Category: Football Africa

Emilio Nsu returns to Equatorial Guinea squad after Fifa suspension
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Emilio Nsue returns to Equatorial Guinea squad after Fifa suspension

Equatorial Guinea captain Emilio Nsue López has been recalled for his nation’s day five and six World Cup qualifiers against São Tomé and Príncipe and Namibia match after ineligibility Fifa suspension.

Nsue, the top scorer in the recent Total Energies CAF Africa Cup of Nations final, was last May suspended for six months by FIFA. He was suspended for failing to properly complete the change of nationality procedure when he switched to Equatorial Guinea, after playing for Spain at junior level previously.

FIFA then approved Nsue’s switch of football nationality, and the player was among coach Juan Micha’s 25 for the forthcoming qualifiers.

Friday hosts Malabo as it takes on São Tomé and Príncipe while Nzalang Nacional is back with an away match against Namibia on March 24 at Polokwane, South Africa.

Equatorial Guinea has three points in Group H as their initial victories over Namibia and Liberia were overturned, and they lost 0-3 due to Nsue’s dilemma.

Full Squad:

  • Goalkeepers: Miguel Oscar (Deportivo Mongomo), Jesus Owono (Deportivo Alaves, Spain), Manuel Sapunga (Polokwane City, South Africa)
  • Defenders: Carlos Akapo (Amazonas, Brazil), Marvin Anieboh (UD San Sebastián de los Reyes, Spain), Marcelo Asumu Nguema (DVO Unidad), Santi Boriko (Castellon B, Spain), Saul Coco (Torino, Italy), Basilio Ndong (Universitatea Craiova, Romania), Luis Enrique Nsue (COD Meknes, Morocco), Esteban Orozco (Arges, Romania)
  • Midfielders: Gael Akogo (Recreativo Granada, Spain), Federico Bikoro (Raja Casablanca, Morocco), Enrique Biribe (Cano Sport Academy), Jannick Buyla (Tarazona, Spain), Santiago Eneme (MFK Vyskov, Czech Republic), Pablo Ganet (Merida, Spain), Jose Machin (Cartagena, Spain), Oscar Mascarelli (Mallorca, Spain)
  • Forwards: Luis Asue (Moreirense, Portugal), Dorian Junior (Marbella, Spain), Cristian Makate (Union Saint-Gilloise, Belgium), Josete Miranda (Iraklis 1908, Greece), Emilio Nsue (Inter City, Spain), Iban Salvador (Wisla Plock, Poland)
Bertrand Traore recall as Burkina Faso host Djibouti in Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bertrand Traore recall as Burkina Faso set for Djibouti and Guinea-Bissau

Burkina Faso captain Bertrand Traore has returned to the national team for the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Djibouti at the Stade El Abdi on Friday before they travel to face the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau.

They are currently in third place, sharing the same number of points with Sierra Leone, who leads on goal difference. Traoré will aim to build momentum as Burkina Faso seeks qualification for their first FIFA World Cup.

Key returning players include goalkeeper Hervé Koffi (Lens), defender Mohamed Ali Yabré (PSV Eindhoven), and midfielder Ismahila Ouédraogo (Atromitos), all of whom missed recent matches. 

Other notable returnees are defender Adamo Nagalo (PSV Eindhoven), midfielder Ibrahim Blati Touré (Pyramids FC), and winger Dango Ouattara (Bournemouth).

  • New Faces in the Squad

Three players are making their debut: Mohamed Zougrana (MC Alger), Arsène Kouassi (Ajaccio), and Cyriaque Irié (Troyes). Josué Tiendrébéogo (Annecy) maintains his spot, alongside established players like Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen) and Cédric Badolo (Spartak Trnava).

  • Squad Strength

The squad features a mix of experience and young talent. Koffi is backed by Sofiane Ouédraogo (AS Vita Club) and Kilian Nikiema (ADO Den Haag). Tapsoba anchors the defense along with Yacouba Djiga (Wolverhampton) and Issa Kaboré (Werder Bremen). In midfield, Blati Touré, Cédric Badolo, and Mohamed Zougrana are expected to play key roles.

