Category: Football Africa

Sierra Leone-born Jocelyn Janneh named in Guinea's World Cup qualifers squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone-born Jocelyn Janneh receives first call-up from Guinea

Jocelyn Janneh from Sporting Club di Bastia and two new names expected to make the International debut for Guinea October 9, followed by Botswana in Casablanca on October 14.

Jocelyn Janneh from SC Bastia and two new names are expected to make their International debut for Guinea on October 9, followed by Botswana in Casablanca on October 14.

Head coach Paulo Duarte has called up 25 players to face Mozambique in Maputo on October 9, followed by Botswana in Casablanca on October 14.

The two matches are the final rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as he retained a strong core with familiar faces such as Serhou Guirassy, Mouctar Diakhaby, Morlaye Sylla, and Issiaga Sylla.

The Guineans are fourth in Group G on 11 points and are hoping to win these last two matches in the hope of finishing among the four best second-placed teams in the different groups to play in the play-offs.

Head coach Paulo Duarte has called up 25 players to face Mozambique in Maputo on October 9, followed by Botswana in Casablanca on October 14.
Head coach Paulo Duarte has called up 25 players to face Mozambique in Maputo on October 9, followed by Botswana in Casablanca on October 14.
Algerian star trains after joining Brazilian outfit Santos FC
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Algerian star Billal Brahimi trains after joining Brazilian outfit Santos

Algerian international Billal Brahimi has completed his first training session with Santos FC, one of Brazil's most renowned football clubs.

The talented winger has made the move to Santos after inking a contract that will run until the end of 2026, marking his first venture outside of Europe.

This transfer comes on the heels of Brahimi mutually terminating his contract with French Ligue 1 club OGC Nice on September 1, which allowed him to become a free agent.

Having previously played for clubs such as Middlesbrough, Brest, Sint-Truiden, Le Mans, and Angers, Brahimi has now found a new chapter in Brazil, where he will team up with Santos superstar Neymar.

“The addition of Brahimi brings international experience to Santos for the 2025 season,” read a club statement.

At the age of 25, the French-born, naturalised Algerian joins Peixão after his tenure with Nice, in France.

While born in France, Brahimi holds both French and Algerian nationalities and represented the French under-19 national team in 2018.

In May 2022, he received a call-up to the Algeria national team for two qualifying matches for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations against Uganda and Tanzania.

African champions Pyramids win first FIFA Intercontinental Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

African champions Pyramids win first FIFA Intercontinental Cup

African champions Pyramids FC of Egypt secured their inaugural title in a FIFA tournament with a decisive 3-1 win over Al Ahli from Saudi Arabia at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on Tuesday night.

In an impressive display of African club football, Fiston Mayele’s hat-trick led Pyramids to victory in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup, keeping them on track for the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

The Cairo team, fresh off their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League win, defeated Auckland City 3-0 to reach this event.

Despite Al Ahli’s strong challenge and a supportive crowd in Jeddah, Pyramids controlled the key moments. Mayele opened the scoring in the 21st minute, but Al Ahli equalised just before halftime with a penalty from Ivan Toney.

Pyramids regrouped after the break, and Mayele scored again in the 71st minute before completing his hat-trick just four minutes later, securing the cup for the African champions.

The DR Congo forward’s finishing was crucial as Pyramids advanced to the FIFA Challenger Cup with a victory on December 13.

They will face the winner of the FIFA Derby of the Americas between Cruz Azul and the CONMEBOL Libertadores champions. The Challenger Cup winner will then meet UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in the Intercontinental Cup final on December 17.

This victory is historic for Pyramids and African club football, marking a continental champion’s opportunity to win a FIFA trophy and compete for a global title.

A Fiston Mayele hatrick helped Pyramids defeat Saudi's Al-Ahli in the FIFA African–Asian–Pacific Cup
A Fiston Mayele hatrick helped Pyramids defeat Saudi's Al-Ahli in the FIFA African–Asian–Pacific Cup
Bhantal coach Ibrahim Sillah eyes CAF Confederation win over Hafia
by Football Sierra Leone

Bhantal coach Ibrahim Sillah eyes CAF Confederation Cup win over Hafia

Bhantal FC head coach Ibrahim Sillah is feeling optimistic as his team gears up for their first leg in the CAF Confederation Cup against the former African powerhouse Hafia of Guinea.

Bhantal FC head coach Ibrahim Sillah is feeling optimistic as his team gears up for their first leg in the CAF Confederation Cup against the former African powerhouse Hafia of Guinea.

The CAF License A tactician is poised to lead the team in its inaugural participation in the CAF Confederation Cup for the 2025/26 season. Sillah brings lots of extensive expertise to the club he joined a few weeks ago.

