Category: African News

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Zamalek edge Al Masry to maintain top spot in Confederation Cup
by FSL News

Zamalek edge Al Masry to maintain top spot in Confederation Cup

In a close Sunday evening match, Zamalek delivered a determined away showing to beat Al Masry 2–1 to maintained their grip at the top of Group D in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The guests assumed the lead in the 22nd minute when Hossam Abdelmaguid struck his shot low into the corner from the penalty spot following a foul in the box.

Respond positively, Al Masry was rewarded in the 32nd minute as Salah Mohsen calmly converted a penalty of his own to even things following a handball decision.

Both teams sought a decisive goal in the second half, with opportunities at either end and several interruptions breaking the flow of the game.

Eventually finding the breakthrough in the 75th minute, Zamalek reacted quickest to a corner and fired a left-footed shot into the bottom corner from close range. Oday Dabbagh did so.

Late on, Al Masry searched for an equaliser, but Zamalek stood strong across seven minutes of additional time to grab all three points away from home.

Al Masry 1–2 Zamalek
Zambia's Power Dynamos beat Rovers United in Group A CAF CL tie
by FSL News

Zambia’s Power Dynamos beat Rovers United in Group A CAF CL tie

In the Group A other game, Power Dynamos claimed their first victory of the CAF Champions League group stage with a hard-fought 1-0 win away to Rivers United, condemning the Nigerian side to another frustrating night.

The decisive moment came five minutes after the restart when Kundwani Chiboni struck to secure all three points for the Zambian champions. The midfielder timed his run perfectly to meet a well-weighted pass from Prince Mumba before calmly slotting the ball into the net to silence the home crowd.

Rivers United sought their first win but struggled to turn possession into clear chances in the first half, while Power Dynamos maintained a disciplined defence.

After going behind, Rivers pushed for an equaliser in the second half, launching several attacks but failing to break through the strong Dynamos ‘ defence and composed goalkeeping.

Despite late efforts, Rivers managed few clear opportunities, and Power Dynamos secured a vital away win, rising to four points in Group A.

Rivers remain bottom with one point from four matches, putting their hopes of progression in jeopardy.

Rivers United 0–1 Power Dynamos
Pyramids close to cementing CAF Champions League quarter-finals spot
by Football Sierra Leone

Pyramids close to cementing CAF Champions League quarter-finals spot

Following a convincing 3-0 triumph over Morocco's RS Berkane in Cairo on Sunday, title holders Pyramids are close to cementing their spot in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League quarter-finals.

Emphasising their increasing power in Africa’s leading club tournament, the Egyptian side gave a disciplined and precise performance at the Air Defence Stadium on Sunday to move clear at the top of Group A.

Early on, the pyramids set the tone, and in the 10th minute, Mahmoud Abdel Hafeez, also known as “Zalaka”, opened the scoring with a strong header from near range, thereby rewarding them. After a flawless delivery from Nasser Maher, whose impact would keep altering the match, the goal arrived.

Berkane attempted to respond after the break, but their efforts were thwarted by goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy, as Pyramids continued to dictate the pace and exploit open spaces on the counterattack.

The crucial moment arrived in the 74th minute when Nasser Maher scored his first goal wearing a Pyramids shirt after an amazing performance. Latching onto a quick transition sparked by Zalaka, Maher finished confidently from inside the penalty area to double the lead and effectively extinguish Berkane’s hopes of a comeback.

Six minutes later, pyramids contributed even more gloss to the scoreboard. In the 80th minute, Ahmed Atef “Qatta” scored the third goal to cap a dominating evening for the home team and cement their superiority.

After four games, Pyramids moves to 10 points, three ahead of second-placed Berkane. The Egyptian team is on the verge of advancing to the last eight of the tournament.

Seven points put Berkane second, but their grasp on qualifying is now in danger as Zambia’s Power Dynamos are in the fight for the group’s second spot.

For Pyramids, the triumph is another declaration of intent as they strive for continental success, fusing attacking genius with rising tactical maturity at a pivotal point in the competition.

After a hard-fought triumph, Sudanese side Al Hilal go top of Group C lead
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

After a hard-fought triumph, Sudan’s Al Hilal go top of Group C

On Friday night, Al-Hilal astonished South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns with a 2-1 victory in Kigali to claim Group C in the CAF Champions League, thereby ending a long wait for a victory over their prestigious rivals.

Performed at the Amahoro Stadium, the Matchday 4 match swung on moments of ruthlessness from the Sudanese side, who capitalised on Sundowns’ errors to climb to the top of the table at the halfway stage of the group phase.

Deep into first-half stoppage time, Al-Hilal struck first after referee Mahmoud Nagy gave a penalty following a costly error by veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango.

