Month: December 2025

Mozambique and Angola set for pre-AFCON friendly in Portugal
by Football Sierra Leone

Mozambique and Angola set for pre-AFCON friendly in Portugal

Mozambique and Angola will clash in Portugal on Wednesday for a final warm-up ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

According to a statement from the Mozambique Football Federation, the friendly match will take place behind closed doors in Algarve.

Mozambique’s coach, Chiquinho Conde, expressed his enthusiasm for the game, emphasising the importance of building team cohesion rather than just focusing on a win.

Mozambique is preparing for the AFCON tournament in Morocco, where they will be competing in Group F alongside the Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and Gabon. Conde’s team is set to launch their AFCON campaign against the reigning champions next Wednesday.

Angola’s goalkeeper, Hugo Marques, shared his excitement about facing his former Cape Town City teammate, Edmison Dove, who anchors Mozambique’s defence.

He noted that this match holds significant importance as Angola gears up for AFCON, stating, “Angola wants it more.”

In their AFCON opener, Angola will face formidable opponents, Egypt, on Monday. They are drawn into a challenging group featuring Southern African rivals South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the record winners, Egypt.

Zambia Call off AFCON Friendly Against Ivory Coast
by FSL News

Zambia Call off Ivory Coast Friendly ahead of AFCON

After a disappointing 2-0 loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia has opted to cancel their scheduled friendly match against Ivory Coast on Thursday.

Under the guidance of Coach Moses Sichone, the team is currently in Murcia, Spain, putting the finishing touches on their preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco.

The lead-up to the tournament has been challenging for the 2012 African champions. Machacha Shapande, General Secretary of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), confirmed the cancellation of a friendly match, citing time constraints that required adjustments for player recovery after the recent defeat to the DRC, as it fell within a crucial five-day window before the AFCON finals.

With three consecutive friendlies without a victory, including matches against South Africa and Angola, there’s growing concern back home.

When is Zambia concluding their training camp in Spain? Sichone and his squad will wrap up their week-long camp on Friday. Most players have reported to training, except for Italy-based Lameck Banda and Obino Chisala, who will head directly to Morocco.

Zambia will face tough competition in Group A, alongside Morocco, Mali, and Comoros. The team will kick off their AFCON journey against Mali on Monday, followed by a match against Comoros the following Thursday.

Ghana's Albert Adomah makes his 700th EFL appearance
by Football Sierra Leone

Ghana’s Albert Adomah makes his 700th EFL appearance

Albert Adomah played his 700th EFL league match on Saturday during a 1-1 draw with Shrewsbury Town. It was also his 38th birthday. Sadler was glad to see Adomah still working hard and pushing himself for the team.

“Happy birthday to him; he’s the youngest 38-year-old I know,” Head Coach Mat Sadler told the club’s media. “He’s a great person and had a chance to set up Courtney for a goal. Those are the key moments in the game.

We just couldn’t finish at the end, which can happen considering how many games we’ve played lately. Right now, we need to rest and take care of the players for a few days before we prepare for what should be a strong match this Saturday.”

Sadler also shared good news about injuries for Jid Okeke and Aaron Pressley. “Both of them will be back for Saturday’s game,” he confirmed.

“Aaron Pressley trained the last couple of days. We almost put him on the bench, but I thought it was too soon in case something happened. Jid got hurt on his back and foot against Gateshead, but he will be fine for the next game too.”

Mustapha Bundu suffers a collateral ligament injury
by Football Sierra Leone

Mustapha Bundu suffers a collateral ligament injury

Hannover will end the first half of the German Bundesliga 2 without two key players. Mustapha Bundu has a medial collateral ligament injury from the last match against Preußen Münster.

The 28-year-old left the game in the 72nd minute and missed Saturday’s home match against VfL Bochum and the away game against 1. FC Nürnberg on December 21.

This injury ends his first half of the season early. Husseyn Chakroun will also miss the rest of the year.

The 21-year-old had to leave the field in the 25th minute due to a hamstring injury after a long stride following a challenge.

Head coach Christian Titz commented on the injuries, saying, “That’s a real shame, but that happens in football. We have options in the squad, and we have confidence in our players.”

