Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Inter-club winners' money increases by $2m
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Inter-club winners’ money increases by $2m

CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has raised the prize money for winners of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

The Champions League winner will receive USD 6 million, a 50% increase, while the Confederation Cup winner will get USD 4 million, a 100% increase.

During Dr Motsepe’s five years in office, the Champions League prize increased from USD 2.5 million to USD 6 million, a 140% rise, and the Confederation Cup prize rose from USD 1.25 million to USD 4 million, a 220% increase.

Total prize money and support for African clubs now exceed USD 42 million per season, a 123.4% increase since the President took office.

In August 2024, Dr Motsepe announced that teams eliminated in the early rounds of both tournaments would receive USD 50,000 each, increasing to USD 100,000 in 2025. This led to a record 130 clubs participating in the 2025/26 season.

Striker Augustine Williams opens Hartford Athletic USL account
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Augustine Williams opens Hartford Athletic USL account

Sporting Club Jacksonville lost their home opener to Hartford Athletic, 3-0, in the USL Championship on Saturday in front of 10,357 fans at Hodges Stadium.

Augustine William, making his Hartford league debut, scored just before halftime to put Hartford ahead 1-0. Sporting JAX had an early corner kick, but they couldn’t capitalise. Despite creating chances, they struggled against Hartford’s strong defence.

In the second half, JAX pushed for an equaliser, with Emil Jaaskelainen forcing a great save from Hartford’s keeper, Siaha Ngnepi. JAX faced a setback when a penalty kick awarded to Hartford was saved by goalkeeper Christian Olivares, boosting the team’s spirit.

However, Hartford’s Samuel Careaga scored shortly after entering the match, making it 2-0. JAX continued to fight but conceded a final goal from Hartford’s Adewale Obalola in the 90th minute, ending the match 3-0. It was an exciting night for soccer in Jacksonville.

CAF announces new dates for Women’s AFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF announces new dates for Women’s AFCON

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the delay of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to July-August, putting an end to weeks of uncertainty regarding whether the event would proceed as planned this month.

This tournament serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, where four teams from Africa will secure automatic entry, while an additional two will enter the inter-continental qualifiers.

In October 2024, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) awarded the hosting rights for the prestigious TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 to Morocco.

Initially, the tournament was set to take place from March 17 to April 3, 2026. However, after thorough discussions that involved CAF, its key partners, including FIFA, and various other stakeholders, it became evident that adjustments were necessary to facilitate the success of this significant women’s football event.

Consequently, CAFdecidedn to reschedule the WAFCON 2026 to a new timeframe, now planned for July 25 to August 16, 2026.

This change aims to accommodate various unforeseen circumstances that could impact the tournament’s execution, thereby ensuring a smooth and successful competition that showcases the talents of women footballers across Africa.

Preparations for the CAF WAFCON 2026 are underway, and all the parties are confident that it will be very successful.

Mohamed Ouahbi Assumes Role as the New Coach for Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mohamed Ouahbi Assumes Role as the New Coach for Morocco

It’s official: Walid Regragui has stepped down as head coach of the Atlas Lions, ending weeks of speculation about his future. Mohamed Ouahbi has been appointed as Morocco’s new national team coach.

The Morocco Football Federation (FRMF) announced Morocco’s disappointing exit from the AFCON, highlighted by a chaotic final against Senegal on January 18, during which the match was interrupted by fans storming the field.

Regragui had previously stated he would resign if he failed to win AFCON, fueling rumours about his departure. In addition to his resignation, reports were linking him to a possible move to Marseille.

Regragui took charge of the Moroccan national team on August 31, 2022, just before the World Cup in Qatar. He had previously enjoyed success, leading Wydad Casablanca to a CAF Champions League title and making history with FUS Rabat by winning their first league title in 70 years. Under his leadership, Morocco reached the World Cup semi-finals, marking a historic achievement for African and Arab teams.