The Sierra Leonean club will host the Guinean side this Saturday at the Southern Arena for the first leg of the preliminary round. Coach Sillah recognises the challenges of competing at this level of continental football.

“First of all, I want to highlight our team’s chances against Hafia. It’s important to acknowledge that Hafia is a three-time winner of the African Cup of Champions Clubs, now known as the CAF Champions League, as well as a one-time champion of the UFOA Cup. We need to respect their history,” the CAF A License coach stated.

Although we are making our debut in this competition after just two seasons in the Sierra Leone Premier League, I believe we are strong contenders. This is our chance to create our own legacy by winning the first leg at home. We need to come out on top, and I have faith that we can do just that on Saturday.”

In Port Loko, we prepared by playing three friendlies against Port Loko All Stars and Waterloo FC, winning both matches and drawing 1-1 with the champions, East End Lions.

Meanwhile, the 16-time Guinean champions Hafia have arrived in Bo, the second largest city in Sierra Leone by population (after Freetown) and the largest city in the Southern Province.

The two teams will compete again next week in the return match in the ivorian capital. The winner from both matches will play against the Algerian team CR Belouizdad in the second round of the preliminaries.

The 16-time Guinean champions Hafia have arrived in Bo
The 16-time Guinean champions Hafia have arrived in Bo
Sierra Leone clubs to benefit from new FIFA Programme
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone clubs to benefit from new FIFA Programme

For the first time, the program will directly reward all clubs that release players for the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Sierra Leone Premier League clubs will benefit from this initiative launched by the world governing body.

For the first time, the program will directly reward all clubs that release players for the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Sierra Leone Premier League clubs will benefit from this initiative launched by the world governing body.

A total of USD 355 million has been allocated for club football, representing a nearly 70% increase compared to the previous edition. This funding is part of the renewed memorandum of understanding between FIFA and the European Club Association.

More clubs than ever are set to benefit from the FIFA World Cup™, as FIFA gears up to implement an enhanced edition of the FIFA Club Benefits Programme (CBP) for the 2026 edition of its flagship men’s competition.

As per the renewed memorandum of understanding signed by FIFA and the European Club Association (ECA) in March 2023, clubs who release players for the FIFA World Cup 26™ will benefit from USD 355 million overall.

For the first time since its inception, the CBP distribution principles have been adjusted to now allow every club whose players directly feature either in the FIFA World Cup 26™ qualifiers or the final tournament to receive a share of the solidarity fund.  

This new approach means that any club that releases a player for a FIFA World Cup 26 qualifier will now be directly compensated for said release, irrespective of whether the player plays at the final tournament, an additional step to increase solidarity aimed at providing a fairer and more inclusive redistribution across global club football.

Cameroon's Andre Onana named man of the Match after debut
by Football Sierra Leone

Cameroon’s Andre Onana named Man of the Match after debut

Cameroon International keeper Andre Onana made his first appearance for Turkish club Trabzonspor after completing his loan transfer from Manchester United for the 2025/26 season.

Onana was chosen to start in goal against Fenerbahce by head coach Fatih Tekke during their Turkish Super Lig match on Sunday.

Unfortunately, Trabzonspor experienced their initial defeat of the season, with their new loan player responsible for the only goal in a 1-0 loss.

The goalkeeper managed to touch a low shot from just inside the area but failed to maintain possession of the ball, which did not seem to be heading on target.

Fenerbahce player Sebastian Szymanski reacted quickly to the loose ball and passed it to Youssef En-Nesyri, who scored easily from close range.

Trabzonspor, who were reduced to ten players following a red card for Okay Yokuslu, concluded the match with a two-game winless streak.

Despite the blunder and the loss, Onana put in a solid performance throughout the match.

The 29-year-old recorded eight saves for Trabzonspor against 29 shots directed at him from Fenerbahce.

Even with his mistake, he earned the title of player of the match. Trabzonspor will be hopeful that Onana can build on his performance from the weekend when he makes his home debut next weekend against Gaziantep.

Morocco's Fouzi Lekjaa reiterates readiness to host Africa Cup of Nations
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa reiterates readiness to host Africa Cup of Nations

President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa, has reiterated Morocco's readiness to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) later this year.

In a beIN Sports interview, he stated that the country’s preparations stem from years of planning and investment, rather than hurried efforts at the last minute.

He acknowledged the vision of King Mohammed VI, whose reforms over the past twenty years have focused on developing world-class sports infrastructure and cultivating football talent across the nation. “Thanks to His Majesty’s long-term vision, Morocco is poised to deliver a benchmark event that will set a high standard for future AFCON tournaments,” Lekjaa remarked.

The 2025 AFCON, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, will take place across six cities in Morocco, each featuring newly constructed or completely renovated stadiums that rank among the most modern in Africa.

