Category: Football Africa

CAS confirm Senegal appeal over CAF AFCON final decision
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAS confirm Senegal appeal over CAF AFCON final decision

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has confirmed receipt of an appeal by the Senegalese Football Federation against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.

The appeal concerns a CAF decision on 17 March 2026 declaring that the Senegal national team forfeited the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 and recording the Moroccan national team as the winners of the match by 3-0.

Registered by CAS on 25 March 2026, the FSF appeal seeks to set aside the CAF decision and declare the FSF winners of AFCON. It also requests an immediate suspension of the time limit to submit an appeal brief until the CAF decision is notified with full grounds. The CAF decision rendered on 17 March 2026 was operative only.

A CAS Arbitral Panel will be appointed to consider this matter. Following this, a procedural calendar will be established. In accordance with CAS procedural rules, an Appellant has twenty days to file an appeal brief with legal arguments, and the Respondents then have a further twenty days to submit an answer containing a statement of defence. At this early stage of proceedings and considering the FSF request to suspend deadlines, it is not possible to anticipate a procedural timeline and to indicate when a hearing will be scheduled.

Matthieu Reeb, CAS Director General, has issued the following comment: “CAS is perfectly equipped to resolve this type of dispute, with the assistance of expert and independent arbitrators. We understand that teams and fans are eager to know the final decision, and we will ensure that arbitration proceedings are conducted as swiftly as possible, while respecting the right of all parties to a fair hearing.”

Eritrea eye AFCON 2027 gropup stage spot as they face Eswatini
by FSL News

Eritrea eye AFCON 2027 group stage spot as they face Eswatini

Eritrea will break an 18-year hiatus from the Africa Cup of Nations by welcoming Eswatini in the Moroccan city of Meknes on Wednesday, marking the first qualifier for the 2027 tournament.

The Preliminary Round qualifiers begin this week, with twelve teams competing for six spots in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027.

Eritrea needs a positive outcome over two legs to advance into the group stage of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

Twelve of the lower-ranked teams will face off in two-legged matchups, battling for a chance to progress to the group stage playoffs, following a draw that took place in January.

After the success of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, this fresh cycle kicks off as teams aim for a place in next year’s finals hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Exciting matches are expected, starting on March 25 at Stade d’Honneur when Eritrea and Eswatini meet in Meknes. Eswatini will then host the return leg on March 31 at the Somhlolo National Stadium.

Lesotho will take on Seychelles at the Free State Stadium on March 26, with a rematch three days later. Djibouti and South Sudan will clash at Juba Stadium, and on March 26, Somalia plays Mauritius in Matola, before the return leg in Saint Pierre on March 31.

Chad and Burundi will meet in N’Djamena on March 27, also playing a competitive return leg in Bujumbura. Lastly, Sao Tome e Principe faces Ethiopia on March 27, with the second leg in Dire Dawa on March 31.

The six teams advancing from this qualification phase will join the other 42 CAF Member Associations in the finals next year.

TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 Preliminary Round Fixtures
Times are GMT

25/03 – 14h00: Érythrée vs Eswatini – Stade d’Honneur, Meknès
31/03 – 14h00: Eswatini vs Eritrea – Somhlolo National Stadium, Lobamba

26/03 – 14h00: Seychelles vs Lesotho – Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
29/03 – 15h00: Lesotho vs Seychelles – Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

26/03 – 13h00: Djibouti vs South Sudan – Juba Stadium, Juba
29/03 – 13h00: South Sudan vs Djibouti – Juba Stadium, Juba

27/03 – 13h00: Somalia vs Mauritius – Lalgy Arena, Matola
31/03 – 15h00: Mauritius vs Somalia – National Sports Complex, Saint Pierre

27/03 – 13h00: Tchad vs Burundi – Stade Olympique, N’Djamena
31/03 – 13h00: Burundi vs Chad – Stade Intwari, Bujumbura

27/03 – 16h00: Sao Tome e Principe vs Ethiopia – Ben M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium, El Jadida
31/03 – 13h00: Ethiopia vs Sao Tome e Principe – Dire Dawa Stadium

Mohamed Salah set for Liverpool exit at the end of the season
by Football Sierra Leone

Mohamed Salah set for Liverpool’s end of season exit

Mohamed Salah will bring his illustrious career with Liverpool FC to a close at the end of the 2025-26 season, the club has confirmed.

