Category: Football Africa

Senegal's Iliman Ndiaye open new season's account in win over Brighton
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegal’s Iliman Ndiaye open new season’s account in win over Brighton

Everton kicked off their Premier League campaign at their impressive new stadium along the River Mersey with their first 2-0 win of the season against Brighton.  

Jack Grealish made his first start since his loan transfer from Manchester City and shone on a historic day for Everton by playing a crucial role in the goals that led David Moyes’ team to secure three points.  

Grealish delivered a driven cross that was converted by Iliman Ndiaye after 23 minutes, a challenging close-range effort that he made look effortless.  

The goal was wildly celebrated by Everton supporters in their new venue, with Ndiaye becoming the player to score their final Premier League goal at Goodison Park and their inaugural one at Hill Dickinson Stadium.  

Grealish then set up James Garner, who scored a stunning goal from 25 yards just seven minutes into the second half.  

Brighton will believe they were to blame for their own misfortune, having squandered several chances in the first half, with Danny Welbeck failing to convert from six yards and both Kaoru Mitoma and Jan Paul van Hecke hitting the woodwork.  

The visitors missed another chance to get back into the match in the 74th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall handled Yankuba Minteh’s shot, but Jordan Pickford dove to his left to save Welbeck’s penalty kick.

Brighton cannot rally back into the game after Danny Welbeck chance to reduce the scoreline as the game ended 2-0 in favour of the home team.

Sudan advance to CHAN semis after penalty shootout victory over Algeria
by Football Sierra Leone

Sudan advance to CHAN semis after penalty shootout victory over Algeria

Sudan continued their impressive journey in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 with a stunning quarter-final win over Algeria in Zanzibar.

The match ended 1-1, with Sudan triumphing 4-2 in penalties, showcasing their discipline, tactical pragmatism, and unwavering belief, according to CAF Technical Study Group member Michael Amenga Okoth.

Despite Algeria entering as heavy favorites, Sudan’s strategy involved selective pressing and compact defensive organization, which led to an own goal early in the second half after Musa Hussien’s shot was parried.

Amenga emphasized that this reflected a clear tactical plan from coach Kwesi Appiah, as Sudan focused on resilience over possession.

Even after Algeria equalized through Soufiane Bayazid, Sudan’s defense remained steadfast, expertly blocking central access and maintaining composure under pressure. When the match went to penalties, goalkeeper Mohamed ‘Abooja’ Alnour Adam Saeed saved two spot-kicks, helping Sudan advance to the semi-finals.

Sudan’s impressive physical conditioning allowed them to compete fiercely for 120 minutes, and their disciplined midfield play was crucial in thwarting Algeria’s attempts to dominate. The players’ emotional drive, fueled by their challenging circumstances back home, added an extra layer of motivation, leading to their unforgettable semi-final matchup against Madagascar.

Defending champions Senegal beat Uganda to reach CHAN semis
by FSL News

Defending champions Senegal beat Uganda to reach CHAN semis

Defending champions Senegal overcame co-hosts Uganda 1-0 in the quarter-final match of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.

Oumar Ba scored the decisive goal shortly after the 60-minute mark, showcasing Senegal’s tournament experience against a passionate crowd of over 35,000.

The goal came from a cross by Libasse Guèye that found Ba at the far post, allowing him to place a low shot past goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa.

While Uganda fought valiantly, becoming the first team to reach the knockout rounds, they struggled to convert opportunities. Allan Okello had a powerful shot saved, and Gavin Kizito just missed with a header.

Senegal’s strong defense, led by goalkeeper Marc Diouf and central defenders Seyni Ndiaye and Joseph Layousse, held firm against Uganda’s advances. Despite Uganda having more shots, they lacked the composure shown by Senegal.

The match marked a historic achievement for Uganda, who had never reached this stage before and finished first in their group. Coach Morley Byekwaso emphasised the team would learn and return stronger. Defensive masterclass! Ndiaye’s commanding display earns him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award.

Senegal will face Madagascar in the semi-finals, while Uganda’s journey in CHAN 2024 lays the groundwork for future success.

Burkina Faso's Dango Ouattara's nets debut goal for Brentford
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkina Faso’s Dango Ouattara nets debut goal for Brentford

Burkina Faso’s Dango Ouattara scored on his debut for Brentford a their 1-0 victory over Aston Villa in their first home match of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

The 23-year-old’s 12th-minute finish was the difference as Keith Andrews’ team celebrated their first win at Gtech Community Stadium. Ouattara started just a week after signing, alongside Jordan Henderson, who also made his full debut.

