Category: African News

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Ivory Coast announce last-minute pull-out as host of U20 AFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivory Coast announce last-minute pull-out as host of U20 AFCON

With only one month remaining before the kickoff of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Ivory Coast has officially withdrawn as the host nation for the tournament.

Sierra Leone is placed in a group with Senegal, Zambia, and Kenya for the forthcoming youth football tournament. The leading four countries will qualify for the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, which is set to take place in Chile from September 27 to October 19, 2025.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) had announced Ivory Coast as the host country in 2024. However, on Wednesday, the Ivorian government instructed the country’s football federation to give up its hosting duties.

In a shocking development, Yacine Idriss Diallo, who is the President of both the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) and the organizing committee for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (COCAN U20), conveyed the decision made by the government: “Through this letter, I notify you that the Government has formally communicated to the Ivorian Football Federation that Côte d’Ivoire will no longer host the U20 Africa Cup of Nations.”

“Upon the directive of the FIF President, the Executive Director relayed this information to the CAF Secretary General on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.”

The President conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to the organization of the tournament and promised that any updates concerning CAF’s response would be shared in a timely manner.

CAF will now need to identify a different host before the tournament commences.

Algeria thrash Mozambique as DRC, Senegal register wins
by Football Sierra Leone

Algeria thrash Mozambique as DRC, Senegal register wins

Several African countries showed their strength in the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with impressive wins on the last day of Matchday 6 of the qualifiers on Tuesday night.

Algeria won decisively, beating Mozambique 5-1. Morocco, DR Congo, and Senegal also achieved important victories to improve their chances in their groups. Meanwhile, Comoros kept their hopes alive with a close win against Chad in Group I.

Group B – DR Congo 2-0 Mauritania

DR Congo took the lead in Group B after a solid 2-0 win against Mauritania in Kinshasa. Charles Pickel scored in the 3rd minute to start strong for the Leopards. Substitute Fiston Mayele sealed the win with a goal in the 83rd minute. This victory gives DR Congo 13 points, putting them one point ahead of Senegal. Mauritania remains at the bottom with just two points.

Senegal 2-0 Togo

Senegal kept up with the leaders by beating Togo 2-0 in Thiès. Pape Matar Sarr scored the first goal in the 35th minute, with help from Habib Diallo. The Lions of Teranga made it 2-0 when Togo’s Boma scored an own goal from a free kick by Lamine Camara in the 67th minute. Togo has not won in this group, while Senegal has 12 points and a +7 goal difference, placing them second behind DR Congo.

Group E – Morocco 2-0 Tanzania

Morocco continued their perfect start with a 2-0 victory over Tanzania in Agadir. Nayef Aguerd scored the first goal in the 58th minute from a corner kick rebound. Brahim Diaz added a second goal from a penalty soon after. With 15 points from five matches, Morocco is leading Group E and getting closer to World Cup qualification.

Group G – Algeria 5-1 Mozambique  

Mohamed Amoura was the standout player for Algeria, scoring three goals in their 5-1 win over Mozambique in Algiers. He scored the first goal in the 8th minute after a defensive error and followed with another goal before half-time with an assist from Riyad Mahrez. Amoura also assisted Hadjam’s goal and completed his hat-trick later in the match. Algeria now has 12 points from six games, keeping them in contention in Group G.

Group I – Comoros 1-0 Chad

Comoros revived their qualification chances with a 1-0 win over Chad in Berkane. Rafiki Saïd scored the only goal in the 24th minute. This win helped Comoros bounce back from their last defeat to Mali. Comoros moved up to second place, just three points behind the group leaders, Ghana. Chad, with six straight losses, is among the first teams eliminated from the qualifiers.

Tunisia maintain Group H lead in FIFA World Cup African qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia maintain Group H lead in FIFA World Cup African qualifiers

Tunisia triumphed over Malawi with a 2-0 victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers, keeping them at the top of Group H. Seifeddine Jaziri scored in the 86th minute after coming off the bench, and Elias Achouri secured the win with a stoppage-time penalty.

Malawi’s solid defence made the match challenging for Tunisia, who needed the late goals to secure the win. Aymen Dahmen saved a late penalty from Malawi’s Richard Mbulu, ensuring the clean sheet.

With this win, Tunisia has 13 points from five matches, four points ahead of Namibia, who drew 1-1 with Equatorial Guinea.

In Group A, Ethiopia celebrated their first victory of the qualifiers with a 6-1 win against Djibouti. Bereka Desta and Abubeker Nassir both scored three goals, while Djibouti managed a consolation goal from Samuel Akinbinu.

Ethiopia now sits fourth in Group A, seven points behind leaders Egypt. As both teams head into the final two matchdays, Tunisia aims for World Cup qualification, while Ethiopia hopes to improve their standing.

