Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Difficult task ahead of East Africa AFCON for Sierra Leone
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone placed in Group E for the race to East Africa

The Leone Stars of Sierra Leone will compete with a stiff contest against African powerhouse DR Congo, stubborn Equatorial Guinea and improving Zimbabwe in Group E as they aim for their fourth appearance in the Cup of Nations in 2027.

This comes after the PAMOJA Qualifiers Draw held in Cairo, Egypt, on 19 May. The Leone Stars of Sierra Leone, who did not qualify for the last tournament in Morocco, are in search of a new head coach.

They participated in the Cameroon 2021 tournament but were eliminated in the group stage. Their last match was a 1-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea on 20 January 2022, finishing third in Group E behind Ivory Coast and Equatorial Guinea.

The road to East Africa will be challenging for whoever takes charge of the Leone Stars. There will be 48 teams divided into 12 groups, with four teams in each group. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Final Tournament.

The Qualifiers will take place during three FIFA International Windows:

– Matchdays 1 and 2: from 21 September to 6 October 2026
– Matchdays 3 and 4: from 9 to 17 November 2026
– Matchdays 5 and 6: from 22 to 30 March 2027

The tournament is scheduled from 19 June to 17 July 2027 and will be held in East Africa for the first time in 51 years, with Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania as co-hosts.

Sierra Leone Last Three and only appearances

3 (first in 1994) Group stage – (1994, 1996, 2021)

Sierra Leone Confirmed in Pot 3 for 2027 AFCON Qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone Confirmed in Pot 3 for 2027 AFCON Qualifying draw

Sierra Leone will be in Pot 3 for the draw of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification series on Tuesday.

The Leone Stars, who did not qualify for the last tournament in Morocco, will find out who they will compete against as they work to secure a place in the event. The tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

The country’s football association is seeking a new manager after firing former head coach Mohaed Kallon.

Pot 1 includes some of Africa’s top-ranked teams, such as the current champions Morocco, along with Senegal, Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Cameroon, DR Congo, Mali, South Africa, and Burkina Faso.

A total of 48 teams will compete, organised into 12 groups of four. Each group will have one team from each pot.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the final tournament. Groups with a co-host nation will get an extra spot for qualification.

Cardoso Calls on Sundowns to Stay Hungry Despite First-Leg Advantage
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Miguel Cardoso calls for Sundowns to stay hungry despite first-leg advantage

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach, Miguel Cardoso, has urged his players to remain cautious after their 1-0 win against FAR Rabat in the first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final. He emphasised that the toughest challenge lies ahead in Morocco.

Aubrey Modiba scored the only goal with a free-kick, but Cardoso felt they should have scored more to secure a better lead. “We needed at least one more goal for a stronger advantage,” he said.

While the fans celebrated, Cardoso maintained that the team must stay focused for the return leg if they want to win Africa’s top club tournament again. He acknowledged their ability to compete with strong opponents and noted that Sundowns controlled much of the match, albeit struggling against Rabat’s tight defence and counter-attacks.

Brian Leon Muniz missed a clear chance, and Teboho Mokoena hit the post with another free-kick. Cardoso stressed the importance of maintaining focus for the trophy.

“We need to keep our energy up and stay sharp for the second leg,” he said, reminding them to ignore the crowd in Rabat.

Defensively, Sundowns did well to limit FAR Rabat’s attacks despite the visitors having more possession at times. Cardoso praised their discipline but pointed out that breaking down Rabat’s defence was challenging.

“We need to manage the ball better and find gaps,” he said. Overall, Cardoso was pleased with his team’s mindset, stating, “We were strong for most of the game. That’s the mentality we need for the second match.”

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso calls for a show of character
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso calls for a show of character

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has asked his team to show their character against AS FAR in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final on Sunday.

This is Sundowns’ last chance to win a trophy this season after losing 3-2 to TS Galaxy, which hurt their hopes of defending their Premiership title.

They finished the league three points ahead of Orlando Pirates, who still have two games left. Sundowns have struggled in continental competitions, winning only two of their six group matches and losing to Stade Malien in the quarter-finals. They beat ES Tunis 1-0 at home and away to reach the final again.

“The season still has two matches left. It’s time to gather our energy,” said Cardoso. “The players will show their strength for the Champions League final.”

Al-Zaeem are in the final for the second time, having won it in 1985. They surprised many by drawing with Al Ahly and beating Pyramids in the quarter-finals.

