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.

South Africa Stun Bolivia as Japan defeat Morocco in U17 World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa Stun Bolivia as Japan defeat Morocco in U17 World Cup

In Group A, South Africa delivered a remarkable performance against Bolivia, winning 3-1 despite being down to ten men in their opening match of the FIFA U17 World Cup at the Aspire Zone Complex in Doha, Qatar, on Monday.

Coach Vela Khumalo’s team made history by becoming the first South African national team to win their opening match in a FIFA World Cup  This was also the U17S’s first victory in their second World Cup appearance, following a winless debut in 2015.

The team’s momentum took a hit when Sive Pama was shown a red card midway through the first half. However, Emile Witbooi quickly put them ahead, followed by a close-range goal from Neo Bohloko.

Bolivia fought back with a Panenka-style penalty converted by Jesus Maraude, but Shaun Els sealed the victory for South Africa with a breakaway goal in the final moments.

Final Score: South Africa 3-1 Bolivia  

South Africa Goals: Witbooi (38), Bohloko (50), Els (90+5)  

Bolivia Goal: Maraude (penalty, 72)  

Player of the Match: Kamohelo Mareletse (South Africa)

In Group B, Japan continued their impressive streak at the U-17 World Cup with a solid 2-0 victory over Morocco. The AFC giants nearly opened the scoring in the first half when Anthony Motosuna’s header was disallowed due to a foul on goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch.

Undeterred, Japan eventually broke the deadlock as Hiroto Asada sliced through the Moroccan defence and set up Taiga Seguchi, who finished with a stunning first-time strike into the corner of the net.

Minato Yoshida thought he had added a second shortly after, but his effort was ruled out for handball. Japan finally secured the win in stoppage time, with Daigo Hirashima striking a powerful shot from just inside the box.

Final Score: Japan 2-0 Morocco  

Japan Goals: Seguchi (57), Hirashima (90+8)  

Player of the Match: Daigo Hirashima

CAF Confederation Cup - All you need to know after group stage draw
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Confederation Cup – All you need to know after group stage draw

Zamalek and Al Masry will face each other in the Group Stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26. This exciting matchup, known as the Egyptian Derby, was decided during the draw held at the SuperSport studios in Johannesburg on Monday.

Zamalek, the champion of the 2023/24 season, will compete in Group D alongside the South African team Kaizer Chiefs and the Zambian squad ZESCO United, making it a challenging group.

In Group A, USM Alger from Algeria is the top seed and will play against Djoliba AC de Bamako from Mali, Olympique Club de Safi from Morocco, and FC San Pedro from Cote d’Ivoire.

Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca, a three-time TotalEnergies CAF Champions League winner, leads Group B and will take on AS Maniema from DR Congo, Azam FC from Tanzania, and debutants Nairobi United from Kenya.

CR Belouizdad from Algeria will face last year’s semi-finalists, Stellenbosch FC from South Africa, AS Otoho from Congo, and Singida Black Stars from Tanzania in Group C.

The Group Stages will begin on the weekend of November 21-23, with two rounds scheduled before the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in 2025. The stages will continue on the weekend of January 23-25.

RS Berkane from Morocco is the current champion of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, having won their third title by defeating Simba SC from Tanzania in last year’s final. This victory puts them level with CS Sfaxien from Tunisia for the most titles in history.

Zamalek has won two titles, and USM Alger has one title from the 2022/23 season, making them the only former champions in this year’s competition.

The champions of this season will receive USD 2 million in prize money, while the runners-up will get USD 1 million. Teams that advance from the group stage are guaranteed at least USD 550,000, while teams finishing third and fourth will receive USD 400,000.

