Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

DR Congo edge Nigeria to reach inter-confederation play-off
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

DR Congo edge Nigeria to reach inter-confederation play-off

The DR Congo maintained their quest for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Nigeria 4-3 in a penalty shootout in Rabat on Sunday evening, after a 1-1 draw that extended into extra time during the African play-off final.

Frank Onyeka put the Super Eagles ahead in the third minute, but Meschack Elia equalised the score in the 32nd minute, and after 120 intense minutes, captain Chancel Mbemba scored the winning penalty to propel the Leopards into the inter-confederation play-off scheduled for March in Mexico.

Nigeria’s aspirations come to an end at this point. – Held at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium, the match had a crucial prize: a spot in the six-team play-off tournament in Guadalajara and Monterrey, where two World Cup spots are up for grabs.

Nigeria, fresh off a 4-1 victory over Gabon, started strong, with Onyeka scoring after a deflection from Tuanzebe. DR Congo equalised when Elia capitalised on a mistake by Ndidi, levelling the score.

The match settled into a pattern, with Nigeria pushing forward through Iwobi and the wings, while DR Congo remained disciplined and dangerous on counterattacks, led by Mbemba.

After halftime, Osimhen came close to scoring twice, but both teams struggled to break through as fatigue set in. In the penalty shootout, Nigeria faltered after an initial equal exchange, while Mbemba scored the winning penalty for DR Congo.

This victory marks DR Congo’s first step towards the inter-confederation play-off from March 23-31, 2026. Nigeria will reflect on missed opportunities and a strong start that did not lead to victory.

Striker Augustine Williams and Hounds reach USL Final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Augustine Williams and Hounds reach USL Final

For the first time in 26 years, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds will compete in a league final after a 1-0 win over Rhode Island FC in the USL Championship Eastern Conference Final. They will face FC Tulsa in the USL Championship Final on Saturday, Nov. 22, at noon on CBS.

Robbie Mertz scored the decisive goal just 10 minutes into the second half, igniting a crowd of 6,745 fans. Goalkeeper Eric Dick made a season-high five saves, securing his 15th shutout and setting a new single-season record for the Hounds.

Sierra Leone international Augustine Williams recorded nine goals in all competitions, helping the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the process. Island started strong, with Noah Fuson forcing Dick into a diving save early on.

The Hounds gained momentum when Marc Ybarra’s foul on Perrin Barnes led to a yellow card. Danny Griffin came close to scoring in the 36th minute, but his effort was denied by goalkeeper Koke Vegas.

The breakthrough came in the 55th minute when Mertz received a nod from Griffin, skillfully cut inside, and scored with a shot that hit under the crossbar. The situation worsened for Rhode Island five minutes later when Ybarra received a red card, leaving them with 10 men.

Dick shone in the 74th minute, denying JJ Williams on a breakaway and making another critical save from a free kick. The Hounds’ defence held firm through seven minutes of stoppage time, clinching the victory without conceding another shot on goal.

Burkina Faso and Uganda advance to the U17 World Cup round of 16
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkina Faso and Uganda advance to the U17 World Cup round of 16

Burkina Faso and Uganda have joined Mali, Morocco, England, Italy, Japan, Korea DPR, Austria, and Uzbekistan in advancing to the Round of 16 of the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

It was a remarkable day for Uganda and Burkina Faso, as the newcomers to the World Cup fought hard to overcome Senegal. At the same time, Oscar Barro’s team stunned reigning champions Germany to secure their places in the knockout stage.

England, Italy, and Japan also enjoyed comfortable victories, with Korea DPR narrowly defeating Venezuela and Uzbekistan winning against Croatia in a tense penalty shootout.

In the matches:

– Senegal fell to Uganda 0-1, with Walusimbi scoring the only goal in the 15th minute. Edrisah Waibi from Uganda was named Player of the Match.

– Burkina Faso edged out Germany with a 1-0 win, thanks to a goal from Zongo in the 5th minute. Mohamed Zongo earned the Player of the Match award for his stellar performance.

– Japan triumphed over South Africa with a decisive 3-0 victory, featuring goals from Asada (48), Yoshida (59), and Fujii (72). Antony Udemba Motosuna was recognised as the Player of the Match for Japan.

Elsewhere, Austria secured their spot in the Round of 16 with a pair of late goals against Tunisia. The first half saw a tight contest, with Austrian forward Dominik Dobis missing a chance after being thwarted by Tunisia’s goalkeeper Slim Bouaskar.