Burkina Faso hopes to impress in these qualifiers as they aim for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Burkina Faso Squad

Goalkeepers: Hervé Koffi (Lens, France), Sofiane Ouédraogo (AS Vita Club, DRC), Kilian Nikiema (ADO Den Haag, Netherlands)

Defenders: Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Yacouba Djiga (Wolverhampton, England), Steeve Yago (Aris Limassol, Cyprus), Adamo Nagalo (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands), Issa Kaboré (Werder Bremen, Germany), Mohamed Yabré (ASEC Mimosas, Ivory Coast),

Arsène Kouassi (Ajaccio, France), Issoufou Dayo (RS Berkane, Morocco)

Midfielders: Mohamed Zougrana (MC Alger, Algeria), Ismahila Ouédraogo (Pansekairos, Greece), Saïdou Simporé (Al Masry, Egypt), Ibrahim Blati Touré (Pyramids FC, Egypt), Cédric Badolo (Spartak Trnava, Slovakia), Raouf Memel Dao (Sonabel, Burkina Faso), Josué Tiendrébéogo (Annecy, France), Salou Dramane (Hapoel Haifa, Israel)

Forwards: Dango Ouattara (AFC Bournemouth, England), Hassane Bandé (HJK Helsinki, Finland), Cyriaque Irié (Troyes, France), Lassina Traoré (Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukraine), Mohamed Konaté (Al-Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), Bertrand Traoré (Ajax, Netherlands)

Bundu nets, Juma Bah, 7.2 rating, Osimhen hattrick ahead of World Cup qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bundu nets, Bah 7.2 rating, Osimhen hattrick ahead of World Cup qualifiers

African footballers across Europe made the headlines ahead of this month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the race to the United States Canada and Mexico.

  • Mustapha Bundu (Plymouth Argyle, England)

Sierra Leone’s Mustapha Bundu scored, but his team lost 3-2 to Derby County in the English Championship. Marcus Harness netted two goals for Derby, aiding their survival hopes against bottom-placed Plymouth Argyle. He is expected to join the Sierra Leone squad for crucial matches against Guinea-Bissau and Egypt.

  • Juma Bah on loan to Lens in France

The Sierra Leone-born player has made vital contributions since starting in the Lens first team. This past weekend, he was a standout performer as they defeated Stade Rennais. In his first start for Lens the previous weekend, he helped the French side overcome Marseille with a 7.2 rating overall.

  • Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Nigeria)

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen scored a hat-trick for Galatasaray in their latest league match. On loan from Napoli, he has 26 goals and five assists this season, leading the league with 20 goals, two ahead of Krzysztof Piątek.

  • Amine Gouiri (Marseille, Algeria)

Despite Olympique de Marseille’s 3-1 defeat to league leaders Paris Saint-Germain, Amine Gouiri continued his impressive run of form. The Algerian forward has been a key addition to Marseille’s squad, boasting four goals and three assists in just seven appearances for the club.

  • Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis, DR Congo)

Cédric Bakambu played a key role in Real Betis’ comeback against Leganés. After coming on in the 62nd minute with the team down 2-0, he won a penalty converted by Isco and scored the equalizer. Betis won 3-2, highlighting Bakambu’s decisive impact.

  • Hamza Igamane (Rangers, Morocco)

Hamza Igamane made a significant impact off the bench for Rangers in the Scottish derby against Celtic. Coming on in the 83rd minute, he scored a dramatic winner in the 89th minute, clinching a vital victory for his team as he gears up for his first call-up to the Atlas Lions.

Sierra Leone's Mustapha Bundu scored, but his team lost 3-2 to Derby County in the English Championship.
Sierra Leone's Mustapha Bundu scored, but his team lost 3-2 to Derby County in the English Championship.
Six arrive as Nigeria start World Cup qualifying prep for Rwanda tie
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Six arrive as Nigeria start World Cup qualifying prep for Rwanda tie

The Nigeria Super Eagles have started preparing for an important World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda.

