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.

Ghana Black Stars look to improve World Cup qualifying chances
by FSL News

Ghana Black Stars look to improve World Cup qualifying chances

The Black Stars of Ghana will compete against Chad on Thursday at the Stade Olympique Marechal Idriss Deby Itno as part of Group I in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Currently, the visitors are leading their group with 15 points, and a victory would bring them closer to automatic entry into the esteemed tournament.

Les Sao have no possibility of qualifying, and their participation will merely serve as a formality.

In their matches in Group I, Ghana has achieved five victories and experienced one defeat in the six games contested to date.

The Black Stars have netted 15 goals while allowing just five, which is a favourable outcome for the squad.

Chad has yet to earn any points from the first six matches in the group.

They have struggled significantly in the group, having conceded 15 goals and scored only one, which falls well below expectations.

In their previous encounters, the teams have faced each other only once, on March 21, 2025, when Ghana secured a significant 5-0 victory.

Liberia to face stiff competition against leaders Tunisia
by FSL News

Liberia to face stiff competition against leaders Tunisia

West African side Liberia faces a steep test against North African giant Tunisia in today’s Group H World Cup qualifying contest at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium.

Tunisia has displayed effectiveness and solidity throughout the qualifying series, showcasing an unblemished defensive performance and a ruthless attacking style.

After completing six matches, Sami Trabelsi’s squad has secured five wins and one draw, placing them at the top of Group H with 16 points—four points ahead of second-placed Namibia—scoring nine goals while ensuring they haven’t conceded any.

Rabelsi, now in his second term as Tunisia’s head coach since his appointment in February, kicked off his tenure with a 1-0 victory over Liberia and then guided his team to a 2-0 win against Malawi.

His team had mixed outcomes in friendly matches, winning 2-0 against Burkina Faso but losing 2-0 to Morocco, where defender Ali Al-Abdi was sent off.

On Thursday, they aim for a seventh consecutive clean sheet in the qualifiers to extend their group lead.

Tunisia holds a strong record against Liberia, with five wins in their last seven encounters, one draw, and one loss.

Liberia, on the other hand, will approach this match with cautious hope, aware that they face one of Africa’s top teams but motivated by their improved play. The Lone Stars sit third in Group H with 10 points from three wins, one draw, and two losses.

After a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations qualifying round, they seek redemption for World Cup qualification. A FIFA ruling upgraded a prior loss to Equatorial Guinea to a 3-0 victory, boosting their morale. Since then, they drew 1-1 with Namibia and narrowly defeated Sao Tome & Principe 1-0.

Despite a close 1-0 loss to Tunisia in March, they rebounded with a 2-1 win against Sao Tome & Principe. However, they have struggled defensively, suffering four defeats in their last six matches and conceding 10 goals.

Algeria's Desert Warriors eye Group G win against Bostwana
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Algeria’s Desert Warriors eye Group G win against Bostwana

Algeria aims to improve its chances of automatically qualifying for the 2026 World Cup when it hosts Botswana at the Hocine Ait Ahmed Stadium on Thursday.

Algeria leads Group G, having collected 15 points from its first six matches, three points ahead of Mozambique, which sits second before today’s kickoff.

Under coach Vladimir Petkovic, the team has scored the most goals (16) but has only kept one clean sheet. Their biggest win was 5-1 against Mozambique on March 25. They won their last three matches after Guinea broke their perfect record in qualifying with a 2-1 win in Algiers on June 6, 2024.

Ismael Bennacer has played only once for Algeria in the qualifiers due to injury issues and was left out of the current squad because he is not fit. The AC Milan midfielder missed the first two games of the new Serie A season.

Petkovic emphasized Bennacer’s importance to the team, saying, “Bennacer is struggling physically with zero preparation; he trained with Milan B and immediately suffered more physical issues. I hope he returns to his best because Ismael is very important for our national team.”

Botswana is still in the race as they sit in third place, three points behind Algeria. They recently won 2-0 against Somalia on March 25.

This victory was their third win in the group, following a 3-1 loss to Algeria on March 21, their biggest defeat.

They also lost to Mozambique (3-2) and Uganda (1-0), and need to win the return matches to have a chance to finish in the top two.

Gabon thrash Seychelles to go top of Group F in World Cup Qualifiers
by Football Sierra Leone

Denis Bouanga nets a hat-trick as Gabon thrash Seychelles to top Group F

Gabon secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Seychelles in Wednesday’s 2026 World Cup qualifying match at the neutral venue of the Cote d Or Sports Complex in the Mauritian city of Saint Pierre,

Denis Bouanga shone with a first-half hat-trick, scoring in the 4th minute and twice more before halftime, effectively sealing Seychelles’ fate early on.

With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sidelined by injury, Bouanga capitalised on the opportunity, with his second goal coming in the 38th minute, assisted by Guelor Kanga.

Debutant Yannis M’Bemba rounded off the scoring with a late header from a corner. This win places Gabon at the top of Group F, two points ahead of the Ivory Coast, who face Burundi next before meeting Gabon on September 9 in a crucial match.

Newcastle United sign DR Congo's striker Yoane Wissa
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Newcastle United sign DR Congo’s striker Yoane Wissa

Newcastle United has confirmed the new signing of DR Congo’s forward Yoane Wissa from Brentford on transfer deadline day, pending Premier League approval.

The 28-year-old, who hails from France but represents DR Congo internationally, has signed a long-term contract to become the sixth addition to St. James’ Park this summer.

Yoane launched his career with French club Châteauroux, progressing through their youth system before moving to Angers in 2016. After loan spells at Laval and Ajaccio, his big break came at Lorient, where he made a significant impact after joining in January 2018.

He played a crucial role in helping Lorient earn promotion to Ligue 1, going on to net ten goals in the top tier before securing a move to newly-promoted Brentford in 2021.

During his time with the Bees, Yoane made his mark in the Premier League, recording an impressive tally of 49 goals across 149 appearances in all competitions, including a personal best of 19 league goals last season.

In his first interview, Yoane expressed his excitement about joining Newcastle: “I’m really happy to be here and proud to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League. I can’t wait to get started.”

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe added, “Yoane is a player we’ve been watching for some time. His proven Premier League experience, goal-scoring ability, and work ethic will immediately strengthen our squad and excite our fans.”

Ghanaian defender pens deal with Scottish side Dunfermline Athletic
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghanaian defender pens deal with Scottish side Dunfermline Athletic

Dunfermline Athletic has officially acquired the services of defender Nurudeen Abdulai from Medeama Sporting Club, a team in the Ghanaian Premier League.

The Scottish Championship side is pleased with Abdulai, a 21-year-old central defender, who has signed a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

He brings a commendable record of 75 appearances in the Ghanaian Premier League, as well as seven appearances in the CAF Champions League, highlighting his experience with the Mauve and Yellow.

The player is expected to integrate with his new teammates promptly and will be eligible for selection in the upcoming match against Arbroath following the international break.

Currently, Dunfermline Athletic occupies the fifth position in the Scottish Championship table, having earned five points from four matches in the current campaign.

Senegalese international Formose Mend joins Watford on loan
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegalese international Formose Mendy joins Watford on loan

Watford has officially completed the signing of Formose Mendy on loan from Lorient, bolstering their defence as they push for success in the EFL Championship.

The 24-year-old Senegalese international has joined the Hornets on a loan deal that runs until the season’s end, with the option for a permanent transfer.

The club expressed their excitement in a statement, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome Formose Mendy to Watford from Lorient!” Watford’s Assistant Sporting Director, Valon Behrami, shared insights on the club’s decision, emphasising, “Formose was our top target, so we’re over the moon to finalise this deal. We’ve had our eye on him for a while, especially given the interest from several clubs.”

Mendy, a right-sided defender standing at 6ft 3in, will don the number 27 shirt at Vicarage Road. His football journey began at the Darou Salam Academy in Dakar before he progressed through the youth ranks at FC Porto and Club Brugge.

He went on to make 68 appearances for Amiens SC in Ligue 2 before moving to Lorient in 2023, where he made 42 appearances in total and played a crucial role in the club’s Ligue 2 title win in 2024/25.

Having already earned 10 caps for Senegal, Mendy was part of the Lions of Teranga squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, further showcasing his growing credentials on the international stage.

Mo Salah, Omar Marmoush and Osama Faisal named to Egypt squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mo Salah, Omar Marmoush named for Egypt’s World Cup qualifiers

Egypt’s coach Hossam Hassan has announced his squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and Burkina Faso.

Leading the attacking lineup is Mohamed Salah, accompanied by Mostafa Mohamed, Osama Faisal and Omar Marmoush. The goalkeeping unit is comprised of Mohamed El Shenawy, Mostafa Shobeir, Mohamed Sobhy, and Abdelaziz El Balouti.

