Author: Football Sierra Leone

Stellenbosch and Zamalek share CAF Confederation Cup spoils
by Football Sierra Leone

Stellenbosch and Zamalek share CAF Confederation Cup spoils

Stellenbosch and Zamalek ended their first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final at DHL Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday without any goals.

Although there was an energetic atmosphere and moments of offensive play from both teams, neither side was able to score in a closely fought match.

Stellenbosch, competing in the knockout stages of a continental tournament for the first time, delivered a commendable performance and created opportunities to secure a home victory.

The closest they came was in the 72nd minute, when Andre de Jong’s header narrowly missed the target after a well-placed cross from Fawaaz Basadien.

Earlier, Ismaël Touré also made Zamalek goalkeeper Mohamed Awad work hard with a powerful header that was saved down low to the corner.

Zamalek, who have won the CAF Champions League five times and are among the favorites in this tournament, dominated possession for significant periods but found it difficult to penetrate Stellenbosch’s well-structured defense.

The Egyptians came closest to scoring when Naser Mansy’s header required an excellent save from Sage Stephens, and Mostafa Shalaby shot just over the bar late in the first half.

Both teams showed commitment in a match marked by fouls and interruptions. Despite several substitutions in the second half, the draw means the tie will be decided in Cairo next week. While Zamalek will have the advantage at home, Stellenbosch’s determination and attacking potential suggest they could still pull off an upset.

Disturbing incidents at Loftus Versfeld following Sundowns' victory over Esperance
by Football Sierra Leone

Disturbing incidents at Loftus Versfeld following Sundowns’ victory over Esperance

What was supposed to be an exciting show of African football turned chaotic at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Tuesday afternoon. (Image by: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers)

Mamelodi Sundowns won 1-0 against Espérance in the first leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-final, giving them an important advantage for the return match next Tuesday in Tunisia.

After the final whistle, fans from both teams clashed. The visiting supporters started the trouble by throwing objects onto the pitch, aimed at Sundowns’ fans in the lower stands.

Stadium security could have handled the situation quickly, but it escalated into fights between the rival fans. Despite being banned by CAF from using lasers and flares, the Esperance fans set them off during the conflict, while Sundowns’ fans used barriers to defend themselves.

The stadium announcer made repeated efforts to calm the crowd, even requesting an Arabic speaker to ask the visiting fans to stop in their language.

Things nearly got worse when Sundowns’ fans, known as the Yellow Nation, pushed the opposing fans against the railing of the top tier. Thankfully, no one was killed.

After these disturbing events, CAF’s disciplinary committee will look into the incident and make plans for next Tuesday’s match at Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi in Rades, Tunisia, where fans are likely to be hostile.

South Africa won an exciting match against Egypt, finishing 4-3 in their opening game of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday night at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
by Football Sierra Leone

South Africa beat Egypt in AFCON U17 seven-goal thriller

South Africa won an exciting match against Egypt, finishing 4-3 in their opening game of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday night at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

This match was filled with action, including goals, penalties, and a red card. Emile Witbooi scored the winning goal in the 71st minute, helping Amajimbos climb to the top of Group B, tied with Burkina Faso, both having three points.

South Africa started strong, taking the lead in the first minute with a goal from Simphiwe Mlondo. Egypt quickly responded, equalizing three minutes later with a header from Anas Roshdi. The Pharaohs then pulled ahead 3-1 with two more goals from Roshdi and Hamza Abdel Karim in a strong 20-minute period.

Before halftime, South Africa fought back. Neo Bohloko scored two penalties, one in the 27th minute and the second just before the half ended, bringing the score to 3-3.

In the second half, both teams had chances to score. It was Witbooi who broke the deadlock, scoring from the center of the box after receiving a good pass from Bohloko.

In stoppage time, Egypt faced more trouble when Omar Abdel Aziz received a red card after a VAR review. With this result, South Africa is now at the top of Group B alongside Burkina Faso, who earlier beat Cameroon 2-1.

Next, South Africa will play Cameroon on Thursday, while Egypt will aim to recover against Burkina Faso.

Blackburn attacker Augustus Kargbo is itching to get back to playing
by Football Sierra Leone

Blackburn attacker Augustus Kargbo is itching to get back playing

Sierra Leone and Blackburn attacker Augustus Kargbo has expressed his commitment to returning to action in the English Championship with Blackburn.

