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.

CAF Green light the Gambia to host International football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Green light Gambia to host International football

Gambia’s Independence Stadium will host international matches again after receiving approval from the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF).

The last home match was on March 25, 2021, when Gambia won 1-0 against Angola. Following that game, CAF banned the stadium and 22 others in Africa from hosting international matches in February 2022.

The return of international games is a significant milestone for Gambia’s football fans. The Gambia national football team will play against the Comoros Islands in their fifth qualifying match for the 2025 Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations on November 15, 2024, at the Independence Stadium.

The Scorpions, Gambia’s national football team, are currently in 3rd place in Group A, with 5 points from four games.

Bakary Y. Badjie, the Minister of Youth and Sports, announced that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has cleared the Independence Stadium in Bakau to host international matches again. The stadium will be the venue for The Gambia’s upcoming match against Comoros on November 15.

“This decision follows our submission of photos and a report from the CAF License Officer last week,” Badjie said enthusiastically. “We are thrilled to bring our home games back to this important venue.” He also thanked the public for their patience during the two-year renovation.

The last home match was on March 25, 2021, when Gambia won 1-0 against Angola. Following that game, CAF banned the stadium and 22 others in Africa from hosting international matches in February 2022. The return of international games is a significant milestone for Gambia’s football fans.

Ex-AC Milan midfielder Rodney Strasser feels honored to attend CAF 46 General Assembly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-AC Milan midfielder Rodney Strasser honoured to attend CAF meeting

Former AC Milan player and ex-Sierra Leone international Rodney Strasser attended the 46th CAF Ordinary General Assembly on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This meeting brought together leaders and delegates from African Member Associations.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba led the discussions, which started at 10:00 AM local time (07:00 AM GMT) at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel.

Strasser spoke about his experience: “I am honoured to be part of the CAF 46th Ordinary General Assembly in Addis Ababa, joining colleagues from across the continent.

We are here to discuss the future of the game, making sure it stays beautiful, entertaining, educational, and empowering. Our goal is to bridge the gap among member states and promote unity through football.”

This year’s assembly is important for African football, with delegates from member associations, zonal unions, and global football figures present. The assembly represents Ethiopia’s second time hosting the CAF Congress, following the previous event in 2017.

WAFU A makes U-Turn as Sierra Leone U 17 reinstated after medical retest
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

WAFU makes U-Turn as Sierra Leone U17 reinstated after medical retest

Sierra Leone has been cleared to participate in this year’s Under-17 WAFU AFCON qualifiers in Senegal after a successful appeal re-qualified both Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau.

The youth tournament leading to the U17 AFCON begins today, with host nation Senegal facing Liberia at 16:00 at the Lat Dior de Thies stadium. The complete fixtures will be announced again by the WAFU media department in due course.

On Sunday, WAFU announced that Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, and Guinea would not take part in the tournament due to age cheating, according to the new rule outlined in Article 27.4 of the Under-17 African Cup of Nations regulations.

However, on Monday evening, the West African Football Union and the CAF Medical team reversed their decision after a satisfactory medical test confirmed Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau’s eligibility to compete in this year’s U17 AFCON qualifiers.

The new rule states in Article 27.4: “If, after carrying out the eligibility test (IRM) for a participating team, one or more of its players are deemed ineligible, the participating team will be disqualified.”

Sierra Leone has been requalified to participate, having met the necessary criteria after two of the five players in question were cleared. Additionally, Guinea-Bissau has been reinstated and will compete in the WAFU U17 tournament in Senegal.

Africa and Age Cheating

Guinea has a history of age cheating. In 2019, they were disqualified from the Under-17 World Cup in Brazil due to age violations at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, which served as qualifiers.

Despite runners-up at the U-17 Nations Cup in Tanzania in April, Guinea believed they had secured a World Cup spot by reaching the semi-finals.

https://twitter.com/bittar32/status/1848493588134383895

Morocco will host the CAF Women’s Champions League in November 2024
by FSL News

Morocco will host the CAF Women’s Champions League in November 2024

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that Morocco will host the 2024 edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League Finals, as reported by CAF.

The CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco will take place from November 9 to November 23, 2024. Morocco also hosted the 2022 edition of this premier club football competition for women in Africa.

A total of eight clubs will compete for the title. The winners will receive $400,000 in prize money, while the runners-up will receive $250,000. Mamelodi Sundowns are the current champions, having won the competition twice in three years.

Morocco’s ASFAR is another team that has won the competition, claiming the title in 2022 after defeating Mamelodi Sundowns.

Since its inception, the CAF Women’s Champions League has played a crucial role in advancing women’s football in Africa.

Morocco’s upcoming hosting of the CAF Women’s Champions League follows the successful organization of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2022, which also enjoyed remarkable success.

To qualify for the finals, six zonal tournaments were held, allowing six teams to earn their spots alongside the host nation and the holder of the 2023 title. The following teams have qualified:

CAF Women’s Champions League Qualified Clubs:

  • Holders: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
  • Host : ASFAR (Morocco)
  • WAFU A  : Aigles de la Medina (Senegal)
  • WAFU B: EDO Queens (Nigeria)
  • COSAFA: University of Western Cape (South Africa)
  • UNAF   : Tutankhamun (Egypt)
  • CECAFA: CBE FC (Ethiopia)
  • UNIFFAC: TP Mazembe (DR Congo)
Algeria beat Togo to seal Cup of Nations 2025 spot
by FSL News

Algeria beat Togo to seal Cup of Nations 2025 spot

Algeria confidently secured their place in next year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco by defeating Togo at the Kégué Stadium in Lomé during Monday’s Group E qualifier. They have previously won the AFCON tournament twice.

This victory brings the total number of qualified teams to four. Algeria’s Ramy Bensebaini scored the only goal for the North Africans, maintaining their 100% record in the qualifiers.

They have secured 12 points from four matches. Bensebaini converted a penalty in the 18th minute to give Algeria the lead. Despite facing heavy pressure from the hosts, Algeria managed to hold on to their lead. Hosts Morocco, Cameroon and Burkina Faso have also qualified for the finals.

In another match, Zimbabwe defeated Namibia 3-1 in Johannesburg, bringing them in a strong position in their pool. With two matches remaining, they are eight points ahead of the third-placed Kenya.

Gambia moved into the second place in their pool, ahead of Comoros, based on head-to-head records, despite playing one more game.

Mozambique secured a 3-0 win over Eswatini in Nelspruit, taking them to the top of their pool. They are five points clear of third-placed Guinea Bissau, who will host Mali on Tuesday.

First win for Gambia in the race to Morocco AFCON 2025
by FSL News

First win for Gambia in race to Morocco AFCON 2025

Gambia defeated Madagascar 1-0 in their 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi, securing their first victory and boosting their chances of qualifying for the competition.

Musa Barrow scored a crucial goal in the 62nd minute, helping the Gambian national football team to win and improving their chances of qualifying for the tournament in Morocco next year.

His goal came after sustained pressure from the Gambian side, as Yankuba Minteh’s pass found him unmarked inside the box. Although his first shot was blocked, Barrow quickly scored on the rebound, prompting celebrations among Gambian fans.

This win places the Scorpions in second place in Group A with five points after four matches, just one point behind leaders Tunisia. Comoros also have five points but a lower goal difference, putting them in third place.

Madagascar has only two points from four games and is at the bottom of the group. The Gambia performed well, with key contributions from Ebrima Jarju and Ebou Adams in midfield.

Despite missing a penalty, Gambia maintained pressure and eventually broke through. Madagascar had a few chances, but goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye kept a clean sheet. Gambia aims to sustain their momentum in the qualifiers, while Madagascar’s chances of qualifying remain uncert

Cameroon complete AFCON qualifying double over Kenya
by Football Sierra Leone

Cameroon complete AFCON qualifying double over Kenya

Cameroon clinched another 1-0 victory over Kenya in their 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium on Monday.

