Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hakim Ziyech set to seal a return to Morocco to join Wydad Casablanca
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hakim Ziyech set to join Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Hakim Ziyech has finalized his move to Wydad Casablanca, returning to Morocco with a one-year contract. This marks an emotional homecoming for the player.

At 32, Ziyech joins Wydad as a free agent after leaving Al-Duhail in the summer of 2025, ending weeks of speculation about where he would go next.

Several clubs in Europe and the Middle East showed interest, but Ziyech decided to return to his home country.

Ziyech became well-known for his play at the 2022 World Cup and during his time at Ajax. Inconsistent performances and loans to Galatasaray and Al-Duhail marked his period at Chelsea.

His return to Casablanca marks a fresh start for Ziyech, representing an essential moment in his career.

The player’s creativity and experience can help drive the team’s domestic and continental ambitions as they compete for both the Botola Pro title and CAF Champions League glory.

Sierra Leone's Momoh I Kamara makes CAF Young Player of the Year Nominees
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Momoh Kamara makes CAF Young Player of the Year shortlist

Momoh I Kamara played a crucial role in the Sierra Leone team that drew attention in the U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt, as the top scorer of the competition, and a couple of personal awards.

He has been recognised for his outstanding performance in the tournament, despite Sierra Leone being knocked out by Morocco after finishing second in Group A.

His mix of calmness, strength, and accuracy helped the team reach the quarter-finals in their first tournament and made him one of Africa’s best young players.

Minnesota United FC’s 2nd team in the USA’s MLS NEXT Pro, Momoh I Kamara, showed brilliant and promising signs in the U20 AFCON in Egypt.

He scored three goals in one game against the host team and played well in all four matches. He also won the Player of the Group Stage and Top Scorer awards, finishing with four goals.

Kamara is up against tough competition from Morocco’s Othmane Maama, who has been outstanding in the U20 World Cup. Morocco has triumphed over several formidable opponents, including South Africa’s Tylon Smith and others.

Momoh I Kamara is up against tough competition from Morocco's Othmane Maama, who has been outstanding in the U20 World Cup. Morocco has triumphed over several formidable opponents, including South Africa's Tylon Smith and others.
Momoh I Kamara is up against tough competition from Morocco's Othmane Maama, who has been outstanding in the U20 World Cup. Morocco has triumphed over several formidable opponents, including South Africa's Tylon Smith and others.
CR Belouizdad hold Hafia as USM Alger lost to Académie Diallo Amadou
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CR Belouizdad hold Hafia as USM Alger lost to Académie Diallo Amadou

The first-leg matches of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup's second preliminary round on Sunday, 19 October, showcased exciting competition as African teams competed for an early advantage toward the group stage.

Algeria’s CR Belouizdad managed to secure a valuable away draw against Hafia FC from Guinea. At the same time, their fellow citizens, USM Alger, experienced a narrow loss against Académie Diallo Amadou from Côte d’Ivoire.

In another significant encounter, Djoliba AC from Mali achieved a crucial away victory over Burkina Faso’s USFA.

Hafia FC (GUI) 1–1 CR Belouizdad (ALG)  

CR Belouizdad returned from Conakry with an essential 1–1 draw that keeps their chances of qualification alive as they head into the return leg in Algiers. Hafia FC took the lead in the 62nd minute thanks to Alhassane Kamara. Still, Belouizdad quickly levelled the score just three minutes later when Khacef found the net, securing a vital outcome for the Algerian team.

Académie Diallo Amadou (CIV) 1–0 USM Alger (ALG)  

The Algerian powerhouses, USM Alger, faced a challenging night in Côte d’Ivoire, losing 1–0 to Académie Diallo Amadou. The home team struck early when Kalilou Garjo took advantage of a defensive mistake in the ninth minute.

Despite dominating periods and creating multiple opportunities, the Algerian side failed to score and will now strive to reverse the situation in the return match in Algiers.

USFA (BFA) 0–1 Djoliba AC (MLI)  

Mali’s Djoliba AC secured a critical 1–0 win against USFA in Ouagadougou. The winning goal was scored in the 84th minute by Kader Knam, putting the visitors in a solid position heading into the second leg in Bamako.

