Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Stade Malien beat Petro de Luanda in Bamako to go top of Group D
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Stade Malien beat Petro de Luanda in Bamako to go top of Group D

Stade Malien climbed to the top of Group D in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League with a solid 2–0 win over Petro de Luanda in Bamako on Sunday.

This victory allowed them to take the lead at the halfway point of the tournament.

In the second half, Taddeus Nkeng and captain Mamadou Traoré scored to settle the match, bringing Stade Malien to seven points from three games and creating a two-point lead over the second-place team.

In the first half, both teams played cautiously. Stade Malien was more aggressive, trying to create chances while Petro de Luanda defended deep.

Daouda Coulibaly had the best chance halfway through the first half, but Petro’s goalkeeper, Nuno Marques, quickly blocked the shot to keep the game scoreless.

The match shifted five minutes into the second half when Marques poorly kicked the ball, allowing Traoré to pass to Nkeng, who scored from distance, putting Stade Malien ahead.

Things worsened for Petro as left-back Eddie Afonso slipped while passing from the back, enabling Ousmane “Kalaba” Coulibaly to create an opportunity. Traoré scored again off his cross, making it 2–0.

Petro’s substitute Jó Paciência later missed a big chance in the 75th minute, but Stade Malien maintained their lead to secure the win. This win puts Stade Malien in a strong position in Group D, while Petro de Luanda falls to third place with four points.

In another match in the group, Espérance de Tunis narrowly beat Simba SC 1–0, keeping the qualification race tight before the next games.

Espérance de Tunis edge Simba SC in Group D CAF CL tie
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Espérance de Tunis edge Simba SC in Group D CAF CL tie

Espérance Sportive de Tunis secured a vital 1-0 victory over Simba SC on Saturday at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Radès, during Matchday 3 of Group D in the CAF Champions League group stage.

The match saw Jacques Diarra net the only goal in the 21st minute, earning the “Blood and Gold” three crucial points and putting them at the top of Group D with a total of 5 points.

This marked Espérance’s first win in the group stage, following two earlier draws. Meanwhile, Simba SC continues to struggle, remaining winless and sitting at the bottom of the group with zero points.

The Tunisians dominated play for much of the match and could have extended their lead, but fell short due to a lack of precision in their finishing and some hurried choices in the final moments. Despite a few attempts, Simba SC was unable to penetrate Espérance’s well-organized defense.

Mahmoud Trezeguet nets a brace as Al Ahly top of Group B in CAF CL
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mahmoud Trezeguet nets a brace as Al Ahly go top of Group B in CAF CL

Al Ahly took the lead in Group B of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League after beating Young Africans from Tanzania 2-0 in Alexandria on Friday.

Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet scored both goals, helping Al Ahly maintain their unbeaten record in the group stage.

Young Africans started strong and tested Al Ahly early with shots from Allan Onkell and quick counter-attacks. Al Ahly’s goalkeeper, Mostafa Shobeir, made important saves in the first 15 minutes, while Yasser Ibrahim cleared a threat as Young Africans pressed for control.

Despite having more possession, Al Ahly found it hard to score until stoppage time at the end of the first half. Mohamed Hany crossed the ball from the right, and Trezeguet headed it into the net, slipping it under the Young Africans goalkeeper to give Al Ahly a 1-0 lead.

After halftime, Young Africans pushed for a goal and nearly scored with a low shot, but Shobeir reacted quickly to keep Al Ahly ahead. As the match went on, Al Ahly gained more control and increased their lead in the 75th minute. Trezeguet received the ball in the penalty area, moved it to his right foot, and shot it into the net for his second goal.

Young Africans almost scored late in the game, but Shobeir made another great save. Al Ahly missed chances to score a third goal in the closing minutes.

This win puts Al Ahly at seven points from three matches at the top of Group B, while Young Africans stay in second place with four points as the group heads toward a critical phase.

Mighty Blackpool FC Joins African Club Association (ACA)
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mighty Blackpool Joins African Club Association (ACA)

One of Sierra Leone's most decorated football club's, Mighty Blackpool has announced its membership in the African Club Association (ACA).

This milestone signifies the club’s commitment to excellence and active participation in the African football community.

The ACA promotes improved football standards across Africa. “Joining the ACA aligns with our vision for integrity and innovation,” stated Rodney Michael, Chairman of Mighty Blackpool FC. He encourages other Premier League and Division 1 teams to join as well.

