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.

Veteran midfielder Victor Wanyama named in Kenya squad for Chad friendlies
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Veteran midfielder Victor Wanyama named in Kenya squad for Chad friendlies

Victor Wanyama is back in the Harambee Stars squad for two friendly matches against Chad. These matches will take place in Morocco on June 7 and June 10. This will be Wanyama’s first time representing Kenya since 2020.

The 33-year-old player relocated to Scotland in March after departing the Montreal Impact.

The squad has a mix of experienced players and new talent. Notable new players include Kenneth Nyamwaya and Swaleh Pamba, both of whom are making their national team debuts.

This is Benni McCarthy’s second training camp with the Harambee Stars. These friendlies will help evaluate the team’s strength and prepare for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August.

Players should arrive for camp on Friday, June 2, 2025, to prepare for the matches.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari FC), Sepstianos Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks FC), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City FC)

Defenders

Siraj Mohammed (Bandari FC), Swaleh Pamba (Bandari FC), Abud Omar (Kenya Police FC), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia FC), Kenneth Nyamwaya (Bidco United FC), Brian Mandela  (Stellenbosch FC)

Midfielders

Victor Wanyama  (Dunfermline Athletic FC ), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia FC), Timothy Ouma  (SK Slavia Prague), Brian Musa (Kenya Police FC), Ben Stanley Omondi  (Gor Mahia), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police FC), David Sakwa (Bandari FC), James Kinyanjui (KCB FC), Adam Wilson (The New Saints FC), William Lenkupae (Central Coastal Mariners FC)

Forwards

Moses Shumah (Kakamega Homeboyz FC), Beja Nyamawi (Bandari FC), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta)

Morocco set for Tunisia and Benin International friendlies
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco set for Tunisia and Benin International friendlies

Morocco will play two friendly matches in June. They will face their rivals Tunisia and Benin, the team that knocked them out of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Atlas Lions will face Tunisia on June 7, 2025, followed by a match against Benin just three days later, on June 10. Both games will be held at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

The match between Morocco and Tunisia is a classic African rivalry. These two football powerhouses have competed against each other 50 times since 1960, with Morocco having the edge in their head-to-head record, boasting 14 victories compared to Tunisia’s 8. Notably, 24 matches have ended in a draw, highlighting the competitiveness of this rivalry.

The last encounter between Morocco and Benin ended in heartbreak for the Atlas Lions. During the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt, Morocco appeared poised for victory on paper but suffered a dramatic defeat.

The Atlas Lions of Morocco named squad for friendlies against Tunisia and Benin
The Atlas Lions of Morocco named squad for friendlies against Tunisia and Benin
Ghana face-off Super Eagles of Nigeria in London Unity Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana face-off Super Eagles of Nigeria in London Unity Cup

The Ghana Black Stars will face the Super Eagles of Nigeria in a match on Wednesday, May 28, at Brentford’s GTech Community Stadium. This game is for a spot in the London Unity Cup final on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

The first semi-final kicks off on Tuesday 27 May, with Trinidad and Tobago taking on Jamaica. The Unity Cup is an Afro-Caribbean international football tournament that was last held in 2004.

This competition, featuring the national teams of Ghana, Jamaica, Nigeria, and Trinidad and Tobago, will make its comeback after a 21-year hiatus. It will include two semi-finals and a final, all to be played at the Bees’ home ground.

Players from the Nigeria Premier Football League and their coaching staff are already in London. They will be joined later today by their teammates from overseas.

Grant unveils Zambia 25-man provisional squad June friendlies
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Grant unveils Zambia 25-man provisional squad for June friendlies

Avram Grant, Zambia’s national football coach, has named a preliminary roster of 25 players. The squad will run two friendly games over the FIFA international window. On June 6, they will confront Sudan; four days later, in Morocco, Tunisia.

These friendly games will help Zambia prepare for their World Cup Qualifier matches in Group E. In September, Zambia will host Morocco and then play against Tanzania and Niger in October.

Zambia is also keeping the team engaged before the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will take place in Morocco in December. The team qualified for AFCON by finishing first in Group G with 13 points, ahead of Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and Chad. Zambia achieved this through four wins, one draw, and one loss.

The squad will be reduced before the trip to Morocco, but the coaches are open to adding more players before the September qualifiers. Players will undergo fitness tests as part of their preparation for the matches in Morocco.

