Category: Football Africa

DRC 2026 World Cup Continental playoffs opponents confirmed
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

DR Congo’s 2026 World Cup Continental playoffs opponents confirmed

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) has automatically qualified for one of the two finals in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament, according their FIFA rankings.

DR Congo has been placed in the final of the first bracket and New Caledonia will face Jamaica in the Pathway 1 semi-final. The Pathway 2 semi-final features Bolivia against Suriname. The winners will compete against the Congo DR and Iraq, respectively.

During the recent international break, DR Congo achieved two victories that secured its spot in this inter-confederation tournament. The nation finished second in Group B of the African qualifying round, behind Senegal.

As one of the top four second-placed teams in the group stage, the Leopards entered the continental play-off alongside Nigeria, Gabon, and Cameroon.

In the semi-final of this play-off, held in Morocco on Thursday, the Leopards faced Cameroon and won 1-0 with a last-minute goal from Chancel Mbemba, who scored in stoppage time.

DR Congo is now set to compete against Nigeria in the play-off final, with a chance to enter the FIFA Play-Off Tournament and potentially the World Cup at stake.

After a tense match that ended in a 1-1 draw following extra time, the winner was determined by penalties. DR Congo emerged victorious, allowing their qualification journey to continue.

The FIFA Play-Off Tournament is scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico, which is co-hosting the World Cup along with Canada and the USA. The tournament will allocate two spots for CONCACAF teams, one for a CONMEBOL team, one for an OFC team, one for a CAF team, and one for an AFC team.

This tournament will feature two brackets, with one seeded team in each bracket based on the FIFA Men’s Rankings.

These seeded teams will automatically advance to the finals, while the remaining four teams will compete in one semi-final per bracket, with the winners moving on to the finals. Ultimately, two teams will qualify for the World Cup from this tournament.

Yassine Bounou named Africa’s Goalkeeper of the Year
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Yassine Bounou named Africa’s Goalkeeper of the Year

Morocco's Yassine Bounou has been awarded the title of Goalkeeper of the Year in Africa for 2025, marking the second time in his career he has earned this esteemed recognition.

The award was presented during the CAF Awards ceremony held on Wednesday in Rabat, Morocco. Legendary former Egypt national team goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary had the honour of presenting the award to Bounou on stage.

The Al Hilal keepr outshone two other contenders for the accolade: Munir Mohamedi (RS Berkane – Morocco) and Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns – South Africa).

Previously, secured the Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2023 and successfully reclaimed it this year from Williams, who had taken home the title last year.

This latest achievement solidifies Bounou’s place among the continent’s top goalkeepers over the past decade.

Morocco to face Brazil in U17 World Cup Quarter-finals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco to face Brazil in U17 World Cup Quarter-finals

Morocco has advanced to the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, following a thrilling 3-2 victory over Mali in an exciting all-African clash on Tuesday.

The Atlas Cubs showcased their skill and determination in a match full of action. On the other African side, the young Stallions of Burkina Faso also advanced after eliminating newcomers Uganda 5-3 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 tie.

Burkina Faso will face Italy in the quarter-finals, while Morocco will take on Brazil.

Morocco scored twice from set pieces delivered by Moncef Zekri and managed to withstand a late attack from Mali to secure their place in the quarter-finals.

Ziyad Baha’s clever glance from Zekri’s free-kick put the North African team ahead in the 29th minute.

Raymond Bomba equalised from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time. Still, Ismail El Aoud quickly restored Morocco’s advantage with a powerful header from another Zekri corner just five minutes later.

Mali, who had reached the semi-finals in their last three tournaments, pushed hard after halftime but were struck by a setback when El Aoud scored his second goal with a powerful shot from outside the box midway through the half.

Captain Seydou Dembélé narrowed the gap with a spectacular late goal, but Morocco managed to hold on for a 3-2 win, earning them a prestigious quarter-final clash against Brazil.

Burkina Faso eliminate Uganda on penalties to reach U17 quarter-finals
by Football Sierra Leone

Burkina Faso eliminate Uganda on penalties to reach U17 quarter-finals

Uganda's impressive run in the FIFA U-17 World Cup ended sadly on Tuesday with a defeat to Burkina Faso in the Round of 16.

The match, held at the Aspire Zone on Pitch 5, ended in a 1-1 draw, but the Young Stallions advanced after winning 5-3 in the penalty shootout.

Entering this match with confidence high, Uganda had previously knocked out Senegal in the Round of 32.

Burkina Faso showed optimism after eliminating defending champions Germany, but faced challenges with injuries to key players Ashiraf Loukman Tapsoba and Isma Azelle.

Coach Brian Ssenyondo made one change to the lineup, bringing in Enock Bagenda to replace the suspended star forward, James Bogere.

The match was closely contested, with Burkina Faso having the edge in possession. Uganda had several chances, including a header from Isima Magala that hit the post.

