Category: Football Africa

Somali referee Omara Artan, barred from 2026 FIFA World Cup, lands UEFA role
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Somali referee Omar Artan, barred from 2026 FIFA World Cup, lands UEFA role

The Union of European Football Associations, UEFA, has confirmed the appointment of Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup.

This highly anticipated match is scheduled for 12 August in Salzburg, featuring UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain against UEFA Europa League champions Aston Villa FC.

“Despite his youth, Artan has quickly made a name for himself as one of the world’s leading referees and has been on the FIFA international officiating list since 2018,” UEFA noted. 

He notably officiated the second leg of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League final, solidifying his reputation in the sport. In recognition of his exceptional performances, he was honoured with the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year Award in 2025.

Although Artan was selected as part of the match officials for the FIFA World Cup 2026, he was unable to participate due to restrictions preventing him from entering the United States.

His appointment to referee the UEFA Super Cup falls under the framework of the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UEFA and CAF, which aims to foster cooperation in various areas, including refereeing. Both UEFA and CAF are dedicated to promoting football development at all levels and upholding the core values of unity, equality, and non-discrimination.

Aleksander Čeferin, UEFA president, said: “Omar Artan is an excellent young but already experienced referee, who has proven himself at the highest competition level of the Confederation of African Football. Football is made to connect people, and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills, which had earned him such a prestigious nomination. I am grateful to my friend CAF President Patrice Motsepe for supporting enthusiastically our initiative.”

Dr Patrice Motsepe, CAF president, said: “Omar Artan has made Somalia and the entire people of the African Continent extremely proud. His receipt of the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year Award 2025 and his appointment as a referee of the FIFA World Cup 2026 are a recognition of his world-class refereeing ability and the international respect that he enjoys. I am very thankful to my friend, Aleksander Čeferin for enabling Omar Artan to officiate the UEFA Super Cup 2026 match. This is a great honour for Omar Artan and for African referees and is also an excellent example of football, bringing together and uniting people from Africa and Europe and worldwide.”

South Africa kick off Africa's 2026 World Cup campaign against Mexico
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa kick off Africa’s 2026 World Cup campaign against Mexico

South Africa is leading the way as Africa is poised to make history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an unprecedented ten teams representing the continent, marking its largest presence ever at the tournament.

Kicking off in North America, South Africa will face co-hosts Mexico in the opening match. This is the first time African teams will have double-digit representation on football’s biggest stage.

The teams representing Africa will be Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia. This milestone follows Morocco’s impressive journey to the semi-finals at Qatar 2022, which changed global perceptions of African teams.

Africa’s World Cup journey began in 1934 with Egypt’s participation. Over the decades, representation gradually grew, with Morocco, DR Congo, and Tunisia among the first to join.

The milestone of five African teams was first achieved in 1998, and the previous record of six was set in 2010 when Ghana reached the quarter-finals.

Cape Verde’s qualification is particularly notable, as it marks their first World Cup appearance. DR Congo’s return since 1974 and South Africa’s comeback after 2010 add further excitement.

Veteran teams like Ghana, Senegal, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, and Côte d’Ivoire bring valuable experience, while newcomers inject fresh energy into Africa’s challenge.

The 2026 World Cup isn’t just about numbers; it’s about turning this historic representation into record-breaking performances. With higher expectations, Africa arrives in North America with its strongest presence yet.

The journey from Egypt’s debut in 1934 to ten teams in 2026 has been long and challenging, marking a significant moment for African football and its growing ambition on the world stage.

African participation at the FIFA World Cup

1934: Egypt

1970: Morocco

1974: DR Congo

1978: Tunisia

1982: Algeria, Cameroon

1986: Algeria, Morocco

1990: Cameroon, Egypt

1994: Cameroon, Morocco, Nigeria

1998: Cameroon, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia

2002: Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia

2006: Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Tunisia

2010: Algeria, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa

2014: Algeria, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria

2018: Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia

2022: Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia

2026: Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia

Africa's representatives at the World Cup since 1934
Africa's representatives at the World Cup since 1934
Liberia shine in victory over Sierra Leone at the SKD Stadium
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Liberia shine in victory over Sierra Leone at the SKD Stadium

Liberia took control of the second match after losing the first leg at the Southern Arena on Saturday, June 6th. They led 2-0 at halftime at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium and won the game 3-1.

The hosts played with great confidence, creating numerous chances and converting two crucial opportunities before the break. Their attacking movements consistently troubled the opposition’s defence throughout the first half, while their back line maintained an organised and disciplined approach.

Sebastin Teclar opened the scoring for the home team, followed closely by Ayoubah Kosiah, who extended the Lone Star’s advantage just before the halftime whistle.

After the break, Sierra Leone came out swinging, determined to claw their way back into the match. The Leone Stars entered the friendly with a tactical and psychological edge following their first-leg win, although they made seven changes to their lineup.

Nonetheless, the hosts continued to dominate, and they were rewarded when Philip Tarnue netted his first goal for the Lone Star, extending their lead to 3-0 against Sierra Leone at the SKD.

Sierra Leone managed to score a late goal in the second half, with Charlton Athletic striker Daniel Kanu finding the net. However, Moroccan-Belgian coach Mohammed Erradi celebrated his first win as the manager of Liberia, guiding the Lone Star to a 3-1 victory over Sierra Leone. The supporters in the stadium erupted with cheers after the final whistle as Liberia avenged the first defeat.

Liberian striker Sherman vies for the ball with Sierra Leone defender Alpha Turay
Liberian striker Sherman vies for the ball with Sierra Leone defender Alpha Turay
Mali's youngster Seydou Diarra pens deal with SC Austria Lustenau
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali’s youngster Seydou Diarra pens deal with SC Austria Lustenau

Newly promoted Austrian Bundesliga team SC Austria Lustenau has signed gifted young player Seydou Diarra. Coming from FC Gueugnon, a team in the French sixth level, the 21-year-old forward has signed a contract through at least 2027.

Diarra, who can play in many attacking roles, last summer switched from Cedar Stars, a Ghana-based club, to Clermont Foot 63 in France. January saw him join FC Gueugnon and score three goals over eleven games.

Diarra is eager for his new adventure and hopes to take home club trophies. He claimed, “From now on, I am quite delighted to be playing for Austria. The team and all the guys have given me a wonderful welcome. The team and I are in good shape, therefore I will do all on the field to reach our shared objectives.

Mirco Papaleo, the athletic director, was upbeat about the recruitment. He continued, “We are happy Seydou chose to come with us. With his speed and skill, he is a gifted young player who will be quite useful for us on the wing. We think he will keep growing with us and turn in great work.

Diarra has been working out with Austria Vienna for two and a half weeks now. The coaches were so impressed by his outstanding play that he was offered a permanent job. He will be playing with Ghanaian player Lord Afrifa, who just moved from Sturm Graz and signed a two-year deal with an option for a third year.

Austria Lustenau was elevated to the Austrian Bundesliga after placing first in Bundesliga 2. On the final day of the season, they defeated SKU Amstetten 2-1 to claim the 2. Liga championship.

Algeria impresses in win against the Netherlands in an international friendly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Algeria stun the Netherlands in World Cup warm-up 

A goal from winger Anis Hadj Moussa gave Algeria an unlikely 1-0 win over the Netherlands on Wednesday in a World Cup warm-up.

Hadj Moussa, who plays for Dutch club Feyenoord, shot strongly into the top corner four minutes from time. Algeria were grateful for the victory, especially with many friends and family watching on in De Kuip where the winger plays his club football.

“It’s deserved after a very good second half,” Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi told Dutch broadcasters after the game. “It’s frustrating. It ruined their farewell game before they went off to New York.”

Hadj Moussa’s goal was his first for Algeria. Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk was left frustrated after the game. “Of course, you don’t want this in a farewell game,” he said. “We should be further ahead than 1-0, at least two goals. We need to work at it and get sharp again. We’ve got another game in a few days, so we need to use it positively.”

Van Dijk added: “It’s great for most of the guys to have played some minutes, but we don’t play to lose games of course.”

Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane, who has been playing with a mask over the lower half of his face following injuries in April, made a number of smart stops throughout the game. It will ease concerns over his place in the team, which has been under scrutiny recently.

The Netherlands will face Uzbekistan in a friendly on Monday night in New York before flying out to Kansas City. They face Japan in their World Cup opener in Group F on June 14 in Dallas.

Algeria begin their World Cup campaign against World Cup champions Argentina in Group J on June 16 in Kansas City. They face Bolivia in their final warm-up game on Wednesday in Kansas City.

Defender Baba Rahman is optimistic about improving Ghana's performance
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Defender Baba Rahman is optimistic about improving Ghana’s performance

Ghana defender Baba Rahman believes performances from the Black Stars team will improve at next year’s World Cup Finals tournament.

It was not the perfect build-up to next year’s World Cup for the Ghana national team as they played Wales to a goalless draw. Ghana opened the scoring early on, but the Dragons managed to hit back with just three minutes left on the clock.

“I’m gutted we could not get the win last night, but this is a marathon, not a sprint. We will get there. This group will give everything for this precious shirt. God bless our homeland Ghana,” Baba Rahman posted after the game on social media.

The former Chelsea player played the second half after skipping out in 2023.

Ghana will become the lowest-ranked nation at the 2026 World Cup, beginning their Group L campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, Canada, ranked 73rd in the world. England is ranked fourth, while their other group rivals, Croatia, are ranked 11th, and Panama are ranked 33rd.

Their second game against former champions England will take place in Foxboro, Massachusetts six days later with a final game against the 2018 runners- up to conclude Group L fixtures on June 27.

Morocco Heads to the U.S. for Final World Cup Preparations
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco Heads to the U.S. for Final World Cup Preparations

Ahead of their final training camp, Morocco has left for their final destination as they look to make their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.

