Month: October 2025

Referee Mohamed Buzin Koroma to officiate Asante Kotoko tie against Wydad in Ghana
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Referee Mohamed Buzin Koroma to officiate Asante Kotoko tie against Wydad in Ghana

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed four referees from Sierra Leone to officiate the CAF Confederation Cup second round preliminary first leg match between Ghana's Asante Kotoko and Morocco's Wydad AC.

This contest will happen on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium in Ghana.

Asante Kotoko is expected to face a tough challenge against Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday in the CAF Confederation Cup first leg second round playoff.

The Porcupine Warriors aim to secure a strong first-leg advantage before the return match in Casablanca. Both teams possess CAF Champions League experience but are competing in this year’s Confederation Cup due to disappointing domestic performances.

Leading the officiating team as the Centre Referee (CR) is Mohamed Buzin Koroma, supported by Assistant Referee 1 (AR1) Mamoud Alie Conteh and Assistant Referee 2 (AR2) Alusine Conteh. Serving as the Reserve Referee (RR) is Rashid M. Conteh.

Wydad’s continental experience includes participation in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup earlier this year, having faced teams like Manchester City and Juventus, making them a formidable opponent.

Sierra Leone's referee Suliaman Santio Kamara to officiate WAFU A final in Mali
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s referee Sulaiman Santio Kamara to officiate WAFU A final in Mali

Sierra Leonean referee Suliaman Santio Kamara will officiate the final match between Senegal and Mali in the U17 CAF Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers for Mali 2025.

This appointment comes from the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone A. This eagerly awaited final is set to take place today, Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 19:00 GMT in Bamako, Mali.

Kamara’s appointment to this prestigious match underscores his professionalism, consistency, and growing reputation as one of the top young referees in the subregion.

“It also underscores the confidence that CAF and WAFU have in Sierra Leonean match officials, the SLFA has said. 

The SLFA sends its heartfelt congratulations to Referee Kamara for bringing pride to the nation and wishes him the very best as he represents Sierra Leone in elite youth football across West Africa.

JS Kabylie record strong Champions League first leg advantage
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

JS Kabylie record strong CAF Champions League first leg advantage

Algeria’s JS Kabylie won 3-0 against US Monastir in the first leg of their final qualifying round for the CAF Champions League at the Stade Municipal Taieb Mhiri in Sfax.

This victory brings them closer to reaching the group stage of the tournament. The visitors from Algeria enjoyed solid support from their travelling fans as they delivered an outstanding performance.

The pivotal moment came early in the second half when Mehdi Merghem struck a stunning goal from distance that shocked the home side. Shortly after, Lahlou Akhrib capped off a brilliant team play with a well-timed finish.

JSK dominated the second half after a balanced first, taking a two-goal lead. In the 49th minute, Aimen Lahmeri crossed to Merghem, who skillfully scored. Mohamed Hamidi then split the USM defense with a clever pass, allowing Lahmeri to assist Akhrib for a close-range goal.

Babacar Sarr added a third for JSK in the final minutes. The teams will meet again next Saturday in Tizi Ouzou, where JSK aims to secure a spot in the group stage.

Sierra Leone has advanced one position to 121 in the FIFA Rankings and is now ranked 33rd in Africa as of October's ranking.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone up one spot in latest Fifa ranking

FIFA released its new ranking on Friday, and Sierra Leone is now ranked 121st in the October standings.

The Leone Stars of Sierra Leone have moved up one spot in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Rankings, now ranked 121st in the world and 33rd in Africa.

Coach Mohamed Kallon’s team won against Djibouti 2-1 and lost to Burkina Faso 1-0 in their final World Cup qualifiers this month. As a result, they gained 1141.1 points.

Africa’s Rankings: Morocco leads as Africa’s highest-ranked team at 12th globally, followed by Senegal (18th), Egypt (32nd), Algeria (35th), and Nigeria (5th).

-Global Rankings:

Spain remains at the top, with Argentina at 2nd, France at 3rd, England at 4th, and Portugal at 5th. The Netherlands is now 6th, overtaking Brazil in 7th, while Belgium, Italy, and Germany round out the top ten.

Notable Climbers: Hungary, Scotland, Nigeria, and Romania all improved their rankings. Niger made the largest jump to 108th.

Ranking Drops: Greece (48th) and Sweden (40th) experienced the biggest declines due to poor World Cup qualifying results.

