Category: Football Africa

South Africa revive qualifying hopes after win over Guinea
by Football Sierra Leone

South Africa revive qualifying hopes after win over Guinea

With a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Guinea in Kampala on Monday, South Africa resurrected their chances in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024.

Bafana Bafana’s first tournament win came from goals by Neo Maema and Thabiso Kutumela, therefore putting them off the bottom of Group C before the ensuing game between Uganda and Niger.

After a 1-1 draw with Algeria, South Africa hoped to win, starting the day at the bottom of the group while Guinea was mending from a 3-0 defeat to co-hosts Uganda.

Maema’s first goal of the competition came in the 10th minute with a left-footed shot into the bottom corner, assisted by Kutumela. Molefi Ntseki’s team deserved this goal; from the beginning, they pressured strongly to disrupt Guinea’s defense.

Guinea equalised in the 37th minute when Moussa Camara scored from Mohamed Bangoura I’s pass, sending momentum into halftime.

In the second half, South Africa took the lead with a 54th-minute goal from Kutumela, who finished a perfect cross from Wayde Jooste. Despite multiple attempts by Guinea, including close chances from Aboubacar Bangoura and Cheick Camara, they couldn’t find the net.

The final whistle marked a victory for South Africa, who showed improved discipline and effective counterattacks, with key contributions from substitutes Tebogo Tlolane and Harold Majadibodu.

Tanzania seal historic CHAN quarter-final spot with win over Madagascar
by FSL News

Tanzania seal historic CHAN quarter-final spot with victory over Madagascar

On Saturday at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, two goals from Clement Mzize in the first twenty minutes propelled Tanzania to a 2-1 triumph over Madagascar as they secured their first-ever CHAN quarterfinal appearance, as well as a flawless Group B performance.

Mzize scored in the 13th and 20th minutes; Madagascar’s Nantenaina Razafimahatana scored at 34 minutes. Madagascar pressured with several set pieces during the second half, but Tanzania held firm to win their third straight game.

Previously, Mauritania defeated the Central African Republic 1-0, which, together with Tanzania’s victory, guaranteed nine points for Tanzania at the summit of the group.

Mauritania now leads Burkina Faso and Madagascar, so the last matchday will determine the second qualifying position.

Madagascar needs to defeat Burkina Faso in their last match to advance, while Mauritania’s earlier victory keeps them in contention for second place.

Angola defeat Zambia and moved to second place in Group A
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Angola beat Zambia to keep Group A qualifying hopes alive

Coming off the bench to score twice in the last eleven minutes, substitute Kaporal led Angola to a remarkable comeback victory over Zambia, winning 2-1 and earning second place in Group A at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024.

This result revitalizes the Palancas Negras’ campaign, elevating their point total to four after three matches—three points behind leaders Kenya while Zambia stays at the bottom of the group without a point after two games.

Earlier that day, co-hosts Kenya defeated Morocco 1-0 at Nyayo National Stadium, hence bringing the team heading into the evening game really level.

Both teams battled to turn possession into obvious scoring chances during a careful opening 45 minutes.Kelvin Kampamba of Zambia threatened early, forcing Angola’s goalkeeper, Neblú, to make two saves within the opening minute, while Andenson Cruz and Vidinho saw their attempts barely miss the mark.

Dominic Chanda fired Zambia into the lead in the 73rd minute by taking advantage of a loose ball in the area following a setpiece.Following a subpar 31 defeat to DR Congo in their opener, this seemed to fuel the Chipolopolo’s hopes for recovery as well as their first goal of the tournament.

A decision that would prove to be quite successful, Pedro Gonçalves rapidly called on Kaporal to lend urgency to Angola’s attack.Kaporal calmly finished a Gogoró pass in the 79th minute to level for Angola.Just seven minutes later, he hit again, fast reacting in a busy box to smash home the game winning goal.

Shocked by the abrupt reversal, Zambia pressed on in search of an equaliser but was met with stubborn Angolan defence and erratic concluding.In the 76th minute, Chanda’s stoppagetime header failed to threaten Neblú; Jackson Kampamba shot wild from close range.

Angola’s win not only keeps their hopes alive in the tournament but also dramatically reshapes the landscape of Group A.

Updated Group A standings after today’s matches:

  1. Kenya – 7 points (3 matches)
  2. Angola – 4 points (3 matches)
  3. Morocco – 3 points (2 matches)
  4. DR Congo – 3 points (2 matches)
  5. Zambia – 0 points (2 matches)

With two games remaining for most sides, Angola are now in a strong position to push for a quarter-final berth, while Zambia must win both of their remaining matches to stand any chance of progressing.

