Category: Football Africa

Gambia at work for Equatorial Guinea and Uganda friendlies
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Gambia at work for Equatorial Guinea and Uganda friendlies

Ex-Sierra Leone coach, Johnathan McKinstry‘s Gambia completed their first session ahead of two highly anticipated international friendly matches this month that aim to sharpen his team.

Both matches are set to unfold in the vibrant city of Marrakesh, Morocco, known for its rich culture and warm hospitality.

The Gambia team, known as The Scorpions, will start their test match on June 6, 2025, against Equatorial Guinea, following a challenging match with Uganda on May 9, 2025.

These friendly games are important for the Scorpions. They are preparing for their World Cup qualifier match against Seychelles in September 2025.

The coaching staff aims to improve the team’s fitness, tactics, and teamwork during these matches.

Currently, The Gambia is struggling in the World Cup qualifiers. They are second from the bottom in Group F, with only 5 points from six matches.

The upcoming friendlies will help the team regain confidence and improve their chances in the qualifiers.

Nigeria final list for Russia friendly at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria final list for Russia friendly at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium

The Super Eagles have made several changes to their squad for the upcoming match against Russia in Moscow on Friday June 6, at Moscow’s iconic Luzhniki Stadium.

The match will be the first senior-level encounter between Nigeria and Russia. After winning the 2025 Unity Cup in London against Jamaica in a dramatic penalty shootout, Chelle is now focusing on Nigeria’s next game.

Football Sierra Leone has learned that Brentford youngster Benjamin Fredrick secured his spot on the squad after a strong debut performance for the Super Eagles in the London Unity Cup.  

Additionally, three players from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) have been included in the travelling party: Isaac Saviour from Enugu Rangers and Sodiq Ismail and Sikiru Alimi from Remo Stars.

Originally, Niger Tornadoes midfielder Papa Daniel was the only player from the domestic league selected for the trip to Russia. Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface will also join the squad from Nigeria.

Nigeria final list for Russia friendly at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium on June 6th
Nigeria final list for Russia friendly at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium on June 6th
Tunisia overcomes Burkina Faso in friendly test
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia overcomes Burkina Faso in friendly test

Tunisia defeated Burkina Faso 2-0 in an international friendly match on Monday at Hammadi Agrebi Olympic Stadium, scoring both goals in the final moments.

Edmond Tapsoba’s own goal and Hazem Mastouri’s (Tunisia) right-footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal were enough for the Eagles of Carthage of Tunisia.

Tapsoba’s own goal came in the 60th minute and Mastouri scored the second in the 91st minute as Tunisia emerged victorious.

This friendly match is the first of three practice games for Tunisia in eight days, with upcoming matches against Morocco and Zambia. These games will help the team prepare for key qualifying matches.

In September, the Carthage Eagles will play Liberia again and then face Equatorial Guinea. In October, they will compete against Sao Tome and Principe and have a final match against Namibia.

Tunisia’s recent wins have helped them move up three spots in the FIFA rankings, now sitting at 49th place. These friendly matches will be important in shaping their ranking for the next update in July.

Pyramids beat Sundowns to win maiden CAF Champions League title
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pyramids beat Sundowns to win maiden CAF Champions League title

On Sunday, Pyramids FC won their first TotalEnergies CAF Champions League title with a 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo.

After the first leg ended in a 1-1 draw in Pretoria, Pyramids secured a 3-2 win on aggregate. They became the fourth Egyptian club to win Africa’s top club competition, joining Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Ismaily.

Pyramids started strong in front of their enthusiastic home fans. In the 23rd minute, striker Fiston Mayele scored the first goal with a low shot into the corner, marking his ninth goal in the tournament.

The team doubled their lead shortly after halftime. In the 56th minute, defender Ahmed Samy scored with a header from a cross by Mohamed Chibi. This goal sent the Cairo crowd into a frenzy.

In the 75th minute, Iqraam Rayners scored for Sundowns, making the score 2-1 and setting up a tense finish. Sundowns pressed for another goal, with key shots from Peter Shalulile and Lebo Mothiba blocked during 10 minutes of added time.

Pyramids defended well, thanks to goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy’s key saves, securing their first continental title 10 years after the club’s founding. Egypt continues to dominate African football, winning the title for three consecutive years after Al Ahly’s successes in 2023 and 2024.

Sundowns aimed for their second CAF title but instead lost their second Champions League final, 24 years after their defeat to Al Ahly in 2001.

Sierra Leone placed in Group C for WAFU U20 Boys tournament in Ghana
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone in Group C for WAFU U20 Boys tournament in Ghana

Sierra Leone’s U20 national football team, the Shooting Stars, has been placed in Group C for the 2025 WAFU A&B U20 Boys Sub-Confederation Tournament. Their group includes Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Benin.

The draw, which took place this morning in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, marks a historic milestone as all thirteen member associations of WAFU A and B will compete together for the first time.

Ghana will host the tournament, scheduled from June 15 to June 30. This competition serves as a qualifier for the next TotalEnergies African Cup of Nations U20.

The Shooting Stars last participated in the WAFU A qualifiers in Monrovia, Liberia, where they achieved their first-ever qualification for the AFCON U20. Now, the Shooting Stars aim to replicate their success on this larger stage.

Challenging assignment for Africa's four representatives in the U20 Chile World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Challenging assignment for Africa’s representatives in U20 Chile World Cup

After the draw in Santiago, Africa’s four teams for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile 2025 have learned their group matches. The tournament will take place in 2025 and will be the 24th FIFA U-20 World Cup.

From September 27 until October 19, 2025, the contest will take place in Chile. To take place in four cities: Valparaiso, Talca, Rancagua, and Santiago. The knockout stage will begin with the top two teams from every group and the four best third-placed sides.