The forward has reached an agreement with the club, marking the end of a remarkable nine-year journey at Anfield. Out of respect and gratitude for the supporters, Salah wanted to share this news as soon as possible to provide clarity about his future.

Since joining from AS Roma in the summer of 2017, the No. 11 has cemented his place among Liverpool’s greatest players. He has been instrumental in securing two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, the FA Cup, and two League Cups, along with the FA Community Shield.

With 255 goals in 435 appearances, the Egyptian forward ranks third on the Reds’ all-time goalscorers list, having claimed the Premier League Golden Boot four times and earned numerous individual accolades along the way.

With much still at stake this season, Salah remains focused on helping Liverpool achieve the best possible finish in the campaign. A proper celebration of his legacy and achievements will come later in the year when he bids farewell to Anfield.

His tally of 255 goals in 435 appearances to date has the Egyptian sitting third on the Reds’ all-time leading goalscorers chart.
His tally of 255 goals in 435 appearances to date has the Egyptian sitting third on the Reds’ all-time leading goalscorers chart,
CR Belouizdad reach CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals
by Football Sierra Leone

CR Belouizdad reach CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals

CR Belouizdad has reached the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup for the first time in 30 years.

They secured their spot after a tense goalless draw against Al-Masry from Egypt in Algiers. The Algerian team advanced with an aggregate score, having drawn 1-1 in the first leg in Egypt.

The match at the Nelson Mandela Stadium marked a historic moment for the club, which last reached this stage in 1996.

Belouizdad started the match strongly, pressing high and quickly creating chances. In the first seven minutes, Mohamed Ali Ben Hammouda’s shot lacked power, allowing Al-Masry’s goalkeeper, Essam Tharwat, to make an easy save.

Midway through the first half, defender Hussein Ben Ayada forced Tharwat into a strong save, and Ben Hammouda’s header skimmed just over the crossbar.

As the first half progressed, Al-Masry began creating opportunities, with a long-range shot testing Belouizdad’s goalkeeper Farid Chaal just before half-time. Despite the pressure, both teams went into the break level.

In the second half, both sides struggled to score, with Belouizdad focusing on defence. Al-Masry pushed hard for a goal, especially with forward Daghmoum becoming a threat late in the game. However, Chaal and the defence held firm.

The match ended in a goalless draw, sending Belouizdad to the semi-finals to face the winner between Zamalek and Otoho. For Al-Masry, this result marked the end of their campaign. Belouizdad celebrates a return to the last four of a continental competition after 30 years.

Defending champions Pyramids eliminated
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Defending champions Pyramids eliminated by FAR Rabat

Defending champions Pyramids were knocked out of the CAF Champions League quarter-finals on Saturday, suffering a 2-1 defeat at home to Morocco’s FAR Rabat, who advanced with a 3-2 aggregate score.

This loss marks the end of Pyramids’ title reign, despite managing a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Rabat. The Egyptians had clinched their first African Champions League title last June by overcoming South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.

Rida Slim gave the visitors an early lead in the ninth minute at Cairo’s 30 June Stadium, and Mohamed Rabie Hrimat extended that advantage with a header in the 54th minute.

Although Fiston Mayele pulled one back in the 62nd minute, the Egyptians couldn’t find the equaliser they desperately needed to push the match into penalties, as FAR Rabat held their ground.

“This is a historic win and an important qualification for the club,” stated forward Youssef El Fahli in an interview with beIN Sports. “We are determined to compete for the title this season and, with God’s help, we’ll claim the club’s second continental crown.”

