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.

Striker Serhou Guirassy to miss Guinea's AFCON qualifiers
by FSL News

Striker Serhou Guirassy to miss Guinea’s AFCON qualifiers  

Serhou Guirassy is set to miss Guinea’s African Cup of Nations opening qualifying matches due to injury.

Borussia Dortmund striker was selected by Guinea’s technical team but will be unable to play due to an injury, which is a disappointment for Syli National opening campaign this month.

They are now looking for a replacement for Guirassy ahead of ties against the Leopards of DRC and the Taifa Stars of Tanzania.

Paquille will also have to fill in for central defender Saïdou Sow and left-back Issiaga Sylla.

Sow got injured during a match for Strasbourg and won’t be able to play. Ibrahima Sory Conté will take his place. Sylla got hurt during a Montpellier match and is also out. They’re working on finding a replacement.

Coach Charles Paquille is under pressure to keep the team competitive.

Guinea’s fans hope the remaining squad members will step up despite the injuries as they aim to start their AFCON 2025 campaign positively.

Nigeria make Bruno Labbadia U-turn over tax issues
by FSL News

Nigeria make Bruno Labbadia U-turn over tax issues

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has revealed that the deal with Bruno Labbadia to become the new head coach of the Super Eagles has fallen through.

The NFF stated that the appointment could not proceed due to “tax details.” The NFF president, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, explained that the tax issue was not discussed during the initial negotiations, and Labbadia had agreed to all terms before the tax matter came up.

The NFF expressed disappointment that Labbadia insisted on the full tax amount being paid by the federation, which they deemed unfeasible.

As a result, NFF’s technical director Augustine Eguavoen will take charge of the 2025 Nations Cup qualifiers, starting with a home game against Benin on 7 September and an away game in Rwanda on 10 September.

This will be Eguavoen’s fourth stint as the temporary head coach of the Super Eagles. Following the departure of the previous coach, Jose Peseiro, and Finidi George, fans are eager for the team to find stability once again.

Cape Verde lineup 24-man squad for Egypt & Mauritania
by FSL News

Cape Verde lineup 24-man squad for Egypt & Mauritania

Cape Verde’s coach, Pedro Bubista, has revealed the 24 players who will compete in the AFCON Morocco 2025 qualifiers.

The team is set for vital Afcon qualification ties against Egypt on September 6 in Cairo before engaging Mauritania on September 10 at the National Stadium of Praia.

The experienced squad includes familiar players like goalkeeper Josimar Dias (Vozinha) and forward Ryan Mendes, both known for their pivotal roles in Cape Verde’s recent performances.

Preparations for the matches will start in Cairo on September 1. Cape Verde aims for strong performances in Group C.

The team faces a tough challenge in their first match against Egypt, a strong team in African football, on September 6 at Cairo International Stadium.

Egypt’s talented roster, including Premier League stars, makes the qualification process challenging.

Coach Pedro Bubista has chosen a balanced squad, combining experienced veterans with emerging talents, for these important fixtures.

Goalkeeper Vozinha, from GD Chaves in Portugal, is expected to provide stability in defence, while Ryan Mendes, currently with Kocaelispor in Turkey, will bolster the team’s attacking abilities.

Listed below is the Cape Verdian sqaud for AFCON qualifiers in September.

Goalkeepers:

  • Josimar Dias ‘Vozinha’ (GD Chaves/Portugal)
  • Bruno Varela (Vitória SC/Portugal)
  • Dylan Silva (FC Sportist/Bulgaria)

Defenders:

  • Roberto Lopes ‘Pico’ (Shamrock Rovers/Ireland)
  • Edilson Borges ‘Diney’ (Al Bataeh/UAE)
  • Logan Costa (Villarreal/Spain)
  • Dylan Tavares (Bastia/France)
  • Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew/USA)
  • Kelvin Pires ‘Djack’ (SJK/Finland)
  • Wagner Pina (Estoril Praia/Portugal)

Midfielders:

  • Patrick Andrade (Qarabag/Azerbaijan)
  • João Paulo Fernandes (Sheriff/Moldova)
  • Deroy Duarte (Ludogorets/Bulgaria)
  • Kevin Pina (FK Krasnodar/Russia)
  • Laros Duarte (Puskás Akadémia FC/Hungary)
  • David Tavares (Gloria Buzau/Romania)
  • Diogo Mendes (Rapid Bucuresti/Romania)

Forwards:

  • Ryan Mendes (Kocaelispor/Turkey)
  • Willy Semedo (Omonia/Cyprus)
  • Gilson Benchimol (Akron Togliatti/Russia)
  • Helio Varela (Gent/Belgium)
  • Dailon Livramento (Hellas Verona/Italy)
  • Patrick Fernandes (Marítimo/Portugal)
  • Fabricio Garcia (Estoril Praia/Portugal)
Ghana Black Stars squad for AFCON qualifiers revealed
by FSL News

Ghana Black Stars squad for AFCON qualifiers revealed

Otto Addo, the Head Coach of the Black Stars, has revealed the 23-man squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Angola and Niger.

