Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt's Pyramids historic moment in CAF Champions League
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt’s Pyramids historic moment in CAF Champions League

Pyramids made history by reaching their first-ever CAF Champions League semi-final on Tuesday night, despite losing 2-0 in the second leg to Morocco’s FAR Rabat. They advanced 4-3 on aggregate after winning 4-1 in Cairo last week, which gave them a key advantage.

In the second leg at the Stade d’Honneur in Meknes, FAR Rabat started strong. Youssef El-Fahli scored in the seventh minute, boosting hopes for a comeback. With the crowd behind them, they pushed hard to close the gap.

Pyramids quickly responded; Mohamed Hamdy had a chance to score in the 12th minute with a powerful header, but goalkeeper Hamza Hayani made a great save. Despite the pressure from FAR Rabat, Pyramids kept their cool, with veteran goalkeeper Ahmed El-Shenawy making crucial saves to maintain their aggregate lead in the first half.

In the second half, FAR Rabat continued to push. El-Fahli missed a big chance early on, and El-Shenawy made two important saves to keep Pyramids ahead. The second goal for FAR Rabat came in the 82nd minute from substitute Joel Villa, creating a tense finish.

FAR Rabat nearly scored again in the 93rd minute when Zahzouh’s free-kick just missed. Pyramids held on through five minutes of added time, showing determination to protect their aggregate lead and secure a spot in the semi-finals.

Now, Pyramids FC will watch the other quarter-final between Orlando Pirates and MC Alger. Pirates lead 1-0 going into the second leg on Wednesday. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Pyramids FC, which has quickly grown in Egyptian football and now stands among the continent’s top clubs, aiming for continental success.

CAF Champions wrap-up: Al Ahly set for Semi-Finals Against Sundowns
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Champions League: Al Ahly set for Semi-Finals Against Sundowns

Al Ahly has reached the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League after beating Al Hilal 1-0 in the second leg at Sheikh Bedia Stadium in Mauritania on Tuesday giving them a 2-0 victory overall.

Midfielder Imam Ashour scored the crucial goal in the 80th minute. Al Ahly now focuses on their semi-final match with Mamelodi Sundowns, who won against Esperance de Tunis in their quarter-final.

The rivalry between these two teams has grown in recent years, and this match is expected to draw a lot of attention.

This win marks Al Ahly’s 21st appearance in the Champions League semi-finals and their sixth straight time in this round. They will face Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa in the next match, which is highly anticipated.

Cautious First Half in Mauritania

Both teams started carefully, trying to control the midfield. Al Ahly, led by Swiss coach Marcel Koller, showed more energy early on. Slovenian forward Nijk Gradishar almost scored in the 9th minute with a powerful shot that forced a great save from Al Hilal’s goalkeeper, Issa Fofana.

Imam Ashour, important in the first leg, briefly worried fans after a tough challenge but bounced back and remained active. In the 34th minute, Al Ahly had a good chance when a low cross just missed both Gradishar and Wissam Abu Ali. Ashour tried to score with a strong shot from outside the box. Just before half-time, Al Hilal made a dangerous low cross into the box, but Al Ahly cleared it.

Ashour Scores Late to Secure the Win

In the second half, Al Hilal pushed harder to score. Their best chance came in the 64th minute when winger Ahmed Salem found himself one-on-one with Egypt’s goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy but failed to score. Al Ahly held on and scored the winning goal ten minutes before the end. Substitute Taher Mohamed Taher sent a well-placed ball into the box, and Ashour finished it off with skill.

Despite Al Hilal pushing in the final minutes and eight minutes added for stoppage time, Al Ahly kept their lead. Ahmed Reda nearly scored again in injury time, but Fofana made a quick save to keep the score from increasing.

Cote d'Ivoire down Mali to win Group D and reach U-17 World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cote d’Ivoire, Mali qualify for quarter-finals and FIFA U17 World Cup  

Cote d’Ivoire showed a strong performance on Monday by defeating Mali 4-2 in their final Group D match at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

With this result, Cote d’Ivoire finished first in the group with seven points, while Mali ended with six points. Despite the loss, Mali had already qualified for the quarter-finals and the World Cup thanks to earlier wins against Angola and the Central African Republic.

This result allowed them to take first place and second places in the group and secure a spot in the quarter-finals and the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar later this year.

Alynho Haïdara shined for Cote d’Ivoire, scoring two goals in the first 18 minutes—first from open play and then from a penalty kick. Moïse Diarrassouba added a third goal with a great finish just before halftime, giving Cote d’Ivoire a solid 3-0 lead.

Seydou Dembélé scored for Mali during first-half stoppage time. Although Mali got a chance to score again with a penalty in the second half, Dembélé’s shot was saved by the Ivorian goalie. Ndjicoura Bomba later made it 3-2 with a strong shot in the 69th minute.

