Mali make good start in Group D U17 AFCON after beating Angola
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali make good start in Group D U17 AFCON after beating Angola

Mali made a strong start to their TotalEnergies CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Angola on Tuesday at the Stade Municipal de Berrechid.

Goals from Ndjicoura Bomba and Soungalo Coulibaly secured all three points for the Malians in their opening Group D match, placing them at the top of the table ahead of Côte d’Ivoire and the Central African Republic, who were set to face each other later in the day.

Mali struck first in the 11th minute when Bomba, who was lively throughout the match, fired a right-footed shot into the top corner from the center of the box after being set up by Seydou Dembélé. The West Africans created several opportunities to extend their lead but were pegged back just before halftime.

Angola equalized in the third minute of added time at the end of the first half, with Jayden Puna scoring from close range after a clever headed assist by Manelson. The goal was confirmed by VAR after a brief review.

In the second half, both teams pushed for a winning goal in a physical contest, but it was Mali who found the breakthrough in the 74th minute. Substitute Coulibaly delivered a moment of brilliance, striking a right-footed shot from long range into the bottom left corner following a corner kick.

Angola pressed for a late equalizer, with Densel Liyun coming close in added time, but Mali held on to secure a crucial three points. This victory gives Mali early control of Group D and boosts their confidence ahead of their next match.

Alynho Haidara delivers a stellar performance as Côte d'Ivoire cruises past CAR
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alynho Haidara delivers top-notch a performance as Côte d’Ivoire ease-past CAR

In Group D on Tuesday evening Côte d’Ivoire put six goals past the Central African Republic, who managed to respond with just one goal, resulting in a commanding 6-1 victory for Côte d’Ivoire CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Alynho Haidara was the standout player on Tuesday, scoring an impressive four goals and earning the Man of the Match award. The former champions, aiming to follow in the footsteps of their seniors who won Africa’s most prestigious trophy last year, wasted no time in taking the lead.

Haidara opened the scoring in the 4th minute and was back on the scoresheet in the 13th minute, securing a two-goal cushion. He completed his hat trick in the 41st minute.

The Central African Republic pulled one back just before halftime, with Anan Otto scoring his first goal of the tournament in the 45th minute. However, returning from the break, the former champions continued to dominate, with Haidara capping off his exceptional performance by scoring his fourth goal in the 55th minute.

Mobio Franck and Yannis Touali also contributed with late strikes, rounding off an impressive performance in their opening match of the title chase.

Côte d’Ivoire’s commanding victory puts them at the top of Group D, with Mali in second after defeating Angola, followed by Angola and the Central African Republic. The TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations continues on Wednesday, highlighting top youth football from Africa.

Alynho Haidara was the standout player on Tuesday, scoring an impressive four goals and earning the Man of the Match award.
Alynho Haidara was the standout player on Tuesday, scoring an impressive four goals and earning the Man of the Match award.
Disturbing incidents at Loftus Versfeld following Sundowns' victory over Esperance
by Football Sierra Leone

Disturbing incidents at Loftus Versfeld following Sundowns’ victory over Esperance

What was supposed to be an exciting show of African football turned chaotic at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Tuesday afternoon. (Image by: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers)

Mamelodi Sundowns won 1-0 against Espérance in the first leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-final, giving them an important advantage for the return match next Tuesday in Tunisia.

After the final whistle, fans from both teams clashed. The visiting supporters started the trouble by throwing objects onto the pitch, aimed at Sundowns’ fans in the lower stands.

Stadium security could have handled the situation quickly, but it escalated into fights between the rival fans. Despite being banned by CAF from using lasers and flares, the Esperance fans set them off during the conflict, while Sundowns’ fans used barriers to defend themselves.

The stadium announcer made repeated efforts to calm the crowd, even requesting an Arabic speaker to ask the visiting fans to stop in their language.

Things nearly got worse when Sundowns’ fans, known as the Yellow Nation, pushed the opposing fans against the railing of the top tier. Thankfully, no one was killed.

After these disturbing events, CAF’s disciplinary committee will look into the incident and make plans for next Tuesday’s match at Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi in Rades, Tunisia, where fans are likely to be hostile.

South Africa won an exciting match against Egypt, finishing 4-3 in their opening game of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday night at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
by Football Sierra Leone

South Africa beat Egypt in AFCON U17 seven-goal thriller

South Africa won an exciting match against Egypt, finishing 4-3 in their opening game of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday night at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

This match was filled with action, including goals, penalties, and a red card. Emile Witbooi scored the winning goal in the 71st minute, helping Amajimbos climb to the top of Group B, tied with Burkina Faso, both having three points.

South Africa started strong, taking the lead in the first minute with a goal from Simphiwe Mlondo. Egypt quickly responded, equalizing three minutes later with a header from Anas Roshdi. The Pharaohs then pulled ahead 3-1 with two more goals from Roshdi and Hamza Abdel Karim in a strong 20-minute period.

Before halftime, South Africa fought back. Neo Bohloko scored two penalties, one in the 27th minute and the second just before the half ended, bringing the score to 3-3.

In the second half, both teams had chances to score. It was Witbooi who broke the deadlock, scoring from the center of the box after receiving a good pass from Bohloko.

In stoppage time, Egypt faced more trouble when Omar Abdel Aziz received a red card after a VAR review. With this result, South Africa is now at the top of Group B alongside Burkina Faso, who earlier beat Cameroon 2-1.

Next, South Africa will play Cameroon on Thursday, while Egypt will aim to recover against Burkina Faso.

Blackburn attacker Augustus Kargbo is itching to get back to playing
by Football Sierra Leone

Blackburn attacker Augustus Kargbo is itching to get back playing

Sierra Leone and Blackburn attacker Augustus Kargbo has expressed his commitment to returning to action in the English Championship with Blackburn.