Following their successful performances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with wins over Mali and the Central African Republic, the Black Stars are gearing up for the AFCON qualifiers.

Kingsley Schindler, Inaki Williams, and Majeed Ashimeru return to the team. Captain Andre Ayew and Daniel Amartey are excluded.

The West Africans are to start their 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign with a match against Angola on September 5 at the Baba Yara Stadium, followed by a match against Niger on September 10.

The players are required to report by Monday, September 2, 2024, to commence their preparations for the AFCON qualifiers. 

Coach Otto Addo has mainly maintained the core group of players, with familiar faces such as Thomas Partey, Kudus Mohammed, Jordan Ayew, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku continuing to be part of the squad.

Ivorian coach Emerse Faé has announced the 25-man squad to kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Zambia and Chad.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Emerse Faé names Ivory Coast squad to start AFCON qualifier

Ivorian coach Emerse Faé has announced the 25-man squad to kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Zambia and Chad.

The team is scheduled to play against Zambia on September 6 and Chad on September 10. Notably, Amad Diallo is back in the squad, alongside other key players. Additionally, Faé has confirmed a coaching change, with Michaël Fabre replacing Gérard Gnanhouan.

The Ivory Coast will aim to secure their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with this squad. The squad features three goalkeepers: Yahia Fofana (Angers SCO), Mohamed Koné (Charleroi), and Badra Sangaré (Sekhukhune United).

In defence, Faé has chosen nine players, including Emmanuel Agbadou (Reims), Willy Boly (Nottingham), Ousmane Diomandé (Sporting CP), Guéla Doué (RC Strasbourg), Odilon Kossonou, Evan Ndicka (AS Roma), Christopher Operi (Le Havre), Singo Wilfried (AS Monaco), and Sylla Abakar (RC Strasbourg).

The midfield will include Mohamed Diomandé (Rangers), Maho Dorgelès (Nordsjaelland), Franck Kessié (Al Ahli), Ibrahim Sangaré (Nottingham), and Jean Michaël Seri (Al Orobah).

Upfront, the squad sees the return of Amad Diallo (Manchester United), who joins Simon Adingra (Brighton), Diakité Oumar (Reims), Evann Guessand (Nice), Sébastien Haller (Dortmund), Christian Kouamé (Fiorentina), Emmanuel Lath (Middlesbrough), and Bénie Traoré (Bâle).

Nigeria appoint German legend Bruno Labbadia as head coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria appoint German Bruno Labbadia as new head coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has named Bruno Labbadia, a former German international, as the new head coach of the Nigeria national soccer team, the Super Eagles.

Labbadia brings a wealth of experience, having worked with renowned clubs such as Hertha Berlin, VfB Stuttgart, VfL Wolfsburg, Hamburger SV, and Bayer Leverkusen.

This appointment precedes the Super Eagles’ upcoming qualifying campaign for the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations. Labbadia is expected to bring valuable and impactful expertise to the role.

This decision comes after the departure of the previous coach, Finidi George. Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, the General Secretary of the NFF, has confirmed that the NFF Executive Committee has approved the recommendation of its Technical and Development sub-committee to appoint Mr. Labbadia.

Labbadia’s esteemed standing in German football positions him perfectly to tackle the challenge of revitalizing the team’s performance and meeting the expectations of Nigeria’s passionate football community.

The 57-year-old had a successful playing career with several Bundesliga giants, including Bayern Munich. Labbadia holds a UEFA Pro License and is determined to lead the Super Eagles to success in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

His immediate objectives involve assembling a highly competitive team from a talented pool of players and pursuing continental and global achievements with determination and focus.

Stade de Rennais sign Senegalese defender Mikayil Faye
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Stade de Rennais sign Senegalese defender Mikayil Faye

Senegal international Mikayil Faye, an up-and-coming 20-year-old defender, has completed an exciting transfer from Spanish giants FC Barcelona to French club Stade de Rennais.

