ENGLAND WERE 15 MINUTES FROM HUMILIATION - THE ISSUES TUCHEL MUST SOLVE

England were 15 minutes from one of the most abject humiliations in their World Cup history until Harry Kane's late heroics helped them overcome DR Congo to face Mexico in the last 16.

Kane scored twice to rescue England, as well as head coach Thomas Tuchel, who may not have survived a result that would have ranked alongside the last-16 defeat by Iceland at Euro 2016,and the loss to the United States at the 1950 World Cup, as a national embarrassment.

Instead, England's World Cup dream lives on as they head to Mexico City, and into a nation alive with passion and football fever, to face the co-hosts in the iconic surrounding of Azteca Stadium.

England's win, however, did not cover cracks exposed regularly in this campaign as well as obvious flaws in selection and performance.

Can Tuchel always rely on Kane and Bellingham?

England head coach Thomas Tuchel has plenty of issues to resolve before they face Mexico in Mexico City in the World Cup last 16. Getty Images 

Kane and Jude Bellingham have been England's standout performers at this World Cup, contributing goals and world-class inspiration.

The pair were both on target in Group L wins against Croatia and Panama. They were England's leading lights against DR Congo.

It would help England and Tuchel's cause if others could come to the party. As good as Kane and Bellingham are, there will come a day when they do not bail under-performing team-mates and their head coach out.

Bellingham and Kane have been England's driving forces as they have reached the World Cup's last 16. Getty

Anthony Gordon had an outstanding impact off the bench with a part in both goals against DR Congo, but it was a frustrating day for Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke, while Tuchel is still clearly wary of over-exerting Bukayo Saka as he manages an Achilles problem.

Kane and Bellingham revel in responsibility as England's leaders, but it is about time others shared the burden around at this World Cup.

Does Tuchel know his best team?

If Tuchel does know his best team, he is hiding it well – and the amount of shuffling on the flanks and in defence suggests he does not.

The right-back position is becoming a poisoned chalice, either because of injuries or loss of form.

And the sight of Declan Rice, the glue that holds England together as a performer of the highest class in midfield, ending the win against DR Congo at right-back once again hinted at confusion.

Tuchel has self-inflicted wounds because of his selection of two players with a history of injury problems in Tino Livramento and Reece James. Livramento did not even make the World Cup, while there is still no date for James' return from another hamstring injury.

Jarell Quansah, a natural central defender for Liverpool then Bayer Leverkusen, played there against Panama but was injured and missed the victory over DR Congo, when Djed Spence played the first 70 minutes at right-back.

Declan Rice ended up playing right-back against DR Congo, the latest player to take on England's problem position. Getty Images 

Ex-England captain Alan Shearer told BBC Sport after that win: "Defensively there were far too many holes in the back four, and when we did give chances away, they scored from their first one, should have scored with the Yoane Wissa one.

"Putting Declan Rice to right-back worked because he was the one that got forward and played a part in the second goal, so Tuchel has a decision to make.

"If you asked me before the game I would have been very reluctant, but he can add a little bit of quality where we have lacked with the players we have picked up to now."

Rice, however, surely offers too much in midfield, so right-back must be a non-starter. If he did actually end up there again it would be an admission by Tuchel that he got his squad horribly wrong.

Asked whether Rice should play at right-back, ex-England defender Micah Richards said: "No, I wouldn't. I feel he can give too much in that central midfield area. If you're going into the Mexico game, which is going to be at altitude, you need his energy in midfield.

"I would go with Ezri Konsa at right-back, and put John Stones alongside Marc Guehi. That is a better balance for the team."

Stones has been left out after starting the win against Croatia. His experience could be invaluable in the Azteca hothouse, especially after Konsa and Guehi went missing for Brian Cipenga's goal.

Former England captain Wayne Rooney added: "For me, there are big concerns. In particular, when England lose the ball they are so open.

"Against a better team, I think we're in big trouble if we don't sort that out. We're so open in midfield."

Throwing in the constant changing on the flanks, it all adds up to Tuchel still having serious questions about his first-choice side.

England still lack creation

The debate has raged over Tuchel's exclusion of natural creators such as Chelsea's Cole Palmer and Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden from his World Cup squad.

It is easy to say in hindsight as they both had poor seasons at club level. Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White and Bournemouth's Alex Scott had bigger claims, but were also ignored.

