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.

Ivorian defender Willy Boly signs Nottingham Forest deal extension
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivorian defender Willy Boly signs Nottingham Forest deal extension

Nottingham Forest has announced a one-year extension for Ivorian defender Willy Boly, which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2026.

The Ivorian defender has made 45 appearances for the Reds since joining from Wolves in 2022, quickly becoming an essential part of Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad.

As a key member of the leadership group, Boly adds a wealth of experience to the team, having played in nine matches across all competitions last season.

He was part of the Ivory Coast squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last year and has experience competing in European tournaments, having played for Porto in the Champions League and for SC Braga and Wolves in the Europa League.

With more fixtures anticipated due to European qualification, Boly’s presence on and off the pitch will be crucial in helping the team adapt to the demanding schedule.

Boly has signed a new contract with the club, expressing his happiness and eagerness to continue with the team and its supportive fans. He aims to build on last season’s success.

Chief Football Officer Ross Wilson praised Boly as a valuable and experienced Premier League player who has significantly contributed to the team’s achievements. Wilson highlighted Boly’s professionalism, leadership qualities, and ability to connect with teammates.

Liberian native Christian Saydee departs Portsmouth to join Wigan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Liberian native Christian Saydee departs Portsmouth to join Wigan

Portsmouth has confirmed that Liberian decent Christian Saydee has left Pompey to join League One side Wigan for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old forward, who joined from Bournemouth in summer 2023, scored seven goals in 73 appearances and helped the team win the third tier title, returning Championship football to Fratton Park after 12 years.

Manager John Mousinho said, “Christian was a valued member of our squad and will be missed by staff, players, and fans for his key contributions.”

“However, we believe he deserves the opportunity for more regular playing time, and we didn’t want to hold him back from that. We thank him for everything he achieved while wearing a Pompey shirt and wish him the very best in this next chapter of his career.”

Saydee rose through the Cherries academy before making his way to Fratton Park. He netted his first goal in a League Cup match against Peterborough, and his first league goal for Pompey was particularly significant, as it secured a crucial win over promotion contenders Oxford at Fratton Park.

In the last season, Saydee found the net three times: he scored twice in a draw against Middlesbrough and added another goal in the draw with Hull on the season’s final day.

Wydad Casablanca suffer opening Club World Cup defeat to City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Wydad Casablanca suffer opening Club World Cup defeat to City

On Wednesday, one of Africa’s representatives, Wydad Athletic Club – WAC started their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a 2-0 defeat to defending champions Manchester City in Philadelphia.

In a recent match, Phil Foden scored the opening goal for Manchester City in the second minute, followed by a second goal from Jeremy Doku in the 42nd minute.

Morocco’s Nordin Amrabat showcased his versatility, contributing effectively on both defense and offense. Wydad Casablanca had a significant opportunity to equalize in the 31st minute when Thembinkosi Lorch lost his balance in the penalty area.

Although Wydad Casablanca displayed some hesitancy in the first half, they maintained a resilient defense, with goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid making crucial interventions.

Despite their challenges, the supporters passionately rallied behind the team with chants of “ole, ole, ole… Wydad, Wydad.”

Phil Foden expressed satisfaction with securing three points, while Wydad’s Meijers Bart acknowledged the positive start in the tournament and conveyed pride in being part of the team.

Moroccan side Wydad AC to face a tricky contest against Man City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Moroccan side Wydad AC to face a tricky contest against Man City

Wydad AC will begin their FIFA Club World Cup journey on Wednesday, facing off against the English football club Manchester City. The match will take place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Wydad earned their place in this prestigious tournament by being crowned CAF Champions League winners, marking their third title at the end of the 2021/22 season.

Similarly, Manchester City qualified as previous winners of the UEFA Champions League, having claimed their first European title in the 2022/23 season.

Wydad finished third in the Botola Pro 1 league this season, 16 points behind champions RSB Berkane. This poor performance resulted in the departure of their head coach, Rhulani Mokwena, after just one season.

Now under the leadership of Amine Benhachem, the Moroccan club is gearing up to take on City in what promises to be an uphill battle.

“It’s going to be a tough match—there’s no denying that,” Benhachem stated in the lead-up to the game. “But we believe we can compete. We have our style of play, and we’ll give it our best shot.”

