Category: Football Africa

Pyramids, Stade Malien pick CAF Champions League quarter-final spots
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pyramids, Stade Malien pick CAF Champions League quarter-final spots

Pyramids FC secured top spot in Group A of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League with a commanding 4–1 win over Rivers United.

After trailing 1–0 at halftime due to Stephen Manu’s long-range strike, Pyramids turned the game around in the second half.

Mostafa Fathi equalised in the 53rd minute, and Marwan Hamdi converted a penalty in the 77th minute to give them the lead. Late goals from substitute Awda Al-Fakhoury and Nasser Maher sealed the victory.

Pyramids advance to the quarter-finals with 13 points, while Rivers United are eliminated.

In Group D, Stade Malien earned a 1–0 win against Esperance de Tunis, securing their spot in the quarter-finals.

Koro Kouyali’s goal in the 54th minute proved decisive as Stade Malien’s sturdy defence held firm against Esperance’s attempts to equalise.

Mamelodi Sundowns faced Saint Éloi Lupopo in Group C, where they were held to a 1–1 draw. Enock Moila scored for Lupopo early on, and despite Sundowns dominating possession, they failed to find a winning goal, leaving the group open as they seek qualification.

Kaizer Chiefs, Zesco United record vital CAF Confed wins
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kaizer Chiefs, Zesco United record vital CAF Confed wins

South African team Kaizer Chiefs and Zambian side Zesco United recorded victories as the CAF Confederation Cup group stage resumed on Sunday, 8 February.

Recap as Match Day 5 featured some thrilling results, setting the stage for a tense final match day.

Kaizer Chiefs 2–1 Al Masry

Kaizer Chiefs earned a hard-fought 2–1 victory against Al Masry. The hosts opened the scoring with a penalty by Flávio Silva in the 39th minute. Al Masry equalised in the 57th minute through Abderrahim Deghmoum. However, Aden McCarthy quickly restored Chiefs’ lead in the 60th minute, securing a vital win to top Group B.

Maniema Union 2–1 Wydad Casablanca

Maniema Union edged Wydad Casablanca 2–1, taking the lead with Beni Namboka’s goal in the 32nd minute. An own goal by Wydad’s goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid in the 61st minute doubled Maniema’s lead. Wydad responded with a penalty from Hamza Hannouri in the 66th minute but could not find an equaliser.

Otôho d’Oyo 2–1 Singida Black Stars

Otôho d’Oyo defeated Singida Black Stars 2–1. After Singida went down to ten men, Otôho’s Exauce Sagesse Nzaou scored twice, first in the 50th minute and again in the 79th. Singida pulled one back late through Joseph Guede Gnadou, but Otôho held on for the win.

ZESCO United 1–0 Zamalek  

Zesco United secured a 1–0 win against Zamalek. The breakthrough came in the 59th minute with a penalty converted by Amine Hiver. Despite Zamalek’s late pressure, including a near equaliser that hit the crossbar, Zesco defended well to claim all three points. However, they remained at the bottom of Group D after one win in five games. 

USM Alger and CR Belouizdad book CAF Confederation Cup knockout spots
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

USM Alger and CR Belouizdad book CAF Confederation Cup knockout spots

USM Alger and CR Belouizdad have both advanced to the knockout stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, marking a successful round for Algerian clubs.

USM Alger from Group A achieved a dramatic late comeback to win 3–2 against San Pédro. They opened the scoring early, with Che Malone netting in the 2nd minute and Glody Likonza adding a second shortly after.

San Pédro equalised with two goals from Issouf Dosso before Mohamed Bouderbala secured the victory for USM in stoppage time.

In Group C, CR Belouizdad secured a 1–0 win over Singida Black Stars, with Abdennour Belhocini scoring the only goal in the 3rd minute. Despite being reduced to ten men, they held on for the win against a late surge from Singida.

In another match, Olympic Club de Safi defeated Djoliba 2–1. After an early goal by Salaheddine Errahouli and a penalty equaliser from Aboubacar Diarra, Sofiane El Moudane scored the winner for Safi early in the second half, securing their progression to the knockout stages.

Ademola Lookman nets as Atletico Madrid thrash Real Betis
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ademola Lookman nets as Atletico Madrid thrash Real Betis

In a powerful 5–0 win over Real Betis on Thursday, which guaranteed a spot in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, Ademola Lookman stole the spotlight on his Atletico Madrid debut with a goal and an assist.

Having recently arrived from Serie A side Atalanta, the 25-year-old Nigerian international performed confidently as Atletico controlled the game at Seville’s La Cartuja Stadium.

