Category: African News

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Mauritania FA launch FIFA Talent Academy in Nouakchott
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mauritania FA launches FIFA Talent Academy in Nouakchott

On February 25th, a momentous event in the realm of football development unfold in Mauritania with the inauguration of the FIFA Talent Academy. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Nouakchott, this landmark occasion will not only commemorate the strides made by the country under the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS) but also establish Mauritania as a trailblazer in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) region.

This academy aims to nurture young talent and enhance the nation’s footballing prowess, signaling a bright future for the sport in the country.

The TDS, initiated in 2022 by Arsène Wenger, aims to help member associations fulfill their potential by identifying and developing talented players, addressing competitive imbalances in global football. The main goal is to raise national team standards for both men and women and to create a sustainable legacy for talent development. So far, 200 FIFA Member Associations have benefited from this innovative initiative.

FIFA will allocate a funding of USD 200 million to support participating associations for the 2023-2026 operational cycle. The Academies Programme is a key component of TDS, and Mauritania will officially recognize its first talent academy. Each academy employs FIFA-trained coaches to create high-quality training environments for developing the nation’s most talented players.

The initiative focuses on identifying talent, training players effectively, and providing opportunities to apply their skills in matches. Each academy also prioritizes safeguarding and education, ensuring a safe and holistic environment for all players. FIFA aims to establish 75 elite Talent Academies by 2027, with 24 already in place globally.

The objectives of the Mauritania Talent Academy mirror those of all FIFA-recognized academies: to develop top players, be a role model for the Federation, create a sustainable football ecosystem, and foster social growth.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the significance of this launch for Mauritania, a country dedicated to football development. FFRIM President Ahmed Yahya noted that this academy reflects FIFA’s confidence in their commitment and marks a crucial step toward a brighter future for Mauritanian football.

FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Arsene Wenger, highlighted the goal of providing young players with exceptional training and development to help them realize their potential in serving the country’s football growth.

Oumar Ndiaye, Director of the FFRIM Academy, said that this FIFA certification is a pivotal moment for Mauritanian youth, facilitating the enhancement of training programs. Thanks to FIFA’s support, they now have the tools to elevate their ambitions.

FFRIM President Ahmed Yahya expressed his satisfaction with the initiative designed to identify talent.
FFRIM President Ahmed Yahya expressed his satisfaction with the initiative designed to identify talent.
The Fifa talent Academy initiative aimed at identifying talent across Mauritania
The Fifa talent Academy initiative aimed at identifying talent across Mauritania
Striker Victor Osimhen doubtful for Nigeria World Cup qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Victor Osimhen doubtful for Nigeria World Cup qualifiers

Nigerian soccer star Victor Osimhen has injured himself before next month’s qualifying matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup next month.

The Super Eagles will play against Rwanda’s Wasps away and Zimbabwe’s Warriors at home, with Eric Chelle as the new head coach.

Osimhen, Nigeria’s top striker, was taken off the field in the 89th minute of Galatasaray’s goalless draw with Fenerbahce on Monday night.

Galatasaray’s team doctor, Yener İnce, confirmed that the substitution was due to an injury.

“We will see; it will be clear tomorrow,” the doctor said on habersarikirmizi.com.

Osimhen, 26, is now the joint second-highest goalscorer for the Super Eagles, with 23 goals in 39 games. Only Rashidi Yekini has scored more for Nigeria, with 37 goals in 62 matches.

Emmanuel Latte Lath nets brace on his MLS debut for Atlanta
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivorian Emmanuel Lath nets brace on his MLS debut for Atlanta

Emmanuel Latte Lath had an impressive debut for Atlanta United, scoring two goals in one game. Broadcaster Mike Conti celebrated with, “It’s a double latte!” after his second goal. (Photo Atlanta United)

Latte Lath made history by being the first player to score two goals in a debut for the club on February 22. His goals came in the 41st and 63rd minutes.

Coach Ronny Deila praised his speed and skill, noting, “He’s quick, has great direction, and can finish with both feet.”

Before the match, there were questions about whether he would play the whole game, having just joined the team from Middlesbrough FC.

Latte Lath was substituted in the 90th minute, fulfilling his goal to score in his first match. “I’m really, really happy,” he said.

His first goal came from a corner by Saba Lobjanidze, which he headed in. He described it simply: “I jump.”

His second goal came in the second half when he scored in a scramble after a deflection from Montreal’s goalkeeper. Deila remarked, “When he’s focused, he can threaten any defense.”

Latte Lath signed on February 4 and made his debut just over two weeks later, rounding out a busy offseason for the team.

Starting the season at home with new players was a great way to begin 2025, drawing a large crowd. All three designated players, including Latte Lath, contributed significantly in Deila’s first match. “Their hard work and teamwork helped us immensely,” he said.

