Author: FSL News

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Mali through to U17 AFCON after defeating Burkina Faso
by FSL News

Mali through to U17 AFCON final after defeating Burkina Faso

Mali secured their place in the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations with a decisive 2-0 victory over Burkina Faso in Tuesday’s semi-final held in Casablanca. (CAF Photo)

The young Eagles scored one goal in each half to advance to Saturday’s championship match, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between hosts Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire, scheduled for later on Tuesday.

Mali took the lead in the 42nd minute when Soumaila Fané unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, finding the top corner and leaving the Burkina Faso goalkeeper with no chance.

Despite a spirited response from the Stallions, Mali extended their lead midway through the second half. Mahamadou Traoré soared to meet Fané’s precise cross in the 74th minute, heading it home to secure the victory.

The match at Stade Larbi Zaouli was intense and physical, with Burkina Faso fighting hard but ultimately failing to penetrate Mali’s well-organized defense.

The Baby Stallions created several opportunities, including a close-range header from Halidou Diakité that went over the bar, but they lacked the finishing touch.

Burkina Faso finished the match with nine players after both Ali Koné and Alassana Bagayogo received second yellow cards in the second half, adding to their frustration.

Meanwhile, Mali exhibited maturity and tactical discipline throughout the contest, controlling key moments and managing the game with composure in the closing stages.

With this victory, Mali returns to the final of the U-17 AFCON for the first time since 2017, when they claimed the title. The West Africans are now just one match away from regaining continental glory.

Burkina Faso will compete against the loser of the second semi-final in the third-place playoff, which is also scheduled for Saturday.

Rampant Burkina Faso thrash Zambia to U17 Cup of Nations Semis
by FSL News

Rampant Burkina Faso thrash Zambia to reach U17 Cup of Nations Semis

Burkina Faso performed impressively on Thursday night, defeating Zambia 6-1 in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

This victory secured their spot in the semi-finals for the second year in a row. The match took place at the El Arbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, and Burkina Faso clearly showed their strength, repeating their success from the 2023 tournament in Algeria.

The Young Stallions took control early in the game. Mohamed Fofana scored the first goal in the 11th minute after Zambia made a defensive mistake. Ten minutes later, Burkina Faso doubled their lead when Nkotami Chimwemwe fouled Issouf Diakité in the penalty box. Souleymane Tapsoba confidently scored the penalty, marking his fifth goal of the tournament.

Zambia managed to score once in the 35th minute, thanks to Abel Salim Nyirongo, who found the net after getting to a loose ball. However, they struggled to gain momentum. Nyirongo almost scored again just before halftime but was stopped by Burkinabè keeper Prince Hamed Ouédraogo in a key one-on-one play.

In the second half, Burkina Faso came back with more energy. Diakité made the score 3-1 in the 58th minute with a calm finish from a precise pass by Coulibaly, which was confirmed by VAR. A few minutes later, Diakité scored his second by weaving through the Zambian defense and finishing from a clever assist by Tapsoba.

Zambia ran into more trouble when Mwape fouled Bagayoko in the penalty area during the 78th minute. Tapsoba scored another penalty, extending the lead. He capped off a great game with a third goal in the 90th minute by taking advantage of a defensive mistake.

This strong win not only puts Burkina Faso in the semi-finals but also sends a strong message to the other teams. Diakité and Tapsoba have formed an important partnership, with Tapsoba leading the tournament with seven goals.

Burkina Faso had already qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup before this match. Now, they aim to reach their second U-17 AFCON final and win a second continental title, having won in 2011.

Egypt's Pyramids with huge first-leg CAF Champions Leguea advantage
by FSL News

Egypt’s Pyramids with huge first-leg CAF Champions League advantage

Pyramids FC has made a significant advancement toward the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League following a decisive 4-1 victory over FAR Rabat in the first leg of their quarter-final match. This encounter took place on Tuesday evening at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo.

The Egyptian team demonstrated a dominant performance, establishing a 3-0 lead within the first 40 minutes, largely due to the exceptional contributions of Congolese striker Fiston Mayele and winger Ibrahim Adel.

Mayele opened the scoring in the 2nd minute, capitalizing on an assist from Mostafa Fathi. He further enhanced the team’s advantage with a close-range finish in the 12th minute, following a cutback from Adel.

Ibrahim Adel then added to the scoreline in the 38th minute by efficiently converting a chance from the left side of the penalty area, having been set up by Ramadan Sobhi.

The Moroccan team narrowed the gap just before halftime with a goal from Abdelfattah Hadraf, assisted by Youssef El Fahli. However, hopes for a comeback faded in the second half when Adel scored his second goal, bringing Pyramids FC’s tally to four after an assist from Blati Touré in the 67th minute.

Despite late pressure from FAR Rabat and several substitutions made in an attempt to regain control, the home team navigated the remainder of the match with composure, even striking the crossbar in stoppage time through Mostafa Fathi.

