Category: African News

Our African football page passionately on all continental topics of all National and International football news, Identifying football heroes on our continent.

Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban to Warriors of Zimbabwe v Benin
by Football Sierra Leone

Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban to host Warriors of Zimbabwe v Benin  

Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has not met its goals after announcing that the Moses Mabhida Stadium will host the national team’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Benin.

As a result, ZIFA confirmed that coach Michael Nees’ team will play against the Cheetahs at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on March 20. They hope to secure their first win in Group C of the qualifiers for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States in 2026.

ZIFA’s new president, Nqobile Magwizi, had promised that the National Sports Stadium would be the home venue for the Warriors’ matches this year. However, the Harare stadium is still being renovated to meet FIFA’s requirements. This includes adding electronic turnstiles, bucket seats, standard changing rooms, and electronic screens.

Since the FIFA ban on ZIFA was lifted in July 2023, Zimbabwe has had to play its international matches outside the country. The team has used venues in Malawi, South Africa, and Uganda.

ZIFA stated, “The Zimbabwe Senior Men’s National Team, the Warriors, will play their Matchday 5, Group C, FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Benin at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa.”

The organization added, “ZIFA had originally planned to hold this match in Polokwane, but after it was allocated to Bafana Bafana in January, we had to look for other venues.”

Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned Adel Amrouche's CAF suspension
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Court of Arbitration for Sport overturns Adel Amrouche’s CAF suspension

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has removed the suspension that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) placed on Algerian coach Adel Amrouche during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

At the time, Amrouche coached Tanzania and made public claims against the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) during the tournament in Côte d’Ivoire. His comments followed Tanzania’s 3-0 loss to Morocco, where he criticized Morocco’s influence on CAF’s decisions.

“The Moroccan Federation is a strong power in African football. In our last match against Morocco, they forced us to play in the evening when we wanted to play in the early afternoon,” Amrouche said. He also stated, “Morocco currently controls African football. They choose the referees, and we are just spectators,” the 55-year-old coach added.

After his remarks, CAF suspended Amrouche for eight matches, and the Tanzanian Football Federation fired him. This decision caused controversy, with many people questioning whether the punishment was too harsh.

More than a year later, CAS ruled in favor of Amrouche, cancelling the suspension and awarding him $3,336.45 in compensation from CAF.

This ruling is a big win for the Algerian coach, who feels relieved to have his reputation restored. The decision helps him close a difficult chapter in his career, allowing him to move on without the weight of the suspension.

For Amrouche, this ruling is not just about the money; it is also about regaining his place in the football world.

Ivory Coast forward Amad Diallo out for the rest of the season
by FSL News

Ivory Coast forward Amad Diallo out for the rest of the season with ankle injury

Ivory Coast and Manchester United forward Amad Diallo will miss the rest of the season because of ankle ligament damage, according to Manchester United’s manager Ruben Amorim.

The 22-year-old player from Ivory Coast posted on Instagram on Saturday to confirm his injury.

“I’m extremely disappointed to write this message at such an important time in the season,” Diallo said.

“Unfortunately, I will be out for some time due to this injury. I will come back stronger than ever! Now it’s time to support the boys from the sidelines. There is still a lot to play for.”

After Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Tottenham, Amorim said, “Amad is definitely out for the rest of the season.

“Amad was alone when he got injured. He was making a tackle, and his foot got stuck in the grass. Some players felt unwell during training too, so it’s been a tough situation. Sometimes, everything seems to go wrong, but we need to face this challenge and focus on the next game. That’s all we can do.”

Diallo has been a standout player for United this season, scoring six goals in his last 14 games.

https://twitter.com/Amaddiallo_19/status/1890827336171335967

Burkinabé winger Dango Ouattara records his ninth goal of the season
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkinabé winger Dango Ouattara records his ninth goal of the season

Burkinabé winger Dango Ouattara recorded his night of the Premier League season as Bournemouth reached another significant milestone in their commendable 2024/25 campaign by completing their first league double over local rivals Southampton on Saturday.