There is no doubt, however, that England have lacked creative force, especially in the goalless draw against Ghana.

Brentford's Jordan Henderson, now 36, will only be used as a substitute. Once again the question should be asked - would his place have been better served taken by Gibbs-White or Scott? Or even Palmer or Foden?

Foden was used as a false nine in the Wembley loss to Japan, but the experiment failed and effectively finished his World Cup hopes.

If England go deeper into the World Cup they will need match-shifting moments. As flagged up before, they cannot - and should not - rely on Kane and Bellingham every time.

Has anyone seen Toney and Watkins?

The biggest pre-World Cup worry for England was how they would cope should any misfortune befall captain Kane.

Tuchel went through the card, using Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke in the March friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

Clearly unconvinced, he went with Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins after a fine end to the season, and Ivan Toney who is playing in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ahli.

Toney was the big left-field pick, not figuring for the national side for a year following a three-minute appearance as a substitute when England lost a friendly against Senegal in June 2025, and yet suddenly parachuted back into the World Cup squad.

Fortunately Kane is fit and firing – and then some – but has Tuchel really got full faith in Watkins and Toney?

Ivan Toney was once again an unused substitute in England's win against DR Congo and has yet to play in the World Cup. Getty Images 

In England's four games so far, Toney has been nowhere to be seen, while Watkins got six minutes as a substitute in place of Kane with victory assured against Panama.

When England needed a goal in the stalemate against Ghana, Toney and Watkins were ignored as Tuchel sent on Saka, Rashford, Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers.

When they were chasing the game against DR Congo, they once again remained seated. Tuchel said he had a time in mind for them to come on which, seeing as Kane's winner came four minutes from the end, was presumably very late.

Tuchel will still be keeping his fingers crossed that Kane stays fit, especially with Toney and Watkins placed in cold storage.

- Phil McNulty

NINE AFRICAN COUNTRIES RECORDED THE HIGHEST CANADIAN VISITOR VISA REVECTION RATES AHEAD OF THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP

Highest visa rejection rates (2026 World Cup)

 1. 🇨🇩 DRC - Refusal Rate: 96.1% - Approved: 15 - Refused: 370 - Total Processed: 385

2. 🇰🇪 Kenya - Refusal Rate: 91.1% - Approved: 20 - Refused: 205 - Total Processed: 225

3. 🇬🇭 Ghana - Refusal Rate: 89.3% - Approved: 185 - Refused: 1,540 - Total Processed: 1,725

4. 🇨🇲 Cameroon - Refusal Rate: 87.0% - Approved: 15 - Refused: 100 - Total Processed: 115

5. 🇳🇬 Nigeria - Refusal Rate: 86.0% - Approved: 110 - Refused: 675 - Total Processed: 785

6. 🇸🇳 Senegal - Refusal Rate: 85.3% - Approved: 25 - Refused: 145 - Total Processed: 170

7. 🇪🇹 Ethiopia - Refusal Rate: 78.6% - Approved: 30 - Refused: 110 - Total Processed: 140

8. 🇩🇿 Algeria - Refusal Rate: 73.5% - Approved: 65 - Refused: 180 - Total Processed: 245

9. 🇪🇬 Egypt - Refusal Rate: 59.1% - Approved: 225 - Refused: 325 - Total Processed: 550

Source: CTVNews/Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

YOANE WISSA: THE ACID ATTACK SURVIVOR WHO BECAME FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 HERO FOR DR CONGO

Yoane Wissa may not be a new name for football fans due to his time with Brentford in the Premier League but not many are aware of his courageous story off the field.

Yoane Wissa celebrates after scoring in FIFA World Cup 2026

Yoane Wissa may not be a new name for football fans due to his time with Brentford in the Premier League but not many are aware of his courageous story off the field. The striker grabbed the headlines on Wednesday as he scored DR Congo's first World Cup goal in 52 years to clinch a historic 1-1 draw against Portugal. Joao Neves handed Portugal the lead early in the match but DR Congo did not give up and Wissa's powerful header was the perfect example of their grit and determination. While the whole world could not stop praising the striker for his brilliant performance, it was less than five years ago that he almost lost his eyesight after suffering an acid attack at his home in Lorient.

A woman, who was later identified as Laetitia P, posed as a fan and threw acid on his face. She even tried to kidnap his daughter but was ultimately caught and sentenced to 18 years in prison. 