FAR Rabat will go up against fellow Moroccans RS Berkane or Sudan’s Al Hilal in the semi-finals, as they aim to get closer to securing a second continental title, having previously won the African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1985 against AS Bilima (now AS Dragons) from what was then Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Esperance knocked out Al Ahly in Cairo after a thriller to reach semis
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Esperance knock out Al Ahly in Cairo after a thriller to reach semis

Esperance Sportive de Tunis delivered a stunning performance in Cairo, defeating Al Ahly 3-2 on the night and securing a 4-2 aggregate win to advance to the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

After narrowly winning the first leg 1-0 in Rades, the Tunisian giants rallied from an early setback to clinch a late winner, silencing the Cairo International Stadium and dashing the hopes of Africa’s most decorated club.

Backed by a passionate crowd, Al Ahly opened the match with intensity. Their early efforts paid off in the 10th minute when Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” capitalised on defensive confusion to score, levelling the aggregate tie.

Although Al Ahly continued to create chances and control much of the first half, Esperance goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said made crucial saves, leaving the score at 1-0 at halftime.

The second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum as Esperance returned with renewed energy. Theyequalisedd in the 68th minute with a powerful shot from Florian Danho, regaining the aggregate lead. Soon after, a defensive error led to a penalty converted by Mohamed Amine Tougai, putting Esperance ahead 2-1.

Al Ahly fought back with urgency, and an own goal in the 84th minute levelled the match at 2-2, reigniting hope among home fans. As pressure mounted, it was Esperance who struck the final blow. In stoppage time, Hamza Jelassi headed the winning goal in the 94th minute, completing a remarkable turnaround despite his earlier own goal.

The final whistle confirmed Esperance’s semi-final spot, where they will face the winner of Mamelodi Sundowns and Stade Malien. For Al Ahly, this loss brought a disappointing end to their campaign, having dominated portions of both legs.

Meanwhile, Esperance’s determined display underscores their status as serious title contenders and adds another memorable chapter to African club football history.

Zambia's Chipolopolo set to face Argentina in Buenos Aires
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zambia’s Chipolopolo set to face Argentina in Buenos Aires

Zambia is set to face Argentina in a highly anticipated friendly match on March 31 at La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires.

This encounter, part of the March FIFA international matchdays, marks the inaugural meeting between the two nations and presents the Chipolopolo with a rare opportunity to test their skills against the reigning world champions.

Coach Moses Sichone plans to use this match as a chance to evaluate his squad in preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The team will kick off a domestic training camp next week, before heading to Argentina, where they will concentrate on their preparation and tactical adjustments.

The invitation to play Argentina necessitated a shift in Zambia’s plans, as they had already committed to participating in the Four Nations Tournament in Botswana.

To accommodate both events, the federation opted to send a local squad to the tournament while retaining the senior national team for this historic clash in Buenos Aires.

“We received an invitation to play Argentina, and it’s an opportunity we can’t afford to miss. When the world champions come calling, you answer. It’s a clear indication of the respect Zambia has earned on the global stage,” explained a federation spokesperson. However, since this match coincides with the Four Nations Tournament, they decided it was best to send their local team to Francistown.

The federation emphasised the Four Nations Tournament as a key platform for preparing their Olympic team. “With our Olympic participation confirmed, the tournament will help refine our squad selection, including both local and international players,” a spokesperson stated.

Following the friendly against Argentina, Zambia will focus on upcoming continental competitions, particularly the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The coaching staff aims to use the March matches to fine-tune the squad and evaluate player performance against local rivals and elite international teams.

Morocco awarded as Senegal stripped off Afcon title following CAF's decision
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco awarded AFCON title as Senegal is stripped after CAF’s decision

Morocco has been declared the winner of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the Confederation of African Football (Caf) overturned the result of the final due to Senegal’s controversial walk-off.

In the match on January 18, Senegal initially won 1-0, but the game was disrupted when Senegal’s players refused to continue after a last-minute penalty was awarded to Morocco, which had been tied at 0-0.

After a 17-minute delay, the players returned, but Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved, and Senegal’s Pape Gueye later scored in extra time. However, Caf has reversed the result, recording it as a 3-0 victory for Morocco instead.

The Senegalese Football Federation announced plans to appeal this decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, calling it “unfair” and damaging to African football.

CAF’s ruling followed an appeal by the Moroccan FA (FRMF), which cited a violation of Articles 82 and 84 of the competition’s regulations, stating that a team refusing to play is deemed the loser.

