Category: Sport News

Ghana named a 28-man preliminary squad for the World Cup
by Football Sierra Leone

Ghana named a 28-man preliminary squad for the World Cup

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is in Ghana’s 28-man preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup, despite facing seven charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault from incidents involving four women between 2020 and 2022.

Ghana’s coach, Carlos Queiroz, included Partey in a 28-man squad for a training camp and friendly against Wales on June 2. The squad will be cut to 26 before the World Cup. The 32-year-old, currently with Villarreal, will stand trial next year.

Notable players in the squad include Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo, Coventry striker Brandon Thomas-Asante, and Leicester’s Jordan Ayew and Abdul Fatawu. Tottenham winger Mohammed Kudus is absent due to a quad injury.

Ghana’s World Cup campaign kicks off in Group L against Panama on June 17, with matches against England and Croatia to follow.

Ghana’s preliminary World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Benjamin Asare (Accra Hearts of Oak SC), Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St Gallen), Joseph Anang (St Patrick’s Athletic), Solomon Agbasi (Accra Hearts of Oak SC), Paul Reverson (Ajax).

Defenders: Baba Abdul Rahman (PAOK), Gideon Mensah (Auxerre), Marvin Senaya (Auxerre), Alidu Seidu (Rennes), Abdul Mumin (Rayo Vallecano), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Jonas Adjetey (Wolfsburg), Kojo Oppong Peprah (Nice), Alexander Djiku (Spartak Moscow), Elisha Owusu (Auxerre).

Midfielders: Thomas Partey (Villarreal), Kwasi Sibo (Real Oviedo), Augustine Boakye (Saint-Etienne), Caleb Yirenkyi (Nordsjaelland), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Leicester City).

Forwards: Kamal Deen Sulemana (Atalanta), Christopher Bonsu Baah (Al Qadsiah), Ernest Nuamah (Lyon), Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City), Brandon Thomas-Asante (Coventry City), Prince Kwabena Adu (Viktoria Plzen), Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Jordan Ayew (Leicester City).

Sadio Mane to lead Senegal's World Cup squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sadio Mane to lead Senegal’s World Cup squad

Sadio Mane, the nation’s top scorer, is set to return to the global stage after missing the 2022 World Cup due to injury.

The Al-Nassr forward has been named in Senegal’s 28-man squad for this summer’s World Cup. Mane was part of the squad in Qatar but couldn’t participate because of a knee injury.

He was also on the pitch during January’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final when Morocco received a stoppage-time penalty.

Premier League stars Habib Diarra, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Ismaila Sarr, Mamadou Sarr, Pape Matar Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye have also been included.

Teenagers Ibrahim Mbaye and Bara Ndiaye, who play for Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, respectively, will also travel to North America.

As part of its preparation, Senegal will play two friendly matches: the first on May 31 against the United States soccer team, and the second on June 9 against the Saudi Arabian national football team. A crucial phase before approaching the World Cup with ambition.

Senegal World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli), Yehvann Diouf (Nice), Mory Diaw (Le Havre).

Defenders: Krepin Diatta (Monaco), Antoine Mendy (Nice), Abdoulaye Seck (Maccabi Haifa), Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal), Ilay Camara (Anderlecht), Moussa Niakhate (Lyon), Mamadou Sarr (Chelsea), El-Hadji Malick Diouf (West Ham United), Moustapha Mbow (Paris FC), Ismail Jakobs (Galatasaray).

Midfielders: Idrissa Gueye (Everton), Habib Diarra (Sunderland), Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham), Pape Gueye (Villarreal), Lamine Camara (Monaco), Pathe Ciss (Rayo Vallecano), Bara Ndiaye (Bayern Munich).

Forwards: Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr), Bamba Dieng (Lorient), Iliman Ndiaye (Everton), Nicolas Jackson (Bayern Munich), Assane Diao (Como), Ibrahim Mbaye (Paris St-Germain), Cherif Ndiaye (Samsunspor), Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace).

All quads are provisional until the final list of 26 players is announced by FIFA, following their submission by participating teams, on 2 June.

Senegal’s World Cup 2026 fixtures and group
Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz are among key players in Morocco's FIFA World Cup squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz are among key players in Morocco’s FIFA World Cup squad

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has named Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is uncapped at the national level, in his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Morocco’s squad features several Premier League players and will be led by Hakimi and Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz. Notably, Youssef En-Nesyri and Hakim Ziyech are absent from the team that reached the semifinals in 2022, though fans will be pleased to see Achraf Hakimi included.

Bouaddi, a France U-21 international, received FIFA approval to switch nationalities earlier this year. He replaces players like Imran Louza and Oussama Targhalline in a strong midfield lineup.

While experienced players En-Nesyri and Ziyech missed out, Fulham’s Issa Diop is included after choosing Morocco over Senegal.

Morocco’s World Cup journey begins against Brazil on June 13, followed by matches against Scotland on June 19 and Haiti on June 24.

