Category: Football Africa

CAF names continental referees for AFCON 2025 training in Cairo
by Football Sierra Leone

CAF names continental referees for training in Cairo ahead AFCON 2025

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a selection of the continent's finest referees chosen for an elite training camp in Cairo, Egypt, scheduled from November 8 to 13.

The initiative aims to enhance the officials’ fitness, match management, and decision-making abilities in preparation for significant CAF tournaments.

The intensive program will include referees from Africa, such as Egypt’s Amin Omar, Senegal’s Issa Sy, Kenya’s Peter Waweru, Somalia’s Omar Artan, Ghana’s Daniel Laryea, Mauritania’s Dahane Beida, Algeria’s Mustapha Ghorbal, and South Africa’s Abongile Tom. Many other notable referees from across the continent will also take part.

CAF highlighted that the training will also include Video Match Officials (VMOs), trainers, VAR personnel, and members of its Referees Committee.

The Cairo camp is part of CAF’s wider preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is set to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Hakim Ziyech set to seal a return to Morocco to join Wydad Casablanca
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hakim Ziyech set to join Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Hakim Ziyech has finalized his move to Wydad Casablanca, returning to Morocco with a one-year contract. This marks an emotional homecoming for the player.

At 32, Ziyech joins Wydad as a free agent after leaving Al-Duhail in the summer of 2025, ending weeks of speculation about where he would go next.

Several clubs in Europe and the Middle East showed interest, but Ziyech decided to return to his home country.

Ziyech became well-known for his play at the 2022 World Cup and during his time at Ajax. Inconsistent performances and loans to Galatasaray and Al-Duhail marked his period at Chelsea.

His return to Casablanca marks a fresh start for Ziyech, representing an essential moment in his career.

The player’s creativity and experience can help drive the team’s domestic and continental ambitions as they compete for both the Botola Pro title and CAF Champions League glory.

CR Belouizdad hold Hafia as USM Alger lost to Académie Diallo Amadou
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CR Belouizdad hold Hafia as USM Alger lost to Académie Diallo Amadou

The first-leg matches of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup's second preliminary round on Sunday, 19 October, showcased exciting competition as African teams competed for an early advantage toward the group stage.

Algeria’s CR Belouizdad managed to secure a valuable away draw against Hafia FC from Guinea. At the same time, their fellow citizens, USM Alger, experienced a narrow loss against Académie Diallo Amadou from Côte d’Ivoire.

In another significant encounter, Djoliba AC from Mali achieved a crucial away victory over Burkina Faso’s USFA.

Hafia FC (GUI) 1–1 CR Belouizdad (ALG)  

CR Belouizdad returned from Conakry with an essential 1–1 draw that keeps their chances of qualification alive as they head into the return leg in Algiers. Hafia FC took the lead in the 62nd minute thanks to Alhassane Kamara. Still, Belouizdad quickly levelled the score just three minutes later when Khacef found the net, securing a vital outcome for the Algerian team.

Académie Diallo Amadou (CIV) 1–0 USM Alger (ALG)  

The Algerian powerhouses, USM Alger, faced a challenging night in Côte d’Ivoire, losing 1–0 to Académie Diallo Amadou. The home team struck early when Kalilou Garjo took advantage of a defensive mistake in the ninth minute.

Despite dominating periods and creating multiple opportunities, the Algerian side failed to score and will now strive to reverse the situation in the return match in Algiers.

USFA (BFA) 0–1 Djoliba AC (MLI)  

Mali’s Djoliba AC secured a critical 1–0 win against USFA in Ouagadougou. The winning goal was scored in the 84th minute by Kader Knam, putting the visitors in a solid position heading into the second leg in Bamako.

With the return matches set for next weekend, all eyes will be on the Algerian teams CR Belouizdad and USM Alger, who will aim to utilise their home advantage and secure their places in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup group stage.

Orlando Pirates suffer heavy CAF Champions League defeat
by Football Sierra Leone

Orlando Pirates suffer heavy CAF Champions League defeat

Orlando Pirates are staring down the barrel of an early exit from the CAF Champions League after suffering a disappointing 3-0 defeat of the 2025/26 second preliminary round to Saint-Éloi Lupopo at the Stade Frederic Kibassa Maliba in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on Sunday.

