Category: Football Africa

Senegal to start AFCON title defence against the Gambia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal to start AFCON title defence against the Gambia

Senegal has rallied their troops as they set to compete in their 17th Africa Cup of Nations – head Coach Aliou Cisse’s squad ready to defend the title in Cote d’Ivoire.

The Teranga Lions must overcome competition in Group C with Gambia, Guinea, and Cameroon for a place in the knockout stages. 

They will kick off their title defence against The Gambia on Monday, 15 January, before the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon. Their final group tie is against Guinea’s Syli National 1976 runners-up on January 23rd at the Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro.

Aliou Cisse, the coach of Senegal, has named his 27-man squad to defend the title in Cote d’Ivoire 2023, which they won in Cameroon 2021.

However, key striker Sadio Mane believes that the Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023, will be the toughest compared to previous editions.

“We know it won’t be easy but we will be there to do our best and try to go through every round. We are expecting a tough competition,” Mane said.

“This competition will be one of the strongest since I started playing in it because all the big countries are here and they all have their targets, but we will see what will happen,” the former Liverpool star noted.

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Algeria eye third continental title after naming squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Algeria eye third continental title after naming squad

Algeria won the tournament in 2019 and has set their sights on their third title after head coach Djamel Belmadi announced his final 26-man squad for the upcoming AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast next month.

The Desert Warriors set to compete against Angola, Burkina Faso and Mauritania in Group D for a place in the knockout stages.

In Cameroon, for the Africa Cup of Nations, they were knocked out of the group stage despite coming into the competition as the favourites. 

Riyad Mahrez is one of their biggest threat. He won the treble with Man City before moving to Saudi Arabia in the summer. West Ham winger Said Benrahma is the only big name missing.

Youcef Atal, presently on trial in France accused of inciting hatred, has been selected in Algeria’s Africa Cup of Nations squad by head coach Djamel Belmadi.

The 27-year-old defender has not played for his Ligue 1 side Nice since mid-October after he caused a furore by posting a video in which a Palestinian preacher purportedly threatened Israel with a “black day”.

Wilfred Zaha out, Pepe & Sebastien Haller recall to Ivory Coast squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Wilfred Zaha out, Pepe & Haller recall to Ivory Coast squad

Ex-Cyrstal Palace winger Wilfred Zaha and Hamed Junior Traore have been left out of Ivory Coast Africa Cup of Nations sqaud as former Arsenal player Nicolas Pepe makes his return. 

French manager Jean-Louis Gasse listed two surprises with Idrissa Doumbia and Lazare Amani in his 27-man squad.

According to the Ivorian Federation, this selection will test against Sierra Leone in a friendly match on January 6, 2024, at the Laurent Pokou stadium before they take Guinea-Bissau in the tournament’s opener on January 13.

The Ivory Coast are set to compete against Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea in Group A next month. 

French manager Jean-Louis Gasset has named Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller, Monaco defender Wilfried Singo, and midfielders Ibrahim Sangare of Premier League side Nottingham Forest, Seko Fofana (Al Nassr) and Franck Kesslie (Al Ahli).

Zaha, 31, made his Ivory Coast debut against Sweden in a friendly in Abu Dhabi on 8 January 2017 and was part of the squad in Cameroon 2021 AFCON.

The full final list of Côte d’Ivoire AFCON 2023 Squad

Goalkeepers: Fofana Yahia, Charles Folly, Badra Ali

Defenders: Serge Aurier, Willy Boly, Chester Diallo, Ousmane Diomandé, Odilon Kossounou, Evan Ndicka, Ghislain Konan, Wilfried Singo

Midfielders: Ibrahim Sangaré, Doumbia Idrissa, Franck Kessié, Jean Michael Seri, Seko Fofana, Lazare Amani

Attackers: Sébastien Haller, Karim Konaté, Max-Alain Gradel, Jean-Philippe Krasso, Christian Kouamé, Jonathan Bamba, Oumar Diakité, Jérémie Boga, Nicolas Pépé, Simon Adingra.

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Mauritania to test with Tunisia ahead of AFCON opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mauritania to face Tunisia ahead of AFCON opener

Mauritania to kick off their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations preparations with an international friendly against Tunisia on Jan 6 before heading to the Ivory Coast for the

Mauritania gears up for their third CAF Africa Cup of Nations as Coach Amir Abdou named a 27-man provisional squad. 

The Lions of Chinguetti to begin their Nations Cup campaign against Burkina Faso in Bouake on Jan 16 before taking on Algeria and Angola in Group D.

Coach Abdou has recalled former Ligue 1 midfielder El-Hadji Ba and handed a first call-up to teenager Oumar Ngom.

