Category: Football Africa

Two mouth-watering Women's AFCON semi-final ties
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Two mouth-watering Women’s AFCON semi-final ties

Two mouth-watering semi-final ties are in the menu at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Tuesday.

First, nine-times winners Nigeria will have some titanic battle for the ages against champions South Africa in Casablanca at 16:00 GMT.

And in Rabat, the hosts, Morocco, take on the lowest-ranked side left, Ghana, at 19:00.

Now we still have the prospect of a repeat of the 2022 final when Banyana Banyana defeated the Atlas Lionesses 2-1, once again in the capital, on Saturday evening.

Form and fancy would suggest joining Nigeria and Morocco together. However, an all-West African encounter could also inject an extra dimension to a tournament that has not lacked compelling narratives.

Morocco and Ghana have yet to win the championship, which the Confederation of African Football has doubled to $1m for the victors and introduced a new trophy.

The tournament hosts are now on course to reach the final for a second consecutive time, having cruised to a 3-1 win over Mali.

Yet another passionate home crowd of the 21,000-capacity Olympic Stadium is anticipated in the capital to back the Atlas Lionesses.

“The public who have come to the stadium have encouraged us from the outset,” coach Jorge Vilda said.

It’s been that way, and hopefully it’s the same in the semi-final. What we have in our mind is we want to arrive at the final.”

The last four at the Women's Cup of Nations in Morocco
The last four at the Women's Cup of Nations in Morocco
New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Club football

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced new coaching rules. Head coaches and assistants for senior national teams must hold a CAF A Licence or Pro to enhance coaching standards across Africa.

CAF has unveiled new coaching standards approved by the Executive Committee to raise coaching quality throughout Africa, thereby affecting national teams, every club event, and the CAF Women’s Champions League.

According to CAF’s recent correspondence to Members Associations, Coaches without the necessary licenses must begin obtaining them now, but those hired before May 4, 2025, have a grace period until the end of the 2026/2027 season.

New coaches employed by clubs and national teams must meet the required credentials, as well as current agreements.

Coaches who miss the deadline standards will be prohibited from entering technical areas during official CAF events; they will also not be able to sign up as team officials or take part in team activities, therefore jeopardising their careers. Failure to follow instructions might result in more punitive measures.

“It is also important to underscore that in case of non-fulfilment of the above requirements, the affected coach would be prohibited from accessing Zones 1 and 2 of the stadiums during CAF matches.

Additionally, coaches will not be registered as team officials or permitted to participate in any official team activities.

Other sporting sanctions, including a referral to the CAF Judicial Bodies, may apply, ” the communication stated.

We take this opportunity to once again express our appreciation for your continued contributions to the development of African football and our continuous support to collectively enhance its future. We trust that you will play a pivotal role in the successful implementation of these new directives.”

This decision highlights CAF’s dedication to raising the standard of coaching and governance in African football by aligning it with international norms and hoping to increase the worldwide competitive presence of the continent.

New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
Ex-Star Sport Academy attacker Kamara nets on Vejle Boldklub debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-Star Sport Academy attacker Kamara nets on Vejle Boldklub debut

Abdulai Kamara, who was with Star Sport Academy since the beginning of this campaign, scored on his debut for Danish side Vejle Boldklub in the Superliga.dk after his permanent move until 2029.

Vejle Boldklub played to a 1-1 draw against Randers on Sunday in the Danish Superliga. Kamara wasted no time recording his first goal, helping his side earn a point.

Having made 12 appearances, scoring 8 goals since joining Star Sport Academy from GFI Academy in Guinea, the 18-year-old offensive player has opened his account in Denmark.

Vejle is an exciting opportunity.

Abdoulaye Kamara, originally from GFI Academy in Guinea, is excited to join the 3F Superliga squad in Vejle. He expressed that the opportunity was unexpected but has been positive, noting the professionalism of the club and his teammates. As an offensive player, he enjoys having the ball and contributing to the team’s success.

