The Official AFCON 2025 Thread (December 21- January 18)

[Roberto Firmino]

Quality opening match tomorrow when the real fun starts

 

[thatrapsfan]

 

[hood b. goode]

 

[The Wall Is Undefeated!]

Go team with the best Jollof Rice!

 

[thatrapsfan]

Missing the game in the office, but looks like Mali is dominating Zambia and will get 3 points.

 

[thatrapsfan]

Whoa Patson Daka ties it in injury time

 

[The Wall Is Undefeated!]

Zambia has equalised.

 

[The Wall Is Undefeated!]

Mali 1 - 1 Zambia

Les Aigles (The Eagles) swarmed in Chipolopolo (The Copper Bullets), nearly invulnerable to their bullets but Chipolopolo somehow managed to injure Les Aigles. They both settle for a point each.

 

[Liu Kang]

I'm watching RSA-ANG and the stands are empty Like probably 15% full

 

[hood b. goode]

Bein sports not showing this what the hell

 

[phcitywarrior]

I'm watching RSA-ANG and the stands are empty Like probably 15% full

Matches will really only be full for the home nation matches and other North African nations. Morocco isn’t as easy to get to because of 1) location 2) cost and 3) visa policies. Morocco might as well be in the EU with how close it is to Spain.

 

[thatrapsfan]

I'm watching RSA-ANG and the stands are empty Like probably 15% full

Number of factors why its always like this in the AFCON group stage, some unique to host, others more generic:

1)No direct flights between South Africa and Morocco because of political tensions over Western Sahara. Even if there were, flights from Southern Africa to North are very expensive.

2) North Africans are the only teams that will have huge travelling support because of proximity. Senegal may have decent support because of ties between Morocco and Senegal and some Senegalese who live there.

3) Locals will prioritize national team games in the group stage. Should be more neutral local attendees for neighbouring countries games as well.

I expect the stadiums will fill up in the later rounds regardless of whos playing though.

 

[phcitywarrior]

Pitch quality this AFCON has been solid but it's expected seeing as this is Morocco

 

[phcitywarrior]

These opening games have been very solid.

 

[Roberto Firmino]

These opening games have been very solid.

Didn’t get to watch the earlier game and only caught this one from late in the first half but very solid start to the tourney