It was 18 months ago Ba, 30, formerly with Racing Lens and Sunderland, last played for his country. Ba, who recently signed for Mauritanian champions FC Nouadhibou, earned him an international recall.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Namori Diaw (Tevragh Zeina), Babacar Diop (FC Nouadhibou), Babacar Niasse (En Avant Guingamp)

Defenders: Aly Abeid (UTA Arad), Lamine Ba (NK Varazdin), Khadim Diaw (Al Hilal), Nouh Mohamed El Abd (FC Nouadhibou), El Hassen Houeibib (Al Zawraa), Ibrahima Keita (TP Mazembe), Bakary Ndiaye (Al Quwa Al Jawiya), Mohamed Dellah Yali (Al Hedod)

Midfielders: El Hadji Ba, Mouhsine Bodda (both FC Nouadhibou), Bakari Camara (Villefranche-Beaujolais), Sidi Ahmed Mohamed El Abd (Nouakchott Kings), Guessouma Fofana (Doxa Katokopias), Omare Gassama (Chateauroux), Abdallahi Mahmoud (Bellinzona), Oumar Ngom (Pau). 

Forwards: Souleymane Anne (KMSK Deinze), Pape Ibnou Ba (Concarneau), Amar Sidi Bouna (FC Nouadhibou), Souleymane Doukara (Magusa Turk Gucu), Aboubakar Kamara (Al Jazira), Aboubakaray Koita (St Truiden), Hemeya Tanji (Ai Ittihad Tripoli), Idrissa Thiam (Al Mesaimeer).

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Al Ahly, Zamalek & three other Egyptian clubs eye Sierra Leone's Mohamed Kabia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Al Ahly, Zamalek & others eye Sierra Leone’s Mohamed Kabia 

About five Egyptian clubs are interested in Sierra Leone International Mohamed Kabia, who is presently in Cairo, Egypt. 

Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Pyramid are all eyeing the service of the midfielder because of his potential. The other clubs are ZED FC and Ceramica Cleopatra Club.

Kabia. 20, who can play midfield and defence, arrived in Egypt on Sunday evening and will try with all five clubs in the Egyptian top tier and possibly sign by the end of next week, Football Sierra Leone understands.

The versatile player made his Sierra Leone debut in the 1-1 draw against Benin during the International friendly played in Khouribga, Morocco, in October. 

He played a pivotal role in the goalless draw against Ethiopia in the opening 2026 World Cup Group A qualifier at the Stade El Abdi last Month.

The former Mbabane Swallow and Denver Sundowns player must impress in Egypt as he will train with these clubs in an attempt for a deal.

Kabia, who has won four caps with the Sierra Leone senior national team, scored eight goals and eleven assists for Mbabane Swallow in Eswatini’s top-tier league.

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Steven Caulker pens player-manager deal with FC Malaga City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Steven Caulker pens player/coach deal with FC Malaga City

Spanish side FC Malaga City has confirmed a player/coach deal agreed with former Tottenham and Liverpool defender Steven Caulker.

Caulker, 31, who was part of the Sierra Leone AFCON 2021 campaign in Cameroon, has been handed a boost as he pursues his managerial career.

 “After a long job search and many sleepless nights, I am happy to announce that I have now found my path,” Caulker broke the news to Football Sierra Leone. 

Starting in January, I will become joint player-manager of FC Malaga City Academy in the 5th tier of Spanish Football.

I have expressed my desire to become a manager for a while now and have just recently completed my UEFA B license.”

“On a historic day for FC Malaga City, we are beyond proud to announce the signing of former Premier League player as well as England and Sierra Leone international Steven Caulker!,” the club posted.

“Following an illustrious playing career including the likes of Tottenham, Liverpool, and Fenerbahce. he Premier League veteran has been signed to a Player/Joint Head Coach role and has already met and begun to integrate his influence into the, first team squad and will be a huge mentor across the academy from 2024. “

We could not be more excited to have a player/coach of his calibre and experience here with us in Spain. This incredible coup is a statement of what the club has achieved and our ambitious plans as we move into our 10th anniversary!

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer Alie Bittar, On Twitter @bittar32, FC Malaga City News. 

Guniea named Serhou Guirassy to the AFCON 2023 25-man squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea name Serhou Guirassy in AFCON 25-man squad

Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart striker Serhou Yadaly Guirassy was named in the Guinea Syli national squad for the African Cup of Nations.

Head coach Kaba Diawara on Saturday confirmed his 25-man squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire next month. 

Guinea set to battle for a place in the top two from Group C alongside Cameroon, reigning champions Senegal and the Gambia.

Guinea national team will open the 34th edition of the biennial African Association football tournament organised by the Confederation of African Football against five-time winners Cameroon on January 15. at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro.

  • Serhou Guirassy History

Serhou Guirassy was born on 12 March 1996 in Arles and plays for VfB Stuttgart. He played for J3 Sports Amilly from 2008-2009, for USM Montargis from 2009-2010, for J3 Sports Amilly from 2010-2011, for Stade Lavallois MFC from 2011-2015, for Lille OSC from 2015-2016, for AJ Auxerre from 2016-2016, for Lille OSC from 2016-2016, for 1. FC Köln from 2016-2019, for Amiens Sporting Club from 2019-2020, for Stade Rennais FC from 2020-2022 and has played for VfB Stuttgart since 2022.