Kamara mentioned the adjustment to a new country and the focus on training, praising the facilities and coaches for helping him improve. While the language barrier poses a challenge, he is committed to practising English and appreciates the support from his teammates. He is optimistic about his future in Denmark.

Ghana beat Algeria on penalties to set date with hosts Morocco
by Football Sierra Leone

Ghana beat Algeria on penalties to set date with hosts Morocco

Following a 0-0 tie after in 120 minutes of play in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana beat Algeria 4-2 in a penalty shootout. This win confirms their place in the semifinals against Morocco.

Saving penalties from Marine Dafeur and Ines Belloumou, goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan was crucial. Evelyn Badu’s ultimate penalty delighted players and supporters.

Ghana were more energetic, and the game was very hotly fought. Stella Nyamekye’s first-half strike was ruled out for offside, and Badu failed a vital opportunity near the end of normal time. The shootout resulted from both sides’ difficulties in generating chances.

Algeria left the competition with no goals against, whereas Ghana hopes to capture their first continental championship following three prior second-place finishes. Tuesday at 19:00 GMT marks the semifinal against Morocco.

Carlisle United sign Ugandan defender Bevis Mugabi to bolster squad
by Football Sierra Leone

Carlisle United sign Ugandan defender Bevis Mugabi to bolster squad

As the club tries to rebuild its team after relegation from the English Football League, Carlisle United Football Club has formally confirmed the purchase of seasoned Ugandan defender Bevis Mugabi on a two-year deal.

After a brief stint at Cypriot side Anorthosis, the 30-year-old player reunites with Brunton Park, having previously spent four years in the Scottish Premiership with Motherwell. Mugabi played 125 times during his time at Fir Park before leaving in the summer of 2023.

Originally from the youth academies of Fulham and Southampton, Mugabi became well-known during his time at Yeovil Town, where he played in the English Football League before relocating north of the border. He has 20 caps for the Uganda national team on the global stage.

Carlisle United’s head of recruitment, Martin Foyle, praised the defender’s profile, adding, He has a wealth of experience from Scotland, overseas, and international football; he has a great attitude that will help to raise expectations on and off the field.

Cameroon's Bryan Mbeumo heading to Manchester United
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cameroon’s Bryan Mbeumo heading to Manchester United

Brentford has accepted Manchester United’s £65 million offer for Bryan Mbeumo. Before Ruben Amorim’s team departs for their preseason tour on Tuesday, the Cameroon international might undergo a medical checkup with the club.

Following the summer acquisitions of forward Matheus Cunha and left-back Diego Leon, the 25-year-old winger is expected to be United’s third signing.

Originally bid £55 million at the beginning of June, United made a further bid of £62.5 million after that month; neither of which was accepted.

The most recent bid Brentford has accepted has an initial £65 million that might rise to £70 million with £5 million in possible extras. From Troyes in 2019, Mbeumo will be the most costly transfer Brentford has ever made.

With one goal for France at the U17, U20, and U21 levels, Mbeumo won ten caps. Following a London meeting with Samuel Eto’o in August 2022, Mbeumo proclaimed his senior international allegiance to the Cameroon national team.

With three appearances coming during Cameroon’s 2022 World Cup campaign before the team’s group stage exit, he made nine appearances and scored one goal during the 2022–23 season.

Having featured in three of Cameroon’s four 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying games and scoring one goal, injury disqualified Mbeumo from the ultimate competition.

Nigeria Super falcons thrash Copper Queens to reach WAFCON semis
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ruthless Super Falcons thrash Copper Queens to reach WAFCON semis

On July 18, 2025, the Nigeria Super Falcons won their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarterfinal with an impressive 5-0 win over Zambia.

The Copper Queens were anticipated to put up a tough fight against the seasoned nine-time champions, but they were overwhelmed by an impressive display marked by sharp finishing.

The West Africans seized control early on, with centre-back Osinachi Ohale finding himself unmarked during a second-minute free-kick, allowing him to head the ball past Petronella Musole.

