North Africa state Morocco to co-hosts World Cup 2030
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

North Africa state Morocco to co-hosts World Cup 2030

Morocco has officially been designated as one of the hosts for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, marking a significant milestone for African football.

Alongside Spain and Portugal, Morocco’s selection as a co-host underscores its growing influence in the global football community. This decision was unanimously approved during an Extraordinary FIFA Congress held on Wednesday, with participation from all 211 Member Associations.

FIFA praised the joint bid, which received an impressive score of 4.2 out of 5, surpassing the minimum hosting requirements. Morocco will become the second African nation to host the World Cup, following South Africa in 2010.

The tournament will also include matches in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay to commemorate the centenary of the first World Cup.

While the opening matches will occur in South America, Morocco will play a key role in the event, further establishing itself in international football.

This selection highlights Africa’s capacity to host world-class events and contributes to the continent’s football legacy.

The 2030 World Cup will be the first hosted across two continents, reinforcing FIFA’s commitment to cultural unity and the global expansion of football.

Morocco will join Spain and Portugal in welcoming the world to a remarkable celebration of football, diversity, and heritage.

Amadou Bakayoko's Hokkaido Sapporo relegated from J1 League
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Amadou Bakayoko’s Hokkaido Sapporo relegated from J1 League

Sierra Leone international Amadou Bakayoko, who plays for J-League side Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, faced relegation despite the team’s 1-0 victory over Kashiwa Reysol on the final day of the season.

Sapporo had already been confirmed for relegation following poor form as they only managed nine wins of 38 league encounters.

However, on the final game of the season, they put up a strong fight with Tomoki Kondo scoring the decisive goal for a full three points.

Bakayoko, who joined Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo on July 28, 2024, managed to score only one goal in nine appearances in all competitions due to limited playing time.

He made his debut on August 16 as a substitute and scored his first goal from the penalty spot in a 5-3 win over Sagan Tosu.

Title wrap-up: Vissel are champions again

Vissel Kobe 3, Shonan Bellmare 0

Vissel Kobe knew that a win would secure them the title, and they certainly delivered a remarkable performance. Taisei Miyashiro, Yoshinori Muto, and Takahiro Ogihara each scored, igniting celebrations in Kobe.

Gamba Osaka 3, Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1

Sanfrecce Hiroshima entered the match needing a win to have any chance at claiming the league title. However, Isa Sakamoto scored his first of two goals in the 13th minute, paving the way for Gamba Osaka to secure a decisive victory. This win earned Gamba a fourth-place finish, qualifying them for the AFC Champions League Two next year.

Kashima Antlers 3, FC Machida Zelvia 1

FC Machida Zelvia faced long odds for the title on the final day and needed a victory to keep their hopes alive. However, Shu Morooka and Yuta Higuchi scored early, putting Kashima Antlers two goals ahead within the first 16 minutes. Kashima concluded their season on a high note with this victory.

Mustapha Bundu nets as Plymouth battle Championship relegation under Rooney
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mustapha Bundu nets as Plymouth battles relegation under Rooney

Sierra Leone International was on target as Swansea City increased the pressure on Plymouth Argyle with a 2-1 victory at Home Park. The victory means Swansea ended Plymouth’s six-match unbeaten home run as Wayne Rooney’s side slipped to 23rd in the Championship.

Jay Fulton opened the scoring for Swansea with a composed finish just before halftime in the 44th minute, in a first half that was largely balanced between the two teams.

Following the break, Swansea doubled their lead in the 60th minute when Liam Cullen capitalized on a close-range opportunity.

Plymouth Argyle, however, responded by intensifying the contest. Mustapha Bundu, who had previously struck the woodwork in the first half, scored by heading in the rebound after Kornel Szucs’ effort hit the bar.

Despite their efforts, Plymouth was unable to find an equalizer and suffered their third consecutive defeat.

Wayne Rooney’s team currently finds itself in the Championship relegation zone, having secured only one victory in their last ten league matches.

This match also marked Bundu’s third goal of the season in sixteen appearances for the Championship.

Mamelodi Sundowns appoint Miguel Cardoso as the new Head Coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mamelodi Sundowns appoint Miguel Cardoso as new Head Coach

Mamelodi Sundowns has appointed Miguel De Azevedo Cardoso as the new Head Coach, effective immediately.

This decision follows unsatisfactory results, despite the Sundowns Board giving Manqoba Mngqithi and his Technical Team a chance to lead the Club.

“I feel truly privileged and am happy to be here. This is a club with a rich heritage, and I am joining a team that has a strong identity. I will do my best to bring joy to the fans and represent them in the best way possible,” Cardoso told reporters on Tuesday.

“I am a simple man, but I have high standards. I want to win consistently. I aim to win trophies and contribute to the club’s legacy. When I eventually leave, I want to be remembered among the great coaches of this club, like Pitso Mosimane, Rulani, Steve Komphela, and Manqoba.”