Despite a solid record of 35 wins, 9 draws, and 5 losses, Morocco’s AFCON campaign revealed challenges, particularly regarding squad management. Key decisions, such as fielding injured players like Romain Saiss, drew criticism.

Ouahbi, who has been influential in Morocco’s youth setup since March 2022, replaces Regragui. He led the U‑20 team to a World Cup victory in 2025 and has a strong coaching background, including 17 years at Anderlecht’s academy. His emphasis on youth development and long-term planning aligns with the FRMF’s vision.

As Morocco faces the next World Cup cycle, Ouahbi’s experience and success at the junior level position him well to manage the team under pressure. He will immediately step into his role, tasked with leading the national team in their upcoming challenges.

Amir Abdou named new Burkina Faso head coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Amir Abdou named new Burkina Faso head coach

Burkina Faso has appointed Amir Abdou as the new head coach of the national football team. The Burkina Faso Football Federation believes this marks a new era of discipline and ambition for the Stallions.

Abdou, 53, takes over from Brama Traore, who was dismissed after the team’s early exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The federation chose him for his strong understanding of African football and his success with national teams.

He previously led the Comoros team to the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 2021 and achieved success with Mauritania, including a notable win over Algeria at AFCON 2023. Abdou also won two league titles with FC Nouadhibou and recently worked at Hassania Agadir in Morocco.

Burkina Faso has a strong football history, reaching the AFCON final in 2013 and the semi-finals in 2017 and 2021. However, they have struggled with consistency. Abdou must now enhance a team filled with experienced players and emerging talents.

His first matches are scheduled for March 2026, and the federation has not yet confirmed the opponents. With World Cup qualifying and upcoming tournaments ahead, there is little room for error. Fans expect the Stallions to regain their status as one of Africa’s top teams, and the federation hopes Abdou’s leadership will help them achieve this

Moroccan Hakim Ziyech opens his Wydad Athletic Club
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Moroccan Hakim Ziyech opens his Wydad Athletic Club account

Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech scored his first goal for Wydad AC on Saturday, leading his team to a 1-0 win against RS Berkane at the Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca.

The former Ajax and Chelsea winger converted a penalty kick in the final moments of the match to keep Wydad’s unbeaten streak in the Botola Pro 1 alive.

Wydad remains unbeaten in the Moroccan league this season, with eight wins and two draws from 10 games. They sit in second place with 26 points, just one point behind Raja Casablanca, coached by South African Fadlu Davids. Wydad has four games in hand because it is participating in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Ziyech joined the club as a free agent in late October and has now scored one goal and provided one assist in five matches across all competitions.

He played a key role in Morocco’s performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where the team became the best-performing African team in history by reaching the semi-finals.

Injuries have been a challenge for the 32-year-old, and he missed Morocco’s home Africa Cup of Nations in December and January.

Ziyech hopes to maintain his good form and secure a place in Morocco’s squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Former Allenskan top striker Mohamed Buya Turay joins Star Sport
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Former Allsvenskan top striker Mohamed Buya Turay joins Star Sport

Former top goal scorer in Sweden, Mohamed Buya Turay, has officially joined Star Sport Academy, bringing with him a wealth of invaluable experience. “We’re thrilled to welcome Mohamed to Star Sport Academy,” said Chairman Ing, Yankuba Jusu Tarawally.

“He’s a dynamic attacking player with remarkable speed and an impressive presence in front of the goal.” As the newest addition to the team, the striker will don the number 95 jersey. Turay, originally from Sierra Leone, began his career with the local club FC Mattia.

He made his professional debut in 2014 when he signed with Juventus IF, a club in Sweden’s Allsvenskan. During his time there, Buya made 25 appearances and found the back of the net 32 times.

Turay quickly advanced up the ranks and played for three different clubs in Sweden’s second-tier league, namely Västerås SK, AFC Eskilstuna, and Dalkurd FF, from 2014 to 2018.

