Category: Sport News

Top five nominees for Men’s Player of the Year 2024 CAF Awards
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Top five nominees for Men’s Player of the Year 2024 CAF Awards

Marrakech, Morocco, will host this year’s CAF Awards at the Palais des Congrès, starting at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT / 20:00 Cairo time / 21:00 East African time) on Monday. The awards celebrate the best in African football, and the competition for the Men’s Player of the Year title is intense.

The final Five players who have been voted for are  Simon Adingra from Ivory Coast, Serhou Guirassy from Guinea, Achraf Hakimi from Morocco, Ademola Lookman from Nigeria, and Ronwen Williams from South Africa. This promises to be one of the closest contests in the award’s history.

A look at the final five nominees for Men’s Player of the Year in alphabetical order:

RONWEN WILLIAMS (SOUTH AFRICA) Club: Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa  

Williams stood out with his penalty saves during the Africa Cup of Nations, leading South Africa to win a bronze medal. The team defeated Morocco in the round of 16. He also helped South Africa qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and received a nomination for FIFA’s Best Goalkeeper award for 2024. At Mamelodi Sundowns, he helped the team achieve the record fewest goals conceded in a season, leading them to their seventh consecutive league title.

ACHRAF HAKIMI (MOROCCO) Club: Paris Saint-Germain, France  

Hakimi is one of the best right-backs in Europe. He helped Paris Saint-Germain win a third consecutive Ligue 1 title and a Coupe de France final against Lyon. He also assisted Morocco in winning a bronze medal at the Paris Olympic Games. In 2024, Hakimi played 14 matches for the national team and scored a goal in the Africa Cup of Nations against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

ADEMOLA LOOKMAN (NIGERIA) Club: Atalanta, Italy  

Lookman had a standout year, helping Atalanta become title contenders in Serie A and win the UEFA Europa League. He scored a hat-trick in the final, making it a memorable performance. Lookman also helped Nigeria reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, where they finished as runners-up. He scored three goals and earned a spot in the Team of the Tournament.

SIMON ADINGRA (CÔTE D’IVOIRE) – Club: Brighton & Hove Albion, England  

Adingra played a vital role in Côte d’Ivoire’s journey to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil. He scored a last-minute equalizer in the quarter-finals against Mali and assisted twice in the final against Nigeria. He earned the Best Young Player award at the tournament. The 22-year-old has also performed well for Brighton in the Premier League this year.

SERHOU GUIRASSY (GUINEA) Club: Borussia Dortmund, Germany  

Guirassy scored 30 goals in 30 games for Stuttgart in the 2023-24 Bundesliga season before moving to Borussia Dortmund. His 28 Bundesliga goals set a new record for Stuttgart. Only Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane scored more goals than Guirassy. Between January and October 2024, he scored a total of 23 goals for club and country, including a hat-trick for Guinea against Ethiopia.

DRC's side TP Mazembe ready for Young Africans cracker
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

DRC’s side TP Mazembe ready for Young Africans cracker

After losing their last Group A match to Al Hilal, the DR Congo team must compete to win against Young Africans to keep their hopes alive of advancing to the next stage of the CAF Champions League.

Fans are expected to turn out in support of their team at the Stade TP Mazembe on Saturday as they face the Young Africans Sports Club from Tanzania, who fell 2-0 to MC Alger in their previous game. Meanwhile, TP Mazembe lost 2-1 to Al Hilal Omdurman.

Al Hilal Omdurman currently leads the group with six points, followed by MC Alger with four points. The two teams will also meet on Saturday in another critical match.

Young Africans Remain Hopeful After Consecutive Defeats

Young African coach Saed Ramovic is determined to change their fortunes and secure a positive result in Lubumbashi.

A win or a draw in this match could significantly enhance their chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals.

They are optimistic about their upcoming CAF Champions League Group A match against TP Mazembe on Saturday in Lubumbashi, DR Congo.

The team has regained several key players who have recovered from injuries, which is a significant boost as they prepare for this important fixture.

A win or draw could greatly enhance their chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals.

“We are pleased to have nearly our full squad ready for the match against TP Mazembe. Key players, including Aucho, Abubakar, and Mzize, have returned to training and will participate in the game.

“We will depart for Lubumbashi on Thursday, continuing our intensive training to refine our game strategy. We wish our supporters travelling by bus a safe journey, and we aim to return home with a positive result,” stated Harrison.

Guinea's Serhou Guirassy nets brace in Dortmund's defeat to Barca
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy nets brace in Dortmund’s defeat to Barca

On Wednesday, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy and Ferran Torres each scored two goals as Barcelona defeated Borussia Dortmund 3-2 at the BVB Stadion Dortmund, moving to second place in the UEFA Champions League.

The game picked up after halftime when Raphinha scored for Barcelona in the 53rd minute before Dortmund quickly equalized with a penalty from Guinean International Serhou Guirassy after he was fouled.

Torres scored shortly after coming on, putting Barcelona ahead again. Dortmund equalized when Guirassy scored his second goal.