Benefits of ACA Membership: Mighty Blackpool FC will gain:

  • Continental Representation: Influence on football policies and reforms.
    -Capacity Building: Access to training and support for leaders and coaches.
  • Commercial Opportunities: Enhanced visibility for sponsorships and partnerships.

  • Knowledge Exchange: Collaboration with other clubs on governance and youth development.
  •  Advocacy: A strong voice in CAF and FIFA discussions.

Mighty Blackpool’s ACA membership represents a commitment to modern management, financial transparency, and youth development, aiming to elevate Sierra Leonean football on the African stage.

African Club Association is the united voice of clubs across the continent.

ACA brings together men’s and women’s clubs of all sizes from across the continent — with the mission of helping every member club grow and develop, while ensuring that, collectively, clubs are central to decision-making on the regional and global football stages.

We will always be shaped by the collective, where the superstar is the badge on the front of the shirt.

CAF Issues Sanctions Against Algeria After Misconduct
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Issues Sanctions Against Algeria After Misconduct

The CAF Disciplinary Board met to discuss issues from the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 match between Algeria and Nigeria on January 10, 2026.

The Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football has announced penalties for Algeria’s misconduct during the January 10, 2026, African Cup of Nations match against Nigeria:

– Luca Zidane is suspended for two matches for misconduct.
– Rafik Belghali is suspended for four matches (two of which are deferred for one year) for aggressive behaviour toward the referee.
– The Algerian Football Federation will incur fines totalling USD 100,000 for various infractions:
– USD 5,000 for receiving five yellow cards in one match.
– USD 25,000 for inappropriate behaviour from players and officials.
– USD 5,000 for fans using smoke devices.
– USD 5,000 for fans throwing objects.
– USD 10,000 for failing to follow security measures.
– USD 50,000 for offensive gestures by supporters towards match officials.

AFCON top scorer Brahim Díaz apologises to Moroccan people
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

AFCON top scorer Brahim Díaz apologises to Moroccan people

Brahim Díaz of Morocco has apologized for missing a key penalty in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, where Senegal triumphed 1-0 after extra-time in Rabat.

Díaz was fouled in the box by El Hadji Malick Diouf, leading to a VAR-reviewed penalty decision that sparked protests from Senegal.

He attempted a Panenka shot, which Senegal’s goalkeeper Édouard Mendy saved. The miss sent the match went to extra time, where Pape Gueye scored the winning goal for Senegal, securing their second AFCON title.

Díaz expressed his regret on social media the following day. “My soul hurts,” wrote Díaz. “I dreamed of this title thanks to all the love you have given me, every message, every show of support that made me feel I was not alone. I fought with everything I had, with my heart above all else.

“Yesterday I failed, and I take full responsibility and apologise wholeheartedly. It will be difficult for me to recover, because this wound does not heal easily, but I will try.

“Not for myself, but for all those who believed in me and for all those who suffered with me. I will keep going until one day I can give you all this love back and be the pride of my Moroccan people.”

Despite missing a penalty, the 26-year-old had a remarkable debut tournament, becoming the first player in AFCON history to score in all five of his initial matches at the finals. He not only made his mark but also finished as the tournament’s top scorer, earning the Golden Boot with five goals in seven appearances.

Díaz is eagerly anticipating the chance to make amends at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Akor Adams nets brace as Sevilla draw with Elche
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Akor Adams nets a brace as Sevilla draw with Elche

Akor Adams helped Sevilla secure a draw against Elche by scoring two goals after returning from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with the Super Eagles.

Sevilla initially fell behind 2-0, with goals from Aleix Febas and Germán Valera. Coming off the bench, Akor scored in the 75th minute and converted a penalty in stoppage time to equalise.

In a statement to Mundo Deportivo, Akor expressed his gratitude for playing time and noted that while the team had chances to win, he was satisfied with the draw.

He emphasised the importance of teamwork and mentioned that he was happy to contribute after watching the team’s previous games while away.

The draw leaves Sevilla in 14th place in the La Liga table. Their next match is on Saturday against 10th-place Athletic Club at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.

Sierra Leone set to compete in FIFA Series 2026
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone set to compete in FIFA Series 2026

Sierra Leone will face host nation Azerbaijan, Oman, and St Lucia in this year's FIFA series.

