The 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN 2025) saw a significant turning point this Sunday with Kenya, the host nation, securing a 1-0 victory over Morocco.
Despite being reduced to 10 men in the second half after a Kenyan player was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Anas El Mahraoui, the Moroccans could not change the course of the match. The game took place at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kampala, where VAR disallowed an initially awarded penalty for Kenya, heightening tensions around the encounter.
Meanwhile, on Monday, August 11, South Africa faces Guinea in a crucial Group C match at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala. This duel is decisive for qualification into the CHAN 2025 quarterfinals. Guinea, although heavily defeated by Uganda, holds third place in the group, and a win against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana A’ would keep their tournament hopes alive. South Africa, absent from CHAN for a long period, aims to confirm its good initial results, especially after drawing with Algeria.
On the transfer front, the African summer transfer window continues to attract considerable interest. Influential African players like Victor Osimhen, whose transfer negotiations between Napoli and Galatasaray are ongoing, are central to discussions. Napoli demands 75 million euros, a high amount delaying the deal’s completion. Additionally, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has returned to Olympique de Marseille following a successful season in Saudi Arabia, marking a major development for African and European football.
Finally, the day was also marked by administrative decisions such as the case of Mohamed Fernández, a Guinean striker who will not be able to play this season in the French National league with Villefranche Beaujolais due to the lack of a valid federation contract. This situation highlights some of the challenges faced by African players pursuing careers in Europe. Overall, the current dynamics around CHAN 2025 and the transfer market show a vibrant African football scene, combining intense competition and high-level player movements.