This transfer marks a significant step in his promising career. Faye, who previously impressed while playing for Barca’s reserve team in the Primera Federación, has now joined Rennes on a permanent deal.

Reportedly, Stade Rennais F.C. will pay an initial fee of €10.3 million for Faye, and the deal includes a €25 million buy-back clause for Barcelona. Additionally, a 30% sell-on clause has also been included in the agreement, emphasizing the high potential seen in Faye by both clubs.

In an official statement, Rennes expressed their enthusiasm about the transfer, highlighting Faye as “the great Senegalese hope of the 2004 generation.” The central defender has agreed to a contract of four seasons with the French club, signifying a long-term commitment to his new team.

Faye’s football journey began at the Diambars academy, and his talent was further showcased when he reached the round of 16 of the 2019 FIFA Under-17 World Cup with Senegal U17.

His remarkable progress led to an impactful senior debut for Senegal, where he scored in a friendly match against Gabon on 22 March 2024. This transfer to Stade Rennais F.C. marks an exciting new chapter in Faye’s promising career.

AS FAR Rabat and Algeria's CR Bélouizdad progress in CAF Champions League
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

AS FAR & CR Bélouizdad progress in CAF Champions League

Morocco’s AS FAR Rabat turned around a 2-1 deficit from the first leg against Nigeria’s Remo Stars, winning 2-0 in the second leg in Rabat.

Goals from Joël Beya and Zouhzouh secured their spot in the second preliminary round.

Algeria’s CR Bélouizdad continued their good form with a 1-0 win over AC Léopards of Congo. They will now face Burkina Faso’s AS Douanes in the next round.

Ghana’s Samartex won 1-0 at home, completing a 2-0 aggregate victory over Cameroon’s Victoria United. Isaac Afful’s early goal set up a second-round clash with Raja Casablanca.

In other results, Cote d’Ivoire champions San Pedro won 1-0 against Sierra Leone’s BO Rangers, and Congo’s AS Maniema Union defeated Zimbabwe’s Ngezi Platinum on penalties.

Togo’s ASKO Kara progressed with a 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea’s Deportivo Mongomo. FC Nouadhibou of Mauritania, participants in last season’s group stage, were eliminated on away goals by Guinea’s Milo FC.

The second preliminary round matches are scheduled from September 13 to 15 for the first legs and September 23 to 25 for the return fixtures.

Young Africans thrash Burundi's Vital in CAF Champions League
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Young Africans thrash Burundi’s Vital’O in CAF Champions League

Tanzania’s Young Africans put on a stellar performance in continental football on Saturday, beating Burundi’s Vital’O 6-0 in the second leg of their CAF Champions League first-round qualifier in Dar es Salaam.

This victory completed a 10-0 aggregate win, making it the largest margin of victory in the 14 completed ties so far.

Zambian midfielder Clatous Chama played a pivotal role in Vital’O’s defeat, scoring once and providing four assists.

The game started with a 14th-minute penalty converted by Ivorian Pacome Zouzoua after Vital’O was reduced to 10 men. Goals from Clement Mzize, Chama, and Zimbabwean Prince Dube followed before Vital’O lost another player to a red card.

With their opponents down to nine men, Young Africans scored two more goals through Burkina Faso’s Stephane Aziz Ki and Yahya Mudathir.

This resounding victory sets up an exciting East African clash in the final qualifying round, as Young Africans will face Commercial Bank of Ethiopia.

Meanwhile, Raja Casablanca of Morocco demonstrated their strength with a 5-0 win over AS Garde Nationale from Niger, adding to their first-leg lead and securing their spot in the next round.

Nigeria's Alex Iwobi nets winner for Fulham over Leicester
by FSL News

Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi nets Fulham’s winner over Leicester

Alex Iwobi scored the winning goal as Fulham secured their first three points of the 2024/25 season with a 2-1 victory over Leicester City on Saturday.

Fulham got off to a great start with Emile Smith Rowe scoring in the 18th minute, but Leicester managed to equalize before half-time through Wout Faes.

With twenty minutes left, Alex Iwobi scored, putting Fulham back in the lead and ultimately securing the crucial goal for the win.

Manager Marco Silva stuck with the same starting XI as the previous match, a narrow loss at Old Trafford last week. Ryan Sessegnon, a fan favourite, replaced Josh King on the bench.

The Nigeria International joined Fulham On 1st September 2023 from Everton for an undisclosed fee, on a contract until the summer of 2028.