Torres sealed the win with a quick goal from a counter-attack. Barcelona’s victory keeps them in second place, two points ahead of teams on 13 points. Dortmund remains just outside the top eight with 12 points.

End of 2nd Half 90+5′

FULL TIME: BORUSSIA DORTMUND 2-3 BARCELONA

Dortmund pushed for another goal, but Schlotterbeck missed a chance with a header and was offside. Barcelona held on for the important win.

North Africa state Morocco to co-hosts World Cup 2030
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

North Africa state Morocco to co-hosts World Cup 2030

Morocco has officially been designated as one of the hosts for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, marking a significant milestone for African football.

Alongside Spain and Portugal, Morocco’s selection as a co-host underscores its growing influence in the global football community. This decision was unanimously approved during an Extraordinary FIFA Congress held on Wednesday, with participation from all 211 Member Associations.

FIFA praised the joint bid, which received an impressive score of 4.2 out of 5, surpassing the minimum hosting requirements. Morocco will become the second African nation to host the World Cup, following South Africa in 2010.

The tournament will also include matches in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay to commemorate the centenary of the first World Cup.

While the opening matches will occur in South America, Morocco will play a key role in the event, further establishing itself in international football.

This selection highlights Africa’s capacity to host world-class events and contributes to the continent’s football legacy.

The 2030 World Cup will be the first hosted across two continents, reinforcing FIFA’s commitment to cultural unity and the global expansion of football.

Morocco will join Spain and Portugal in welcoming the world to a remarkable celebration of football, diversity, and heritage.

Amadou Bakayoko's Hokkaido Sapporo relegated from J1 League
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Amadou Bakayoko’s Hokkaido Sapporo relegated from J1 League

Sierra Leone international Amadou Bakayoko, who plays for J-League side Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, faced relegation despite the team’s 1-0 victory over Kashiwa Reysol on the final day of the season.

Sapporo had already been confirmed for relegation following poor form as they only managed nine wins of 38 league encounters.

However, on the final game of the season, they put up a strong fight with Tomoki Kondo scoring the decisive goal for a full three points.

Bakayoko, who joined Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo on July 28, 2024, managed to score only one goal in nine appearances in all competitions due to limited playing time.

He made his debut on August 16 as a substitute and scored his first goal from the penalty spot in a 5-3 win over Sagan Tosu.

Title wrap-up: Vissel are champions again

Vissel Kobe 3, Shonan Bellmare 0

Vissel Kobe knew that a win would secure them the title, and they certainly delivered a remarkable performance. Taisei Miyashiro, Yoshinori Muto, and Takahiro Ogihara each scored, igniting celebrations in Kobe.

Gamba Osaka 3, Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1

Sanfrecce Hiroshima entered the match needing a win to have any chance at claiming the league title. However, Isa Sakamoto scored his first of two goals in the 13th minute, paving the way for Gamba Osaka to secure a decisive victory. This win earned Gamba a fourth-place finish, qualifying them for the AFC Champions League Two next year.

Kashima Antlers 3, FC Machida Zelvia 1

FC Machida Zelvia faced long odds for the title on the final day and needed a victory to keep their hopes alive. However, Shu Morooka and Yuta Higuchi scored early, putting Kashima Antlers two goals ahead within the first 16 minutes. Kashima concluded their season on a high note with this victory.

Mustapha Bundu nets as Plymouth battle Championship relegation under Rooney
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mustapha Bundu nets as Plymouth battles relegation under Rooney

Sierra Leone International was on target as Swansea City increased the pressure on Plymouth Argyle with a 2-1 victory at Home Park. The victory means Swansea ended Plymouth’s six-match unbeaten home run as Wayne Rooney’s side slipped to 23rd in the Championship.

Jay Fulton opened the scoring for Swansea with a composed finish just before halftime in the 44th minute, in a first half that was largely balanced between the two teams.

Following the break, Swansea doubled their lead in the 60th minute when Liam Cullen capitalized on a close-range opportunity.

Plymouth Argyle, however, responded by intensifying the contest. Mustapha Bundu, who had previously struck the woodwork in the first half, scored by heading in the rebound after Kornel Szucs’ effort hit the bar.

Despite their efforts, Plymouth was unable to find an equalizer and suffered their third consecutive defeat.

Wayne Rooney’s team currently finds itself in the Championship relegation zone, having secured only one victory in their last ten league matches.

This match also marked Bundu’s third goal of the season in sixteen appearances for the Championship.

Mamelodi Sundowns appoint Miguel Cardoso as the new Head Coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mamelodi Sundowns appoint Miguel Cardoso as new Head Coach

Mamelodi Sundowns has appointed Miguel De Azevedo Cardoso as the new Head Coach, effective immediately.

This decision follows unsatisfactory results, despite the Sundowns Board giving Manqoba Mngqithi and his Technical Team a chance to lead the Club.

