Category: Sport News

CAF greenlights Ethiopia to host International football after five years
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF green lights Ethiopia to host International football after five years

Ethiopia will host international football matches at home for the first time in five years, following approval from the Confederation of African Football for the use of its Dire Dawa stadium.

Ethiopia, an Eastern African nation with a population of 130 million, has been compelled to play its home matches abroad since 2021 after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) ruled that all three of its primary stadiums – in Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, and Dire Dawa – did not meet international standards.

However, following recent upgrades that received the green light from CAF inspectors, the second-largest stadium in Dire Dawa is set to host Ethiopia’s preliminary round second leg qualifier against São Tomé and Príncipe on March 31, according to the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF).

“Great news! The Dire Dawa International Stadium can now host national team matches,” announced the EFF. Built in partnership with the Dire Dawa city administration, the modern stadium is ready for national and international competitions.”

The EFF has reappointed former international player Yohannes Sahle to prepare the national team for the qualifiers, with the first leg kicking off in São Tomé on March 25.

The team that triumphs after both legs will move on to the group stage of the tournament, with the finals scheduled to take place next year in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Ethiopia, which previously hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 1976, recently finished fifth in Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, earning only nine points from ten matches.

Source AFP

CAF Inter-club winners' money increases by $2m
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Inter-club winners’ money increases by $2m

CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has raised the prize money for winners of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

The Champions League winner will receive USD 6 million, a 50% increase, while the Confederation Cup winner will get USD 4 million, a 100% increase.

During Dr Motsepe’s five years in office, the Champions League prize increased from USD 2.5 million to USD 6 million, a 140% rise, and the Confederation Cup prize rose from USD 1.25 million to USD 4 million, a 220% increase.

Total prize money and support for African clubs now exceed USD 42 million per season, a 123.4% increase since the President took office.

In August 2024, Dr Motsepe announced that teams eliminated in the early rounds of both tournaments would receive USD 50,000 each, increasing to USD 100,000 in 2025. This led to a record 130 clubs participating in the 2025/26 season.

Striker Augustine Williams opens Hartford Athletic USL account
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Augustine Williams opens Hartford Athletic USL account

Sporting Club Jacksonville lost their home opener to Hartford Athletic, 3-0, in the USL Championship on Saturday in front of 10,357 fans at Hodges Stadium.

Augustine William, making his Hartford league debut, scored just before halftime to put Hartford ahead 1-0. Sporting JAX had an early corner kick, but they couldn’t capitalise. Despite creating chances, they struggled against Hartford’s strong defence.

In the second half, JAX pushed for an equaliser, with Emil Jaaskelainen forcing a great save from Hartford’s keeper, Siaha Ngnepi. JAX faced a setback when a penalty kick awarded to Hartford was saved by goalkeeper Christian Olivares, boosting the team’s spirit.

However, Hartford’s Samuel Careaga scored shortly after entering the match, making it 2-0. JAX continued to fight but conceded a final goal from Hartford’s Adewale Obalola in the 90th minute, ending the match 3-0. It was an exciting night for soccer in Jacksonville.

Sierra Leone's Sallieu Bah impressive on FC Zorya Luhansk debut
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s Sallieu Bah impressive on FC Zorya Luhansk debut

Sierra Leonean forward Sallieu Bah kicked off his journey in the Ukrainian Premier League with an outstanding debut as FC Zorya Luhansk won comfortably.

In a commanding 4–0 victory, Bah played a pivotal role by providing an assist in his first match. His contributions were crucial to Zorya Luhansk’s control over the game, securing a decisive three points.

Throughout the match, Bah showcased impressive confidence, quick acceleration, and sharp offensive instincts, quickly fitting into the team’s dynamics.

The Ukrainian side announced his signing last month, expressing that the Sierra Leonean attacking midfielder Sallieu Bach has become a Black and White player!

Read Related News – Wilberforce Strikers confirm Salliue Bah transfer to FC Zorya
Sierra Leone's Sallieu Bah impressive on FC Zorya Luhansk debut
Sierra Leone's Sallieu Bah impressive on FC Zorya Luhansk debut
David Simbo makes Lions debut in win over FCFC
by Football Sierra Leone

David Simbo makes Lions debut in win over FCFC

Veteran defender David Simbo made his debut for the East End Lions in their 2-0 triumph over Freetown City on Saturday.

In the first 45 minutes, Simbo demonstrated his worth on the field only a week after joining the club on a one-year agreement. Attacker Kwame Quee scored their first before Mohamed Fogbawa wrapped the win up with a second.

Simbo’s defensive ability was instrumental in making sure his team was secure in the opening half of the ongoing Leone Rock Premier League.