The team includes some fresh talent as well as the return of a few familiar faces. Notably, Amr El Gazzar, a defender from the National Bank of Egypt, receives his first call-up to the national team.

Additionally, Pyramids midfielder Mohannad Lasheen is back after a hiatus following the Africa Cup of Nations, and Al Ahly’s Marwan Attia rejoins the squad after his recovery from a hernia.

Currently, Egypt sits at the top of Group A with 16 points, holding a five-point advantage over Burkina Faso in second place. They remain strong favourites to advance to the final qualifying rounds.

Here’s the complete roster for Egypt:

Goalkeepers:
– Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly)
– Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly)
– Mohamed Sobhy (Zamalek)
– Abdelaziz El Balouty (National Bank)

Defenders:

– Rami Rabia (Al Ain, UAE)
– Khaled Sobhi (Al Masry)
– Amr El Gazzar (National Bank)
– Hossam Abdelmaguid (Zamalek)
– Mohamed Rabia (ZED)
– Mohamed Hany (Al Ahly)
– Ahmed Eid (Al Masry)
– Mohamed Hamdy (Pyramids)
– Ahmed Nabil “Koka” (Al Ahly)

Midfielders:

– Hamdi Fathi (Al Wakrah, Qatar)
– Nabil Emad (Zamalek)
– Marwan Attia (Al Ahly)
– Mahmoud Sabrer (ZED)
– Mohannad Lasheen (Pyramids)
– Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” (Al Ahly)
– Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” (Al Ahly)
– Omar Marmoush (Manchester City)
– Ibrahim Adel (Al Jazira, UAE)

Forwards:
– Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
– Mostafa Mohamed (Nantes)
– Osama Faisal (National Bank)


Fixtures:

September 5: Egypt vs Ethiopia (Cairo International Stadium)

September 10: Burkina Faso vs Egypt

Getafe's Christantus Uche named in Nigeria squad for World Cup Qualifiers
by FSL News

Getafe’s Christantus Uche named in Nigeria squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Christantus Uche has been called up to the Nigeria national team for the upcoming World Cup Qualifier matches against Rwanda and South Africa.

Uche, who has been in excellent form this season for Getafa, has been included in the Green Eagles’ roster for these two crucial qualifying matches, scheduled for September 6 against Rwanda and September 9 against South Africa.

Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface has been omitted from the Super Eagles’ squad for next month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.

The 23-year-old was the most notable exclusion as head coach Eric Chelle released his final list on Friday.

The squad list was posted on the Super Eagles’ official X account on Friday. Regulars such as Victor Osimhen, William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, Stanley Nwabali, Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Calvin Bassey have all been selected for these must-win fixtures.

Full squad:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabili; Amas Obasogie; Adeleye Adebayo.

Defenders: William Troost-Ekong; Calvin Bassey; Olaoluwa Aina; Bright Osayi-Samuel; Bruno Onyemaechi; Chidozie Awaziem; Felix Agu; Benjamin Fredericks.

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi; Frank Onyeka; Wilfred Ndidi; Fisayo Dele-Bashiru; Raphael Onyedika; Christantus Uche.

Forwards: Ademola Lookman; Samuel Chukwueze; Victor Osimhen; Moses Simon; Cyriel Dessers; Tolu Arokodare.

Morocco overcome Madagascar to clinch third CHAN title
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco overcome Madagascar to clinch third CHAN title

Morocco clinched their third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title in six years by defeating Madagascar 3-2 in the 2024 final held on August 30, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya.

Star striker Oussama Lamlioui scored twice, including a breathtaking 40-yard strike, solidifying Morocco’s status as the most successful team in CHAN history.

Madagascar took an early lead in the ninth minute with Calvin Felicite Manohantzua’s goal, but Morocco equalized through Youssef Mehri in the 27th minute.

Oussama Lamlioui then scored to give Morocco a 2-1 lead at halftime.

After the recess, Toky Rakotondraibe levelled again for Madagascar, but Lamlioui’s second goal sealed the victory for Morocco.

Despite the loss, Madagascar’s silver medal marked a historic achievement.  Lamlioui earned the Golden Boot with six goals, while Mohammed Hrimat was named Player of the Tournament. Senegal’s Marc Diouf received the Fair Play Award and the Golden Glove.

Morocco clinched their third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title in six years by defeating Madagascar 3-2 in the 2024 final held on August 30, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya.
Morocco clinched their third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title in six years by defeating Madagascar 3-2 in the 2024 final held on August 30, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya.