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.

Sunderland sign Ivorian star player Simon Adingra
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sunderland sign Ivorian star player Simon Adingra

Sunderland FC has formally revealed the permanent transfer of brilliant winger Simon Adingra from Brighton and Hove Albion.

The 23-year-old global from the Ivory Coast has made the transfer for a reported £21 million, agreeing to a five-year deal at the Stadium of Light.

Originally from FC Nordsjælland, a Danish club renowned for nurturing young talent, Adingra first joined Brighton in 2022. While on loan at Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in the 202223 season, he gained priceless experience that helped them to campaign noticeably.

He appeared in 29 games last season in the Premier League, displaying his ability by scoring two goals and giving two assists to his teammates.

Looking to have a big influence in the English Football League, Adingra’s career is at a thrilling fresh start with this move to Sunderland.

DR Congo's  Noah Sadiki pens Sunderland's long-term deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

DR Congo’s Noah Sadiki pens Sunderland’s long-term deal

Sunderland has confirmed their new acquisition DR Congo International Noah Sadiki on a five-year deal at the Stadium of Light and becomes the third summer sigings ahead of the Premier League season.

Having been instrumental in their historic 2024–25 Belgian championship win, the adaptable midfielder arrives on Wearside from Royale Union SaintGilloise for an unknown sum.

Before joining Union SG in 2023, the 20-year-old already has 140 senior appearances under his belt and represented R.S.C. Anderlecht.

 

He stated: “I am grateful to everyone for their welcome in Sunderland. Though this Club is large, talking to the people persuaded me. They discussed their belief in my role, the history, and their wish for construction.

I’ll add duels, forward runs, track back, and passion. First and foremost, I seek victory; hence, I carry this wish everywhere I walk onto the field. My team is now this one, and I am very satisfied with my choice.

Born in Brussels, Sadiki joined Anderlecht at six and climbed through the RSCA levels before Head Coach Vincent Kompany noticed him and chose him for two friendly games in October 2021 and January 2022.

Featuring 12 times in the Jupiler Pro League during the 202223 season and five times in the UEFA Conference League, he also played for RSCA Futures, Anderlecht’s second team, in the Challenger Pro League, Belgium’s second division.

Banda nets twice as Zambia beat Senegal in five-goal thriller
by FSL News

Banda nets twice as Zambia beat Senegal in five-goal thriller

With a 3-2 victory over Senegal in Group A on Wednesday at Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia, Zambia made a strong statement in their quest for the title at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The game was exciting, full of action, strong shots, and instances of personal brilliance. Having twice encountered a tough Senegalese squad, the Copper Queens showed their resolve to grab all three points.

Following a lacklustre 2-2 draw with hosts Morocco in their opening, Zambia understood they needed this victory, and they produced. Scoring just five minutes in, with star player Nguenar Ndiaye finding the net thanks to a pass from Méta Kandé, Senegal surprised them.

Zambia responded quickly, with Captain Barbra Banda equalising in the 12th minute after a pass from Racheal Kundananji. They took the lead just six minutes into the second half when Kundananji scored in the 51st minute 

Banda’s brace came in the 73rd minute, widening Zambia’s lead. Senegal had a chance to come back when Ndiaye scored from a penalty in the 80th minute, narrowing the lead to 3-2.

In extra time, Senegal pressured with corners and attempts, but Zambia’s goalkeeper, Ng’ambo Musole, made crucial saves to secure the victory. With this win, Zambia sits on four points in Group A as they aim for their final group match, demonstrating their intent to be title contenders.

Racheal Kundananji named Woman of the Match
Racheal Kundananji named Woman of the Match
New Everton's deal for Senegal international Idrissa Gana Gueye
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New Everton’s deal for Senegal international Idrissa Gana Gueye

With the option for another year, Senegal international Idrissa Gana Gueyehas signed a new one-year deal with Everton to stay until June 2026.

Winning the Club’s Player of the Season and the Players’ Player of the Season accolades, Gueye had a remarkable 2024–25 season.

Gueye said: “Everyone knows what Everton means to my family and me following his contract. This club is more than merely a place I play; it’s part of who I am after six seasons here. Beginning my seventh year as a Blue brings me great pride. I am ready and more driven than I have ever been last season.