Six players, including Victor Osimhen from Galatasaray, defender Bruno Onyemaechi, and goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, arrived in Kigali on Sunday. They checked into the Radisson Blu Hotel, where the team is based.

They were later joined by Papa Daniel Mustapha, Amas Obasogie, and Tolu Arokodare. On Sunday evening, head coach Eric Chelle and his staff also arrived in Rwanda to help the team get ready for the match.

The Super Eagles will play against the Amavubi at Amahoro Stadium on Friday. After this match, they will return to Nigeria to host Zimbabwe four days later at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

More players are expected to join the camp soon. The team is intensifying its preparations to secure crucial points in this double-header and improve their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Isaac Babadi will not join Sierra Leone for U20 Tourney - Peter Bosz
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Isaac Babadi will not join Sierra Leone for U20 AFCON – Peter Bosz

PSV will not release their young midfielder to the Sierra Leone Under-20 team for the Africa Cup of Nations, as confirmed by head coach Peter Bosz ahead of the match against RKC.

Isaac, 19, played the full throttle of the match as PSV defeated RKC Waalwijk 3-0 in week 26 of the Eredisie.

Last week, according to brother Samuel Babadi, the nineteen-year-old PSV player was invited to Sierra Leone. “They have been after Isaac for a long time. From the time he was sixteen, they wanted him for the first team of Sierra Leone,” he explained in the ESPN program Tekengeld –However, that tournament will take place in Cote d’Ivoire between 26 April and 18 May 2025., which means that Babadi would have to miss the season finale with PSV. Peter Bosz has now decided to put a stop to that. “He will not go there, no.”

Isaac Babadi’s transition from the academy to the main squad is not surprising to many experts. He joined the PSV Academy at the age of 12 and made his professional debut in 2022 with Young PSV. Before he played thirty matches in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie, scoring five goals.

Isaac Babadi made his professional debut for Jong PSV on January 10, 2022. He replaced Johan Bakayoko during a 5–1 home win against Almere City, which was the team’s biggest win of the season at that time.

For the 2023–24 season, Babadi joined the senior team at PSV. He debuted on August 4, 2023, as a starter in the 2023 Johan Cruyff Shield, which PSV won 1–0, giving Babadi his first trophy in his first game.

Four days later, he played his first European match in a Champions League qualifier against Sturm Graz. Babadi scored the first goal in the 4th minute, contributing to a 4–1 victory for PSV. In March 2024, PSV and Babadi announced that they signed a new contract, which will last until 2028.

Regarding his international career, Babadi played for the Netherlands at the 2022 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. He captained the team, leading them to the final, where they lost to France. He scored the decisive penalty in the semifinal shootout against Serbia.

Salah, Marmoush & Trézéguet in Egypt squad for Ethiopia & Sierra Leone
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Salah, Marmoush & Trézéguet in Egypt squad for Ethiopia & Sierra Leone

Liverpool and Premier League top scorer, Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, and Mahmoud Trezeguet have all been included in Egypt’s squad for the upcoming matches against Ethiopia and Sierra Leone.

Egypt’s national team manager, Hossam Hassan, has announced a talented squad ahead of their World Cup 2026 qualifiers this month.

The seven-time African champions currently lead Group A with 10 points from four matches, having achieved three wins and one draw. The group also includes Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Djibouti.

Egypt’s match against Ethiopia will be held in Morocco at 11:00 PM Cairo time, while the home match against Sierra Leone is scheduled for 9:00 PM on March 25th in Cairo.

In their second match of the campaign, Egypt claimed a 2-0 victory over Sierra Leone, with Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet scoring in the 18th and 62nd minutes. The match took place in Liberia in November 2023 of the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Full Egypt’s 24-man squad
 

Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shenawy (Ahly), Mostafa Shobeir (Ahly), Mohamed Awad (Zamalek), and Abdelaziz El-Balouti (NBE Club).

