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Mali thrash Comoros in Group I CAF World Cup Qualifiers
by FSL News

Mali thrash Comoros in Group I CAF World Cup Qualifying tie

Newly appointed Tom Saintfiet guided Mali to a vital 3-0 victory over Comoros on Thursday night during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. This victory gives Mali a better chance to qualify and changes the standings in Group I.

Nene Dorgeles and Kamory Doumbia scored goals in the Moroccan city of Berkane, helping Mali move up to fourth place with eight points, just two points behind the leaders, Madagascar. Comoros, who was at the top of the group before this game, is now in third place with nine points.

Mali started the match strong, scoring the first goal in the 20th minute. Dorgeles received a good pass from captain Yves Bissouma and shot past goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros tried to fight back. Faïz Selemani took a long-range free kick that tested Malian goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, but Mali kept their defence strong.

In the second half, Mali played with more energy. In the 55th minute, El Bilal Touré crossed the ball into the box, and Kamory Doumbia found the empty net.

Just eight minutes later, Doumbia scored again with another assist from Bissouma, making it clear that the game was in Mali’s control. Comoros struggled to find clear opportunities as Mali finished the game confidently.

This loss is a big setback for Comoros, who may fall further behind in the group.

In contrast, Mali’s win puts them back in the race for a World Cup spot, with three games left in the qualifiers. Madagascar stays on top with 10 points, but Ghana could take the lead if they win their next match against Chad.

Mali will be feeling more confident as they prepare for their next important game against the Central African Republic on Monday to move up the standings.

Mozambique beat 10-man Uganda as Cape Verde earn late win
by Football Sierra Leone

Mozambique beat 10-man Uganda as Cape Verde earn late win

Mozambique topped Group G in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a 3-1 victory over Uganda at Cairo Stadium on Thursday. The Mambas dominated the first half, with Pepo scoring twice and assisting Stanley Ratifo’s goal just before halftime.

Although Uganda’s Muhammad Shaban equalized early, they struggled after Denis Omedi received a red card.

With this win, Mozambique has 12 points, three ahead of Algeria, who faces Botswana on Friday. Uganda remains in third place, tied on six points with Botswana and Guinea.

Mozambique took an early lead in the fourth minute through Pepo, who later scored again in the 17th minute after Shaban equalized. Omedi’s red card left Uganda at a disadvantage.

In first-half stoppage time, Pepo assisted Ratifo, making it 3-1. Mozambique couldn’t extend their lead in the second half, but their victory was secure. Algeria now faces pressure to win against Botswana to remain competitive in the group ahead of Matchday 6.

Despite their numerical advantage, Mozambique couldn’t extend their lead in the second half, but their two-goal cushion secured the victory. Algeria now faces pressure to win against Botswana to stay competitive in the group ahead of Matchday 6.

Group D: Cape Verde achieved a late win over Mauritius with Yannick Semedo’s 84th-minute goal, earning three crucial points on the road.

Despite being mostly controlled during the match, the visitors capitalized on a late mistake, allowing them to top Group D, ahead of Cameroon, who dropped points against Eswatini.

In Group H, Prins Tjiueza’s composed strike, following a layoff from Peter Shalulile in the 40th minute, was enough for Namibia to secure their third victory. They faced Malawi in a match that was evenly contested.

This crucial win allows Namibia to move up to second place in the group. Meanwhile, Malawi’s defeat places them in a challenging fifth position, diminishing their chances of qualification.

Eswatini frustrated Cameroon as Tunisia edge Liberia to extend lead
by Football Sierra Leone

Eswatini frustrate Cameroon as Tunisia squeeze past Liberia to extend lead

Tunisia defeated Liberia 1-0, Madagascar thrashed Central African Republic 4-1, and Cameroon could only draw 0-0 with Eswatini in the World Cup qualifiers.

