Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco's Achraf Hakimi wins CAF Men's Player of the Year Award
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi wins CAF Men’s Player of the Year Award

Morocco’s captain Achraf Hakimi has been named the African Men's Player of the Year on Wednesday, concluding a season in which he secured the UEFA Champions League title with Paris Saint-Germain.

The 27-year-old also achieved his fourth Ligue 1 title last season, along with winning the French Cup and UEFA Super Cup; however, PSG finished as runners-up in the Club World Cup, resulting in Hakimi receiving a silver medal in New York.  

The right-back triumphed over two previous award winners, Liverpool’s Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, to earn this accolade for the first time in his career.  

Hakimi expressed his pride in receiving the trophy, thanking his family, teammates, and Morocco’s coach, Walid Regragui. Currently recovering from an ankle sprain, he aims to captain Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations starting December 21, as they seek their first title since 1976.

Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak won the best women’s player award, topping Sanaa Mssoudy and Rasheedat Ajibade, despite her team’s loss to Nigeria in the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations final.

It was a successful day for Morocco, with Yassine Bounou named best men’s goalkeeper and the under-20 World Cup-winning team recognised as the best men’s national team. Othmane Maamma was honoured as the best young men’s player, and Doha El Madani defended her title as best young women’s player.

Cape Verde’s Bubista won the men’s coach of the year award for leading the country to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, while Nigerian Chiamaka Nnadozie claimed her third consecutive title as women’s goalkeeper of the year.

CAF AWARDS 2025 WINNERS

CAF PLAYER OF THE YEAR (MEN)

Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / Paris Saint-Germain)

 CAF PLAYER OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)

Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco / Al Hilal) 

CAF GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR (MEN)

Yassine Bounou (Morocco / Al Hilal)

 CAF GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)

Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria / Brighton & Hove Albion)

CAF INTERCLUB PLAYER OF THE YEAR (MEN)

Fiston Mayele (DR Congo / Pyramids)

CAF YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR (MEN)

Othmane Maamma (Morocco / Watford)

CAF YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)

Doha El Madani (Morocco / AS FAR)

CAF COACH OF THE YEAR (MEN)

Bubista (Cape Verde) 

CAF NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR (MEN)

Morocco Under-20 

CAF NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR (WOMEN) 

Nigeria

CAF CLUB OF THE YEAR (MEN)

Pyramids (Egypt)

REFEREE OF THE YEAR (MEN)

Omar Abdulkadir (Somalia)

ASSISTANT REFEREE OF THE YEAR (MEN)

Liban Abdoulrazack (Djibouti)

REFEREE OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)

Shamirah Nabadda (Uganda)

ASSISTANT REFEREE OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)

Tabara Mbodji (Senegal)

Morocco to face Brazil in U17 World Cup Quarter-finals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco to face Brazil in U17 World Cup Quarter-finals

Morocco has advanced to the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, following a thrilling 3-2 victory over Mali in an exciting all-African clash on Tuesday.

The Atlas Cubs showcased their skill and determination in a match full of action. On the other African side, the young Stallions of Burkina Faso also advanced after eliminating newcomers Uganda 5-3 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 tie.

Burkina Faso will face Italy in the quarter-finals, while Morocco will take on Brazil.

Morocco scored twice from set pieces delivered by Moncef Zekri and managed to withstand a late attack from Mali to secure their place in the quarter-finals.

Ziyad Baha’s clever glance from Zekri’s free-kick put the North African team ahead in the 29th minute.

Raymond Bomba equalised from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time. Still, Ismail El Aoud quickly restored Morocco’s advantage with a powerful header from another Zekri corner just five minutes later.

Mali, who had reached the semi-finals in their last three tournaments, pushed hard after halftime but were struck by a setback when El Aoud scored his second goal with a powerful shot from outside the box midway through the half.

Captain Seydou Dembélé narrowed the gap with a spectacular late goal, but Morocco managed to hold on for a 3-2 win, earning them a prestigious quarter-final clash against Brazil.

CAF Interclub group stage draw the date and venue confirmed
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Interclub group stage matches gets underway this weekend

Africa's largest club competitions are set to kick off this weekend, with the Group Stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup taking center stage across the continent.

This year features an impressive lineup in the CAF competitions, including reigning champions Pyramids FC, record-holders Al Ahly with 12 titles, four-time champions Espérance de Tunis, Mamelodi Sundowns, RS Berkane, and AS FAR. Notable contenders from across Africa will also compete.

In the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, former champions Zamalek and USM Alger lead a strong group with Wydad, CR Belouizdad, Kaizer Chiefs, and newcomers Nairobi United.

Exciting matchups kick off with Pyramids FC hosting Rivers United and RS Berkane facing Power Dynamos. Al Ahly aims for a 13th title against JS Kabylie, while Zamalek takes on ZESCO United in an Egyptian derby.

New narratives emerge as debutants Nairobi United, OC Safi, and Maniema Union make their mark. Two matchdays are before the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in 2025, with the group phase resuming in January 2026.

MATCHDAY 1 FIXTURES (All times GMT) –TotalEnergies CAF Champions League

Friday, 21 November
13:00 — Al-Hilal Omdurman (SUD) vs MC Alger (ALG)

Saturday, 22 November
13:00 — Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA) vs St Éloi Lupopo (DRC)
13:00 — Young Africans (TAN) vs AS FAR Rabat (MAR)
16:00 — Al Ahly (EGY) vs JS Kabylie (ALG)
16:00 — Espérance Tunis (TUN) vs Stade Malien (MLI)
19:00 — RS Berkane (MAR) vs Power Dynamos (ZAM)
19:00 — Pyramids (EGY) vs Rivers United (NGA)

Sunday, 23 November
13:00 — Simba (TAN) vs Petro Atlético (ANG)

#######################################

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup

Saturday, 22 November
19:00 — CR Belouizdad (ALG) vs Singida Black Stars (TAN)

Sunday, 23 November
13:00 — Maniema (DRC) vs Azam (TAN)
13:00 — Stellenbosch (RSA) vs AS Otoho (CON)
16:00 — Al Masry (EGY) vs Kaizer Chiefs (RSA)
16:00 — Djoliba (MLI) vs OC Safi (MAR)
19:00 — USM Alger (ALG) vs San Pedro (CIV)
19:00 — Wydad (MAR) vs Nairobi United (KEN)
19:00 — Zamalek (EGY) vs ZESCO United (ZAM)

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.