Kargbo has been spending time on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury, which has sidelined him for six weeks. The Blackburn Rovers forward was substituted just 15 minutes into the match at Pride Park, where the team lost 2-1, following a couple of early challenges.

In an exclusive interview with the club’s TV, Kargbo shared his excitement about being back on the field and playing on natural grass again.

He stated, “It feels great to be back, and I am working hard with the physios to return as soon as possible. I am going to be patient and follow their advice because I am an explosive player, and I need to be cautious.”

Asharaf Tabsoba scored both goals in Burkina Faso U17 AFCON win over Cameroon
by Football Sierra Leone

Asharaf Tabsoba scored both goals in Burkina Faso U17 AFCON win over Cameroon

Burkina Faso started the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with a strong 2-1 win over Cameroon in the first match of Group B in Morocco on Monday.

Asharaf Tabsoba scored both goals for Burkina Faso, helping the team begin their quest for the title positively. He had also played an important role in qualifying for the tournament, scoring two goals in the final against Côte d’Ivoire earlier.

Tabsoba opened the scoring in the 19th minute, easing the team’s nerves. He scored again in the 41st minute, giving Burkina Faso a 2-0 lead at halftime.

After the break, Cameroon pushed hard to score. Their efforts were rewarded in the 75th minute when David Nyangono scored, making it 2-1 and setting up a tense finish.

Despite the pressure from Cameroon, Burkina Faso’s defense remained strong, and they secured the important three points. They will next face Egypt on Thursday, while Cameroon will look to rebound against South Africa on the same day.

Morocco thrash Uganda in CAF U17 Cup of Nations opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco thrash Uganda in CAF U17 Cup of Nations opener

Morocco began the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with an impressive 5-0 victory over Uganda in Mohammedia on Sunday night.

The hosts quickly established their dominance, scoring two goals in the first ten minutes. Ilies Belmokhtar opened the scoring in the third minute, followed by Driss Aït Chiekh in the eighth. In the 23rd minute, a penalty, awarded after a VAR review, was converted by Ziyad Baha Abedlahadj, who was cheered by the crowd.

Belmokhtar scored again, bringing Morocco’s lead to 4-0 before halftime. The team dominated possession at 67% and converted four of six chances in the first half.

After the break, Uganda tried to regroup, but Moroccan goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch made several crucial saves. In the 71st minute, Ziyad Baha scored again after a defensive error, finalizing the score at 5-0.

This commanding win puts Morocco at the top of Group A, sending a strong message to their rivals as they celebrate Eid with their fans. It was a clear statement of intent from a team determined to go far in the tournament.

Read related – Ilies Belmokhtar nets brace in U17 AFCON opening win over Uganda

Ilies Belmokhtar nets brace in U17 AFCON opening win over Uganda
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ilies Belmokhtar nets brace in U17 AFCON opening win over Uganda

Ilies Belmokhtar from Morocco made a standout debut with two goals at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with a stunning performance in his team’s 5-0 victory over Uganda.

The AS Monaco forward, turning 17 in May, showcased his talent and emerging leadership within a promising Moroccan squad. “The most important thing is the three points. I wouldn’t be here without the win,” he stated after receiving his award.

Known for his skillful use of both feet and sharp decision-making, Belmokhtar helped lead Morocco’s aggressive play that left Uganda struggling to keep up. “We saw that our opponents weren’t pressing us, so we played our game and applied what we’ve worked on in training,” he noted.

Morocco’s U-17 team represents a new era in North African youth football, blending tactical discipline with flair. As they face tougher challenges ahead, Belmokhtar’s composure and scoring ability will be crucial. If Sunday’s performance is any indication, he is ready for the spotlight.

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Sierra Leone's Juma Bah out of Lens League tie against Lille due to injury
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Juma Bah out of Lens derby tie against Lille due to injury

Lens’ Juma Bah suffered a serious injury during training on Saturday morning when he collided head-to-head with teammate Jonathan Gradit, Lequipe reports.

As a result, Bah lost two teeth and spent the afternoon in the hospital for further examination. He will miss the Lille derby this Sunday at 8:45 p.m. and will not return to action until Tuesday, by concussion protocol.

Bah sat in shock for several minutes following the collision and will likely be replaced by Malang Sarr at kickoff. Meanwhile, Gradit has also sustained an injury, requiring stitches for a cut on his eyebrow. His fitness is currently uncertain, and a medical examination will assess the condition of his swollen eye on Sunday morning after he wakes up.

With both players’ statuses in question, Lens is expected to play in a 5-3-2 formation if Gradit is fit. If he cannot play, coach Will Still may need to switch to a 4-5-1 formation.

Two teams competing for European football next season face off in Ligue 1 this weekend as Lille hosts Lens in the Derby du Nord on Sunday evening.

Morocco is collaborating on a bid to host the Women's World Cup
by Football Sierra Leone

Morocco join race to host Women’s World Cup

Morocco has joined the race to host the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup as part of a joint bid with Spain and Portugal.

This announcement was made by Rafael Louzan, the President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), who shared the intentions of the three countries.

Spain has already secured the 2030 FIFA Men’s World Cup in partnership with Portugal and Morocco, and the women’s tournament in 2035 would follow a similar structure.

Louzan stated, “What better way to showcase women’s sport than with the contribution of the most important global sporting event: the World Cup. That’s what we’re working on,” in an interview with Relevo.

If successful, Morocco would become the second African country, after South Africa, to host the men’s World Cup, which was held there in 2010. Additionally, Morocco could make history as the first African nation to host both the men’s and women’s World Cup finals.