Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco stun Brazil to reach knockout stages U20 World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco stun Brazil to advance in FIFA U20 World Cup

Morocco surprised another global powerhouse, defeating Brazil 2-1 to secure their advancement in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025. Argentina will also progress after overcoming Australia.

Earlier that day, Cuba made a comeback from two goals down against Italy to achieve their first point in the finals, while Mexico managed to earn another last-minute draw against Spain.

Morocco secured their position at the top of Group C with an impressive victory over Brazil. In a first half with few chances, the South Americans were given a prime opportunity when Luighi seemed to be fouled by Ismael Baouf in the penalty area. However, upon review, the referee changed his call and penalised the Brazilian for diving.

Morocco gained momentum in the match and took the lead when Gessime Yassine’s long cross was converted by a spectacular scissor kick from Othmane Maamma.

The Atlas Cubs extended their lead as Yassine fought for possession in midfield and set up Yassir Zabiri, who struck confidently from the left side of the box with the outside of his foot.

Although Brazil’s captain, Iago Teodoro, scored a late penalty to reduce the deficit, the day ultimately belonged to the African team.

Sunderland's Bertrand Traoré and Brentford's Dango Ouattara will be key figures as Sierra Leone host the Stallions of Burkina Faso in a crucial clash for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Traoré & Dango Ouattara named in Burkina Faso’s squad for Sierra Leone & Ethiopia

Sunderland's Bertrand Traoré and Brentford's Dango Ouattara will be key figures as Sierra Leone host the Stallions of Burkina Faso in a crucial clash for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

On Wednesday, October 8th, in the capital city of Liberia, both teams are poised to secure crucial points in their pursuit of qualification for the esteemed tournament.

This match is anticipated to be a thrilling contest, as both nations strive to strengthen their positions within Group A of the African qualifiers.

The Stallions of Burkina Faso will face a stiff contest despite being the favourites in the favorites. However, they are fully aware of the challenge posed by a resilient Sierra Leone side.

Burkina Faso will heavily rely on their seasoned players, including top talents from European clubs such as Sunderland’s Bertrand Traoré, Brentford’s Dango Ouattara, Edmond Tapsoba from Bayer Leverkusen and Issa Kaboré on loan at Wrexham, to put on a strong show in front of their home supporters.

Meanwhile, Sierra Leone is looking to pull off an upset after the 2-2 draw in June 2024 with striker Amadou Bakayoko’s equaliser in the 87th minute.

Burkina Faso, who recently played to a goalless draw against the group leaders, currently sit second in the standings with 15 points—three points ahead of Sierra Leone.
Burkina Faso, who recently played to a goalless draw against the group leaders, currently sit second in the standings with 15 points—three points ahead of Sierra Leone.
Côte d'Ivoire's Émerse Faé names strong squad for October's qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Côte d’Ivoire’s Émerse Faé names strong squad for October’s qualifiers

Head coach of Côte d'Ivoire, Émerse Faé, has presented his team for the ninth and tenth matches of the World Cup qualifiers 2026.

In the vital 9th and 10th qualifying matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Côte d’Ivoire will play Seychelles and Kenya this October.

For these critical meetings, Ivorian coach Émerse Faé has named a 23-member team. The coach has recalled that Côte d’Ivoire need to win both of these last matches to guarantee their ticket to the World Cup.

Presently, leading Group F, they’ll hope to wrap up their place in the USA, Canada and Mexico next year with a win away to Seychelles before hosting Kenya this October. 