Having just won the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa has tough competition. The Amajita will face France, the United States, and New Caledonia in Group E.

With 14 outings, Nigeria—the most experienced team in this tournament—is in Group F. They will be rivals with Colombia, Norway, and Saudi Arabia. Hoping to go far in the competition, the Flying Eagles would want to regain their past splendour.

This competition also sees Africa represented by Egypt and Morocco. In Group A, Egypt joins Chile, Japan, and New Zealand as hosts. The Pharaohs hope to leave a lasting mark against the Chilean side, which has home support.

In Group C, Morocco will play Brazil, Mexico, and Spain. This will be a difficult group for Morocco, which will depend on its strong defence and offensive approach that carried them to the U-20 AFCON final.

Africa’s young stars, who are trying to shine on the global platform, will have all eyes on them as the teams get ready.

Sierra Queens one step closer to Women's Cup Mauritania title
by FSL News

Sierra Queens one step closer to Women’s Cup Mauritania title

The Sierra Leone Women’s National Team, fondly known as the Sierra Queens, is poised to win the Women’s Cup title after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mali in the semi-final held at the Cheikha Ould Boïdiya Stadium on Thursday.

They will face the winner of the match between Senegal and Liberia. The second semi-final will take place later in the evening at the same venue, featuring Liberia against Senegal.

The match saw Salamatu Kamara net the decisive goal in the 85th minute of the second half, showcasing her impressive skills and determination on the field.

For the third consecutive match, Sierra Leone’s goalkeeper, Hannah Juana, was named Woman of the Match. Her exceptional performance, marked by crucial saves and a commanding presence in the box, played a pivotal role in ensuring her team’s progression to the final.

With her help, the Sierra Queens continue to inspire their fans and carry the hopes of a nation as they strive for championship glory.

Senegal's Nicolas Jackson helps Chelsea lift the Uefa Conference League
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal’s Nicolas Jackson helps Chelsea lift Uefa Conference League

Senegalese player Nicolas Jackson helped Chelsea make history by scoring in their victory against Real Betis. With this win, Chelsea became the first club to earn all five major European trophies, claiming the Conference League title.

The match took place at Stadion Wroclaw, and Chelsea had to fight back from a goal down to win 2-1. They fell behind just nine minutes into the game when Abde Ezzalzouli scored after a pass from Isco. The first half was tough for Chelsea fans to watch.

In the second half, Cole Palmer changed the game. He crossed the ball for Enzo Fernandez, who headed it in to equalize in the 65th minute. Soon after, Palmer delivered another cross that Jackson scored from.

Chelsea continued to press forward. With seven minutes left, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall made a strong run and passed to Jadon Sancho, who scored with a brilliant shot into the far corner.

There was still time for a fourth goal. Chelsea’s Player of the Year, Moises Caicedo, scored with a precise shot from 20 yards.

The Chelsea fans celebrated, chanting, “We’ve won it all!” This victory in Poland means Chelsea brings home the Conference League trophy, adding to their collection, which includes the Champions League, Europa League, Super Cup, and Cup Winners’ Cup.

Pape Thiaw on Malick Thiaw’s absence from Senegal squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pape Thiaw on Malick Thiaw’s absence from Senegal squad

Malick Thiaw will not play for Senegal’s national team in the friendlies against Ireland and England in next month’s International window. 

Coach Pape Thiaw confirmed his omission, despite ongoing talks with the Senegalese Football Federation, surprising many fans who view him as a potential defender.

Coach Thiaw explained that Thiaw is in discussions with his club and hasn’t played much lately, which affects his national team chances. Thiaw, born in Germany and playing for AC Milan, has struggled this season with limited playing time.

Fans may be disappointed, but the door remains open for Thiaw if he improves his form and maintains good discussions with the federation. His situation highlights the challenges of including dual-nationality players in African teams.

For now, Senegal will move on without him, but if his situation at AC Milan improves, he could receive a call-up soon. Both Thiaw and the federation are waiting for the right time to strengthen Senegal’s defense.

Veteran midfielder Victor Wanyama named in Kenya squad for Chad friendlies
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Veteran midfielder Victor Wanyama named in Kenya squad for Chad friendlies

Victor Wanyama is back in the Harambee Stars squad for two friendly matches against Chad. These matches will take place in Morocco on June 7 and June 10. This will be Wanyama’s first time representing Kenya since 2020.

The 33-year-old player relocated to Scotland in March after departing the Montreal Impact.

The squad has a mix of experienced players and new talent. Notable new players include Kenneth Nyamwaya and Swaleh Pamba, both of whom are making their national team debuts.

This is Benni McCarthy’s second training camp with the Harambee Stars. These friendlies will help evaluate the team’s strength and prepare for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August.

Players should arrive for camp on Friday, June 2, 2025, to prepare for the matches.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari FC), Sepstianos Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks FC), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City FC)

Defenders

Siraj Mohammed (Bandari FC), Swaleh Pamba (Bandari FC), Abud Omar (Kenya Police FC), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia FC), Kenneth Nyamwaya (Bidco United FC), Brian Mandela  (Stellenbosch FC)

Midfielders

Victor Wanyama  (Dunfermline Athletic FC ), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia FC), Timothy Ouma  (SK Slavia Prague), Brian Musa (Kenya Police FC), Ben Stanley Omondi  (Gor Mahia), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police FC), David Sakwa (Bandari FC), James Kinyanjui (KCB FC), Adam Wilson (The New Saints FC), William Lenkupae (Central Coastal Mariners FC)

Forwards

Moses Shumah (Kakamega Homeboyz FC), Beja Nyamawi (Bandari FC), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta)