Category: Sport News

Eric Chelle names 23-man squad Super Eagles for CHAN
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Eric Chelle names 23-man Super Eagles squad for CHAN

With important Super Eagles B team members including captain Junior Harrison Nduka and leading scorer Anas Yusuf, head coach Eric Chelle has released his team for the forthcoming CHAN tournament.

Nine players from Remo Stars, winners of the Nigeria Premier Football League, have been chosen in his last 23-man team for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Before leaving for Zanzibar, where they will conduct a second-phase training camp and play warm-up games against Zanzibar, the team has been training at the Remo Stars Sports Institute.

Grouped with Senegal, Sudan, and Congo, Nigeria aspires to win their first CHAN championship following a runner-up in 2018 and bronze in 2014.

Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will host the 2–30 August tournament.

The Super Eagles B Squad 

Goalkeepers: Henry Ozoemena Ani (Enyimba FC); Nurudeen Badmus (Kwara United); Lawal Mustapha (Shooting Stars)

Defenders: Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars); Bankole Afeez (Kwara United); Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United); Uzondu Harrison (Ikorodu City); Junior Harrison Nduka (Remo Stars); Ngengen Leonard (Ikorodu City); Steven Mayo Egbe (Rivers United)

Midfielders: Adedayo Olamilekan (Remo Stars); Hadi Haruna (Remo Stars); Otaniyi Taofik (Rivers United); Akanni Qudus (Remo Stars); Michael Tochukwu (Remo Stars); Alex Oyowah (Remo Stars)

Forwards: Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United); Shola Adelani (Ikorodu City); Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Temitope Vincent (Plateau United); Ijoma Anthony (Abia Warriors); Godwin Obaje (Rangers International); Jabbar Malik (Remo Stars)

Morocco named Nations Championship squad with high hopes
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco named Nations Championship squad with high hopes

Morocco’s national team is preparing for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) after missing the 2022 edition.

Coach Tarik Sektioui has named a 28-man squad aiming to reclaim the title they last won in 2020.

“We focused our selection on technical ability and team chemistry,” said Sektioui. Despite some player departures to Europe, we are confident this squad has what it takes to represent Morocco with pride.”

The squad features experienced players from local clubs like RS Berkane, Raja Casablanca, and Wydad Casablanca, including standout players from Berkane and two senior national team members: Youssef Belammari and goalkeeper Rachid Ghanimi.

The tournament, reserved for players in national leagues, will take place from August 2 to 30 across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Morocco is in Group A, competing against Kenya, Angola, Zambia, and DR Congo.

The team’s campaign starts against Angola. With a strong attacking lineup and past successes in CHAN, Morocco aims to showcase their strength and reclaim their status as a top contender in African football.

Morocco Squad – TotalEnergies CHAN 2024

Goalkeepers:

  • Al Harrar Elmehdi
  • Rachid Ghanimi (FUS Rabat)
  • Aqzdaou Omar (Wydad Casablanca)

Defenders:

  • Moufid Mohamed (Wydad Casablanca)
  • Boulacsout Mohamed
  • Mchakhchekh Mehdi
  • Louadni Marouane
  • Arrassi Bouchaib
  • Assal Abdelhak (RS Berkane)
  • Belammari Youssef (Raja Casablanca)
  • Zahouani Fouad

Midfielders:

  • Khairi Ayoub (RS Berkane)
  • Hrimat Mohamed Rabie
  • Souane Amine
  • Essadak Houssam
  • Hajji Reda (RS Berkane)
  • Bach Anas
  • Aït Ouarkhane Khalid
  • Bougrine Sabir

Forwards:

  • Mehri Youssef (RS Berkane)
  • El Mahraoui Anass
  • Bouhra Saïf-Eddine (Wydad Casablanca)
  • Baba Khalid
  • Riahi Imad (RS Berkane)
  • Salaheddine Errahouli
  • Mouloua Ayoub
  • El Kaabi Youness
  • Lamlioui Oussama (RS Berkane)
Coach Benni McCarthy Names Harambee Squad for CHAN Tournament
by Football Sierra Leone

Coach Benni McCarthy Names Harambee Squad for CHAN Tournament

HarambHarambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has announced a 25-man squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to take place from August 2, 2025, in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

The squad includes experienced goalkeepers Faruk Shikhalo, Sebastian Wekesa, and Byrne Omondi. The defense features a mix of seasoned players and young talent, including captain Abud Omar and debutants Swaleh Pamba and Kevin Okumu.

In midfield, notable players include Brian Musa and Alpha Onyango, while the attack will be led by Masoud Juma.

The team will be captained by Abud Omar, with support from Daniel Sakari and Alphonce Omija. McCarthy expressed confidence in the team’s preparations.

Kenya is grouped with DR Congo, Angola, Morocco, and Zambia, beginning their campaign on August 3, 2025, against DR Congo at Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani, aiming to leverage home support for a strong performance in the tournament.

Kenya Listed CHAN 2024 Squad

Goal Keepers

Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Sebastian Wekesa

Defenders

Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Pamba Swaleh, Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Mike Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, Kevin Okumu

Midfielders

Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire

Fowards

Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, Masoud Juma, Austin Odongo, Felix Oluoch

Attacker Fofin Turay extends FC Groningen deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Attacker Fofin Turay extends FC Groningen deal

FC Groningen has extended Fofin Turay’s contract until the summer of 2026, the deal includes an additional season run. 

With Sierra Leonean ancestry, Turay was born and grew up in Groningen. Starting football at GVAV Rapiditas, the 21-year-old winger joined FC Groningen’s Under12s, the youngest youth team, in 2015.

Making his first team debut in the 2023/24 season in the first home game of the season, Turay finished his academy training at Corpus den Hoorn successfully.

During the KKD season, Turay appeared in three cup games and sixteen league matches. Away to Ajax last season, he made his Eredivisie debut. Until his injury, he also played for FC Groningen under21.

Turay was hurt during training camp over the winter break last season, which prevented him from missing the whole second half of the season.

With this contract extension, FC Groningen is offering the homegrown player the time and space to concentrate on a full recovery, with the assistance of the specialists and amenities at the Top sport Zorg Centrum.

Turay has already played his first few matches in preparation for this new football season.

Hosts Morocco advance to Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hosts Morocco advance to Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final

Hosts Morocco won 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 tie in regulation and extra time in Rabat on Tuesday night, advancing to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final for the second year in a row.

During the shootout, Khadija ErRmichi, Morocco’s goalkeeper, made a very important stop; Ghana missed two penalties. Morocco’s victory qualifies it for the final against Nigeria on Saturday; Ghana will fight South Africa for third place on Friday.

Ghana took the lead in the 26th minute with a goal from Stella Nyamekye in the game. In the 55th minute, Morocco equalized when Sakina Ouzraoui Diki scored under continued pressure.

Though each side had opportunities, neither could find a winner in normal time. Morocco made all their shots, therefore penalties decided the victor following extra time.

As they seek their first WAFCON championship at home, Moroccan players and supporters erupted in celebration upon the last whistle. Ghana will attempt to get a medal in the third-place match on Friday.

Morocco's Sakina Ouzraoui is our TotalEnergies Woman of the Match after a splendid performance vs Ghana!
Morocco's Sakina Ouzraoui is our TotalEnergies Woman of the Match after a splendid performance vs Ghana!
Super Falcons of Nigeria beat South Africa to reach into WAFCON final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Super Falcons of Nigeria beat South Africa to reach WAFCON final

Nigeria triumphed 2-1 over their closest rivals, South Africa, in a thrilling Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semifinal on Tuesday evening.

The win guaranteed their spot in the final, which also preserved their chances for a record-extending 10th continental title.

The game featured outstanding performances from Rasheedat Ajibade and Michelle Alozie, who scored pivotal goals that helped the Super Falcons avenge their 2022 loss to Banyana Banyana, reaffirming Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football.

Just before halftime, Ajibade converted a penalty after Bambanani Mbane handled the ball in the South African box to open the scoring. This aim mirrored Nigeria’s first-half dominance as they controlled the pace of the game with a disciplined defence and rapid transitions, with Alozie and Ihezuo constantly threatening.

In the second half, defending champions South Africa fought back and were given a penalty in the 60th minute when Hildah Magaia was fouled by Osinachi Ohale. Linda Motlhalo successfully converted the penalty, tying the scores and temporarily changing the momentum in favour of Banyana Banyana.

But just as extra time looked to be around, Michelle Alozie scored a spectacular long-range victor deep into stoppage time. Her 35-yard shot past goalkeeper Andile Dlamini set off rowdy celebrations among Nigerian players and fans at Stade Larbi Zaouli.

Tensions erupted during the final minutes of the game, leading to injuries and many yellow cards, with Chinwendu Ihezuo being carried off. Still, Nigeria held strong for nine minutes of stoppage time to guarantee the victory and go forward in the championship.

Still undefeated in the competition, the Super Falcons will go into the championship with fresh optimism. Meanwhile, South Africa’s title defence comes to disappointment despite their preparation for the third-place playoff.

Osman Kakay set for Kosice Uefa Conference League debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Osman Kakay set for Kosice Uefa Conference League debut

Sierra Leone international, Osman Kakay is set to make his UEFA Conference League debut as his Slovakian side FK Košice play host to Belarusians Neman Grodno this Thursday and the return leg six days later.