In the 56th minute, Arafat Nkoola scored for Uganda, but Burkina Faso equalised through substitute Alassana Bagayogo. The match ended in a tie, prompting Coach Ssenyondo to substitute goalkeeper Adrian Mukwanga.

In the penalty shootout, Burkina Faso converted all their penalties, while only Derrick Ssozi missed for Uganda. Burkina Faso will face Italy in the quarterfinals after Italy’s 3-2 victory over Uzbekistan.

Senegal thrash Kenya in Tuesday's International friendly
by FSL News

Senegal thrash Kenya in Tuesday’s International friendly

Kenya's national football team, Harambee Stars, faced a tough defeat on Tuesday, losing 8-0 to Senegal in a friendly match.

Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, faced a tough defeat on Tuesday, losing 8-0 to Senegal in a friendly match.

During the game, Kenya struggled against a strong Senegalese team. Although they had a few good moments, they could not score, while Senegal controlled the game throughout.

This loss is one of the hardest for Kenya in recent friendly matches. The match took place at Mardan Stadium in Turkey.

Earlier on Friday, Harambee Stars lost 1-0 to Equatorial Guinea in another friendly match in Antalya, Turkey.

Jose Miranda scored for Equatorial Guinea from a penalty just before halftime, wrong-footing Kenya’s goalkeeper Byrne Omondi.

Kenya’s Jonah Ayunga had a great chance to score first, but the goalkeeper from Equatorial Guinea, Jesus Lazaro Owono, made a fantastic save.

In the second half, Harambee Stars improved and had more possession but still struggled to create clear scoring chances.

Substitute Ovella Ochieng’ brought more speed to the attack, and his cross hit a defender’s arm, but the referee did not give a penalty.

Another substitute, Austine Odhiambo, had a chance to equalize in the 80th minute, but his shot went over the bar after receiving a pass from Rooney Onyango.

All-African clash in the U17 World Cup Round of 16
by FSL News

All-African clash in the U17 World Cup Round of 16

U17 World Cup Round of 16: All-African matches as Uganda faces Burkina Faso, Morocco meets Mali.

Africa will have at least one quarter-finalist at Qatar 2025, with Uganda taking on Burkina Faso and Morocco clashing with Mali.

Uganda, tournament debutants, continue their dream run against Burkina Faso, who recently eliminated defending champions Germany. Meanwhile, Morocco, coming off a dramatic penalty shootout win over the USA, will battle a strong Mali side that beat Zambia.

Match Details: Uganda vs Burkina Faso – Kick-off 15:30 Doha | 15:30 Kampala | 12:30 Ouagadougou  

Uganda has shown resilience, with goalkeeper Edrisah Waibi playing a vital role. They’ll aim for quick transitions against Burkina Faso, who boasts momentum after their upset of Germany.

What to watch:

– Uganda’s counterattacks vs. Burkina Faso’s compact defence.

– Goalkeepers in form, with both teams comfortable in tight matches.

Morocco vs Mali: Kick-off 18:45 Doha | 16:45 Rabat | 15:45 Bamako  

Morocco’s persistence shone against the USA, while Mali’s strong second half powered them to victory over Zambia.

What to watch:

– Morocco’s control against Mali’s aerial threat.

– Set pieces that could influence the outcome.

The stakes:

Victory leads to the quarter-finals, continuing Africa’s strong performance in the tournament, with both matches poised for late drama.

U17 World Cup Round of 16: All-African matches as Uganda faces Burkina Faso, Morocco meets Mali
U17 World Cup Round of 16: All-African matches as Uganda faces Burkina Faso, Morocco meets Mali
CAF Interclub group stage draw the date and venue confirmed
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Interclub group stage matches gets underway this weekend

Africa's largest club competitions are set to kick off this weekend, with the Group Stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup taking center stage across the continent.

This year features an impressive lineup in the CAF competitions, including reigning champions Pyramids FC, record-holders Al Ahly with 12 titles, four-time champions Espérance de Tunis, Mamelodi Sundowns, RS Berkane, and AS FAR. Notable contenders from across Africa will also compete.

In the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, former champions Zamalek and USM Alger lead a strong group with Wydad, CR Belouizdad, Kaizer Chiefs, and newcomers Nairobi United.

Exciting matchups kick off with Pyramids FC hosting Rivers United and RS Berkane facing Power Dynamos. Al Ahly aims for a 13th title against JS Kabylie, while Zamalek takes on ZESCO United in an Egyptian derby.

New narratives emerge as debutants Nairobi United, OC Safi, and Maniema Union make their mark. Two matchdays are before the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in 2025, with the group phase resuming in January 2026.