Despite these challenges, he remains hopeful about future matches, stating, “We’ve built the squad so that the players can respond well to any situation.”

FC Nürnberg part ways with  Crystal Palace youngster Hindolo Mustapha
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

FC Nürnberg part ways with Palace youngster Hindolo Mustapha

FC Nürnberg and Hindolo Mustapha have mutually decided to part ways after just six months, as the club announced this afternoon.

The 19-year-old’s loan spell with the 2. Bundesliga side has been cut short. Unfortunately, Mustapha did not make any professional appearances during his time at Nürnberg and will be returning to Crystal Palace for now.

“Hindolo clearly possesses talent, but things didn’t play out as we had all hoped at 1. FC Nürnberg. It was also important for the player’s future to clear things up early on and reach a solution that suited everyone,” stated sporting director Joti Chatzialexiou.

The Sierra Leone international had previously faced criticism from coach Miroslav Klose back in November, which is believed to have strained their working relationship.

Sierra Leone's Sullay Kaikai helps Cambridge draw with MK Dons
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Sullay Kaikai helps Cambridge draw with MK Dons

Sullay Kaikai returned to haunt his old club, MK Dons, by scoring a brilliant equaliser that helped Cambridge secure a point in a League Two clash.

The hosts took the lead in the 42nd minute thanks to Callum Paterson, but Kaikai struck back midway through the second half, allowing Cambridge to extend their unbeaten league streak to six games.

Cambridge’s Ben Knight was denied by keeper Craig MacGillivray, while Kelland Watts narrowly missed in a chaotic goalmouth scramble.

Just before half-time, the Dons took the lead with Paterson scoring from a pass by Liam Kelly. Cambridge had chances too, including Liam Bennett’s close-range miss.

In the 66th minute, former MK Dons winger Kaikai equalised with a powerful shot from outside the box. In the final moments, Aaron Collins nearly won it for Cambridge but hit the side-netting, resulting in a draw.

The Sierra Leone International joined Cambridge United in League One on a one-year deal on 28 June 2024. On 10 June 2025, the club announced that he had signed a new two-year contract.

Mali coach Tom Saintfiet includes Yves Bissouma in Mali final AFCON squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Coach Tom Saintfiet includes Yves Bissouma in Mali’s final AFCON squad

Bissouma plays for Tottenham Hotspur and has not played this season yet, but Saintfiet values his role in Mali’s midfield ahead of the tournament starting on 21 December.

Mali will begin their Group A campaign on 22 December against Zambia in Casablanca. They will also face the hosts, Morocco, and Comoros, in a very competitive group.

Bissouma’s return is the most significant part of the squad announcement. He last played in August and had ankle surgery after getting injured during a World Cup qualifier.

Even without recent matches, the coach believes Bissouma’s experience and smart play can be important in the midfield, which has a mix of strength and skill.

Saintfiet has assembled a balanced squad for Mali, featuring experienced players alongside promising talent from Europe and Africa. Defensively, Hamari Traoré leads, supported by Sikou Niakaté, Mamadou Fofana, and Woyo Coulibaly, while Djigui Diarra, Ismaël Diawara, and Mamadou Sawassa man the goal.

Mali’s midfield is robust with Amadou Haidara, Aliou Dieng, Lassana Coulibaly, Ibrahima Sissoko, Bissouma, and Mohamed Camara.

In attack, options include Nene Dorgeles, Kamory Doumbia, and Gaoussou Diarra for creativity and speed, while Moussa El Bilal Touré and Lassine Sinayoko are poised to score.

With a strong squad and the return of key players, Mali aims to advance far in the tournament in Morocco.

