Category: African News

Our African football page passionately on all continental topics of all National and International football news, Identifying football heroes on our continent.

Gambian international Alieu Fadera joins Sassuolo on loan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Gambian international Alieu Fadera joins Sassuolo on loan

Looking for more regular playing time in the 2025-26 season, Gambian international Alieu Fadera has completed his  loan transfer to US Sassuolo.

23-year-old Fadera is leaving Como for Sassuolo looking for a new beginning in Serie A. Starting his career at Real de Banjul, the Gambian international had a strong season at Como, playing 28 games, but lost his starting position in February after receiving a red card.

Starting in Slovakia with Pohronie, where he scored 5 goals and added 4 assists in the 2020/21 campaign, his path in European football began there. He next played in Belgium for Zulte Waregem and KRC Genk.

Ten appearances in qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and 2026 FIFA World Cup make Feder ten times valuable player for the Gambia national team. Preparing for the Coppa Italia game against Catanzaro on August 15, he is now with Sassuolo for preseason training.

Morocco first to touch down in Kenya ahead of CHAN 2024
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco first to touch down in Kenya ahead of CHAN 2024

Ahead of the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, Morocco has arrived.

Landing in Nairobi, the team is eager to get ready for the competition hoping to be the first to lift the CHAN championship three times.

At 4:00 am local time on Monday morning, the Atlas Lions arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi to be greeted by a vibrant East African welcome highlighting energetic traditional dancers and music. 

Hoping to create history as the first team to secure the CHAN trophy for the third time, the North African giants are quickly getting set as they prepare for their first match.

“We are excited to be here and ready for CHAN,” stated AS FAR defender Marouane Louadni, who added that Nairobi is already great and that the weather is amazing. We cannot wait for a successful competition.

On Saturday, August 2 marks the start of the competition for national league players only, highlighting regional ability. Other Groups Soon after Morocco are scheduled to arrive.

On Sunday they start their Angola campaign. Two-time winners Morocco is in Group A with Kenya, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia, and is widely regarded as a clear frontrunner.

Super Falcons of Nigeria fight back from two goals down to WAFCON 2024 holders
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigeria fight back from two goals down to WAFCON 2024 holders

Nigeria won their tenth TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title by defeating Morocco 3-2 in a dramatic comeback.

The match took place at the Stade Olympique in Rabat. Trailing 2-0 at halftime, Nigeria’s Super Falcons rallied in the second half, with goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and a late winner by Joe Echegini.

Morocco initially took the lead with goals from Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaâ Mssoudy before Nigeria’s comeback, sparked by a penalty awarded after a VAR review for a handball by Nouhaila Benzina.

Momentum shifted to Nigeria when Okoro provided a key pass to Ijamilusi in the 71st minute, who equalised with a left-footed shot.

The Super Falcons secured their victory just before extra time, as Esther Okoronkwo assisted Joe Echegini, who scored in the 88th minute. Despite late pressure from Morocco, Nigeria held strong during stoppage time.

This win marked Nigeria’s 10th African championship in 13 editions, reinforcing their dominance in African women’s football and sending a clear message that they remain the team to beat.

Eric Chelle names 23-man squad Super Eagles for CHAN
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Eric Chelle names 23-man Super Eagles squad for CHAN

With important Super Eagles B team members including captain Junior Harrison Nduka and leading scorer Anas Yusuf, head coach Eric Chelle has released his team for the forthcoming CHAN tournament.

Nine players from Remo Stars, winners of the Nigeria Premier Football League, have been chosen in his last 23-man team for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Before leaving for Zanzibar, where they will conduct a second-phase training camp and play warm-up games against Zanzibar, the team has been training at the Remo Stars Sports Institute.

Grouped with Senegal, Sudan, and Congo, Nigeria aspires to win their first CHAN championship following a runner-up in 2018 and bronze in 2014.

Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will host the 2–30 August tournament.

The Super Eagles B Squad 

Goalkeepers: Henry Ozoemena Ani (Enyimba FC); Nurudeen Badmus (Kwara United); Lawal Mustapha (Shooting Stars)

Defenders: Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars); Bankole Afeez (Kwara United); Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United); Uzondu Harrison (Ikorodu City); Junior Harrison Nduka (Remo Stars); Ngengen Leonard (Ikorodu City); Steven Mayo Egbe (Rivers United)

Midfielders: Adedayo Olamilekan (Remo Stars); Hadi Haruna (Remo Stars); Otaniyi Taofik (Rivers United); Akanni Qudus (Remo Stars); Michael Tochukwu (Remo Stars); Alex Oyowah (Remo Stars)

Forwards: Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United); Shola Adelani (Ikorodu City); Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Temitope Vincent (Plateau United); Ijoma Anthony (Abia Warriors); Godwin Obaje (Rangers International); Jabbar Malik (Remo Stars)

Morocco named Nations Championship squad with high hopes
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco named Nations Championship squad with high hopes

Morocco’s national team is preparing for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) after missing the 2022 edition.

Coach Tarik Sektioui has named a 28-man squad aiming to reclaim the title they last won in 2020.

“We focused our selection on technical ability and team chemistry,” said Sektioui. Despite some player departures to Europe, we are confident this squad has what it takes to represent Morocco with pride.”

The squad features experienced players from local clubs like RS Berkane, Raja Casablanca, and Wydad Casablanca, including standout players from Berkane and two senior national team members: Youssef Belammari and goalkeeper Rachid Ghanimi.

The tournament, reserved for players in national leagues, will take place from August 2 to 30 across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Morocco is in Group A, competing against Kenya, Angola, Zambia, and DR Congo.

The team’s campaign starts against Angola. With a strong attacking lineup and past successes in CHAN, Morocco aims to showcase their strength and reclaim their status as a top contender in African football.

Morocco Squad – TotalEnergies CHAN 2024

Goalkeepers:

  • Al Harrar Elmehdi
  • Rachid Ghanimi (FUS Rabat)
  • Aqzdaou Omar (Wydad Casablanca)

Defenders:

  • Moufid Mohamed (Wydad Casablanca)
  • Boulacsout Mohamed
  • Mchakhchekh Mehdi
  • Louadni Marouane
  • Arrassi Bouchaib
  • Assal Abdelhak (RS Berkane)
  • Belammari Youssef (Raja Casablanca)
  • Zahouani Fouad

Midfielders:

  • Khairi Ayoub (RS Berkane)
  • Hrimat Mohamed Rabie
  • Souane Amine
  • Essadak Houssam
  • Hajji Reda (RS Berkane)
  • Bach Anas
  • Aït Ouarkhane Khalid
  • Bougrine Sabir

Forwards:

  • Mehri Youssef (RS Berkane)
  • El Mahraoui Anass
  • Bouhra Saïf-Eddine (Wydad Casablanca)
  • Baba Khalid
  • Riahi Imad (RS Berkane)
  • Salaheddine Errahouli
  • Mouloua Ayoub
  • El Kaabi Youness
  • Lamlioui Oussama (RS Berkane)
Coach Benni McCarthy Names Harambee Squad for CHAN Tournament
by Football Sierra Leone

Coach Benni McCarthy Names Harambee Squad for CHAN Tournament

HarambHarambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has announced a 25-man squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to take place from August 2, 2025, in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

The squad includes experienced goalkeepers Faruk Shikhalo, Sebastian Wekesa, and Byrne Omondi. The defense features a mix of seasoned players and young talent, including captain Abud Omar and debutants Swaleh Pamba and Kevin Okumu.

In midfield, notable players include Brian Musa and Alpha Onyango, while the attack will be led by Masoud Juma.

The team will be captained by Abud Omar, with support from Daniel Sakari and Alphonce Omija. McCarthy expressed confidence in the team’s preparations.

Kenya is grouped with DR Congo, Angola, Morocco, and Zambia, beginning their campaign on August 3, 2025, against DR Congo at Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani, aiming to leverage home support for a strong performance in the tournament.

Kenya Listed CHAN 2024 Squad

Goal Keepers

Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Sebastian Wekesa

Defenders

Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Pamba Swaleh, Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Mike Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, Kevin Okumu

Midfielders

Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire

Fowards

Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, Masoud Juma, Austin Odongo, Felix Oluoch

Hosts Morocco advance to Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hosts Morocco advance to Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final

Hosts Morocco won 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 tie in regulation and extra time in Rabat on Tuesday night, advancing to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final for the second year in a row.

During the shootout, Khadija ErRmichi, Morocco’s goalkeeper, made a very important stop; Ghana missed two penalties. Morocco’s victory qualifies it for the final against Nigeria on Saturday; Ghana will fight South Africa for third place on Friday.

Ghana took the lead in the 26th minute with a goal from Stella Nyamekye in the game. In the 55th minute, Morocco equalized when Sakina Ouzraoui Diki scored under continued pressure.

Though each side had opportunities, neither could find a winner in normal time. Morocco made all their shots, therefore penalties decided the victor following extra time.

As they seek their first WAFCON championship at home, Moroccan players and supporters erupted in celebration upon the last whistle. Ghana will attempt to get a medal in the third-place match on Friday.