Thomas Partey scores brace as Ghana go top of Group I
by Football Sierra Leone

Thomas Partey scores brace as Ghana go top of Group I

Thomas Partey scored two goals to help the Black Stars win 3-0 against Madagascar in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Monday evening at the Grand Stade Al-Hoceima stadium.

Ghana took the lead early, with Partey netting the first goal in the 11th minute. He scored again in the 58th minute while Madagascar struggled to find rhythm.

Just minutes after Partey’s second goal, Mohamed Kudus added another goal to make it 3-0. This result gives the Black Stars their fifth win and increases their lead over Madagascar to five points.

Ghana is now well-positioned for a place in the FIFA World Cup, leading Group I with four matches left. Madagascar will be disappointed with this result.

In another match, reigning African champions Côte d’Ivoire won 1-0 against The Gambia. Sébastien Haller scored in the 15th minute, helping The Elephants maintain their lead and keep The Gambia from scoring.

This victory puts Côte d’Ivoire one point ahead of Gabon, who briefly led Group F following their 2-1 win over Kenya on Monday.

Burkina Faso beat Guinea-Bissau to close gap on Egypt in World Cup qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkina Faso beat Guinea-Bissau to close gap on Egypt in World Cup qualifiers

Lassina Traoré scored a brace that helped the Stallions of Burkina Faso secure back-to-back World Cup qualifying victories, defeating Guinea-Bissau 2-1 at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro on Monday.

Burkina Faso was determined to overcome their opponents after their previous matchday five victory, which saw them thrash Djibouti 4-1. They knew that a win would help them close the gap on leaders Egypt in Group A.

An early goal from Lassina Traoré in the 6th minute was equalized by a long-range shot from Zidane Banjaqui in the 36th minute, bringing the score to 1-1 at halftime.

In the second half, after absorbing pressure from the hosts, Burkina Faso capitalized on a defensive mistake, and Traoré restored their lead in the 73rd minute, completing his brace.

The visitors held on to win for the second consecutive time, narrowing the gap two points behind Egypt, who will face Sierra Leone in Cairo on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Namibia and Equatorial Guinea played to a 1-1 draw in Johannesburg on Matchday 6 of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Namibia, coming off a narrow win over Malawi, aimed to keep pace with Group H leaders Tunisia. Equatorial Guinea, fresh from a 2-0 victory against São Tomé and Príncipe, struggled to find quality finishing in the first half, which ended goalless.

In the second half, Namibia took the lead in the 51st minute with a goal from Peter Shalulile, assisted by Deon Hotto’s free kick. Equatorial Guinea equalized just three minutes later with Saúl Coco’s goal from Esteban Orozco’s pass.

Both teams pushed for a winner, but the match ended in a draw. Namibia is second in Group H with 12 points, behind Tunisia, while Equatorial Guinea is fourth with seven points, needing to win their remaining matches to stay in contention.

CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025
by Football Sierra Leone

Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco schedule confirmed

The Confederation African Football (CAF) has shared important details about the CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025. The tournament will take place from March 30 to April 19, 2025, with 16 countries participating.

Four stadiums will be used for the matches: the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia, the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Berrechid Stadium, both in Casablanca, and the El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida.

The tournament starts on March 30 at the El Bachir Stadium with the opening match featuring Morocco against Uganda, the East African champions, at 22:00 local time (GMT).

On March 31, Tanzania will play against Southern African champions Zambia at 14:00. Later that day, Burkina Faso, last edition’s bronze medallists, will face two-time champions Cameroon in a Group B match at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium at 17:00.

The last match of the day, also at Larbi Zaouli Stadium, will see 2015 runners-up South Africa play against 1997 champions Egypt at 20:00.

On April 1, matches for Groups C and D will begin, featuring the defending champions, Senegal. Senegal will play The Gambia at the El Abdi Stadium at 14:00, while Somalia, in their second finals appearance, will compete against Tunisia at 17:00.

In Group D, Mali, who finished fourth in the last edition, will face tournament newcomers Angola at 17:00. Former champions Côte d’Ivoire will aim for an opening win against the Central African Republic at 20:00.

The TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON Morocco 2025 will also determine which teams qualify for the FIFA World Cup. Africa will have 10 representatives at the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

For a full list of TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 Fixtures, Times and Venues – CLICK HERE 

To download a graphic of the fixtures for editorial use only, CLICK HERE 

TotalEnergies CAF U-17 CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 Groups: 

  • GROUP A: Morocco (Hosts), Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia
  • GROUP B: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, South Africa, Egypt
  • GROUP C: Senegal, Gambia, Somalia, Tunisia
  • GROUP D: Mali, Angola, Cote d’Ivoire, Central African Republic
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang nets brace as Gabon go top of Group F
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang nets brace as Gabon go top of Group F

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice, helping Gabon win 2-1 against Kenya and reach the top of Group F. In another World Cup 2026 qualifying match, Eswatini and Mauritius ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw on Sunday.