Kargbo has been spending time on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury, which has sidelined him for six weeks. The Blackburn Rovers forward was substituted just 15 minutes into the match at Pride Park, where the team lost 2-1, following a couple of early challenges.

In an exclusive interview with the club’s TV, Kargbo shared his excitement about being back on the field and playing on natural grass again.

He stated, “It feels great to be back, and I am working hard with the physios to return as soon as possible. I am going to be patient and follow their advice because I am an explosive player, and I need to be cautious.”

Asharaf Tabsoba scored both goals in Burkina Faso U17 AFCON win over Cameroon
by Football Sierra Leone

Asharaf Tabsoba scored both goals in Burkina Faso U17 AFCON win over Cameroon

Burkina Faso started the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with a strong 2-1 win over Cameroon in the first match of Group B in Morocco on Monday.

Asharaf Tabsoba scored both goals for Burkina Faso, helping the team begin their quest for the title positively. He had also played an important role in qualifying for the tournament, scoring two goals in the final against Côte d’Ivoire earlier.

Tabsoba opened the scoring in the 19th minute, easing the team’s nerves. He scored again in the 41st minute, giving Burkina Faso a 2-0 lead at halftime.

After the break, Cameroon pushed hard to score. Their efforts were rewarded in the 75th minute when David Nyangono scored, making it 2-1 and setting up a tense finish.

Despite the pressure from Cameroon, Burkina Faso’s defense remained strong, and they secured the important three points. They will next face Egypt on Thursday, while Cameroon will look to rebound against South Africa on the same day.

Morocco is collaborating on a bid to host the Women's World Cup
by Football Sierra Leone

Morocco join race to host Women’s World Cup

Morocco has joined the race to host the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup as part of a joint bid with Spain and Portugal.

This announcement was made by Rafael Louzan, the President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), who shared the intentions of the three countries.

Spain has already secured the 2030 FIFA Men’s World Cup in partnership with Portugal and Morocco, and the women’s tournament in 2035 would follow a similar structure.

Louzan stated, “What better way to showcase women’s sport than with the contribution of the most important global sporting event: the World Cup. That’s what we’re working on,” in an interview with Relevo.

If successful, Morocco would become the second African country, after South Africa, to host the men’s World Cup, which was held there in 2010. Additionally, Morocco could make history as the first African nation to host both the men’s and women’s World Cup finals.

Ismaila Sarr nets to help Crystal Palace reach FA Cup semi-finals
by Football Sierra Leone

Ismaila Sarr nets to help Crystal Palace reach FA Cup semi-finals

Crystal Palace shocked Fulham at Craven Cottage, winning their fifth consecutive match to reach the FA Cup semi-finals.

Fulham controlled the first 30 minutes but failed to capitalize, with Rodrigo Muniz coming closest to scoring. Eberechi Eze then gave Palace the lead with a stunning strike in the 34th minute, curling a low shot around Bernd Leno. Eze also assisted Ismaila Sarr’s goal before Eddie Nketiah added a third, finishing through Leno’s legs.

This victory marks Palace’s fifth win in a row and their first appearance in the semi-finals since 2022. Managed by Oliver Glasner, the team has transformed after a slow start to the season, now pushing for a spot in the top half of the league and advancing in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

While Palace organized well in a 3-4-2-1 formation, Fulham struggled to create chances after Eze’s goal. Despite making substitutions, they couldn’t recover, leaving them three points away from a Champions League spot. This home loss will sting for Fulham, especially with a Wembley trip on the line.

Algeria thrash Mozambique as DRC, Senegal register wins
by Football Sierra Leone

Algeria thrash Mozambique as DRC, Senegal register wins

Several African countries showed their strength in the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with impressive wins on the last day of Matchday 6 of the qualifiers on Tuesday night.

Algeria won decisively, beating Mozambique 5-1. Morocco, DR Congo, and Senegal also achieved important victories to improve their chances in their groups. Meanwhile, Comoros kept their hopes alive with a close win against Chad in Group I.

Group B – DR Congo 2-0 Mauritania

DR Congo took the lead in Group B after a solid 2-0 win against Mauritania in Kinshasa. Charles Pickel scored in the 3rd minute to start strong for the Leopards. Substitute Fiston Mayele sealed the win with a goal in the 83rd minute. This victory gives DR Congo 13 points, putting them one point ahead of Senegal. Mauritania remains at the bottom with just two points.

Senegal 2-0 Togo

Senegal kept up with the leaders by beating Togo 2-0 in Thiès. Pape Matar Sarr scored the first goal in the 35th minute, with help from Habib Diallo. The Lions of Teranga made it 2-0 when Togo’s Boma scored an own goal from a free kick by Lamine Camara in the 67th minute. Togo has not won in this group, while Senegal has 12 points and a +7 goal difference, placing them second behind DR Congo.

Group E – Morocco 2-0 Tanzania

Morocco continued their perfect start with a 2-0 victory over Tanzania in Agadir. Nayef Aguerd scored the first goal in the 58th minute from a corner kick rebound. Brahim Diaz added a second goal from a penalty soon after. With 15 points from five matches, Morocco is leading Group E and getting closer to World Cup qualification.

Group G – Algeria 5-1 Mozambique  

Mohamed Amoura was the standout player for Algeria, scoring three goals in their 5-1 win over Mozambique in Algiers. He scored the first goal in the 8th minute after a defensive error and followed with another goal before half-time with an assist from Riyad Mahrez. Amoura also assisted Hadjam’s goal and completed his hat-trick later in the match. Algeria now has 12 points from six games, keeping them in contention in Group G.

Group I – Comoros 1-0 Chad

Comoros revived their qualification chances with a 1-0 win over Chad in Berkane. Rafiki Saïd scored the only goal in the 24th minute. This win helped Comoros bounce back from their last defeat to Mali. Comoros moved up to second place, just three points behind the group leaders, Ghana. Chad, with six straight losses, is among the first teams eliminated from the qualifiers.

Thomas Partey scores brace as Ghana go top of Group I
by Football Sierra Leone

Thomas Partey scores brace as Ghana go top of Group I

Thomas Partey scored two goals to help the Black Stars win 3-0 against Madagascar in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Monday evening at the Grand Stade Al-Hoceima stadium.

Ghana took the lead early, with Partey netting the first goal in the 11th minute. He scored again in the 58th minute while Madagascar struggled to find rhythm.

Just minutes after Partey’s second goal, Mohamed Kudus added another goal to make it 3-0. This result gives the Black Stars their fifth win and increases their lead over Madagascar to five points.

Ghana is now well-positioned for a place in the FIFA World Cup, leading Group I with four matches left. Madagascar will be disappointed with this result.

In another match, reigning African champions Côte d’Ivoire won 1-0 against The Gambia. Sébastien Haller scored in the 15th minute, helping The Elephants maintain their lead and keep The Gambia from scoring.

This victory puts Côte d’Ivoire one point ahead of Gabon, who briefly led Group F following their 2-1 win over Kenya on Monday.

CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025
by Football Sierra Leone

Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco schedule confirmed

The Confederation African Football (CAF) has shared important details about the CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025. The tournament will take place from March 30 to April 19, 2025, with 16 countries participating.

Four stadiums will be used for the matches: the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia, the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Berrechid Stadium, both in Casablanca, and the El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida.

The tournament starts on March 30 at the El Bachir Stadium with the opening match featuring Morocco against Uganda, the East African champions, at 22:00 local time (GMT).

On March 31, Tanzania will play against Southern African champions Zambia at 14:00. Later that day, Burkina Faso, last edition’s bronze medallists, will face two-time champions Cameroon in a Group B match at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium at 17:00.

The last match of the day, also at Larbi Zaouli Stadium, will see 2015 runners-up South Africa play against 1997 champions Egypt at 20:00.

On April 1, matches for Groups C and D will begin, featuring the defending champions, Senegal. Senegal will play The Gambia at the El Abdi Stadium at 14:00, while Somalia, in their second finals appearance, will compete against Tunisia at 17:00.

In Group D, Mali, who finished fourth in the last edition, will face tournament newcomers Angola at 17:00. Former champions Côte d’Ivoire will aim for an opening win against the Central African Republic at 20:00.

The TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON Morocco 2025 will also determine which teams qualify for the FIFA World Cup. Africa will have 10 representatives at the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

For a full list of TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 Fixtures, Times and Venues – CLICK HERE 

To download a graphic of the fixtures for editorial use only, CLICK HERE 

TotalEnergies CAF U-17 CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 Groups: 

  • GROUP A: Morocco (Hosts), Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia
  • GROUP B: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, South Africa, Egypt
  • GROUP C: Senegal, Gambia, Somalia, Tunisia
  • GROUP D: Mali, Angola, Cote d’Ivoire, Central African Republic