“This season is significant given our new stadium and momentum.” We have the opportunity to construct something significant. To once again raise the bar and bring Everton back where it should be, we need to collaborate—players, coaches, the manager, the board, and our fans. I completely support that challenge. Let’s start over together.

Manager David Moyes of Everton was pleased to extend Gueye’s contract, noting, “We are excited Idrissa has left. Given many new players and the new stadium, his familiarity with the Club will be rather important. Idrissa will help everybody integrate.”

Gueye will increase his 211 Everton appearances made since joining from Aston Villa in August 2016. After three years with Paris Saint Germain, he came back to the club in 2022.

Mali edge Tanzania as South Africa defeat Ghana in WAFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali edge Tanzania as South Africa defeat Ghana in WAFCON

On Monday night, Mali narrowly defeated Tanzania 10 in Group C TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Following a set piece, Saratou Traoré scored with a composed shot from the centre of the box during stoppage time in the first half to become the only goal of the game.

In a game when both sides generated chances but had trouble turning them into goals, this objective became the deciding moment.

Tanzania had several scoring opportunities in the second half, including a header from Stumai Athumani that Mali’s goalkeeper, Fatoumata Karentao, saved. Elizabeth Chenge also had an opportunity, but offside calls presented problems.

Tanzania had many scoring possibilities in the second half, including a header from Stumai Athumani saved by Mali’s goalkeeper, Fatoumata Karentao. Although Elizabeth Chenge also had an opportunity, Tanzania struggled with offside judgments.

Mali played defensively; Karentao made important saves to protect their lead. Tanzania argued for an equalizer during stoppage time and won late free kicks, but Donisia Minja’s shot in the 95th minute went over the goal.

Ultimately, Mali grabbed the victory by remaining steady and grabbing their chances, therefore raising their position in the competition.

Early on, in their Group C opening in Oujda on Monday, reigning champions South Africa got their 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations going with a 20 victory against Ghana.

The first 35 minutes saw the goals by Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe, which helped Banyana Banyana demonstrate they are formidable title contenders in the larger 12-team competition.

Day three of the Women's Cup of Nations results
Day three of the Women's Cup of Nations results
Ola Aina has inked new Nottingham Forest deal until 2028
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigerian defender Ola Aina inks new Nottingham Forest deal

Nottingham Forest has confirmed that Nigerian defender Ola Aina has signed a fresh deal, therefore lengthening his contract through the summer of 2028.

Beginning in 35 of 38 Premier League games, the Nigerian was crucial in the team’s 24/25 run.

Mostly used on the right side of Forest’s stout defence throughout the season, the versatile 28-year-old had spent the majority of the past season playing leftback.

He acquired possession in the defensive third more times than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues during the 2024–2025 campaign, thanks in large part to his persistent defence.

Ola Aina scored twice during Forest’s seventh-place Premier League finish, including a spectacular 30-win over West Ham.

From Turin, he joined Forest in the summer of 2023 and has made 59 appearances thereafter. Having played 100 games in Italy’s top division, Aina is on the verge of another milestone with only four caps required to reach 50 for Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

Aina expressed his enthusiasm at the contract extension and stated he feels at home with the club and is getting ready for the next season.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis lauded Aina’s personality and influence; Chief Football Officer Ross Wilson noted his contributions on and off the field. Aina is happy to keep travelling with the club and help meet its goals.

Nigeria and Algeria register opening Women's Cup of Nations win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria and Algeria register opening Women’s Cup of Nations wins

Nigeria started their quest for another Women’s Africa Cup of Nations championship with a 3-0 victory over Tunisia in Group B on Sunday at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

With a header from Omorinsola Babajide’s cross, Asisat Oshoala found the fourth minute. Nigeria dominated the first half, keeping Tunisia under pressure. Just before halftime, Babajide scored following a pass, bringing the total to 20; VAR confirmed the goal.

Nigeria made three substitutions at halftime, bringing in Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo, and Christy Ucheibe, thereby adding energy to the squad.

Elsewhere, thanks to a goal from midfielder Ghoutia Karchouni, Algeria won 1-0 versus Botswana in Group B of the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2024 in Morocco.