It’s a back-to-back win for the Indomitable Lions as they maintained a leading position in Group J with 10 points, presenting the Harambee Stars with a significant challenge in the remaining qualifiers.

The pivotal moment occurred in the 63rd minute when Boris Enow executed a low free-kick from the edge of the box, breaching the Kenyan defence and placing the ball into the bottom right corner.

Despite Kenya’s persistent efforts to equalize, including a missed header from Alphonce Omija in stoppage time, they were unable to find the back of the net. With this victory, Cameroon fortifies its standing in Group J with 10 points, while Kenya remains in third place with four points.

Zimbabwe, currently in second place with seven points, will face Namibia later on Monday in the other Group J fixture. Kenya had several opportunities to tie the match, with Michael Olunga notably having his shots blocked multiple times by a well-organized Cameroonian defense.

Under the leadership of captain Vincent Aboubakar, Cameroon showed resilience, although Aboubakar himself failed to convert a couple of clear-cut chances. Kenya now faces a tough task to revive their AFCON qualification hopes, while Cameroon seems increasingly likely to secure early qualification for the tournament scheduled to be held in Morocco next year.

Group D AFCON qualification twist after Super Eagles left stranded
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Group D AFCON qualifier twist after Nigeria left stranded

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has withdrawn the Super Eagles from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.

Nigeria won 1-0 in Uyo on Friday, topping Group D with seven points, while Libya remained at the bottom with one point and faced elimination.

This decision follows a 12-hour delay at Libya’s Al Abraq International Airport, where the team was left stranded. The players have decided not to play the match due to frustration and fatigue. The NFF is arranging the team’s return to Nigeria.

“We maintained a positive outlook, but the circumstances we are encountering are unacceptable and seem deliberate. Travelling by road poses a significant danger, and we have serious concerns about our treatment at the hotel along with the quality of food provided. What was once amusing has turned into a serious matter. As a team, we pride ourselves on mutual respect, and given these hostile conditions, we have decided to refrain from participating in the match,” Troost-Ekong stated, tagging @caf_online for wider attention.

As confirmation of the dire situation, the NFF’s statement continued: “Players have resolved not to proceed with the match, and officials are now arranging for the team to return home.” The match was meant to be the fourth in their campaign to secure a spot in the next AFCON tournament set to take place in Morocco in the upcoming year.

The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) expressed concern over the situation experienced by the visiting team but denied any foul play. They reassured their Nigerian counterparts that the flight diversion was unintentional.

Burkina Faso secure 2025 Cup of Nations spot with victory over Burundi
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkina Faso secure 2025 Cup of Nations spot with victory over Burundi

Burkina Faso clinched their place in the 2025 African Cup of Nations after a 2-0 victory over Burundi at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium on Sunday.

With this victory, they have earned 10 points from four matches in Group L, securing their spot in the 24-team tournament. The goals were netted by Mohamed Konate and Bertrand Traore.

Senegal is currently in second place with seven points from three matches and can qualify by winning against Malawi. Burundi has three points from four games, while Malawi has none from three.

The top two teams from each of the 12 qualification pools will advance to the finals, which will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

In addition, Morocco have already secured their place in the tournament as hosts. 

Morocco's Atlas Lions thrash Central African Republic
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco’s Atlas Lions thrash Central African Republic

Morocco continued to show its strength in Group B of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Qualifiers on Saturday, October 12th, by defeating the Central African Republic.

The host of the 2025 AFCON has won three consecutive games as they prepare for the continental showpiece. They are leading with five points, ahead of Gabon, who had a goalless draw with Lesotho on Friday.

The Atlas Lions won 5-0 and are building momentum as they get ready to host next year’s Cup of Nations.  Assedine Ounahi scored two goals in the first half, and Adbe Essalzouli, Achraf Hakimi, and Soufiane Rahimi also scored.

The competition in Group B remains exciting as Gabon will play Lesotho again on Tuesday, and the Central African Republic will have another chance to play Morocco on the same evening.