As a result, they’ll face a daunting task as they prepare to host Saint-Éloi Lupopo at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, aiming to overturn a three-goal deficit.

This loss ended the Buccaneers’ impressive 11-match unbeaten streak across all competitions at the hands of the Congolese side in the first leg of their second preliminary round tie.

Last season, the Pirates made an impressive run in the CAF Champions League, reaching the semi-finals under coach Jose Riveiro before being eliminated by the eventual champions, Pyramids FC.

With new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou at the helm, the Buccaneers have kicked off the 2025/26 season with great success.

They cruised through the first preliminary round, sweeping aside Lioli of Lesotho with a dominant 7-0 aggregate score, and bagged their fourth consecutive MTN8 title in South Africa.

Currently, the club sits third in the Betway Premiership, having accumulated 15 points from seven matches, which includes five wins and two losses.

In the latest rankings from the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS), published on October 14, the club was recognised as the seventh-best team on the continent.

Yassir Zabiri nets brace as Morocco clinch maiden crown
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Yassir Zabiri nets brace as Morocco clinch maiden crown

Morocco triumphed over Argentina to claim their first FIFA U-20 World Cup, with Yassir Zabiri scoring twice in a thrilling final in Santiago.

As a result, the victory made Morocco the second African team to win the tournament, following Ghana’s win in 2009.

The match kicked off at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos with immediate drama. Zabiri was fouled while attempting to score, but converted a free-kick into the top corner after a VAR review resulted in a yellow card for the Argentina goalkeeper. Zabiri later volleyed in a cross from Othmane Maamma to double the lead.

Argentina pressed for an equaliser, with Mateo Silvetti and substitutes missing key chances, while Morocco’s strong defence, led by Ismael Baouf, held firm. Despite Argentina’s possession and corner dominance, Morocco kept them at bay. When the final whistle blew, Moroccan players celebrated their long-awaited victory after 48 years.

Argentina 0-2 Morocco

Morocco goals: Zabiri (12 & 29). Visa Player of the Match: Zabiri

JS Kabylie record strong Champions League first leg advantage
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

JS Kabylie record strong CAF Champions League first leg advantage

Algeria’s JS Kabylie won 3-0 against US Monastir in the first leg of their final qualifying round for the CAF Champions League at the Stade Municipal Taieb Mhiri in Sfax.

This victory brings them closer to reaching the group stage of the tournament. The visitors from Algeria enjoyed solid support from their travelling fans as they delivered an outstanding performance.

The pivotal moment came early in the second half when Mehdi Merghem struck a stunning goal from distance that shocked the home side. Shortly after, Lahlou Akhrib capped off a brilliant team play with a well-timed finish.

JSK dominated the second half after a balanced first, taking a two-goal lead. In the 49th minute, Aimen Lahmeri crossed to Merghem, who skillfully scored. Mohamed Hamidi then split the USM defense with a clever pass, allowing Lahmeri to assist Akhrib for a close-range goal.

Babacar Sarr added a third for JSK in the final minutes. The teams will meet again next Saturday in Tizi Ouzou, where JSK aims to secure a spot in the group stage.

Splendid Morocco's U20 achieved its goal by making it to the finals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Splendid Morocco’s U20 achieved its goal by making it to the finals

The Atlas Cubs have reached their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup final after defeating France 5-4 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in regulation. Morocco will face Argentina in the final.

Substitute goalkeeper Abdelhakim Mesbahi emerged as the hero, stepping in during the shootout to save Djylian N’Guessan’s attempt.

The match featured an early penalty for Morocco, converted by Yassir Zabiri, which ultimately became an own goal after hitting the post and deflecting off the French goalkeeper, Lisandru Olmeta.

France equalized through Lucas Michal in the second half, and after a tense extra time with a red card for France’s Rabby Nzingoula, the match was decided by penalties.

With this victory, Morocco becomes the first African team to reach the final since Ghana in 2009.

Morocco 1-1 France (aet; 5-4 PSO)

Morocco’s goal: Olmeta’s own goal (32), France’s goal: Michal (59) 

Morocco set to host Africa's World Cup playoff qualification matches
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco set to host Africa’s World Cup playoff qualification matches

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed the locations, schedule, and structure for the African playoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, preparing for a crucial contest in November 2025.

CAF has slated the semifinals matches for November 13, 2025, with the final set to take place on November 16 of the same year.