Santos’ team lost just their second game in 14 when they were beaten 1-0 by RS Berkane in the semi-finals, but they secured their final spot with a 2-0 win in the first leg.

“Pressure can motivate us. We focus on keeping players calm while respecting the opponent,” said Santos. “Reaching the final means we deserve to be there, and we will aim for a good result.”

Tunisia named squad for FIFA 2026 World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia coach Lamouchi names squad for the FIFA 2026 World Cup

Tunisia announced its team for the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Friday. This will be their seventh appearance at the tournament.

The team will compete against the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden in the group stage. Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri is the most notable player on the squad.

Captain Ferjani Sassi, who has played 101 times for Tunisia, and defender Yassine Meriah, who is close to his 100th cap, were both left out of the team.

Tunisia qualified for the World Cup for the third time in a row by finishing first in its group during the CAF qualifiers. The team earned 28 points from 10 games and impressively did not concede any goals.

TUNISIA FULL SQUAD FOR FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

Goalkeepers: Aymen Dahmen, Sabri Ben Hassen, Abdelmouhib Chamakh

Defenders: Yan Valery, Moutaz Neffati, Dylan Bronn, Raed Chikhaoui, Montassar Talbi, Adem Arous, Omar Rekik, Ali Abdi, Mohamed Ben Hmida

Midfielders: Ellyes Skhiri, Anis Ben Slimane, Rani Khedira, Mortadha Ben Ouanes, Ismaël Gharbi, Mohamed Hadj-Mahmoud, Hannibal

Forwards: Elias Saad, Khalil Ayari, Elias Achouri, Sebastian Tounekti, Hazem Mastouri, Firas Chawat, Rayan Elloumi

South Africa overcame Senegal as Tanzania cruised to victory, while Angola held Mali
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa overcame Senegal as Tanzania cruised to victory, while Angola held Mali

South Africa overcame Senegal 2-1 in their opening match on Thursday. Senegal started strong, scoring first in the 44th minute with a goal from Cheickh Thior.

In the second half, Inganathi Simama equalised for South Africa just three minutes in. South Africa took the lead in the 55th minute after an own goal by Thior, and then held firm to secure the win.

  • Senegal 1-2 South Africa – Scorers: Cheickh Thior (44’) / Inganathi Simama (48’), Cheickh Thior (55’ OG)

Tanzania won 3-0 against Mozambique, dominating the match from the start. Dismas Athanasi scored the first goal in the 27th minute. An own goal by Pascoal Miambo in the 35th minute made it 2-0. In the 63rd minute, Razaki Mbegelendi sealed the victory with another goal.

Angola and Mali played to a goalless draw in their Group C opener at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. Mali created more chances, but Angola’s goalkeeper Gelson Dala made several key saves to secure a point for his team.

Algeria drew 2-2 with Ghana in a thrilling match. Ghana scored early with goals from Isaac Barfo and Eric Gyamfi. Algeria fought back in the second half, with Ilyes Grini and Melwane Zaidi scoring to level the match after being two goals down.

A complete performance from Angola's Gelson Dala earns him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award.
A complete performance from Angola's Gelson Dala earns him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award.
Morocco held to draw in U-17 opener as Côte d’Ivoire and Uganda impress
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco held to draw in U-17 opener as Côte d’Ivoire and Uganda impress

Morocco and Tunisia played to a 1-1 draw in a competitive North African derby at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 on Wednesday evening.

The match took place at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, where Morocco had strong support from their fans. The defending champions controlled the game for much of the time but struggled against a well-organised Tunisian team.

Tunisia scored first in the 27th minute through Yahya Jlidi, whose calm finish shocked the home crowd and gave Tunisia a valuable lead at halftime.

After the break, Morocco increased their urgency, pushing for an equaliser while Tunisia stayed solid defensively and posed a threat on counterattacks.  

Morocco finally equalised in the 76th minute when Ilian Hadidi scored, sparking celebrations in the stadium. Despite Morocco’s late pressure, Tunisia held on for a crucial point in a closely fought Group A match.

In another match, Egypt and Ethiopia played to a 0-0 draw. This result leaves Group A open, as both teams had their chances but were unable to score. Egypt had more possession, while Ethiopia looked to attack quickly with player Dawit Kassaw Yirdaw.

Egypt’s Mohamed Attia and Ahmed Safwat showed some creativity, but Ethiopia’s strong defence kept them from finding the net.