In a tribute to former club chair Dan Tana, the Bees observed a minute’s applause before kick-off, wearing black armbands.

Damsgaard had the first chance of the match early on, but his effort went wide. Brentford took the lead through Ouattara, who scored after a rebound from an initial save by Emiliano Martínez.

Brentford’s Kayode made significant contributions with long throws, leading to a blocked attempt by Henderson. Aston Villa’s first chances came from set-pieces, with Schade and Kelleher making key saves. Damsgaard’s volley was ruled out by VAR for a foul.

Late in the first half, Ollie Watkins’ shot was also blocked, and Kayode’s challenge prevented Villa from equalizing early in the second half. Onana’s shot was blocked after Watkins set him up, and Thiago missed the chance to extend the lead with a wide shot in the final minutes.

In the second half, Kayode again played a crucial role, blocking a shot from Onana after a setup from Watkins. Thiago had another opportunity to score but also shot wide in the closing moments.

Morocco advance after win over Tanzania in CHAN quarter-final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco advance after win over Tanzania in CHAN quarter-final

Morocco defeated Tanzania 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024, ending Tanzania’s remarkable tournament run.

The match, held at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, saw Oussama Lamlaoui score the sole goal in the 65th minute, assisted by Youssef Belammari.

The game was tightly contested, with Tanzania creating chances through Clement Mzize and Feisal Salum, but Morocco’s goalkeeper, El Mehdi Al Harrar, made crucial saves. As the match progressed, Morocco began to take control, with Lamlaoui being a constant threat.

Despite trailing, Tanzania continued to press for an equalizer, with Mzize nearly scoring with a header and substitute Nassor Saadun missing a late opportunity. Morocco’s defense, led by Mohamed Moufid and Mehdi Mchakhchekh, held firm to secure the win.

This victory marks Morocco’s seventh consecutive win in CHAN knockout rounds since 2014. Though their tournament ends at this stage, Tanzania can take pride in their achievement of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time, boasting the best defensive record and showcasing the potential of East African football.

Morocco now looks forward to the semi-finals in pursuit of their third title.

Egyptian winger Frank Aziz pens deal with Portuguese side
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egyptian winger Frank Aziz pens deal with Portuguese side

Frank Aziz has signed with the U23 team of Estoril Praia after being recognised as a leading talent in the MLS NEXT youth league.

The American-Egyptian winger, whose full name is Frank Fady Victor Nemr Aziz, has joined the Portuguese club on a four-year contract that lasts until June 2029. He will don the number 88 jersey.

Arriving in Portugal from Strikers FC, a club based in Southern California that participates in the MLS NEXT youth league, he honed his skills and attracted the interest of Estoril’s scouts.

Aziz is adept at playing on either wing and is naturally two-footed; he is approximately 1.73m tall and is known for his speed and adaptability in the attacking role.

Frank Aziz expressed his excitement upon joining Estoril Praia, stating, “I am thankful to have signed with a top-level team in Portugal and am ready to give my all.”

Born in Egypt, Aziz lived there until age seven before moving to the U.S., where he developed his talents. He holds dual citizenship, making him eligible for the Egyptian national team in the future.

Ethiopia's Mesay Teferi names 26 for Egypt and Sierra Leone
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ethiopia’s Mesay Teferi names 26 for Egypt and Sierra Leone

In readiness for the next World Cup qualifying games against Egypt and Sierra Leone, Ethiopia’s national football team coach, Mesay Teferi, has revealed the call-up of 26 players.

Since Ethiopia has had difficulty holding home games due to poor stadium amenities, the squad will play its home qualifiers in neutral sites like Morocco; therefore, these matches will be vital.

The squad will be aiming to secure valuable points as they face Group A leaders Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium on September 4th, followed by a match against Sierra Leone on September 8th.

Currently, Ethiopia is in fourth place in its group with six points, trailing Sierra Leone by two points.

They drew with Sierra Leone in the qualfiers opener at the Ben M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium, El Jadida but suffered a 2-0 to defeat at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca in March 2025 to Egypt in their fist meeting.

The upcoming matches represent a significant opportunity for Ethiopia to improve their standing in the qualifiers.