Forty-eight national teams from all six FIFA confederations are set to compete, representing almost a quarter of the global football community. Eleven FIFA Member Associations to host 12 groups, engaging both men’s and women’s national teams.

Following the announcement of the expanded format in November 2025, the FIFA Series 2026 will feature 48 national teams competing in 12 groups of four teams each during the international match window in March and April.

With 48 participating teams – representing almost 25% of FIFA’s 211 Member Associations – nearly a quarter of the global football community will take part in the FIFA Series.

Eleven FIFA Member Associations will host the series of events, with Rwanda hosting two groups, bringing the total number of groups to 12.

The initiative will include nine men’s groups and three women’s groups, with all six FIFA confederations represented, underlining the truly global nature of the FIFA Series™.

The confirmed hosts for the men’s groups are Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Rwanda and Uzbekistan. The women’s contests will take place in Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire and Thailand.

Match schedules for all FIFA Series 2026 events will be announced in due course.

Pape Gueye nets an extra time stunner as Senegal win AFCON title
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pape Gueye nets an extra-time stunner as Senegal win AFCON title

Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title for the second time after defeating hosts Morocco 1–0 in a thrilling final held in Rabat.

The clinching moment came just three minutes into extra time when Pape Gueye scored with a powerful left-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area, sending the Senegalese bench into celebration and disappointing the home crowd.

Morocco almost won the match during regular time when they were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review. However, Edward Mendy saved Brahim Diaz’s shot, forcing the game into extra time.

The match was evenly matched from the start. Morocco aimed for their first title in over 50 years, while Senegal sought to reclaim the championship it won in 2021. Senegal started strong, controlling the game and creating better chances in the first half.

Morocco’s goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, made key saves, stopping Gueye’s header from a corner and then denying Iliman Ndiaye in a one-on-one situation. The best chance for Morocco came just before half-time when Nayef Aguerd just missed connecting with a cross from Abdessamad Ezzalzouli.

After the break, Morocco came out with renewed energy. Ayoub El Kaabi had a great opportunity but missed the target with a shot after receiving a perfectly placed pass from Bilal El Khannouss. Morocco continued to press for a goal, but they struggled to finish.

Senegal remained dangerous on the counterattack. In the 89th minute, substitute Ibrahim Mbaye nearly scored, but Bounou made another excellent save.

As the game went into extra time without a winner, Senegal quickly struck. Sadio Mané made a clever back-heel pass to Idrissa Gana Gueye, who then set up Pape Gueye for the goal. Gueye showed strength and composure, sending a powerful shot past Bounou.

Morocco pressed hard for an equaliser. Diaz tried to make up for his penalty miss with a close-range shot saved by Mendy. Youssef En-Nesyri also came close with a diving header that went just wide. Senegal almost increased their lead, but Bounou stopped another shot from Pape Cherif Ndiaye, and the rebound was missed.

In the end, Senegal defended strongly and celebrated a historic victory, securing their second AFCON title and confirming their status among Africa’s best teams.

Pape Gueye, named Man of the Match, said, “I am very happy to win the final. It was a complicated match. After Morocco missed the penalty, we stayed focused and played our game. Then we scored a goal that allowed us to win. Scoring in a final is a proud moment for me. I am really happy to score, and most importantly, Senegal now has a second star.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali hero as Nigeria pick Bronze in AFCON 2025
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali hero as Nigeria pick AFCON 2025 Bronze

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was instrumental for Nigeria in the Super Eagles' bronze medal win at the 2025 TAfrica Cup of Nations in Morocco, defeating Egypt 4–2 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw.

Despite a previous loss to Morocco in the semifinals, Nwabali made two crucial saves against Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush during the shootout, helping turn the tide after Nigeria’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru had his shot saved.

Goals from Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman secured Nigeria’s victory.

While both teams struggled to find clear chances during regulation, Nwabali’s solid performance kept the match scoreless, leading to penalties. After the game, he praised his teammates for their unity and determination.

Egypt’s coach, Hossam Hassan, acknowledged the close contest but reflected on the importance of details in such matches. Nigeria’s coach, Eric Chelle, expressed pride in his players’ effort and character, emphasising the team’s hard work and commitment to building a stronger future.

Stanley Nwabali is the TotalEnergies Man of the Match.
Nigeria 0-0 Egypt (Nigeria wins 4-2 in penalties)
Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca