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.

Liberia and Senegal share spoils as Côte d'Ivoire beat Burkina Faso
by FSL News

Liberia and Senegal share spoils as Côte d’Ivoire beat Burkina Faso

On Sunday, defending champions Senegal drew 1-1 with Liberia in Monrovia in the first leg of the final round of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 qualifiers.

Seydina Mbaye scored first for Senegal, but Bility equalized late. The return leg will be in Dakar, where Senegal hopes to capitalize on home advantage.

With the first leg of the qualifiers over, the focus shifts to the second leg starting on December 25. Teams will compete for spots in CHAN 2024, held in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in February.

In another match, Côte d’Ivoire won 2-0 against Burkina Faso, with Oumar Konaté scoring both goals.

Sudan beat Ethiopia 2-0 away, and Mauritania narrowly defeated Mali 1-0.

South Sudan triumphed over Rwanda 3-2, with Malish Mandela and Ezibon scoring, while Rwanda’s goals from Muhire and Didier kept them in the running.

Nigeria and Ghana ended in a 0-0 draw. The second leg next week will be crucial for both teams’ qualification hopes.

TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024 Qualifiers Results:

Saturday, 21 December 2024

  • Lesotho 0-2 Angola
  • Equatorial Guinea 0-0 Congo
  • Mozambique 0-3 Zambia
  • Eswatini 0-2 Madagascar
  • Chad 1-1 DR Congo

 

Sunday, 22 December 2024 | Times in GMT

  • 13:00: South Sudan 3-2Rwanda
  • 14:00: Central African Republic vs Cameroon
  • 14:00: Ethiopia 0-2 Sudan
  • 16:00: Ghana 0-0 Nigeria
  • 16:00: Cote d’Ivoire 2-0 Burkina Faso
  • 16:00: Liberia 1-1 Senegal
  • 16:00: Togo 1-1 Niger
  • 17:00: Mauritania 1-0 Mali
Angola, Madagascar and Zambia secure wins in CHAN first-leg qualifiers
by FSL News

Angola, Madagascar and Zambia secure wins in CHAN first-leg qualifiers

The first leg of the second-round qualifiers for CHAN 2024 has produced challenging results for host nations across the continent.

On Saturday, December 21st, five matches took place, with three visiting teams securing victories. However, DR Congo and Congo did not achieve wins. Lesotho hosted Angola in Durban, South Africa, where Angola celebrated a convincing 2-0 victory.

Equatorial Guinea faced Congo at home but struggled to secure a win, settling for a goalless draw despite having control of possession. In a Southern African derby, Zambia triumphed over Mozambique with a 3-0 scoreline, while Eswatini was outperformed by Madagascar, suffering a 2-0 loss in Mbabane.

Two-time champions DR Congo managed to earn a 1-1 draw against Chad in an away match as they seek to reclaim their title after previous wins in 2009 and 2016.

The qualifiers continue on Sunday, leading to the second and final round from December 25 to 29, where the final 19 qualified nations, including hosts Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, will be determined.

The TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship 2024 will be held from February 1 to February 24, 2025.

TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024 Qualifiers Results:

Saturday, 21 December 2024

  • Lesotho 0-2 Angola
  • Equatorial Guinea 0-0 Congo
  • Mozambique 0-3 Zambia
  • Eswatini 0-2 Madagascar
  • Chad 1-1 DR Congo

Sunday, 22 December 2024 | Times in GMT

  • 13:00: South Sudan vs Rwanda
  • 14:00: Central African Republic vs Cameroon
  • 14:00: Ethiopia vs Sudan
  • 16:00: Ghana vs Nigeria
  • 16:00: Cote d’Ivoire vs Burkina Faso
  • 16:00: Liberia vs Senegal
  • 16:00: Togo vs Niger
  • 17:00: Mauritania vs Mali
Nantes: Nigeria's Moses Simon set for ankle surgery
by FSL News

Nantes: Nigeria’s Moses Simon set for ankle surgery

Nantes head coach Antoine Kombouare has confirmed that Moses Simon is scheduled to undergo surgery in the coming days to address a persistent ankle issue.

The Nigeria international has been unavailable for the last two months of the 2023-24 season due to a fractured fibula. It continues to experience residual pain from that injury in the current season.

Recently, Simon had the plate and screws removed from his ankle and fibula, but he remains in discomfort. As a result, the club has determined that surgery is the most appropriate course of action.

As Ligue 1 is currently in its winter break, Nantes will next compete on January 4 when they travel to Lille. They will also face Drancy in the Coupe de France on December 21.

Kombouare will proceed without the 29-year-old winger, who has significantly contributed with four goals and five assists in 14 league appearances this season.

“Moses has had the plate and screws removed from his ankle and fibula due to the considerable pain he has been experiencing recently,” Kombouare stated, as reported by Ouest-France. “We are utilizing this short break to facilitate this necessary operation for him. Following the procedure, he will have two weeks to recover before he can safely rejoin the team.”

In-form Belouizdad to face tricky Al Ahly Champions League tie
by Football Sierra Leone

In-form Belouizdad to face tricky Al Ahly Champions League tie

Algerian side Belouizdad travel to Egypt for a tricky CAF Champions League group stage match against Al Ahly SC on Sunday at Cairo International Stadium.

This match is a rescheduled fixture for Matchday Three in Group C, postponed due to Ahly’s participation in the FIFA InterContinental Cup this week in Qatar.

Belouizdad arrives with confidence following a 1-0 victory over Stade d’Abidjan. Aimen Mahious, the goal-scorer in that match, is a key player alongside Khanyisa Mayo.

The Algerian side has performed impressively, securing five wins in their last six matches and maintaining a defensive record of 333 minutes without conceding.

Sunday’s clash will highlight contrasting styles: Ahly’s defensive stability against Belouizdad’s effective counter-attacking.

Currently third in the group with three points, Belouizdad seeks to advance, while Al Ahly aims for victory to reclaim the top spot and revitalize their campaign.

The last encounter ended in a 0-0 draw, but the stakes are significantly higher this time.

Ivory Coast qualify after Chad and Sierra Leone shared spoils
by Football Sierra Leone

AFCON dates and CAF 2025 competition calendar reveal

On Monday, the Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved the competition calendar for 2025.

Additionally, the EXCO announced that the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be held on January 27, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco.

Morocco has also been selected as the host for the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations finals, while Ivory Coast will host the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

CAF issued the following statement including key dates:

TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025: Opening Match will be played Sunday, 30 March 2025; Final Match will be played Saturday, 19 April 2025

TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2025 – Opening Match will be played Saturday, 26 April 2025; Final Match will be played Sunday, 18 May 2025

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2024-25: Final, First Leg will be played Saturday, 17 May 2025; Final, Second Leg will be played Sunday, 25 May 2025

TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2024-25: Final, First Leg will be played Saturday, 24 May 2025; Final, Second Leg will be played Sunday, 1 June 2025

CAF Women’s Champions League 2025: Opening Match will be played Saturday, 8 November 2025; Final Match will be played Sunday, 23 November 2025

TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025: Opening match will be played Sunday, 21 December 2025; Final Match will be played Sunday, 18 January 2026.  

Malian wonder kid Ibrahim Diarra officially joined Barcelona
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Malian wonderkid Ibrahim Diarra officially joins Barcelona

Malian wonder kid Ibrahim Diarra is ready to train with Barcelona’s junior side as he officially joined Spanish giant FC Barcelona.

The club has secured a permanent transfer agreement with Africa Foot Academy for young talent Diarra, whose contract runs until June 30, 2028.

Diarra will train with the reserve team until he turns 18 later this year. He previously impressed during a trial in February and at the Under-17 World Cup, where he scored five goals and provided four assists.

Barca’s statement reads: “Promising player – Born on 12 December 2006 in Mali, Ibrahim Diarra is a skillful left-sided midfielder, noted for his physique, ball control and versatility. Indeed, he also frequently plays on the wing.

A product of the Africa Foot Academy, Diarra played for his country at the 2023 Under 17 World Cup, captaining his side and scoring five goals and giving four assists on the way to an impressive fourth place.”

Barbra Banda and keeper Ronwen Williams claim CAF Awards
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Barbra Banda and keeper Ronwen Williams claim CAF Awards

Zambian striker Barbra Banda and South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams were crowned winners at the 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday.

Banda had an impressive season with Orlando Pride in the NWSL, helping the team win the NWSL Shield and Championship. She also scored a hat trick for Zambia at the Paris Olympics 2024, making her the first player to achieve this three times in Olympic football. Additionally, she became the first African player in the FIFPRO Women’s World 11.

Williams was the only double winner, taking home both the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Men’s Interclub Player of the Year awards. He made key penalty saves at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire 2023, leading South Africa to a bronze medal.

At 32, Williams helped Mamelodi Sundowns only concede 11 goals in 30 games during the South African Premiership, securing their seventh consecutive league title.

Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie won Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for the second year, while Moroccan forward Sanaâ Mssoudy of AS FAR was named Women’s Interclub Player of the Year.

Lamine Camara from Senegal and Monaco won Men’s Young Player of the Year for his impressive performances as a midfielder.

  • 2024 Caf Awards winners

Men’s Player of the Year: Ademola Lookman (Nigeria & Atalanta)

Women’s Player of the Year: Barbra Banda (Zambia & Orlando Pride)

Men’s Coach of the Year: Emerse Fae (Ivory Coast)

Women’s Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe)

Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Ronwen Williams (South Africa & Mamelodi Sundowns)

Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria & Paris FC)

Men’s Club of the Year: Al Ahly (Egypt)

Women’s Club of the Year: TP Mazembe (DR Congo)

Men’s Interclub Player of the Year: Ronwen Williams (South Africa & Mamelodi Sundowns)

Women’s Interclub Player of the Year: Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco & AS Far)

Men’s Young Player of the Year: Lamine Camara (Senegal & Monaco)

Women’s Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (Morocco & AS Far)

Men’s National Team of the Year: Ivory Coast

Women’s National Team of the Year: Nigeria

Goal of the Year (voted for by fans): Cristovao Mabululu (Angola) – Angola v Namibia (Afcon 2023)

Ademola Lookman Crowned Awarded CAF Player in Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ademola Lookman Crowned CAF Player of the Year in Morocco

On Monday, in a prestigious ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco, Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman crowned the 2024 African Footballer of the Year at the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Awards in Marrakesh.

The Atalanta forward triumphed over competitors Simon Adingra, Serhou Guirassy, Achraf Hakimi, and Ronwen Williams.

“This award is a blessing, to be recognised as best player in Africa is something incredible,” he said. “Four years ago my career felt down but now I’m here as the best player in Africa. Don’t let your failures stop your dreams.”

The event recognized the exceptional achievements of Africa’s football talents over the past year.

The ceremony was graced by esteemed figures from the football world, illustrating the significant advancements in the sport across the continent, particularly in both men’s and women’s football.

Ademola Lookman was distinguished as the CAF Men’s Player of the Year following an outstanding year with Italian club Atalanta and the Nigeria Super Eagles, succeeding his compatriot Victor Osimhen, who received the award in 2023.

This achievement marks a historic moment for Nigeria, as it is the first instance of consecutive winners of the Men’s award since Nwankwo Kanu (1996) and Victor Ikpeba (1997) were honoured nearly thirty years ago.

Black Bulls wallop Nigerian side Enyimba in CAF Confed Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Black Bulls wallop Nigerian side Enyimba in CAF Confed Cup

Nigerian football club Enyimba suffered a disappointing 3-0 loss to Mozambican side Black Bulls during their CAF Confederation Cup Group D encounter in Maputo on Sunday.

The match saw the home team dominate from the start. Two of the goals for the Black Bulls were scored by their Nigerian imports, Rume Akporoh and Francis Ayuba, showcasing their prowess in front of goal. The final goal was netted by Fidel Souza, further extending the lead and sealing a comprehensive victory for the Bulls.

This defeat leaves Enyimba struggling in the group stage, as they have yet to record a win. Their current record includes one draw and two losses from three matches played, placing them at the bottom of Group D with a total of only one point.

In Group C, Orapa United and Jaraaf played to a 0-0 draw. Both teams had chances to score, but poor finishing and good goalkeeping prevented any goals. This result keeps both teams struggling in the standings.

In Group B, Stellenbosch won 1-0 against CD Lunda Sul. Devin Titus scored the only goal with a header in the 89th minute, helping Stellenbosch move into third place in Group B. Lunda Sul missed several key chances in this close match.

Al Hilal stun MC Alger as Pirates, Stade d’Abidjan share spoils
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Al Hilal stun MC Alger as Pirates, Stade d’Abidjan share spoils

Sudanese team Al Hilal defeated MC Alger 1-0 in Algiers on Saturday, keeping their perfect record in the CAF Champions League. Guessouma Fofana scored the goal in the 76th minute with a header, assisted by Mohamed Abdelrahman at the 5 July 1962 Stadium.

MC Alger attempted to equalize but was thwarted by goalkeeper Issa Fofana. Al Hilal now leads Group A with nine points, followed by MC Alger with four points. Young Africans (Yanga) and Mazembe played to a 1-1 draw earlier.

In Group D, Esperance beat Pyramids 2-0. Youcef Belaïli scored in the 36th minute, and Elias Mokwana added a second before halftime. Esperance tops Group D with seven points, while Pyramids are second with four.

Orlando Pirates drew 1-1 with Stade d’Abidjan, missing a chance to extend their Group C lead. Evidence Makgopa scored a penalty, but Ousmane Méité equalized for Stade d’Abidjan. The Pirates remain at the top with five points, while Al Ahly is just one point behind.

AS FAR and Maniema Union ended their match in a 1-1 draw in Group B. Exaucia Moanda scored for Maniema Union in the 37th minute, but To Carneiro equalized for AS FAR in the 62nd minute.

AS FAR leads Group B with five points, while Maniema Union has three points.