Category: African News

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Pirates, Pyramids, Ahly and Sundowns in CAF Champions League semi-finals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pirates, Pyramids, Ahly and Sundowns in CAF Champions League semi-finals

The semi-final line-up for the 2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League has been finalized, featuring two Egyptian teams and two South African teams that advanced from the quarter-finals, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to this season’s tournament.

Historic Moment for Pyramids FC

Despite facing a scare in Morocco, losing 2-0 to the Royal Army, Pyramids FC, however, advanced with a 4-3 aggregate score, thanks to their strong first-leg victory in Cairo. This marks Pyramids’ first appearance in the semi-finals of the prestigious African competition.

They will now face Orlando Pirates in what promises to be a fiercely contested match between two ambitious clubs, both seeking their first continental title in over a decade.

Al Ahly Pursues 11th Title; Sundowns Await

Defending champions Al Ahly overcame Al Hilal of Sudan with consecutive 1-0 victories, extending their run of semi-final appearances to six. They will now take on Mamelodi Sundowns, who narrowly edged Esperance of Tunisia with a 1-0 aggregate score after a closely contested two-legged encounter.

CAF Champions League Semi-Final Schedule:

  • 1st Leg (April 18–19)
    • Orlando Pirates vs Pyramids FC
    • Mamelodi Sundowns vs Al Ahly
  • 2nd Leg (April 25–26)
    • Pyramids FC vs Orlando Pirates
    • Al Ahly vs Mamelodi Sundowns
U17 AFCON set for exciting quater-finals match up as host Morocco take on South Afrca
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Exciting U17 AFCON quater-finals match up as host Morocco take on South Africa

Mali, Senegal, Ivory Coast, host Morocco, Zambia, and South Africa are all set for intriguing U17 AFCON quarterfinals, kicking off with Burkina Faso vs. Zambia as host Morocco takes on South Africa today.

Burkina Face v Zambia

Group B winners Burkina Faso face runners-up Zambia in the CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025 quarter-final at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca on Thursday (kick-off 17:00 local time / 16:00 GMT).

This is their first meeting in the U17 AFCON finals, but Burkina Faso has never lost in six previous games against COSAFA nations (W5 D1). Their only non-win was a 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe in 1999. They have scored 16 goals and conceded just three in those matches, keeping four clean sheets.

Host Morocco take on South Africa

Additionally, hosts Morocco will have a challenging match against South Africa in the CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-finals at the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia on Thursday, with a kick-off time of 20:00 local (19:00 GMT).

Morocco, the winners of Group A, finished their group undefeated with two wins and a draw. South Africa secured second place in Group B, with one win, one draw, and one loss.

This marks the second meeting between Morocco and South Africa at the TotalEnergies CAF U17 AFCON. In their previous encounter at the finals, Morocco won 2-0 during their first group game in the 2023 edition.

Notably, current Morocco U17 coach Nabil Baha was an unused substitute during a 1-1 draw between Morocco and South Africa at the group stages of the 2004 TotalEnergies CAF AFCON finals, which allowed Morocco to progress while South Africa was eliminated.

West African Derby – Ivory Coast v Senegal

In another quarter-final clash, West African rivals Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal will meet for the first time in the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025. This match will kick off at 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT) on Friday.

Côte d’Ivoire has scored the most goals in the tournament (10) and will take on Senegal, who boasts the joint-best defense. Both teams are unbeaten in the tournament, with Côte d’Ivoire winning Group D and Senegal finishing as runners-up in Group C.

Côte d’Ivoire is facing a defending champion for the second time, with their previous encounter being against Gambia in 2011, which they won 4-1 in the group stages.

Tunisia v Mali at the Ben M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida on Friday

Tunisia will face Mali in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025. The match will take place at the Ben M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida on Friday, with a kick-off time of 20:00 local (19:00 GMT).