PROVISIONAL SQUAD

(GOALKEEPERS)

Toaster Nsabata (Zesco), Francis Mwansa (Green Buffaloes), Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos)

(DEFENDERS)

Gift Mphande (Rishon LeZion-Israel), Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos), Kabaso Chongo, Killian Kanguluma (both Kabwe Warriors), Obino Chisala (Al Merreikh-Sudan), David Hamansenya (Leganes-Spain), Benedict Chepeshi (Zesco United),

(MIDFIELDERS)

Benson Sakala (Boleslav Mlada-Czech Republic), Miguel Chaiwa (BSC Young Boys-Switzerland), Kings Kangwa (Hapoel Beer’Sheva-Israel), Golden Mafwenta (MFK Vyskov-Czech Republic), Emmanuel Banda (Al Tai-Saudi Arabia), Joshua Mutale (Simba Sc-Tanzania), Kelvin Kapumbu (Zanaco), Owen Tembo (Power Dynamos)

(FORWARDS)

Patson Daka (Leicester City-England), Edward Chilufya (Midtjylland-Denmark), Clatous Chama , Kennedy Musonda (both Young Africans-Tanzania), Lubambo Musonda (Magdeburg-Germany), Kelvin Kampamba (Al Medina-Libya), Joseph Sabobo Banda (FC Zurich-Switzerland).

First leg CAF Champions League final draw between Mamelodi and Pyramids
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

First leg CAF Champions League final draw between Mamelodi and Pyramids

Mamelodi Sundowns drew 1-1 with Pyramids FC in the first leg of the 2024/25 CAF Champions League final on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.

Lucas Ribeiro Costa scored in the second half to give Sundowns the lead. However, Pyramids equalised with a late header from Walid El Karti in stoppage time. This late goal sets up an exciting second leg in Cairo next month.

Both teams played carefully in the first half with few chances. Iqraam Rayners and Arthur Sales had shots that went just wide for Sundowns, while Fiston Mayele and Ibrahim Adel tried their luck but were stopped by Sundowns’ goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

The game became more intense after halftime. Costa scored in the 54th minute after he found a loose ball in the box, sending the local fans into a frenzy. Sundowns could have scored again, but substitutes Peter Shalulile and Neo Maema missed their chances late in the game.

As stoppage time began, Pyramids fought back. Mohanad Lasheen sent a perfect cross to El Karti, who was unmarked in the six-yard box. He scored with a precise header, surprising the home crowd.

This draw keeps the tie balanced before the second leg in Cairo on June 1, where the new CAF Champions League trophy will be awarded. Pyramids remain unbeaten in the knockout stages and achieved an important result in their first final.

Sundowns will feel disappointed about conceding late, but they will hold on to their solid performance as they prepare for the return match.

The match reached fans across 28 countries, showcasing African club football on a global stage. Both teams now focus on their preparation for the crucial match in Cairo, where a new chapter in this major competition will unfold.

Big CAF Champions League showdown between Sundowns and Pyramids
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Big CAF Champions League showdown between Sundowns and Pyramids

Mamelodi Sundowns and Pyramids FC will face off in the first leg of the 2024-25 CAF Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday, May 24.

Sundowns have reached the Champions League final for the third time, having previously won in 2016 and been runners-up in 2001. This year, they finished second in Group B, behind ASFAR, and advanced to the knockout stage by defeating Esperance de Tunis and Al Ahly on away goals.

After clinching their eighth consecutive domestic championship, Sundowns aim for continental success, though coach Miguel Cardoso noted that the Champions League is tougher than the Betway Premiership.

“With all due respect to the Premiership, this is another level we are going to face,” said Cardoso. “We have a very tough challenge ahead in this Champions League final. We also need to be strong and play high-quality football.”

Pyramids set to compete in their first Champions League final after previously reaching the Confederation Cup final in 2020. They advanced by finishing second in Group D, defeating ASFAR and Orlando Pirates in knockout rounds.

Coach Krunoslav Jurcic has a tactical plan for the first leg, focusing on a balanced approach to counter their opponents’ strengths and weaknesses.

Pyramids and Sundowns have faced each other twice in the current Champions League, with a 0-0 draw in Pretoria and a 1-0 win for Sundowns in Cairo. Sundowns have a record of 10 wins, 9 draws, and 7 losses against Egyptian teams, while Pyramids have 1 win, 3 draws, and 2 losses against South African teams.

The return match will take place at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday, June 1.

Simba set for a tough task against Berkane in CAF Confed Cup final
by Football Sierra Leone

Simba set for a tough task against Berkane in CAF Confed Cup final

Simba will face a tough matchup against a Moroccan side at Amaan Stadium at 16:00 local time (13:00 GMT) on Sunday, May 25th. They lost 2-0 to RSB Berkane in the first leg of the 2025 CAF Confederations Cup final last week.

Coach Fadlu Davids and his team are determined to rise to the occasion in the second leg. Goals from Mamadou Camara and Oussama Lamlaoui provided RSB Berkane with a significant advantage heading into the second leg. David noted that his players felt “overwhelmed” by the situation.

Berkane scores a lot of goals at home in the first 20 minutes due to the pressure. We were tactically prepared but not emotionally ready. My players were a bit overwhelmed by the occasion and the pressure,” Davids said during the post-match press conference after the first leg.

As Simba strives to score in their pursuit of the CAF Confederations Cup title, RSB Berkane’s coach, Mouin Chaâbani, emphasised his team’s aim to secure an away goal to solidify their lead.

“A 2-0 victory in the final is never completely comfortable. It’s just the first leg, and we’ll have to defend our chances until the last second of the return leg. Scoring an away goal can make a huge difference; it’s something we must keep in mind,” Chaâbani stated.

The winners of this year’s CAF Confederation Cup final will receive a brand new trophy.

Senegal's Pape Matar Sarr fit to face Manchester United in Europa final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal’s Pape Matar Sarr fit to face Manchester United in Europa final

Tottenham Hotspur coach Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Senegalese midfielder Pape Matar Sarr is fit to play against Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final on Wednesday.

Sarr was unsure for the match after getting injured during Spurs’ 2-0 loss to Aston Villa last Friday. Postecoglou explained that Sarr left the game as a precaution because he “felt something in his back.”

According to the London Evening Standard, Sarr is likely to start in midfield against United in Bilbao. Even though Postecoglou used a 4-4-2 formation against Villa Park, he may change his strategy for the final.

Sarr will face fellow Africans Andre Onana, Noussair Mazraoui, and Amad Diallo, who are in Manchester United’s squad for the match. Both teams are looking to improve after disappointing Premier League seasons, with United in 16th place and Spurs just one point behind in 17th.

Semi Ajayi and Grady Diangana released by West Bromwich Albion
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Semi Ajayi and Grady Diangana released by West Bromwich Albion

West Bromwich Albion has announced the release of Nigeria player Semi Ajayi and DR Congo midfielder Grady Diangana after the 2024/25 season.

Ajayi and Diangana joined West Bromwich Albion in the summer of 2019 and were instrumental in the team’s promotion to the Premier League in their first season.

A club statement confirmed that defender Semi Ajayi and midfielders Grady Diangana and John Swift will leave the club at the end of June.

Ajayi, who joined from Rotherham United, made 177 appearances and scored 13 goals, including key strikes against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Liverpool, and a last-minute winner against Peterborough United in August 2021.

Diangana initially joined on a season-long loan from West Ham United before making the move permanent in summer 2020.

He scored on his league debut for the Baggies and went on to make 202 appearances, netting 26 goals. His final goals for the club came in a 5-1 victory over Portsmouth in January 2025, where he scored twice.

Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi grateful to be alive after surgery
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi grateful to be alive after surgery

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is ‘GRATEFUL’ to still be alive after having surgery for a serious abdominal injury.

The 27-year-old was put in an induced coma after he got hurt when he collided with the post while trying to reach a cross from Anthony Elanga during a game against Leicester.

Awoniyi had emergency surgery and was taken out of the coma on Wednesday evening. Medical staff are now watching his recovery.

Morgan Gibbs-White celebrated his goal in the crucial 2-1 win against West Ham by wearing a shirt with Awoniyi’s name. The team also warmed up in T-shirts bearing his name and number, with the message “we are all with you Taiwo.”

Awoniyi expressed on Instagram, “This season has been one of the most difficult of my career, but I have felt the love. With God’s grace, I am grateful to still be here, still fighting, and in good spirits.”

“Thank you to my teammates, coaches, staff, and the entire Forest family for your support. Your visits during my hospital stay really lifted my spirits. I can’t wait to be back on the field with the team.

The win against West Ham has moved Forest into seventh place, just one point behind fourth-placed Chelsea, whom we will host on the season’s final day, along with Aston Villa, in the tight race for a Champions League spot.”