This commanding victory provides Pyramids FC with a three-goal advantage as they prepare for the return leg in Morocco, placing FAR Rabat in a challenging position as they seek to overcome this deficit in order to reach the semi-finals.

Mali thrash Comoros in Group I CAF World Cup Qualifiers
by FSL News

Mali thrash Comoros in Group I CAF World Cup Qualifying tie

Newly appointed Tom Saintfiet guided Mali to a vital 3-0 victory over Comoros on Thursday night during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. This victory gives Mali a better chance to qualify and changes the standings in Group I.

Nene Dorgeles and Kamory Doumbia scored goals in the Moroccan city of Berkane, helping Mali move up to fourth place with eight points, just two points behind the leaders, Madagascar. Comoros, who was at the top of the group before this game, is now in third place with nine points.

Mali started the match strong, scoring the first goal in the 20th minute. Dorgeles received a good pass from captain Yves Bissouma and shot past goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros tried to fight back. Faïz Selemani took a long-range free kick that tested Malian goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, but Mali kept their defence strong.

In the second half, Mali played with more energy. In the 55th minute, El Bilal Touré crossed the ball into the box, and Kamory Doumbia found the empty net.

Just eight minutes later, Doumbia scored again with another assist from Bissouma, making it clear that the game was in Mali’s control. Comoros struggled to find clear opportunities as Mali finished the game confidently.

This loss is a big setback for Comoros, who may fall further behind in the group.

In contrast, Mali’s win puts them back in the race for a World Cup spot, with three games left in the qualifiers. Madagascar stays on top with 10 points, but Ghana could take the lead if they win their next match against Chad.

Mali will be feeling more confident as they prepare for their next important game against the Central African Republic on Monday to move up the standings.

Morocco's head coach Walid Regragui names squad, no Ziyech
by FSL News

Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui names squad, no Ziyech

Morocco’s head coach, Walid Regragui, has selected a 26-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Niger and Tanzania on March 21 and 25. However, Hakim Ziyech is not included.

The squad includes four new players: Bilal Nadir, Chemsedine Taibi, Hamza Igamane, and Omar El Hilali. This shows that the Atlas Lions are bringing in young talent to the team.

Two key players are missing from the squad due to injuries: Hakim Ziyech, a top playmaker, and Ayoub El Kaabi, a strong goal-scorer. Their absence will create challenges for Regragui as he adjusts his attack.

Returning to the squad are Jawad El Yamiq and goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid, who missed previous international matches. Their return adds strength to the defense and goalkeeping.

Morocco leads Group E in the qualifiers and wants to build on that success. They will play both matches in Oujda, where home support could help them earn six points.

With Ziyech and El Kaabi out, Youssef En-Nesyri, Soufiane Rahimi, Brahim Diaz, and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli will take on more attacking responsibilities. After Morocco’s impressive run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, there are high expectations for the team.

Key players like Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, and Nayef Aguerd remain important to the team’s goals. With a strong squad and home advantage, Morocco aims to win both matches and strengthen their reputation as one of Africa’s top football teams.

Morocco’s 26-Man Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal), Munir El Kajoui (Al Wehda), El Mehdi Benabid (FUS Rabat).

Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), Noussair Mazraoui (Bayern Munich), Nayef Aguerd (West Ham United), Jawad El Yamiq (Al-Wahda), Abdel Abqar (Deportivo Alavés), Jamal Harkass (AS FAR), Omar El Hilali (Espanyol), Adam Aznou (Bayern Munich U19).

Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat (Manchester United), Azzedine Ounahi (Marseille), Ismael Saibari (PSV Eindhoven), Bilal El Khannouss (Genk), Oussama Targhalline (Le Havre), Bilal Nadir (Nice).

Forwards: Youssef En-Nesyri (Sevilla), Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid), Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Real Betis), Amine Adli (Bayer Leverkusen), Soufiane Rahimi (Al Ain), Eliesse Ben Seghir (AS Monaco), Osame Sahraoui (Heerenveen), Hamza Igamane (Wydad AC), Chemsedine Taibi (FUS Rabat).

Sierra Leone U17 gear up for Guinea Women’s World Cup African Qualifiers
by FSL News

Sierra Leone U17 gear up for Guinea Women’s World Cup African Qualifiers

The Sierra Leone National U-17 Women’s Team has conducted its initial training session at the Southern Arena in Bo City as they ramp up preparations for their forthcoming match against Guinea in the Second Preliminary Round of the U-17 Women’s World Cup African Qualifiers.

Following a strong victory over the Central African Republic in the first preliminary round, our players are now concentrating on achieving another win.

The opening leg is scheduled for March 8, 2025, at the Southern Arena in Bo City, while the return leg will occur on March 15 at Stade Mamadou Konaté in Bamako, Mali.

With dedication, effort, and a strong sense of teamwork, both the players and coaching staff are entirely focused on earning a place in the final tournament.

