Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Coach Aliou Cissé wins legal case against the Libyan Football Federation

With FIFA directing the North African federation to pay him €820,000 in damages, former Senegal national team manager Aliou Cissé has won his legal battle against the Libyan Football Federation.

Appointed head coach of Libya in 2025 on a two-year contract following his excellent run with the Senegalese national team, Cissé guided Senegal to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) championship in 2021. But, only less than a year after his appointment, his tenure supervising the Libyan national team came to an abrupt end when both parties split over contract obligation disputes.

After he left, Cissé submitted a claim for financial obligations owed to him as per his contract and for unpaid wages. Ultimately rising to FIFA, the controversy was decided in favour of the 48-year-old coach. FIFA has ordered the Libyan Football Federation to give Cissé €820,000 in damages for contract violation.

This ruling ends a protracted dispute between the coach and the Libyan FA, aiming for clarification on the financial claims made by the previous African champion.

Though he struggled in Libya, Cissé has rapidly found another important worldwide coaching position. Named head coach of Angola, he is set to use his expertise from Senegal and past international travels to guide the Palancas Negras into a new age.

Having led Senegal’s ascent to regional prominence, won the 2021 AFCON championship, and helped the team to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, Cissé is still among Africa’s most admired coaches.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt intends to submit bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations

Egypt seeks to submit a proposal to hold the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Ministry of Youth and Sports verified the nation’s readiness to host this big football event.

The Ministry spokesperson said Egypt has the necessary infrastructure and skills to hold the tournament. The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) must now get in touch with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and submit a request to host.

This declaration comes after CAF asked member nations to submit proposals for the 2028 tournament’s hosting. A prosperous football country, Egypt has previously staged significant events. The nation last hosted the AFCON in 2019, stepping in to take over for another host, and the occasion drew accolades for its planning and facilities.

Egypt’s New Administrative Capital site helps it to apply once more, and it has several excellent stadiums, including Cairo International Stadium and Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria.

The Egyptian Football Association will probably start negotiations and ultimately file a formal interest to CAF as CAF launches its bidding process. Egypt’s declaration raises the rivalry for the 2028 hosting rights as other African countries are also anticipated to submit bids soon.

Before selecting the host country for Africa’s premier football competition, CAF will assess bids against factors such as stadium quality, housing, transportation, security, and overall organisation.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 Set to Kick Off on July 26

CAF and LOC have revealed the Match Schedule with kick-off times for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 as Africa’s flagship women’s competition gets set to kick off on 26 July 2026 in Rabat, with the Final to be played on 16 August 2026, also in Rabat.

Stakes at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 will be high, with not only a place in the Finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 up for grabs but also USD 1 Million Prize money awaiting the winning nation.

Two cities will stage matches for the tournament: Rabat and Casablanca. The expanded format of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 will be the largest edition of the competition to date, with sixteen (16) nations participating for the very first time.

The teams have been divided into four groups of four. See below for the breakdown of the groups as well as the detailed schedule of how each team will fare on their road to the Final.

Road to the Final:

Matches will get underway on Sunday, 26 July 2026 at 18: 00 local time (17:00 GMT) with host nation Morocco’s opening clash against Algeria at the Rabat Olympic Stadium.

Senegal will play their opening match against Kenya later that day.

Morocco will begin their hunt for their maiden title on Sunday evening against Kenya at home. The match will start at 21: 00 (20:00 GMT) at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

Pool matches include Nigeria vs Zambia on 1 August and Ghana vs Cameroon on 2 August. Quarter-final matches will take place on 8 and 9 August, with winners progressing into the semi-finals, where defeated teams can still qualify for FIFA Women’ s World Cup Brazil 20 27 via continental play-offs.

Semi-finals will take place on 12 August at the Neutral Stadium (Rabat). The third-place match will be played on 15 August at the Rabat Olympic Stadium. The Final will take place on Sunday, 16 August 20 26 at 20:00 at the Neutral Stadium.

Groups

Group A – Rabat: Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya

Group B – Casablanca: South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Tanzania

Group C – Rabat: Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi

Group D – Casablanca: Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde

Senegal parts ways with manager Pape Thiaw after World Cup exit
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal parts ways with manager Pape Thiaw after World Cup exit

Senegal has dismissed manager Pape Thiaw following their elimination from the World Cup at the last-32 stage. Senegal started poorly, losing to France and Norway in their opening two games.

They defeated Iraq 5-0 to finish third in Group B, as the best-placed third-placed team advanced to the knockout stages. Senegal went ahead against Belgium in their Round of 16 clash but conceded twice late on, including a penalty in extra time, as they lost 3-2.

Midfielder Pape Gueye subsequently announced that he was taking a break from international duty while Senegal was under its current management.

“After a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team,” the Senegal Football Federation (FSF) said in a statement, “the Executive Committee decided to relieve him of his duties in the best interests of Senegalese football.”

