Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana's head coach Otto Addo confirms squad for Chad and Madagascar
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana’s head coach Otto Addo confirms squad for Chad and Madagascar

Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, has announced a 23-man roster for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Chad and Madagascar.

The squad, captained by Jordan Ayew, features three players from local clubs: Benjamin Asare from Accra Hearts of Oak, Kamaradini Mamudu from Medeama SC, and Razak Simpson from Nations FC.

Thomas Partey, the Arsenal midfielder, makes a return to the squad after being absent for six months, during which Ghana participated in four Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Kamal Deen Sulemana from Southampton F.C. is also back in the lineup, while C.D. Lugo’s Jerry Afriyie keeps his spot in the team following an impressive performance against Niger last November.

Christopher Bonsu Baah, who plays for Genk in Belgium, has received his first call-up. Bonsu is a left-footed right winger who is also capable of playing in an attacking midfield role.

Ghana will start their training camp on Monday, March 17, 2025, and will practice for four days before facing Chad in the first of the two matches at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, 2025.

Afterwards, the team will fly to Morocco for their next match against Madagascar, scheduled for Monday, March 24, 2025.

Currently, Ghana sits in second place in Group I with nine points from three wins and one loss.

Jonathan Moses Sesay receives England U18 call-up
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Jonathan Moses Sesay receives England U18 call-up

Head coach Liam Bramley has chosen Jonathan Moses Sesay, who plays for Southampton, for the England men’s under-18 team. This squad has 23 players and is preparing for the international matches in March.

Sesay recently signed his first professional contract with Southampton. He will travel with the Young Lions to compete against Czechia, France, and Portugal. These games mark the start of the under-18 team’s calendar year.

The first match will be against Czechia at Estadio de Sao Miguel on Friday, March 21, at 5 PM GMT. The team will then play France on Sunday, March 23, at 3 PM GMT at Sport Clube Freamunde.

Finally, England will face Portugal on Tuesday, March 25, at 11 AM GMT at the Municipal Stadium Futbol.

Defender Abdul Jarju Kabia to miss Sierra Leone qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Defender Abdul Jarju Kabia to miss Sierra Leone qualifiers

Sierra Leone defender Abdul Jarjue Kabia is set to miss upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Guinea Bissau and Egypt this month due to a groin injury.

The injury, which is expected to keep him sidelined for three to four weeks, occurred during a goalless draw against Torpedo Zhodino in the Belarus Cup quarter-final on March 2nd.

Since making his debut for the Sierra Leone national team in late 2023, Kabia has participated in eight official matches, showcasing his skills in games against Ethiopia, Egypt, and Burkina Faso as part of the African qualification process for the World Cup.

Sierra Leone faces a tricky match against Guinea-Bissua in the Liberia capital on March 20 before travelling to face a difficult task against Group A leaders Egypt.

Libya new head coach Aliou Cissé rallies squad for Angola and Cameroon
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Libya new head coach Aliou Cissé rallies squad for Angola and Cameroon

Aliou Cissé has swiftly picked his first Libya’s national team sqaud 24 hours after his appointment. The Senegalese coach, who led Senegal to victory in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, has chosen a team mainly composed of locally based players as Libya gears up for crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Angola and Cameroon.

Libya currently occupies second place in Group D with four points from two matches, trailing Cameroon by just one point. They have a home match against Angola on March 20 and an away game in Yaoundé against Cameroon on March 25—both crucial for their World Cup aspirations.

Notably absent from the squad is Moatasem Al-Musrati, the AS Monaco midfielder, who has declined the call-up, and defender Daniel Elfadli. Despite these omissions, Cissé has put together a strong squad featuring key players from the domestic league, blending experience with emerging talent.

Cissé is known for his tactical discipline and will work on solidifying the defence while enhancing the team’s attacking efficiency. The midfield is led by experienced players Faisal Al-Badri, Badr Hassan, and Abdullah Daqo, while the strike force includes Moayad Al-Lafi and Mohamed Soula. The defense features Majdi Artiba, Sobhi Al-Mabrouk, and Al-Bahlol Abu Sahmain.

Cissé’s ability to quickly adapt and implement his strategies will be vital as the Knights of the Mediterranean strive for success in these qualifiers.

  • Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Murad Al-Wahishi (Al-Ahly Benghazi), Mohamed Ayad (Abu Salim), and Ahmed Ayad (Al-Tahadi).

Defenders Majdi Artiba (Al-Akhdar), Sobhi Al-Mabrouk (Al-Ittihad), Al-Mahdi Al-Kout (Al-Suwaihli), Mohamed Al-Shtiwi (Al-Hilal), Sand Bin Ali (Al-Ittihad), Al-Bahlol Abu Sahmain (Al-Ahly Benghazi), Taher Bin Amer (Al-Ittihad), and Mutassim Sabbou (Olympic Azzawiya SC).