Morocco's Sakina Ouzraoui is our TotalEnergies Woman of the Match after a splendid performance vs Ghana!
Morocco's Sakina Ouzraoui is our TotalEnergies Woman of the Match after a splendid performance vs Ghana!
Super Falcons of Nigeria beat South Africa to reach into WAFCON final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Super Falcons of Nigeria beat South Africa to reach WAFCON final

Nigeria triumphed 2-1 over their closest rivals, South Africa, in a thrilling Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semifinal on Tuesday evening.

The win guaranteed their spot in the final, which also preserved their chances for a record-extending 10th continental title.

The game featured outstanding performances from Rasheedat Ajibade and Michelle Alozie, who scored pivotal goals that helped the Super Falcons avenge their 2022 loss to Banyana Banyana, reaffirming Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football.

Just before halftime, Ajibade converted a penalty after Bambanani Mbane handled the ball in the South African box to open the scoring. This aim mirrored Nigeria’s first-half dominance as they controlled the pace of the game with a disciplined defence and rapid transitions, with Alozie and Ihezuo constantly threatening.

In the second half, defending champions South Africa fought back and were given a penalty in the 60th minute when Hildah Magaia was fouled by Osinachi Ohale. Linda Motlhalo successfully converted the penalty, tying the scores and temporarily changing the momentum in favour of Banyana Banyana.

But just as extra time looked to be around, Michelle Alozie scored a spectacular long-range victor deep into stoppage time. Her 35-yard shot past goalkeeper Andile Dlamini set off rowdy celebrations among Nigerian players and fans at Stade Larbi Zaouli.

Tensions erupted during the final minutes of the game, leading to injuries and many yellow cards, with Chinwendu Ihezuo being carried off. Still, Nigeria held strong for nine minutes of stoppage time to guarantee the victory and go forward in the championship.

Still undefeated in the competition, the Super Falcons will go into the championship with fresh optimism. Meanwhile, South Africa’s title defence comes to disappointment despite their preparation for the third-place playoff.

Two mouth-watering Women's AFCON semi-final ties
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Two mouth-watering Women’s AFCON semi-final ties

Two mouth-watering semi-final ties are in the menu at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Tuesday.

First, nine-times winners Nigeria will have some titanic battle for the ages against champions South Africa in Casablanca at 16:00 GMT.

And in Rabat, the hosts, Morocco, take on the lowest-ranked side left, Ghana, at 19:00.

Now we still have the prospect of a repeat of the 2022 final when Banyana Banyana defeated the Atlas Lionesses 2-1, once again in the capital, on Saturday evening.

Form and fancy would suggest joining Nigeria and Morocco together. However, an all-West African encounter could also inject an extra dimension to a tournament that has not lacked compelling narratives.

Morocco and Ghana have yet to win the championship, which the Confederation of African Football has doubled to $1m for the victors and introduced a new trophy.

The tournament hosts are now on course to reach the final for a second consecutive time, having cruised to a 3-1 win over Mali.

Yet another passionate home crowd of the 21,000-capacity Olympic Stadium is anticipated in the capital to back the Atlas Lionesses.

“The public who have come to the stadium have encouraged us from the outset,” coach Jorge Vilda said.

It’s been that way, and hopefully it’s the same in the semi-final. What we have in our mind is we want to arrive at the final.”

The last four at the Women's Cup of Nations in Morocco
The last four at the Women's Cup of Nations in Morocco
New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Club football

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced new coaching rules. Head coaches and assistants for senior national teams must hold a CAF A Licence or Pro to enhance coaching standards across Africa.

CAF has unveiled new coaching standards approved by the Executive Committee to raise coaching quality throughout Africa, thereby affecting national teams, every club event, and the CAF Women’s Champions League.

According to CAF’s recent correspondence to Members Associations, Coaches without the necessary licenses must begin obtaining them now, but those hired before May 4, 2025, have a grace period until the end of the 2026/2027 season.

New coaches employed by clubs and national teams must meet the required credentials, as well as current agreements.

Coaches who miss the deadline standards will be prohibited from entering technical areas during official CAF events; they will also not be able to sign up as team officials or take part in team activities, therefore jeopardising their careers. Failure to follow instructions might result in more punitive measures.

“It is also important to underscore that in case of non-fulfilment of the above requirements, the affected coach would be prohibited from accessing Zones 1 and 2 of the stadiums during CAF matches.

Additionally, coaches will not be registered as team officials or permitted to participate in any official team activities.

Other sporting sanctions, including a referral to the CAF Judicial Bodies, may apply, ” the communication stated.

We take this opportunity to once again express our appreciation for your continued contributions to the development of African football and our continuous support to collectively enhance its future. We trust that you will play a pivotal role in the successful implementation of these new directives.”

This decision highlights CAF’s dedication to raising the standard of coaching and governance in African football by aligning it with international norms and hoping to increase the worldwide competitive presence of the continent.

New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football