YExpress news

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

Despite multiple attempts to persuade him to remain in Morocco and continue his AFCON 2025 journey, Lumumba VEA departed Rabat on Thursday, returning to Kinshasa 🇨🇩.

📌 His exit speaks volumes:
• Global recognition earned through passion and authenticity
• Unforgettable moments shared with African supporters
• A powerful symbol that defined AFCON 2025 and went viral across the continent

👏 His decision, made with dignity and conviction, deserves respect.

Morocco, host of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, officially acknowledged Congolese superfan Lumumba VEA as one of the standout personalities of the tournament. In appreciation of his impact and viral presence, he was offered the opportunity to remain in Morocco and attend all matches up to the final — an offer he firmly declined.

🔴✈️ AFCON 2025: Lumumba returns home
Rejecting several lucrative proposals, including €2,000 per match, Michel Kuka Mboladinga — popularly known as Lumumba VEA — chose loyalty to his roots over money. Despite strong efforts to keep him in Morocco until the end of the tournament, he left Rabat on Thursday for Kinshasa.

This return is far more than a journey home — it is a moment of triumph:
🏅 Supreme honor: He is set to be officially received by President Félix Tshisekedi.
🌍 Continental icon: He leaves AFCON 2025 having captured Africa’s heart.
🔥 Viral legend: More than a fan, he became the face and soul of the tournament.

Lumumba is not just going back home.
He is returning as history made.
AFCON 2025 may be over for him, but his legacy will echo for generations.

09/01/2026

THE FOLLOWING COUNTRIES HAVE NEVER QUALIFIED FOR THE AFCON TOURNAMENT

; 8 January 2026

1. Eswatini🇸🇿
2. Lesotho🇱🇸
3. Somalia🇸🇴
4. Seychelles🇸🇨
5. Djibouti🇩🇯
6. Eritrea🇪🇷
7. South Sudan🇸🇸
8. Sao Tome🇸🇹
9. Central African Republic🇨🇫
10. Chad🇷🇴

Afcon this year is turning 69 years old and yet other countries don't know it.

09/01/2026

🇿🇦MAKGOPA ATTRACTING STRONG EUROPEAN INTEREST

Evidence Makgopa is attracting strong interest from several European clubs, with offers on the table from teams in Belgium, France, and England, according to his agent Paul Mitchell of Siyavuma Sports Group.

There is a high likelihood that Makgopa may not complete the current season with Orlando Pirates. During his recent contract renewal, a clause was included ensuring that the club would not block a move to Europe or Saudi Arabia, should a suitable offer arise.

09/01/2026

Your Match officials for (09 January,2026)👇

🏟️⚽️ 🇲🇱 Mali vs Senegal 🇸🇳
🏟️⚽️ 🇨🇲Cameroon vs Morocco 🇲🇦

09/01/2026

Mzansi Company Struck A Deal With The Most Supported Premier League Club In RSA

One of South Africa's leading supporters and leisurewear brands, Old School, has sealed a long-term deal with Liverpool FC,

"As part of the five-year agreement, Old School will deliver the official LFC Retail experience through online and offline channels, launching e-commerce and multiple shop-in-shops across South Africa in the first year," a club statement read.

"Plans are also in place to open multiple official standalone LFC Retail stores in the country, bringing the club even closer to its passionate local fan base.

"With 12.5 million LFC supporters in South Africa – more than any other Premier League club – alongside 8.9 million social followers and 37 million cumulative TV viewers last season, the partnership marks a significant step in establishing a new physical retail footprint for the club to meet growing fan demand across the region."

Daneel Steinmann, founder and CEO at Old School, said: "This partnership with Liverpool FC marks an important milestone for Old School. The club's heritage, identity and strong connection with supporters reflect many of the principles that have shaped our business from the very beginning.

"We've always believed that fans deserve merchandise that carries meaning as well as quality and bringing the official LFC Retail experience to South Africa is a responsibility we're proud to take on. Our focus is on respecting the club's legacy while delivering a world-class retail experience for the millions of Liverpool FC supporters across the region."

Launched in 2019 by two brothers from their university dorm room, Old School has quickly become a leading retail brand, providing high-quality custom merchandise, leisurewear and retro kits for football and rugby fans.

09/01/2026

The draw for the 2026 Round of 32 will take place in Johannesburg on Thursday, 15 January 2026.

09/01/2026

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui, believes that both teams have enough talent to bring to the match however concentration and focus will be key factors in big moments of the match.
The Coach further reiterated that individual brilliance will win the match".

09/01/2026

indomitable Lions Head Coach at the prematch conference ahead of the quarterfinal encounter against the Atlas Lions.

" Morocco are on top of the rankings but we have young players in my team that are looking to perch their name in the African Football history ."

08/01/2026

CAF Confederation Cup Home Matches ⚽️

Kaizer Chiefs 🆚️ Zesco United (Moses Mabhida) 01 February 2026

Kaizer Chiefs 🆚️ Al Masry (New Peter Mokaba)
08 February 2026

Kaizer Chiefs 🇿🇦🧡✌️

08/01/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 ✍️

Sekhukhune United have announced the signing of Ivory Coast winger, Amede Tidiane Diomande.

"His speed and skill, bring exciting attacking options to our squad."

08/01/2026

𝗜𝗡 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗚𝗘!

Abongile Tom 🇿🇦 will officiate the Quarterfinal clash between Senegal 🇸🇳 and Mali 🇲🇱 tomorrow.

Kick off @ 18H00.