Manchester City’s squad for the tournament includes new signings Rayan Aït-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, and Marcus Bettinelli. These additions enhance manager Pep Guardiola’s options, offering both defensive stability and attacking flair.

Having won the last edition of the Club World Cup, City is eager to assert their dominance in the competition’s revamped format.

Congo reinstated to African Nations Championship (CHAN)
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Congo reinstated to African Nations Championship (CHAN)

Congo has been reinstated in the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after a successful appeal to the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This decision comes just weeks before the tournament starts on August 2.

The CAF Appeals Jury accepted Congo’s protest against a previous ruling that disqualified their national team, the Red Devils A’. The Congolese Football Federation (Fecafoot) argued against the initial decision, which came after Equatorial Guinea filed a complaint.

Equatorial Guinea, who lost to Congo in the CHAN play-offs (0-0 in the first leg and 2-1 in the second), claimed that Congo had used an ineligible player, Japhet Mankou, and invalid player licenses. CAF’s Disciplinary Jury initially sided with Equatorial Guinea, awarding both matches to them by default and fining Congo $10,000, last January.

The Appeals Jury has now reversed that ruling, restoring the original match results and confirming Congo’s place in the tournament. As a result, Equatorial Guinea has been disqualified.

This reversal raises questions about the consistency and transparency of CAF’s disciplinary processes. The decision cancels the previous punishment and brings the integrity of the organization’s decisions into question.

Congo will compete in Group D of the CHAN alongside defending champions Senegal, as well as Sudan and Nigeria, making for a tough group stage.

Although the reinstatement comes just in time for final preparations, it adds controversy to the tournament’s lead-up. Critics argue that such last-minute changes weaken CAF’s authority, while supporters see it as fixing earlier mistakes. Despite the turmoil, Congo now has the chance to focus on their performance in a challenging group.

Somalia's Sak Hassan joins Wealdstone FC
by Football Sierra Leone

Somalia’s Sak Hassan joins Wealdstone FC

Wealdstone FC has announced the signing of winger Sak Hassan from Isthmian League Premier Division club Hashtag United.

The 24-year-old has had two standout seasons with Hashtag United, where he became one of the most exciting attacking players outside the National League.

In the 2023/24 season, Hassan achieved 17 assists and 7 goals, and he followed that with 16 assists and 17 goals in the 2024/25 campaign, helping his team secure an 8th place finish.

Hassan’s explosive pace, clever footwork, and creativity make him a crucial asset in the final third. He also brings international experience, having earned 10 caps for Somalia since his debut in 2022.

Manager Sam Cox expressed his enthusiasm about the signing:

“I’m delighted to bring in Sak Hassan. He’s a fantastic young man and a player I’ve followed for years. I believe fans will enjoy watching him; he’s exciting, creative, and a significant attacking threat.

His journey from non-league football to this level is impressive, and I’m excited to help him develop further.

He reminds me of Abo Eisa, who had a successful career here. This signing is another step in the right direction as we prepare for the season.”

Angola win COSAFA region title for second consecutive year
by Football Sierra Leone

Angola win COSAFA region title for second consecutive year

Bafana Bafana experienced a 3-0 defeat to Angola in the final of the COSAFA Cup on Sunday afternoon. Depu scored two goals, leading Angola to victory over South Africa at the Toyota Stadium in Mangaung.

This victory marks Angola’s fifth title, matching South Africa and behind only Zambia with seven titles and Zimbabwe with six.

Comoros claimed third place by defeating Madagascar 1-0. Although Madagascar had more possession, Ibroihim Youssouf scored the only goal for Comoros in the 77th minute.

In the final, South Africa almost scored first when Ime Okon’s header hit the crossbar. Instead, Depu broke the tournament record with his seventh goal from a free-kick, followed by his eighth goal shortly after with a shot from 10 yards. He now holds the record for career goals in the COSAFA Cup with 13 and won the Golden Boot again.

Angola sealed the win with a third goal from Milson. Depu also won Player of the Tournament, while his teammate Neblu took home the Golden Glove for best goalkeeper. South Africa received the Fair Play award.

Stalemate between Ahly and Inter Miami in Club World Cup opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Stalemate between Al Ahly and Inter Miami in Club World Cup opener

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicked off with an electrifying clash at the iconic Hard Rock Stadium, where African powerhouse Al Ahly faced off against the dazzling Inter Miami, featuring global superstar Lionel Messi.