However, any chance of a comeback ended in added time when Broulaye Cissé scored a spectacular long-range goal to make it 4-2 and secure the win.

In another match, Angola won 6-1 against the Central African Republic but did not advance to the quarter-finals; however, they will get a chance to play in the World Cup playoffs as one of the best third-placed teams.

Burkina Faso through to FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar with win over South Africa
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkina Faso through to U17 World Cup in Qatar with win over South Africa

Burkina Faso completed a perfect group stage at the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 victory over South Africa on Sunday, finishing top of Group B with nine points to qualify for the U17 World Cup.

Despite the loss, South Africa secured second place in the group, ensuring their advancement to the quarter-finals and a significant spot in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar later this year.

As a resu;t, both Burkina Faso and South Africa join Zambia and host Morocco in the quarter finals.

After a goalless first half at Stade Larbi Zaouli, Burkina Faso took control in the second half. Issouf Bara opened the scoring in the 65th minute, slotting home from close range after Asharaf Tapsoba provided a clever headed assist.

South Africa had their opportunities early in the match, including a first-half penalty awarded via VAR, but Neo Bohloko’s spot kick was saved by Burkina Faso goalkeeper Ali Koné in the 26th minute. This moment proved to be a turning point, as the West Africans gained confidence afterward.

Asharaf Tapsoba sealed the victory with an impressive strike from distance in the 89th minute, finding the bottom corner with a precise finish, ensuring that Burkina Faso completed the group stage unbeaten and without conceding a goal in open play.

South Africa had attempts from Bohloko and Emile Witbooi but struggled to break through against a well-organized Burkina Faso defense. The result means Burkina Faso finished with a maximum of nine points, while South Africa ended with four, advancing thanks to their earlier results against Egypt and Cameroon.

Both teams will now shift their focus to the quarter-finals and the pursuit of continental glory.

All four group winners and runners-up from the continental competition are guaranteed a ticket to the U-17 World Cup. The four third-place teams will enter a play-off to determine CAF’s final two representatives.

Burkina Faso book FIFA U-17 World Cup spot afer defeating Egypt
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkina Faso book FIFA U-17 World Cup spot afer defeating Egypt

Burkina Faso has reached the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals and is the first African nation to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

On Thursday evening, the West African team defeated a struggling Egypt 2-1 to secure their spot in the knockout stages and the FIFA World Cup finals with a game to spare.

Burkina Faso’s qualification came after their opening Group A win against Cameroon, where they won 2-1 on Monday, followed by Thursday’s victory, which featured goals from Issouf Dabo and the standout performer Asharaf Tabsoba.

The match started cautiously, but Burkina Faso took the lead late in the first half, with Dabo scoring in the 41st minute. After halftime, Egypt pressed forward, but they struggled to penetrate a well-organized Burkinabe defense. Tabsoba, who delivered another impressive performance, sealed the victory with a goal in the 69th minute, extending his team’s lead.

Despite the second goal, Egypt continued to search for a confidence-boosting goal, which finally came in the 78th minute from Belal Ateya’s strike. This goal made for a tense finish to the match, as Egypt desperately sought an equalizer while Burkina Faso remained determined, knowing qualification was within their grasp.

The match concluded with a 2-1 victory for Burkina Faso, marking their second win out of two games and ensuring their advancement to the next round and the FIFA World Cup. They will next face South Africa in a match that is now of secondary importance for them.

Egypt will compete against Cameroon, who currently have one point following their earlier draw with South Africa. This match will be crucial for both teams as they vie for a spot as one of the best third-placed teams.

SLFA boss Daddy Brima detained as entire executive goes under investigation
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

SLFA boss detained as entire executive goes under investigation

The president of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Thomas Daddy Brima slept overnight at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) as the country’s anti-corruption commission (ACC) investigated their executive.

All three individuals are expected today at the Anti-Corruption Commission office for further scrutiny.

The ACC has confirmed that the investigation is underway and is inviting the media to imminently reveal further details that remain unclear.

The detention of the FA boss Thomas Daddy Brima, Mr Bawoh and the Finance officer comes just three days before the much-awaited SLFA Congress which is a stage that will gauge the atmosphere ahead of the next election.

Fifa delegates are also expected in Sierra Leone ahead of the SLFA congress on April 5th.  This recent development has left uncertainty regarding how FIFA will respond. In 2018, FIFA suspended Sierra Leone from international football due to government interference in the management of the country’s football association.

The ban follows a decision by the country’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which barred two leading officials from the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) from entering the governing body’s offices.

FIFA stated, “The suspension will be lifted once the SLFA and its recognized leadership have confirmed to FIFA that the SLFA administration, premises, accounts, and communication channels are once again under their control.”

Al Masry excel in Confederation Cup Quarter-Final first-leg victory over Simba
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Al Masry secure quarter-final first-leg victory over Simba

Al Masry delivered a solid performance at home, defeating Simba 2-0 in Suez during their exciting first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup Quarter-Final on Wednesday night.  