Aubameyang gave Gabon an early lead in Nairobi. He scored a second goal from a penalty in the second half.

Kenya answered with a goal from Michael Olunga around the 60-minute mark, but Gabon held on to win and earn three important points.

This victory puts Gabon at the top of Group F with 15 points, ahead of Côte d’Ivoire, increasing their chances of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time.

Kenya now faces a tough road ahead, as this loss sets them back in the qualifying campaign.

In Group B, Eswatini and Mauritius played an exciting match with six goals. Thabo Mkhonto scored twice for Eswatini in the first 16 minutes.

Mauritius came back in the second half, with goals from Linsley Rose and Yven Aristide leveling the score just three minutes apart.

Eswatini seemed to secure the win when Mabuza scored in the 75th minute. However, Jean scored in stoppage time for Mauritius, earning them a draw.

Both Eswatini and Mauritius now sit near the bottom of Group B, with their chances of qualifying looking slim as the final rounds approach.

Morocco strengthens grip in Group E World Cup qualifiers
by Football Sierra Leone

Morocco strengthen grip in Group E World Cup qualifiers

Morocco came from behind to defeat Niger 2-1, strengthening their lead in Group E of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers. Meanwhile, Guinea’s campaign suffered a setback with a frustrating goalless draw against Somalia.

In Oujda, the Atlas Lions, who reached the semi-finals in the last World Cup, fell behind after a goal from Niger’s Boubacar Goumey Oumarou in the 47th minute.

However, a triple substitution by coach Walid Regragui revitalized the team. Ismael Saibari equalized in the 59th minute, tapping in a clever assist from Brahim Diaz. Morocco secured the win with a late goal from Bilal El Khannouss in stoppage time, keeping them six points clear at the top of Group E.

In contrast, Guinea’s hopes crumbled in a disappointing 0-0 draw against Somalia, who are among the lowest-ranked in African football. Despite having Champions League star Serhou Guirassy, Guinea struggled to break down Somalia’s defensive setup, missing a chance to pressure Group G leaders Mozambique and second-placed Algeria.

As criticism of the team grows, Guinea faces a must-win match against Uganda next, while Morocco prepares to face Tanzania.

Eric Chelle praises Nigeria's performance after defeating Rwanda
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Eric Chelle praises Nigeria’s performance after defeating Rwanda

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle praised his players after their 2-0 win against the Amavubi of Rwanda.

Nigeria matchday five tie took place at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday night and marked the Super Eagles’ first victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series. With this win, the team moved up to fourth place in Group C.

In his post-match remarks, Chelle said, “It was a tough game; Rwanda has a strong team. I am proud of my players. We worked hard in the few days leading up to this match, although we only had two full training sessions. However, we controlled the ball well in the second half. It was a solid performance from my players.”

Chelle also mentioned his team’s strategy and the need for improvement. He stated, “I enjoy setting up the game plan. We tried two different tactics. This is just the first game, and we need to improve as we prepare for the next one.”

He emphasized that teamwork is essential. “Every player can contribute, and we need to work together to reach our goal of qualifying for the World Cup. We have talented players, and today the team performed well. My job is to make decisions about the game plan and which players to use.”

Rwanda’s head coach, Adel Amrouche, expressed disappointment after the Amavubi’s loss to the Super Eagles.

“We need to correct some things in the team. Unfortunately, we lost, but we will regroup for the next game,” he said. “I am ashamed of today’s performance, especially in front of our fans and the president.”

Bertrand Traoré nets as Burkina Faso down Djibouti in Group A tie
by Football Sierra Leone

Bertrand Traoré nets as Burkina Faso down Djibouti in Group A tie

Burkina Faso defeated Djibouti 4-1, allowing them to overtake Sierra Leone on goal difference ahead of matchday six against Guinea-Bissau in the World Cup qualification matches for Group A.

As a result, Burkina Faso now sits in second place, behind Egypt, who are set to play against Ethiopia later this evening in the race for qualification to the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Josue Tiendrebeogo opened the scoring in the 13th minute, and Bertrand Traoré doubled their lead in the 33rd minute at the Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi on Friday.

MC Alger player Mohamed Zougrana extended Burkina Faso’s lead to three goals, and Lassina Traoré capped it off with a fourth goal, making it 4-0.

Djibouti’s Samuel Akinbinu managed to pull one back with a consolation goal from the penalty spot in the 88th minute.

Group leaders Egypt will face Ethiopia later in the final match of group stage five.

On matchday six, Burkina Faso will travel to meet Guinea-Bissau at Estádio 24 de Setembro, while Ethiopia will host Djibouti at Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi. Additionally, Sierra Leone will entertain Egypt in Cairo on Tuesday.