye (C) celebrates with teammates after the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) round of 16 football match between Senegal and Sudan at Grand Stadium in Tangiers on January 3, 2026. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP)

Algeria Team News

For the Algerians, Mahrez, with multiple Premier League titles, remains one of the most outstanding players for the North Africans. The former Manchester City and Leicester City winger has scored three goals in the competition. 

He, alongside Ibrahim Maza on two goals and Anis Moussa, are players Nigeria must keep an eye on if they are to reach the semis of Africa’s most important competition. 

Lucas, son of French legend Zinedine Zidane, is a towering figure in the post, having yet to concede in the three games he has featured in Morocco. However, Ismael Bennacer is a doubt for Vladimir Petkovic’s team. 

Algeria’s midfielder #22 Ibrahim Maza and Democratic Republic Of Congo’s forward #17 Cedric Bakambu compete for the ball during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) round of 16 football match between Algeria and Democratic Republic of Congo at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat on January 6, 2026. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP)

Nigeria vs Algeria: Head-To-Head Record 

While Algeria and Nigeria are not new to facing each other, the Desert Foxes have had the upper hand in 22 games played between the two sides. They have won 10 times, but Nigeria have nine victories to show for. Three of the matches have ended in draws. 

Algeria last met Nigeria at the AFCON in 2019, where they won 1-0. But the three-time African champions mauled them 3-0 in the first leg of their 2018 World Cup qualifier. 

Morocco’s players celebrate after winning the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) quarter-final football match between Cameroon and Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdallah stadium in Rabat on January 9, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

Nigeria vs Algeria: AFCON 2025 Match Details 

Match: Nigeria vs Algeria

Competition: 2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Venue: Marrakech Stadium, Morocco

Date/Time: Saturday at 5 pm (WAT)

Nigeria vs Algeria: Can Nigeria’s Super Eagles Soar Over Algeria?

After the heartbreak of missing out on the 2026 World Cup and failing in the final of the last AFCON, Nigeria will be seeking to stamp their authority as one of the continent’s biggest sides. 

England Stanway to leave Bayern in summer

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Emma Sanders

BBC Sport women’s football news reporter
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England international Georgia Stanway will leave Bayern Munich upon the expiry of her contract at the end of the season.

The 27-year-old moved to Bayern from Manchester City in 2022 and has won three league titles.

During her time in Germany, she has won two European Championships with the Lionesses and has become recognised as one of the best midfielders in the world.

Stanway, who has 87 caps for England, is permitted to sign a pre-contract agreement with another club this month with a view to joining in the summer.

“I am incredibly grateful to Bayern. Thankfully, my time here isn’t over yet,” Stanway said in a club statement on Saturday.

“The decision to leave was incredibly difficult. I definitely didn’t make it lightly. I’ve made friends and memories here that will last a lifetime, and I’ve been able to develop enormously as both a player and a person.

“I will give absolutely everything for Bayern and our sporting success until the very last day – just as I have for the past three and a half years.”

Should Arsenal agree a deal with Stanway, it would be regarded as one of the biggest transfers of the January window.

Arsenal are looking to build a squad capable of winning the Women’s Super League, having lifted the Champions League trophy in May, and are working to secure additions for the summer.

Ellen White, Jen Beattie and Ben Haines

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Save £100 on Claudia Winkleman’s exact black and white loafers from The Traitors

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Claudia Winkleman just wore the perfect pair of black and white loafers with her recent The Traitors outfit, with fans are calling them a ‘must-have’ – and they’re £100 off

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Another week of treachery and deception on The Traitors has come to an end, but one thing we can all remain faithful to, is Claudia Winkleman’s wardrobe. The presenter has given us another great run of outfits this week, culminating in one of our favourite looks yet; her breakfast look from episode six.

We were already thinking her COS striped jumper and Tux Slim Crop Trousers from Me + Em were one of the most wearable ensembles we’ve seen so far from Claudia, but it was her black and white loafers that sealed the deal for us. Her pair of Wilde Black and White Vegan Penny Loafers from Duke and Dexter were the perfect finishing touch to the outfit, and fans can still shop them with a huge £100 saving.