Uganda started their campaign strongly in Group B with a 3-0 win over DR Congo. This victory puts Uganda on level points with Côte d’Ivoire, which won against Cameroon earlier in the day.

Uganda dominated the match against DR Congo, scoring first in the 37th minute through Owen Mukisa and adding a second goal by Nicholas Kawooya just before halftime.

In the second half, despite DR Congo’s efforts, Uganda remained strong in defence and secured the win with a third goal from Abdulshakur Babi in the 82nd minute. This victory gives Uganda a strong start in their bid for the knockout stages and qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Côte d’Ivoire also started well in Group B, beating Cameroon 2-0. Ange Nomane scored the first goal in the 52nd minute, and Hubert Yao added a second goal later. This win positions Côte d’Ivoire favourably in the competitive group with Uganda and DR Congo.

Egypt’s Ismaily SC relegated after 62 years in the top flight
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt’s Ismaily SC relegated after over 60 years in the top flight

Egyptian top-tier outfit Ismaily, and three-time champion, has been relegated to the second division for the first time in over 60 years after Tuesday’s defeat

They lost their match against Wadi Degla 2-1 on May 12, which confirmed their drop to the lower league. Ismaily ended the season stuck at the bottom of the table with just 19 points, falling 11 points behind Kahrabaa Ismailia, the first team outside the relegation zone.

This season, four teams will be relegated. Ismaily last faced relegation in the 1957-1958 season and quickly returned to the top league in 1962-1963.

Nicknamed “The Dervishes,” it has struggled with a financial crisis for several years, which has hindered its ability to compete with wealthier clubs.

Ismaily was founded in 1924 and won its first league title in 1967. In 1969, it became the first Egyptian club to win an African championship by defeating TP Mazembe. The club also reached the final of the African Champions League in 2002 but lost to Enyimba.

U-17 Cup of Nations set to kick off in Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

U-17 Cup of Nations set to kick off in Morocco

The CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 begins on Wednesday, featuring 16 teams vying for continental glory and a chance to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.

The tournament runs from May 13 to June 2, following a festival-style format that combines matches, training, and team activities in one location.

Most matches will take place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, while the opening match, semi-finals, and final will be held at an alternative venue. The eight quarter-finalists will qualify automatically for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, while the four third-placed teams will compete in playoffs for the last two spots.

Defending champions Morocco lead Group A, facing Tunisia, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Under coach Tiago Lima Pereira, Morocco aims to defend their title, relying on players like Adam Bougazir and Rami Loukmani. Their first match against Tunisia will be crucial. Tunisia’s coach, Nadjeh Toumi, will focus on strong defence and quick counterattacks.

In the other Group A game, Egypt takes on Ethiopia. Egypt, a former champion, seeks to reclaim its status, while Ethiopia returns to the tournament for the first time since 2003, having qualified with a 3-0 win over Kenya.

Group B features former champions Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon, along with Uganda and debutants DR Congo. Côte d’Ivoire, recent WAFU B champions, rely on technical skills and key players like Bema Doumbia. Cameroon, led by Alioum Saidou, boasts physical strength and solid defence.

With a mix of past champions and newcomers, the opening day will set the stage for a tournament showcasing Africa’s rising football talents. Each team aims to reach the knockout stage and compete for the title of African champions.

TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026:

GROUP A: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Ethiopia

Groupe B: Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroun, Ouganda, RD Congo

GROUP C: Mali, Angola, Tanzania, Mozambique 

GROUP D: Senegal, South Africa, Algeria, Ghana 

The link to the full tournament schedule 

League One promotion-chasing Lincoln City sign Sierra Leone's Kamil Conteh
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kamil Conteh returns to Bristol Rovers after the end of his loan deal

Sierra Leone international Kamil Conteh, who joined Lincoln City on loan from Bristol Rovers until the end of the season, is set to return to his parent club after his loan spell.

The former Grimsby player could not join the high-flying City Imps squad next season after their promotion to the English Championship. Lincoln City secured promotion to the Sky Bet Championship after a 2-1 win over Reading in early April.

Conteh, 23, has played almost 150 competitive career matches after starting at Premier League side Watford. He has also played for EFL clubs Middlesbrough, Grimsby Town, and Bristol Rovers.

Conteh’s arrival completed City’s transfers for the January window, but he only managed a couple of appearances for the Lincoln-based team.