Midfielders: Faisal Al-Badri (Al-Hilal), Badr Hassan (Al-Nasr), Hamza Al-Maqsi (Olympic Azzawiya SC), Abdullah Daqo (Al-Ahly Benghazi), Muhannad Eto’o (Al-Madina), Osama Al-Sharimi (Al-Suwaihli), Omar Al-Khoja (Al-Suwaihli), Ahmed Saad (Al-Hilal), Al-Abbasi (Al-Suwaihli), Fadel Salama (Al-Ahly Benghazi), and Taha Al-Shalawi (Al-Hilal).

Attackers: Moayad Al-Lafi (Al-Ahly Tripoli), Mohamed Soula (Al-Qadisiyah, Kuwait), Fahad Al-Masmari (Club Africain, Tunisia), Azou Al-Mariami (Al-Hilal), Ahmed Karwa (Al-Ahly Tripoli), and Anas Al-Masrati (Al-Taawoun).

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has revealed the players selected to compete against Lesotho and Benin in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers scheduled for March 21 and March 25, 2025, respectively.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hugo Broos names South Africa’s final squad for World Cup qualifiers

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has revealed the players selected to compete against Lesotho and Benin in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers scheduled for March 21 and March 25, 2025, respectively.

South Africa is set to face their neighbours Lesotho at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Friday, March 21, 2025. Following that match, the Bafana Bafana team, led by coach Hugo Broos, will take a charter flight to Benin to compete against the West African nation on Monday, March 24, 2025.

A week ago, Broos announced a 37-member preliminary squad, which included some new players such as Samukelo Kabini and Khulumani Ndamane from TS Galaxy and Siphesihle Mkhize from Sekhukhune United.

On Thursday, March 13, at the SABC television studios in Auckland Park, the preliminary squad was reduced to a final squad of 23 players.

Bafana Bafana is in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers alongside Rwanda, Benin, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho. To date, the Broos-coached team has played four matches, achieving two wins, one draw, and one loss.

Abubakarr Kargbo signs first Pro deal with Dutch side NEC Nijmegen
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Abubakarr Kargbo signs first Pro deal with Dutch side NEC Nijmegen

On Monday, top talent Abubakarr Kargbo, age 15, signed his first professional contract with NEC Nijmegen, which will run until the summer of 2028.

Three other talented players from the DFDS – NEC Football Academy also signed their first professional contracts.

Abubakarr Kargbo, Mees Rensen, Mandela Bongne, and Jeremy van Haalen, who all play in the Under 17 team, are now signed until the summer of 2028.

Technical director Carlos Aalbers is proud that these players have been connected to NEC for a longer time.

“This is part of our new vision. We want to keep great talents with us and not lose them to bigger clubs. This way, we reward them for their hard work and can continue to develop together,” he said.

Colin Williamson, Head of Youth Development, added: “It is uncommon for players to sign their first contract with NEC at just fifteen years old. We are happy to have these boys as a strong foundation as we aim to help them move up to the first team. This is something the DFDS – NEC Football Academy can build on.”

Mustapha Bundu helps ten-man Plymouth beat Portsmouth
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mustapha Bundu helps ten-man Plymouth beat Portsmouth

Sierra Leone International Mustapha Bundu recorded his sixth of the season as ten-man Plymouth held on to defeat Portsmouth, securing their first away win of the season and moving within three points of safety.

Argyle deserved the points against their hosts, who had recently beaten league leaders Leeds. Fit-again Ryan Hardie’s brilliant backheel set up Mustapha Bundu to score the opener just before halftime. Hardie then doubled the lead four minutes after the break, racing from halfway and drilling the ball inside the near post.

Plymouth finished the match with 10 players after Matthew Sorinola received a second yellow card in the 86th minute. Adil Aouchiche later netted a stunning consolation goal for Portsmouth three minutes later.

Although the Greens remain at the bottom of the league, this win represents their first victory on the road since last April and places them three points away from safety. Portsmouth, on the other hand, is still seven points clear of the drop zone despite suffering just their second home defeat in 13 games.

Unsurprisingly, John Mousinho kept the same Portsmouth starting XI that played well in their 1-0 victory over Leeds on Sunday. In contrast, Argyle boss Miron Muslic made four changes from their disappointing 3-0 loss to Sheffield Wednesday.

There were 11 minutes of added time at the end of the match, during which Bramall had a shot charged down in the box as Portsmouth pressed for an equalizer. However, they couldn’t find the goal, and Plymouth extended their unbeaten streak against Portsmouth to eight matches, ending a 41-year record of 20 consecutive away games without a win.