The two teams have only met once before in the continental competition, during the group stages in 1999, where Mali emerged victorious with a score of 2-0. Tunisia’s record against West African opponents at these finals stands at 8 matches played, with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 5 losses. Their victories include a 3-0 win over Togo in the group stages of 2007 and a 2-1 win against Gambia in the current tournament.

Tunisia has also faced challenges in the semi-finals, losing to Nigeria twice, in 2007 and 2013. Additionally, they were defeated by Ghana in the 1997 group stages and in the play-off for third place in 2007. Tunisia lost to Mali during the 1995 group stages and recently drew 0-0 with Senegal in the ongoing competition.

On the other hand, this match against Tunisia will be Mali’s fifth encounter with North African opponents. Their previous record against North African teams shows 1 win, 1 draw, and 2 losses. Mali defeated Tunisia 2-0 in the 1995 group stages and drew 0-0 with Egypt during the 1997 group phase, later losing to Egypt 1-0 in the final that same year. In 2023, they faced Morocco in the semi-finals and lost in a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw.

Kenya's Salim Babu names Cup of Nations U20 provisional squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kenya’s Salim Babu names U20 Cup of Nations provisional squad

Kenya U20 head coach Salim Babu has announced a provisional squad of 35 players for the upcoming U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to begin on April 27, 2025, in Egypt.

The Rising Stars are placed in Group C, where they will compete against defending champions Senegal, Zambia, and Sierra Leone as they aim to make a significant impact on the continental stage.

Kenya earned its spot in this tournament after finishing as runners-up in the 2024 CECAFA U20 Qualifiers, narrowly losing to Tanzania in the final.

Babu’s squad selection comes after a series of training camps designed to scout top young talent from across the country. The final list includes a mix of local and foreign-based players, featuring several key returnees from the CECAFA Qualifiers. Notable players include captain Amos Wanjala, Manzur Okwaro, Baron Ochieng, Aldrine Kibet, Tyron Kariuki, Kelly Madada, and Andreas Odhiambo.

Kenya will begin its campaign in Group C against Sierra Leone on May 1, followed by matches against Zambia on May 4, and concluding the group stage against Senegal on May 7.

The team has entered a residential training camp in Nairobi, with friendly matches scheduled to prepare for the tournament. Kenya will be aiming to make a strong impression in Egypt as they seek to advance past the group stage and challenge for continental glory.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Benard Jairo (Kariobangi Sharks), Wycliford Oduor (Bidco United), Kevin Oduor (Nairobi United)

Defenders

Manzur Okwaro (KCB), Joseph Bate (MOFA), Jackson Sane (Mombasa Elite), Amos Wanjala (Athletic Club Torrellano), Charles Junior (Sofapaka), Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka), Humphrey Obina (Murang’a Seal), Telena Ochieng (Ulinzi Stars), Rodgers Wasega (Nairobi City Stars)

Midfielders

Andreas Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks), Stanley Wilson (AIK – Sweden), Zech Obiero (Leyton Orient – England), Kevin Wangaya, Emilio Brian (Ulinzi Stars), Irad Mshindi (KCB), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Mark Shaban (Gor Mahia), Aldrine Kibet (Nastic – Spain), Humphrey Aroko (Kariobangi Sharks), Gilbert Abala (Nairobi City Stars), Hassan Beja (AFC Leopards), Ezekiel Omuri (Shabana), Tyron Kariuki (KCB), William Gitamu (Bandari), Javan Omondi (Ulinzi Stars), Elly Owande (Al Nasr – UAE), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta), Jeremy Bissau (Brooke House College – Leicester, England)

Forwards

Lawrence Ouma (MOFA), Oliver Machaka (Kakamega Homeboyz), Henry Omollo (Kakamega Homeboyz), Luis Ingavi (Saginaw Valley State – USA)

CAF Champions wrap-up: Al Ahly set for Semi-Finals Against Sundowns
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Champions League: Al Ahly set for Semi-Finals Against Sundowns

Al Ahly has reached the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League after beating Al Hilal 1-0 in the second leg at Sheikh Bedia Stadium in Mauritania on Tuesday giving them a 2-0 victory overall.

