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.

Nigeria & Zambia secure tickets to FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
by FSL News

Nigeria & Zambia secure tickets to FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

Nigeria and Zambia have officially secured their spots in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which will occur in the Dominican Republic from October 16 to November 3, 2024.

 

Nigeria became the first African team to qualify for the women’s youth competition after defeating Liberia 6-1 on aggregate. They won 4-1 in the away match and then secured a 2-0 victory in the home leg in Abuja.

 

Zambia returned to the tournament after a 10-year absence by securing their spot on June 15. They won 3-1 in their first match in Ndola and then played to a goalless draw in the return leg in Morocco, which was enough to secure their place in the finals.

The third and final African spot in the tournament will be determined in the match between Kenya and Burundi on June 16. Kenya holds the advantage after winning the first leg 3-0 at home.

Ex-Nigerian International Finidi quits Super Eagles job
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-Nigerian International Finidi quits Super Eagles job

Finidi George has resigned as coach of the Super Eagles, stating, “I won’t work under another coach in the Super Eagles.”

This decision followed the NFF’s option to appoint a foreign coach after the team failed to win the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin.

During Finidi’s tenure, the Super Eagles suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat to the Benin Republic in Abidjan after a 1-1 draw against South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

These results leave the Super Eagles winless after four matches, putting them in fifth place in Group C with just three points and jeopardizing Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Finidi, appointed as the substantive coach in April after serving as an assistant to Jose Peseiro, had his position reconsidered by the NFF due to the recent poor results.

The 53-year-old coach succeeded the Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, who left his post after his contract ended in February and had previously worked as Peseiro’s assistant for 20 months.

Crystal Palace have made their first summer signing with the arrival of Morocco centre-back Chadi Riad, in a deal worth £12m plus £2m in add-ons.
by FSL News

Morocco’s Chadi Riad joins Premiership side Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have made their first summer signing with the arrival of Morocco centre-back Chadi Riad.

The 20-year-old, who moved to Real Betis on loan from Barcelona last summer before making the move permanent, has joined the Eagles, external on a contract until June 2029.

Riad made 30 appearances for Betis in all competitions during the past campaign and helped them finish seventh in La Liga.

“As a full international at just 20 years old, Chadi is an exciting young player who we are delighted to be able to welcome to the club,” said Palace chairman Steve Parish.

Riad added: “I was interested in coming here because of the history of the club, and the league in which it plays.

“The club has high-level players who are young and I have come here to follow their same trajectory, to grow as they have grown.”

Riad was selected for the senior Morocco national team at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He made his debut in a 3–1 pre-tournament friendly win over Sierra Leone on 11 January 2024.

The Fédération Malienne de Football (FEMAFOOT) has immediately terminated senior national team coach Eric Sékou Chelle's contract.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali Fédération part ways with coach Eric Sékou Chelle

The Fédération Malienne de Football (FEMAFOOT) has immediately terminated senior national team coach Eric Sékou Chelle’s contract.

In a statement reported on national television, no reason was given for the decision. The sacking occurred days after Mali were held to a goalless draw by 10-man Madagascar in a Group I World Cup qualifier in Johannesburg.

The decision was unanimously made by the Executive Committee in an extraordinary session, with the approval of the relevant authorities on Thursday.

Mali suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Ghana at the Stade du Mars in Bamako last week before drawing with a ten-man Madagascar on Tuesday in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Malian Eagles face a tough challenge in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, as they currently have just five points after four matches.

FEMAFOOT has expressed its gratitude to Sekou Chelle for his leadership of the national team and has also thanked the Department of Sports for their ongoing support.

Malian football is entering a new chapter as the federation seeks a new coach. Mali is among several African nations making changes to their coaching staff ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 qualifiers.

Gabon come from behind to defeat the Gambia in five-goal thriller
by FSL News

Gabon come from behind to defeat Gambia in five-goal thriller

Gabon completed an impressive comeback, defeating Gambia 3-2 in their World Cup qualifying fixture at Stade de Franceville.

The victory propelled Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s team to second place in Group F, just one point behind leaders Ivory Coast.

Despite falling behind in the first half, Gabon rallied in the second half with goals from Jim Allevinah, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Denis Bouanga.

The Gambia fought back with a goal from Ebou Adams, but Gabon held on for the win.

The result puts Gabon in a strong position in the group, while Gambia sits in fourth place.

Meanwhile, Burundi are two points further back after their 3-1 win away against Seychelles in neutral Morocco.

Tuesday’s African World Cup qualifying results

  • South Sudan 0-3 Sudan (Group B)

  • Lesotho 0-1 Rwanda (Group C)

  • South Africa 3-1 Zimbabwe (Group C)

  • Angola 1-1 Cameroon (Group D)

  • Cape Verde 1-0 Libya (Group D)

  • Congo 0-6 Morocco (Group E)

  • Zambia 0-1 Tanzania (Group E)

  • Gabon 3-2 The Gambia (Group F)

  • Kenya 0-0 Ivory Coast (Group F)

  • Seychelles 1-3 Burundi (Group F)

  • Mauritius 2-1 Eswatini (Group G)

  • Chad 0-2 Comoros (Group I)

  • Madagascar 0-0 Mali (Group I)

Six-goal Morocco ease past Congo to maintain Group E lead
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Six-goal Morocco ease past Congo to maintain Group E lead

Morocco secured a resounding 6-0 victory over Congo at Stade Adrar during their third match of the CAF 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday evening.

The North Africans dominated Congo in their third World Cup qualifier, winning 6-0. Azzedine Ounahi and Chadi Riad scored early goals, while Ayoub El Kaabi completed a hat trick. This victory keeps Morocco at the top of Group E standings with nine points, while Tanzania is in second place with six points.

In Tuesday’s early Kickoff, there were several noteworthy events unfolding – Sudan secured a top position in Group B with a resounding 3-0 victory over South Sudan, with ten points from four games, overtaking Senegal. Meanwhile, South Sudan remains firmly at the bottom with just two points.

In Group F, Kenya and African champions Cote d’Ivoire played to a goalless draw. Cote d’Ivoire maintains their lead with ten points. Kenya moved up to third place with five points.

In the Group G encounter, Mauritius secured a 2-1 victory over Eswatini. This win places Mauritius in fifth place in the group with four points, while Eswatini remains at the bottom, still in search of their first point in the campaign.

The competition for the World Cup berths is intensifying as hopes of historic qualification are ignited among several team.

In Group I, Madagascar and Mali drew 0-0. Madagascar’s Louis Démoléon received a red card early on, leaving his team with ten men for over 70 minutes. Madagascar earned a valuable point, moving them to second place with seven points, while Mali is in fourth place with five points.

Nigeria stumbles to Benin Republic in Group C qualifier
by FSL News

Nigeria stumbles to Benin Republic in Group C qualifier

The Benin Republic made history on Monday by defeating the Super Eagles for the first time with a 2-1 win.

As a result, The Super Eagles’ World Cup qualification is now in jeopardy. With only three points from four World Cup qualification matches, Nigeria risks missing out on the next football tournament.

The Super Eagles were aiming for a victory after drawing with South Africa a few days earlier, and although the game started well for the Nigerians, they had to wait 25 minutes to take the lead.

Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge gave the Super Eagles the advantage by calmly slotting the ball home inside the box.

The Cheetahs of Benin, led by former Nigerian manager Gernot Rohr, scored to tie the game in the 37th minute through Jodei Dossou after a defensive mistake from the Super Eagles. They then extended Nigeria’s troubles with a goal from Steve Mounie just before halftime.

