Mali secured a dramatic 3-2 penalty shootout victory over Tunisia in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16, progressing after their match ended 1-1 following extra time despite playing much of the game with 10 men.

• El Bilal Toure scored the winning spot-kick for Mali in the penalty shootout.
• Mali defender Woyo Coulibaly was sent off in the 26th minute for a foul on Hannibal Mejbri.
• Lassine Sinayoko converted a 96th-minute penalty for Mali to force extra time after Tunisia had taken the lead through substitute Firas Chaouat.

Teenager Ibrahim Mbaye scored a late goal to secure a 3-1 victory for Senegal over Sudan in the Africa Cup of Nations last-16 match in Tangiers.

• The 17-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward sealed the win four minutes after coming off the bench.
• Sudan initially took the lead with an early goal from Aamir Abdallah before Pape Gueye scored a brace for Senegal.
• Senegal, ranked 99 places higher than Sudan, will now face Mali or Tunisia in the quarter-finals.

The year 2026 presents a stark contrast for Kenya's national football teams. For the men's team, Harambee Stars, it will be a period of rebuilding and reflection with limited competitive matches, while the women's team, Harambee Starlets, anticipates an active year on the continental stage.

• Harambee Stars failed to qualify for the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
• Under South African tactician Benni McCarthy, Harambee Stars won 6, lost 5, and drew 4 of 15 matches last year, achieving a 40 percent win rate.
• Harambee Starlets will participate in the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, marking their second Wafcon appearance and first in 10 years.
• The Starlets secured their Wafcon spot by defeating Gambia’s Queen Scorpions 4-1 on aggregate last October.
• Both teams are looking towards preparing for future tournaments, with the Stars focusing on the 2027 Afcon as co-hosts and the Starlets on the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup.