Category: Football Africa

Senegal kicks off its World Cup preparations today against the USA
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal kicks off its World Cup preparations today against the USA

Senegal kicks off its World Cup preparations today as they face off against one of the hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the USA, at the Bank of America Stadium this evening.

The United States Men’s National Team, under the guidance of manager Mauricio Pochettino, is set to play their second-to-last tune-up match ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against a formidable Senegal squad that has recently been on a roll, winning five of its last six matches.

This match marks the USMNT’s first outing since the unveiling of the official roster earlier this week, providing a significant test against the Lions of Teranga.  Although the United States is considered a narrow favourite playing at home, many analysts are tipping Senegal for the win.

The West African nation will prove to be stern opposition. They won seven of 10 games in qualifying, drawing three, while they also made the final of the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.

The game was ultimately awarded as a 3-0 win for Morocco by CAF following Senegal’s protest of a late penalty for the host nation.

However, they have only suffered two defeats on the pitch in the 42 games they have played since their elimination at the 2022 World Cup.

Senegal followed AFCON with victories over Peru and Gambia in March, and has won 12 of their last 15 games, excluding that walkover against Morocco

The US team will wrap up its World Cup preparations with a final send-off match against Germany in Chicago on Saturday, June 6.

Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi helps PSG retain the Champions League title
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi helps PSG retain Champions League title

Moroccan player Achraf Hakimi has won his second UEFA Champions League title with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), beating Arsenal in a penalty shootout in the final at Puskás Aréna in Budapest on Saturday.

Hakimi previously won the tournament with Real Madrid in 2018. PSG secured their second victory after the match ended 1-1 following extra time, demonstrating composure in the shootout.

Arsenal took an early lead with a sixth-minute goal from Kai Havertz. PSG responded in the second half when Ousmane Dembélé scored from a penalty after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was fouled.

In extra time, neither team scored, and the match went to penalties. PSG’s victory confirms their dominance in European football, having also won their first Champions League title last season.

This defeat is tough for Arsenal, who had recently won the Premier League and were close to a double.  Hakimi’s achievement now makes him a three-time Champions League winner, matching Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o, who also won the title three times.

As a result, with that achievement, Hakimi moves level with Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o, who won the tournament three times as a key player with Barcelona in 2006 and 2009, and Inter Milan in 2010.

Paris Saint-Germain have become the second club to win back-to-back titles in the UEFA Champions League era, matching Real Madrid
Paris Saint-Germain have become the second club to win back-to-back titles in the UEFA Champions League era, matching Real Madrid
Egypt edge Russia in friendly ahead of 2026 World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt edge Russia in friendly ahead of 2026 World Cup

Egypt finished their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 friendly win over Russia, winning the New Capital Cup at Cairo International Stadium on Thursday.

Mostafa Ziko scored the only goal in the second half, giving the Pharaohs a confidence boost ahead of their World Cup opener.

Coach Hossam Hassan made changes to his usual lineup, bringing back Mohamed Abdelmonem from injury and replacing the late-arriving Mohamed Salah with Ahmed Sayed “Zizo.” Egypt started strong, controlling possession early, but could not score before halftime, leaving the match tied at 0-0.

In the 65th minute, right-back Mohamed Hany made a good cross that Ziko headed in for the goal. Egypt nearly scored again shortly after, but substitutions continued as Hassan tested other players.

Russia tried to equalise in the closing minutes but could not break through Egypt’s solid defence. This win was important for Egypt, reflecting a turnaround after their defeat to Russia in the 2018 World Cup.

Next, Egypt will face Brazil in a warm-up match on June 6 in Cleveland, Ohio, before starting their World Cup campaign against Belgium on June 15 in Seattle. They are in Group G with Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand.

Assane Sarr shines to propel Senegal into the U-17 AFCON final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Assane Sarr shines to propel Senegal into the U-17 AFCON final

Senegal reached the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after defeating the host team 7-6 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in Rabat on Thursday night.

Goalkeeper Assane Sarr was the hero for Senegal, making key saves during the shootout and ending Morocco’s hopes of winning at home.

Senegal will face Tanzania in the final, as Tanzania also won against Egypt on penalties earlier that day. Senegal took the lead in the 23rd minute when Mouhamed Wagne scored after a shot from Commissaire Faye was saved. Morocco had a goal ruled out in the 41st minute after a VAR review, which led to increasing frustration.

In the second half, Morocco pushed harder. A late handball by Cheikh Dieng allowed Morocco to equalize with a penalty rebound by Ismail El Aoud in stoppage time, making it 1-1.

The match went to a penalty shootout, where both teams had moments of success and failure. Senegal ultimately won the shootout 7-6, continuing their strong tournament performance.

For Morocco, it was a tough defeat after a late comeback in front of their fans. Senegal’s victory secures their place in the final, where they will face Tanzania for the title.

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
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.

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.