Category: Football Africa

Ghana's head coach Otto Addo confirms squad for Chad and Madagascar
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana’s head coach Otto Addo confirms squad for Chad and Madagascar

Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, has announced a 23-man roster for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Chad and Madagascar.

The squad, captained by Jordan Ayew, features three players from local clubs: Benjamin Asare from Accra Hearts of Oak, Kamaradini Mamudu from Medeama SC, and Razak Simpson from Nations FC.

Thomas Partey, the Arsenal midfielder, makes a return to the squad after being absent for six months, during which Ghana participated in four Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Kamal Deen Sulemana from Southampton F.C. is also back in the lineup, while C.D. Lugo’s Jerry Afriyie keeps his spot in the team following an impressive performance against Niger last November.

Christopher Bonsu Baah, who plays for Genk in Belgium, has received his first call-up. Bonsu is a left-footed right winger who is also capable of playing in an attacking midfield role.

Ghana will start their training camp on Monday, March 17, 2025, and will practice for four days before facing Chad in the first of the two matches at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, 2025.

Afterwards, the team will fly to Morocco for their next match against Madagascar, scheduled for Monday, March 24, 2025.

Currently, Ghana sits in second place in Group I with nine points from three wins and one loss.

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has revealed the players selected to compete against Lesotho and Benin in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers scheduled for March 21 and March 25, 2025, respectively.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hugo Broos names South Africa’s final squad for World Cup qualifiers

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has revealed the players selected to compete against Lesotho and Benin in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers scheduled for March 21 and March 25, 2025, respectively.

South Africa is set to face their neighbours Lesotho at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Friday, March 21, 2025. Following that match, the Bafana Bafana team, led by coach Hugo Broos, will take a charter flight to Benin to compete against the West African nation on Monday, March 24, 2025.

A week ago, Broos announced a 37-member preliminary squad, which included some new players such as Samukelo Kabini and Khulumani Ndamane from TS Galaxy and Siphesihle Mkhize from Sekhukhune United.

On Thursday, March 13, at the SABC television studios in Auckland Park, the preliminary squad was reduced to a final squad of 23 players.

Bafana Bafana is in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers alongside Rwanda, Benin, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho. To date, the Broos-coached team has played four matches, achieving two wins, one draw, and one loss.

Dr. Patrice Motsepe re-elected as Confederation of African football president
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Dr. Patrice Motsepe re-elected as Confederation of African football president

Dr. Patrice Motsepe has been re-elected as President of the Confédération African Football (CAF) for another four years. His re-election was confirmed at the 14th CAF Extraordinary General Assembly in Cairo on Wednesday, extending his term until 2029.

Motsepe’s first term improved CAF’s finances and raised its global reputation. Under his leadership, the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Côte d’Ivoire in 2023 attracted a record 1.4 billion viewers worldwide.

Prizes for major tournaments, including the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, have increased. There is also more financial support for Member Associations.

Motsepe, who is 63 years old, ran unopposed after the nomination deadline in November 2024. He decided to run again based on requests from Member Association Presidents and key stakeholders.

His goals remain to make African football competitive worldwide, stabilize finances, and invest in infrastructure. Dr. Motsepe’s unopposed re-election shows confidence in his leadership and a desire to raise the standards of African football.

Uganda Cranes ready for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Guinea
by Football Sierra Leone

Uganda Cranes ready for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Guinea

Uganda has made seven changes to its 25-man squad for this month’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers, recalling six players and giving uncapped midfielder Enock Ssebagala his chance to make his international debut.

New additions include center-backs Elvis Bwomono and Toby Sibbick, striker Muhammad Shaban, backup goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa, attacking midfielder Abdu Karim Watambala, and left-winger Patrick Kakande.

Uganda will face Mozambique in Cairo on March 20, followed by a home match against Guinea in Kampala.

Departing players include goalkeepers Charles Lukwago and Mutwalibu Mugolofa, defenders Halidi Lwaliwa and Geoffrey Wasswa, midfielders Bobosi Byaruhanga, Taddeo Lwanga, and Saidi Mayanja, and strikers John Paul Dembe, Shafik Nana Kwikiriza, and Derrick Nsibambi.