The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification will decide the 45 teams that will join hosts Canada, Mexico, and the United States at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 23-man Elephants squad:

Goalkeepers:

1 – Yahia Fofana, 2 – Alban Lafont, and 3 – Mohamed Koné

Defenders:

4 – Evan Ndicka, 5 – Wilfried Singo, 6 – Emmanuel Agbadou, 7 – Guéla Doué, 8 – Jean-Philippe Gbamin, 9 – Ghislain Konan, 10 – Odilon Kossounou and 11 – Christopher Opéri

Midfielders:

12 – Seko Fofana, 13 – Franck Kessié, 14 – Ibrahim Sangaré

15 – Pacôme Zouzoua

Forwards:

16 – Simon Adingra, 17 – Oumar Diakité, 18 – Amad Diallo, 19 – Yann Diomandé, 20 – Evann Guessand, 21 – Sebastien Haller, 22 – Nicolas Pépé and 23 – Bazoumana Touré

Sierra Leone coach Mohamed Kallon names squad for doubleheader
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone coach Mohamed Kallon names squad for final hurdles

Head coach Mohamed Kallon has unveiled his squad for their final two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Burkina Faso and Djibouti.

Sierra Leone will face Burkina Faso in the Liberian capital on October 8 before travelling to Djibouti for their last Group A match of the qualifying campaign.

In a bid to secure back-to-back victories for the first time in the qualifiers, Sierra Leone takes on Burkina Faso on Tuesday in Liberia as part of the Group A qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Burkina Faso, who recently played to a goalless draw against the group leaders, currently sit second in the standings with 15 points—three points ahead of Sierra Leone.

Meanwhile, Sierra Leone celebrated their third victory in the qualifiers when it defeated Ethiopia for the first time in history during matchday 8 at the SDK Stadium in Liberia last month.

Coach Kallon has stuck with Alhassan Koroma, Saidu Fofanah, Mohamed Kabia, and Abu Dumbuya, who will bring creativity and energy to the team’s play.

Additionally, a sturdy defensive lineup featuring Abdulai Juma Bah, Emmanuel Samadia, Nathaniel Jalloh and Alpha Turay is poised to keep the opposition at bay.

Although Mustapha Bundu will be out due to injury, the attack will be spearheaded by Kei Kamara, Buya Turay, and Augustus Kargbo, all ready to make their mark.

https://twitter.com/football_sierra/status/1973629632709796287

Head coach Mohamed Kallon has announced his team for the last two important qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They will play against Burkina Faso and Djibouti.
Head coach Mohamed Kallon has announced his team for the last two important qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They will play against Burkina Faso and Djibouti.
Morocco set for another cracker against Brazil inn U20 world Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Othmane Maamma is optimistic as Morocco set to face Brazil

After a stellar performance in Morocco's opening match of the FIFA U-20 World Cup against Spain in Santiago, Othmane Maamma felt at ease as he looked back on his team's fantastic start to the tournament.

Maamma played a key role in the win against Spain, helping to score the team’s second goal just 13 minutes into the second half.

On Thursday. Morocco take on Brazil at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in the second World Cup U20 Group C contest.

He received the ball on the right, then used his speed to dash into the Spanish box, pulling two defenders with him. This gave him space to make a low cross into the middle, which Gessime Yassine scored first-time, sealing Spain’s fate.

As Morocco faces tougher matches against Mexico and Brazil in Group C, dubbed the ‘Group of Death,’ Maamma isn’t worried. “Football is football. It doesn’t matter where or who you’re up against,” he told FIFA. “You just need to keep a cool head and your emotions in check. Today we did that.”

When asked how it felt to impress on the global stage against a strong opponent, the striker opened up a little bit more.

“I’m really happy my team put on a great display against Spain. While I was satisfied with my performance, our focus is on the tournament. It’s a tough group, but ultimately, it’s just football.”

Morocco excelled in stifling Spain’s possession by maintaining compact defensive lines and executing quick counter-attacks, particularly down the flanks, an approach that aligns perfectly with the young striker’s playing style. “I like to exploit space and use my acceleration in one-on-ones,” he shared.

The young talent caught the attention of English club Watford, who signed him from Montpellier in July 2025. Although he hasn’t yet featured for Watford, he made his debut for Montpellier in May 2024, playing 14 Ligue 1 matches and scoring two goals.

