Category: Football Africa

Adil Mohamed Erradi begins preparing Liberia's game plan for Sierra Leone
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Adil Mohamed Erradi begins preparing Liberia’s game plan for Sierra Leone

The Moroccan-Belgian coach Adil Mohamed Erradi conducted his first training session after his recent appointment as the new Liberia head coach, as he begins to prepare his plans for the Lone Star ahead of upcoming games against neighbours Sierra Leone.

Liberia will be taking on Leone Stars on the 6th and Sierra Leone will reciprocate on the 9th of this month with both being FIFA recognised friendlies. The first match will take place at the Southern Arena in Bo City and return leg will be played in the capital Monrovia.

Erradi takes over from Thomas Kojo who was interim head coach of the Lone Stars and has penned a 3 year deal with the Liberia Football Federation who are hoping to reach continental stage by 2027 in East Africa.

These upcoming friendlies will play a huge role in preparations for their Africa Cup of Nations campaign which is slated to kick off in September.

Mohamed Erradi who was born on December 6th in 19’78 has had an extensive professional career and also owns a UEFA Pro License. He began his coaching journey with a trip to Ghana which then led to him becoming assistant to Juan Carlos Garrido at Raja Casablanca in June of 2017. Later that same year he went on to become technical director at IR Tanger in November of 2017.

In July 2019 he took Rwanda based club APR FC the helm and set the Nations record for most consecutive unbeaten games (50 matches) while winning them three consecutive league titles; 2019–20 20’20-20’21 and 20’21-20’22.

He made Rwandan history in July of 20’22 when he took APR FC to the second round of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League.

Moroccan coach Adil Mohamed Erradi begins preparing Liberia's strategy for the Sierra Leone clash
Moroccan coach Adil Mohamed Erradi begins preparing Liberia's strategy for the Sierra Leone clash
Senegal win CAF U-17 AFCON title after defeating Tanzania
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal win CAF U-17 AFCON title after defeating Tanzania

Senegal triumphed in the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026, defeating Tanzania 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the final.

Tanzania took an early lead with Hamis Chenga scoring in the seventh minute, but Senegal equalised in the 64th minute through Ibrahima Dione, capitalising on a free-kick mishap.

The match proceeded to penalties, where Senegal showed composure, converting all four attempts. Faye, Sadio, Dione, and Thior scored for Senegal, while Tanzania converted two through Usuph and Mbegelendi but missed two crucial penalties.

This victory marks Senegal’s second U-17 AFCON title and highlights the strength of their youth football development. Despite the loss, Tanzania celebrated a historic campaign, reaching their first final and qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

The night ultimately belonged to Senegal, as they showcased resilience and skill throughout the tournament.

Senegal crowned CAF U-17 AFCON champions after defeating Tanzania
Senegal crowned CAF U-17 AFCON champions after defeating Tanzania
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brian Cipenga bolster the DR Congo camp
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brian Cipenga bolster DR Congo camp

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) national team is getting a significant boost for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the addition of two key players to its roster.

West Ham United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka and CD Castellón FC winger Brian Cipenga have officially joined the Leopards’ training camp in Belgium, completing the squad.

According to a recent update from the Federation of Congolese Football Associations, the arrival of the duo means the entire team is now present and accounted for.

“The squad is now united, ready to ramp up preparations and embark on a new chapter in the history of Congolese football,” the statement reads.

With Wan-Bissaka, a former Manchester United star, and Spain-based Cipenga on board, coach Sébastien Desabre now has a full complement of players as they gear up for an upcoming friendly against Denmark.

On Wednesday, the Leopards will face their Scandinavian rivals at Maurice Dufrasne Stadium in Liège, with the match set to kick off at 20:00 local time.

Ghana Black Stars 2026 World Cup Squad revealed
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana Black Stars 2026 World Cup Squad revealed

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the final 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The team includes captain Jordan Ayew and key players like Thomas Partey, Inaki Williams, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Antoine Semenyo. It consists of three goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders, and seven attackers.

In goal, Benjamin Asare from Hearts of Oak joins experienced keepers Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Joseph Anang. His selection excites local fans as he is one of the few home-based players.

The defence features Baba Rahman, Gideon Mensah, Alidu Seidu, and others to strengthen the backline.

Midfielder Thomas Partey will lead the midfield alongside Elisha Owusu, Kwasi Sibo, and others, providing varied options.

The forward line includes Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew, and Kamaldeen Sulemana, along with Christopher Bonsu Baah, Ernest Nuamah, Brandon Thomas-Asante, and Prince Kwabena Adu, ensuring plenty of scoring potential.

The Full Black Stars 2026 squad
The Full Black Stars 2026 squad
Cape Verde impressive in pre-World Cup friendly win over Cape Verde
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cape Verde impressive in pre-World Cup friendly win over Serbia

Cape Verde displayed their confidence with a 3-0 win over Serbia in a friendly match at Estádio do Restelo in Lisbon.

The Blue Sharks played well throughout the game, combining solid defence with effective attacks. They took control early, and in the 11th minute, midfielder Kévin Pina scored, giving them a deserved lead.

Cape Verde maintained their dominance, limiting Serbia’s chances. Despite Serbia’s attempts to respond, they struggled to break through Cape Verde’s organised defence.

The Blue Sharks continued their strong performance in the second half, with goals from Leroy Duarte in the 59th minute and Gilson Benchimol in the 63rd minute. This victory boosts Cape Verde’s confidence as they prepare for international play, showing teamwork and skill against European competition.

Serbia, on the other hand, had a challenging match and was unable to recover after conceding early. Overall, Cape Verde ended the match with a memorable win, showcasing one of their best performances in recent times.

Cape Verde’s World Cup group stage matches

vs. Spain, June 15 at noon ET, Atlanta

vs. Uruguay, June 21 at 6 p.m. ET, Miami

vs. Saudi Arabia, June 26 at 8 p.m. ET, Houston

Cape Verde impressive in pre-World Cup friendly win over Cape Verde
Cape Verde impressive in pre-World Cup friendly win over Cape Verde
Pulisic nets as USA overcome Senegal in pre-World Cup friendly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pulisic nets as USA overcome Senegal in pre-World Cup friendly

The US soccer team defeated Senegal 3-2 at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, after losing to Belgium and Portugal. They needed a strong performance ahead of the World Cup.

Sergino Dest opened the scoring for the US, while Senegal’s Sadio Mane scored two goals, highlighting some weaknesses in the US defence.

The US started strong with a goal in the sixth minute. Pepi assisted Christian Pulisic, who scored, ending a five-month goal drought for both club and country.

“It’s great to score again. Hopefully, people can stop talking about it,” Pulisic said. Despite high energy from the US, Senegal had chances too. Two minutes before halftime, Senegal scored through Mane, making it 2-1.

At halftime, coach Pochettino made ten changes. Balogun thought he scored right away, but was offside. Senegal added another goal through Mane when Chris Brady, the goalkeeper, misplayed a backpass.

Balogun eventually scored after receiving a low cross from Weah. The US had several chances to score more, but McKennie hit the post, and both Weah and Balogun missed.

Pulisic was pleased with the win against “a really good team.” He noted the team’s energy and creation of chances, saying, “I’m really happy with the performance.”

Senegal entered Sunday’s match after winning convincingly against Gambia and Peru in March. Many consider them Africa’s best team. They controversially won the 2025 Afcon final but were later stripped of the title.

The Lions of Teranga are getting ready for their fourth World Cup. Mané scored a well-timed goal after Robinson made a bad pass, and Tyler Adams could not reach the final ball.

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.