Hazem Mastouri’s early goal kept Tunisia at the top of Group H with 13 points, while Rayan Raveloson scored twice for Madagascar, leading Group I. Cameroon struggled in Group D against last-placed Eswatini.

Tunisia had a successful match in Liberia, winning 1-0 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Complex. They scored quickly, with Mastouri finishing a good move in the fourth minute after pressure from Hannibal Mejbri.

Tunisia nearly extended their lead when Naïm Sliti hit the crossbar before halftime. Although Liberia held most of the possession and pushed for an equalizer, they could not break through Tunisia’s strong defense. Aymen Dahmen made key saves to deny the hosts.

In the second half, Tunisia defended well and almost scored again when Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane missed a great chance. This win strengthens Tunisia’s position in Group H, with their next game against Malawi, while Liberia will face Sao Tome and Principe.

Elsewhere, Madagascar beat the Central African Republic 4-1, claiming the top spot in Group I. The match shocked fans early when the Central Africans took the lead in the ninth minute.  

Madagascar quickly responded, with captain Raveloson scoring two first-half goals. They continued to dominate in the second half, adding two more to secure a solid win. Their defense kept the Central African Republic from making a comeback. This important victory boosts Madagascar’s chances of qualifying for their first World Cup.

Giant Cameroon faced frustration after drawing 0-0 against Eswatini, who were at the bottom of Group D. Despite holding most of the possession, Cameroon could not find a way to score.

This result keeps Cameroon at the top of the group with nine points from five matches, while Eswatini earns their first point of the campaign. Other matches in the group will be played on Wednesday, and Cameroon needs to recover quickly to maintain their lead.

As the 2026 World Cup qualifiers continue, Tunisia and Madagascar have strengthened their positions, while Cameroon faces challenges ahead.

Emilio Nsu returns to Equatorial Guinea squad after Fifa suspension
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Emilio Nsue returns to Equatorial Guinea squad after Fifa suspension

Equatorial Guinea captain Emilio Nsue López has been recalled for his nation’s day five and six World Cup qualifiers against São Tomé and Príncipe and Namibia match after ineligibility Fifa suspension.

Nsue, the top scorer in the recent Total Energies CAF Africa Cup of Nations final, was last May suspended for six months by FIFA. He was suspended for failing to properly complete the change of nationality procedure when he switched to Equatorial Guinea, after playing for Spain at junior level previously.

FIFA then approved Nsue’s switch of football nationality, and the player was among coach Juan Micha’s 25 for the forthcoming qualifiers.

Friday hosts Malabo as it takes on São Tomé and Príncipe while Nzalang Nacional is back with an away match against Namibia on March 24 at Polokwane, South Africa.

Equatorial Guinea has three points in Group H as their initial victories over Namibia and Liberia were overturned, and they lost 0-3 due to Nsue’s dilemma.

Full Squad:

  • Goalkeepers: Miguel Oscar (Deportivo Mongomo), Jesus Owono (Deportivo Alaves, Spain), Manuel Sapunga (Polokwane City, South Africa)
  • Defenders: Carlos Akapo (Amazonas, Brazil), Marvin Anieboh (UD San Sebastián de los Reyes, Spain), Marcelo Asumu Nguema (DVO Unidad), Santi Boriko (Castellon B, Spain), Saul Coco (Torino, Italy), Basilio Ndong (Universitatea Craiova, Romania), Luis Enrique Nsue (COD Meknes, Morocco), Esteban Orozco (Arges, Romania)
  • Midfielders: Gael Akogo (Recreativo Granada, Spain), Federico Bikoro (Raja Casablanca, Morocco), Enrique Biribe (Cano Sport Academy), Jannick Buyla (Tarazona, Spain), Santiago Eneme (MFK Vyskov, Czech Republic), Pablo Ganet (Merida, Spain), Jose Machin (Cartagena, Spain), Oscar Mascarelli (Mallorca, Spain)
  • Forwards: Luis Asue (Moreirense, Portugal), Dorian Junior (Marbella, Spain), Cristian Makate (Union Saint-Gilloise, Belgium), Josete Miranda (Iraklis 1908, Greece), Emilio Nsue (Inter City, Spain), Iban Salvador (Wisla Plock, Poland)
Bertrand Traore recall as Burkina Faso host Djibouti in Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bertrand Traore recall as Burkina Faso set for Djibouti and Guinea-Bissau

Burkina Faso captain Bertrand Traore has returned to the national team for the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Djibouti at the Stade El Abdi on Friday before they travel to face the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau.