His presence in the backline not only strengthened the team’s defence but also assisted their general strategy, helping to restrain Freetown City’s aggressive assaults.

Simbo’s first effort establishes a good tone for his future with the team as East End Lions strive to rise in the league rankings. Following a difficult first round, the victory brought E E Lions to eight.

CAF announces new dates for Women’s AFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF announces new dates for Women’s AFCON

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the delay of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to July-August, putting an end to weeks of uncertainty regarding whether the event would proceed as planned this month.

This tournament serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, where four teams from Africa will secure automatic entry, while an additional two will enter the inter-continental qualifiers.

In October 2024, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) awarded the hosting rights for the prestigious TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 to Morocco.

Initially, the tournament was set to take place from March 17 to April 3, 2026. However, after thorough discussions that involved CAF, its key partners, including FIFA, and various other stakeholders, it became evident that adjustments were necessary to facilitate the success of this significant women’s football event.

Consequently, CAFdecidedn to reschedule the WAFCON 2026 to a new timeframe, now planned for July 25 to August 16, 2026.

This change aims to accommodate various unforeseen circumstances that could impact the tournament’s execution, thereby ensuring a smooth and successful competition that showcases the talents of women footballers across Africa.

Preparations for the CAF WAFCON 2026 are underway, and all the parties are confident that it will be very successful.

Mohamed Ouahbi Assumes Role as the New Coach for Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mohamed Ouahbi Assumes Role as the New Coach for Morocco

It’s official: Walid Regragui has stepped down as head coach of the Atlas Lions, ending weeks of speculation about his future. Mohamed Ouahbi has been appointed as Morocco’s new national team coach.

The Morocco Football Federation (FRMF) announced Morocco’s disappointing exit from the AFCON, highlighted by a chaotic final against Senegal on January 18, during which the match was interrupted by fans storming the field.

Regragui had previously stated he would resign if he failed to win AFCON, fueling rumours about his departure. In addition to his resignation, reports were linking him to a possible move to Marseille.

Regragui took charge of the Moroccan national team on August 31, 2022, just before the World Cup in Qatar. He had previously enjoyed success, leading Wydad Casablanca to a CAF Champions League title and making history with FUS Rabat by winning their first league title in 70 years. Under his leadership, Morocco reached the World Cup semi-finals, marking a historic achievement for African and Arab teams.

Despite a solid record of 35 wins, 9 draws, and 5 losses, Morocco’s AFCON campaign revealed challenges, particularly regarding squad management. Key decisions, such as fielding injured players like Romain Saiss, drew criticism.

Ouahbi, who has been influential in Morocco’s youth setup since March 2022, replaces Regragui. He led the U‑20 team to a World Cup victory in 2025 and has a strong coaching background, including 17 years at Anderlecht’s academy. His emphasis on youth development and long-term planning aligns with the FRMF’s vision.

As Morocco faces the next World Cup cycle, Ouahbi’s experience and success at the junior level position him well to manage the team under pressure. He will immediately step into his role, tasked with leading the national team in their upcoming challenges.

All you need to know about CAF Confederation Cup knockout rounds
by FSL News

All you need to know about CAF Confederation Cup knockout rounds

Dates and kick-off times have been officially announced for the quarter-finals of the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, marking an exciting stage in the knockout rounds of this prestigious tournament.

This mid-March, several high-stakes matches will take the spotlight across Africa, featuring a highly anticipated Moroccan derby and a series of fierce North African rivalries, all battling for a coveted spot in the semi-finals.

One of the standout matchups sees Moroccan teams Olympique Club de Safi and Wydad AC face off. The first leg kicks off in Safi on 15 March at 22:00 GMT, followed by the return leg in Casablanca on 22 March at 19:00 GMT. This tie guarantees that at least one Moroccan side will make it to the last four.

In another significant clash, Egyptian club Al Masry SC will compete against Algeria’s CR Belouizdad. Their first game is set for 14 March at 20:00 GMT, with the decisive second leg scheduled for 21 March at 19:00 GMT.

Egyptian giants Zamalek SC will also start their quarter-final quest away from home, facing off against AS Otoho from Congo on 14 March at 13:00 GMT, with the return leg taking place on 22 March at 16:00 GMT.

Additionally, DR Congo’s AS Maniema Union will host Algeria’s USM Alger in the first leg on 15 March at 13:00 GMT, while the return fixture in Algeria is set for 22 March at 19:00 GMT.

These dates and times come after last month’s quarter-final draw in Cairo, where teams learned their opponents and potential pathways to the final. The ties will be played over two legs, with the aggregate winners moving on to the semi-finals of Africa’s second-tier club tournament.