African giants such as Nigeria, Cameroon, DR Congo and Gabon, as the best runners-up, will battle for their final spot to join the Continental playoffs in the race to the America’s World Cup.

Competing in a mini-tournament that includes semifinals and a final. The victor of this mini-tournament will then advance to the intercontinental playoff, where teams from other confederations will vie for a coveted spot in the World Cup finals.

The final nine African teams that have already punched their tickets for the tournament are Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, South Africa, Ghana, Cape Verde, making it for the first time, the Ivory Coast and Senegal.

This initiative underscores Morocco’s rising profile as a premier hub for African football, as it is also set to host the African Cup of Nations in 2025 (AFCON) and the FIFA World Cup in 2030.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe lauded Morocco’s expanding influence in global football, highlighting the country’s “exceptional leadership and commitment to fostering football development across Africa.”

Morocco's Othmane Maamma pleased with U20 'historic feat'
by FSL News

Morocco’s Othmane Maamma pleased with U20 ‘historic feat’

Morocco's captain and coach spoke with FIFA following their historic height in the Chile by reaching the semi-finals after they defeated the USA 3-1 in the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

The Moroccans showcased their resilience, with Saad El Haddad creating an opportunity for captain Othmane Maamma, whose initial shot was saved. Quick-thinking Zahouani then scored the opener, securing the win.

“I’m satisfied with the team and pleased with our achievements,” said Maamma after receiving the Visa Player of the Match. “The credit goes to my teammates for a true team effort. Our mentality and fan support inspired us tonight.”

Cole Campbell equalised with a penalty just before halftime, but Morocco responded strongly in the second half. Yassir Zabiri’s shot deflected off Joshua Wynder, and Yassine scored the decisive goal.

“Thank God, all our hard work was rewarded,” remarked Ouahbi. “We have young players passionately fighting for our country.”

Morocco is set to face France in their first U-20 World Cup semi-final in 20 years.

“I hope we advance further,” Maamma said. “I believe we’ve made Morocco proud. Now we must focus on the semi-final.”

Ouahbi added, “An entire nation, along with a King, is behind them, providing tremendous motivation. We won’t stop here.”

Coach Mohamed Ouahbi was thrilled with his team’s performance as they advanced to the FIFA U-20 World Cup™ semi-finals for the first time in two decades, following their victory over the USA in Rancagua.

He remarked, “We knew we put in an excellent performance against a formidable team. We respected the USA but weren’t intimidated. We understood that playing our game and defending well would give us a chance.”

One of the smallest nations, Cape Verde book 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Impressive Cape Verde book first-ever FIFA World Cup ticket

Trailblazers - From the central Atlantic Ocean of West Africa to their inaugural appearance in a FIFA World Cup, Cape Verde has secured its place after a remarkable victory against Eswatini on Monday.

The Blue Sharks wrapped up their qualifying journey impressively with a decisive 3-0 victory against Eswatini, thanks to goals from Livramento, Willy Semedo, and seasoned player Stopira.

The island nation, with a population of approximately 525,000, is the second smallest country to ever qualify for a World Cup finals, following Iceland, which took part in the 2018 tournament.

Challenged by Cameroon throughout the qualifiers, the Blue Sharks made a bold statement to finish. Battling against strong winds in the first half, Bubista’s team finally found the breakthrough after the halftime interval: Dailon Livramento scored first from close range.

Willy Semedo extended the lead by scoring from close range after capitalizing on a rebound created by Ryan Mendes. The celebration was capped off in stoppage time when 37-year-old Stopira, who had come on late in the match, netted the third goal — a fitting tribute to the veteran’s journey, having first played for the national team in 2008.

Cabo Verde 3–0 Eswatini Goals: Livramento (48’), W. Semedo (55’), Stopira (90’)

Elsewhere In Group D, Mauritius and Libya played to a scoreless draw, with both teams already eliminated. Libya showcased more initiative but struggled against a strong defense, with Ezzeddin El Maremi nearly scoring a header and Husain Taqtaq hitting the post. Libya finished third in the group while Mauritius placed fifth.

Meanwhile, Cameroon drew with Angola, diminishing their chances of automatic qualification. Marc Brys’ team created significant chances, but Andre Onana made key saves, and Mabululo hit the woodwork twice. Cameroon now awaits results from other matches to see if they advance.