Trio qualify for 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
Jakić reaches quarter-finals of the Nations League
First Team
20.11.2024, 10:00
In the second round of fixtures during the November international break, Steve Mounié, Frank Onyeka and Samuel Essende all booked their place with their respective sides at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, while Kristijan Jakić and Croatia reached the quarter-finals of the Nations League.
Steve Mounié captained Benin in their goalless draw against Libya, playing the full 90 minutes. The point ensured that Benin will be at their first Africa Cup of Nations since 2019. The tournament is scheduled for 21st December 2025 to 18th January 2026 in Morocco.
Frank Onyeka and Samuel Essende can also look forward to the tournament. Onyeka came off the bench to assist Nigeria’s goal in their 2-1 defeat to Rwanda, while Essende was brought on for the second half in DR Congo’s 2-1 loss to Ethiopia. Both nations had already sealed their place at the tournament before these matches.
Jakić’s assist crucial for Croatia
Kristijan Jakić, who also came on half time, set up Croatia’s equaliser with an accurate cross in their 1-1 draw against Portugal, earning them a place in the quarter-finals of the Nations League. Elvis Rexhbecaj played the full game in Kosovo’s 1-0 victory over Lithuania, with his side playing a large part of the game with 10 men. Dimitris Giannoulis was brought on with three minutes to go in Greece’s 2-0 win in Finland, a victory that wasn’t enough to secure them automatic promotion to League A.
Matsima captains France U21s
Chrislain Matsima captained France U21s in their clash with Germany. The friendly in Valenciennes ended 2-2 and FCA’s defender played 78 minutes. Mert Kömür was on the pitch for the whole of the Germany U20s game in Turkey, which they won 2-0. Noakhai Banks also played the full match for USA U20s against France, even setting up the winning goal.