Defenders: Mohamed Abdel Moneim (Nice, France), Rami Rabia (Ahly), Mohamed Hani (Ahly), Ahmed Eid (Zamalek), Khaled Sobhi (Masry), and Hossam Abdelmaguid (Zamalek).

Midfielders: Hamdy Fathy (Al Wakrah, Qatar), Marwan Attia (Ahly), Ahmed Nabil (Ahly), Mohamed Shehata (Zamalek), Nabil Emad (Zamalek), Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Sayed (Zamalek), and Mahmoud Saber (Pyramids FC).

Forwards: Mahmoud Trezeguet (Al Rayyan, Qatar), Omar Marmoush (Man City, England), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, England), Mostafa Mohamed (Nantes, France), Mostafa Fathi (Pyramids FC), Ibrahim Adel (Pyramids FC), and Osama Faisal (NBE Club).

Gabon’s head coach Thierry Mouyouma names Gabon squad for double header
by Football Sierra Leone

Gabon’s head coach Thierry Mouyouma names squad for double header

Gabon’s head coach, Thierry Mouyouma, has announced three new players in his squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Seychelles and Kenya: Nzé Samaké, Yoann Nani Nono, and Mobili Van, all receiving their first call-ups.

The announcement also marks the return of André Poko, who hasn’t played for the national team since June 2021. His experience, alongside established players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Bouanga, is expected to strengthen the team. Gabon currently sits second in Group F with nine points, just behind leaders Ivory Coast.

Gabon will face Seychelles in Franceville on March 20 and then travel to Nairobi to play Kenya on March 23, aiming for crucial points toward their goal of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Full Gabon Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Full Gabon Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Morocco's head coach Walid Regragui names squad, no Ziyech
by FSL News

Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui names squad, no Ziyech

Morocco’s head coach, Walid Regragui, has selected a 26-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Niger and Tanzania on March 21 and 25. However, Hakim Ziyech is not included.

The squad includes four new players: Bilal Nadir, Chemsedine Taibi, Hamza Igamane, and Omar El Hilali. This shows that the Atlas Lions are bringing in young talent to the team.

Two key players are missing from the squad due to injuries: Hakim Ziyech, a top playmaker, and Ayoub El Kaabi, a strong goal-scorer. Their absence will create challenges for Regragui as he adjusts his attack.

Returning to the squad are Jawad El Yamiq and goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid, who missed previous international matches. Their return adds strength to the defense and goalkeeping.

Morocco leads Group E in the qualifiers and wants to build on that success. They will play both matches in Oujda, where home support could help them earn six points.

With Ziyech and El Kaabi out, Youssef En-Nesyri, Soufiane Rahimi, Brahim Diaz, and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli will take on more attacking responsibilities. After Morocco’s impressive run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, there are high expectations for the team.

Key players like Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, and Nayef Aguerd remain important to the team’s goals. With a strong squad and home advantage, Morocco aims to win both matches and strengthen their reputation as one of Africa’s top football teams.

Morocco’s 26-Man Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal), Munir El Kajoui (Al Wehda), El Mehdi Benabid (FUS Rabat).

Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), Noussair Mazraoui (Bayern Munich), Nayef Aguerd (West Ham United), Jawad El Yamiq (Al-Wahda), Abdel Abqar (Deportivo Alavés), Jamal Harkass (AS FAR), Omar El Hilali (Espanyol), Adam Aznou (Bayern Munich U19).

Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat (Manchester United), Azzedine Ounahi (Marseille), Ismael Saibari (PSV Eindhoven), Bilal El Khannouss (Genk), Oussama Targhalline (Le Havre), Bilal Nadir (Nice).

Forwards: Youssef En-Nesyri (Sevilla), Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid), Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Real Betis), Amine Adli (Bayer Leverkusen), Soufiane Rahimi (Al Ain), Eliesse Ben Seghir (AS Monaco), Osame Sahraoui (Heerenveen), Hamza Igamane (Wydad AC), Chemsedine Taibi (FUS Rabat).