After a lively beginning where both teams aimed for an early advantage, the hosts found their rhythm and took charge of the match.  

With a more measured approach to the game, Abderrahim Deghmoum scored the opening goal in the 16th minute, providing Al Masry with a crucial score to ease their nerves.  

Simba, however, remained hopeful of a comeback as they pushed forward in numbers, but Al Masry’s well-organized and steadfast defence thwarted the Tanzanian powerhouse.  

As the second half began, both teams resumed their high-energy play from the first half.  

Despite both sides having a reasonable share of possession, neither could penetrate the other’s defence, and both teams missed the key pass to break through. 

In the closing moments of the match, Nigerian forward John Ebuka secured a decisive and hard-earned win for the Egyptians in the 89th minute by scoring a goal that provided his team with a valuable two-goal advantage going into the return leg next week.

Mali make good start in Group D U17 AFCON after beating Angola
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali make good start in Group D U17 AFCON after beating Angola

Mali made a strong start to their TotalEnergies CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Angola on Tuesday at the Stade Municipal de Berrechid.

Goals from Ndjicoura Bomba and Soungalo Coulibaly secured all three points for the Malians in their opening Group D match, placing them at the top of the table ahead of Côte d’Ivoire and the Central African Republic, who were set to face each other later in the day.

Mali struck first in the 11th minute when Bomba, who was lively throughout the match, fired a right-footed shot into the top corner from the center of the box after being set up by Seydou Dembélé. The West Africans created several opportunities to extend their lead but were pegged back just before halftime.

Angola equalized in the third minute of added time at the end of the first half, with Jayden Puna scoring from close range after a clever headed assist by Manelson. The goal was confirmed by VAR after a brief review.

In the second half, both teams pushed for a winning goal in a physical contest, but it was Mali who found the breakthrough in the 74th minute. Substitute Coulibaly delivered a moment of brilliance, striking a right-footed shot from long range into the bottom left corner following a corner kick.

Angola pressed for a late equalizer, with Densel Liyun coming close in added time, but Mali held on to secure a crucial three points. This victory gives Mali early control of Group D and boosts their confidence ahead of their next match.

Alynho Haidara delivers a stellar performance as Côte d'Ivoire cruises past CAR
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alynho Haidara delivers top-notch a performance as Côte d’Ivoire ease-past CAR

In Group D on Tuesday evening Côte d’Ivoire put six goals past the Central African Republic, who managed to respond with just one goal, resulting in a commanding 6-1 victory for Côte d’Ivoire CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Alynho Haidara was the standout player on Tuesday, scoring an impressive four goals and earning the Man of the Match award. The former champions, aiming to follow in the footsteps of their seniors who won Africa’s most prestigious trophy last year, wasted no time in taking the lead.

Haidara opened the scoring in the 4th minute and was back on the scoresheet in the 13th minute, securing a two-goal cushion. He completed his hat trick in the 41st minute.

The Central African Republic pulled one back just before halftime, with Anan Otto scoring his first goal of the tournament in the 45th minute. However, returning from the break, the former champions continued to dominate, with Haidara capping off his exceptional performance by scoring his fourth goal in the 55th minute.

Mobio Franck and Yannis Touali also contributed with late strikes, rounding off an impressive performance in their opening match of the title chase.

Côte d’Ivoire’s commanding victory puts them at the top of Group D, with Mali in second after defeating Angola, followed by Angola and the Central African Republic. The TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations continues on Wednesday, highlighting top youth football from Africa.

Alynho Haidara was the standout player on Tuesday, scoring an impressive four goals and earning the Man of the Match award.
Alynho Haidara was the standout player on Tuesday, scoring an impressive four goals and earning the Man of the Match award.
Morocco thrash Uganda in CAF U17 Cup of Nations opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco thrash Uganda in CAF U17 Cup of Nations opener

Morocco began the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with an impressive 5-0 victory over Uganda in Mohammedia on Sunday night.

The hosts quickly established their dominance, scoring two goals in the first ten minutes. Ilies Belmokhtar opened the scoring in the third minute, followed by Driss Aït Chiekh in the eighth. In the 23rd minute, a penalty, awarded after a VAR review, was converted by Ziyad Baha Abedlahadj, who was cheered by the crowd.

Belmokhtar scored again, bringing Morocco’s lead to 4-0 before halftime. The team dominated possession at 67% and converted four of six chances in the first half.

After the break, Uganda tried to regroup, but Moroccan goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch made several crucial saves. In the 71st minute, Ziyad Baha scored again after a defensive error, finalizing the score at 5-0.

This commanding win puts Morocco at the top of Group A, sending a strong message to their rivals as they celebrate Eid with their fans. It was a clear statement of intent from a team determined to go far in the tournament.

Read related – Ilies Belmokhtar nets brace in U17 AFCON opening win over Uganda