Midfielder Imam Ashour scored the crucial goal in the 80th minute. Al Ahly now focuses on their semi-final match with Mamelodi Sundowns, who won against Esperance de Tunis in their quarter-final.

The rivalry between these two teams has grown in recent years, and this match is expected to draw a lot of attention.

This win marks Al Ahly’s 21st appearance in the Champions League semi-finals and their sixth straight time in this round. They will face Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa in the next match, which is highly anticipated.

Cautious First Half in Mauritania

Both teams started carefully, trying to control the midfield. Al Ahly, led by Swiss coach Marcel Koller, showed more energy early on. Slovenian forward Nijk Gradishar almost scored in the 9th minute with a powerful shot that forced a great save from Al Hilal’s goalkeeper, Issa Fofana.

Imam Ashour, important in the first leg, briefly worried fans after a tough challenge but bounced back and remained active. In the 34th minute, Al Ahly had a good chance when a low cross just missed both Gradishar and Wissam Abu Ali. Ashour tried to score with a strong shot from outside the box. Just before half-time, Al Hilal made a dangerous low cross into the box, but Al Ahly cleared it.

Ashour Scores Late to Secure the Win

In the second half, Al Hilal pushed harder to score. Their best chance came in the 64th minute when winger Ahmed Salem found himself one-on-one with Egypt’s goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy but failed to score. Al Ahly held on and scored the winning goal ten minutes before the end. Substitute Taher Mohamed Taher sent a well-placed ball into the box, and Ashour finished it off with skill.

Despite Al Hilal pushing in the final minutes and eight minutes added for stoppage time, Al Ahly kept their lead. Ahmed Reda nearly scored again in injury time, but Fofana made a quick save to keep the score from increasing.

Al Ahly, Esperance, Sundowns all set for Intriguing second leg CAF Champions League ties
by Football Sierra Leone

Al Ahly, Esperance, Sundowns all set for Intriguing second leg CAF Champions League ties

The CAF Champions League semi-finals are on the line Tuesday as four teams look to overcome deficits, while others aim to protect slim leads in quarter-finals are entering a critical phase with second-leg matchups set to determine who advances to the final four of Africa’s top club tournament.

Sundowns up against tough Esperance

Mamelodi Sundowns heads into a challenging match against Tunisia’s Esperance Sportive de Tunis with a narrow 1-0 lead. Coach Miguel Cardoso’s squad needs to stay firm to avoid last season’s semi-final disappointments.

Key players include Namibian forward Peter Shalulile and Brazilian playmaker Lucas Ribeiro. Sundowns will rely on their experience against a determined Esperance team aiming for their fifth Champions League title.

Under coach Maher Kanzari, they seek to turn the deficit around, with star player Youcef Belaïli expected to lead their attack. The Tunisian crowd will be a crucial motivator as Esperance looks to make a comeback.

MC Alger seeks revenge against Orlando Pirates

MC Alger faces a tough challenge after losing 1-0 to Orlando Pirates in the opening match in Algiers. The return leg in South Africa presents a significant test for the Algerians, who now must produce a strong away performance to remain in the competition.

Coach José Riveiro’s Pirates are the favorites for the second leg in Johannesburg.

The Buccaneers displayed solid defense in the first encounter, and fans hope to see players like Evidence Makgopa return to scoring form or potentially witness a surprising comeback from Monnapule Saleng, who recently resumed training after an extended absence. MC Alger will aim to harness their belief and character to defy the expectations away from home and turn the tie in their favor.

Pyramids FC are ready but cautious in Morocco

Egypt’s Pyramids FC holds a strong lead in the quarter-finals after a 4-1 victory over Morocco’s Royal Army in Cairo. The team’s attacking trio, consisting of Ibrahim Adel, Ramadan Sobhi, and Fiston Mayele, played a key role.

Coach Krunoslav Jurcic aims to secure their advancement in the upcoming match in Rabat. Despite the setback, Royal Army’s coach, Alexandre Santos, remains hopeful for a comeback on home ground. The match is taking place amid tensions between the clubs due to complaints over fan restrictions and stadium access.