Dr. Patrice Motsepe re-elected as Confederation of African football president
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Dr. Patrice Motsepe re-elected as Confederation of African football president

Dr. Patrice Motsepe has been re-elected as President of the Confédération African Football (CAF) for another four years. His re-election was confirmed at the 14th CAF Extraordinary General Assembly in Cairo on Wednesday, extending his term until 2029.

Motsepe’s first term improved CAF’s finances and raised its global reputation. Under his leadership, the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Côte d’Ivoire in 2023 attracted a record 1.4 billion viewers worldwide.

Prizes for major tournaments, including the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, have increased. There is also more financial support for Member Associations.

Motsepe, who is 63 years old, ran unopposed after the nomination deadline in November 2024. He decided to run again based on requests from Member Association Presidents and key stakeholders.

His goals remain to make African football competitive worldwide, stabilize finances, and invest in infrastructure. Dr. Motsepe’s unopposed re-election shows confidence in his leadership and a desire to raise the standards of African football.

Fecafoot President Samuel Eto'o joins CAF Executive Committee
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Fecafoot President Samuel Eto’o joins CAF Executive Committee

Fecafoot President Samuel Eto’o has joined the Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after a tumultuous journey that initially saw him barred from running for a seat. However, he successfully overturned that decision.

The former Barcelona striker was the only individual nominated from the Central African Football Federations’ Union (UNIFFAC) and was chosen unanimously. Eto’o will now begin a four-year tenure within CAF’s leadership, further reinforcing his increasing influence in the governance of African football.

Currently serving as the President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), Eto’o faced a surprising ban from campaigning for the UNIFFAC seat, representing the Central African region. This ban was imposed by CAF due to alleged governance issues within FECAFOOT, leading to a contentious legal battle that reached the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Eto’o was determined to contest what he viewed as an unjust ruling and promptly appealed to CAS. In a favorable outcome for him, CAS overturned CAF’s decision and declared him eligible to run for election.

This ruling allowed the four-time African Player of the Year to be reinstated on the ballot, much to the relief of his supporters. With his reinstatement, Eto’o faced no challengers for the UNIFFAC position, ensuring his automatic election to the CAF Executive Committee, which was confirmed at the 14th CAF Extraordinary General Assembly held in Cairo.

Eto’o’s victory further solidifies his influence in African football administration and enhances his growing leadership role in the sport. His involvement comes at a crucial time as CAF moves forward with reforms, financial reorganization, and preparations for major competitions such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Eto’o’s extensive experience in football, both as a player and an administrator, is likely to be invaluable as CAF seeks to implement greater standardization across the continent’s game.

Sebastien Haller is back in Côte d'Ivoire national team for World Cup qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sebastien Haller is back in Côte d’Ivoire national team for World Cup qualifiers

Sebastien Haller is back in the Côte d’Ivoire national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Gambia after missing three international windows due to injuries.

Playing for Borussia Dortmund on loan at FC Utrecht, Haller will strengthen the team’s attack, as they aim to keep their lead in the qualifying group.

Midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin returns after last playing in March 2023, filling in for the injured Jean Michaël Seri. Ibrahim Sangaré also returns after missing the Africa Cup of Nations and replaces Seko Fofana, who is out due to fitness issues.

Clément Akpa, a left-back from AJ Auxerre, earns his first call-up. Amad Diallo from Manchester United and Wilfried Zaha from Galatasaray are absent; Diallo is injured, and Zaha has not played under coach Emerse Faé.

Maxwel Cornet from Genoa did not get called up, but Oumar Diakité from Reims stays in the squad despite poor club form.

Familiar players like Franck Kessié and Evan Ndicka remain, as the Elephants lead their World Cup qualifying group by one point over Gabon.

Côte d’Ivoire Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

  • Goalkeepers: Yahia Fofana, Mohamed Koné, Ali Badra
  • Defenders: Emmanuel Agbadou, Clément Akpa, Willy Boly, Ousmane Diomandé, Guéla Doué, Evan Ndicka , Hassane Kamara, Wilfried Singo
  • Midfielders: Jean Aholou, Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Ibrahim Sangaré, Franck Kessié, Hamed Traoré
  • Forwards: Simon Adingra, Vakoun Bayo, Oumar Diakité, Evann Guessand, Jean Krasso, Nicolas Pépé, Benié Traoré, Sébastien Halle

 

  • Upcoming Fixtures:

Burundi vs Côte d’Ivoire – March 22, 19:00 GMT, Stade de Meknès, Morocco

Côte d’Ivoire vs Gambia – March 26, 19:00 GMT, Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan