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.

Defending champions Al Ahly wallop Stade d'Abidjan in Cairo
by Football Sierra Leone

Defending champions Al Ahly wallop Stade d’Abidjan in Cairo

Group C, Defending champions Al Ahly began their pursuit of a third consecutive TotalEnergies CAF Champions League title with a decisive 4-2 victory over Côte d’Ivoire’s Stade d’Abidjan in Cairo on Tuesday.

Al Ahly took control in the first half with a 3-1 lead, featuring two goals from Kahraba and one from Mohamed Magdi Kafsha.

Stade d’Abidjan responded with a goal from Kassoum Koné, but Kahraba sealed the win in the second half, despite a late goal from Roger Assalé.

In Group B, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa were held to a 0-0 draw by DR Congo debutants Maniema Union.

Despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances, including a shot that hit the crossbar, the Sundowns could not find the net.

Looking ahead, the tournament will feature the anticipated Moroccan derby between Raja Casablanca and FAR Rabat, as well as a match between CR Belouizdad and Orlando Pirates in

In Group D, Pyramids FC delivered an impressive 5-1 triumph over Angola’s Sagrada Esperança at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium.

Ibrahim Adel starred with two goals, including a stunning opener. Fiston Mayele, Mohamed Hamdy, and Ahmed Atef also contributed, while Sagrada managed a late consolation from Cachí.

Esperance will also face Djoliba in the final Group D fixture later this evening.

Young Africans suffer opening Champions League Group Stage defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Young Africans suffer opening Champions League Group Stage defeat

The CAF Champions League group stages started with a surprise as Young Africans SC lost 2-0 to Al Hilal on Tuesday, November 26, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Al Hilal scored two goals in the second half. Adama Coulibaly scored first, followed by Yasser Muzammil, leaving the Tanzanian champions struggling in their first match of the tournament. Al Hilal now leads Group A.

The crowd at the stadium supported the Young Africans SC as they pressured Al Hilal early on. Aziz Ki played a key role in their attack.

Young Africans SC dominated possession but couldn’t break through Al Hilal’s defense. After halftime, despite their continued attacks, they left defensive gaps. A long goal kick from Al Hilal’s goalkeeper reached Adama Coulibaly, who skillfully bypassed his defender and scored by sliding the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs.

Young Africans SC couldn’t break Al Hilal’s solid defence. Yasser Muzammil sealed the victory with a similar goal. He connected with a long pass, ran toward the goalkeeper, and finished at the near post.

In another Group A match, TP Mazembe’s hopes for the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League took a hit when they drew 0-0 with Algeria’s MC Alger.

Egypt's Al Ahly eye another CAF Champions League title
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt’s Al Ahly eye another CAF Champions League title

Al Ahly coach Marcel Koller they are always aiming for the title as his team prepares to start the defence of their CAF Champions League title against Stade d’Abidjan on Tuesday.

The 2023/24 tournament group stage begins today, with top African clubs competing for the championship. Al Ahly will host Stade d’Abidjan at the Cairo International Stadium, seeking their third consecutive title.

The Red Eagles are unbeaten in their last 15 home matches in the tournament, with 13 wins. Koller emphasized their ambition, stating, “This edition will be difficult because all teams want to win, but our fans’ support drives us.”

Captain Mohamed El Shenawy shared a similar goal: “We want to win this title for the third time. We are used to handling pressure and will take it step by step.”

Stade d’Abidjan coach Alexandre Lafitte acknowledged the challenge: “We are in a tough group with experienced teams, but we’ve prepared well.”

In Group A, Al Hilal travels to Tanzania to face Young Africans, while Algeria’s MC Alger returns to the Champions League against DR Congo’s TP Mazembe.

Group B features a derby match between Moroccan teams Raja Casablanca and FAR Rabat. Raja aims to regain its form, while FAR looks to leverage its league positioning. South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns will meet the Manema Union of DR Congo.

In Group D, last year’s runners-up Esperance face Djoliba of Mali, and Pyramids FC takes on Angola’s Sagrada at the Air Defense Stadium in Cairo.

Group C includes an important match between Algeria’s Chabab Belouizdad and South Africa’s Orlando Pirates, both eager to secure early points.

Barbra Banda is the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year
by FSL News

Zambia’s Barbra Banda wins BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year

Zambia and Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda has been named the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year, emerging as the top vote-getter from BBC Sport readers following a five-player shortlist.

The shortlist was selected by a panel of global football experts based on performances from September 2023 to August 2024. Banda expressed her surprise and gratitude, saying, “I would like to thank everyone who voted and those who have supported me—my family, my national team, and the Pride team.”

At the Paris Olympics, Banda scored four goals for Zambia, including a hat-trick against Australia, making her the leading African goalscorer in Olympic history with 10. She also netted 13 goals for the Pride in the 2024 NWSL season, despite joining in March.

Aitana Bonmati from Spain and Barcelona came second in the voting, while Sophia Smith of the USA and Portland Thorns finished third. Banda became the second-most expensive women’s football signing in history when she transferred to the Pride for $740,000 (£581,000).

Banda, who ranked 12th in the 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or, is a former professional boxer. She highlighted the challenges young girls face in pursuing sports in Zambia but noted that her mother eventually supported her passion for football.

Pride head coach Seb Hines praised Banda’s contributions to the team and African football, emphasizing her humility and team-first mentality.

TP Mazembe crowned Queens of African women’s club football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

TP Mazembe crowned Queens of African women’s club football

TP Mazembe ladies from the Democratic Republic of Congo have won the CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco 2024.

In the final match at Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi in El Jadida, TP Mazembe defeated the former champions and hosts AS FAR by a score of 1-0.

This victory is Mazembe’s first title in the tournament, erasing the disappointment of their early exit in 2022.

The deciding goal came from Marlene Kasaj, who scored on a penalty kick in the first 10 minutes. Mazembe defended their lead strongly throughout the match.

AS FAR pushed for an equalizer after falling behind, but TP Mazembe’s solid defence kept a clean sheet in the first half.

After halftime, TP Mazembe maintained their lead while AS FAR struggled to score.

Along with the Champions League trophy, TP Mazembe will receive $600,000, while AS FAR, as runners-up, will take home $400,000.

Tanzania stun Guinea to reach AFCON 2025 in Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tanzania stun Guinea to reach AFCON 2025 in Morocco

Simon Msuva scored a key header in the second half, giving Tanzania a 1-0 victory over Guinea at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium on Tuesday. This win qualified the Taifa Stars for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.

Tanzania finished second in Group H with 10 points, making it impossible for Guinea and Ethiopia to catch up.

Msuva’s goal in the 61st minute came from a cross by Mudathir Yahya, exciting the home fans and bringing Tanzania closer to their fourth AFCON appearance. This was Msuva’s third goal of the qualifying campaign.

Although Guinea pressed for an equalizer, they could not break through Tanzania’s strong defence. Their best chance came when Mady Camara hit the crossbar, but they failed to score.

With this loss, Guinea ended their hopes of qualifying with nine points in third place. Tanzania’s victory secured their spot in their second consecutive AFCON and their fourth overall.

Group H Standings (Finalized for Tanzania):

  1. DR Congo – 12 points (5 matches played)
  2. Tanzania – 10 points (6 matches played, qualified)
  3. Guinea – 9 points (6 matches played)
  4. Ethiopia – 1 point (5 matches played)
Malawi thrash Burkina Faso as they finish bottom of Group L
by FSL News

Malawi thrash Burkina Faso as they finish bottom of Group L

Malawi won their final Group L match of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers, beating Burkina Faso 3-0 at the Bingu National Stadium on Monday.

Despite this victory, Senegal and Burkina Faso still advance to Morocco. Before this match, Malawi had not won any of their last 10 qualifiers. Gabadinho Mhango opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a long-range shot, leading 1-0 at halftime.

In the second half, Richard Mbulu scored with a header in the 57th minute, and Lloyd Aaron sealed the win in the 62nd minute with a close-range goal.

Although this win was uplifting, Malawi finished last in the group due to a lower goal difference compared to Burundi. Burkina Faso, already qualified, struggled in the match and ended the group stage with 10 points, finishing second behind Senegal.

Senegal remains unbeaten and aims to keep that record in their final match against Burundi on Tuesday. They have 13 points, with eight goals scored and only one conceded.

Final Group L Standings:

  1. Senegal – 13 points (4 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses)
  2. Burkina Faso – 10 points (3 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses)
  3. Burundi – 4 points (1 win, 1 draw, 3 losses)
  4. Malawi – 4 points (1 win, 1 draw, 4 losses)
Salt to injury as Kei Kamara departed Sierra Leone camp
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Salt to injury as Kei Kamara departs Sierra Leone camp

Striker Kei Kamara, who told the BBC that he was inspired by Roger Milla for his return to international football at age 40, has left the Sierra Leone national team camp in Liberia. As a result, he will not be available for Tuesday’s game against Zambia.

Sierra Leone and Major League Soccer (MLS) Kei Kamara re-joined Leone Stars two years and seven months after he announced his retirement.

Kamara’s decision to return to international football at the age of 40 was inspired by Cameroon legend Roger Milla in a bid to help Sierra Leone reach their fourth AFCON.

He was aiming to help Sierra Leone qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), and he started but was substituted in the 76th minutes in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Chad.

“There’s only one person I think about when I decided to come do this thing all over again, being part of the national team at this age, and that’s Roger Milla,” Kamara told the BBC World Service.

“Roger Milla was doing it, came back out, played at the World Cup at 42. The World Cup is only two years ago away, so why not?”

His MLS club, Los Angeles, will play Seattle Sounders on November 24th in the MLS Conference semifinals, and his services have been requested as Sierra Leone lost all hopes of reaching Morocco 2025.

On Saturday, the SLFA announced that captain Steven Caulker departed the team’s camp in Monrovia, Liberia, to return home due to urgent personal matters requiring immediate attention.

However, Sierra Leone and Zambia’s final match on Tuesday holds no impact on their standings, as they have already secured their place in Morocco 2025 AFCON.

Striker Serhou Guirassy nets winner for Guinea against DRC
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Serhou Guirassy nets winner for Guinea against DRC

Guinea’s forward, Serhou Guirassy, scored the only goal against the Democratic Republic of Congo during Matchday 5 of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, bringing his total to six goals in Abidjan on Saturday night.

The Borussia Dortmund striker scored a dramatic stoppage-time goal as Guinea secured a vital 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo. This victory puts Guinea in a strong position for qualification. They need only a draw in their final match against Tanzania.

His form has been pivotal to Guinea’s campaign, highlighting his clinical finishing and ability to perform under pressure.

Morocco’s Brahim Diaz is the second-highest scorer with four goals, while several players, including Algeria’s Amine Gouiri and Senegal’s Sadio Mané, have three goals each.

As the qualifiers near completion, the race for top scorer remains competitive, with Guirassy poised to extend his tally.

Guinea is now in second place in Group H with 9 points, two ahead of Tanzania, who drew 0-0 with Ethiopia.

With DR Congo already qualifying, the final match between Guinea and Tanzania will decide who joins them. A draw is enough for Guinea, while Tanzania needs to win to advance.

The final matches will conclude on Tuesday, determining the last five spots for the tournament, scheduled in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Top Scorers After Matchday 5:

  1. Serhou Guirassy (Guinea) – 6 goals
  2. Brahim Diaz (Morocco) – 4 goals
  3. Amine Gouiri (Algeria) – 3 goals
  4. Jean-Philippe Krasso (Ivory Coast) – 3 goals
  5. Sadio Mane (Senegal) – 3 goals
  6. Ryan Mendes (Cape Verde) – 3 goals
  7. Kingsley Musonda (Zambia) – 3 goals
  8. Trezeguet (Egypt) – 3 goals
Heartbreak for Ghana's Black Stars as they miss out on AFCON 2025
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Heartbreak for Ghana Black Stars as they miss out on AFCON 2025

Ghana Black Stars’ heartbreak continues after another disappointing draw in matchday five of qualifying for the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, which ended in disappointment as they drew 1-1 with Angola in Luanda.

Despite taking an early lead through Jordan Ayew’s impressive free-kick in the 18th minute, they could not maintain their advantage, with Zine’s header equalizing the match in the 64th minute.

This result means Ghana, a four-time champion, will miss the tournament for the first time in 20 years. The Black Stars currently sit at the bottom of Group F with just three points from five matches, failing to record a victory.

Angola leads Group F with 13 points and has secured qualification for Morocco. Given Ghana’s esteemed football history, the country keenly feels disappointed.

 

In Group A, Comoros qualified for the AFCON for the second time, winning 2-1 against Gambia. The Gambia initially led, but Comoros equalized just before halftime and scored the winning goal in the 90th minute from substitute Myziane Maolida.

Further, Morocco continued their strong form with a 5-1 victory over Gabon, despite already securing their place in the tournament. After Gabon scored the first goal, Morocco responded with five consecutive goals, maintaining a perfect record in Group B with 15 points and a goal difference of +17.