FULL MALI SQUAD FOR AFCON 2025 

Goalkeepers: Djigui Diarra (Young Africans), Ismaël Diawara (Sirius) and Mamadou Sawassa (Laval)

Defenders: Ousmane Camara (Angers), Woyo Coulibaly (Sassuolo), Amadou Dante (Arouca), Abdoulaye Diaby (Grasshoppers), Fodé Doucouré (Le Havre), Mamadou Fofana (New England Revolution), Nathan Gassama (Baltika), Sikou Niakaté (Sporting Braga) and Hamari Traoré (Paris FC)

Midfielders: Yves Bissouma (Tottenham Hotspur), Mohamed Camara (Al Sadd), Lassana Coulibaly (Lecce), Aliou Dieng (Al Ahly), Mahamadou Doumbia (Al Ittihad), Amadou Haidara (RB Leipzig), Mamadou Sangaré (Racing Lens) and Ibrahima Sissoko (VfL Bochum)

Forwards: Mamadou Camara (Laval), Gaoussou Diakité (Lausanne Sports), Gaoussou Diarra (Feyenoord Rotterdam), Nene Dorgeles (Fenerbahçe), Kamory Doumbia (Stade Brestois), Mamadou Doumbia (Watford), Lassine Sinayoko (Auxerre) and Moussa El Bilal Touré (Beşiktaş)

Senegal named a strong squad for AFCON in Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal named a strong squad for AFCON in Morocco

In a significant move, interim coach Pape Thiaw has announced his 28-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, including the debut call-ups of FC Metz striker Cheick Tidiane Sabaly and US Gorée midfielder Ibrahima Seck.

Also making a return is goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who missed the last gathering due to injury. Additionally, AS Monaco winger Krepin Diatta is back in the fold, marking his first Senegal call-up in 10 months.

El Hadji Malick Diouf, a defender for Hammers, has cut Senegal’s 28-man roster for the upcoming CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

The 20-year-old has made quite an impression since joining West Ham United last summer, recording three assists in 16 appearances. He has already earned 12 caps for his nation and netted his first senior international goal against Kenya during the November international break.

Senegal will play their group matches at Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, starting with a clash against Botswana on Tuesday, December 23, at 3 PM GMT.

Senegal will open Group D against Botswana on the 23rd before facing DR Congo on Saturday, December 27, and they will conclude their group-stage games against Benin on Tuesday, December 30, with a match set for 7 PM GMT.

The tournament is set to kick off on Sunday, December 21, culminating with the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, January 18.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Edouard Mendy, Seny Dieng, Cheikh Lo Ndoye

Defenders: Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhate, Abdou Diallo, Seydou Sano, Ismail Jakobs, Abdoulaye Seck, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Abdou Aziz Ndiaye, Formose Mendy

Midfielders: Idrissa Gana Gueye, Lamine Camara, Pathe Ciss, Habib Diarra, Pape Matar Sarr, Pape Gueye, Krepin Diatta, Ibrahima Seck

Forwards: Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye, Boulaye Dia, Nicolas Jackson, Habib Diallo, Cherif Ndiaye, Cheikh Tidiane Sabaly

Tunisia confirm AFCON squad as Sami Trabelsi recalls Skhiri and Hannibal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia confirm AFCON squad as Sami Trabelsi recalls Skhiri and Hannibal

Tunisia’s coach, Sami Trabelsi, has announced his final squad of 28 players for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

He decided to stick with most of the team while making some important changes. The Carthage Eagles are looking to regain their competitive strength in this tournament.

Midfielders Ellyes Skhiri and Hannibal Mejbri are back in the squad after missing recent matches. Their return will help bring balance and creativity to the team, which will face Uganda, Nigeria, and Tanzania in Group C.

Trabelsi kept most of the players from the international matches in November, and the goalkeeping lineup remains the same. Aymen Dahmen, Bechir Ben Saïd, Noureddine Farhati, and Sabri Ben Hassen make up a strong goalkeeping group, with Ben Hassen returning from injury.

In defence, Trabelsi chose to maintain stability while adding some new players. Regular defenders Yassine Meriah, Montassar Talbi, Dylan Bronn, Ali Maâloul, and Ali Abdi keep their spots. Adem Arous and Nader Ghandri also return to the national team after missing the Qatar tournament. Ghandri, who played well with Akhmat Grozny, said he is proud to be back and ready to give his all for Tunisia.

In midfield, Trabelsi has kept Ferjani Sassi, Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, and Houssem Tka in place, while Skhiri and Hannibal add strength to the team. The attacking lineup includes Elias Saad, Sébastien Tounekti, and Firas Chaouat, with Elias Achouri, Hazem Mastouri, and Seifeddine Jaziri also joining for depth and energy.