Kakay, 27, signed a two-year deal with FK Košice and should feature in the game after his impressive first game in a friendly 1-1 draw with Diósgyőr VTK in Hungary on Saturday.

The UEFA Conference League for the 2025/26 season opened its Second qualifying round qualifying stage, which will conclude on August 28.

Košice gained entry to the competition after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld the UEFA Club Financial Control Body’s decision to refuse FC Dunajská Streda’s admission to the 2025–26 UEFA Conference League, for a breach of the multi-club ownership rule (Article 5.01 of the UEFA Club Competition Regulations).

In such case, the place of the club which has been relegated shall be taken by the club that finishes in the relegations places, except that the latter shall only be admitted in accordance with the eligibility criteria of the competition in question.

As a result, after confirmation from the Slovak Football Association (SFZ), FC Dunajská Streda will be replaced by FK Košice, the next best-placed club in last season’s top domestic championship.

Two mouth-watering Women's AFCON semi-final ties
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Two mouth-watering Women’s AFCON semi-final ties

Two mouth-watering semi-final ties are in the menu at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Tuesday.

First, nine-times winners Nigeria will have some titanic battle for the ages against champions South Africa in Casablanca at 16:00 GMT.

And in Rabat, the hosts, Morocco, take on the lowest-ranked side left, Ghana, at 19:00.

Now we still have the prospect of a repeat of the 2022 final when Banyana Banyana defeated the Atlas Lionesses 2-1, once again in the capital, on Saturday evening.

Form and fancy would suggest joining Nigeria and Morocco together. However, an all-West African encounter could also inject an extra dimension to a tournament that has not lacked compelling narratives.

Morocco and Ghana have yet to win the championship, which the Confederation of African Football has doubled to $1m for the victors and introduced a new trophy.

The tournament hosts are now on course to reach the final for a second consecutive time, having cruised to a 3-1 win over Mali.

Yet another passionate home crowd of the 21,000-capacity Olympic Stadium is anticipated in the capital to back the Atlas Lionesses.

“The public who have come to the stadium have encouraged us from the outset,” coach Jorge Vilda said.

It’s been that way, and hopefully it’s the same in the semi-final. What we have in our mind is we want to arrive at the final.”

The last four at the Women's Cup of Nations in Morocco
The last four at the Women's Cup of Nations in Morocco
Sierra Leone wingerJonathan Morsay pens Panionios deal until 2027
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone winger Jonathan Morsay pens Panionios deal until 2027

Super League Greece 2 side Panionios has confirmed the signing of Sierra Leone international Jonathan Morsay on a two-year deal that will run until the summer of 2027.

“We are pleased to announce our collaboration with international winger Jonathan Morsay, who has signed a two-year contract with our team.”

The 27-year-old winger began his career at the Swedish club GIF Sundsvall before moving to Italy to play for Chievo Verona.

In 2021, he joined Dinamo București and later that summer moved to Greece to play for Panaitolikos, where he made 56 appearances, scoring three goals and providing two assists in the Super League.

He then played for AEL Limassol in Cyprus, with his most recent stop being Kalamata, where he made 17 appearances, scored five goals, and provided two assists in Super League 2.

Jonathan is also an international player for the Sierra Leone national team, earning seven caps and scoring one goal.

He participated in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, where he scored his first international goal, and has also played in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Club football

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced new coaching rules. Head coaches and assistants for senior national teams must hold a CAF A Licence or Pro to enhance coaching standards across Africa.

CAF has unveiled new coaching standards approved by the Executive Committee to raise coaching quality throughout Africa, thereby affecting national teams, every club event, and the CAF Women’s Champions League.

According to CAF’s recent correspondence to Members Associations, Coaches without the necessary licenses must begin obtaining them now, but those hired before May 4, 2025, have a grace period until the end of the 2026/2027 season.

New coaches employed by clubs and national teams must meet the required credentials, as well as current agreements.

Coaches who miss the deadline standards will be prohibited from entering technical areas during official CAF events; they will also not be able to sign up as team officials or take part in team activities, therefore jeopardising their careers. Failure to follow instructions might result in more punitive measures.

“It is also important to underscore that in case of non-fulfilment of the above requirements, the affected coach would be prohibited from accessing Zones 1 and 2 of the stadiums during CAF matches.

Additionally, coaches will not be registered as team officials or permitted to participate in any official team activities.

Other sporting sanctions, including a referral to the CAF Judicial Bodies, may apply, ” the communication stated.

We take this opportunity to once again express our appreciation for your continued contributions to the development of African football and our continuous support to collectively enhance its future. We trust that you will play a pivotal role in the successful implementation of these new directives.”

This decision highlights CAF’s dedication to raising the standard of coaching and governance in African football by aligning it with international norms and hoping to increase the worldwide competitive presence of the continent.

New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football