Watford views him as a long-term investment, while his coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, sees him as a key player for Morocco. Ahead of their match against Brazil, he stated, “It’s going to be another big game, and we’ll do everything we can to win.”

Sierra Leone legend Koroma pays tribute to ex-teammate Roger Lukaku
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone legend Koroma pays tribute to ex-teammate Roger Lukaku

Ex-Sierra Leone International Ibrahim Koroma paid a heart-breaking tribute to his FC Boom teammate Roger Menama Lukaku, 58, after the news of his passing.

Ex-Sierra Leone International Ibrahim Koroma paid a heartbreaking tribute to his FC Boom teammate Roger Menama Lukaku, 58, after the news of his passing on Sunday.

Roger Lukaku is the father of ex-Chelsea, Manchester striker Romelu Lukaku.

“Last night, I got a call from my brother in Belgium, Rashin Wurie. He told me that our former teammate, Roger Lukaku, passed away from a heart attack,” Koroma wrote on Facebook.

Lukaku was one of the best attackers in the Belgian first division league in the early 90s. He is the father of Romelu Lukaku, who played for Chelsea, Manchester United, Roma, Inter Milan, Napoli, and the Belgium national team. Lukaku was a good friend of mine.

He often encouraged me not to play for my country because of our partnership in the Belgian league. He would say, “Junior, you always make things easy for me when we play together.” He was a great striker with excellent ball control, good movement, and dribbling skills, and he scored a lot of goals.

I will always cherish our good memories with FC Boom in Belgium. May your soul rest in peace, my good friend and teammate.

In Photo, the Koroma and Roger Lukaku were both in Belgium playing for Belgian Second Division club FC Boom in the 90s

Ibrahim Koroma first bottom - I will always cherish our good memories with FC Boom in Belgium. May your soul rest in peace, my good friend and teammate.
Ibrahim Koroma first bottom - I will always cherish our good memories with FC Boom in Belgium. May your soul rest in peace, my good friend and teammate.
South Africa and Nigeria suffer opening U20 World Cup defeats
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa and Nigeria suffer opening U20 World Cup defeats

Both African teams competing in Monday's FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, South Africa and Nigeria, faced defeats in their opening matches against France and Norway, respectively, in Groups E and F.

France secured full points in their match against South Africa with a late goal. The competition in Group F was tightly contested, with Norway narrowly defeating Nigeria in a challenging match.

In Group E, A late goal from Lucas Michal secured a 2-1 victory for France over South Africa in Rancagua. France started strong, with Tadjidine Mmadi missing a shot wide and Mayssam Benama hitting the post, before Anthony Bermont scored the winning goal 25 minutes in.

However, their lead did not last long, as Kutlwano Letlhaku skillfully manoeuvred into the French penalty area and was fouled by Elyaz Zidane, the youngest son of legendary French player Zinedine Zidane. Jody Ahshene confidently converted the penalty kick into the net.

The decisive goal came in the 80th minute, when Michal turned at the edge of the box, drove inward, and fired a powerful shot into the bottom right corner.

In the match between Nigeria and Norway, an early penalty was sufficient for Norway to secure a 1-0 win against Nigeria in their first match in Talca.

Nigeria quickly grabbed Norway’s attention when Kparobo Arierhi hit the crossbar within three minutes. Nevertheless, it was Norway that struck first after a video review confirmed a handball offence in the Nigerian area, allowing Rasmus Holten to score from the penalty spot.

A dazzling run from Luca Hoyland set Norway up for a second goal, but Gustav Nyheim failed to convert the cross right in front of the net.

Nigeria applied pressure in their quest for an equaliser, and Tahir Maigana felt frustrated when his shot hit the post shortly after the hour mark. Ultimately, Norway managed to withstand Nigeria’s late surge to claim the valuable points.