Ethiopia's Mesay Teferi names 26-man squad for Egypt and Sierra Leone
Ethiopia's Mesay Teferi names 26-man squad for Egypt and Sierra Leone
Ivorian Eric Bailly agrees with the Spanish La Liga side Real Oviedo
by Football Sierra Leone

Ivorian Eric Bailly agrees with the Spanish La Liga side Real Oviedo

On Monday, Real Oviedo confirmed that they are hiring Ivorian Éric Bailly on a two-year deal expiring in June 2027. The 31-year-old central defender joined the club on a free transfer upon the completion of his Villarreal agreement.

Bailly’s move to Real Oviedo comes after a failed endeavour to join the Saudi Premier League, the Al Najma Sports Club. Having made twelve appearances during the 2024–25 season, his Villarreal contract was terminated, and he became free.

Beginning at Espanyol, Bailly has played for a few European teams, including Villarreal and subsequently Manchester United, over his career.

He had his longest stint at Manchester United and served on loan at French Ligue 1 team Olympique de Marseille (OM) before joining Turkish club Besiktas. The seasoned defender returned to Villarreal subsequently.

Having 49 international caps for the Ivory Coast, Bailly’s most recent showing was a loss against Sierra Leone during the qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in October 2024.

East Africa CHAN co-hosts reach quarter-finals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

East Africa CHAN co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda reach quarter-finals

Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda have all reached the quarterfinals for the first time in a CAF competition, thereby enjoying their home advantage and the ambition that comes with it in East Africa.

Excited supporters all over the continent, this accomplishment, cohosts of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN)

With three countries co-hosting the competition for the first time and all three having advanced to the final eight, CHAN this year is historic.

Uganda had never advanced beyond the group stage in prior competitions; Tanzania had tripped twice; Kenya was making its first appearance.

With strong home support, though, they have built fresh legacies together.

First in Group A, Kenya, tournament newcomers, shocked everyone. Their crucial moment came at Kasarani Stadium when Ryan Ogam scored a goal in the 75th minute, resulting in a 10 victory over Zambia.

That victory moved Kenya to 10 points overall, ahead of Morocco, the 2020 champions. Their powerful defence and efficient scoring drew huge crowds, fostering an electrifying environment. In Nairobi for their quarterfinal on Friday, Kenya will play Madagascar—a game projected to be competitive.

Ten points allowed Tanzania to top Group B, winning three of four games. The quarterfinal match against Morocco is planned for Dar es Salaam.

Having struggled in earlier competitions, Uganda made a breakthrough by making the quarterfinals for the first time. After a critical 33 draw against South Africa, they came in first in Group C.

Cohosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, this year’s CHAN is historically unique and has generated great local enthusiasm. All three host countries still have chances in the tournament; therefore, bright quarterfinal games are expected.

Quarter-Final Fixtures

Friday, 22 August 2025

  • 17:00 – Kenya v Madagascar (Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, Nairobi)
  • 20:00 – Tanzania v Morocco (Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam)

Saturday, 23 August 2025

  • 17:00 – Winners Group D v Algeria (Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar)
  • 20:00 – Uganda v Runners-up Group D (Mandela National Stadium, Kampala)
Suspect arrested after alleged racially abuse Ghanaian Antoine Semenyo
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Suspect arrested after alleged ‘racially abused’ Ghanaian Antoine Semenyo

A man was removed from Anfield after he reportedly racially abused Bournemouth player Antoine Semenyo during the first Premier League game of the season against Liverpool.

The Ghanaian International claimed that a spectator made unacceptable remarks in the 29th minute of the match, leading to the man being ejected.

Merseyside Police confirmed that they arrested a 47-year-old man from Liverpool on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. He is in custody and will be questioned.

Semenyo, who scored two goals in the match, expressed that the overwhelming support reminded him why he loves football. He wrote, “Last night at Anfield will stay with me forever… Football showed its best side when it mattered most … we keep moving forward, together.”

Following an incident, an anti-discrimination message was read, and police visited the referee’s room. The man involved was identified and removed from the ground, with an investigation underway.

Chief Inspector Kev Chatterton emphasised that Merseyside Police will not tolerate hate crime and urged reporting any racism. A Liverpool spokesperson condemned racism, stating it has no place in society or football.

Despite Bournemouth’s efforts, including Semenyo’s two goals in the second half, Liverpool won 4-2. Bournemouth captain Adam Smith condemned the incident and praised Semenyo’s character while expressing his anger over the situation.