Splendid Morocco's U20 achieved its goal by making it to the finals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Splendid Morocco’s U20 achieved its goal by making it to the finals

The Atlas Cubs have reached their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup final after defeating France 5-4 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in regulation. Morocco will face Argentina in the final.

Substitute goalkeeper Abdelhakim Mesbahi emerged as the hero, stepping in during the shootout to save Djylian N’Guessan’s attempt.

The match featured an early penalty for Morocco, converted by Yassir Zabiri, which ultimately became an own goal after hitting the post and deflecting off the French goalkeeper, Lisandru Olmeta.

France equalized through Lucas Michal in the second half, and after a tense extra time with a red card for France’s Rabby Nzingoula, the match was decided by penalties.

With this victory, Morocco becomes the first African team to reach the final since Ghana in 2009.

Morocco 1-1 France (aet; 5-4 PSO)

Morocco’s goal: Olmeta’s own goal (32), France’s goal: Michal (59) 

Morocco set to host Africa's World Cup playoff qualification matches
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco set to host Africa’s World Cup playoff qualification matches

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed the locations, schedule, and structure for the African playoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, preparing for a crucial contest in November 2025.

CAF has slated the semifinals matches for November 13, 2025, with the final set to take place on November 16 of the same year.

African giants such as Nigeria, Cameroon, DR Congo and Gabon, as the best runners-up, will battle for their final spot to join the Continental playoffs in the race to the America’s World Cup.

Competing in a mini-tournament that includes semifinals and a final. The victor of this mini-tournament will then advance to the intercontinental playoff, where teams from other confederations will vie for a coveted spot in the World Cup finals.

The final nine African teams that have already punched their tickets for the tournament are Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, South Africa, Ghana, Cape Verde, making it for the first time, the Ivory Coast and Senegal.

This initiative underscores Morocco’s rising profile as a premier hub for African football, as it is also set to host the African Cup of Nations in 2025 (AFCON) and the FIFA World Cup in 2030.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe lauded Morocco’s expanding influence in global football, highlighting the country’s “exceptional leadership and commitment to fostering football development across Africa.”

South Africa return to World Cup since hosting in 2010
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa return to World Cup since hosting in 2010

The Bafana's will be making their fourth FIFA World Cup appearance next year — and their first since hosting the tournament in 2010 with 18 points out of a potential 30.

The Bafana Bafana has rejoined the ranks of football’s elite. The team, led by Hugo Broos, secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup by defeating Rwanda 3-0 on the last day of the African qualifiers — a result that enabled them to surpass Benin and Nigeria in one of the continent’s most competitive groups.

They demonstrated their consistency and discipline in a qualifying zone where every match was crucial. The win ignited celebrations in Johannesburg, where thousands of supporters rejoiced at the conclusion of a long and arduous wait.

South Africa 3–0 Rwanda – South Africa scorers: Mbatha (5), Appollis (26), Makgopa (72)

Elsewhere, Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen had an outstanding match as Nigeria beat Benin 4–0 in Uyo.

The Super Eagles started strong when Samuel Chukwueze intercepted a loose pass and quickly passed to Osimhen, who scored just three minutes into the game.

Benin struggled to recover from this early goal. Before halftime, Osimhen scored again with a powerful header from Chukwueze’s perfect cross, making it 2–0 for Nigeria.

Osimhen completed his hat-trick six minutes into the second half by nodding in a free-kick from Moses Simon, which crushed Benin’s hopes.

Late in the match, substitute Frank Onyeka added another goal, making it 4–0. This loss dropped Benin from first to third place and allowed South Africa to take the top spot and qualify automatically.

Nigeria finished in second place and will now wait to see if they qualify for the FIFA Play-off Tournament as one of the four best runners-up.

Nigeria 4–0 Benin – Nigeria scorers: Osimhen (3, 37, 51), Onyeka (90)

Morocco's Othmane Maamma pleased with U20 'historic feat'
by FSL News

Morocco’s Othmane Maamma pleased with U20 ‘historic feat’

Morocco's captain and coach spoke with FIFA following their historic height in the Chile by reaching the semi-finals after they defeated the USA 3-1 in the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

The Moroccans showcased their resilience, with Saad El Haddad creating an opportunity for captain Othmane Maamma, whose initial shot was saved. Quick-thinking Zahouani then scored the opener, securing the win.

“I’m satisfied with the team and pleased with our achievements,” said Maamma after receiving the Visa Player of the Match. “The credit goes to my teammates for a true team effort. Our mentality and fan support inspired us tonight.”