It was just days ahead of his move to Brentford from Lorient and it seemed like his transfer can get affected by the accident.

"I opened a door, and had liquid thrown in my face. I screamed and could not breathe. My wife called the emergency services, and they told me to get under the shower to rinse my eyes. At the hospital they told me my eyes were burned. Someone had to come and rinse them out every hour. It has been a nightmare."

Since then I panic every time I hear a noise, and the only thing that kept me going was knowing my children are safe. I had surgery on both eyes, and the doctor told me I will need to use eye drops for the rest of my life.  Had I not been treated so quickly, the consequences would have been far worse," Wissa told the court.

However, he joined Brentford in 2021 and ended up making 149 appearances for the club over four seasons. He scored 49 goals during his time with the club and ultimately moved to Newcastle United in a big-money deal.

- Sayan Ghosh

DR CONGO NATIONAL TEAM | LES LÉOPARDS | BEST DRESSED

 

A HUGE FAN OF DR CONGO NATIONAL TEAM (THE LEOPARDS) FALLY IPUPA WAS HONOURED BY DR CONGO PRESIDENT | IPUPA BECAME KNIGHT OF THE NATIONAL ORDER OF THE LEOPARD

COUNT IT MORE | WORLD CUP SONG

 

DR CONGO 🇨🇩 | WORLD CUP 2026 SQUAD

 

MOBUTU’S GIFT TO HEROES: THE 1974 STORY OF ZAIRE’S WORLD CUP TEAM

 

In 1974, Zaire’s national football team—today known as the Democratic Republic of Congo—made history as the first sub-Saharan African nation to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, held that year in West Germany. Their stunning qualification sent waves of pride across the country and caught the attention of President Mobutu Sese Seko, whose government was keen to use sports as a symbol of national strength and identity.

To celebrate the team’s achievement, President Mobutu organized a lavish ceremony in Kinshasa, where each player received a brand-new Volkswagen car, a house, and cash rewards. These gestures served both as a personal thank-you to the players and as part of Mobutu’s broader political theater—a show of prosperity and success under his rule.

Dusan Bajevic inscrit l’un de ses trois buts de la rencontre, face au malheureux gardien Dimbi Tubilandu, entré en jeu en cours de match. STAFF / AFP

At the time, Zaire was deep into Mobutu’s “Authenticité” campaign, a program urging citizens to embrace African cultural identity and reject foreign influence. The players, hailed as national heroes, became the face of this movement, embodying the pride and power of a new Zaire on the global stage.

Yet behind the triumphant display lay pressure and fear. Reports that surfaced later suggested that the government expected nothing short of victory in the World Cup, and when results did not meet expectations, tension and intimidation followed. Some players spoke of unfulfilled promises and threats from political officials—signs of how tightly politics was intertwined with sport during the Mobutu era.

Even so, the 1974 World Cup remains a defining chapter in African football history. It was a moment when the dreams of a nation converged with the ambitions of its leader, leaving behind a legacy that continues to be remembered today—not only for the reward of cars and glory but also for what it revealed about power, pride, and the politics of sport in Africa.

- Muhidin Issa Michuxi

CAF SECRETARY GENERAL RESIGNS AMID AFCON FINAL FALLOUT

 

AFP via Getty Images

The general secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has resigned amid a chaotic time for football on the continent.

Veron Mosengo-Omba said in a statement he was retiring, but his departure comes during the fallout over decisions to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and postpone the women's tournament at the last minute.

These incidents have left CAF, the governing body for African football, battling a crisis of confidence.

Mosengo-Omba alluded to controversies faced during his tenure in his statement on Sunday.

"Now that I have been able to dispel the suspicions that some people have gone to great lengths to cast on me, I can retire with peace of mind and without constraint, leaving the CAF more prosperous than ever," Mosengo-Omba, deputy to Caf president Patrice Motsepe, wrote.

The 66-year-old has been criticised for staying on as general secretary past the organisation's mandatory retirement age of 63.

He has also been accused by some employees of creating a toxic atmosphere in the workplace, although an investigation after staff complaints cleared him of any wrongdoing.

Mosengo-Omba, who hails from the Democratic Republic of Congo but also holds Swiss nationality, was appointed general secretary in March 2021.

According to news agency Reuters, Caf's competitions director, Samson Adamu, will take over as acting general secretary.