Mohammed Abdel Rahman, an international forward, stepped forward and held his nerves to send Onyango the wrong way, enabling the Sudanese champions a well-deserved halftime lead.

Al-momentum stayed with them after the restart, doubling four minutes into the second half.

Jean Claude Girumugisha grabbed a loose ball on the perimeter of the field and fired a low shot beyond Onyango, a finish highlighting Sundowns’ increasing uneasiness and their opponents’ sharpness.

Sundowns reacted by speeding their pace and found a lifeline just beyond the hour mark.

With a composed finish from inside the penalty area, Brazilian replacement Arthur Sales reduced the gap and inspired the South Africans, creating a nervous final half-hour.

Sundowns could not find an equaliser despite ongoing pressure.

Defending with discipline and resilience, Al-Hilal slowed the game at key times and guarded their slim lead to guarantee a statement triumph on neutral soil.

The outcome moves Al-Hilal eight points and alone atop Group C, putting them in a good place going into the critical phase of the tournament.

While Sundowns remain second with five points and will need a great response in the return games to reaffirm their eligibility.

TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Matchday 4 fixtures – (All times GMT)

Group C Result - Friday,  30 January — Al Hilal (SUD) 2-1 Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA)
Group B - Saturday, 31 January
13:00 — Young Africans SC (TAN) vs Al Ahly SC (EGY)
19:00 — AS FAR Rabat (MAR) vs JS Kabylie (ALG)

Group A - Sunday, 1 February
16:00 — Pyramids FC (EGY) vs RS Berkane (MAR)
16:00 — Rivers United (NGA) vs Power Dynamos (ZAM)

Group D - Saturday, 31 January
16:00 — Petro Atlético (ANG) vs Stade Malien (MLI)
Sunday, 1 February
13:00 — Simba SC (TAN) vs Espérance de Tunis (TUN)

Group C - Sunday, 1 February
19:00 — MC Alger (ALG) vs St Éloi Lupopo (DRC)
AFCON Final Chaos: Senegal's coach Pape Thiaw banned
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

AFCON Final Chaos: Senegal’s coach Pape Thiaw banned

Following the chaos during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco this month, Senegal's coach, Pape Thiaw, has been suspended for official CAF matches

CAF said he had behaved unfairly and had brought the game into disrepute, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) fined Thiaw a $100,000 (£72,000).

When Senegal’s players left the field after Morocco was given a stoppage-time penalty, the last on 18 January in Rabat, which Senegal went on to win 1-0, fell into disarray.

Thiaw told his players to leave the field, still furious from the referee’s judgment moments before, to blow for a foul on Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi before Ismaila Sarr headed in.

About 17 minutes before Senegal forward Sadio Mane persuaded his team-mates to get back onto the field, the game was stopped. Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy stopped Brahim Diaz’s Panenka penalty, and referee Jean-Jacques Ndala then quickly whistled for full-time.

In the fourth minute of extra time, Pape Gueye scored the game-winning goal to give Senegal a second Afcon victory in five years.

For unseemly behaviour toward the referee, Senegal forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Sarr were given two-match bans, while the Senegal Football Federation (FSF) was fined a total of $615,000 (£444,000).

Forward Ismael Saibari of Morocco was given a three-match ban and $100,000 (£72,000) was ordered; defender Hakimi was given a two-match ban, with one game suspended for 12 months.

Caf’s disciplinary committee rejected a Moroccan football association (FRMF) bid to have the game outcome reversed after Senegal players exited the field.

The penalties for Thiaw and the four other players apply only to Caf contests and will not affect preparations for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Fines for fan behaviour and towel scuffles


The FSF was fined $600,000 (£434,000) for breaches of Caf’s disciplinary code, with half of that sum relating to the unsporting conduct of Senegal players and technical staff, while the other $300,000 was for the improper conduct of its supporters.

Several Teranga Lions fans were involved in angry confrontations with security staff after the penalty award, with some trying to enter the pitch.

A further $15,000 ($11,000) fine was imposed after Thiaw’s side received five bookings during the final.

Meanwhile, the FRMF has been fined $200,000 (£144,000 for the “inappropriate behaviour” of ball boys at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, after repeated attempts to steal the towel of Senegal keeper Mendy from behind his goal.

A sum of $100,000 must be paid after Atlas Lions players and staff invaded the video assistant referee review area and obstructed referee Ndala’s work, and the FRMF has also been fined $15,000 for the use of lasers by its supporters.

Senegalese Federation appears before CAF Disciplinary Jury over AFCON Final chaos
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegalese Federation appears before CAF Disciplinary Jury over AFCON Final chaos

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has formally acknowledged that it appeared before the CAF Disciplinary Jury on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, following events related to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.