The Atlas Lions departed Rabat‑Salé Airport having enjoyed a successful training camp in Morocco that saw them defeat Madagascar 4-0 to give themselves a huge confidence boost ahead of the World Cup.

The fixture was played at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Monday, and Brahim scored one after coming on as a substitute in the 81st minute.

Morocco scored the fourth goal of the game when Brahim blasted a shot against the post from outside the box and El Kaabi tapped in. Saibairi had opened the scoring and then scored his second two minutes before halftime, while Rahimi added Morocco’s third from the penalty spot.

Mohamed Ouahbi’s side will fine-tune their plans once they’re based in America, when they take on Norway in a friendly on June 7 before the tournament kicks off for them.

Morocco’s fixtures at the World Cup start on June 13 when they take on Brazil at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey before taking on Scotland four days later on June 19. They’ll face Haiti in their final game before the knockouts begin on June 24.

Johnathan McKinstry pens new two year Gambia deal
by Football Sierra Leone

Johnathan McKinstry pens new two-year Gambia deal

Jonathan McKinstry has penned a two-year contract extension as head coach of the Gambia senior national team beginning June 1st, 2026.  The Ministry of Sports made the announcement early Wednesday morning.

McKinstry was appointed head coach of the Scorpions in January of 2024, replacing the great Tom Saintfeit.  In his tenure as coach, McKinstry has led the team in 20 matches, winning 7, drawing 5, and losing 8.

The Northern Irish technician has been contracted to lead the Gambia national team until the end of 2028. Both the Ministry of Sports and GFF sources have confirmed that the contract was agreed upon last week and is awaiting signature from all necessary parties, including McKinstry himself.

McKinstry will look to qualify the GAM for a third AFCON finals beginning in September. Gambia was placed into Group C with the Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Somalia.

Senegal's goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, has urged his teammates to demonstrate their abilities as they kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey against France on June 16th at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal’s Edouard Mendy calls on teammates to prove themselves against France

Senegal’s goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, has urged his teammates to demonstrate their abilities as they kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey against France on June 16th at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

This match will be the second time the Lions of Teranga face Les Bleus in the group stage, having famously stunned the defending champions 1-0 in their first match in 2002. Senegal advanced to the quarter-finals that year, becoming only the second African nation to achieve this feat.

In the upcoming tournament, Senegal is once again drawn with France in Group I, along with Norway and Iraq. They have qualified for four World Cups: 2002, 2018, 2022, and 2026, with a record of five wins, three draws, and four defeats across twelve matches.

“All of our opponents are strong, especially France,” Mendy told FIFA.com. “This is why we play football— to challenge ourselves against the best. We have the chance to do just that in our first World Cup match.”

Mendy emphasised his role in inspiring the next generation, mentioning, “It’s important to give back, as I’ve received so much. I want to help future players from Senegal achieve great things.”

Looking back at their historic victory over France, he said, “That match was a pivotal moment for our country, being our first World Cup win. Now we have our own match to prepare for in a new era.”

Senegal topped Group B in African qualifying, finishing with a 4-0 win against Mauritania. This World Cup will also be notable for being co-hosted by three nations and expanding to 48 teams from the previous 32.

Yirenkyi scores in Ghana's draw against Wales in a pre-World Cup match
by Football Sierra Leone

Yirenkyi scores in Ghana’s draw against Wales in a pre-World Cup match

Ghana and Wales drew 1-1 in their first-ever matchup on Tuesday at the Cardiff City Stadium. It was Carlos Queiroz’s first game in charge of the Black Stars.

Caleb Yirenkyi scored for Ghana in the second half to take the lead, but Lewis Koumas scored a header in the third minute of stoppage time to level things up for Wales.

Wales dominated early on in the game and had opportunities to score first but Lawrence Ati- Zigi made two crucial saves to deny Daniel James. After the early pressure from Wales died down, Ghana started to find opportunities to score.

Jordan Ayew had a chance to score after keeper Karl Darlow fumbled the ball, but Darlow saved Ayew’s shot. Marvin Senaya also shot towards goal, and his volley deflected off a player and forced Darlow to make a diving save.

Late into the first half, Thomas Partey went into a tackle, and the Welsh bench protested for a second yellow. However, instead of getting yellow-carded, he was only warned by the referee.

Queiroz made four substitutions at half-time which saw Kwasi Sibo, Ernest Nuamah, Brandon Thomas-Asante and goalkeeper Benjamin Asare. The subs gave Ghana a spark forward as they soon created chances. Yirenkyi scored from a team effort after his first shot hit the crossbar, but he was there to tap in the rebound.

Ghana looked like the winners, but the late goal from Wales silenced the stadium. Neco Williams crossed a ball to the back post where Koumas timed his run perfectly and scored his header goal.

Queiroz gave his reaction to the game. He says the team needs to work on some decision making and team chemistry, but praised them for how far they got in a short time of training. He says the players executed the game plan he provided them, but most notably spoke about Yirenkyi, who he says is a player for the future.

Ghana will remain in Cardiff to train today before departing for the United States for another friendly before their opener at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.