Senegal arrived in Qatar this month after appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against having their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations win deducted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Thiaw played a key role in the controversy as he led his players down the tunnel when Morocco was awarded a stoppage-time penalty in the final.

The players returned around 17 minutes later and Senegal went on to win after Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved and Gueye scored in extra-time.

Morocco was awarded the trophy in March after CAF overturned the final result due to Senegal’s walk-off. Senegal has since appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and others mourn Jayden Adams

Jayden Adams, a South African midfielder who played at this year’s World Cup, has died at age 25. South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, confirmed his death on Saturday in a statement.

“My heart goes out to the family of Jayden Adams, whom I spoke to this morning,” McKenzie said.

Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, has sent his heartfelt condolences following the passing of South Africa international and Mamelodi Sundowns star, Jayden Adams.

“At just 25 years of age, Jayden Adams represented his country for Bafana Bafana during FIFA World Cup 2026 and was also part of the Mamelodi Sundowns squad that won the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2026 in Rabat,” said Dr Motsepe.

Dr Motsepe on behalf of CAF and its 54 Member Associations would like to send his sincere condolences to the South African Football Association (“SAFA”), and its President, Dr Danny Jordaan, Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club and most importantly, to the Family of Jayden Adams.

Jayden Adams previously played his football for Stellenbosch FC and has recently cemented his place in the Bafana Bafana side. He died earlier this week after appearing for his country during their run in the World Cup round of 32.

”We at the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) are devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams,” SAFPU said in a statement. Jayden had recently proudly represented his country at the FIFA World Cup, to the collective hopes of a nation he carried with immense pride, courage, and distinction.

He started the team’s 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic despite his grandmother Marianna passing away the day before the match. He also started in South Africa’s subsequent 2-0 loss to Mexico. Adams entered as a substitute in South Africa’s 1-0 victory over South Korea.

Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s minister of sports, arts and culture, reached out to Adams following the passing of his grandmother.

”I shall carry forever the humble, appreciative response he gave me,” McKenzie said. That he chose to wear the national jersey and give his all for his country in that moment speaks to a depth of character and professionalism well beyond his years, and it reflects the calibre of young man South Africa has lost,” he added.

FIFPRO on Twitter: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams at the age of 25. Jayden had recently represented his country at the FIFA World Cup, marking a proud moment in a life and career cut tragically short. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, teammates, and all those who knew him. May he rest in peace.”

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kamil Conteh joins Newly-promoted League One side Bromley 

League One new boys Bromley have completed the signing of midfielder Kamil Conteh from Bristol Rovers but details of the deal haven’t been revealed.

Conteh, 23, joined Rovers from Grimsby Town in January last year and went on to make 73 appearances for the Pirates in all competitions, scoring two goals last season.

The Sierra Leone international had been sent out on loan by Rovers to League One champions Lincoln City last season but made just one appearance out on loan on the final day of the season due to injuries.

Conteh is the first player to sign for Bromley this summer as they gear up for their first-ever League One campaign next season.

On 17 March 20/22 Conteh was named in Sierra Leone’s squad for their International friendly matches against Togo, Liberia and Congo.

He went on to make his International debut a week later during their 3–0 loss against Togo, where he started and played the full match.

Since then, Conteh has made 12 appearances for Sierra Leone. Kamil will wear the number 22 shirt at the CopperJax Community Stadium.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kylian Mbappé inspires France to defeat Morocco in Boston

Attacker Kylian Mbappé scored the opening goal to help lead France past Morocco at the Boston Stadium and earn his eighth goal of the tournament. France has now reached the semi-finals of the World Cup for the third consecutive tournament, even though Mbappé missed a penalty during the first half.

He recovered from a saved penalty to score a glorious goal and assist Ousmane Dembele as France booked their place in the World Cup semi-finals by beating Morocco 2-0 at Boston Stadium.

France were bright from the onset as Dayot Upamecano headed a corner kick in the fifth minute five, but it landed right into the arms of Moroccan goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou.

France seemed destined to take the lead when Noussair Mazraoui brought down Mbappé inside the box. Mbappe stepped up to take the penalty, but keeper Bounou denied him, sending the ball into the side netting to send the game into halftime tied at 0-0.

France finally broke the deadlock in the 60th minute when Mbappé whipped a shot into the top corner of the net from just outside the box. Seven minutes later, Mbappé found Dembélé, who rolled the ball into the back of the net.

Didier Deschamps’ side kept Morocco at bay for the remainder of the game and booked their spot in the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, following their victories in 2018 and runner-up finish in Qatar 2022.

France 2-0 Morocco – France goals: Mbappé (60), Dembélé (66)

Morocco aims to get the better of France in the first World Cup quarterfinal in Boston
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco v France: An exciting quarterfinal clash awaits in Boston

France and Morocco have set their sight on the FIFA World Cup semi-final stage as they square off at the Boston Stadium on Thursday afternoon, with kick-off at 16:00 local time.