The Lions of Teranga held a contentious walk-off protesting a late penalty for Morocco, therefore postponing the end of the final by 14 minutes. Even after coming back to victory, the governing body and FIFA president Gianni Infantino have denounced the deplorable scenes in Rabat.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has formally acknowledged that it appeared before the CAF Disciplinary Jury on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, following events related to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.

The FSF said in a statement to the national and international public that the disciplinary action arises from reports of match officials as well as complaints filed by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation following the AFCON final.

The communique stated that FSF was represented by its Secretary General and received legal counsel from attorney Maître Seydou Diagne.

Additionally, appropriately heard by the disciplinary body and given their defences were Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, together with players Ismaïla Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye.

Under consideration now by the CAF Disciplinary Jury, the case is anticipated to be decided within 48 hours, a deadline fixed by the President of the Jury.

Dakar, January 27, 2026; signed by the FSF General Secretariat. As African football awaits CAF’s judgment on a highly debated AFCON final, a key decision is to be taken.

Ivory Coast set friendly date with Scotland at Everton's stadium
by FSL News

Ivory Coast set friendly date with Scotland at Everton’s stadium

Scotland's national football team, led by Steve Clarke, will play against the Ivory Coast for the first time on 31 March.

The match will take place at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium as part of their preparations for the World Cup. It will start at 19:30 BST, just three days after Scotland hosts Japan at Hampden.

Côte d’Ivoire, three-time Africa Cup of Nations winners, return to the World Cup for the first time in 12 years after an impressive unbeaten qualifying campaign. Scotland dramatically secured their place, ending a 28-year wait for a World Cup finals appearance with a decisive victory over Denmark.

Scotland earned their spot at the World Cup this summer by topping their qualifying group. They will also face Curacao in Glasgow on 30 May.

Scotland’s first World Cup match is against Haiti in Boston on 14 June, followed by games against Morocco and Brazil.

The Ivory Coast, which reached the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, is also competing in this year’s World Cup. They will play against Ecuador, Germany, and Curacao.

Clarke said, “We wanted to face African opposition before we play Morocco in the summer, and I’m sure Cote d’Ivoire will give us a real stern test. It will also be good to play at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool. The supporters will enjoy visiting the new stadium.”

Kaizer Chiefs narrowly beat Zesco United in Zambia
by FSL News

Kaizer Chiefs narrowly beat Zesco United in Zambia

Thanks to an early goal from Pule Mmodi that turned out to be critical, Kaizer Chiefs claimed a slim but important 1–0 triumph over Zesco United at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

Chiefs got a dream beginning when Pule Mmodi reacted fastest within the box to score from close range after a corner, therefore giving them a strike in only the second minute. Moments before, Flávio Silva’s hit post from another corner signalled the Chiefs’ early control.

United reacted by driving forward and setting up several opportunities—especially through Amine Hiver, Leonard Mulenga, and Emmanuel Manda—but tough defending and a remarkable performance by goalie Brandon Petersen repeatedly denied their efforts.

As they sought an equaliser, ZESCO heightened the pressure in the second half, earning several free kicks and corners.

Chiefs stayed tough and earned a hard-fought shutout despite several injuries that caused delays.

Result: Zesco United 0 – 1 Kaizer Chiefs
Tanzania's side Azam edge Nairobi United in CAF Confederation Cup
by FSL News

Tanzanian outfit Azam edge Nairobi United in CAF Confederation Cup

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup action continued on Sunday, with Azam FC keeping their quarter-final hopes alive by defeating Nairobi United 2-1.

Nairobi took an early lead in the 13th minute through Dancan Omala, but Azam quickly equalised with a goal from Jephté Kitambala in the 17th minute.

The match remained intense, with both teams creating chances. The decisive moment came in the 78th minute when an own goal by Nairobi’s Ernest Mohammed gave Azam a 2-1 lead.

Despite Nairobi’s efforts to equalise in the final minutes, Azam’s defence held strong, securing their victory amid pressure and six minutes of added time.

"St Éloi Lupopo overcomes MC Alger with a stoppage-time penalty
by FSL News

St Éloi Lupopo overcomes MC Alger with a stoppage-time penalty

St Éloi Lupopo rejuvenated their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League campaign with a thrilling 1–0 victory over MC Alger on Sunday, netting the decisive goal deep into stoppage time in Lubumbashi.

The match’s turning point came in the fifth minute of added time when substitute Enock Molia was fouled in the box by defender Ghezala. Michael Kimputu converted the penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and igniting celebrations among the home fans.

Both teams struggled to create clear chances throughout the match. While Lupopo had a slight edge in possession, MC Alger maintained a solid defensive setup, appearing set to earn a draw.

With this win, Lupopo moves to four points from three matches, sitting third in Group C, while MC Alger remains at the bottom with one point, complicating their path to qualification.

Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Hilal Omdurman lead the group with five points each, indicating a competitive race for the quarter-finals.