Some players, like Layouni and Nacim Dendani, who played in Qatar, are not on the final roster. Trabelsi said his choices focused on competitiveness and team balance, and he plans to gradually introduce younger players to support their development.

With 9 days until the tournament begins, Tunisia will begin final preparations, hoping that a mix of returning players, a solid defence, and experienced leaders will help them succeed in the knockout rounds.

FULL TUNISIA SQUAD FOR AFCON 2025 (28 players)

Goalkeepers

  • Aymen Dahmen (CS Sfaxien)
  • Bechir Ben Saïd (Espérance de Tunis)
  • Sabri Ben Hassen (Étoile du Sahel)
  • Noureddine Farhati (Stade Tunisien)

Defenders

  • Yan Valery (Sheffield Wednesday)
  • Mohamed Ben Ali (Espérance de Tunis)
  • Dylan Bronn (Servette FC)
  • Montassar Talbi (FC Lorient)
  • Yassine Meriah (Espérance de Tunis)
  • Adem Arous (Kasimpasa)
  • Nader Ghandri (Akhmat Grozny)
  • Mortadha Ben Ouanes (Kasimpasa)
  • Ali Abdi (OGC Nice)
  • Ali Maaloul (CS Sfaxien)

Midfielders

  • Ferjani Sassi (Al Gharafa)
  • Ellyes Skhiri (Eintracht Frankfurt)
  • Houssem Tka (Espérance de Tunis)
  • Mohamed Hadj Mahmoud (FC Lugano)
  • Ismael Gharbi (Augsburg)
  • Hannibal Mejbri (Burnley FC)
  • Naim Sliti (Al Shamal)
  • Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane (Al Ahly)

Forwards

  • Elias Saad (Augsburg)
  • Elias Achouri (FC Copenhagen)
  • Hazem Mastouri (Dinamo Makhachkala)
  • Sébastien Tounekti (Celtic)
  • Firas Chaouat (Club Africain)
  • Seifeddine Jaziri (Zamalek)
Morocco's coach, Walid Regragui, has unveiled a formidable 28-man squad as the Atlas Lions gear up to host the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, kicking off in just ten days.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Host Morocco named a star-studded final AFCON squad

Morocco's coach, Walid Regragui, has unveiled a formidable 28-man squad as the Atlas Lions gear up to host the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, kicking off in just ten days.

The squad, revealed on Thursday, boasts some of the nation’s brightest stars, including Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou, Sofyan Amrabat, and striker Youssef En-Nesyri.

Hakimi is recovering from a serious ankle injury and may miss the opening matches, but Regragui values his leadership. Morocco enters the tournament as the favourites, aiming for their first title since 1976 after a record 18 consecutive victories.

With continuity and tactical flexibility, the squad features key players from the 2022 World Cup semi-finals. Defensive leaders Romain Saïss and Nayef Aguerd return, joined by rising star Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal.

The full-back lineup includes Noussair Mazraoui, Adam Masina, and young Anass Salah-Eddine. In midfield, the team relies on talents like Azzedine Ounahi and Sofyan Amrabat, while the attack is led by Youssef En-Nesyri and Ayoub El Kaabi, supported by creative wingers like Brahim Diaz.

However, Sofiane Diop is notably absent, and Hamza Igamane is on the reserve list due to injury. With the tournament hosted in Morocco, expectations are high.

Regragui knows lifting the trophy in Rabat on January 18 is the only acceptable outcome. In Group A, Morocco will compete against Comoros, Mali, and Zambia for continental glory.

Goalkeepers: Munir El Kajoui, Yassine Bounou and El Mehdi Al Harrar

Défenders: Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Chibi, Jawad El Yamiq, Romain Saïss, Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, Nayef Aguerd, Adam Masina, Noussair Mazraoui and Anas Salah-Eddine

Midfielders: Oussama Targhalline, Sofyan Amrabat, Ismael Saibari, Neil El Aynaoui, Bilal El Khannouss and Azzedine Ounahi

Forwards: Brahim Diaz, Ilias Akhomach, Chemsdine Talbi, Youssef En-Nesyri, Ayoub El Kaabi, Soufiane Rahimi,  Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Eliesse Ben Seghir

Reserve Players

  • Youssef Belammari

  • Hamza Igamane