TOTALENERGIES CAF CONFEDERATION CUP GROUPS

GROUP A: USM Alger (Algeria), Djoliba AC de Bamako (Mali), Olympique Club de Safi (Morocco), FC San Pedro (Cote d’Ivoire)

GROUP B: Wydad Casablanca (Morocco), AS Maniema (DR Congo), Azam FC (Tanzania), Nairobi United (Kenya)

GROUP C: CR Belouizdad (Algeria), Stellenbosch FC (South Africa), AS Otoho (Congo), Singida Black Stars (Tanzania)

GROUP D: Zamalek (Egypt), Al Masry (Egypt), Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa), ZESCO United (Zambia)

CAF INTERCLUB GROUP STAGE MATCH DAYS

MD1: 21-23 November

MD2: 28-30 November

MD3: 23-25 January

MD4: 30 Janunary-01 February

MD5: 06-08 February

MD6: 13-15 February

CAF Champions League Group Stage Draw confirmed
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Champions League Group Stage Draw confirmed

Reigning champions Pyramids FC of Egypt will take on Moroccan giants RS Berkane in a thrilling rematch, following the draw for the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage on Monday at SuperSport’s studios in Johannesburg.

Lupopo advanced by defeating Orlando Pirates in a penalty shootout, marking their first group stage appearance. Al Hilal has relocated to Rwanda for their matches due to the Sudan conflict and will compete alongside Sundowns for the fourth time in six tournaments.

Defending champions Pyramids are in Group A with Renaissance Berkane, while record winners Al Ahly will face JS Kabylie, Royal Armed Forces, and Young Africans in their group. Simba, which includes former Sundowns players, is in Group D with Esperance.

The top two teams from each group will move on to the quarterfinals in March, with the group stage starting on November 21-22 and running until mid-February.

The draw:

Group A: Power Dynamos (Zambia), Pyramids (Egypt), Renaissance Berkane (Morocco), Rivers United (Nigeria)

Group B: Al Ahly (Egypt), JS Kabylie (Algeria), Royal Armed Forces (Morocco), Young Africans (Tanzania)

Group C: Al Hilal (Sudan), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Mouloudia Alger (Algeria), St Eloi Lupopo (DR Congo)

Group D: Esperance (Tunisia), Petro Atletico (Angola), Simba (Tanzania), Stade Malien (Mali)

Aaron Wan-Bissaka named in DRC squad for World Cup 2026 playoffs
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Aaron Wan-Bissaka named in DRC squad for World Cup 2026 playoffs

West Ham United's defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been included in the Democratic Republic of Congo's squad for their FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off in Morocco this month, as coach Sébastien Desabre aims to explore a broader range of talent.

The squad consists of 25 players, including three Belgian under-21 internationals, as they prepare to face Cameroon on November 13 at the El Barid Stadium in Rabat during the semi-finals of the four-team playoff, with the victor set to play either Gabon or Nigeria in the final in the Moroccan capital four days later.

The Belgian contingent features attacking midfielder Mario Stroeykens, who, at 21, has already taken on the captaincy of Brussels giants Anderlecht; winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha, who plays for Celtic in Scotland; and goalkeeper Matthieu Epolo from Standard Liège, who just last month was on the bench for Belgium’s under-21 squad.

Brian Cipenga from the Spanish club Castellón retains his position after being called up to the Leopards squad last month as a late replacement due to an injury. He earned his first cap as a substitute during the 1-0 victory over Sudan in Kinshasa on October 14.

All players who participated in the victories over Togo (1-0 away on October 10) and Sudan are back for the playoffs, but the Congolese squad is still missing Yoane Wissa, who sustained a Posterior Cruciate Ligament injury during their significant match against Senegal in September.

Dropping from the squad selected for the last two Group B encounters in October are goalkeeper Dimitri Bertaud, defender Dylan Batubinsika, midfielder Grady Diangana, and strikers Jackson Muleka and Afimico Pululu.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Matthieu Epolo (Standard Liege, Belgium), Timothy Fayulu (Noah, Armenia), Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre, France)

Defenders: Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian, Scotland), Gédéon Kalulu (Aris Limassol, Cyprus), Steve Kapuadi (Legia Warsaw, Poland), Joris Kayembe (Racing Genk, Belgium), Arthur Masuaku (Sunderland, England), Chancel Mbemba (Olympique de Marseille, France), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley, England), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United, England)

 

Midfielders: Theo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow, Russia), Michel-Ange Balikwisha (Glasgow Celtic, Scotland), Edo Kayembe (Watford, England), Nathanaël Mbuku (Montpellier, France), Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos, Greece), Ngal’ayel Mukau (Lille, France), Charles Pickel (Espanyol, Spain), Noah Sadiki (Sunderland, England), Mario Stroeykens (Anderlecht, Belgium)

Forwards: Cedric Bakambu (Real Betis, Spain), Samuel Essende (Augsburg, Germany), Brian Cipenga (Castellón, Spain), Meshack Elia (Alanyaspor, Turkey), Fiston Mayele (Pyramids, Egypt).