READ MORE: Claudia Winkleman’s cosy wool coat from The Traitors is still in stock in all sizes

READ MORE: Claudia Winkleman rewears iconic fingerless gloves in ‘already amazing’ Traitors looks

Usually priced at £250, they’re currently on sale for just £150 on the Duke and Dexter website. Currently there’s only sizes three, four and five in stock, although END. also has the loafers on sale for £150, with sizes three to eight available, and only a size six sold out.

Claudia herself called them “The best shoes on Earth” in her Instagram post promoting the latest episode. Fans also lauded the statement loafers, with one saying: “Those shoes though must have,” and another writing: “@dukedexter are about to sell some f*****g shoes” followed by plenty of fire emojis.

The contrast of the bold black and white was the perfect way to finish off her otherwise quite simple outfit, and brought that little bit of additional flare and sparkle that Claudia’s outfits have become known for. And just to really spice things up, a closer look at the loafers revealed they featured the words “Faithful” and “Traitor” painted on the tongue of each shoe.

Although you don’t have the option of customising your own Wilde Black and White Vegan Penny Loafers, Duke and Dexter does offer several different printed designs for a slightly higher price of £270. You can choose from things like cherries, kiss prints and bow designs, so you can (quite literally) follow in Claudia’s footsteps.

However if the price tag is a little out of budget, you could head over to Clark’s, where the Straven Edge Leather Loafers are also on sale, down from £90 to £45 with sizes 3.5 to seven still in stock. They have a similar black base with contrasting white tongue and Clark’s signature Contour Cushion footbed for extra comfort.

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You could also pick up this pair of Dr Martens’ Penton Heart Two-Tone Patent Leather Loafers which are also 50% off, down from £150 to £75. These have a glossy, patent finish compared to Claudia’s pair, but are still in stock in all sizes.

Onley eyes Tour podium ‘in next couple of years’

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Oscar Onley still feels “very far away” from winning the Tour de France despite last summer’s historic fourth-placed finish but believes he is capable of making the podium “in the next couple of years”.

The 23-year-old equalled the best result by a Scottish rider, previously achieved by Philippa York (then known as Robert Millar) in 1984.

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Looking to bridge ‘big gap’ with top two

It’s been a steady progression by Onley since the London-born cyclist joined the Netherlands-based team, Team Picnic–PostNL, in 2023.

His first individual professional win came the following January in an uphill finish on stage five of the 2024 Tour Down Under, ultimately finishing fourth overall.

Onley, though, came into that year’s Tour de France “just trying to go for stage results, which meant there is certain days when I would sit up and take it a bit easier”.

That was with the knowledge that he was not in a position “to be fighting for a top-five finish overall”.

That all changed last year.

“It really feels like it came quite quickly in the last few months before the Tour,” he said.

“Everything started to click into place and so I was starting to gain a lot more confidence in myself as well.”

While he was initially targeting stage wins in his second Tour de France, with the general classification being a secondary aim, it soon became clear that a podium finish was a possibility.

Onley would finish just over a minute behind third-placed Florian Lipowitz of Germany. Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard was eight minutes in front in second, while winner, Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia, was 12 minutes better off.

“I still feel very far away,” the Scot said as he looked forward to the coming season. “To the front two, there is a big gap from the rest of us, but I definitely feel that, in the next couple of years, a podium finish is definitely possible if things go the right way for me.

Edinburgh Grand Depart ‘will be special’

Slovenian rider Tadej Pogacar (left) and Oscar Onley (right) Getty Images

It is no surprise Onley is especially dreaming of success in 2027, when the Tour de France will start in Edinburgh.

“It is something I’m really looking forward to,” he said. “I think the UK and Scotland really put on a good show whenever big events come to the country, such as the Commonwealth Games or the road world cycling championships in Glasgow a couple of years ago.

Cycling ‘in better place’ over drugs

Performance-enhancing drugs in cycling hit the headlines with the banning of Lance Armstrong in 2012 and remains a hot topic despite fewer cases in recent years.

“I can’t speak for other sports, but I know how much we get tested and how much I personally get tested as well throughout the year and throughout the tour,” Onley said.

The Scot has “a lot of trust” in the systems in place trying “to keep the sport clean” and ensure a level playing field.

“I believe the sport’s come a long way in the past 10-15 years,” Onley said. “I also don’t believe it’s completely clean.

“I think it’s quite naive to think it’s clean throughout the whole world, but I think it’s in a better place than it was before I started cycling.

“It’s not much I think about. I can only compete with who I am up against. I am not riding along thinking, ‘this guy might be getting an advantage over me’. It’s not really the thought process I or many other riders have.

Missing fruit squash and Lammermuir Hills

Onley was speaking while preparing for the new season in Andorra, where he lives in the mountains between France and Spain.

“There is a big culture of professional cyclists up there and I have a lot of friends who live close by and we can always go out training together or do other things,” he explained.

“It’s quite peaceful and it’s a nice place to come back to in between races.”

Among those fellow cyclists, recently retired Welsh Commonwealth Games gold medallist and 2018 Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas “is someone I always looked up to”.

“The way he can focus on a certain goal every year he’s been professional,” he said. “In the last few years racing beside him has been quite inspiring.”

Brought up in Kelso, Onley also admits that, amid his globetrotting lifestyle, the biggest thing he misses about Scotland is a certain brand of fruit squash.

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Aleppo’s residents caught between hope and fear amid Syria fighting

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REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK

I arrived in Aleppo early on Wednesday morning after receiving reports of serious clashes between the Syrian army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). What I encountered was far worse than I expected.

Heavy artillery shelling was constant, extreme. My team came under attack four times; one bullet hit our equipment.

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This round of clashes, we quickly understood, would not be easily contained like earlier bouts over the past year.

The root of the conflict is the government’s demand for the SDF, which has tens of thousands of troops, to integrate into state institutions, as per an agreement reached between the two sides last March. But there are numerous disputes over how that should happen, including the number of SDF troops that will join the army.

‘Overwhelming sense of despair’

Fighting has centred in heavily populated parts of Aleppo, specifically the districts of Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud. In total, these areas have about 400,000 inhabitants. Within 24 hours of fighting erupting, 160,000 fled their homes. It was like an exodus.

On Thursday, when the fighting peaked, people struggled to make their way through the streets without being caught in the crossfire. Children screamed and cried in panic. Families held each other’s hands and clothes in order to not lose track of each other.

Residents carry their belongings as they flee Aleppo’s Ashrafieh neighbourhood, on January 7, 2026 [Bakr Alkasem/AFP]

One elderly man said he had seen enough after nearly 15 years of civil strife: “May God take my soul so I can rest,” he said.

An elderly woman, barely able to walk, fell to the ground amid the crowd and several people trampled over her. I saw her son break into tears as he tried to pull her from the ground.

The last time I saw scenes like this was in 2014, when ISIL (ISIS) attacked Syria’s Kurdish-majority town of Kobane. There was an overwhelming sense of despair, helplessness, and a feeling that everything was ending.

Short-lived ceasefire

On Friday, the warring parties agreed to a morning ceasefire and the SDF leadership agreed its fighters would lay down their heavy weapons and leave the area. However, when buses arrived to take them, more fighting broke out. When the buses came back later, the same thing happened. Our sources told us this was due to divisions within the SDF, with more radical factions resisting the calls to lay down their arms.

The back and forth ended with the Syrian government setting a deadline of 6pm (15:00 GMT) on Friday for remaining civilians to flee, after which it would restart military operations against SDF targets. Heavy fighting has since resumed in Sheikh Maqsoud.

The government, careful to avoid the perception of demographic engineering, has said that once it clears the area of SDF fighters, everyone will be able to come home. It has stressed that this is not a fight between Arabs and Kurds, but between government forces and a non-state force.