They are currently in third place, sharing the same number of points with Sierra Leone, who leads on goal difference. Traoré will aim to build momentum as Burkina Faso seeks qualification for their first FIFA World Cup.

Key returning players include goalkeeper Hervé Koffi (Lens), defender Mohamed Ali Yabré (PSV Eindhoven), and midfielder Ismahila Ouédraogo (Atromitos), all of whom missed recent matches. 

Other notable returnees are defender Adamo Nagalo (PSV Eindhoven), midfielder Ibrahim Blati Touré (Pyramids FC), and winger Dango Ouattara (Bournemouth).

  • New Faces in the Squad

Three players are making their debut: Mohamed Zougrana (MC Alger), Arsène Kouassi (Ajaccio), and Cyriaque Irié (Troyes). Josué Tiendrébéogo (Annecy) maintains his spot, alongside established players like Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen) and Cédric Badolo (Spartak Trnava).

  • Squad Strength

The squad features a mix of experience and young talent. Koffi is backed by Sofiane Ouédraogo (AS Vita Club) and Kilian Nikiema (ADO Den Haag). Tapsoba anchors the defense along with Yacouba Djiga (Wolverhampton) and Issa Kaboré (Werder Bremen). In midfield, Blati Touré, Cédric Badolo, and Mohamed Zougrana are expected to play key roles.

Burkina Faso hopes to impress in these qualifiers as they aim for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Burkina Faso Squad

Goalkeepers: Hervé Koffi (Lens, France), Sofiane Ouédraogo (AS Vita Club, DRC), Kilian Nikiema (ADO Den Haag, Netherlands)

Defenders: Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Yacouba Djiga (Wolverhampton, England), Steeve Yago (Aris Limassol, Cyprus), Adamo Nagalo (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands), Issa Kaboré (Werder Bremen, Germany), Mohamed Yabré (ASEC Mimosas, Ivory Coast),

Arsène Kouassi (Ajaccio, France), Issoufou Dayo (RS Berkane, Morocco)

Midfielders: Mohamed Zougrana (MC Alger, Algeria), Ismahila Ouédraogo (Pansekairos, Greece), Saïdou Simporé (Al Masry, Egypt), Ibrahim Blati Touré (Pyramids FC, Egypt), Cédric Badolo (Spartak Trnava, Slovakia), Raouf Memel Dao (Sonabel, Burkina Faso), Josué Tiendrébéogo (Annecy, France), Salou Dramane (Hapoel Haifa, Israel)

Forwards: Dango Ouattara (AFC Bournemouth, England), Hassane Bandé (HJK Helsinki, Finland), Cyriaque Irié (Troyes, France), Lassina Traoré (Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukraine), Mohamed Konaté (Al-Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), Bertrand Traoré (Ajax, Netherlands)

Bundu nets, Juma Bah, 7.2 rating, Osimhen hattrick ahead of World Cup qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bundu nets, Bah 7.2 rating, Osimhen hattrick ahead of World Cup qualifiers

African footballers across Europe made the headlines ahead of this month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the race to the United States Canada and Mexico.

  • Mustapha Bundu (Plymouth Argyle, England)

Sierra Leone’s Mustapha Bundu scored, but his team lost 3-2 to Derby County in the English Championship. Marcus Harness netted two goals for Derby, aiding their survival hopes against bottom-placed Plymouth Argyle. He is expected to join the Sierra Leone squad for crucial matches against Guinea-Bissau and Egypt.