The FRMF emphasised that its appeal aimed to enforce the competition’s rules, not to challenge the teams’ performances.

After the announcement, some Senegalese players took to social media to react, with Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr sharing laughing emojis. At the same time, West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf posted a celebratory image with the caption “Champions, speak up!”

During the final, with the score tied, referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty following a VAR review. However, after a dispute, Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, led his team off the field. Following the delay, Senegal returned, but Diaz’s penalty was saved, and Gueye scored to secure the initial win.

Morocco’s coach, Walid Regragui, described Senegal’s actions as “shameful,” and Fifa president Gianni Infantino criticised the “ugly scenes.” Thiaw later acknowledged that ordering his team off the pitch was a rash decision made in the moment. Morocco parted ways with Regragui on March 5, just four months before the World Cup finals.

Nigeria and DR Congo face FIFA sanctions for Indiscipline
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria and DR Congo face FIFA sanctions for Indiscipline

FIFA has sanctioned Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) due to disciplinary issues during their 2026 World Cup continental play-off in November last year.

Following the match, FIFA’s judicial body found both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the DR Congo Football Association (Fecofa) guilty of separate violations.

The NFF was fined 1,000 Swiss francs (around $1,270; £950) for failing to ensure proper “order and security,” specifically regarding objects thrown by spectators. In contrast, the Congolese FA faced a heavier fine of 5,000 Swiss francs for supporters using “laser pointers,” which breaches FIFA’s Article 17.2.d.

The play-off final on November 16, 2025, in Rabat, saw DR Congo win 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, ending Nigeria’s hopes of World Cup qualification for the first time since 2018.

Following the defeat, NFF questioned the eligibility of several DR Congo players who had changed their national allegiance, citing domestic laws that reportedly do not recognise dual citizenship for adults.

With just two weeks until the intercontinental play-offs in Mexico to decide World Cup qualifiers, the sanctions have intensified focus on FIFA’s decision regarding Nigeria’s protest about alleged ineligible players.

Nonetheless, FIFA has confirmed DR Congo’s participation in the upcoming fixtures, where they will face the winner of New Caledonia and Jamaica on March 31.

Coach Sebastien Desabre has named a 26-man squad, welcoming back Yoane Wissa after a knee injury sidelined him during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

DR Congo is hoping to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when the country competed under the name Zaire.

Up to 10 African nations could qualify to participate in the expanded global tournament in North America.

Esperance claim vital first-leg victory over Al Ahly
by FSL News

Esperance claim vital first-leg victory over Al Ahly

Esperance Sportive de Tunis earned a crucial 1–0 win over Al Ahly SC in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final, giving them an edge for the return match in Cairo.

The encounter at the Hamadi Agrebi Stadium lived up to the hype, showcasing a tense tactical battle between two of Africa’s finest clubs. Algerian defender Mohamed Amine Tougai scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot midway through the second half, breaking Esperance’s long scoring drought against Al Ahly.

Despite the defeat, the Egyptian champions remain competitive, with the return leg set for Cairo International Stadium, where they will aim to overturn the deficit and maintain their hopes of continental success.

Both teams started cautiously, aware of the need to avoid early mistakes. Esperance’s Florian Danho had an early chance denied by an excellent save from Al Ahly’s goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir. In response, Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet unleashed a powerful long-range shot, but it was kept out by Esperance’s Bechir Ben Said.

As the match unfolded, it became a tactical duel, with both sides pressing to disrupt their opponent’s rhythm. The game’s turning point came in the 73rd minute when a penalty was awarded to Esperance after Al Ahly defender Mohamed Hany handled the ball. Tougai stepped up confidently to convert, igniting celebrations among the home fans.

Al Ahly pushed hard for an equaliser, introducing fresh attacking options, but were unable to find the back of the net. Esperance nearly extended their lead late in the game but were kept at bay.

With a narrow lead, Esperance heads to Egypt, knowing the tie is still very much alive. The return leg on Saturday promises to be another gripping chapter in this storied rivalry, with a spot in the Champions League semi-finals at stake.