Nigeria U17 Women's knockout of Fifa World Cup following heavy defeat to Italy
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigeria U17 Women’s knockout of Fifa World Cup following heavy defeat to Italy

Nigeria, the bronze medallists from 2022, have been knocked out of the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup after suffering a 4-0 defeat to Italy on Tuesday.

The Italians continued their stellar performance in the tournament, marking four wins from four games. The Flamingos approached the match with determination, eager to prove they deserved their spot in the Round of 16.

Captain Shakirat Moshood came close to scoring in the 24th minute, but her powerful strike was saved by Italy’s goalkeeper Matilde Robbioni. Just before half-time, Anna Copelli gave Italy the lead by skillfully bypassing Nigeria’s defence and scoring.

In the second half, Nigeria thought they equalised when Nguemo Terlumun scored, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review.

Italy then extended their lead with a stunning long-range strike from Caterina Venturelli, followed by a goal from Giulia Robino just five minutes later. Rachelle Giudici’s late goal was also confirmed by VAR, sealing Nigeria’s heavy defeat.

This loss ended Nigeria’s campaign in Morocco, but the Flamingos will now focus on the qualifying series for the next FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

Zambia part ways with Avram Grant ahead of AFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zambia part ways with Avram Grant ahead of AFCON

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has announced that they have parted ways with Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant by mutual agreement.

Zambia is in search of a new head coach, 53 days to AFCON, after they parted ways with Avram Grant. His sacking is a result of a poor run in the World Cup qualifiers led to this decision.

FAZ general secretary Machacha Shepande indicated in a statement that both sides consented to this separation to create a new direction for the Chipolopolo. “The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has reached an agreement to mutually separate from Zambia’s Senior Men’s National Team coach Avram Grant.

Both parties decided to part ways, with FAZ wishing Mr Grant all the best in his future pursuits,” stated Shepande. “Further details will be shared in due time. For now, we can only express our gratitude to MMrGrant for his contributions to Zambian football.”

FAZ appointed Grant as the head coach on December 22, 2022, with a two-year contract. He led the team to qualify for two consecutive AFCON tournaments in the 2024 and 2025/26 editions.

Zambia is set to compete in the Morocco 2025 AFCON tournament, where the Chipolopolo will be in Group A alongside Morocco, Mali, and Comoros.

HISTORY -Cape Verde reach first-ever Women's Cup of Nations
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

HISTORY: Cape Verde reach first-ever Women’s Cup of Nations

Cape Verdean football is thriving, with the men's team qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and the women's team reaching the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco for the first time.
  • The participating 12 nations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations have been revealed. This continental competition will act as a qualifying event for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil in 2027.  
  • The teams that reach the semi-finals of WAFCON will gain direct qualification to Brazil, while two additional teams will enter the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.

In a tough contest, the Cape Verdean women defeated Mali 4–3 on aggregate to secure their spot in the tournament. This accomplishment shows the growth of women’s football in Cape Verde.

In the first leg, held in Praia, the match did not start well for coach Silvéria Nédio and her team. Mali, with more experience, took control and won 1–0, thanks to a goal from Coumba Dembélé in the 81st minute. This left Cape Verde with a tough challenge for the return leg.

In the second leg in Bamako, in front of a supportive Malian crowd, Cape Verde showed strong offensive skills. Larissa Melo scored the first goal in the 14th minute, followed quickly by Ivânia Moreira in the 17th minute. Elia Vieira added a third goal in the 24th minute, and a Malian own goal made it 4–0 for Cape Verde.

Although Oumou Koné scored twice for Mali, the match ended 4–2, giving Cape Verde a historic victory and a spot in the 2026 Women’s AFCON with an aggregate score of 4–3.