The governing body is awaiting a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Senegal's appeal against being stripped of the Afcon title.

Senegal is challenging CAF's appeals body for overturning their 1-0 win over hosts Morocco in January's Afcon final.

During the game, Senegal's players left the field in protest when, with the score at 0-0, hosts Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty.

When they returned after a delay of about 17 minutes, Morocco subsequently failed to score the spot-kick and Senegal netted an extra-time winner.

Following an appeal by the Moroccan FA (FRMF), Caf later ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match and Morocco were awarded a 3-0 victory.

- Wedaeli Chibelushi

NIGERIA/CONGO-KINSASHA: WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS - FIFA SANCTIONS NIGERIA, DR CONGO

The Nigeria-DR Congo match has remained a focal point of discussion following the controversial end to Super Eagles' World Cup qualification hopes.

The world football governing body, FIFA, has sanctioned both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Congolese Football Association following disciplinary incidents recorded during a 2026 World Cup qualifying fixture between the two countries.

According to FIFA's latest disciplinary overview for World Cup qualifying matches, the two football bodies were found guilty of separate infractions during the encounter played on 16 November 2025.

FIFA stated that Nigeria was penalised for a breach relating to order and security at matches, specifically involving the throwing of objects by spectators during the game.

The offence falls under Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, for which the NFF was fined 1,000 Swiss Francs.

The Congolese federation, however, received a heavier sanction after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match.

The act contravenes Article 17.2.d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, leading FIFA to impose a fine of 5,000 Swiss Francs on the DR Congo Football Association.

FIFA emphasised that disciplinary decisions are taken based on the circumstances of each case and may still be subject to appeal.

The governing body also noted that the summary of sanctions released publicly is mainly intended to inform the media, while the official legal decisions are communicated directly to the concerned federations.

Wider context

The Nigeria-DR Congo match has remained a focal point of discussion following the controversial end to Nigeria's World Cup qualification hopes.

"As far as FIFA is concerned, once you have the passport of your country, you are eligible. But our concern is that FIFA may have been deceived into clearing them," he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has urged caution against interpreting recent developments as a final verdict on Nigeria's complaint.

Mr Dikko believes the listing of DR Congo among the teams preparing for the intercontinental play-off tournament does not mean that FIFA has already made a final decision on Nigeria's petition.

"As far as we know, FIFA is yet to give its verdict," Mr Dikko said, according to ThisDay Newspaper. "We are monitoring the situation closely.

"The fact that DR Congo appears among the six nations to compete for the final two spots in the playoff is not enough to jump to the conclusion that FIFA has thrown out Nigeria's petition. Some nations are also preparing for friendly matches. Things will change as soon as the FIFA verdict comes out."

Nigeria's hopes of progressing further in the qualification series were dashed last November after the Super Eagles lost to DR Congo on penalties in the final round of the African qualifying play-offs.

Following that defeat, the NFF submitted a formal petition to FIFA questioning the eligibility of several DR Congo players.

Nigeria's protest centres on the argument that DR Congo's domestic law does not recognise dual citizenship for adults, raising questions about players who reportedly hold European passports while representing the Leopards.

NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi earlier explained the federation's concerns.

"As far as FIFA is concerned, once you have the passport of your country, you are eligible. But our concern is that FIFA may have been deceived into clearing them," he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has urged caution against interpreting recent developments as a final verdict on Nigeria's complaint.

Mr Dikko believes the listing of DR Congo among the teams preparing for the intercontinental play-off tournament does not mean that FIFA has already made a final decision on Nigeria's petition.

"As far as we know, FIFA is yet to give its verdict," Mr Dikko said, according to ThisDay Newspaper. "We are monitoring the situation closely.

"The fact that DR Congo appears among the six nations to compete for the final two spots in the playoff is not enough to jump to the conclusion that FIFA has thrown out Nigeria's petition. Some nations are also preparing for friendly matches. Things will change as soon as the FIFA verdict comes out."

He added that FIFA typically informs all parties involved before delivering a final decision in sensitive matters.

"The FIFA we all know has a channel to pass such sensitive information across to the parties involved. The name of DR Congo appears on the fixtures for now because the matter brought before FIFA has not been decided.

"We are very hopeful that Nigeria will win the eligibility case, and the Super Eagles will proceed to play in the playoff, and possibly make the World Cup party. I want all Nigerians to remain calm and wait for the final verdict."

DR Congo is currently listed among the teams preparing for the intercontinental play-off tournament as the race for the final places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies.

- Tunde Eludini, Premium Times (Abuja)

MICHAEL KUKA HAS RECEIVED A VEHICLE FOR HIS BRAVERY | DR CONGO 🇨🇩

 

Michel Kuka, famously known as Lumumba, the passionate fan who stood for 90 minutes and beyond in every game during the just-ended AFCON has received a Jetour SUV in Kinshasa.

The vehicle was presented to him by the Minister of Sports and Recreation of DR Congo, honoring his incredible dedication, energy and love for African football.

#AfricanFootball #Afcon #MichaelKuka #DRCongo 

PICKLEBALL EAST AFRICA CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 | SCHEDULE

Get ready for an epic weekend of Pickleball! 💥 Here is the full schedule for the East Africa Regional Championships at EARSC.

Save this post or take a screenshot so you don’t miss a single match!

SATURDAY, JAN 10 🗓️ Morning Session

7:00 AM: Women’s & Men’s Doubles Group Stages

10:30 AM: Women’s Doubles Semifinals

11:15 AM: Men’s Doubles Semifinals

🗓️ Afternoon/Evening Session

5:30 PM: Mixed Doubles Group Stages

8:30 PM: Mixed Doubles Semifinals

SUNDAY, JAN 11 🗓️ Morning Session

7:00 AM: Women’s & Men’s Singles Group Stages

10:30 AM: Women’s Singles Semifinals

11:15 AM: Men’s Singles Semifinals

🏆 THE FINALS & PRIZEGIVING

3:00 PM: Women’s Singles Finals & 3rd Place

4:00 PM: Men’s Singles Finals & 3rd Place

5:00 PM: Women’s Doubles Finals & 3rd Place

6:00 PM: Men’s Doubles Finals & 3rd Place

7:00 PM: Mixed Doubles Finals & 3rd Place

8:00 PM: Grand Prizegiving Ceremony 🥇

📍 Location: East Africa Racket Sports Club  (EARSC) 🙌 Come down, support the players, and witness the best in the region battle it out!

#EARSC #PickleballRegionals #TournamentSchedule #PickleballEastAfrica #DarEsSalaam #PickleballLife #GameDay

MICHAEL KUKA MBOLANDINGA GAVE A BEFITTING TRIBUTE TO THE LATE PATRICE LUMUMBA WHO WAS ASSASSINATED WITH SIGNIFICANT INVOLVEMENT FROM BELGIUM

 

✋ Michel Kuka Mboladinga stood for 438 minutes in AFCON.

🇨🇩 After DR Congo’s defeat to Algeria, it marked the final appearance of the man who stood in silent tribute to former Congolese Prume Minister Patrice Lumumba who was assasinated ⁰ by Congolese soldiers with significant involvement from Belgium.

A powerful statement that went far beyond football. 🫡

#AFCON2025 #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 #AfricanCupOfNations #DRCongo

CAF AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS | RESULTS | DECEMBER 30

 

AFCON MATCH DAY | DECEMBER 30

 

AFCON 2025 | RESULTS | DECEMBER 27, 2025

 

MARTIN BAKOLE | ALL KNOCKOUTS & HIGHLIGHTS

 

TANZANIA VS. DR CONGO | MUSES D'AFRIQUE | MUSES OF AFRICA

 

ZAïRE (DR CONGO) STAR KINGAMBO KIMBUNGA WITH FRRNCH TACTICIAN CLAUDE LE ROY

Much-traveled French tactician, Claude Le Roy, posed with Zaire star winger Kingambo Kimbunga, during his stint as technical advisor of the Cameroon national team at the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

#CAF 

AFCON DAY 3: NIGERIA, SENEGAL, TUNISIA WIN BIG; DR CONGO IN VAR CONTROVERSY

Four former champions in Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia and the Democratic Republic of Congo - all of whom harbour title ambitions this time around - began their Africa Cup of Nations campaigns with victories on Tuesday, although Benin were left ruing a malfunctioning VAR that may have cost them a draw.

In Tangier, Senegal gave an early statement of their title credentials as a Nicolas Jackson double saw them sail past Botswana, the lowest ranked team in the competition, 3-0.