Osinachi Ohale scored the first goal only two minutes into the game. Esther Okoronkwo scored a second in the 33rd minute, followed by Chinwendu Ihezuo’s goal just before halftime, bringing the score to 30, and Nigeria continued to dominate.

Tosin Demehin scored a free kick for a fourth goal in the 69th minute in the second half, and Nigeria guaranteed their win with a fifth goal in stoppage time.

Though Zambia tried many times, including attempts from their star player, Barbra Banda, they could not score, and Nigeria’s defence ensured a clean sheet. Coach Justin Madugu made critical replacements in the second half to sustain momentum, bringing in Asisat Oshoala among others. This game dashed Zambia’s dreams of winning their first WAFCON title.

Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf pens West Ham deal
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf pens West Ham deal

West Ham have signed Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague for £19 million. The 20-year-old will join the club’s preseason training camp in Germany this week.

When Slavia Prague claimed the Czech top-flight championship last season, Diouf was instrumental in their victory. Though many clubs wanted him, he selected West Ham because it fit my plan.

“I want to let the West Ham fans know I am here with them very gladly. Diouf told the club’s website, I believe we will have a great season this year.

Everyone wants to come here to play in the Premier League. Everyone, I believe, dreams of this.”

Diouf, who can play at left back or left wingback, was a player the club had been monitoring for some time, said manager Graham Potter.

“I believe he would be a great addition to the team; he is young, hungry, and ambitious.”

At 18, Diouf left Senegal for Norway’s Tromso in February 2023, scoring three goals in 21 games. A year later, he joined Slavia Prague, where he scored on his debut.

Last season, he netted seven goals as Slavia won the championship, conceding only 18 goals in 35 games. Diouf made his Senegal debut in a Nations Cup qualifier against Burundi in September 2024 and participated in a friendly win over England in June.

Sierra Leone's Osman Kakay on Blackpool's transfer radar
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Osman Kakay on Blackpool’s transfer radar

Blackpool are in talks to sign defender Osman Kakay to bolster their defensive unit and hence improve squad depth and rivalry.

Presently, Kakay has featured in two pre-season matches for the League One side against Accrington Stanley and AFC Fylde.

Having won 26 caps for his country, the Sierra Leone international honed his talents in the QPR academy and acquired priceless experience on loan spells at Livingston, Chesterfield, and Partick Thistle.

Kakay made 113 appearances during his time at QPR, assisting two goals from a defensive position.

While Blackpool considers the possibility of hiring his services, the club is also getting ready for the approaching season under manager Bruce’s skilled direction, with the goal of fighting at the upper levels of the league.

QPR declared on May 6, 2024, that Kakay will be departing the team when his contract expires at the conclusion of the season.

Kakay signed a contract that would expire at the end of the 2024–25 campaign and had nine appearances for Primeira Liga team Boavista on a free transfer this year.

Congolese defender Tuanzebe sues former club Manchester United
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Congolese defender Tuanzebe sues former club Manchester United

Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe is suing the club for suspected negligent medical advice.

Last week, the 27-year-old, who signed for Burnley earlier this month, brought a High Court lawsuit against United.

Regarded as a high-value claim, exceeding £1 million, it refers to an incident in July 2022 involving an unidentified injury.

Before he was sent to Stoke in January 2023, where he played only five games, Tuanzebe was out for 195 days in his last season at the club.

Having entered the club at the age of eight, he made his debut in 2017 and played 37 times for them before quitting in the summer of 2023, joining Ipswich as a free agent in September.

At every level, the Bunia-born served as United’s captain. In the 2021 Europa League final defeat by Villarreal, where he scored in the shootout as they lost 1110 on penalties, he made his last appearance for the club.

While he also spent time in Napoli in 2022, the ex-England Under-21 international, now representing DR Congo, had three loan spells at Aston Villa.

When BBC Sport asked, Tuanzebe’s attorneys, Simons Muirhead Burton and United both refused to reply.