Al Ahly cautious of an upset as Al Hilal prepares for an ambush in Nouakchott.

Al Ahly holds a 1-0 lead against Al Hilal ahead of their second-leg match in Nouakchott, due to security issues in Sudan. Coach Marcel Koller aims for improved offensive play from players like Achraf Bencharki, Imam Ashour, and Wissam Abu Ali, while veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy anchors the defense. 

Cote d'Ivoire down Mali to win Group D and reach U-17 World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cote d’Ivoire, Mali qualify for quarter-finals and FIFA U17 World Cup  

Cote d’Ivoire showed a strong performance on Monday by defeating Mali 4-2 in their final Group D match at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

With this result, Cote d’Ivoire finished first in the group with seven points, while Mali ended with six points. Despite the loss, Mali had already qualified for the quarter-finals and the World Cup thanks to earlier wins against Angola and the Central African Republic.

This result allowed them to take first place and second places in the group and secure a spot in the quarter-finals and the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar later this year.

Alynho Haïdara shined for Cote d’Ivoire, scoring two goals in the first 18 minutes—first from open play and then from a penalty kick. Moïse Diarrassouba added a third goal with a great finish just before halftime, giving Cote d’Ivoire a solid 3-0 lead.

Seydou Dembélé scored for Mali during first-half stoppage time. Although Mali got a chance to score again with a penalty in the second half, Dembélé’s shot was saved by the Ivorian goalie. Ndjicoura Bomba later made it 3-2 with a strong shot in the 69th minute.

However, any chance of a comeback ended in added time when Broulaye Cissé scored a spectacular long-range goal to make it 4-2 and secure the win.

In another match, Angola won 6-1 against the Central African Republic but did not advance to the quarter-finals; however, they will get a chance to play in the World Cup playoffs as one of the best third-placed teams.

Uncertainty grips Sierra Leone FA after chaotic Congress
by Football Sierra Leone

Uncertainty grips Sierra Leone FA after chaotic Congress

In the highly anticipated Football Congress of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025, FIFA and CAF representatives witnessed severe violence and misconduct.

Just prior to the start of the congress, there were several injured individuals, including the President’s Personal Assistant, David Turner. This unexpected act of violence, unprecedented in any sporting event in Sierra Leone, resulting to Ordinary Congress was aborted.

The congress was intended to elect various independent committees for a four-year mandate, specifically the Ethics Board, the SLFA Appeals and Disciplinary Committees, the newly proposed Audit and Compliance Committee, and the electoral bodies.

It was also slated to review and approve newly proposed football statutes, as well as other agenda items typical for annual ordinary congresses, such as the approval of the annual audit report and the budget for the upcoming year.

The behavior of delegates and supporters at the congress has been condemned by a significant portion of Sierra Leoneans, as well as by global football pundits and analysts. It has embarrassed the nation and raised concerns about FIFA’s next steps.

During the congress, there was evident animosity and division within the Executive Committee (EXCO), political divides among delegates, and a desperate scramble for power among leading aspirants. The involvement of government officials and security forces, who appeared to incite problems in favor of certain candidates, further exacerbated the situation.

According to a reliable and knowledgeable source, the only viable option for FIFA in this context is to establish a Normalization Committee due to the level of conflict and incidents that violate FIFA’s policies against third-party interference.

Normally, FIFA would refer such matters to the General Secretary of FIFA and CAF to determine a new attempt at convening the congress. However, due to the extensive violence, reported divisions among EXCO members, and inappropriate behavior towards FIFA and CAF representatives, it is likely that the FIFA Secretariat, responsible for operational affairs and decision-making in the absence of a FIFA Council meeting, will move towards implementing a Normalization Committee.

The source explained that a Normalization Committee would be authorized by FIFA statutes and would be supervised and directed entirely by FIFA. Unlike an elected executive, this committee would be accountable only to FIFA.