In 2018, he signed with the Belgian Jupiler Pro League club Sint-Truiden, but was loaned out to Djurgarden IF in Sweden’s Allsvenskan in 2019. During his stint at Djurgarden, Turay made 29 appearances and scored 15 goals, which earned him the prestigious Golden Boot award in Allsvenskan.

After his loan at Djurgarden, Turay transitioned to the Chinese Super League, first joining Hebei China Fortune in 2020 and later signing with Henan Songshan Longmen.

Now, the Sierra Leone international is back home and ready to embark on a new adventure with Star Sport Academy.

Now, the Sierra Leone international is back home and ready to embark on a new adventure with Star Sport Academy.
Now, the Sierra Leone international is back home and ready to embark on a new adventure with Star Sport Academy.
CAF lauds Gianni Infantino for his impressive ten years of leadership as FIFA President
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF lauds Gianni Infantino for his impressive ten years of leadership as FIFA President

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has congratulated Gianni Infantino for his ten years as President of FIFA.

CAF believes that this decade of leadership offers a chance to look at its relationship with FIFA during this time.

On Thursday, CAF released a statement titled, “CAF congratulates Gianni Infantino on his outstanding 10-year leadership as FIFA President.”

CAF President Patrice Motsepe said, “CAF congratulates Gianni Infantino for his excellent leadership as FIFA President over the past 10 years and for his significant contribution to the growth and development of football worldwide.”

He also highlighted the broad impact of Infantino’s work, stating, “African football and world football have a loyal partner in Gianni Infantino. CAF wishes him good health and all the best.”

Infantino was re-elected in June 2019 by acclamation for a second term at the Congress of FIFA in Paris. He first took charge of FIFA in February 2016 after Sepp Blatter’s departure and ran unopposed for another four-year term, which will last until 2023.

New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Updated coaching rules for clubs and competitions with national teams

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reiterated the coaching requirements established during its Executive Committee meeting on December 16, 2024, as part of efforts to improve African football standards.

These new coaching standards apply to all CAF competitions, including National Teams and the Women’s Champions League.

Key points include:

  • Coaches without the required certification must comply immediately.
  • Existing coaches without the necessary licenses have until the end of the 2026/2027 season to meet the requirements.
  • Clubs hiring new coaches must ensure they meet the new qualifications; newly hired coaches are not eligible for the grace period.
  • At least one coach in women’s competitions must be a woman.
  • Coaches failing to meet these requirements will face restrictions at stadiums during CAF matches and may be subject to additional sanctions.
New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
Augustus Kargbo features for Blackburn Rovers U21 side as part of recovery process
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Augustus Kargbo features for Rovers U21 side as part of recovery process

Sierra Leonean international Augustus Kargbo featured in Blackburn Rovers U21's recent match as they suffered a 3-2 defeat to West Bromwich Albion at Damson Park.

Kargbo, age 26, last appeared for the first team in October of the previous year, during which he was substituted.

In a positive development, Kargbo started and played for 45 minutes, marking his return following a hamstring injury. Additionally, Lorenze Mullarkey-Matthews also returned to action during the first half.

West Brom took the lead early in the match, with captain Muhamed Diomande scoring a header from an Alfie Maughan corner just 11 minutes in. Blackburn responded quickly, with Joe Boggan equalising through a long-range effort that struck the post before finding the net.

This goal was a result of strong Rovers’ pressure, highlighted by Aodhan Doherty hitting the post and Kargbo narrowly missing moments before the equaliser.

Just after the half-hour mark, Doherty curled a shot into the top corner from the edge of the box, granting Rovers a halftime lead.

The second half was relatively uneventful until Hindolo Mustapha levelled the score with 17 minutes remaining.

The situation deteriorated for Rovers shortly thereafter, as Harry Whitwell scored from close range, ultimately securing the victory for West Brom and leaving Blackburn Rovers with a disappointing result.