Algeria and South Africa share CHAN Group C spoils
by FSL News

Algeria and South Africa share CHAN Group C spoils

Algeria’s streak of successive wins at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) came to an end as South Africa mounted a comeback to claim a 1-1 draw in their Group C game in Kampala on Friday.

Driven by a remarkable 30 victory against cohosts Uganda in their opening match, the Fennecs took the lead with Abdennour Belhocini’s controlled shot just before the half-hour mark.

Thabiso Kutumela’s clinical finish right before halftime, however, guaranteed that Molefi Ntseki’s team would leave with a point in their opening game.

With two games under their belts, Algeria still holds a quarterfinal position firmly within sight, while South Africa begins their campaign with a good outcome against one of the favourites of the tournament

Seeking back-to-back victories and extending their eight-match undefeated group stage record at CHAN, Algeria started the game feeling quite sure.

With Aimen Mahious’s deft cross, Abderrahmane Meziane forced an early save from South African goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu in the first minutes. They pushed high.

In the 29th minute, Belhocini seized a loose ball outside the box and curled a left-footed shot into the bottom right corner, catching Xulu off guard and sparking celebration among Algerian fans.

Despite making their competition debut in eleven years, South Africa refused to be intimidated. Although they struggled for much of the first half, they equalised just before halftime when Kutumela tapped in a pass from Menzi Masuku and Neo Maema in the 45th minute, boosting Bafana Bafana’s spirits.

Algeria, with four points from two games, remain in control of their qualification fate and will face Niger in their final group match. A win would guarantee progression to the quarter-finals.

South Africa will now turn their attention to Uganda, knowing that victory could put them on the brink of a knockout place.\

The result also keeps Group C wide open, with all four teams still mathematically in contention.

Man of the Match: Malibongwe Khoza
Man of the Match: Malibongwe Khoza
Kenyan and Angola play to a goalless draw in Group A
by FSL News

Kenya and Angola play to a goalless draw in Group A

In a thrilling Group A game at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 in Nairobi, Ten-man Kenya demonstrated great determination to earn an 1-1 draw against Angola.

Though Marvin Nabwire was dismissed with a red card in the 21st minute while playing before a passionate crowd at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kenya nevertheless remained undefeated in the competition.

Early with a goal from Jó Paciência, Angola took the lead, then Austin Odhiambo’s 12th-minute penalty leveled the score.

Kenya concentrated on strong defense even while a player down, assisted by crucial saves from goalkeeper Byrne Omondi.

Angola believed they had secured a late victory until Kaporal scored in stoppage time, but the goal was denied for offside.

With four points, Kenya leads Group A ahead of Morocco and DR Congo, who both have three points.Angola need to prevail against DR Congo in their final match if they have any chance of moving forward.

This outcome strengthens Kenya’s conviction even further as they go for a historic quarter-final position with a favorable outcome against Morocco.

Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey joins Spanish side Villarreal CF
by FSL News

Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey joins Spanish side Villarreal CF

Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey has officially inked for the 2025-26 campaign at Villarreal CF. The former Arsenal man will report for duty starting Friday at Ciudad Deportiva.

“Hailing from Odumase Krobo and born on June 13, 1993, Thomas Teye Partey is a very flexible midfielder noted for his long-range ability and outstanding physical fitness,” the Spanish side wrote.

He is good at reclaiming possession and starting plays from deep in the field. Partey contributes useful qualities to the squad with a strong midrange shot and the capacity to penetrate defensive lines.

With over 50 caps for his national team, the experienced Ghanaian has once played for clubs including Arsenal FC, Atlético de Madrid, UD Almería, and RCD Mallorca. During his time with Arsenal, he won the FA Super Cup in the 2023/24 season; with Atlético de Madrid, he triumphed in the league (2020/21), the European Super Cup (2018/19), and the Europa League (2017/18).

Furthermore, the club recognises that the player is now going through legal procedures in England.

Partey vigorously affirms his purity and rejects all accusations against him. Villarreal CF honours the basic presumption of innocence and is waiting for the court’s decision to clear up the problems at stake.

Because of British rules governing pending cases, the club will withhold further comment on this matter, emphasising its great respect for diversity and the condemnation of all kinds of violence, including gender-based, discriminatory, racial, and xenophobic activities, as well as anything that lowers human dignity.

Villarreal CF underlines its uncompromising dedication.