“I feel truly privileged and am happy to be here. This is a club with a rich heritage, and I am joining a team that has a strong identity. I will do my best to bring joy to the fans and represent them in the best way possible,” Cardoso told reporters on Tuesday.

“I am a simple man, but I have high standards. I want to win consistently. I aim to win trophies and contribute to the club’s legacy. When I eventually leave, I want to be remembered among the great coaches of this club, like Pitso Mosimane, Rulani, Steve Komphela, and Manqoba.”

Coach Miguel was previously in charge of Espérance Sportive de Tunis, where he reached the finals of the 2023/24 CAF Champions League. He brings three assistants with him: Fabio Fernandes, Pedro Azevedo, and João Araújo.

Miguel has coached at top clubs in Portugal, Spain, France, Greece, and Ukraine, including Porto, Braga, Deportivo La Coruña, Celta Vigo, AEK Athens, Nantes, and Shakhtar Donetsk. Steve Komphela and Kennedy Mweene will continue in the Club’s Technical Team.

Mamelodi Sundowns thanks Manqoba Mngqithi and Wendell Robinson for their years of loyal service and wishes them well in their future endeavors. They will always be part of the Mamelodi Sundowns Family. The Club also appreciates Romain Folz, who recently joined.

The players will meet the new coaches when they return to training on Wednesday.

Guinea's Naby Keita joins Hungarian outfit Ferencvárosi
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea’s Naby Keita joins Hungarian outfit Ferencvárosi

Former Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita has joined the Hungarian club Ferencvárosi on loan from Werder Bremen for one year.

He moved to Werder Bremen just 18 months ago but was left out of the first team last season after he chose not to travel for an away game.

The club announced, “Fantastic signing! Naby Keita is a valuable player with 58 caps for the Guinean national team. He is a former champion with Liverpool and a Champions League winner. He will play for our team, which has won the Hungarian championship 35 times and the Hungarian Cup 24 times. He arrives on loan to Üllői út for one year, with an option to buy.”

The midfielder joined Bremen on a free transfer from Liverpool in the summer of 2023.

Keita started playing for the Guinean national team in 2012 and, by 2024, had made 58 appearances. He was named Footballer of the Year in Guinea twice, in 2015 and 2021.

Zamalek and Nigeria's Enyimba share Group D spoils
by Football Sierra Leone

Zamalek and Nigeria’s Enyimba share Group D spoils

In a Group D match in Uyo, defending champions Zamalek faced former champions Enyimba, resulting in a 2-2 draw.

Zamalek will be disappointed after letting go of a two-goal lead, with goals from Seifeddine Jaziri and Omar Faraj equalized by Ufere Chukwu and Ifeanyi Ihemekwele.

As a result, Zamalek remains at the top of the group with four points, while Enyimba moves to third place with their first point.

In Group A, Bravos do Maquis narrowly defeated Sfaxien FC 3-2 at Estadio 11 Novembro in Luanda. Keoikantse Mosiatlhaga opened the scoring for Bravos, but Mohamed Dhuaoui quickly equalized.

Bravos regained the lead through Joaquim Paciencia and Francisco Matonco before Hazem Hassen narrowed the deficit in the second half.

Despite opportunities for both teams, the match concluded 3-2 in favor of Bravos, placing them second in the group behind SC Constantine, who also secured a win against Simba SC. Sfaxien FC remains at the bottom of the standings.

Al Hilal Omdurman beat TP Mazembe in Group A Champions League tie
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Al Hilal Omdurman beat TP Mazembe in Group A Champions League tie

Al Hilal Omdurman achieved a significant 2-1 victory over TP Mazembe during their second Group A match in the CAF Champions League, held on Sunday night. (Photo TP Mazembe)

The match took place at the Stade Cheikha Ould Boïdiya in Mauritania, where Al Hilal showcase resilient and a commendable performance to preserve their perfect record in the group stage.

Al Hilal commenced the match with a strong offensive, earning a penalty in the 22nd minute after Alioune Faty committed a foul in the box.

Mohamed Abdelrahman expertly converted the penalty, giving Al Hilal an early advantage.

In response, TP Mazembe showcased their attacking capabilities, although they struggled with accuracy in the final third.

In the 64th minute, Oscar Tshikomb found the equalizer for Mazembe with an impressive long-range effort, rekindling hopes for the visiting team.

However, Al Hilal’s Jean Girumugisha made a decisive impact in the closing moments of the match. He delivered a remarkable strike from outside the box, successfully placing the ball in the bottom left corner and igniting celebrations among Al Hilal supporters.

Despite their commendable efforts, TP Mazembe experienced their first defeat of the group stage following a previous draw in their opening match.

With this win, Al Hilal leads Group A with six points from two matches, followed by MC Alger, who beat Young Africans 2-0 on Saturday. Mazembe has one point and Young Africans sit at the bottom after two losses.

Al Hilal will aim to maintain their momentum against MC Alger on Saturday, while Mazembe needs a strong performance against Young Africans to revive their campaign.