Currently, Uganda sits on six points in Group G, with two wins and two losses, three points off the top of the table.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces, Ethiopia), Joel Mutakubwa

(BUL FC), Isima Watenga (Lamontville Golden Arrows, South Africa),

Defenders: Timothy Awany (Ashdod, Israel), Elvis Bwomono (St Mirren, Scotland), Aziz Abdu Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Gavin Kizito (Kampala Capital City Authority), Bevis Mugabi (Famagusta Anorthosis, Cyprus), Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Toby Sibbick (Wigan Athletic, England)

Midfielders: Khalid Aucho (Young Africans, Tanzania), Travis Mutyaba (Girondins Bordeaux, France), Allan Okello (Vipers), Kenneth Semakula (Club Africain, Tunisia), Enock Ssebagala (National Enterprise Corporation), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa), Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers)

Forwards: Calvin Kabuye (Mjallby, Sweden), Patrick Kakande (SC Villa), Hakim Kiwanuka (APR FC, Rwanda), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, North Macedonia), Steven Mukwala (Simba, Tanzania), Denis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda), Muhammad Shaban (Al Anwar Al Abyar, Libya), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara).

Ethiopia rally troops for World Cup qualifier against Egypt and Djibouti
by Football Sierra Leone

Ethiopia rally troops for World Cup qualifiers against Egypt and Djibouti

Ethiopia has called up four new players for their FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Egypt and Djibouti this month. Midfielder Habtamu Tekeste returns to the team for the first time in four years.

Ethiopia will host Egypt in Casablanca, Morocco, on March 21, and then face Djibouti in El Jadida, Morocco, on March 24.

Coach Mesay Teferi selected 24 players – the new players include defenders Woldeamanuel Getu and Abduselam Yusuf, and strikers Ahmed Hussien and Mohammed Abera.

Tekeste, 26, is back on the team after not playing since November 2021. Striker Abubeker Nassir is the only player from abroad. He signed with South African club SuperSport United this season but has not yet played due to an injury.

Ethiopia aims to win its first match in Group A of the 2026 African qualifiers. The team has only three points from four games and is seven points behind Egypt, the leaders.

Squad:

  • Goalkeeper: Biniyam Genetu (Wolayta Dicha), Seid Habtamu (Awassa Kenema), Abubeker Nura (Ethiopia Medhin)
  • Defenders: Birhanu Bekele (Sidama Bunna), Woldeamanuel Getu, Ramkel James (both Ethiopia Bunna), Frezer Kassa (Bahardar), Yareed Kassaye (Ethiopia Medhin), Ahmed Rashid (Dire Dawa Kenema), Aschalew Tamene (Mekelakeya), Amanuel Tarfa (Kedus Giorgis), Asrat Tunjo, Abduselam Yusuf (both Dire Dawa Kenema)
  • Midfielders: Wogene Gezahegn (Ethiopia Medhin), Biruk Markos (Hadiya Hoseana), Habtamu Tekeste (Fasil Kenema), Bereket Wolde (Kedus Giorgis), Abdulkerim Worku, Amanuel Yohannes (both Mekelakeya).
  • Forwards: Mohammed Abera (Ethiopia Medhin), Bereket Desta (Mekelakeya), Chernet Gugsa (Bahardar), Ahmed Hussien (Arba Minch Kenema), Abubeker Nassir (SuperSport United, South Africa).
Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen named in Eric Chelle's first Nigeria squad
by Football Sierra Leone

Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen named in Eric Chelle’s first Nigeria squad

The Super Eagles will play against group C leaders Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, March 21, before returning home to face Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo four days later.

Napoli and African best player Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen have been named to the Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle final 23-man roster upcoming Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Last week, the coach had announced a larger provisional squad of 39 players. This will mark his first matches leading the three-time African champions.

The team is made up of three goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards, featuring a blend of seasoned players and newcomers.

The defensive line continues to be robust, including players like William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, while the midfield is supported by Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Raphael Onyedika.

Full squad list:

Goalkeepers: Amas Obasogie, Kayode Bankole, Stanley Nwabali.

Defenders: Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Igoh Ogbu, William Troost-Ekong.

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Alhassan Yusuf, Joe Aribo, Papa Daniel Mustapha, Raphael Onyedika, Wilfred Ndidi.

Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Nathan Tella, Sadiq Umar, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Victor Boniface, Victor Osimhen.

Candas Fiogbé receives first Benin International call-up
by Football Sierra Leone

Candas Fiogbé receives first Benin International call-up

Benin’s head coach Gernot Rohr has revealed a 25-player roster for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and South Africa. Among the key additions is 19-year-old striker Candas Fiogbé, who is based in Italy and is receiving his first call-up.

Although Fiogbé has yet to participate in a senior match, he has been active with Atalanta’s under-20 squad in Italy’s Primavera 1 league and their under-19 team in the UEFA Youth League, where he netted six goals.

In addition, defender Brandon Agounon makes a return to the roster after being part of the squad a year ago, even though he has not yet made an appearance for the national team.

Benin will, however, be without French-based players Aiyegun Tosin and Cédric Hountondji due to injuries, while Olivier Verdon has been left out of the squad for disciplinary reasons.

Verdon, 29, featured in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt. The squad comprises only two players from local clubs, with the rest hailing from teams in 17 different nations.

Benin has two upcoming matches: an away game against Zimbabwe in Durban, South Africa, on March 20, followed by a home match against Bafana Bafana in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on March 25. The roster features only two home-based players, with the rest coming from clubs in 17 different countries.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Saturnin Allagbé (Botev Vratsa, Bulgaria), Marcel Dandjinou (JDR Stars, South Africa), Serges Obassa (Remo Stars, Nigeria) 

Defenders: Moise Adilehou (Laval, France), Brandon Agounon (Châteauroux, France), Rodrigue Fassinou (Coton Sport Benin), David Kiki (Steaua Bucharest, Romania), Rachid Moumini (Ayéma), Tamimou Ouorou (Hatta, United Arab Emirates), Yohan Roche (Petrolul 52, Romania), Rabiou Sankamao (Wydad Fès, Morocco), Mohamed Tijani (Yverdon Sport, Switzerland)

Midfielders: Mattéo Ahlinvi (Arsenal Tula, Russia), Mariano Ahouangbo (Soliman, Tunisia), Gislain Ahoudo (Gabès, Tunisia), Samadou Attidjikou (Al Masry, Egypt), Sessi d’Almeida (Apollon Limassol. Cyprus), Dodo Dokou (Smouha, Egypt), Imourane Hassane (Grasshoppers Zurich, Switzerland)

Forwards: Jodel Dossou (Victoria Rosport, Luxembourg), Candas Fiogbé (Atalanta, Italy), Andréas Hountondji (Standard Liège, Belgium), Steve Mounié (FC Augsburg, Germany), Junior Olaitan (Grenoble, France), Steve-Waren Traoré (Haka, Finland) 

Sebastien Haller is back in Côte d'Ivoire national team for World Cup qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sebastien Haller is back in Côte d’Ivoire national team for World Cup qualifiers

Sebastien Haller is back in the Côte d’Ivoire national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Gambia after missing three international windows due to injuries.

Playing for Borussia Dortmund on loan at FC Utrecht, Haller will strengthen the team’s attack, as they aim to keep their lead in the qualifying group.

Midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin returns after last playing in March 2023, filling in for the injured Jean Michaël Seri. Ibrahim Sangaré also returns after missing the Africa Cup of Nations and replaces Seko Fofana, who is out due to fitness issues.

Clément Akpa, a left-back from AJ Auxerre, earns his first call-up. Amad Diallo from Manchester United and Wilfried Zaha from Galatasaray are absent; Diallo is injured, and Zaha has not played under coach Emerse Faé.

Maxwel Cornet from Genoa did not get called up, but Oumar Diakité from Reims stays in the squad despite poor club form.

Familiar players like Franck Kessié and Evan Ndicka remain, as the Elephants lead their World Cup qualifying group by one point over Gabon.

Côte d’Ivoire Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

  • Goalkeepers: Yahia Fofana, Mohamed Koné, Ali Badra
  • Defenders: Emmanuel Agbadou, Clément Akpa, Willy Boly, Ousmane Diomandé, Guéla Doué, Evan Ndicka , Hassane Kamara, Wilfried Singo
  • Midfielders: Jean Aholou, Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Ibrahim Sangaré, Franck Kessié, Hamed Traoré
  • Forwards: Simon Adingra, Vakoun Bayo, Oumar Diakité, Evann Guessand, Jean Krasso, Nicolas Pépé, Benié Traoré, Sébastien Halle

 

  • Upcoming Fixtures:

Burundi vs Côte d’Ivoire – March 22, 19:00 GMT, Stade de Meknès, Morocco

Côte d’Ivoire vs Gambia – March 26, 19:00 GMT, Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan

Dortmund's Serhou Guirassy and Bangoura named in Guinea 23-man squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy and Bangoura named in Guinea 23-man squad

Serhou Guirassy of Borussia Dortmund and young talent Ibrahima Sory Bangoura have been selected for Guinea’s squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Somalia and Uganda. Notably absent are Mohamed Bayo, Ilaix Moriba, and Saidou Sow.