South Africa forfeit three vital points in the race to 2026 World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa forfeit three vital points in the race to 2026 World Cup

South Africa's prospects for qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have taken a significant hit after the country was penalized for fielding an ineligible player.

Teboho Mokoena played in a match against Lesotho, which saw South Africa win 2-0 in March. However, the 28-year-old midfielder was supposed to be serving a suspension because he had already accumulated two yellow cards.

A FIFA disciplinary committee ruled that South Africa had breached competition rules and consequently imposed a 3-0 forfeit for the match.

Mokoena’s involvement in the win over Lesotho in March has now put South Africa and Benin on 14 points each, while Nigeria and Rwanda sit at 11 points. With two games left next month, the group remains wide open.

“We apologise to the nation for this administrative oversight and will reflect on the steps to take at the conclusion of our qualifying campaign. Finally, we call on all South Africans to rally behind the team during this final and crucial stage of the qualifiers,” Saffa acknowledged the Fifa decision.

African Champions South Africa ready for U20 opener against France
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

African Champions South Africa ready for U20 opener against France

Raymond Mdaka’s team is eager to continue their historic journey following their impressive victory in the U-20 AFCON earlier this year.

Tonight, they face a European powerhouse France at 17:00 hrs local time, at the Estadio El Teniente stadium in Chile.

Arriving in Chile as continental champions, South Africa secured their first-ever U-20 AFCON title with a thrilling win over Morocco.

It was in May that they lifted the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations trophy, thanks to a stunning goal from Gomolemo Kekana that clinched the victory in the Cairo final.

This triumph not only crowned them champions but also earned Mdaka’s squad a place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025™, marking their return to this prestigious tournament for the first time since 2019 and only their fifth overall appearance.

Their opponent – France will compete in the FIFA U-20 World Cup™ for the fourth time in a row, marking the first time in their history that they have achieved this. Only Argentina, the USA, and New Zealand have longer current streaks of qualifications for the tournament at Chile 2025.

South Africa Group E fixtures

29 September France-South Africa (17:00 local time, Estadio El Teniente)

2 October South Africa-New Caledonia (20:00 local time, Estadio El Teniente)

5 October South Africa-USA (17:00 local time, Estadio El Teniente)

Nigeria set for Norway cracker in FIFA U20 World Cup opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria set for Norway cracker in FIFA U20 World Cup opener  

The FIFA U20 World Cup will commence with an exciting match as Nigeria's Flying Eagles take on Norway's Young Vikings at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca in Chile on Monday. Kickoff time 21:00 WAT.

Both squads understand the importance of a robust opening game, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter filled with skill and intensity beneath the Chilean night sky.

Nigeria enters the tournament with a rich history, marking their 14th appearance and featuring two runner-up finishes, one in 1989 and another in 2005.

Guided by coach Aliyu Zubair, the Flying Eagles blend domestic talent with stars from Europe, aiming to sharpen their offensive play and make a significant impact.

Conversely, Norway, participating in their fourth U20 World Cup, aims to overcome their previous group-stage challenges.

Under the leadership of coach Bjorn Johansen, the Young Vikings bring a strong sense of determination and resilience, looking to make their mark with an impressive showing.

Nigeria’s roster features promising young talent, including goalkeepers Ebenezer Harcourt, Clinton Ezekiel, and Rufa’i Abubakar for defensive stability.

Defenders Ocheche Amos Onyejefu and Daniel Bameyi add international experience, while midfielders Daniel Daga and Israel Ayuma contribute strength and creativity.

In attack, the Flying Eagles showcase offensive power with Achichi Oseer, Kparobo Arierhi, and Sani Suleman.

Nigeria’s Group F fixtures

29 September Norway-Nigeria (17:00 local time, Estadio Fiscal)

2 October Nigeria-Saudi Arabia (20:00 local time, Estadio Fiscal)

5 October Nigeria-Colombia (20:00 local time, Estadio Fiscal)