Road to the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026:

First round:

– First leg: Guinea 0–0 Cape Verde

– Second leg: Cape Verde 1–4 Guinea

Second round:

– First leg: Mali 1–0 Cape Verde

– Second leg: Cape Verde 4–2 Mali

Aggregate score: Cape Verde wins 4–3

World Cup playoffs - Nigeria face Gabon as Cameroon take on DR Congo
by Football Sierra Leone

World Cup playoffs – Nigeria face Gabon as Cameroon take on DR Congo

Nigeria, Cameroon, Congo DR, and Gabon are the top runners-up in the CAF qualifiers and will compete in the African play-offs in November 2025. The winner advances to the FIFA Play-Off Tournament in March 2026.

The CAF qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded on October 14, with nine African teams qualifying directly. One more team will have a chance in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.

To reach the FIFA Play-Off Tournament in March 2026, Nigeria, Cameroon, Congo DR, and Gabon will play in a continental play-off during the international window in November 2025.

The African play-offs will happen in Morocco, with the exact stadiums to be announced later. The matches will follow a knockout format, with semi-finals and a final.

The semi-finals will occur on Thursday, November 13, and the final will take place on Sunday, November 16.

How Teams 1 to 4 were determined

Teams 1, 2, 3 and 4 were determined according to the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking published on 17 October.

Team 1: the highest ranked team in the FIFA ranking – Nigeria (41) Team 2: the second highest ranked team in the FIFA ranking – Cameroon (54) Team 3: the third highest ranked team in the FIFA ranking – Congo DR (60) Team 4: the fourth highest ranked team in the FIFA ranking – Gabon (77)

MC Alger advance after goalless draw with Colombe Sportive
by Football Sierra Leone

MC Alger advance after goalless draw with Colombe Sportive

MC Alger advanced to the group stage of the CAF Champions League after securing a goalless draw against Colombe of Cameroon in Algiers on Sunday night.

Mouloudia progressed on aggregate after last week’s 1-1 draw. The Algerian giants return to Africa’s top club competition with renewed confidence.

At the Ali Amar Stadium, MC Alger started strong, dominating possession but struggling with precision in their final passes. Colombe’s solid defense and alert goalkeeper thwarted many threats, forcing Mouloudia to keep recycling possession.

As the match continued, Colombe found their rhythm, aiming to control the game and counterattack, but they also struggled to create clear opportunities.

The second half of the match was marked by fouls and cautions, but neither team could find a decisive moment. MC Alger, despite not being at their best, achieved their goal of progressing to the next stage and joining the continent’s elite.

Now, they focus on the upcoming draw and aim for a deep run in the competition, 49 years after winning their first African title in 1976.

Colombe exits the tournament after a commendable two-leg effort, showing strong organization at home and resilience in Algiers. MC Alger will represent Algeria in the group stage alongside JS Kabylie, as both clubs seek success.

CR Belouizdad sink Guinea's Hafia to reach CAF Confed group stage
by Football Sierra Leone

CR Belouizdad sink Guinea’s Hafia to reach CAF Confed group stage

CR Belouizdad advanced to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage with a 2–0 home victory over Guinea’s Hafia, finishing the aggregate score at 3–1.

After a scoreless first half, the Algerian champions increased the intensity and found the net twice in a span of 14 minutes through Amir Meziane and Lamine Boussouar, effectively ending Hafia’s pursuit.

This outcome follows a 1–1 draw from the previous week away, where Belouizdad established the necessary foundation to complete the task in front of their fans.

Belouizdad initially demonstrated patience, moving the ball around and probing down both wings without overextending themselves.

Hafia, remaining compact and disciplined, attempted to counterattack and restrict the space in between the lines, a strategy that proved effective during a tight first 45 minutes that yielded few clear opportunities.

The hosts emerged from halftime with increased determination, pushed higher up the pitch, and circulated the ball more swiftly through the midfield, immediately putting pressure on the Guinean team.

The first goal came in the 54th minute when Abderrahmane Meziane finished off a right-side play with a composed shot, putting Belouizdad ahead 1–0 and increasing their aggregate lead.

The goal prompted Hafia to push for an equaliser, which Belouizdad exploited. In the 68th minute, Lotfi Boussouar extended the lead with a precise shot from the edge of the penalty area, finding the corner of the net.