  • Juma Bah on loan to Lens in France

The Sierra Leone-born player has made vital contributions since starting in the Lens first team. This past weekend, he was a standout performer as they defeated Stade Rennais. In his first start for Lens the previous weekend, he helped the French side overcome Marseille with a 7.2 rating overall.

  • Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Nigeria)

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen scored a hat-trick for Galatasaray in their latest league match. On loan from Napoli, he has 26 goals and five assists this season, leading the league with 20 goals, two ahead of Krzysztof Piątek.

  • Amine Gouiri (Marseille, Algeria)

Despite Olympique de Marseille’s 3-1 defeat to league leaders Paris Saint-Germain, Amine Gouiri continued his impressive run of form. The Algerian forward has been a key addition to Marseille’s squad, boasting four goals and three assists in just seven appearances for the club.

  • Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis, DR Congo)

Cédric Bakambu played a key role in Real Betis’ comeback against Leganés. After coming on in the 62nd minute with the team down 2-0, he won a penalty converted by Isco and scored the equalizer. Betis won 3-2, highlighting Bakambu’s decisive impact.

  • Hamza Igamane (Rangers, Morocco)

Hamza Igamane made a significant impact off the bench for Rangers in the Scottish derby against Celtic. Coming on in the 83rd minute, he scored a dramatic winner in the 89th minute, clinching a vital victory for his team as he gears up for his first call-up to the Atlas Lions.

Sierra Leone's Mustapha Bundu scored, but his team lost 3-2 to Derby County in the English Championship.
Sierra Leone's Mustapha Bundu scored, but his team lost 3-2 to Derby County in the English Championship.
Six arrive as Nigeria start World Cup qualifying prep for Rwanda tie
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Six arrive as Nigeria start World Cup qualifying prep for Rwanda tie

The Nigeria Super Eagles have started preparing for an important World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda.

Six players, including Victor Osimhen from Galatasaray, defender Bruno Onyemaechi, and goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, arrived in Kigali on Sunday. They checked into the Radisson Blu Hotel, where the team is based.

They were later joined by Papa Daniel Mustapha, Amas Obasogie, and Tolu Arokodare. On Sunday evening, head coach Eric Chelle and his staff also arrived in Rwanda to help the team get ready for the match.

The Super Eagles will play against the Amavubi at Amahoro Stadium on Friday. After this match, they will return to Nigeria to host Zimbabwe four days later at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

More players are expected to join the camp soon. The team is intensifying its preparations to secure crucial points in this double-header and improve their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Salah, Marmoush & Trézéguet in Egypt squad for Ethiopia & Sierra Leone
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Salah, Marmoush & Trézéguet in Egypt squad for Ethiopia & Sierra Leone

Liverpool and Premier League top scorer, Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, and Mahmoud Trezeguet have all been included in Egypt’s squad for the upcoming matches against Ethiopia and Sierra Leone.

Egypt’s national team manager, Hossam Hassan, has announced a talented squad ahead of their World Cup 2026 qualifiers this month.

The seven-time African champions currently lead Group A with 10 points from four matches, having achieved three wins and one draw. The group also includes Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Djibouti.

Egypt’s match against Ethiopia will be held in Morocco at 11:00 PM Cairo time, while the home match against Sierra Leone is scheduled for 9:00 PM on March 25th in Cairo.

In their second match of the campaign, Egypt claimed a 2-0 victory over Sierra Leone, with Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet scoring in the 18th and 62nd minutes. The match took place in Liberia in November 2023 of the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Full Egypt’s 24-man squad
 

Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shenawy (Ahly), Mostafa Shobeir (Ahly), Mohamed Awad (Zamalek), and Abdelaziz El-Balouti (NBE Club).