Juma Bah named in Sierra Leone's new head Mohamed Kallon first squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Juma Bah named in coach Mohamed Kallon’s first Sierra Leone squad

Sierra Leone’s new head coach, Mohamed Kallon, has announced his 25-man squad, which includes experienced striker Kei Kamara and the exciting Manchester City defender Juma Bah, who is currently on loan to Lens in France.

The Leone Stars are poised to continue their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a double-header. They are aiming for a spot in next year’s World Cup Finals, which will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Sierra Leone will encounter a tough matchup against Guinea-Bissau in the capital of Liberia on March 20, prior to moving on to face Group A leaders Egypt. Significantly, the squad will be without recent goal scorers Amadou Bakayoko and Augustus Kargbo, who is out due to a hamstring injury.

The squad consists of nine foreign-based players and a majority of home-based stars. Momoh Kamara, who played a pivotal role in helping Sierra Leone reach the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in history, has also been included.

First-time call-up players include defender Edward Bello Yillah of Mighty Blackpool, attacker Momoh Dumbuya from FC Kallon, midfielder James Kayamba and defender Citta Bah from Star Sport Academy, keeper Dauda Bangura from East End Lions, midfielders John B. Sesay and Mohamed Bangura from Bhantal FC.

The former Inter Milan and Monaco striker is focused on leading the Leone Stars to positive results this month in the Group A 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Mohamed Kallon squad predominately home stars 16 and 9 foreign stars - For the first time in many years!
Mohamed Kallon squad predominately home stars 16 and 9 foreign stars - For the first time in many years!
Coach Luís Boa Morte picks roster for Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso
by Football Sierra Leone

Coach Luís Boa Morte picks roster for Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso

Guinea-Bissau has added four new players to its squad for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso. Coach Luís Boa Morte has selected 25 players for these important matches.

Guinea-Bissau will play against Sierra Leone on March 20 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia. They will then return home to face Burkina Faso at the 24 de Setembro National Stadium in Bissau on March 24.

Babacar Fáti, a 25-year-old left-back who used to play for Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, is among the new players. He currently plays in Finland. Mario Junior, a 21-year-old centre-back from the Portuguese team Oliveirense, has also received his first call-up.

Midfielder Vando Felix, 22, has debuted in Portugal’s top league with Vitória Guimarães. He joins the national team alongside 24-year-old striker Tamble Monteiro from Portimonense.

Augusto Dabo and Bura Nogueira have been dropped from the squad following Guinea-Bissau’s 2-1 loss to Mozambique in November, which resulted in their failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Manuel Balde (Penafiel, Portugal), Manuel Issufe Djalo (FC Koeppchen, Luxembourg), Fernando Embadje (Unión Collado Villalba, Spain)

Defenders: Gilberto Batista (Moreirense, Portugal), Sene Camara (Benfica Bissau), Jeferson Encada (Pharco, Egypt), Babacar Fati (SJK Seinäjoki, Finland), Sana Gomes (Omonia Aradippou, Cyprus), Mario Junior (Oliveirense, Portugal), Sori Mane (Academica Viseu, Portugal), Victor Rofino (Uniao Leiria, Portugal),  Sambinha (Maccabi Bnei Reineh, Israel), Opa Sangate (Dunkerque, France)

Midfielders: Zidane Banjaqui (Feirense, Portugal), Janio Bikel (Maccabi Netanya, Israel), Dalcio (Ankaragucu, Turkey), Vando Felix (Vitória Guimarães, Portugal), Jorginho (Omonia Aradippou, Cyprus), Carlos Mane (Kayerispor, Turkey), Alfa Semedo (NEOM, Saudi Arabia)

Forwards: Elves Balde (Farense, Portugal), Beto (Everton, England), Francelino (FC Midtjylland, Denmark), Tamble Monteiro (Portimonense, Portugal), Ze Turbo (AEL Limassol, Cyprus).