Without a doubt, Morocco is fast becoming one of Africa’s toughest sides in recent years and will be hoping to deliver yet another memorable performance on the world stage come Thursday night.

The French booked their place in the tournament’s last eight following a 1-0 victory over Paraguay during the Round of 16 stage at the Philadelphia Stadium on Monday, 4 July.

Kylian Mbappé sealed the victory for Les Blues

What was a tense affair between the South American side and the French saw loads of running and physicality, with both teams having a real go at one another. However, it was Kylian Mbappé who separated the sides through a 70th-minute penalty.

Morocco eased past hosts Canada

On the other hand, Morocco easily defeated hosts Canada 3-0 at the Houston Stadium to book their place in the quarter-finals. Goals from Azzedine Ounahi (2) and Soufiane Rahimi sealed the victory in stoppage time as Canada struggled to find a way past Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

France assistant coach heaps praise on Morocco

Speaking ahead of the clash against Morocco, France assistant coach Guy Stephan had special words of encouragement reserved for Les Lions de l’Atlas, whom he feels will be one of the teams to beat at this year’s FIFA World Cup.

“Their team organisation makes them dangerous,” Stephan told FIFA.com. “They are well-structured as a group and very solid; they are also good on the counter-attack and have scored plenty of goals in this tournament.”

Stephan continued to heap praise on the Moroccan Federation for investing huge sums into the local league structure, which he believes will only improve Morocco as time goes on.

“They (Morocco) have drawn against Brazil and beaten the Netherlands. They can mix it with the best teams from Europe and South America.”

France vs Morocco head-to-head record

France has faced Morocco on two previous occasions, with one win each and a draw.

Les Bleus emerged victorious when the two nations met in Qatar 2022 semi-finals, with the Atlas Lions out for revenge as they target a second straight appearance in the World Cup last four.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Argentina Stages Comeback to End Egypt’s World Cup Run

Egypt’s remarkable World Cup journey came to a heartbreaking end in the round of 16, where they suffered a 3-2 defeat against defending champions Argentina, despite holding a two-goal advantage.

Hossam Hassan’s team initially took control of the match, going ahead 2-0 with goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico. However, Argentina rallied in the closing minutes to secure their spot in the quarter-finals.

Ibrahim kicked things off in the 15th minute, scoring with a header from a corner delivered by Marwan Attia. Just before halftime, Egypt’s goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir saved a penalty from Lionel Messi, keeping Argentina at bay as they sought to level the score.

In the second half, Zico had a goal disallowed by VAR, but he found the back of the net in the 67th minute after a swift counterattack involving both Mohamed Salah and Haissem Hassan. Argentina struck back in the 79th minute with Cristian Romero heading in from a Messi cross. Just four minutes later, Messi equalized, and Enzo Fernández clinched the win with a goal in stoppage time.

This defeat marked the end of Egypt’s deepest World Cup run to date. They managed to draw with Belgium and Iran, celebrated their first-ever World Cup victory against New Zealand, and triumphed over Australia in a penalty shootout to reach the knockout stage.

With this loss, Egypt’s unbeaten streak at the tournament came to a close, as they exited following their historic performance. Argentina will now face either Switzerland or Colombia in the quarter-finals.

Stats

  • Mostafa Shoubeir, who repelled a spot-kick from IR Iran’s Mehdi Taremi in the group stage, became only the fourth goalkeeper to save two penalties in games in one World Cup. The 26-year-old emulated Pole Jan Tomaszewski, American Brad Friedel and another Pole in Wojciech Szczesny.

  • Enzo Fernández scored the 3,000th goal in World Cup history.

Egypt set for a difficult World Cup Round of 16 clash with Argentina
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt set for a difficult World Cup Round of 16 clash with Argentina

Argentina is the clear favourite in this knockout match, but Egypt has shown they can challenge stronger teams and will aim for an upset at the Atlanta Stadium. As the defending champions, Argentina has won every match in the tournament so far, although they needed extra time to beat Cape Verde in the last round. (Photo Credit Egypt FA)

Icon Lionel Messi leads the attack and is having a great World Cup. Alexis Mac Allister provides balance and creativity in midfield. Argentina is expected to have most of the ball and will try to stretch Egypt’s defence.

Egypt reached the Round of 16 after a disciplined performance and won against Australia in a penalty shootout in the last round. Mohamed Salah is their main attacking threat and will be key for counterattacks. Egypt will likely defend tightly and focus on quick transitions and set pieces.

Key battle

The key matchup is Messi vs Salah. Both captains can change the game with a moment of brilliance, making this an exciting tie in the Round of 16.

Prediction

Argentina has more squad depth, better control in midfield, and more experience in knockout games. Egypt has a strong defensive organisation to make it tough, but Argentina should have enough quality to move forward.

Route to the final

The winner of this clash meets the victor of today’s later game between Switzerland and Colombia in the quarter-finals.