In addition to state-of-the-art venues, the country has bolstered its logistics, security, and hospitality services to meet global expectations.

Lekjaa emphasised that Morocco envisions this tournament as more than just a sporting event, viewing it as a celebration of African unity and solidarity. He noted, “This isn’t just about football; it’s a chance to showcase brotherhood across Africa.”

The North African country aims to combine its excellent infrastructure and hospitality to elevate continental competitions. For Lekjaa, the 2025 AFCON will highlight Morocco’s growing status as a global sports destination and honour the traditions that make the tournament a beloved African event.

Pyramids FC Advance after win defeating Auckland City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pyramids Advance after defeating Auckland City in Intercontinental Cup

Pyramids FC has progressed to the next round of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup after a decisive 3-0 win over Auckland City in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup Play-off.

Goals from Walid El Karti, Marwan Hamdy, and Mostafa Ziko were pivotal at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, as the dominant African champions triumphed over the tough challenge posed by their Oceania rivals.

Pyramids will now advance to compete against Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli, the champions of the AFC Champions League Elite, in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup – and are only two matches away from a chance at the Intercontinental Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain.

The Egyptians continued to press the visitors’ goal and thought they had scored again just before the half-hour mark. However, Mohamed Hamdy’s strong header was correctly ruled out for offside.

Auckland’s best chance came on a counter-attack. Dylan Manickum was clear on goal but missed wide, wasting a great opportunity for a surprise equaliser in the second half.

However, Marwan Hamdy ended any hopes for Auckland by scoring 16 minutes from time with a powerful header from close range.

Substitute Ziko then added a third goal, taking advantage of the tiring Auckland defence and curling a great shot inside the far post.

Al Ahli now waits for Pyramids. The winner of that match will face either Mexico’s Cruz Azul, the Concacaf Champions Cup winners, or the yet-to-be-determined CONMEBOL Libertadores champions.

Whichever team wins from that FIFA Challenger Cup match will go on to compete for the Intercontinental Cup against PSG, the champions of Europe.

Pyramids’ goal: Walid El Karti (14), Marwan Hamdy (74), Mostafa Ziko (85)

Sierra Leone U17 in Group B against Senegal, Mauritania and Guinea
by Football Sierra Leone

U17 qualifiers: Sierra Leone to meet Senegal, Mauritania and Guinea in Group B

Sierra Leone has been drawn into Group B for the upcoming WAFU-A Zonal Tournament, which serves as the qualifying competition for the prestigious 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (U-17) football championship.

In this competitive group, Sierra Leone will face off against formidable opponents, including Senegal, Mauritania, and Guinea, in Group B.

Group A includes Mali, Liberia, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau, competing to qualify for the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, with the top teams advancing to the tournament.

The tournament is set to take place from October 3 to October 18, 2025. Matches will be held at three key venues in Mali, which include: Stade Mamadou Konaté in Bamako, renowned for its modern facilities and capacity to host large crowds.

Stade Ouezzin Coulibaly, also located in Bamako, is known for its vibrant atmosphere during local and international matches.

Stade Mamadou Diarra H in Koulikoro, which offers a unique setting for both players and fans alike.

This tournament is crucial for these young athletes, as their performance could secure a spot in the continental competition, showcasing their talent on a larger stage and providing valuable experience in international football.

Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho nets on Celtic debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho nets on Celtic debut

Debutant Kelechi Iheanacho scored for Celtic as they defeated Kilmarnock at Rugby Park 2-1 on Sunday in added time.

Iheanacho, who signed with Celtic on a one-year contract that includes an option for an additional year, earlier this month, has opened his account.

Celtic had the first chance early in the match when Liam Scales received a corner-kick but couldn’t hit the target.

They dominated possession for the first 20 minutes, holding nearly 80 per cent of the ball, but struggled to create clear chances as Kilmarnock defended deep.
Sebastian Tounekti made an impressive debut on the left wing for Celtic. After 30 minutes, he attempted a lob over the Kilmarnock goalkeeper but missed. He later set up Benjamin Nygren, who failed to score, while Cameron Carter-Vickers forced a save from Max Stryjek with a long shot.

Kilmarnock nearly scored early in the second half, but David Watson missed a free-kick opportunity. Celtic took the lead when Daizen Maeda scored a diving header from a Marcelo Saracchi cross. Ten minutes later, Nygren’s shot was blocked.

With 20 minutes left, Kelechi Iheanacho made his debut, replacing Maeda. Though Celtic created chances, they couldn’t add to their lead. Kilmarnock equalised with a header from Watson off a corner with under 10 minutes remaining.

In a dramatic finish, Celtic was awarded a penalty after a VAR handball check. Iheanacho scored with the last kick of the game, securing a 2-1 win and maintaining Celtic’s unbeaten start to the Premiership season.