Defenders: Mohamed Abdel Moneim (Nice, France), Rami Rabia (Ahly), Mohamed Hani (Ahly), Ahmed Eid (Zamalek), Khaled Sobhi (Masry), and Hossam Abdelmaguid (Zamalek).

Midfielders: Hamdy Fathy (Al Wakrah, Qatar), Marwan Attia (Ahly), Ahmed Nabil (Ahly), Mohamed Shehata (Zamalek), Nabil Emad (Zamalek), Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Sayed (Zamalek), and Mahmoud Saber (Pyramids FC).

Forwards: Mahmoud Trezeguet (Al Rayyan, Qatar), Omar Marmoush (Man City, England), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, England), Mostafa Mohamed (Nantes, France), Mostafa Fathi (Pyramids FC), Ibrahim Adel (Pyramids FC), and Osama Faisal (NBE Club).

Gabon’s head coach Thierry Mouyouma names Gabon squad for double header
by Football Sierra Leone

Gabon’s head coach Thierry Mouyouma names squad for double header

Gabon’s head coach, Thierry Mouyouma, has announced three new players in his squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Seychelles and Kenya: Nzé Samaké, Yoann Nani Nono, and Mobili Van, all receiving their first call-ups.

The announcement also marks the return of André Poko, who hasn’t played for the national team since June 2021. His experience, alongside established players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Bouanga, is expected to strengthen the team. Gabon currently sits second in Group F with nine points, just behind leaders Ivory Coast.

Gabon will face Seychelles in Franceville on March 20 and then travel to Nairobi to play Kenya on March 23, aiming for crucial points toward their goal of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Full Gabon Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Full Gabon Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Morocco's head coach Walid Regragui names squad, no Ziyech
by FSL News

Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui names squad, no Ziyech

Morocco’s head coach, Walid Regragui, has selected a 26-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Niger and Tanzania on March 21 and 25. However, Hakim Ziyech is not included.

The squad includes four new players: Bilal Nadir, Chemsedine Taibi, Hamza Igamane, and Omar El Hilali. This shows that the Atlas Lions are bringing in young talent to the team.

Two key players are missing from the squad due to injuries: Hakim Ziyech, a top playmaker, and Ayoub El Kaabi, a strong goal-scorer. Their absence will create challenges for Regragui as he adjusts his attack.

Returning to the squad are Jawad El Yamiq and goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid, who missed previous international matches. Their return adds strength to the defense and goalkeeping.

Morocco leads Group E in the qualifiers and wants to build on that success. They will play both matches in Oujda, where home support could help them earn six points.

With Ziyech and El Kaabi out, Youssef En-Nesyri, Soufiane Rahimi, Brahim Diaz, and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli will take on more attacking responsibilities. After Morocco’s impressive run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, there are high expectations for the team.

Key players like Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, and Nayef Aguerd remain important to the team’s goals. With a strong squad and home advantage, Morocco aims to win both matches and strengthen their reputation as one of Africa’s top football teams.

Morocco’s 26-Man Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal), Munir El Kajoui (Al Wehda), El Mehdi Benabid (FUS Rabat).

Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), Noussair Mazraoui (Bayern Munich), Nayef Aguerd (West Ham United), Jawad El Yamiq (Al-Wahda), Abdel Abqar (Deportivo Alavés), Jamal Harkass (AS FAR), Omar El Hilali (Espanyol), Adam Aznou (Bayern Munich U19).

Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat (Manchester United), Azzedine Ounahi (Marseille), Ismael Saibari (PSV Eindhoven), Bilal El Khannouss (Genk), Oussama Targhalline (Le Havre), Bilal Nadir (Nice).

Forwards: Youssef En-Nesyri (Sevilla), Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid), Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Real Betis), Amine Adli (Bayer Leverkusen), Soufiane Rahimi (Al Ain), Eliesse Ben Seghir (AS Monaco), Osame Sahraoui (Heerenveen), Hamza Igamane (Wydad AC), Chemsedine Taibi (FUS Rabat).