Day: August 4, 2025

Guinea fend off Niger to begin CHAN 2024 with a win
by Football Sierra Leone

Guinea fend off Niger to begin CHAN 2024 with a win

At the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Guinea opened their 2024 CHAN campaign with a 1-0 victory over Niger.

Just two minutes after halftime, Mohamed Bangoura II’s second-half goal following a VAR review was his only one.

Both sides played with a physical approach and carefulness, which resulted in a chaotic first half with little obvious chances. Although Niger tried to equalize, including a near miss from replacement AbdoulLatif Goumey, Guinea’s defense held firm.

This victory puts Guinea in a good position inside Group C, while Niger struggles in their tournament after a dismal beginning.

Uganda, Algeria, and South Africa are among the group’s hosts as well.It was a frustrating beginning for Niger’s fifth CHAN participation, particularly after a promising fourth-place performance in 2022.

Coach Harouna Doula are now fighting an uphill struggle to preserve their hopes for a quarterfinal. On the other hand, Guinea would seek to gather steam in pursuit of another strong tournament showing.

Mustapha Bundu's Hannover start new campaign with a win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mustapha Bundu’s Hannover start new campaign with a win

Hannover 96 began the new season in the German second division with a victory, securing three points on the opening matchday. Sierra Leone international Mustapha Bundu made his debut, featuring for 70 minutes.  Photo: Swen Pförtner/dpa

Under head coach Christian Titz, Hannover featured eight new starting signings, including debutant Hayate Matsuda.

They started the match aggressively but had to wait until the 22nd minute for a clear chance, when FCK captain Marlon Ritter missed a long shot.

Hannover’s first real opportunity came moments later when Husseyn Chakroun set up Mustapha Bundu, whose shot was saved by goalkeeper Julian Krahl.

Bundu on the spotlight on his league debut

In the 23rd minute, Hannover’s new winger, Mustapha Bundu, created the first notable chance of the game. The English attacker was the standout player on the pitch during the first half and had another great opportunity to give Lower Saxony the lead just before halftime. However, Kaiserslautern’s goalkeeper, Julian Krahl, made another crucial save.

Alongside Bundu, Hannover’s new Japanese striker, Hayate Matsuda, also made a strong impression. The active, attacking style of football that coach Titz desired was evident in many phases of the game. However, the hosts often struggled with consistency in their performance.

Hannover finally took the lead in the 74th minute when Noel Aseko, who came on at halftime, received a pass from Virgil Ghita and scored his first professional goal, making it 1-0.  

In the 90th minute, Hannover sought to extend their lead. Substitute Daisuke Yokota set up Jannik Rochelt, but his shot was blocked. The final whistle confirmed Hannover 96’s 1-0 victory over 1. FC Kaiserslautern in Titz’s debut match, earning them their first three points at home.

Hannover 1-0 Kaiserslautern

Goal: 1-0 Aséko Nkili 75′

Morocco hit CHAN 2024 ground running with win over Angola
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco hit CHAN 2024 ground running with win over Angola

Morocco began their search for a third African Nations Championship (CHAN) crown with a dominant 20-win over Angola in their first Group A match at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.

Morocco deservedly triumphed as Imad Riahi scored a beautiful longrange goal in the first half and Angola’s Kinito scored an own goal in the second half.

Once again, Morocco’s talent was on display in this competition, which included only players from local leagues.In 2018 and 2020, they have captured the CHAN twice already.Morocco hoped to build on their 13-match undefeated streak in this tournament by starting a new team and expecting much.

From the beginning, Coach Tarik Sektioui’s team immediately took charge and established the tempo.

Morocco scored in the 29th minute after a few opportunities and corners. Mohamed Hrimat gave Riahi a perfect pass, who fired a strong right-foot shot from outside the box, defeating Angolan goalie Neblú.

Before halftime, the Atlas Lions pressed for a second goal, with Riahi, Anas Bach, and Marouane Louadni testing Angola’s goalkeeper, Neblú.Looking for their first CHAN opening match victory, Angola developed opportunities via Jó Paciência and Aguinaldo Matias, but Morocco’s El Mehdi Al Harrar was resolute.

Morocco kept control in the second half and scored again in the 81st minute when backup Youness El Kaabi’s shot bounced off Kinito into the goal.Led by captain Hrimat, Morocco’s defense held strong even as Angola tried to respond with a long shot from Mafuta.

As they get ready to meet cohosts Kenya, Morocco remains undefeated in CHAN group stages; Angola is still looking for their first win and will regroup before going against Zambia.