The only other alternative would be a more lenient approach involving one more attempt to convene the congress, which is typically pursued when issues are less severe than those currently faced in Sierra Leone.

The source concluded that the FIFA General Secretariat would probably wait for reports from the FIFA and CAF representatives, as well as the General Secretary of the SLFA, before consulting with the Head of the African Division and the CAF General Secretary for a final decision, which could be expected before the end of the week.

Zambia Advance to FIFA U-17 World Cup after Billy Daka's winner
by Football Sierra Leone

Zambia Advance to FIFA U-17 World Cup after Billy Daka’s winner

A crucial goal by Billy Daka in the closing stages of the match helped Zambia secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, eliminating Uganda in the process. This victory also earned Zambia a place in the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Zambia finished second in Group A, following group leaders Morocco, as both teams progressed to the knockout stage of the competition.

The match was highly tactical, with both sides approaching the game cautiously given the stakes involved. Zambia took the lead in the 20th minute when a lapse in concentration by the Ugandan defense allowed Kelvin Chipelu to score, putting the Southern African nation ahead.

Zambia maintained their lead going into halftime with a slight advantage, but Uganda responded aggressively in the second half. Just minutes after the break, Elvis Torach levelled the score for Uganda in the 49th minute.

As the game continued, both teams struggled to break the deadlock until Daka emerged as the hero for Zambia in the 86th minute, scoring the pivotal goal that sent Zambia through to the knockout stages and secured their place in the World Cup.

Senegal play to a goalless draw against Tunisia in U17 AFCON
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegal play to a goalless draw against Tunisia in U17 AFCON

Defending champions Senegal must wait until the final day of group matches to officially secure their place in the quarterfinals of TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

In their second group encounter on Friday, Senegal and Tunisia played to a stalemate, ending in a 0-0 draw in a tough contest within Group C.

Although Senegal controlled possession, they could not break through the well-organized defense of the North Africans, who were steadfast in both defensive and offensive efforts throughout the game.

Following a slim 1-0 win against The Gambia in their initial match, Senegal aimed to secure a spot in the quarterfinals early. Conversely, Tunisia, after a strong start with a 3-0 victory over first-timers Somalia, sought to achieve an upset.

With both sides earning a point, the concluding match day of the group phase is set to be thrilling. Senegal will take on Somalia in a crucial must-win match, while Tunisia is set to face The Gambia, who still hold a slim chance of progressing from this tough Group C.

Both matches on Match Day 3 are scheduled for Monday, April 7. The two teams finishing at the top of the group will not only ensure a quarterfinal spot but also earn the chance to represent Africa at the FIFA U-17 World Cup later this year.

Uganda beat neighbouring Tanzania to increase qualification hopes
by Football Sierra Leone

Uganda beat neighbours Tanzania to increase qualification hopes

After their heavy opening loss to Morocco, Uganda made a strong recovery, securing a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over neighbouring Tanzania on Match Day 2 of the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 on Thursday.

Three second-half goals from Simon Wanyama, Richard Okello, and James Ogere’s expertly taken penalty secured a convincing win for the Ugandan team.  

The determined Ugandans came out strong from the start, with Wanyama, Bogere, and Isima Magala creating some thrilling attacking plays for their side.  

Tanzania, also looking to recover from a 4-1 loss to Zambia, attempted to break through the Ugandan defense but struggled with poor decision-making.  

Both teams went into halftime with the score still level, setting the stage for an exciting second half.  

Wanyama scored the first goal in the 61st minute, providing a much-needed sense of calm for the Ugandan squad.  

In the 85th minute, a moment of lost focus allowed Okello to seize a loose ball in the danger zone, extending Uganda’s lead with only five minutes remaining.  

With the match firmly under their control, Uganda rounded off their victory after Tanzania committed a foul in the final minutes, allowing Magala to confidently convert the penalty for the third goal.  

This crucial win propels Uganda ahead of the last-placed Tanzania, whose chances in the tournament are now precarious.