Described as a tight shot with a reserved celebration, the aim represents her return to her roots and her loyalty to the team at the age of 29.

All Sunday's WAFCON results
All Sunday's WAFCON results
Senegal ease past DR Congo in WAFCON opener
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegal ease past DR Congo in WAFCON opener

Senegal made a powerful statement in Group A of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a commanding 4-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday in Mohammedia.

Mama Diop and Nguenar Ndiaye each scored two goals in a dominant first half, leading the Lionesses of Teranga to an emphatic win in their opening match.

The scoring started in the fifth minute when Mama Diop struck a powerful shot into the net after receiving a pass from Méta Kandé. Nguenar Ndiaye doubled the lead in the 13th minute with a composed finish, and by the 22nd minute, Diop had her second goal, capitalising on a defensive error. Just before halftime, Ndiaye headed home from a Hapsatou Diallo cross, ensuring a four-goal lead.

In the second half, DR Congo regrouped, hitting the woodwork and forcing Senegal’s goalkeeper, Adji Ndiaye, into several key saves. Despite their efforts, the Leopardesses couldn’t find a goal.

The result puts Senegal at the top of Group A, ahead of Morocco and Zambia, who drew 2-2 in their opening match.

For DR Congo, this loss serves as a reminder of the challenges ahead as they look to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Meanwhile, Senegal appears poised to compete strongly for a spot in the quarter-finals.

Hosts Morocco share WAFCON opening spoils with Zambia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hosts Morocco share WAFCON opening spoils with Zambia

The opener of the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the Stade Olympique in Rabat on Saturday evening ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw between Morocco and Zambia.

By scoring first just one minute into the game, Zambia stunned the local audience. After Margaret Belemu began a fast counterattack, Barbra Banda took advantage of room outside the box and struck a strong shot into the lower left corner.

The Zambians started strong and appeared violent at first. Morocco, though, rapidly reassembled and started attacking. In the 12th minute, Grace Chanda tripped Najat Badri in the penalty area, proving their efforts worthwhile. Having reviewed VAR, the referee gave a penalty; Ibtissam Jraïdi coolly converted to tie the game.

Zambia continued to threaten on the break despite the equaliser. In the 27th minute, Banda’s perfectly placed pass through the Moroccan defence created Racheal Kundananji’s opportunity. Kundananji readily completed the opportunity, putting Zambia back ahead.

Zambia looked more clinical than Morocco at halftime, who struggled with missed opportunities, notably from Fatima Tagnaout and Ghizlane Chebbak.

Morocco dominated possession more in the second half and raised their efforts as the game developed. They had several near misses, including a powerful Sanaâ Mssoudy shot that Zambian goalie Ng’ambo Musole saved at full stretch. Time was running out; Morocco finally found the breakthrough.

Chebbak equalized the game at 2-2 in the 87th minute by retrieving the ball outside the box and firing a stunning shot into the top corner, triggering frantic celebrations in the stands.

Although there was a late surge, neither team could find a winner in the dying seconds, and the game finished in a tie—a fair result given the balance of play.

Zambia’s Barbra Banda was named Woman of the Match by technical experts. 

The outcome breaks an eight-edition streak and is the first time since 2004 that a WAFCON host has lost their first contest. Both Morocco and Zambia will turn their attention to their next remaining Group A games with everything still to play for.

Moroccan Ladies In Celebration
Moroccan Ladies In Celebration
Mo Salah on Diogo Jota's absent after tragic road accident
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mo Salah on Diogo Jota’s absence after tragic road accident

Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah has expressed his sympathy regarding the absence of teammate Diogo Jota, stating that it will be a difficult loss to bear.

The Portuguese international tragically lost his life in a road accident on Thursday, a shocking event that has reverberated throughout the football community.

A vigil is being held in Liverpool to honor the memory of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, who both died in a car crash in Spain.

“I am truly lost for words. Until yesterday, I never thought there would be something that would frighten me from going back to Liverpool after the break. Teammates come and go, but not like this. It’s going to be extremely difficult to accept that Diogo won’t be there when we go back.

My thoughts are with his wife, his children, and of course his parents, who suddenly lost their children. Those close to Diogo and his brother, Andre, need all the support they can get. They will never be forgotten.” The Egyptian skipper penned.