With the return matches set for next weekend, all eyes will be on the Algerian teams CR Belouizdad and USM Alger, who will aim to utilise their home advantage and secure their places in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup group stage.

Yassir Zabiri nets brace as Morocco clinch maiden crown
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Yassir Zabiri nets brace as Morocco clinch maiden crown

Morocco triumphed over Argentina to claim their first FIFA U-20 World Cup, with Yassir Zabiri scoring twice in a thrilling final in Santiago.

As a result, the victory made Morocco the second African team to win the tournament, following Ghana’s win in 2009.

The match kicked off at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos with immediate drama. Zabiri was fouled while attempting to score, but converted a free-kick into the top corner after a VAR review resulted in a yellow card for the Argentina goalkeeper. Zabiri later volleyed in a cross from Othmane Maamma to double the lead.

Argentina pressed for an equaliser, with Mateo Silvetti and substitutes missing key chances, while Morocco’s strong defence, led by Ismael Baouf, held firm. Despite Argentina’s possession and corner dominance, Morocco kept them at bay. When the final whistle blew, Moroccan players celebrated their long-awaited victory after 48 years.

Argentina 0-2 Morocco

Morocco goals: Zabiri (12 & 29). Visa Player of the Match: Zabiri

Striker Daniel Kanu nets in Walsall's defeat to Barrow
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Daniel Kanu nets in Walsall’s defeat to Barrow

Sierra Leone International Daniel Kanu was on target as they suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Barrow on Saturday at Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium.

Barrow’s goalkeeper Wyll Stanway was the standout player as the 10-man Bluebirds triumphed 2-1 against Walsall, bringing an end to the League Two leaders’ eight-match unbeaten streak.

Stanway made multiple crucial saves to deny a Saddlers team that fired 24 shots, including 11 on target. The visitors withstood early pressure from Walsall and took the lead after 31 minutes when Ben Whitfield delivered a cross for Elliot Newby to score from close range.

Walsall came close to equalising twice before halftime, but Stanway blocked a shot from Rico Browne and executed a spectacular save to deny Courtney Clarke.

Barrow was left with 10 players after 56 minutes when full-back Lewis Shipley received a second yellow card for a foul on Daniel Kanu, having already been booked for a similar offence earlier in the match.

However, the Bluebirds extended their lead 12 minutes later when Charlie McCann calmly finished a quick counterattack from 12 yards.

Kanu pulled one back in the 74th minute, twisting in the penalty area to score with a low shot. Nonetheless, Stanway made four outstanding saves to stop Kanu from close range, along with denying a powerful shot from Charlie Lakin and two curling attempts from Clarke.

When Aaron Pressley headed against the post from six yards in stoppage time, Barrow secured the points.

Referee Mohamed Buzin Koroma to officiate Asante Kotoko tie against Wydad in Ghana
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Referee Mohamed Buzin Koroma to officiate Asante Kotoko tie against Wydad in Ghana

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed four referees from Sierra Leone to officiate the CAF Confederation Cup second round preliminary first leg match between Ghana's Asante Kotoko and Morocco's Wydad AC.

This contest will happen on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium in Ghana.

Asante Kotoko is expected to face a tough challenge against Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday in the CAF Confederation Cup first leg second round playoff.

The Porcupine Warriors aim to secure a strong first-leg advantage before the return match in Casablanca. Both teams possess CAF Champions League experience but are competing in this year’s Confederation Cup due to disappointing domestic performances.

Leading the officiating team as the Centre Referee (CR) is Mohamed Buzin Koroma, supported by Assistant Referee 1 (AR1) Mamoud Alie Conteh and Assistant Referee 2 (AR2) Alusine Conteh. Serving as the Reserve Referee (RR) is Rashid M. Conteh.

Wydad’s continental experience includes participation in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup earlier this year, having faced teams like Manchester City and Juventus, making them a formidable opponent.

JS Kabylie record strong Champions League first leg advantage
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

JS Kabylie record strong CAF Champions League first leg advantage

Algeria’s JS Kabylie won 3-0 against US Monastir in the first leg of their final qualifying round for the CAF Champions League at the Stade Municipal Taieb Mhiri in Sfax.