  • The Completed Morocco World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal), Munir El Kajoui (Berkane), Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti (Asfar)

Defenders: Nayef Aguerd (Marseille), Youssef Belammari (Al Ahly), Issa Diop (Fulham), Zakaria El Ouahdi (Genk), Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), Redouane Halhal (KV Mechelen), Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United), Chadi Riad (Crystal Palace), Anass Salah-Eddine (PSV, on loan from Roma)

Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat (Real Betis), Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille), Neil El Aynaoui (Roma), Bilal El Khannouss (Stuttgart), Samir El Mourabet (Strasbourg), Azzedine Ounahi (Girona), Ismael Saibari (PSV)

Forwards: Ayoube Amaimouni (Eintracht Frankfurt), Brahim Díaz (Real Madrid), Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiacos), Abde Ezzalzouli (Real Betis), Yassine Gessime (Strasbourg), Soufiane Rahimi (Al-Ain), Chemsdine Talbi (Sunderland)

Alassana Jatta as Notts County promoted to Sky Bet League One
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alassana Jatta nets as Notts County promoted to Sky Bet League One

In a thrilling display of skill and teamwork, Notts County secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Salford City in the Sky Bet League Two Play-off final at the iconic Wembley Stadium on Monday.

Gambian International Alassana Jatta sparked the excitement early on, brilliantly converting a stunning pass from Jodi Jones with a superb finish that set the tone for the match.

Just before halftime, Lucas Ness added to our momentum, rising high to connect with a perfectly placed cross, delivering a powerful header that doubled our advantage.

As the second half unfolded, any hopes of a Salford resurgence were firmly dashed. Jodi Jones once again found himself in the spotlight, executing a composed finish with poise and precision, much to the delight of the 20,000 jubilant Notts supporters.

The atmosphere was electric, filled with a palpable sense of triumph as we celebrated our remarkable achievement on this grand stage.

Notts County, the world’s oldest professional football club, founded in 1888, will compete next season in Sky Bet League One.

Sierra Leone U-17 Girls Stunned by Benin in 2026 World Cup Qualifier
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone U-17 Girls Stunned by Benin in 2026 World Cup Qualifier

Sierra Leone’s Under-17 female team faces a daunting challenge in the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup African qualifiers after suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to Benin in Monday’s first-leg clash in Lome, Togo.

The young Sierra Queens were punished by a clinical Benin side at the Kegue Stadium, with Romaine Gandonou striking in the 16th and 67th minutes while Diane Dogbe added a second-half goal in the 57th minute to hand the Young Amazons a commanding advantage.

Head Coach Fatmata “Taribo” Turay’s side struggled to contain Benin’s attacking pressure despite moments of resilience, leaving Sierra Leone with a mountain to climb ahead of Thursday’s crucial return-leg underway at the Kegue Stadium.

The defeat puts West African teams on the brink of elimination, meaning the Sierra Queens must produce an extraordinary comeback to keep their hopes of reaching the next stage of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup alive.

Mamelodi Sundowns win second CAF Champions League after edging past AS FAR
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mamelodi Sundowns win second CAF Champions League after edging past AS FAR

Mamelodi Sundowns won the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League for the second time by drawing 1-1 with FAR Rabat in the second leg of the final in Morocco. They claimed a 2-1 aggregate victory after winning the first leg 1-0 in Pretoria.

Mohamed Hrimat scored a penalty for FAR Rabat in the 40th minute, but Teboho Mokoena equalised for Sundowns just before half-time with a stunning shot. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made a crucial save by stopping Hrimat’s second penalty in the second half.

This victory gives Sundowns their second Champions League title and coach Miguel Cardoso his first win in the finals. FAR Rabat started the match strongly, aiming to overturn their deficit, but Sundowns stayed organised defensively.

Hrimat had an early chance that he missed, while Sundowns found their rhythm and created opportunities. The turning point came when FAR Rabat was awarded a penalty through VAR, which Hrimat converted. However, Sundowns quickly responded with Mokoena’s goal right before half-time.

In the second half, Cardoso substituted Marcelo Allende to strengthen the midfield. FAR Rabat continued to push forward, but Hrimat’s header went wide, and Williams saved another penalty.

Sundowns later had a goal disallowed for offside but held onto their lead for the win, marking another historic achievement for the Tshwane club.

Samuel Gandi signs permanent deal with Moldovan side Polytechnic UTM
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Samuel Gandi signs permanent deal with Moldovan side Polytechnic UTM

The Sierra Leone striker, Samuel Gandi, has formally signed as a permanent member of the FC Polytechnic UTM team until the summer of 2029.

The Moldovan football club based in Chișinău has effectively triggered the transfer clause, therefore securing the future of the gifted 20-year-old football player.

In his first season wearing the red and white colours, Samuel Gandi had a tremendous effect, playing 25 games and scoring an amazing 15 goals for the team.

Fans and teammates both already find inspiration in his talent and perseverance on the field.

“We wish Samuel the best as he starts his next career chapter with FC Polytechnic UTM. We hope his path is full of successes and many accomplishments that will raise the club’s league level even further!”

Tanzania beat Algeria to reach CAF U17 AFCON semis
by Football Sierra Leone

Tanzania beat Algeria to reach CAF U17 AFCON semis

Tanzania advanced to the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after beating Algeria 4-3 on penalties in a thrilling 3-3 quarter-final draw on Sunday.

Algeria started strong, with Valmy scoring in the 4th minute. Tanzania responded with Athanasis equalising in the 25th minute. Valmy scored again before halftime, making it 2-1, but Mbalasalu struck back for Tanzania in stoppage time, ending the half at 2-2.

In the second half, Athanasis scored to give Tanzania a 3-2 lead, but Benderamdane equalised for Algeria in the 65th minute. The score remained tied, leading to a penalty shootout where Tanzania emerged victorious 4-3.

This win confirms Tanzania’s status as a surprise contender in the tournament. They topped Group C and now await their semi-final opponent as they aim for a historic continental title.

Match details:

– Tanzania 3 (4-3 on penalties) 3 Algeria

– Scorers: Dismas Athanasis (25’, 61’), Luqman Mbalasalu (45+8’); Muhammad Valmy (4’, 40’), Noam Benderamdane (65’)

Morocco edge past Cameroon to reach CAF U-17 AFCON semi-finals
by FSL News

Morocco edge past Cameroon to reach CAF U-17 AFCON semi-finals

Morocco secured a 1-0 victory over Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, thanks to a goal from Mohamed Habib Zinbi in the 17th minute.

This win marks Morocco’s third consecutive semi-final appearance, where they will face either Senegal or Mali on Thursday.

Despite not playing as strongly as in the group stage, Morocco’s defense held firm, with goalkeeper Rayan Yaakoubi making key saves, particularly against Cameroon’s Arnold Massokon.

Cameroon struggled to equalize in the second half, with several chances either going wide or being blocked. Coach Tiago Lima Pereira lauded his team’s maturity in maintaining their lead.

For Cameroon, this loss was disappointing after bouncing back from an initial defeat against Côte d’Ivoire to reach the knockout stage. While they created opportunities, their failures in the final moments cost them.

The win showed that Morocco can adapt their game style when needed. After finishing Group A with seven points, they demonstrated they can endure pressure and secure a win.

The Atlas Cubs are now just one match away from the final, with the chance to lift the trophy on home soil still alive.

U17 Cup of Nations: Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and six others reach quarter-finals
by Football Sierra Leone

U17 Cup of Nations: Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and six others reach quarter-finals

Following a thrilling group stage rich in goals and shocks, eight countries have made it to the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026.

Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Tanzania, the host nations, came in first within their respective groups. Following fierce rivalry, Egypt, Cameroon, Mali, and Algeria also progressed.

Every one of the eight clubs has a secured berth at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026. Their current goal is winning the continental championship.

One important game will see Morocco take on Cameroon. Group A was headed by Morocco with seven points; Group B was led by Cameroon with six points after recovering from an early loss.

In another thrilling encounter, Côte d’Ivoire will face Egypt. While Egypt progressed from Group A with four points, the Ivorians ended in Group B unbeaten with seven points.

Surprising contender Tanzania will take on Algeria, who made it out of a tough Group D. Tanzania came out on top of Group C with two wins and one close loss.

Senegal will square off against Mali in a major West African battle. With six points, Senegal took first place in Group D; with five points, Mali stayed undefeated in Group C.

The quarter-finals feature the next generation of African football talent, several of whom have caught the attention of European scouts. The knockout stage promises even more enthusiasm as teams battle for the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON Morocco 2026 title.

Quarter-final Fixtures – TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON Morocco 2026

(All kick-off times in local time)

Saturday, 24 May 2026

  • Morocco vs Cameroon
  • Venue: CMVI – T8
  • Kick-off: 17h00
  • Senegal vs Mali
  • Venue: CMVI – T3
  • Kick-off: 17h00
  • Tanzania vs Algeria
  • Venue: CMVI – T11
  • Kick-off: 14h00
  • Côte d’Ivoire vs Egypt
  • Venue: CMVI – T11
  • Kick-off: 20h00

Semi-finals

Thursday, 28 May 2026

  • Winner Morocco/Cameroon vs Winner Senegal/Mali
  • Venue: Moulay El Hassan Stadium
  • Kick-off: 20h00
  • Winner Côte d’Ivoire/Egypt vs Winner Tanzania/Algeria
  • Venue: Moulay El Hassan Stadium
  • Kick-off: 17h00

Third-place Match

Monday, 1 June 2026

  • Loser Semi-final 1 vs Loser Semi-final 2
  • Venue: CMVI – T8
  • Kick-off: 20h00

Final

Tuesday, 2 June 2026

  • Winner Semi-final 1 vs Winner Semi-final 2
  • Venue: Moulay El Hassan Stadium
  • Kick-off: 20h00