The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, but the match ended in a stalemate, a testament to the determination and resilience of both teams.

The opening moments of the first half took a heartbreaking turn for the Egyptian champions when Emam Ashour was forced to leave the pitch in tears, succumbing to a painful shoulder injury just 12 minutes into the game. His departure brought debutant Ahmed Sayed Zizo into the fray, igniting hope among the Al Ahly supporters.

As the game progressed, Al Ahly found themselves on the cusp of taking the lead late in the first half. Zizo, who had just stepped onto the field, was brought down in the penalty area, setting the stage for a potentially game-changing moment. However, in a twist of fate, Trezeguet, marking his return to Al Ahly, missed the penalty kick, leaving the scoreline untouched and the crowd in disbelief.

On the other end, Inter Miami threatened to break the deadlock with dangerous plays led by Messi and Luis Suárez. Yet, the steadfast Mohamed El Shenawy stood resolute in goal, delivering two spectacular saves during injury time that secured a hard-fought clean sheet for his team.

Javier Mascherano, head coach of Inter Miami, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance despite not winning. He noted their dominance in controlling the game and creating chances. He highlighted the importance of starting the season with a win.

Jose Riveiro, head coach of Al Ahly, reflected on the game’s challenges, mentioning missed opportunities in the first half and difficulties in maintaining defensive structure in the second half. He remarked on the unexpected atmosphere of playing in the U.S. compared to Cairo during his first official match with the team.

Both clubs left the pitch with a reward of $1 million each, reflecting FIFA’s incentive structure for the group stage draw.

Looking ahead, Al Ahly will next challenge the formidable Brazilian side Palmeiras on Thursday, June 19, at 7 PM Cairo time, in a pivotal Group A showdown. They will conclude their group campaign against FC Porto on June 23, with eyes set on further glory in this prestigious tournament.

DR Congo's Mbemba announces his departure from Marseille
by Football Sierra Leone

DR Congo’s Mbemba announces his departure from Marseille

Chancel Mbemba, the DR Congo international, has confirmed that he will leave Olympique de Marseille at the end of June 2025. The centre-back missed the entire 2024/25 season due to injury.

At 30 years old, Mbemba announced that his contract with the French Ligue 1 club is coming to an end. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Olympique de Marseille and its supporters, stating, “My contract wraps up on June 30, and I want to thank Olympique de Marseille and all its fans. I gave my all during my time here, which has made me part of the club’s history. I truly enjoyed two wonderful seasons with the team.”

He also extended his best wishes for the club’s future, noting that there are talented players ready to step in. “I wish Marseille all the best. My journey here ends on the 30th, but I’m confident there are plenty of strong defenders—better than me—who can come to Marseille. The key thing is: Go OM!” he added.

Mbemba has been an essential player for the Congolese national team, enjoying the backing of coach Sébastien Desabre.

“Nobody believed in me at Marseille, but coach Sébastien Desabre and the entire Congolese community had faith in me, and I worked hard to keep my performance at its peak.”

With eyes set on a summer transfer, he is keen to secure a place in the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which will take place in Morocco.

Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey wins Fulham's Player of the Year
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey wins Fulham’s Player of the Year

Calvin Bassey has been awarded the title of Fulham’s Player of the Season for the 2024/25 campaign.

Following a commendable second-place finish in his inaugural season last year, Bassey has improved his performance, securing the top position in the final voting.

A remarkably reliable presence in defence, Bassey participated in all but three of the Premier League matches as the team achieved a record points total. His pace, strength, and composure while advancing the ball from the back have been integral to the team’s success.

Additionally, he made significant contributions to the offensive effort, scoring two crucial goals: the decisive goal in the victory against the formidable Nottingham Forest and the opening goal during the memorable Emirates FA Cup triumph at Old Trafford.

In expressing his gratitude, Bassey stated, “I extend my thanks to all who voted for me as Player of the Season. I must acknowledge God; without divine support, I would not be where I am today.

“I also wish to express my appreciation to my teammates, including those no longer at the Club, who have supported my development.

“I am particularly grateful to the coaching staff and the Manager for their trust and belief in my capabilities. I hope that we can achieve remarkable success in the forthcoming season, and I appreciate the support provided by all.”

Calvin Bassey (39.6%), Alex Iwobi (21.5%), Antonee Robinson (19.9%)

Bernd Leno (10.9%) and Saša Lukić (8.1%)