Morocco's Achraf Hakimi Scores Twice to Help PSG Beat Lyon
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi Scores Twice to Help PSG Beat Lyon

Achraf Hakimi scored two goals on Sunday night, leading Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to a 3-2 win against Olympique Lyon in Ligue 1.

The Moroccan International now has four goals and five assists in 18 appearances for Ligue 1. Hakimi, named Man of the Match, played very well in this important game. After a scoreless first half, PSG took the lead in the 53rd minute.

Bradley Barcola set up Hakimi, who shot into the bottom left corner of the goal, past Lyon’s keeper Lucas Perri. Seven minutes later, Ousmane Dembélé increased the lead with a great solo goal, weaving past defenders and striking the ball into the left side of the net.

Lyon fought back in the 83rd minute when Rayan Cherki scored after getting a pass from Georges Mikautadze. However, Hakimi scored again just two minutes later, thanks to a well-placed assist from Kang-In Lee.

Lyon continued to push for more goals. In stoppage time, Corentin Tolisso scored with a powerful header from an Ainsley Maitland-Niles cross. Despite this, PSG held on to win the match.

Congolese's Edo Kayembe nets for Watford in win over Luton
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Congolese Edo Kayembe nets for Watford in win over Luton

Tom Dele-Bashiru and Congolese player Edo Kayembe scored to help Watford win the derby against their local rivals at Vicarage Road.

Both goals came in the first half, with Dele-Bashiru scoring a penalty and Kayembe finishing after a great play from Giorgi Chakvetadze. Watford controlled the game well, especially in the first half, and secured a valuable win.

Watford is now just three points away from the Sky Bet Championship play-offs, bringing excitement after a strong performance against the Hatters.

Cleverley made two changes: Jeremy Ngakia played right-back instead of Ryan Andrews, and Tom Ince took Moussa Sissoko’s place in midfield due to injury.

James Abankwah and Kévin Keben remained as central defenders, with Mattie Pollock on the bench again. Vakoun Bayo returned from suspension as a substitute, while Mamadou Doumbia started in attack.

Imrân Louza captained the team after his impressive performances in midfield. The win elevated the London club to ninth in the English Championship standings.

CAF Inter-club Champions League knockout phase draw revealed
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Champions League knockout phase draw revealed

The knockout phase of this year’s CAF Champions League has been confirmed as the quarter-final and semi-final draws were conducted by the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) on 20 February.

The draw, held live from the beIN SPORTS studios in Doha, Qatar, created four exciting quarter-final matches. Eight of Africa’s top clubs will compete over two legs for a spot in the semi-finals.

Defending champions Al Ahly SC from Egypt will face Sudan’s Al Hilal SC. Al Ahly, with 12 titles, finished as runners-up in their group. They aim to win the title for a third consecutive year. Al Hilal, coached by Florent Ibengé, topped their group while playing in Mauritania due to conflict in Sudan.

Pyramids FC from Egypt will take on Moroccan club AS FAR. Pyramids, led by coach Krunoslav Jurčić, scored 14 goals in the group stage, while AS FAR went unbeaten with coach Alexandre Santos.

Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa will play Tunisia’s Esperance Sportive de Tunis. Sundowns, champions in 2016, are eager to break their semi-final curse. Esperance, a four-time champion, topped their group and recently won the Tunisian Super Cup.

Finally, Algeria’s MC Alger, who conceded only two goals, will meet South Africa’s Orlando Pirates. The Pirates, who won in 1995 and finished first in their group, want to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2013.

The semi-final matchups are also set. The winner of Sundowns versus Esperance will face either Al Ahly or Al Hilal, while the winner of MC Alger versus Pirates will meet the Pyramids versus AS FAR winner.

Quarter-final games will be played over two legs, with the first on 1 April and the return leg on 8 April. The semi-finals will follow the same format, leading to the final in June.

2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Quarter-Finals:

  • QF 1: Al Ahly SC (EGY) vs Al Hilal SC (SDN)
  • QF 2: Pyramids FC (EGY) vs AS FAR (MAR)
  • QF 3: Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA) vs Esperance Sportive de Tunis (TUN)
  • QF 4: MC Alger (ALG) vs Orlando Pirates (RSA)

Semi-Final Draw Outcome:

  • SF 1: Mamelodi Sundowns/Esperance Sportive de Tunis vs Al Ahly SC/Al Hilal SC
  • SF 2: MC Alger/Orlando Pirates vs Pyramids FC/AS FAR
CAF Confederation Cup Quarter-final matches confirmed
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Confederation Cup Quarter-final matches confirmed

The knockout stages of the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup are ready to begin after the quarter-final draw held by CAF on February 20.

