Category: African News

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History: Zambia reach 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup knockout stage
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

History: Zambia reach 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup knockout stage

Zambia advanced to the knockout stage of the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup after defeating Honduras 5-2 on Friday night.

Makinka’s boys achieved two wins in a row in their first FIFA U-17 World Cup. This sets up an important match against Brazil in Group H.

Coach Dennis Makinka and captain Jonathan Kalimina discussed their historic achievement after securing a spot in the knockout stage of the U-17 World Cup with a decisive 5-2 victory.  This marks the first time this African nation has reached the finals at this level.

Makinka expressed how significant this milestone is for the country, stating, “It’s a great feeling. We plan to push even harder to bring joy to our people back home.”

Kalimina, recognised as Player of the Match, has showcased his skill as a versatile player, contributing three assists. He remains ambitious, stating that facing Brazil in their final group match will not intimidate them. “Our goal is to finish at the top of the group… We want to make a statement,” he said.

Zambia has scored eight goals in their first two matches, but Coach Makinka noted the need to tighten their defence. “We have to do more, especially with a tough opponent coming up. It’s going to be a challenging match against Brazil, but to be the best, you have to compete against the best.”

Juma Bah's Nice suffer another Europa League defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Juma Bah’s Nice suffer another Europa League defeat

Sierra Leone defender Juma Bah and his French side faced yet another defeat in the Europa League, losing to German club Freiburg at the Grand Stade de Nice on Thursday.

In the 25th minute, the home team took the lead thanks to a brilliant play by Sofiane Diop, followed by a well-placed pass from Charles Vanhoutte, who has consistently found himself in dangerous positions. Kevin Carlos scored his second goal in four Europa League matches.

Just three minutes later, the visitors equalised when Yuito Suzuko won the ball in the Freiburg penalty area and squared it to Johan Manzambi, who fired it into the top corner from close range.

Freiburg added two more goals, starting with Vincenzo Grifo converting a penalty before doubling their advantage with a slick attack inside the Nice penalty box. Matthias Ginter received a neat pass and set up Derry Scherhant perfectly, allowing him to stroke the ball home effortlessly.

This marks the fourth consecutive defeat for the French side, leaving them languishing in second-to-last place on the competition table.

Ghana's Baba Rahman nets first Europa League goal in PAOK’s heavy win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana’s Baba Rahman nets first Europa League goal in PAOK’s heavy win

The Ghanaian defender Baba Rahman continues to make a strong case for selection by the senior men’s national team coach, Otto Addo, with his outstanding performances for PAOK FC in both domestic and European matches.

The tall former Chelsea left-back was in fine form, scoring his inaugural Europa League goal for the Greek club during their 4-0 thrashing of the ten-man Young Boys at home on Thursday.  

Young Boys faced a major setback early in the match when Armin Gigovic received a straight red card just five minutes in, providing PAOK with a crucial advantage.  

Rahman, aged 31, assisted Alessandro Bianco for PAOK’s first goal in the 54th minute after a scoreless first half at Toumba Stadium.  

Greek forward Giorgos Giakoumakis netted his second Europa League goal, doubling PAOK’s lead eight minutes later, while compatriot Giannis Konstantelias further increased the advantage to 3-0 in the 72nd minute.

This win elevates the Greek team to 10th place in the UEFA Europa League table, with 7 points after 4 matches this season.  

Rahman, who has previously played for Schalke and Reims, has scored once in four appearances in the UEFA Europa League.  

Following a remarkable run this season, Baba Rahman could potentially return to the senior national team in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Victor Osimhen became the first Galatasaray player to score a hat-trick in the Champions League since Burak Yilmaz in 2012.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Victor Osimhen becomes first Galatassay player to hit Champions League hat-trick since 2012

Victor Osimhen became the first Galatasaray player to score a hat-trick in the Champions League since Burak Yilmaz in 2012.

Also, Victor Osimhen made history on Wednesday evening by becoming the second Nigerian to net a hat-trick in the UEFA Champions League.

His three goals propelled Galatasaray to a convincing 3–0 victory over Ajax at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam, as reported by PUNCH Online.

The Super Eagles forward demonstrated his abilities as a striker by scoring two penalties and one goal from open play, helping the Turkish champions maintain their impressive form in Europe.

After a goalless first half, he opened the scoring in the 59th minute with a header. He then converted a penalty in the 66th minute following a VAR-reviewed handball, and completed his hat-trick with another penalty in the 78th minute after another handball.

With this achievement, Osimhen joins Yakubu Ayegbeni as the only Nigerian to score a Champions League hat-trick. His remarkable performance continues a stellar run, bringing his total to 12 goals in his last eight matches for Galatasaray.

This includes braces against Tottenham and Bodø/Glimt, as well as goals against AZ Alkmaar, Dynamo Kyiv, and Liverpool. Osimhen also extended his record as the highest-scoring Nigerian in Champions League history, with 15 goals, surpassing Obafemi Martins’ 10.

Egypt and Zambia register wins as Cote d’Ivoire suffer defeat in U17 Opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt and Zambia register wins as Cote d’Ivoire suffer defeat in U17 WC Opener

Egypt and Zambia secured impressive victories at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar on Tuesday, while Cote d’Ivoire must work hard to improve their chances of reaching the knockout rounds.

Egypt comfortably defeated Haiti 4-1 in Group E, placing them at the top of the standings ahead of Venezuela, which convincingly overcame England 3-0 in the other match of the group.

The Egyptians had four different players score, as Belal Attia, Abdelaziz El Zoghby, Hamza Abdelkarim, and Omar Kamal all contributed to a strong performance for the North African team.

Egypt’s next match is against Venezuela on Friday, which could be crucial for both teams in the group. In Group H, Zambia emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over Indonesia after coming back from a deficit to secure the three points.

They struck three goals within a span of six minutes in the first half, with tall forward Abel Nyirongo scoring twice and Lukonde Mwale adding another.

Zambia will play again on Friday against Honduras, who suffered a heavy 7-0 defeat at the hands of Brazil in their first game. Côtee d’Ivoire faced difficulties against a solid Swiss team, which won 4-1 in Group F. The Ivorians found themselves trailing 4-0 before Hubert Yao managed to score a late consolation.

Their next match is against Mexico on Friday, who also lost their opening game 2-1 to South Korea.

The top two teams from each group will automatically progress to the Round of 32, along with the eight best third-placed teams, providing ample opportunities for teams to advance.

Cameroon, Egypt, Mali and the Ivory Coast join Women’s AFCON participants
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cameroon, Egypt, Mali and Ivory Coast join 2026 Women’s AFCON participants

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the final four teams that will make the 16 teams in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Egypt secured their spots based on their FIFA rankings. This announcement came after a CAF statement on 3 November 2025, following the completion of the qualifiers held under the previous 12-team format. Since the competition will expand to 16 teams starting in 2026, CAF decided to bring back the highest-ranked teams that were eliminated in the final qualifying round to ensure fairness.

All four teams return to the tournament after close losses in the qualifying matches. Cameroon lost to Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire was beaten by Burkina Faso, Mali lost to Equatorial Guinea, and Egypt fell to Senegal, but their FIFA rankings now allow them to compete in the finals.

The 2026 tournament will take place in Morocco from 17 March to 3 April. It will also serve as Africa’s qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the top four teams earning a place in Brazil.

The 16 teams for the 2026 WAFCON include Morocco (the host), Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria (the defending champions), Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia, along with Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Egypt. With the teams confirmed, everyone is now looking forward to a historic 16-team WAFCON in Morocco.

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).