The draw has laid out a clear road to the final: the team emerging from the AS Maniema Union and USM Alger clash will face the winner of the Moroccan derby between Olympique Safi and Wydad Casablanca. On the other side of the bracket, the victor between Al Masry and CR Belouizdad will meet the team that advances from the battle between Zamalek and AS Otoho.

The semi-finals are scheduled for 10–12 April (first legs) and 17–19 April (second legs), with the two-legged final taking place in May, crowning the new champions of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup. With the schedule now set, the eight remaining clubs can fully focus on their preparations as they aim for continental glory.

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 – Quarter-final fixtures (all times GMT)

First legs

14 March 2026

13:00 — AS Otohô vs Zamalek SC

14 March 2026

20:00 — Al Masry SC vs CR Belouizdad

15 March 2026

13:00 — AS Maniema Union vs USM Alger

15 March 2026

22:00 — Olympique Club Safi vs Wydad AC

Second legs

21 March 2026

19:00 — CR Belouizdad vs Al Masry SC

22 March 2026

16:00 — Zamalek SC vs AS Otohô

22 March 2026

19:00 — Wydad AC vs Olympique Club Safi

22 March 2026

19:00 — USM Alger vs AS Maniema Union
The first leg semi-finals of the 2023/24 CAF Champions League campaign will take place on Saturday, April 20th.
by Football Sierra Leone

Dates confirmed for Inter-club Champions League quarter-finals

The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has confirmed the dates and kick-off times for the quarter-finals of the 2025/26 CAF Inter-club Champions League. These matches will take place across Africa in March.

A key match to watch is between the Egyptian team Al Ahly and the Tunisian team Esperance Sportive de Tunis. The first leg will be in Tunis on 15 March at 21:00 GMT, and the return leg will be in Cairo on 21 March at 19:00 GMT.

South African team Mamelodi Sundowns will play against Mali’s Stade Malien. Their first leg is on 13 March at 18:00 GMT, and the return match will be in Bamako on 22 March at 16:00 GMT.

Defending champions Pyramids FC will face the Moroccan team AS FAR. They will meet on 13 March at 22:00 GMT in Morocco, with the return match in Egypt on 21 March at 16:00 GMT.

Moroccan team RS Berkane will play against Sudan’s Al Hilal starting on 14 March at 22:00 GMT, with the second leg on 22 March at 16:00 GMT.

These quarter-finals highlight both classic rivalries and new matchups with clubs from North, West, and Southern Africa. The draw for these matches was held in Cairo last month.

The matches will be played over two legs, and the winners will advance to the semifinals. The winners of the Al Ahly vs. Esperance match will face the winner of the Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Stade Malien game. On the other hand, the victor of AS FAR and Pyramids FC will face the winner of the RS Berkane vs Al Hilal match.

The semi-finals are set for April, with the first legs between 10 and 12 April and the return legs between 17 and 19 April. The final will take place in May to decide the new continental champion.

With the quarter-final schedule now confirmed, teams will focus on this important stage of the competition, where they will compete for a spot in the semi-finals and the chance for continental success.

TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2025/26 – Quarter-final fixtures (all times GMT)
First legs

13 March 2026

18:00 — Mamelodi Sundowns vs Stade Malien

13 March 2026

22:00 — AS FAR vs Pyramids FC

14 March 2026

22:00 — RS Berkane vs Al Hilal

15 March 2026

21:00 — Esperance ST vs Al Ahly

Second legs

21 March 2026

16:00 — Pyramids FC vs AS FAR

21 March 2026

19:00 — Al Ahly vs Esperance ST

22 March 2026

16:00 — Al Hilal vs RS Berkane

22 March 2026

16:00 — Stade Malien vs Mamelodi Sundowns
Amir Abdou named new Burkina Faso head coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Amir Abdou named new Burkina Faso head coach

Burkina Faso has appointed Amir Abdou as the new head coach of the national football team. The Burkina Faso Football Federation believes this marks a new era of discipline and ambition for the Stallions.

Abdou, 53, takes over from Brama Traore, who was dismissed after the team’s early exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The federation chose him for his strong understanding of African football and his success with national teams.

He previously led the Comoros team to the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 2021 and achieved success with Mauritania, including a notable win over Algeria at AFCON 2023. Abdou also won two league titles with FC Nouadhibou and recently worked at Hassania Agadir in Morocco.

Burkina Faso has a strong football history, reaching the AFCON final in 2013 and the semi-finals in 2017 and 2021. However, they have struggled with consistency. Abdou must now enhance a team filled with experienced players and emerging talents.

His first matches are scheduled for March 2026, and the federation has not yet confirmed the opponents. With World Cup qualifying and upcoming tournaments ahead, there is little room for error. Fans expect the Stallions to regain their status as one of Africa’s top teams, and the federation hopes Abdou’s leadership will help them achieve this