Dango Ouattara, who previously scored in the 3-1 victory against Southampton at the Vitality Stadium in September, initiated the scoring with a glancing header in the 14th minute.

Barely two minutes later, the passionate away supporters witnessed a second goal as Ryan Christie expertly placed a remarkable 25-yard shot beyond former Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

Although Kamaldeen Sulemana managed to reduce the deficit in the 72nd minute, Marcus Tavernier, who came off the bench, concluded the match with an impressive strike seven minutes before the final whistle.

This victory has elevated Andoni Iraola’s team to fifth place in the league standings and has further extended their club-record unbeaten streak in away Premier League matches to seven.

During this impressive run, they have secured victories against Wolves, Ipswich, Manchester United, and Newcastle, in addition to drawing with Fulham and Chelsea.

Egypt's Omar Marmoush nets first City's hat-trick as climb back into top four
by FSL News

Egypt’s Omar Marmoush nets first hat-trick as City climb back into top four

Omar Marmoush significantly impacted Manchester City’s recent match against Newcastle, scoring a first-half hat-trick that helped secure a 4-0 victory. This win allowed City to ascend back into the Premier League’s top four.

Marmoush, an Egyptian forward who was acquired for £59 million from Eintracht Frankfurt last month, displayed exceptional skill by netting his first two goals within a brief five-minute span and completing his hat-trick before halftime.

James McAtee further contributed to the scoreline by volleying home City’s fourth goal from close range. This victory marked a strong response from Pep Guardiola’s side following their midweek Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, representing their largest home league win.

In parallel, Arsenal achieved a 2-0 victory over Leicester City, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring two crucial goals in the 81st and 87th minutes. Despite their efforts, Leicester remains in the bottom three of the league, having fought diligently for their first clean sheet in 21 games across all competitions.

Additionally, Calvin Bassey’s first goal of the season secured Fulham’s 2-1 win at home against Nottingham Forest. Forest striker Chris Wood equalized just before halftime with his 18th league goal after Emile Smith Rowe initially put Fulham ahead. Bassey then secured the victory by scoring the decisive goal shortly after the hour mark.

Zimbabwean Kalisto Pasuwa named as new Malawi coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zimbabwean Kalisto Pasuwa named as new Malawi coach

Zimbabwean football coach Kalisto Pasuwa has been named the head coach of Malawi’s men’s football team.

Pasuwa, known as “Manabundu,” has signed a two-year contract and will lead The Flames until 2027. He took over on an interim basis in November last year before his official appointment.

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) announced, “We have unveiled Kalisto Pasuwa as the new head coach of the Malawi Men’s Senior National Team for two years.”

Pasuwa previously had success as the head coach of Nyasa Big Bullets, a top team in Malawi. He won four straight league titles and several other trophies before leaving the club in December 2024.

Debutant Sierra Leone draw reigning champions Senegal in U20 AFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Debutant Sierra Leone draw reigning champions Senegal in U20 AFCON

Sierra Leone will face a tough challenge in this year’s CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). A draw held on Thursday in Cairo, Egypt, placed them in Group C with Senegal, Zambia, and Kenya.

The Shooting Stars from Sierra Leone are preparing to compete against the reigning champions, Senegal, as well as Zambia and Kenya. This championship is scheduled to take place from April 26 to May 18 in Côte d’Ivoire.

Kenya will represent the CECAFA region with Tanzania, as both teams reached the qualifiers final in Dar es Salaam last October. Tanzania won that match 2-1, but both teams qualified for the tournament.

Tanzania is in Group A, where they will compete against the hosts Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Ghana, and one more team from the UNIFFAC region, which has not yet been confirmed.

The second team from the UNIFFAC Zonal Union is still to be announced because of Congo’s FIFA suspension.

Group B includes three-time champions Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, and 1997 winners Morocco.

The top two teams from each group will move on to the quarter-finals, along with the two best third-placed teams. The tournament will then proceed in a knockout format.