MATCHDAY 1 FIXTURES (All times GMT) –TotalEnergies CAF Champions League

Friday, 21 November
13:00 — Al-Hilal Omdurman (SUD) vs MC Alger (ALG)

Saturday, 22 November
13:00 — Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA) vs St Éloi Lupopo (DRC)
13:00 — Young Africans (TAN) vs AS FAR Rabat (MAR)
16:00 — Al Ahly (EGY) vs JS Kabylie (ALG)
16:00 — Espérance Tunis (TUN) vs Stade Malien (MLI)
19:00 — RS Berkane (MAR) vs Power Dynamos (ZAM)
19:00 — Pyramids (EGY) vs Rivers United (NGA)

Sunday, 23 November
13:00 — Simba (TAN) vs Petro Atlético (ANG)

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TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup

Saturday, 22 November
19:00 — CR Belouizdad (ALG) vs Singida Black Stars (TAN)

Sunday, 23 November
13:00 — Maniema (DRC) vs Azam (TAN)
13:00 — Stellenbosch (RSA) vs AS Otoho (CON)
16:00 — Al Masry (EGY) vs Kaizer Chiefs (RSA)
16:00 — Djoliba (MLI) vs OC Safi (MAR)
19:00 — USM Alger (ALG) vs San Pedro (CIV)
19:00 — Wydad (MAR) vs Nairobi United (KEN)
19:00 — Zamalek (EGY) vs ZESCO United (ZAM)

DR Congo edge Nigeria to reach inter-confederation play-off
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

DR Congo edge Nigeria to reach inter-confederation play-off

The DR Congo maintained their quest for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Nigeria 4-3 in a penalty shootout in Rabat on Sunday evening, after a 1-1 draw that extended into extra time during the African play-off final.

Frank Onyeka put the Super Eagles ahead in the third minute, but Meschack Elia equalised the score in the 32nd minute, and after 120 intense minutes, captain Chancel Mbemba scored the winning penalty to propel the Leopards into the inter-confederation play-off scheduled for March in Mexico.

Nigeria’s aspirations come to an end at this point. – Held at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium, the match had a crucial prize: a spot in the six-team play-off tournament in Guadalajara and Monterrey, where two World Cup spots are up for grabs.

Nigeria, fresh off a 4-1 victory over Gabon, started strong, with Onyeka scoring after a deflection from Tuanzebe. DR Congo equalised when Elia capitalised on a mistake by Ndidi, levelling the score.

The match settled into a pattern, with Nigeria pushing forward through Iwobi and the wings, while DR Congo remained disciplined and dangerous on counterattacks, led by Mbemba.

After halftime, Osimhen came close to scoring twice, but both teams struggled to break through as fatigue set in. In the penalty shootout, Nigeria faltered after an initial equal exchange, while Mbemba scored the winning penalty for DR Congo.

This victory marks DR Congo’s first step towards the inter-confederation play-off from March 23-31, 2026. Nigeria will reflect on missed opportunities and a strong start that did not lead to victory.

Burkina Faso and Uganda advance to the U17 World Cup round of 16
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkina Faso and Uganda advance to the U17 World Cup round of 16

Burkina Faso and Uganda have joined Mali, Morocco, England, Italy, Japan, Korea DPR, Austria, and Uzbekistan in advancing to the Round of 16 of the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

It was a remarkable day for Uganda and Burkina Faso, as the newcomers to the World Cup fought hard to overcome Senegal. At the same time, Oscar Barro’s team stunned reigning champions Germany to secure their places in the knockout stage.

England, Italy, and Japan also enjoyed comfortable victories, with Korea DPR narrowly defeating Venezuela and Uzbekistan winning against Croatia in a tense penalty shootout.

In the matches:

– Senegal fell to Uganda 0-1, with Walusimbi scoring the only goal in the 15th minute. Edrisah Waibi from Uganda was named Player of the Match.

– Burkina Faso edged out Germany with a 1-0 win, thanks to a goal from Zongo in the 5th minute. Mohamed Zongo earned the Player of the Match award for his stellar performance.

– Japan triumphed over South Africa with a decisive 3-0 victory, featuring goals from Asada (48), Yoshida (59), and Fujii (72). Antony Udemba Motosuna was recognised as the Player of the Match for Japan.

Elsewhere, Austria secured their spot in the Round of 16 with a pair of late goals against Tunisia. The first half saw a tight contest, with Austrian forward Dominik Dobis missing a chance after being thwarted by Tunisia’s goalkeeper Slim Bouaskar.

However, Austria changed the game in the closing stages when Bouaskar fouled Vasilije Markovic in the penalty area, allowing Johannes Moser to convert the ensuing penalty.

Shortly after, they struck again when a shot from Mazen Slama Essefi took a significant deflection and found the back of the net, sealing Austria’s victory.

Egypt knockout of U17 World Cup after defeat to Switzerland
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt knocked out of U17 World Cup after defeat to Switzerland

At the Aspire Zone complex in Al Rayyan, Switzerland produced a complete team performance to see off Egypt and book their spot in the Round of 16.

They drew first blood when Nevio Scherrer slotted them in front early on. The Swiss then netted one of the finest team goals of the tournament to make it 2-0, with Ethan Bruchez applying the finishing touch after a scintillating one-touch move.

Jill Stiel got Switzerland’s third after the break, finishing smartly from the edge of the area. Anas Roshdy netted a late consolation for Egypt, but the result had already been put beyond doubt.