However, Austria changed the game in the closing stages when Bouaskar fouled Vasilije Markovic in the penalty area, allowing Johannes Moser to convert the ensuing penalty.

Shortly after, they struck again when a shot from Mazen Slama Essefi took a significant deflection and found the back of the net, sealing Austria’s victory.

Egypt knockout of U17 World Cup after defeat to Switzerland
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt knocked out of U17 World Cup after defeat to Switzerland

At the Aspire Zone complex in Al Rayyan, Switzerland produced a complete team performance to see off Egypt and book their spot in the Round of 16.

They drew first blood when Nevio Scherrer slotted them in front early on. The Swiss then netted one of the finest team goals of the tournament to make it 2-0, with Ethan Bruchez applying the finishing touch after a scintillating one-touch move.

Jill Stiel got Switzerland’s third after the break, finishing smartly from the edge of the area. Anas Roshdy netted a late consolation for Egypt, but the result had already been put beyond doubt.

Mali beat Zambia to set date with Morocco in U17 World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali beat Zambia to set date with Morocco in U17 World Cup

Raymond Bomba and Seydou Dembele formed a formidable partnership as Mali outshone Zambia, setting themselves up for a Round of 16 showdown against Morocco, who knocked out the USA.

Raymond Bomba and Seydou Dembele formed a formidable partnership as Mali outshone Zambia, setting themselves up for a Round of 16 showdown against Morocco, who knocked out the USA.

Mali showcased their attacking prowess early on and thought they had taken the lead when Seydou Dembele fired in a powerful shot from the edge of the box.

However, the goal was disallowed due to a foul by Bomba in the buildup. Undeterred, the big striker celebrated his earlier shot by somersaulting in excitement early in the second half.

This time, Dembele turned provider, sending in a brilliant free-kick that allowed Bomba to rise and nod it in at the near post.

Zambia fought back, levelling the score when Kelvin Chipelu delivered a perfect right-foot cross that Mapalo Simute expertly finished off. But Mali regained their advantage with a well-crafted effort from Dembele, followed by a late goal from Lamine Keita to secure a 3-1 victory.

Final Score: Zambia 1-3 Mali  – Zambia’s goal: Simute (63)  –  Mali goals: Bomba (51), Dembele (85), Keita (90+2)  

Player of the Match: Seydou Dembele (Mali)

In the other match, the USA faced Morocco, which ended in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.

Jude Terry opened the scoring for the States with a well-placed shot from a Cavan Sullivan cut-back, but they missed a golden opportunity to double their lead when Mathis Albert misfired from the penalty spot just after halftime.

Morocco capitalised on that missed chance after having one goal ruled out for offside. They equalised stunningly with a solo effort from Abdellah Ouazane.

With the score tied, the match went to penalties, where Morocco’s Chouaib Bellaarouch shone brightly, saving attempts from Cooper Sanchez and Maxi Carrizo, ultimately guiding Morocco to victory.

Final Score: USA 1-1 Morocco (Morocco wins 4-3 on penalties)  

USA goal: Terry (21) – Morocco goal: Ouazane (90)  

Player of the Match: Chouaib Bellaarouch (Morocco)

DR Congo skipper Chancel Mbemba nets winner against Cameroon
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

DR Congo skipper Chancel Mbemba nets winner against Cameroon

Chancel Mbemba emerged as the hero with a late winner, leading DR Congo to a 1-0 victory over Cameroon and securing a spot in the African play-offs final for the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Nigeria.

The Leopards’ captain cleverly slipped away from his marker to convert a deep corner taken by Brian Cipenga in the first minute of stoppage time, shocking the five-time continental champions.

Cameroon, known for holding the African record with eight World Cup appearances, will miss out on next year’s expanded 48-team tournament.

With both teams closely ranked in the world standings, the semi-final turned into a tense encounter, especially as heavy rain complicated the playing conditions in neutral Rabat.

Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana made a superb low save to thwart Cedric Bakambu around the hour mark, while Bryan Mbeumo narrowly missed a chance just five minutes later. In the closing moments, Mbeumo’s teammate Karl Etta Eyong also failed to capitalise on two late opportunities before Mbemba’s dramatic late strike sealed the match.

DR Congo, which last appeared in the World Cup as Zaire in 1974, faces a tough challenge against Nigeria, which defeated Gabon 4-1 in extra time.

The winner of this continental play-off final will move on to a six-team intercontinental qualifier in March for the last two spots in next year’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Nigeria thrash Gabon to reach CAF's 2026 World Cup playoffs final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria thrash Gabon to reach Africa’s 2026 World Cup qualifying play-offs final

Nigeria reached the final of the African play-offs for the 2026 World Cup after a thrilling 4-1 victory over Gabon, which included extra time.