Guinea ready for co-hosts Uganda African Nations Championship cracker
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea ready for co-hosts Uganda African Nations Championship cracker

In a Group C match in Kampala on Friday, Guinea and Uganda will face one another for the first time in the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Uganda, having lost their opening game to Algeria 3-0, must rally for a positive result against the local Syli National on Friday. A win for Guinea will almost ensure they reach the tournament knockout stages after their 1-0 win over Niger in the opener.

Guinea will play their 17th CHAN game and their 15th different opponent. Losing to Morocco in 2018 and then defeating Cameroon in the 2020 third-place playoff, they have previously played tournament hosts twice.

For Guinea, this game also marks their fourth against East African opponents. Among their earlier accomplishments are a 1-0 victory over Rwanda in the 2020 quarterfinals, a 2-2 tie with Tanzania in the group stage same year, and a 10 defeat against Sudan in 2018.

Uganda is playing a West African side for the seventh time. They have defeated Senegal in 2022 and Burkina Faso in 2014. In their most recent games, they have lost to Togo and Côte d’Ivoire and drawn with Mali and Côte d’Ivoire.

East End Lions and Bhantal FC to know continental opponent on Saturday
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

East End Lions and Bhantal FC to know continental opponents on Saturday

Sierra Leone’s East End Lions and Bhantal FC will learn their CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup rivals during the Preliminary Draw in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

One of Sierra Leone’s most decorated clubs, East End Lions, is not a stranger to inter-club competition, but Bhantal will be making their debut on the continental stage after two season of gaining promotion to the top-flight.

The draw is set for Saturday, August 9, at 1:00 p.m. local time (10:00 a.m. GMT) and will be streamed live on CAF’s YouTube channel.

“From our first steps in the Sierra Leone Premier League to securing a coveted spot in the CAF Inter Clubs Competitions, the journey of Bhantal FC is nothing short of inspirational,” Bhantal FC noted.

This occasion ushers in what promises to be another thrilling season of Africa’s top club tournaments—the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup.

The Preliminary Round is scheduled to kick off on 19 September 2025, followed by the Second Preliminary Round starting on 17 October 2025.

The Group Stage of both the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup will begin on 21 November 2025, with the knockout phase set to commence on 13 March 2026.

Continuing the success of prior draws conducted in television studios, CAF’s strategic partner in the area, Azam Media, will host the Draw in its facilities.

Along Canal+, CAF has held draws at SuperSport and beIN Sports studios, two of the important allies in advancing the growth of interclub events.

East Africa is still showing strong increases in the total viewership for both the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup and the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

Cyriel Dessers nets Rangers UEFA Champions League triumph
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cyriel Dessers nets in Rangers UEFA Champions League triumph

In the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, Scottish powerhouse Rangers quickly dispatched Viktoria Plzen and Nigerian forward Cyriel Dessers was on the score sheet at Ibrox Stadium.

With a great finish in only 15 minutes at the Ibrox Stadium on Tuesday, France Youth international Djeidi Hamara Gassama fired Rangers ahead.

Dessers placed Gassama in Viktoria’s penalty area, and the 21-year-old winger curled in exquisitely to defeat Florian Wiegele, the visiting goalie.

In the 42nd minute, after Lukáš Hejda of Rangers was knocked down in the box, Cyriel Dessers doubled the advantage from the penalty spot without hesitation.

Viktoria had difficulty saying the Teddy Bears in the second part of the game, which brought pain in her side.

In the 51st minute, Rangers finished the game when Oliver Antman swept in a lovely cross for the unmarked Djeidi Gassama to head in from close range.

With the return leg in the Czech Republic on Tuesday, August 12, Rangers’ 30 triumph over Viktoria Plzen pulls them closer to the group stage of the UEFA Champions League.

Defending Champions Senegal beat Nigeria in Group D Opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Defending Champions Senegal beat Nigeria in Group D Opener

Beginning their title defence in the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024, defending champions Senegal narrowly defeated Nigeria 1-0 at Amaan Stadium on Tuesday.

After a fast counterattack in the 75th minute, Christian Gomis scored the winning goal and delighted the Senegalese supporters.

Though Nigeria pushed hard, with Nduka Junior and Raymond Tochukwu getting early yellow cards, the game showed a tense first half with few chances.

Marc Diouf, the goalie for Senegal, made critical saves while both sides battled to capitalise on chances.

Nigeria pressed for an equaliser in the second half, but Senegal’s defence, spearheaded by Seyni Ndiaye and Joseph Layousse, held firm despite Nigeria’s late attacks, including a near miss from Vincent Temitope.

Coach Souleymane Diallo of Senegal claimed his players felt no pressure in defending their title, a sentiment reflected in their excellent showing.

Senegal leads Group D with this victory; Nigeria hopes to rebound in their next games.