A Whirlwind Weekend of Entertainment and Sports Across Africa

What a weekend it was for entertainment and sports in Africa! From the electric atmosphere of football pitches to vibrant cultural moments, the continent was buzzing with energy. Let’s dive into the highlights from Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Morocco, and Egypt over June 28 and 29, 2025. Buckle up. This is going to be a lively ride!

Nigeria and Ghana Face Off in the Jollof Derby

Let’s kick things off with the biggest sporting clash of the weekend. The Jollof Derby in Casablanca, Morocco, saw Nigeria’s Super Falcons soar to a 3-1 victory over Ghana’s Black Queens in a friendly match. It was a fiery warm-up for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) starting next week. Chiwendu Ihezuo opened the scoring in the 34th minute. Asisat Oshoala nailed a penalty just before halftime. Rasheedat Ajibade sealed the win early in the second half. Ghana’s Alice Kusi pulled one back with a late penalty. The Nigeria-Ghana rivalry, fueled by playful banter over who makes better jollof rice, lit up social media with memes and cheers. Nigeria’s dominant performance sets them up nicely for their WAFCON opener against Tunisia on July 6. Ghana’s Black Queens, meanwhile, will regroup for their campaign. That was one spicy showdown!

Morocco Hosts and Dominates

Morocco didn’t just host the Jollof Derby. It was a powerhouse in its own right. The host nation’s women’s team crushed Tanzania 4-0 in another WAFCON warm-up match on Saturday. The scoreline says it all. Morocco’s squad is ready to make waves at the tournament. Beyond football, Morocco’s cultural scene was popping. The country’s tourism boom, a hot topic in 2024, kept drawing crowds to its vibrant souks and historic sites. Casablanca’s nightlife was reportedly electric over the weekend. If you were in Morocco, you probably felt the pulse of sport and culture thrumming through the streets.

Tanzania Gears Up for CHAN

Tanzania had a quieter weekend in entertainment but made waves in sports. The nation is preparing to co-host the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN). Their opening match against Burkina Faso is set for August 2 in Dar es Salaam. While no major games happened this weekend, anticipation for CHAN is building. Tanzania will co-host with Kenya and Uganda. The country’s tourism sector, fresh off a record-breaking 5.36 million visitors in 2024, was likely buzzing with pre-CHAN excitement. Visitors flocked to Zanzibar’s beaches and Serengeti’s plains. If you’re planning a trip, Tanzania’s blend of sport and nature is calling your name.

Kenya’s Protests and Sports Ambitions

In Kenya, the weekend mixed tension with sporting promise. Nairobi saw protests marking the anniversary of the deadly 2024 anti-tax demonstrations. Police used tear gas to disperse crowds rallying against government corruption and brutality. Despite the unrest, Kenya’s sports scene stayed vibrant. The country is gearing up for its CHAN debut on August 3 against DR Congo, led by South African coach Benni McCarthy. On the entertainment front, Kenya’s cultural calendar carried the lingering energy of the Mombasa Carnival. Picture colorful parades and thumping music along Moi Avenue. Kenya’s ability to balance challenges with its passion for sport and culture is something to watch.

South Africa’s Sporting and Social Pulse

South Africa faced its own challenges, with floods claiming over 100 lives in the Eastern Cape. Yet, the nation’s spirit shone through in sports. Skate soccer, a unique blend of skateboarding and football, continues to gain traction in communities. It’s changing lives with its fast-paced, inclusive vibe. On the entertainment front, South Africa’s domestic tourism was a highlight. Locals explored game reserves and cultural festivals. The country’s focus on sustainable tourism, evident in 2024’s boom, kept the weekend vibrant despite the somber news.

Egypt’s Cultural and Sporting Heritage

Egypt’s weekend was quieter on the sports front, but its cultural scene never sleeps. The country’s tourism sector, anchored by heritage sites like the Pyramids and Luxor, kept drawing crowds. The Egyptian Marathon in Luxor, certified by the Association of International Marathons, highlights Egypt’s growing role in global sports tourism. No major races happened this weekend, but the event’s legacy lingers. Meanwhile, Egypt’s nuclear energy ambitions, with plans for 4,800 MW of capacity, show a nation blending tradition with modernity. Imagine sipping tea by the Nile while chatting about clean energy.

Ghana’s Cultural Beat

Back in Ghana, the weekend wasn’t just about the football loss to Nigeria. The cultural scene was alive with the lingering energy of festivals like Panafest, a biennial celebration of African dance and music. While Panafest itself wasn’t happening, its influence inspired events in Accra. You could catch live music or art exhibitions. Ghana’s creative pulse, from Amoako Boafo’s art-world stardom to local designers making waves, kept the weekend vibrant. Losing the Jollof Derby stung, but Ghana’s cultural pride stood tall.

A Continent on the Move

What stands out from this weekend is Africa’s unstoppable energy. Nigeria and Ghana battled it out on the pitch. Morocco flexed its hosting muscles. Tanzania and Kenya are gearing up for CHAN. South Africa’s community-driven sports and Egypt’s timeless allure add to the mix. Ghana’s cultural heartbeat kept things lively. Where else can you find skate soccer, desert marathons, and jollof-fueled rivalries all in one weekend?

Got thoughts on these events? Drop a comment below and share your take! If you loved this roundup, spread the word. Africa’s stories deserve to be heard.