Chidera Ejuke and Victor Osimhen scored in the first half of extra time after the match ended 1-1 in regular time.

Osimhen celebrated his goal by removing his protective face mask and shirt, likely feeling relieved after missing a great chance to win the game in stoppage time. Osimhen added another goal five minutes into the second half of extra time to secure the win.

Nigeria played better throughout the semi-final match and seemed likely to finish the game in regulation time after Akor Adams scored in the 78th minute from a poor back-pass.

However, Gabon equalised in the 89th minute with Mario Lemina’s deflected shot, forcing extra time. Ultimately, Nigeria’s ability to finish clinically led to their victory.

Nigeria will face either Cameroon or DR Congo in the final on Sunday (19:00 GMT).

The winner of that match will move on to a six-team intercontinental qualifier in March, which will decide the final two qualifiers for the World Cup.

Mali ready for Zambia as Egypt battles Switzerland in U17 knockout
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali ready for Zambia as Egypt battles Switzerland in U17 knockout

On Friday, the knockout stages of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ are about to commence, transitioning the competition from 32 teams down to 16 over two thrilling days of matches.

Zambia vs. Mali – Kick-off times – 15:30 in Doha, 14:30 in Lusaka, 12:30 in Bamako  

The second round kicks off with a match between two African teams. Zambia has made a remarkable debut in the finals, remaining unbeaten in their group and managing a draw against Brazil. Mali secured six points in the group stage while achieving two clean sheets.

Switzerland vs. Egypt – Kick-off times – 16:00 in Doha, 14:00 in Bern, 15:00 in Cairo  

Switzerland is aiming to maintain their impressive unbeaten streak at these finals, which has lasted for 16 years. They will need to overcome an Egypt team that proved difficult to penetrate during the group stage if they want to extend their record to 11 matches.

USA vs. Morocco – Kick-off times – 18:45 in Doha, 10:45 in Washington D.C., 07:45 in Los Angeles, 16:45 in Rabat  

The USA had a perfect group stage, and with Cavan Sullivan, they have one of the standout talents of Qatar 2025. Morocco, astonishingly, started their final group match without a goal or a point, but scored 16 against New Caledonia, breaking records and advancing to this stage.

World Cup playoffs - Nigeria face Gabon as Cameroon take on DR Congo
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon and DRC vie for World Cup Play-offs final spot

Four teams are competing for a spot in the FIFA World Cup finals, with a total of 15 past appearances. By the end of this week's African Play-Offs, only one will advance.

Cameroon has participated in the World Cup eight times, which is a record for Africa. They last played in Qatar in 2022 and reached the quarter-finals in 1990.

Nigeria has played in six finals, most recently in Russia in 2018. The Democratic Republic of Congo was a finalist in 1974, when it was still called Zaire, while Gabon has never qualified before.

This week, all four teams have a fair chance in a knockout tournament where losing means elimination. Nigeria will face Gabon in Rabat on Thursday, and later that evening, Cameroon will play DR Congo.

The winners of the upcoming matches in Rabat on Sunday will advance to the World Cup 2026 Play-Off Tournament, where they will compete against seeded teams for two spots in the FIFA World Cup.

The African Play-Off winners will join Bolivia and New Caledonia, along with teams from Asia and Concacaf, in this tournament set for March 23 to 31, 2026.

Nigeria, the highest-ranked team in Morocco, secured their place after a recent 4-0 win against Benin, having struggled earlier in the qualifiers.

Gabon finished their group with 25 points, just behind Côte d’Ivoire, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang key to their attack. DR Congo and Cameroon, who last met in a 1-1 friendly in 2015, are also competing, with DR Congo two points behind Senegal in their group.

Sierra Leone-born Trevoh Chalobah named in England Squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone-born Trevoh Chalobah named in England Squad

Sierra Leone-born and Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah has been included in the England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.

England is set to face Serbia at Wembley on Thursday before heading to Tirana to play Albania on Sunday. Thomas Tuchel’s team has already secured their spot in the World Cup with an impeccable record.

Chalobah made his debut for England in June, following in the footsteps of his brother Nathaniel, who also graduated from the Chelsea Academy to represent the Three Lions.

The 26-year-old has been a steady presence in England’s youth teams, participating from Under-16s to Under-21s, and he will be looking to increase his tally of one senior cap during this window.