The quarter-finals kick off with a North versus South match as two-time champions Zamalek SC of Egypt defend their title against tournament debutants Stellenbosch FC from South Africa.

Ivorian powerhouse Asec Mimosas, eager to reclaim continental glory, will face two-time champions RS Berkane of Morocco. Berkane has excelled in the group stages, finishing with the best record by collecting 16 points without a loss.

A thrilling Algerian derby is also on the cards, featuring CS Constantine, who are making their first appearance in the knockout stages, taking on a determined USM Alger side that aims to reclaim the title they won in the 2022/23 season.

The final quarter-final will see Egyptian team Al Masry face an in-form Simba SC from Tanzania, who are looking to advance past the last eight for the first time since the 2021/22 season.

The quarter-finals will showcase:

  • QF 1: Stellenbosch FC (RSA) vs Zamalek SC (EGY)  
  • QF 2: Asec Mimosas (CIV) vs RS Berkane (MAR)  
  • QF 3: CS Constantine (ALG) vs USM Alger (ALG)  
  • QF 4: Al Masry (EGY) vs Simba SC (TAN)  

The semi-finals will match the winners of RS Berkane/Asec Mimosas against USM Alger/CS Constantine and Simba SC/Al Masry against Zamalek SC/Stellenbosch FC.

For further details and statistics on the eight remaining clubs, click **HERE**.

Victor Osimhen nets as Galatasaray bow out of Euroepa League
by FSL News

Victor Osimhen nets as Galatasaray bow out of Europa League

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen found the back of the net for Galatasaray in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League matchup against AZ Alkmaar.

However, his effort was not enough to secure advancement, as the match concluded in a 2-2 draw, resulting in a 6-3 aggregate defeat that eliminated Galatasaray from the tournament.

The match, held at the vibrant RAMS Park on Thursday evening, showcased a gripping contest. AZ Alkmaar, guided by coach Maarten Martens, sealed their place in the Round of 16 after their earlier 4-1 victory in the first leg in Alkmaar.

In the second leg, Seiya Maikuma opened the scoring for AZ, followed by Denso Kasius, who extended their lead. Galatasaray fought back with goals from Victor Osimhen and Roland Sallai, but despite their resilience, they couldn’t overturn the deficit.

The draw meant that AZ Alkmaar advanced to the next stage of the competition, much to the disappointment of the home crowd.

Guinea's Guirassy misses penalty in Champions League Sporting stalemate
by Football Sierra Leone

Guinea’s Guirassy Misses Penalty in Champions League Sporting Stalemate | African Football News

Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy, who is the top scorer in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League with ten goals, missed a penalty as they shared spoils with Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday evening.

Borussia Dortmund advanced to the last 16 of the Champions League after a 0-0 draw with Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday, winning 3-0 on aggregate.

Serhou Guirassy missed a second-half penalty, but it did not affect the outcome, as Dortmund faced little challenge from Sporting.

Dortmund will face either Aston Villa or Lille next. Coach Niko Kovac said, “It was a controlled performance,” noting the missed penalty and a shot that hit the post from Giovanni Reyna.

Sporting struggled to recover from their loss in the first leg, where Guirassy, Pascal Gross, and Karim Adeyemi scored.

Dortmund dominated much of the match in cold weather. Sabitzer nearly opened the scoring with a long-range shot, but Sporting goalkeeper Rui Silva made a great save.

In the second half, a penalty was awarded to Dortmund after Adeyemi was fouled, but Guirassy’s shot was saved again by Silva.

Reyna hit the post shortly after coming on, but Dortmund created few chances, and Sporting had no shots on target. Ultimately, Sporting lacked the drive to turn the tie around, allowing Dortmund to progress easily.

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini blasts Africa's best player Lookman
by FSL News

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini unhappy with Africa’s best player Lookman

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini commented on striker Ademola Lookman’s performance following the team’s 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League, resulting in a 5-2 aggregate loss.

Lookman scored early in the second half, but he was unable to convert his second chance after a penalty attempt was saved by Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

Gasperini expressed concerns about Lookman’s ability as a penalty taker, stating he is “one of the least effective” he has seen. He suggested that offensive midfielder Charles De Ketelaere or striker Mateo Retegui should have taken the penalty instead.

“Lookman was not intended to take that penalty; he has a notably poor record in both games and training. He seized the opportunity after scoring, but I did not find that decision appropriate,” Gasperini noted.

He also addressed the conduct of Atalanta captain Rafael Tolói, who received a red card for an incident with Maxim De Cuyper. “This was an unfortunate occurrence, and we must maintain composure at all times,” he emphasized.

Atalanta, currently third in Serie A, became the second Italian team to exit the Champions League, following AC Milan, who lost 2-1 on aggregate to Feyenoord.