![[00:27, 12/21/2025] Belvine: AFCON Shifts to Every Four Years as CAF Unveils New African Nations League African football is on the brink of a major transformation after CAF president Patrice Motsepe unveiled sweeping changes that will redefine the continent’s international calendar. The announcement made on the eve of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, CAF confirmed that the flagship tournament will shift from its long-standing biennial format to a four-year cycle starting in 2028. At the same time, a brand-new African Nations League will be introduced, while the African Nations Championship (CHAN) is set to be scrapped. For decades, AFCON has been the heartbeat of African football, held every two years since 1968, aside from a brief adjustment between the 2012 and 20… [00:58, 12/21/2025] Belvine: Harambee Stars defender Baron Ochieng’](https://blog.ke.sportpesa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/WhatsApp-Image-2025-12-21-at-00.36.28-e1766301372480.jpeg)
Harambee Stars defender Baron Ochieng’ was named in the starting line-up as Zamalek secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Haras El Hodoud in the Egyptian League Cup at the Arab Contractors Stadium on Saturday evening.
This marked Ochieng’s second consecutive appearance and his third start overall for the Cairo giants.
Zamalek, who are also known as the White Knights, took the lead early in the 16th minute when Bezerra delivered a pinpoint corner kick that was met by Amr Nasser, who rose highest to head the ball into the back of the net.
Haras El Hodoud responded strongly and were rewarded in the 37th minute when Mohamed Bayoumi scored the equaliser, leveling the match at 1-1.
The encounter appeared to be heading for a draw, but Zamalek snatched a last-gasp winner in the ninth minute of stoppage time.
Bezerra once again delivered, this time from a free-kick cross from the edge of the area, finding Nasser Mansi who powered a header home to seal the victory.
The win represents Zamalek’s first triumph in this season’s League Cup after their opening group-stage match ended in a 3-3 draw against Ismailia Electricity, a match in which Baron Ochieng’ featured for 90 minutes.
Since joining Zamalek from SportPesa League side Sofapaka, Baron Ochieng’ has steadily begun earning valuable minutes under the club’s management.
Harambee Stars defender Baron Ochieng’ reaction after the match
Speaking to Sportpesa blog after the win in a match that he featured for 67 minutes, the young defender expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity.
“I am just feeling good, and the confidence is coming back. I thank God for giving me the strength to persevere. It has not been easy to get this far, but I am thankful to my teammates and the coach for trusting me. I hope for more, and I will keep working hard for that,” Ochieng’ said.
The Kenyan international also praised his teammates for helping him settle into a new environment.
“My teammates and the entire club are good people with good hearts and have been really helpful. They have made it easier for me to adapt, even though it is a new environment. I love it here, and I hope to give more to this great club,” he added.
Baron Ochieng’ will now be aiming to continue his run of games, hoping to solidify his place in Zamalek’s starting eleven as the team looks to maintain momentum in the Egyptian League Cup, Egyptian league and CAF competitions.
His early displays suggest that the young defender is quickly adapting to life in Egyptian football and could play a key role in Zamalek’s season ahead.