The Bayern Munich man finished smartly in the 40th minute after Ismail Jakobs' cutback and then added a brace with another calm finish beyond Goitseone Phoko before the hour mark. Cherif Ndiaye added a third at the death.

Cem Ozdel/Anadolu via Getty Images

Jackson, Sadio Mane and Iliman Ndiaye could all have broken the deadlock for Senegal earlier during a rampant first half showing by the 2021 champions, with the overworked Phoko requiring to be on hand to make several key stops.

"We could have scored more," reflected Senegal coach Pape Thiaw, "but what stands out is my team's commitment and discipline.

"What I take away from the match is the team's professionalism, they followed instructions and got the job done."

It takes them up to top spot in Group D ahead of their meeting with the Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday, although the latter also affirmed why they are being considered one of the tournament dark horses with a 1-0 victory over Benin in Rabat.

Theo Bongonda's early goal proved the difference-maker between the two sides, with the Spartak Moscow winger beating Saturnin Allagbe with a calm finish after reacting quickest to a defensive miscalculation by defender Yohan Roche.

However, there was no shortage of controversy in the fixture, with Benin left seething after a handball by DRC skipper Chancel Mbemba was missed in the box, with officials later acknowledging they had not been able to check the incident due to VAR malfunctioning.

It was not entirely clear on replay whether the ball made contact with the veteran defender's shoulder or arm, but while South African referee Abongile Tom jogged over to the pitch side monitor to examine the footage, he was unable to view any images as the VAR system broke down.

The official had earlier used VAR to rule out a header by DR Congo forward Cedric Bakambu following an extended review.

It's an error that leaves Benin with a brooding sense of injustice and they'll be determined to make amends when they face Botswana at Rabat's Olympic Stadium this weekend.

"We witnessed a very good football match that did not deserve to have a loser," Benin head coach Gernot Rohr told journalists. "My team made me proud.

"We now prepare well for the match against Botswana, with the advantage of having our suspended players back."

Over in Group C, Nigeria began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania in rainy Fes, although the Super Eagles didn't have things entirely their own way despite dominating the early stages of the contest.

With goalkeeper Zuberi 'Foba' Masudi in inspired form, and Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen spurning chances aplenty, it fell to Man of the Match Semi Ajayi to break the deadlock when he rose unmarked to head an Alex Iwobi cross into the corner of the Tanzanian net.

Osimhen thought he'd added a second moments after the break, only for VAR to rule him offside by the tightest of margins, and Nigeria were stunned moments later when Kokola M'Mombwa broke the Eagles' offside trap to finish beyond Stanley Nwabali.

Tanzania's hopes of holding onto a draw lasted a mere two minutes: Ademola Lookman swivelled on the edge of their box and lashed home powerfully beyond Masudi to take back the lead, and with it the three points.

"We're happy, and the most important thing at the AFCON is to improve in every game," Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle told ESPN. "So now, after the analysis we'll do tonight or tomorrow, we'll continue to improve.

"We have to improve defensively, of course, put in more movement when we don't have the ball, and when we have it. I congratulate my players, but we have a lot of work."

Next up for the Nigeria are Tunisia, who began their tournament in style by easing past Uganda 3-1 in Rabat.

Ellyes Skhiri opened the scoring for Tunisia after ten minutes amidst some testing weather conditions in the Moroccan capital, before goals from Elias Achouri either side of halftime made sure of victory.

Denis Omedi pulled one back for Uganda in the second minute of stoppage time, although both Uganda and Tanzania will know - ahead of their December 27 meeting in Rabat - that victory in that game week two fixture will likely decide whether their tournament will extend beyond the group stage.

"We showed them too much respect," Uganda head coach Paul Put bemoaned after the match. "This is a bad start. I think we weren't aggressive enough, but you're playing at the AFCON, you need to win your duels.

"We know what we need to do in our next game," he added. "We'll be playing under pressure, a draw will not be enough, but I do believe that we can bounce back."

What's coming up on Day Four?

Cameroon versus Gabon is the standout fixture on Wednesday, with the two Central African neighbours set to meet in Agadir following the earlier Group F clash between reigning champions Ivory Coast and Mozambique in Marrakesh.

Algeria and Sudan meet in Rabat in Group E, while Burkina Faso will take on Equatorial Guinea in Casablanca in the day's early kickoff.

- Ed Dove, ESPN