The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will return to its traditional biennial format after CAF reversed a decision to shift the tournament to a four‑year cycle. In a statement released on Thursday, the Confederation of African Football announced that the competition will be held every two years, citing financial and developmental concerns linked to the proposed Africa Nations League Pan‑African Competition. CAF President Patrice Motsepe explained that the new competition would take several years to become financially viable and that the biennial schedule better serves African players who are employed by clubs outside the continent. The next edition will be co‑hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with subsequent tournaments slated for 2028, 2031 and 2033. Motsepe also noted that the 2028 tournament would be scheduled a year after the 2027 Africa Nations League to avoid clashing with the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
In other football news, Manchester City’s hopes of avoiding the Women’s Champions League “punishment round” were dented when Tara Elimbi Gilbert scored a late goal against the English champions, earning them a third straight draw in the group stage. Manager Andrée Jeglertz admitted the result was frustrating, saying the team “deserved more” but acknowledging that dominating a game without scoring can leave opponents with opportunities. With the draw, City will likely need victories in each of the remaining three group matches to secure a place in the knockout phase.
On the domestic front, Bournemouth’s forward Junior Kroupi remains on a cautious return after a foot injury that sidelined him for the first three months of the season. Coach Marco Rose said Kroupi will get more minutes in the Carabao Cup and will be eased back into league action to avoid re‑injury. Kroupi made his comeback in a 3‑0 win over Manchester United and was substituted in the 80th minute of a 2‑1 victory against Aston Villa. Rose emphasized the importance of building Kroupi’s match fitness gradually.
Brighton & Hove Albion are preparing for a Carabao Cup clash with Manchester City, hoping to field key players Chema Andres and Ferdi Kadioglu after hip injuries sustained at Liverpool. Head coach Fabian Hürzeler expressed confidence that the duo would be available for the match at the Etihad Stadium, where the Seagulls are seeking revenge for a penalty exit earlier in the week. While Pascal Struijk remains out with an undisclosed knock, Hürzeler noted that the team will rely on other options such as Charalampos Kostoulas, who was rested in the previous match.
In the Premier League, Everton’s quarter‑final run in the Carabao Cup was secured with a win over Newcastle United, a result that came without striker Jack Grealish, who was suspended for a “breach of club discipline.” Manager David Moyes confirmed the decision, though he offered no further details. Everton’s next fixture will be a home match against Newcastle, a game that will likely attract attention due to Grealish’s absence.
The weekend promises a mix of domestic cup action and international developments, with the AFCON’s schedule reshuffle and the Women’s Champions League drama adding layers to an already busy football calendar.