In the second half, Nigeria made some changes to try to find an equalizer, but the Cheetahs defended well to secure one of the biggest wins in football. After Monday’s result, Nigeria is currently in 5th place in the Group C qualification standings for the 2026 World Cup.

Recap: Ghana Survive CAR Scare as Mozambique Defeat Guinea
by FSL News

Recap: Ghana Survive CAR Scare as Mozambique Defeat Guinea

The Black Stars have been performing well in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. They had a thrilling comeback win against Mali in Bamako, followed by a 4-3 victory against the Central African Republic in Kumasi on Monday, 10 June.

Jordan Ayew and Louis Mafouta both scored hat-tricks as Ghana secured the win. This victory came after their previous 2-1 triumph over Mali in Bamako.

Meanwhile, the Stallions of Burkina Faso were disappointed to drop points in a 2-2 draw against Sierra Leone in Bamako, Mali.

In Group G, Mozambique surprised Guinea with a 1-0 win, earning maximum points on the road.

Ghana 4 – 3 Central African Republic

In a dramatic match, Ghana emerged victorious with a 4-3 win in Kumasi.

Burkina Faso 2 – 2 Sierra Leone

Burkina Faso missed an opportunity to close the gap with a 2-2 draw against Sierra Leone in Bamako.

Guinea 0 – 1 Mozambique

Mozambique secured a 1-0 win over Guinea with a late goal by Geny Catamo.

10 June

Burkina Faso 2-2 Sierra Leone (Group A)

Guinea Bissau 1-1 Egypt (Group A)

Benin 2-1 Nigeria (Group C)

Guinea 0-1 Mozambique (Group G)

Uganda 1-2 Algeria (Group G)

Somalia 1-3 Botswana (Group G)

Equatorial Guinea 1-0 Malawi (Group H)

Ghana 4-3 Central African Republic (Group I)

Sheikh Sesay's last-minute goal helps Liberia win against Sao Tome
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sheikh Sesay’s last-minute goal helps Liberia defeat Sao Tome

Late Sheikh Sesay’s last-minute goal secured a 1-0 victory for Liberia against Sao Tome and Principe in their 2026 World Cup qualifier.

In the first Matchday 4 game, Liberia’s win moved them to third place in Group H with seven points, while Sao Tome and Principe remain at the bottom without any points after four matches.

The game saw both teams struggling to find a breakthrough in the first half, with few clear-cut chances created.

Liberia made crucial substitutions early in the second half to inject fresh energy into their side.

As the match seemed destined for a draw, Liberia’s decisive substitution of Sheikh Sesay for Terry Sackor proved to be a game-changer. In the 90th minute, Sesay scored a dramatic late goal, giving Liberia the lead and securing the three points.

Despite a late push from Sao Tome and Principe, Liberia held on for the victory, propelling them to third place in Group H. Sao Tome and Principe will need to regroup after another disappointing result.

In other Group H matches Namibia played to a goalless draw against group leaders Tunisia, while Equatorial Guinea and Malawi are set to face off on Monday.

Algeria's Lahlou Benbraham to officiate Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone
by FSL News

Algeria’s Lahlou Benbraham to officiate Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone

Algerian referee Lahlou Benbraham is the centre man to officiate the match between Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone on Monday’s Match Day four of the Fifa World Cup qualifier in Bamako, Mali.

Kickoff at the 26th of March Stadium is slated for 19.00 hours.

Experienced Benbraham, 38, who is also part official for the upcoming Olympic Football Tournaments Paris 2024, will be supported by fellow Algerian officials: Abane Adel as referee one, Bouzit Hamza as referee two, and Match official Boukhafa Nabil.

The match’s referee assessor is Aguidissou Crespin from Benin, and the match commissioner is Sere Rene William from Ivory Coast.

This upcoming match at the 26th of March Stadium will be the second meeting between the West African nations – Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso last played each other almost 30 years ago.

MD 4 2026 World Cup Qualifier
MD 4 2026 World Cup Qualifier