Genk’s Ibrahima Sory Bangoura, a young player from Belgium is expected to make his first appearance for the senior national team in these important matches.

The Syli National team currently ranks third in their qualifying group. They will play Somalia in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on March 21, and then travel to Kampala to face Uganda on March 25.

Guinea needs to win both matches to stay in the race for a World Cup spot, as only the group winners qualify.

Meanwhile, Nantes defender Saidou Sow chose to stay with his pregnant wife, which is why he is not on the team.

Another notable absence is Naby Keita, who has played for Liverpool and Werder Bremen. The team captain is working on getting back to full fitness at Ferencvaros and expects to return in June.

Despite these changes, key players like François Kamano, Abdoulaye Touré, and Serhou Guirassy will play in the important double-header.

The squad also includes experienced defenders Mohamed Ali Camara and Mouctar Diakhaby, who have recovered from injuries.

The midfield features Mady Camara from PAOK Salonique and Morlaye Sylla from FC Arouca, while Serhou Guirassy, who has just moved to Borussia Dortmund, will lead the attack.

A new player in the squad is 21-year-old Bangoura, who has impressed at KRC Genk in Belgium and is now receiving his first senior call-up.

Guinea Squad

Goalkeepers: Moussa Camara (Simba SC, Tanzania), Mory Keita (Hafia FC, Guinea), Soumaïla Sylla (Stade de Reims, France)

Defenders: Mohamed Ali Camara (Young Boys, Switzerland), Antoine Conte (Igdir FK, Turkey), Ibrahima Sory Conté (UTA Arad, Romania), Ibrahim Diakité (Cercle de Bruges, Belgium), Mouctar Diakhaby (Valencia CF, Spain), Dembo Sylla (FC Dender, Belgium), Isiaga Sylla (Montpellier HSC, France), Sekou Oumar Sylla (ADO Den Haag, Netherlands)

Midfielders: Ibrahima Sory Bangoura (KRC Genk, Belgium), Aguibou Camara (PFK Ludogorets, Bulgaria), Mady Camara (PAOK Salonique, Greece), Seydouba Cissé (CD Leganés, Spain), Morlaye Sylla (FC Arouca, Portugal), Abdoulaye Touré (Le Havre AC, France)

Forwards: Aliou Badara Baldé (FC Lausanne-Sport, Switzerland), Algassime Bah (APOEL FC, Cyprus), Yadaly Diaby (Grenoble Foot 38, France), Kandet Diawara (FC Pau, France), François Kamano (Damac FC, Saudi Arabia), Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund, Germany)

Head Coach: Michel Dussuyer

Upcoming Fixtures:

Guinea vs Somalia – March 21, 21:00 GMT, Abidjan

Uganda vs Guinea – March 25, 16:00 GMT, Kampala

South Africa stun Egypt in African Nations Championship qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa stun Egypt in African Nations Championship qualifier

South Africa has qualified for the next round of the 2025 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers after a 3-1 victory over Egypt in Cairo, giving them a 4-2 aggregate win.

The Bafana Bafana played confidently, with goals from Neo Maema, Yandisa Mfolozi, and Luthuli leading the way. Maema opened the scoring in the 15th minute, and Mfolozi added a second goal in the 26th minute. Egypt scored just before halftime, but Luthuli converted a penalty five minutes into the second half to secure the win.

In another match, Gabon lost to Gambia in a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw. Gabon was awarded a penalty but missed the chance, allowing Gambia to win the shootout.

Malawi advanced with a 2-0 home win over Comoros, making it a 4-0 aggregate victory. Wongani Lungu and Binwell Katinji scored for Malawi.

The final round of qualifiers will be in May, with the first leg from May 2-4 and the second leg on May 10-11. The final tournament will be held in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in August.

First Leg Results:

  • Gambia 0-0 Gabon (February 28, 2025)
  • Comoros 0-2 Malawi (March 2, 2025)
  • South Africa 1-1 Egypt (March 2, 2025)

Second Leg Fixtures:

  • Malawi 2-0 Comoros – March 8, 2025 –  Malawi win 4-0 on aggregate
  • Gabon 0-0 Gambia – March 8, 2025 – Gambia win on penalties
  • Egypt 1-3 South Africa – March 9, 2025 – South Africa win 4-2 on aggregate