Latest Football (Soccer) News

📅December 22, 2025 at 1:00 AM
AFCON 2025 kicks off with Morocco's 2-0 win over Comoros; Premier League features Aston Villa vs Manchester United; Lookman discusses Nigeria's Afcon hopes amid Atalanta uncertainty.
1

Morocco Defeats Comoros 2-0 in AFCON 2025 Opener

Host nation Morocco secured a 2-0 victory over Comoros in the Africa Cup of Nations Group Stage opener at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Goals came from Brahim Díaz in the 55th minute and Ayoub El Kaabi in the 74th minute, dominating the match.Source 1 The Atlas Lions kicked off their campaign strongly as favorites for the title.Source 5

2

Excitement Builds for Morocco's AFCON Hosting

Fans in red-and-green filled Rabat streets hours before kickoff for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations opener. Morocco, ranked No. 11 globally, aims for its second title since 1976, with the final set for January 19.Source 5 No host has lost an opening match since 1998.Source 5

3

Aston Villa vs Manchester United Premier League Highlights

Full-match highlights from Aston Villa's clash with Manchester United in Premier League Matchweek 17 aired on NBC Sports. The game took place at Villa Park on December 21.Source 3 Viewers can catch Premier League action live on Peacock.Source 3

4

Ademola Lookman Addresses Atalanta Future and Afcon

Nigeria's Ademola Lookman discussed his uncertain future at Atalanta after a failed Inter Milan move, focusing now on Afcon performance. He highlighted Nigeria's preparations post-2023 final and World Cup miss as motivation.Source 4 Lookman has 35 caps, 8 goals, and 5 assists for Super Eagles.Source 4

5

AFCON Shifts to Four-Year Cycle Aligning with FIFA

The Africa Cup of Nations announced a move to a four-year cycle to sync with the FIFA calendar, altering its biennial schedule. This change was revealed just before the tournament start.Source 5 It impacts future planning for favorites like Egypt and Ivory Coast.Source 5

6

Egypt Set to Begin Afcon Bid Against Zimbabwe

Egypt launches its quest for a record eighth Afcon title against Zimbabwe in Agadir on Monday. Mohamed Salah aims for his first tournament win.Source 5 The Pharaohs are among the top contenders alongside Senegal and Cameroon.Source 5

7

Ivory Coast Defends Title Against Mozambique

Defending champions Ivory Coast start their title defense versus Mozambique in Marrakech on Wednesday. The tournament features sold-out matches for Morocco and Algeria.Source 5 High expectations surround the five-time winners.Source 5

8

Comoros Coach Hails Morocco Opener as Extraordinary

Comoros coach Stefano Cusin called the match against host Morocco a superb occasion despite their world No. 108 ranking. It's only Comoros' second Afcon appearance.Source 5 Morocco's infrastructure push positions them as a soccer power.Source 5

9

Morocco's World Cup Semifinal Legacy Boosts Afcon Hopes

Morocco, first African team in a World Cup semifinal in 2022, leverages massive infrastructure for Afcon dominance. They co-host 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.Source 5 Fans paraded through Rabat the night before the opener.Source 5

10

Nigeria's Lookman Turns World Cup Pain into Afcon Fuel

Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman admitted the 2026 World Cup qualification miss hurts but can motivate Afcon success. He earned African Footballer of the Year after Europa League heroics.Source 4 Nigeria seeks continental glory in Morocco.Source 4

11

Premier League Coverage Expands on NBC Sports Platforms

NBC Sports provides extensive Premier League coverage including Aston Villa vs Manchester United highlights. All 380 games stream on Peacock with analysis.Source 3 The network leads U.S. Premier League broadcasting since 2013.Source 3