Coach Miguel was previously in charge of Espérance Sportive de Tunis, where he reached the finals of the 2023/24 CAF Champions League. He brings three assistants with him: Fabio Fernandes, Pedro Azevedo, and João Araújo.

Miguel has coached at top clubs in Portugal, Spain, France, Greece, and Ukraine, including Porto, Braga, Deportivo La Coruña, Celta Vigo, AEK Athens, Nantes, and Shakhtar Donetsk. Steve Komphela and Kennedy Mweene will continue in the Club’s Technical Team.

Mamelodi Sundowns thanks Manqoba Mngqithi and Wendell Robinson for their years of loyal service and wishes them well in their future endeavors. They will always be part of the Mamelodi Sundowns Family. The Club also appreciates Romain Folz, who recently joined.

The players will meet the new coaches when they return to training on Wednesday.

Guinea's Naby Keita joins Hungarian outfit Ferencvárosi
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea’s Naby Keita joins Hungarian outfit Ferencvárosi

Former Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita has joined the Hungarian club Ferencvárosi on loan from Werder Bremen for one year.

He moved to Werder Bremen just 18 months ago but was left out of the first team last season after he chose not to travel for an away game.

The club announced, “Fantastic signing! Naby Keita is a valuable player with 58 caps for the Guinean national team. He is a former champion with Liverpool and a Champions League winner. He will play for our team, which has won the Hungarian championship 35 times and the Hungarian Cup 24 times. He arrives on loan to Üllői út for one year, with an option to buy.”

The midfielder joined Bremen on a free transfer from Liverpool in the summer of 2023.

Keita started playing for the Guinean national team in 2012 and, by 2024, had made 58 appearances. He was named Footballer of the Year in Guinea twice, in 2015 and 2021.

Zamalek and Nigeria's Enyimba share Group D spoils
by Football Sierra Leone

Zamalek and Nigeria’s Enyimba share Group D spoils

In a Group D match in Uyo, defending champions Zamalek faced former champions Enyimba, resulting in a 2-2 draw.

Zamalek will be disappointed after letting go of a two-goal lead, with goals from Seifeddine Jaziri and Omar Faraj equalized by Ufere Chukwu and Ifeanyi Ihemekwele.

As a result, Zamalek remains at the top of the group with four points, while Enyimba moves to third place with their first point.

In Group A, Bravos do Maquis narrowly defeated Sfaxien FC 3-2 at Estadio 11 Novembro in Luanda. Keoikantse Mosiatlhaga opened the scoring for Bravos, but Mohamed Dhuaoui quickly equalized.

Bravos regained the lead through Joaquim Paciencia and Francisco Matonco before Hazem Hassen narrowed the deficit in the second half.

Despite opportunities for both teams, the match concluded 3-2 in favor of Bravos, placing them second in the group behind SC Constantine, who also secured a win against Simba SC. Sfaxien FC remains at the bottom of the standings.

Al Hilal Omdurman beat TP Mazembe in Group A Champions League tie
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Al Hilal Omdurman beat TP Mazembe in Group A Champions League tie

Al Hilal Omdurman achieved a significant 2-1 victory over TP Mazembe during their second Group A match in the CAF Champions League, held on Sunday night. (Photo TP Mazembe)

The match took place at the Stade Cheikha Ould Boïdiya in Mauritania, where Al Hilal showcase resilient and a commendable performance to preserve their perfect record in the group stage.

Al Hilal commenced the match with a strong offensive, earning a penalty in the 22nd minute after Alioune Faty committed a foul in the box.

Mohamed Abdelrahman expertly converted the penalty, giving Al Hilal an early advantage.

In response, TP Mazembe showcased their attacking capabilities, although they struggled with accuracy in the final third.

In the 64th minute, Oscar Tshikomb found the equalizer for Mazembe with an impressive long-range effort, rekindling hopes for the visiting team.

However, Al Hilal’s Jean Girumugisha made a decisive impact in the closing moments of the match. He delivered a remarkable strike from outside the box, successfully placing the ball in the bottom left corner and igniting celebrations among Al Hilal supporters.

Despite their commendable efforts, TP Mazembe experienced their first defeat of the group stage following a previous draw in their opening match.

With this win, Al Hilal leads Group A with six points from two matches, followed by MC Alger, who beat Young Africans 2-0 on Saturday. Mazembe has one point and Young Africans sit at the bottom after two losses.

Al Hilal will aim to maintain their momentum against MC Alger on Saturday, while Mazembe needs a strong performance against Young Africans to revive their campaign.

Josh Koroma scores Huddersfield Town winner to strengthen promotion chances
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Josh Koroma scores Huddersfield’s winner to strengthen promotion chances

Sierra Leone international Josh Koroma contributed significantly to Huddersfield’s victory over Mansfield Town, as the latter faced their fifth consecutive defeat in League One.