This victory brings them closer to reaching the group stage of the tournament. The visitors from Algeria enjoyed solid support from their travelling fans as they delivered an outstanding performance.

The pivotal moment came early in the second half when Mehdi Merghem struck a stunning goal from distance that shocked the home side. Shortly after, Lahlou Akhrib capped off a brilliant team play with a well-timed finish.

JSK dominated the second half after a balanced first, taking a two-goal lead. In the 49th minute, Aimen Lahmeri crossed to Merghem, who skillfully scored. Mohamed Hamidi then split the USM defense with a clever pass, allowing Lahmeri to assist Akhrib for a close-range goal.

Babacar Sarr added a third for JSK in the final minutes. The teams will meet again next Saturday in Tizi Ouzou, where JSK aims to secure a spot in the group stage.

Sierra Leone has advanced one position to 121 in the FIFA Rankings and is now ranked 33rd in Africa as of October's ranking.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone up one spot in latest Fifa ranking

FIFA released its new ranking on Friday, and Sierra Leone is now ranked 121st in the October standings.

The Leone Stars of Sierra Leone have moved up one spot in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Rankings, now ranked 121st in the world and 33rd in Africa.

Coach Mohamed Kallon’s team won against Djibouti 2-1 and lost to Burkina Faso 1-0 in their final World Cup qualifiers this month. As a result, they gained 1141.1 points.

Africa’s Rankings: Morocco leads as Africa’s highest-ranked team at 12th globally, followed by Senegal (18th), Egypt (32nd), Algeria (35th), and Nigeria (5th).

-Global Rankings:

Spain remains at the top, with Argentina at 2nd, France at 3rd, England at 4th, and Portugal at 5th. The Netherlands is now 6th, overtaking Brazil in 7th, while Belgium, Italy, and Germany round out the top ten.

Notable Climbers: Hungary, Scotland, Nigeria, and Romania all improved their rankings. Niger made the largest jump to 108th.

Ranking Drops: Greece (48th) and Sweden (40th) experienced the biggest declines due to poor World Cup qualifying results.

Splendid Morocco's U20 achieved its goal by making it to the finals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Splendid Morocco’s U20 achieved its goal by making it to the finals

The Atlas Cubs have reached their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup final after defeating France 5-4 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in regulation. Morocco will face Argentina in the final.

Substitute goalkeeper Abdelhakim Mesbahi emerged as the hero, stepping in during the shootout to save Djylian N’Guessan’s attempt.

The match featured an early penalty for Morocco, converted by Yassir Zabiri, which ultimately became an own goal after hitting the post and deflecting off the French goalkeeper, Lisandru Olmeta.

France equalized through Lucas Michal in the second half, and after a tense extra time with a red card for France’s Rabby Nzingoula, the match was decided by penalties.

With this victory, Morocco becomes the first African team to reach the final since Ghana in 2009.

Morocco 1-1 France (aet; 5-4 PSO)

Morocco’s goal: Olmeta’s own goal (32), France’s goal: Michal (59) 

Morocco set to host Africa's World Cup playoff qualification matches
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco set to host Africa’s World Cup playoff qualification matches

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed the locations, schedule, and structure for the African playoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, preparing for a crucial contest in November 2025.

CAF has slated the semifinals matches for November 13, 2025, with the final set to take place on November 16 of the same year.

African giants such as Nigeria, Cameroon, DR Congo and Gabon, as the best runners-up, will battle for their final spot to join the Continental playoffs in the race to the America’s World Cup.

Competing in a mini-tournament that includes semifinals and a final. The victor of this mini-tournament will then advance to the intercontinental playoff, where teams from other confederations will vie for a coveted spot in the World Cup finals.

The final nine African teams that have already punched their tickets for the tournament are Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, South Africa, Ghana, Cape Verde, making it for the first time, the Ivory Coast and Senegal.

This initiative underscores Morocco’s rising profile as a premier hub for African football, as it is also set to host the African Cup of Nations in 2025 (AFCON) and the FIFA World Cup in 2030.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe lauded Morocco’s expanding influence in global football, highlighting the country’s “exceptional leadership and commitment to fostering football development across Africa.”