The four best teams will qualify for the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, which will take place in Chile from September 27 to October 19, 2025.

https://twitter.com/football_sierra/status/1890026891752652915

Tunisia name Sami Trabelsi as new Carthage Eagles head coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia name Sami Trabelsi as new Carthage Eagles head coach

The Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) has officially appointed Sami Trabelsi as the new head coach of the Carthage Eagles. The announcement came on Monday, marking Trabelsi’s return to a position he held from 2011 to 2013.

Hamadi Daou and Mohamed Sahli will assist Trabelsi as assistant coaches, replacing Faouzi Benzarti, whose contract was terminated amicably last October.

The coaching staff will also include Wassim Moalla and Aymen Jedidi as physical trainers, Hichem Jaziri as goalkeeper coach, and Helmi Kechaou and Walid Ben Tamansourt as video analysts.

In a statement, the FTF highlighted the importance of the new team members in enhancing performance and strategy.

Trabelsi’s first challenge will be leading the Carthage Eagles in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, starting with matches against Liberia and Malawi in March 2025. With his experience and the new coaching team, Tunisia aims to secure a spot in the tournament.

Abu Kamara's Hull City away to Burnley in the English Championship
by FSL News

Abu Kamara’s Hull City travel to face Burnley in the English Championship

Abu Kamara has not scored since his two goals against Leeds United and will look to change that in the match against Burnley on Wednesday night.

Kamara joined Hull City from Norwich City on the summer deadline day in 2024 and has been important for the team this season.

High flying Burnley unbeaten in their last six league games against Hull City, with two wins and four draws, and they have conceded one goal or fewer in each of those matches.

Hull City has lost 10 of their last 14 away games against Burnley, though their last two visits to Turf Moor ended in 1-1 draws. Burnley has kept nine consecutive clean sheets in the Championship, with no team ever achieving 10 in a row.

Hull City has won their last three away games without conceding, following five straight losses. They have never won four away games in a row while keeping a clean sheet.

In the 2024-25 season, Burnley has scored 37 goals and allowed only 9 in 31 games, averaging 1.48 goals per game, the lowest in Football League history.

Ex-Sierra Leone defender Steven Caulker reflects his time at Tottenham
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-Sierra Leone defender Steven Caulker reflects his time at Tottenham

As a teenager, Caulker showed talent in athletics and chose to pursue football with his local club, Hounslow Borough. He initially played as a central midfielder but moved to central defence after a coach’s advice. At 15 years old, he played one match as a centre-back for Hounslow and received trial offers from seven clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.

Caulker joined the Tottenham Hotspur youth team, starting with the Under-18s in the 2007–08 season. In the 2008–09 season, he made 31 appearances, scored one goal, and captained the team. He also played five matches for the reserve team. His strong performance led him to sign his first professional contract with Tottenham in July 2009.

After loan spells at Yeovil Town, Bristol City, and Swansea City, he returned to the London club on July 5, 2012, and signed a new four-year contract with Tottenham Hotspur, lasting until the summer of 2016.

In discussing the players at Tottenham, he highlighted Gareth Bale and Luka Modric.

The best player I’ve played with: is Gareth Bale. In the 2012-2013 season, Gareth was amazing. He kept us in the top-four race with his last-minute goals. He is very humble and a great professional.

The best player I’ve trained with: “Luka Modrić. I was 16 when I joined the first team for a training session; I was nervous. Luka walked out to training calmly. He is a fantastic player. He can see passes quickly, and his balls have perfect weight.

On training with world-class players – I have been lucky to play and train with many of the world’s best players: Steven Gerrard, Phil Coutinho, Ryan Giggs, Mesut Özil, Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane, Virgil van Dijk, Rio Ferdinand, Sadio Mané, and Arda Güler, among others.

They all have different skills, but they share one important thing: discipline. Rio was always first in line for warm-ups. Gareth took care of his body to recover well. Ryan did yoga even at 40, and Harry always practised his finishing.

Most did not talk much in the dressing room; they let their football speak for them. I don’t think there is one way to be great, but from my experience, without discipline, few players stay at the top for long—myself included.”