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.

DR Congo's striker Kabongo Tshimanga pens Crawley Town deal
by FSL News

DR Congo’s Kabongo Tshimanga pens Crawley Town deal

After being released by League One team Peterborough United, DR Congo striker Kabongo Tshimanga has inked a two-year deal with Crawley Town Football Club.

Tshimanga has demonstrated his ability as a goalscorer by enjoying fruitful runs with sides like Boreham Wood and Chesterfield. Last season, he scored 13 goals in an amazing loan season at Swindon Town.

For four straight seasons during his time at Oxford City, Boreham Wood, and Chesterfield, Tshimanga, 26, was chosen for the Team of the Year. Among his many personal accolades are Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year at several teams.

Having previously represented England C, his best year was in 2018–19 at Oxford City, where he scored an amazing 37 goals in all contests. Before relocating to Peterborough in January 2023, Tshimanga had scored 74 goals over 141 outings. With Crawley Town, he would want to recover his scoring ability.

Kabby could play in Friday’s friendly against Hearts; he is presently training with the team in Spain.

Sierra Leonean Women’s AFCON referee Fullah speaks of her dreams
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leonean Women’s AFCON referee Fullah speaks of her dreams

Chosen to officiate at the next TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, July 5–26, 2025, a top female referee from Sierra Leone, Aminata Fullah, is dreaming of fulfilling her goal of refereeing at a FIFA World Cup.

One of the continental officials appointed to supervise the upcoming continental exhibition under the direction of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), a structural adjustment driven by the need to improve inclusivity, competition, and visibility for women’s football throughout Africa, Fullah is working to advance in her field.

This appointment is a major turning point in her refereeing life. Aminata’s distinction as the first Sierra Leonean official to work an AFCON tournament highlights her outstanding talent and unrelenting passion for the game.

Acknowledging this achievement

“It holds significant value for my career. From the moment I began refereeing, my goal has been to leave a lasting impact on myself and the profession. I have committed myself to working diligently to realise this aspiration,” she shared with this platform.

“For me, this is merely the start; my goal is to officiate at a FIFA World Cup final. It’s a dream of mine, and with the grace of the Almighty, I believe I will achieve it.”

Regarding Inspiring Girls Who Aspire to Follow Her Path!

“It provides me with greater hope and motivation to strive harder than ever because such recognition serves as an inspiration, not just to me, but to other young girls in Sierra Leone and across the continent who wish to pursue refereeing as a career.”

“Indeed, this marks my first significant assignment, and I saw on social media that it’s also the first occasion in Sierra Leone football history to have a referee at a CAF international tournament.”

“I have officiated local matches, participated in regional WAFU A competitions, and been involved in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, but this is my debut in a major CAF tournament, like the Women’s African Cup of Nations.”

I commenced my career in 2020 and have consistently put in the effort to reach this point and beyond. My passion for refereeing remains strong, and by the grace of God, I envision myself still in this profession five years from now and further. I aspire to be a top-tier referee not only in Africa but globally, inshallah.”

The opening match of the tournament will be played in Rabat at the newly-built Olympic Stadium between hosts Morocco and Zambia on 5 July, two of Africa’s most improved women’s football nations since the finals were last played in 2022.

The match will kick off at 21h00 local time (20h00 GMT).

  • Group A | Morocco, Zambia, Senegal, Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Group B | Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, Botswana
  • Group C | South Africa, Ghana, Mali, Tanzania
Steven Caulker pens player and coach deal with Stjarnan in Iceland
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Steven Caulker pens player and coach deal with Stjarnan in Iceland

Former Sierra Leone international Steven Caulker has signed a deal as both a player and assistant coach with Icelandic top-tier club Stjarnan FC.

“We are proud and honoured to announce that Steven Caulker has joined Stjarnan, taking on a dual role as player-assistant coach for the men’s first team,” the Iceland top-tier side noted.

Steven Caulker has had a successful career in football. He has played over 150 matches in the English Premier League for teams like Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, QPR, and Southampton.

He has also played for the England national team and later led Sierra Leone as captain in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Recently, Steven continued his career in Turkey, playing for Alanyaspor, Fenerbahçe, and Fatih Karagümrük, where he was an important player and a leader.

Most recently, he made 33 appearances for Ankara Keçiörengücü SK in the Turkish First League.

“We warmly welcome Steven Caulker to Stjarnan and believe our community will make him feel at home in Garðabær.”

Wydad Athletic suffered a three-straight defeat in the FIFA Club World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Wydad Athletic suffer third straight defeat in FIFA Club World Cup

On Thursday in Washington, D.C., a first-half goal by Cassius Mailula was negated by second-half goals from Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba and Kaku, allowing Al Ain to defeat Wydad AC 2-1.

Both teams took to the pitch with a sense of determination, playing not just for points but for pride, having already been eliminated from contention for the round of 16 in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Both Manchester City and Juventus, two storied clubs in European football, had already secured the top two spots in Group G, rendering this match a contest for respect rather than advancement.

The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as fans filled the stands, eager to see their teams deliver a strong performance despite the stakes being low. Each player on the field understood the significance of this match, not only for their clubs’ legacies but for their own professional reputations.

Nonetheless, both clubs aimed to exit the tournament on a positive note, and it was the UAE side that left the pitch with their heads held high after completing the comeback.

Wydad Athletic Club to wrap up Club World Cup Group G against Al Ain
by Football Sierra Leone

Wydad Athletic eye first Club World Cup win against Al Ain

Wydad Athletic Club will conclude their final Group G match in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup against Al Ain FC on Thursday at Audi Field, located in Washington, DC, the capital of the United States.

In their second Group G match on June 22, Wydad suffered a 4-1 defeat to the Italian football powerhouse Juventus FC, extending their winless streak across all competitions to three matches.

As a result, the Moroccan football heavyweights currently sit in third place in the group standings. A win against Al Ain would allow Wydad to finish third, behind Manchester City and Juventus.

“We want to win for our fans and for our coach,” said Nordin Amrabat, Wydad’s midfielder. The team’s head coach, Mohamed Amine Benhachem, and the team doctor were involved in a traffic accident in the USA. Amrabat added, “We want to leave America with a good feeling. If you don’t win, you don’t have a good feeling; that means you’ve played three games and lost all three. For us as a club, winning is important, God willing.”

Al Ain has not won in their last two matches, including a heavy 6-0 loss to Manchester City on June 22. They currently sit in fourth place in Group G, but a win over Wydad could move them up to third.

“Our goal is to earn three points. We have the same aim for every game,” said Vladimir Ivic, Al Ain’s head coach. “We know we are a big club, the biggest in Asia. We strive to win every game in our championships, both cups, and the Asian Champions League. This match will be no different. We want to show our best in the final game. Overall, this tournament has been a great experience with everything well organized.”

This match will be the first time Wydad faces Al Ain in any competition. Canadian referee Drew Fischer will officiate the game on Thursday.

Nigerian International Moses Simon joins French side Paris FC
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigerian International Moses Simon joins French side Paris FC

Moses Simon, 29, has joined Paris FC in the French Ligue 1 from FC Nantes in a contract until June 2028.

The winger is known for his speed and strong crossing ability. He has a lot of experience in top-level football, both in clubs and national teams.

Simon started his career at AS Trenčín in Slovakia after training at the GBS Academy in Nigeria. He then played for La Gantoise in Belgium and Levante UD in Spain.

In 2019, he joined FC Nantes and quickly became an important player. He played almost 180 matches in Ligue 1 and won the Coupe de France in 2022.

As a player with over 70 caps for the Nigerian Super Eagles, Moses Simon is well-prepared for major competitions. His experience will help strengthen Paris FC’s team as they move into Ligue 1 McDonald’s next season.

Abdeslam Ouaddou named new Head Coach of Orlando Pirates
by FSL News

Abdeslam Ouaddou named new Head Coach of Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates legend Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi supports the appointment of Abdeslam Ouaddou as the new coach. He believes Ouaddou is the right choice to replace Jose Riveiro, who has joined Al Ahly in Egypt.

The Buccaneers have officially announced the appointment of the former Marumo Gallants coach. He will be supported by Mandla Ncikazi, Rayaan Jacobs, Helmi Gueldich, and Tyron Damons.

“Listen, he did well at Marumo Gallants. Pirates supporters need to rally behind him and show confidence, saying we believe in you. We saw the great work he did at Gallants and hope he can bring that success to Pirates,” Vilakazi said in an interview with Sowetan.

“He’s a capable coach based on his achievements with Gallants, where he improved their position without a pre-season. With the talent and resources at Pirates, I believe he can elevate the club.

This is a chance for him to create his legacy, especially working with quality players. If given time, I am confident he will succeed. Having a pre-season will certainly help.

Born in Alnif, Morocco, the 46-year-old Ouaddou has extensive experience as both a player and coach, earning 68 caps for the national team and playing in top European leagues.”

ES Tunis beat LAFC to keep Club World Cup hopes alive
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisian club ES Tunis eliminated from FIFA Club World Cup

Tunisian team ES Tunis lost 3-0 to English club Chelsea in their last Group D match of the Club World Cup at Lincoln Financial Field early Wednesday morning.

A stellar Tosin Adarabioyo performance confirmed their Round of 16 spot as defender Tosin Adarabioyo scored the first goal with a header, followed by Liam Delap’s first goal for Chelsea, and Tyrique George added a late goal to help Chelsea win in Philadelphia and move on to the knockout stage of the Club World Cup.

Chelsea controlled the game and created many chances. They broke the deadlock just before halftime when Tosin Adarabioyo headed a free-kick from Enzo Fernandez into the net. Liam Delap then scored, finishing calmly despite pressure from two ES Tunis defenders.

The team continued to play well in the second half, not allowing any chances for the opposition. Coach Enzo Maresca also gave debuts to Mamadou Sarr and Andrey Santos.

As in the first half, Chelsea waited until stoppage time to score again. Tyrique George hit a powerful low shot that Bechir Ben Said could not stop, rounding off a strong performance by Chelsea.

https://twitter.com/DAZNFootball/status/1937752748335989030

Horoya AC crowned champions of Guinea Ligue 1 Pro
by Football Sierra Leone

Horoya AC crowned champions of Guinea Ligue 1 Pro

Horoya AC secured the Guinea Ligue 1 Pro championship for the 2024/25 season, marking the end of their two-year wait for a league title.

Horoya rebuilt their team with both experienced players and new talent after missing out on the title for two seasons.

On Sunday, they secured the championship with a 1-1 draw against Flamme Olympique. Last year’s champions, Hafia, drew 0-0 with Renaissance, which meant Horoya could not be caught with three games left to play.

Under coach Soufiane Souaré, Horoya finished with 52 points. Renaissance and Hafia are in second and third place with 39 and 38 points, respectively, as they compete for second place in the final matches.

Horoya will now prepare for the 2025/26 CAF Champions League. They have reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League two times, in 2018 and 2019.

CAF mourns victims of horrific football stadium disaster in Algeria
by FSL News

CAF mourns victims of horrific football stadium disaster in Algeria

Dr. Patrice Motsepe, President of CAF, expressed condolences to the Algerian Football Federation, the government, and the people of Algeria after a tragic incident during MC Alger’s League Title celebrations that led to three deaths and over 70 injuries.

Football fans died, and more than 70 others were injured after falling from the upper tier of a stadium in Algeria on Saturday. MC Alger secured their league title with a goalless draw against NC Magra, but joy quickly turned to panic after the final whistle.

Local media reported that a security barrier broke at the Stade du 5 Juillet, causing multiple spectators to fall from a high point into the mostly empty section below. Emergency services rushed to the scene to help the injured in Algiers, the capital of Algeria. Nearby fans were left shocked.

Photos taken after the incident clearly show where the barrier gave way at the stadium, which can hold 64,200 people. MC Alger’s players had been celebrating just moments earlier. The Algerian Ministry of Health stated that the Beni Messous University Hospital received 38 injured people, while three deaths were confirmed. Ben Aknoun Hospital treated 27 injured people, and Bab El Oued Hospital took in 16.

According to Algeria’s Ministry of Health, three spectators died and over 70 were injured during the football match between MC Alger and Najem Magra.

CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe expressed deep sadness over the incident, extending condolences to the Algerian government and the affected families. He wished a speedy recovery to the injured and affirmed CAF’s commitment to assist the Fédération Algérienne de Football.