  • CURRENT SEASON 2023/24

The 27-year-old has scored 17 goals and he is in second position on the league’s scorer list. With one assist, he currently has the 10th-most in his team along with Waldemar Anton, Jamie Leweling, Silas Katompa Mvumpa, Anthony Rouault and Josha Vagnoman. 

In total, Serhou Guirassy has taken 46 shots at goal and therefore, fought his way to fifth place in the league-wide statistics. Until now, he has been responsible for 25 passes to a shot as he earned himself second place within the statistics of his club.

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Al Ahly's Club World Cup dream ended by Fluminense
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Al Ahly’s Fifa Club World Cup dream ended by Fluminense

Egyptian giants Al Ahly’s hopes of lifting the Fifa Club World Cup were dashed as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Fluminens in the semi-final on Tuesday, CAF reports.

The African champions started brightly but were ultimately outdone by the Brazilian outfit, who advance to face either Urawa Reds or Manchester City in Friday’s showpiece finale.

Al Ahly talisman Percy Tau spurned an early opening when veteran defender Felipe Melo made a crucial last-ditch sliding tackle.

Ten minutes before half-time, Fabio made an excellent, one-handed save from a Kahraba header.

Tau was then involved in the game’s pivotal moment, bringing down Marcelo in the box with a clumsy foul. Jhon Arias converted the penalty to give Flu a 71st-minute lead.

The Red Devils almost responded instantly when Tau met a low cross but lacked power on his close-range effort.

Yet there was to be no dramatic Ahly comeback as substitute John Kennedy curled home Fluminense’s second goal late on to seal victory.

While Al Ahly’s decorated veterans failed to seize their opportunity on the global stage, Fluminense’s emerging talents punished them ruthlessly.

The newly-crowned South American champions now stand one win away from completing a fairytale story in Friday’s Club World Cup finale.

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Steven Caulker eyes Sierra Leone job after obtaining Uefa license
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Steven Caulker eyes Sierra Leone job after obtaining Uefa license

Sierra Leone defender and ex-England International Steven Caulker has secured his Uefa B coaching Badge with the English FA.

The former Liverpool and Tottenham defender, who was a pivotal player for Sierra Leone during the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon, says he will pursue Uefa A next year.

The one-time England defender, who is presently transforming his playing career to coaching, has admitted coaching is the way forward.

“In terms of my aspiration, my ambition is to be a manager. Maybe, one day, to be a Sierra Leone manager. I would love that. I would love the oppurtunity too bring in young Sierra Leaoneans in to play attractive style of football,” Caulker told Football Sierra Leone.

“Next year, I will start my Uefa A – this is something I am working towards. Right now, I kind of going into the transition from playing into management role.”

On his present playing career

“The option in January is a player-manager role. I want to solicit playing football, maybe, for another year or two. I feel my passion is in coaching – player-manager. I’m finding the right path, the right setup and the right ambition.”

The UEFA B Licence is to help coaches understand the demands of the game and how to meet the needs of players as they build a deeper understanding of their various roles and responsibilities within the team.

This course has replaced The FA Level 3 in Coaching Football.

Caulker joined EFL Championship side Wigan Athletic in January on a contract until the end of the season.

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Victor Osimhen named Africa Player of the Year Award
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Victor Osimhen named Africa’s Player of the Year

Napoli and Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has been named as the CAF Men’s Player of the Year for 2023.

Osimhen scored 26 Serie A goals and was crowned the Italian Footballers’ Association Player of the Year for his Napoli performances last season.

The Nigerian International fought off competition from Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi to the title on Monday night. 

He becomes the first Nigerian player to win the award since Arsenal’s Nwankwo Kanu in 1999 and is also the first active Serie A player to be crowned Africa’s Player of the Year since Samuel Eto’o when he was at Inter in 2010. 

Meanwhile, Nigerian Asisat Oshoala extended her record sixth CAF African Women’s Player of the Year Award.

  • Full List of Award Winners:

Player of the Year (Men): Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, Napoli)

Player of the Year (Women): Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria, Barcelona)

Interclub Player of the Year (Men): Percy Tau (South Africa, Al Ahly)

Interclub Player of the Year (Women): Fatima Tagnaout (Morocco, AS FAR)

Coach of the Year (Men): Walid Regragui (Morocco)

Coach of the Year (Women): Desiree Ellis (South Africa)

Goalkeeper of the Year (Men): Yassine Bounou (Morocco, Al Hilal)

Goalkeeper of the Year (Women): Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria, Paris FC)

Young Player of the Year (Men): Lamine Camara (Senegal, Metz)

Young Player of the Year (Women): Nesryne El Chad (Morocco, Lille)

National Team of the Year (Men): Morocco

National Team of the Year (Women): Nigeria

Club of the Year (Men): Al Ahly (Egypt)

Club of the Year (Women): Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

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Nigeria’s Oshoala and Osimhen win African footballer of the year awards
Nigeria’s Oshoala and Osimhen win African footballer of the year awards