Goals from David Hancko, Giuliano Simeone, Antoine Griezmann, Thiago Almada, and Lookman resulted in a humiliating defeat for Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis, much to the anger of their home crowd.

Looking back at the team’s performance, Griezmann noted, “We moved a lot without the ball and presented choices for whoever held it.” It was a more flexible game, we were in the proper spots, and ultimately we generated the possibilities we were seeking.”

He then went on to compliment Lookman, saying, “We are a very hospitable team, and everyone who joins us is welcomed right away.” With Lookman, we can see; we hope he brings us happiness.

Atletico started strong and took the lead inside the first 12 minutes as a result of captain Koke’s precision corner, which Hancko, a defender, blasted into with a towering header that proved too much for Betis’s goalie Adrian.

Eager to immediately impress, Lookman had two big opportunities to increase the advantage in the first half. He missed a one-on-one chance in the 16th minute; soon after, his first-time shot sailed over the crossbar.

The 30th minute saw the second goal after a fluent sequence of one-touch passes down the left flank. Matteo Ruggeri located Alex Baena, who traded passes with Lookman before the fullback low cross for Giuliano, son of Diego Simeone, smashed it past Adrian.

Named the 2024 African Footballer of the Year, Lookman scored his goal in the 37th minute by fending off one defender and dribbling past another in the box before slotting the ball into the left corner.

Atletico slowed their tempo following halftime but still managed to extend their lead with yet another counter-attack. In the 62nd minute, Lookman erupted down the middle, drawing defenders away before passing the ball off to Griezmann, who curled a shot into the top-right corner.

In the 83rd minute, Thiago Almada ended the massacre. Almada acted quickly after positioning Baena for a strike. Adrian could only parry, and he tucked the rebound into an unguarded net.

Early in the second half, Barrios sustained a hamstring injury while running and had to be replaced; this setback came against the otherwise dominating win.

On Friday, Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad, and Atletico will all compete for a spot in the final during the semi-final draw. Two legs, set for February 10–12 and March 3–5.

Nigeria's Stanley Nwabali set to depart Chippa United
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali set to depart Chippa United

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has officially handed in his request to part ways with Chippa United after spending four years at the club.

In a statement published on Thursday, Chippa United verified Nwabali’s exit, stating that the 29-year-old requested official leave despite signing a three-year contract extension in 2024. The club said it had approved his request and given him a discharge.

Chippa United Football Club praised Stanley Nwabali for his years of service, commitment, and professionalism, and wished him success in his future endeavours. The club has not disclosed if he will be a free agent or if a move is already in place, and Nwabali has remained silent about his next destination.

With his profile rising over the last two seasons, Nwabali is attracting interest from teams in the Premier Soccer League, as well as clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia. He joined Chippa United from Katsina United in 2022 and made over 70 appearances.

His leadership was recognized after he became club captain in 2024. Nwabali also established himself as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, particularly with strong performances at the Africa Cup of Nations. His departure signals the end of a significant chapter in his career, with anticipation about his next move.

Nigerian attacker Ademola Lookman pens Atlético Madrid deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigerian attacker Ademola Lookman pens Atlético Madrid deal

Nigerian International Ademola Lookman has joined Atlético Madrid on a contract to 30 June 2030 after completing a medical. The club said in a statement on Monday that the 28-year-old winger has signed for four and a half seasons.

Atlético had reached a preliminary agreement with Atalanta on Sunday, then formalised the transfer after tests and a contract signing at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in front of chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín. The fee is 35 million.

Atlético described Lookman as a versatile right-footer who can play as a second striker or as a winger on either flank, using pace and dribbling to unsettle defences.

Born in Wandsworth, United Kingdom, he later took Nigerian nationality. He came through Waterloo FC and Charlton Athletic, debuting for Charlton’s first team in November 2015, then moved to Everton, Leipzig, Fulham and Leicester City before joining Atalanta in the summer of 2022.

In Bergamo, he was pivotal in Atalanta’s first European trophy, the 2023-24 Europa League, scoring all three goals in the 3-0 final win over Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen. He played 137 games, scoring 55 goals and supplying 27 assists.

Lookman represented England at the youth level and won the Under-20 World Cup in 2017. He made his Nigeria senior debut on 25 March 2022 and has 41 caps and 11 goals.

Olympic Safi record vital win over Ivorian side San Pedro
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Olympic Safi record a vital win over Ivorian side San Pedro

Olympic Safi asserted a significant home win following a thrilling match where they narrowly defeated San Pédro 2–1 in their CAF Confederation tie on Sunday.

The Moroccans started the scoring in the 29th minute as Salaheddine Errahouli finished a quick counter-attack, slamming a right-footed strike into the top corner from the left side of the box to put Safi a deserved lead at the half.

