Kick Off: Host in the AFCON semis; Dortmund snatch a last-minute equalizer

Welcome to All Football's Kick Off, we bring you all important news in the past 24 hours. Make sure you do not miss out.

Top Headlines

Cameroon 0-2 Morocco: Brahim & Saibari score as the Atlas Lions into top 4

Morocco have punched their ticket to the AFCON 2025 semi-finals by beating Cameroon 2-0 in Rabat. Brahim Diaz opened the scoring for the tournament hosts with his fifth goal of the tournament before Ismael Saibari doubled their lead with a great strike in the second half.

Frankfurt 3-3 Dortmund: 2 stoppage-time goals make a tie in six-goal thriller

The first Bundesliga match of 2026 saw Borussia Dortmund extend their unbeaten run in the competition to eight matches in dramatic fashion, as Carney Chukwuemeka scored a 96th-minute equaliser to rescue a 3-3 draw away at Eintracht Frankfurt.

Match Reports

Mali 0-1 Senegal: Bissouma sent off as Lions of Teranga head into semi-final

Senegal beat 10-man Mali 1-0 to become the first team through to the semi-finals at the AFCON, extending their unbeaten run inside 90 minutes at the tournament to 16 finals matches (W11, D5). 

These Things Happen

Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz breaking AFCON records with Morocco

After their excellent showing at the 2022 World Cup where Morocco became the first African side to reach the semifinals, Walid Regragui’s side have been the bookies favourites to secure their first AFCON glory since the mid 1970s.

Aston Villa exploring move for former Chelsea star Gallagher

Aston Villa are exploring a move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher.

Romano: Sterling has been recommended to Napoli though high salary makes it hard

Romano talked about Sterling's situation, stating that Sterling has been recommended to Napoli, but due to his current high salary, he is not Napoli's top priority.

Barca will renew its contract with Christensen and buy out Rashford for €30m

According to the latest report by journalist Alfredo Martínez, Barcelona will renew Christensen's contract for one year and plans to buy out Rashford.

Here we go! Romano: Souza to Tottenham from Santos for €15m

According to Fabrizio Romano, Souza's deal to Tottenham is nearly finished.

Solskjaer will hold face-to-face talks with Man United chiefs tomorrow

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will hold face-to-face talks with Manchester United on Saturday as he bids to become interim head coach until the end of the season.

The silliest red cards in Premier League history

There are some red cards in football which prompt a burning sense of injustice — and some, after time has passed, which just prompt disbelief. Or, better yet, hilarity.

Not being able to secure consistent playing time, Tel might seek a departure

French attacker Mathys Tel is lacking playing time at Tottenham. A situation that could prompt him to consider his near future elsewhere.

Chiesa asking price as Juventus and prepare January bid

A return to Juventus looks the most likely outcome if a sale is to be sanctioned for the Italian, who is said to be keen on returning to Italy and the Serie A after a lack of game time under manager Arne Slot.

Ornstein: Saka agreed with an updated 5-year contract with Arsenal

According to renowned sports journalist David Ornestein, Saka is about to sign an improved five-year deal with arsenal, which means he will fight for the Gunners until 2031. 

OFFICIAL: Barca registered Roony Bardghji as first team player with number 19

Accoridng to Barca official statement, Roony Bardghji has been officially registered as Barca first team player, and he will wear number 19 jersey which Lamine Yamal wore last season. 

Juventus to prioritise deal for Man City veteran Bernardo

Off contract in June, Bernardo has stated this is likely to be his final season with City.

Haaland awarded the best male footballer of the year in Norway 2025

The Golden Ball is awarded by the Norwegian Football Association every year, where the year's best female and male football player receives the award.

OFFICIAL: Antonie Semenyo joins Man City and wears number 42

Manchester City officially announces that they signed Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth. His new jersey number is 42, with him staying as the Blue Moon member until 2031.

Semenyo becomes the fourth most expensive African international in EPL history

According to Transfermarkt's statristics, Semenyo's move to Man City made him the fourth most expensive African players in Premier League. 

Of all No.9 players Milan have had since Inzaghi, only Giroud with over 10 goals

On January 9, after Füllkrug officially took over the number 9 jersey at AC Milan, Transfermarkt listed the number of goals scored by all the previous owners of the number 9 jersey since Filippo Inzaghi while playing for the team. Only Giroud scored more than 10 goals.

What They Say

Guardiola: All I can say is thank you to Semenyo for joining Man City

Pep Guardiola expressed his joy after the addition of Antoine Semenyo to his Manchester City squad was confirmed on Friday.

David Villa: Gonzalo is a fantastic striker and has seized every opportunity

In Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Villa sits down with Diario AS to talk about the current state of Spanish football, the Spanish Super Cup and, as we know, if Villa speaks, it’s worth listening.

'He is not in the options' – Nuno all but confirms West Ham exit for Ward-Prowse

James Ward-Prowse looks set for a January move away from West Ham after Nuno Espirito Santo confirmed the midfielder was not a part of his upcoming plans. 

Ivory Coast star Amad: Comparisons to 'legends' Drogba and Toure are impossible

Amad Diallo thinks it feels "impossible" to be compared to "legends" like Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure as he remains determined to forge his own path for Ivory Coast.

Rosenior aiming to unlock Chelsea's 'limitless' potential

Liam Rosenior is aiming to unlock Chelsea's "limitless" potential ahead of overseeing his first game in charge on Saturday. 

Van Dijk: Not satisfied with what Martinelli has done; We are all with Conor

After EPL Round 21 against Arsenal, Virgil Van Dijk confessed his condemnation to Martinelli for pulling off Conor Bradley after he injured from non-confrontational falling down. Van Dijk also reiterates the unity and support to their fellow teammate.

‘Almost like a father-and-son relationship’ – Diallo disheartened by Amorim exit

Amad Diallo is “very sad” that Manchester United sacked Ruben Amorim, with whom he had a “father-and-son relationship”.

Neville: Gyokeres was really poor against Liverpool and didn't contribute

Gary Neville was disappointed by the "really poor" performance of Viktor Gyokeres against Liverpool and accused the Arsenal striker of not contributing enough in the goalless draw.

Milan had ‘lesson in maturity’ in Genoa draw, says Allegri

Massimiliano Allegri believes AC Milan’s 1-1 draw with Genoa was a “lesson in maturity” for the Serie A title challengers.

Fixtures of the day

FA Cup

Manchester City VS Exeter City 2026/1/10 15:00 UTC

Newcastle United VS AFC Bournemouth 2026/1/10 15:00 UTC

Tottenham Hotspur VS Aston Villa 2026/1/10 17:45 UTC

Charlton Athletic VS Chelsea 2026/1/10 20:00 UTC

La Liga

Real Oviedo VS Real Betis 2026/1/10 13:00 UTC

Serie A

Como VS Bologna 2026/1/10 14:00 UTC

Roma VS Sassuolo 2026/1/10 17:00 UTC

Atalanta VS Torino 2026/1/10 19:45 UTC

Africa Cup of Nations

Algeria VS Nigeria 2026/1/10 16:00 UTC

Egypt VS Côte d'Ivoire 2026/1/10 19:00 UTC