Cole Campbell equalised with a penalty just before halftime, but Morocco responded strongly in the second half. Yassir Zabiri’s shot deflected off Joshua Wynder, and Yassine scored the decisive goal.

“Thank God, all our hard work was rewarded,” remarked Ouahbi. “We have young players passionately fighting for our country.”

Morocco is set to face France in their first U-20 World Cup semi-final in 20 years.

“I hope we advance further,” Maamma said. “I believe we’ve made Morocco proud. Now we must focus on the semi-final.”

Ouahbi added, “An entire nation, along with a King, is behind them, providing tremendous motivation. We won’t stop here.”

Coach Mohamed Ouahbi was thrilled with his team’s performance as they advanced to the FIFA U-20 World Cup™ semi-finals for the first time in two decades, following their victory over the USA in Rancagua.

He remarked, “We knew we put in an excellent performance against a formidable team. We respected the USA but weren’t intimidated. We understood that playing our game and defending well would give us a chance.”

One of the smallest nations, Cape Verde book 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Impressive Cape Verde book first-ever FIFA World Cup ticket

Trailblazers - From the central Atlantic Ocean of West Africa to their inaugural appearance in a FIFA World Cup, Cape Verde has secured its place after a remarkable victory against Eswatini on Monday.

The Blue Sharks wrapped up their qualifying journey impressively with a decisive 3-0 victory against Eswatini, thanks to goals from Livramento, Willy Semedo, and seasoned player Stopira.

The island nation, with a population of approximately 525,000, is the second smallest country to ever qualify for a World Cup finals, following Iceland, which took part in the 2018 tournament.

Challenged by Cameroon throughout the qualifiers, the Blue Sharks made a bold statement to finish. Battling against strong winds in the first half, Bubista’s team finally found the breakthrough after the halftime interval: Dailon Livramento scored first from close range.

Willy Semedo extended the lead by scoring from close range after capitalizing on a rebound created by Ryan Mendes. The celebration was capped off in stoppage time when 37-year-old Stopira, who had come on late in the match, netted the third goal — a fitting tribute to the veteran’s journey, having first played for the national team in 2008.

Cabo Verde 3–0 Eswatini Goals: Livramento (48’), W. Semedo (55’), Stopira (90’)

Elsewhere In Group D, Mauritius and Libya played to a scoreless draw, with both teams already eliminated. Libya showcased more initiative but struggled against a strong defense, with Ezzeddin El Maremi nearly scoring a header and Husain Taqtaq hitting the post. Libya finished third in the group while Mauritius placed fifth.

Meanwhile, Cameroon drew with Angola, diminishing their chances of automatic qualification. Marc Brys’ team created significant chances, but Andre Onana made key saves, and Mabululo hit the woodwork twice. Cameroon now awaits results from other matches to see if they advance.

Ghana seal 2026 FIFA World Cup spot with win over Comoros
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana seal 2026 FIFA World Cup spot with win over Comoros

The Black Stars topped Group I in CAF qualifying - the African nation reached South Africa 2010 quarter-finals

The Black Stars have once again booked their spot at the FIFA World Cup following a 1-0 win against Comoros that ensured they finished at the top of Group I.

In November 2024, the nation was in shock when Ghana did not make it to the continental finals for the first time since 2004. Despite numerous calls for him to resign, Otto Addo chose not to step down as head coach.

“I’m not someone who can resign. If I had acted that way, I would never have become a player or a coach,” Addo stated. “If you understand my journey to reach this position, you wouldn’t even mention resignation.”

Addo, who took Ghana to Qatar 2022 during his initial tenure with the team, strongly believed he was the right individual to spearhead the revival.

With the support of a new coaching staff, he effectively guided the Black Stars through CAF qualifying, accumulating 25 points from ten matches in Group I.

Ghana secured their spot in the World Cup on the final qualifying day with Mohammed Kudus scoring the decisive goal against Comoros, despite tough competition from Madagascar. Jordan Ayew’s seven goals during qualifying significantly contributed to their success.

This will be Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance, having first participated in Germany 2006. They aim to improve on their 2022 performance, where they were eliminated in the group stage.

Ghana’s best World Cup finish was in 2010, reaching the quarter-finals, thanks in part to Asamoah Gyan’s memorable goal against the USA in the Round of 16, which led to a thrilling quarter-final against Uruguay.

Ghana at the FIFA World Cup

First appearance: Germany 2006 Appearances: 5 (2006, 2010, 2014, 2022, 2026) Best result: Quarter-finals (2010)