After the break, San Pédro showed more urgency and almost scored many times; most obviously, when Laciné Dosso struck the post from far range, and Alpha Karamoko compelled a strong save from goalkeeper Hamza Hamiani.

Late in the game, Olympic Safi increased their lead through the replacement Moussa Koné, who coolly fired home from close range in the 88th minute to give the hosts full control.

San Pédro pulled one back deep into stoppage time when Amalaman Allou converted from inside the box following an assist from Laciné Dosso, but the goal came too late to change the outcome as Olympic Safi held on for the win that puts them in second place behind USM Alger.

Olympic Safi 2–1 San Pédro
Zamalek edge Al Masry to maintain top spot in Confederation Cup
by FSL News

Zamalek edge Al Masry to maintain top spot in Confederation Cup

In a close Sunday evening match, Zamalek delivered a determined away showing to beat Al Masry 2–1 to maintained their grip at the top of Group D in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The guests assumed the lead in the 22nd minute when Hossam Abdelmaguid struck his shot low into the corner from the penalty spot following a foul in the box.

Respond positively, Al Masry was rewarded in the 32nd minute as Salah Mohsen calmly converted a penalty of his own to even things following a handball decision.

Both teams sought a decisive goal in the second half, with opportunities at either end and several interruptions breaking the flow of the game.

Eventually finding the breakthrough in the 75th minute, Zamalek reacted quickest to a corner and fired a left-footed shot into the bottom corner from close range. Oday Dabbagh did so.

Late on, Al Masry searched for an equaliser, but Zamalek stood strong across seven minutes of additional time to grab all three points away from home.

Al Masry 1–2 Zamalek
Zambia's Power Dynamos beat Rovers United in Group A CAF CL tie
by FSL News

Zambia’s Power Dynamos beat Rovers United in Group A CAF CL tie

In the Group A other game, Power Dynamos claimed their first victory of the CAF Champions League group stage with a hard-fought 1-0 win away to Rivers United, condemning the Nigerian side to another frustrating night.

The decisive moment came five minutes after the restart when Kundwani Chiboni struck to secure all three points for the Zambian champions. The midfielder timed his run perfectly to meet a well-weighted pass from Prince Mumba before calmly slotting the ball into the net to silence the home crowd.

Rivers United sought their first win but struggled to turn possession into clear chances in the first half, while Power Dynamos maintained a disciplined defence.

After going behind, Rivers pushed for an equaliser in the second half, launching several attacks but failing to break through the strong Dynamos ‘ defence and composed goalkeeping.

Despite late efforts, Rivers managed few clear opportunities, and Power Dynamos secured a vital away win, rising to four points in Group A.

Rivers remain bottom with one point from four matches, putting their hopes of progression in jeopardy.

Rivers United 0–1 Power Dynamos
Pyramids close to cementing CAF Champions League quarter-finals spot
by Football Sierra Leone

Pyramids close to cementing CAF Champions League quarter-finals spot

Following a convincing 3-0 triumph over Morocco's RS Berkane in Cairo on Sunday, title holders Pyramids are close to cementing their spot in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League quarter-finals.

Emphasising their increasing power in Africa’s leading club tournament, the Egyptian side gave a disciplined and precise performance at the Air Defence Stadium on Sunday to move clear at the top of Group A.

Early on, the pyramids set the tone, and in the 10th minute, Mahmoud Abdel Hafeez, also known as “Zalaka”, opened the scoring with a strong header from near range, thereby rewarding them. After a flawless delivery from Nasser Maher, whose impact would keep altering the match, the goal arrived.

Berkane attempted to respond after the break, but their efforts were thwarted by goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy, as Pyramids continued to dictate the pace and exploit open spaces on the counterattack.

The crucial moment arrived in the 74th minute when Nasser Maher scored his first goal wearing a Pyramids shirt after an amazing performance. Latching onto a quick transition sparked by Zalaka, Maher finished confidently from inside the penalty area to double the lead and effectively extinguish Berkane’s hopes of a comeback.

Six minutes later, pyramids contributed even more gloss to the scoreboard. In the 80th minute, Ahmed Atef “Qatta” scored the third goal to cap a dominating evening for the home team and cement their superiority.

After four games, Pyramids moves to 10 points, three ahead of second-placed Berkane. The Egyptian team is on the verge of advancing to the last eight of the tournament.

Seven points put Berkane second, but their grasp on qualifying is now in danger as Zambia’s Power Dynamos are in the fight for the group’s second spot.

For Pyramids, the triumph is another declaration of intent as they strive for continental success, fusing attacking genius with rising tactical maturity at a pivotal point in the competition.