The winner of this matchup will proceed to compete against the team that comes out on top between Ivory Coast and Burundi in the concluding round of the qualifiers.

The Sierra Leone Women’s U-17 team will play against Guinea in the second round of the African Qualifiers for the U-17 Women’s World Cup
The Sierra Leone Women’s U-17 team will play against Guinea in the second round of the African Qualifiers for the U-17 Women’s World Cup
Victor Osimhen nets as Galatasaray bow out of Euroepa League
by FSL News

Victor Osimhen nets as Galatasaray bow out of Europa League

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen found the back of the net for Galatasaray in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League matchup against AZ Alkmaar.

However, his effort was not enough to secure advancement, as the match concluded in a 2-2 draw, resulting in a 6-3 aggregate defeat that eliminated Galatasaray from the tournament.

The match, held at the vibrant RAMS Park on Thursday evening, showcased a gripping contest. AZ Alkmaar, guided by coach Maarten Martens, sealed their place in the Round of 16 after their earlier 4-1 victory in the first leg in Alkmaar.

In the second leg, Seiya Maikuma opened the scoring for AZ, followed by Denso Kasius, who extended their lead. Galatasaray fought back with goals from Victor Osimhen and Roland Sallai, but despite their resilience, they couldn’t overturn the deficit.

The draw meant that AZ Alkmaar advanced to the next stage of the competition, much to the disappointment of the home crowd.

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini blasts Africa's best player Lookman
by FSL News

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini unhappy with Africa’s best player Lookman

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini commented on striker Ademola Lookman’s performance following the team’s 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League, resulting in a 5-2 aggregate loss.

Lookman scored early in the second half, but he was unable to convert his second chance after a penalty attempt was saved by Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

Gasperini expressed concerns about Lookman’s ability as a penalty taker, stating he is “one of the least effective” he has seen. He suggested that offensive midfielder Charles De Ketelaere or striker Mateo Retegui should have taken the penalty instead.

“Lookman was not intended to take that penalty; he has a notably poor record in both games and training. He seized the opportunity after scoring, but I did not find that decision appropriate,” Gasperini noted.

He also addressed the conduct of Atalanta captain Rafael Tolói, who received a red card for an incident with Maxim De Cuyper. “This was an unfortunate occurrence, and we must maintain composure at all times,” he emphasized.

Atalanta, currently third in Serie A, became the second Italian team to exit the Champions League, following AC Milan, who lost 2-1 on aggregate to Feyenoord.

Ivory Coast forward Amad Diallo out for the rest of the season
by FSL News

Ivory Coast forward Amad Diallo out for the rest of the season with ankle injury

Ivory Coast and Manchester United forward Amad Diallo will miss the rest of the season because of ankle ligament damage, according to Manchester United’s manager Ruben Amorim.

The 22-year-old player from Ivory Coast posted on Instagram on Saturday to confirm his injury.

“I’m extremely disappointed to write this message at such an important time in the season,” Diallo said.

“Unfortunately, I will be out for some time due to this injury. I will come back stronger than ever! Now it’s time to support the boys from the sidelines. There is still a lot to play for.”

After Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Tottenham, Amorim said, “Amad is definitely out for the rest of the season.

“Amad was alone when he got injured. He was making a tackle, and his foot got stuck in the grass. Some players felt unwell during training too, so it’s been a tough situation. Sometimes, everything seems to go wrong, but we need to face this challenge and focus on the next game. That’s all we can do.”

Diallo has been a standout player for United this season, scoring six goals in his last 14 games.

https://twitter.com/Amaddiallo_19/status/1890827336171335967

Egypt's Omar Marmoush nets first City's hat-trick as climb back into top four
by FSL News

Egypt’s Omar Marmoush nets first hat-trick as City climb back into top four

Omar Marmoush significantly impacted Manchester City’s recent match against Newcastle, scoring a first-half hat-trick that helped secure a 4-0 victory. This win allowed City to ascend back into the Premier League’s top four.

Marmoush, an Egyptian forward who was acquired for £59 million from Eintracht Frankfurt last month, displayed exceptional skill by netting his first two goals within a brief five-minute span and completing his hat-trick before halftime.

James McAtee further contributed to the scoreline by volleying home City’s fourth goal from close range. This victory marked a strong response from Pep Guardiola’s side following their midweek Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, representing their largest home league win.

In parallel, Arsenal achieved a 2-0 victory over Leicester City, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring two crucial goals in the 81st and 87th minutes. Despite their efforts, Leicester remains in the bottom three of the league, having fought diligently for their first clean sheet in 21 games across all competitions.

Additionally, Calvin Bassey’s first goal of the season secured Fulham’s 2-1 win at home against Nottingham Forest. Forest striker Chris Wood equalized just before halftime with his 18th league goal after Emile Smith Rowe initially put Fulham ahead. Bassey then secured the victory by scoring the decisive goal shortly after the hour mark.