In his sixteenth appearance of the season, Koroma scored his sixth goal, helping Huddersfield ascend to fourth place in the league standings and secure a playoff spot.

The match began with Huddersfield taking an early lead in the eighth minute. Ben Wiles scored, finding the net off the inside of the near post after an impressive run and low cross from the left delivered by Josh Koroma.

Mansfield equalized in the 31st minute when Jacob Chapman parried a header from Aden Flint, stemming from an Aaron Lewis corner, which allowed Will Evans to strike the rebound into the goal.

However, the visitors quickly regained the lead within two minutes. Jose Koroma could chase down a long ball and skillfully directed his shot across Christy Pym, placing it into the far corner of the net.

In the last of four added minutes at the end of the first half, Mansfield nearly equalized again when George Maris struck the post with a low shot from 20 yards.

Mansfield experienced a moment of fortune when Tom Lees directed a close-range free header directly at Pym in the 51st minute, following a free-kick taken by Ben Wiles. Shortly thereafter, Mansfield came close to scoring again as Chapman made two swift saves from attempts by Keanu Baccus and Aaron Lewis.

In the 62nd minute, Flint prevented a goal by clearing a shot from Michal Helik off the line during a corner kick. As the match approached its conclusion, Lees inadvertently headed the ball against his own crossbar during the last of five added minutes. Despite mounting pressure from Mansfield, Huddersfield managed to secure their fourth consecutive victory.

Mimosas, Stellenbosch, Zamalek & Enyimba in CAF Confed ties this weekend
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mimosas, Stellenbosch, Zamalek & Enyimba in CAF Confed action this weekend

On Sunday, Stellenbosch will look to regain their winning form in the CAF Confederations Cup, while ASEC Mimosas aims for consecutive victories over Orapa United.

In Group D, the reigning CAF Confederations Cup champions, Zamalek, will face the Nigerian side Enyimba at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Zamalek commenced their CAF Confederations Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over the Black Bulls at the Cairo International Stadium on November 27.

Currently, they hold 2nd place in Group D, with Al Masry leading the group after the first matchday. Al Masry is set to compete against Black Bulls at Estadio do Zimpeto.

Additionally, Stellenbosch FC will strive to bounce back when they compete against the Moroccan team RSB Berkane at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Stellenbosch experienced a 2-0 defeat to Stade Malien in their previous match, while RSB Berkane opened their CAF Confederations Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Lunda Sul two weeks ago.

Furthermore, ASEC Mimosas has the opportunity to secure a second consecutive victory as they take on Orapa United at the Francistown Stadium on Sunday.

ASEC Mimosas currently occupies 2nd position in Group C following their 2-0 win against Jaraaf on November 27, while USM Alger, in 1st place, is scheduled to face Jaraaf at Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade on Sunday evening.

Fixtures Sunday, 8 December

Group A

CS Constantine vs Simba
Bravos do Maquis vs CS Sfaxien

Group B

Stellenbosch vs RSB Berkane
Lunda Sul vs Stade Malien

Group C

Orapa United vs ASEC
Jaraaf vs USM Alger

Group D

Black Bulls vs Al Masry
Enyimba vs Zamalek

Aimen Mahious nets as Belouizdad earn away win in Abidjan
by FSL News

Aimen Mahious nets in Belouizdad’s crucial win in Abidjan

Aimen Mahious played a pivotal role for CR Belouizdad by scoring the decisive goal in the 71st minute, enabling the team to secure a 1-0 victory over Stade d’Abidjan in a highly competitive Group C match of the CAF Champions League at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny on Saturday.

This victory revitalizes the Algerian champions’ prospects following their initial loss to Orlando Pirates, while Stade d’Abidjan remains in last place in the group, yet to accumulate any points after two matches.

CR Belouizdad started strong, exerting pressure on their opponents; however, they faced challenges in overcoming the resilient Ivorian side.

The first half concluded without any goals, as both teams struggled to capitalize on their scoring opportunities. Seydou Touré, the goalkeeper for Stade d’Abidjan, made several critical saves that kept his team in contention.

The breakthrough came midway through the second half when Mahious, well-positioned in the penalty area, received an astute pass from Abderrahmane Meziane and skillfully directed the ball into the bottom corner of the net, eliciting a jubilant response from the Belouizdad bench.

Stade d’Abidjan valiantly pursued an equalizer, yet their finishing proved inadequate. Ezechiel Zaddy came closest in the 87th minute, with a powerful attempt that narrowly missed the target, sailing over the crossbar.

As a result of this match, Belouizdad climbs to third place in Group C, trailing the co-leaders Al Ahly and Orlando Pirates by just one point. The group remains highly competitive, with Al Ahly and Orlando Pirates each on four points, while Belouizdad follows with three.

Unfortunately, Stade d’Abidjan’s path to advancement remains precarious, as they continue to seek their first victory in the tournament.