Category: Football Africa

Sundowns and Al Ahly record first-leg CAF Champions League wins
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sundowns and Al Ahly record first-leg CAF Champions League wins

Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns recorded heavy victories in their CAF Champions League second round first-leg preliminary matches, and Orlando Pirates also did well when they travelled to Botswana.

Sundowns were supposed to play Mbabane Swallows away, but they ended up winning 4-0 against the Eswatini side at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Saturday.

Because Swallows couldn’t host the match at an international standard stadium, Sundowns took full advantage of playing at one of their home grounds, and Lucas Ribeiro (2), Mosa Lebusa, and Iqraam Rayners all scored in Atteridgeville.

In another match, current CAF Champions League title holders Al Ahly won 3-0 against Gor Mahia at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.

Ramy Rabia scored in the 14th minute, and Percy Tau sealed the scoreline with goals in the 15th and 74th minutes.

The second leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round will begin on Friday, September 20th.

Saturday's CAF Champions League Second Round first-leg results
Saturday's CAF Champions League Second Round first-leg results
Sierra Leone and Guinea share opening points in WAFU U20
by FSL News

Sierra Leone and Guinea share opening points in WAFU U20

On Sunday, Sierra Leone’s under-20 team held Guinea to a goalless draw in their Group A clash in their WAFU A U-20 AFCON Qualifier at the SKD Stadium.

The Shooting Stars dominated the first half, creating several promising opportunities, but could not take the lead. Despite their efforts, Guinea’s resilient team held firm.

In the second half, Guinea stepped up their game, with both teams displaying tactical discipline and tenacity.

Head Coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara praised his team’s performance in the post-match press conference, acknowledging their challenge in their next match against Liberia.

The Shooting Stars skipper, Momoh I. Kamara, was awarded the Man of the Match for outstanding performance.

Sierra Leone’s next game is against Liberia, who secured a 1-0 victory over Guinea Bissau earlier, placing them at the top of the group.

Meanwhile, Guinea Bissau will face Guinea in their upcoming match – with both matches scheduled for Wednesday, September 18th.

A win for Sierra Leone on Wednesday would significantly boost their chances of advancing in the tournament.

WAFU A U20 AFCON Qualifiers Liberia 2024
WAFU A U20 AFCON Qualifiers Liberia 2024
Victor Osimhen makes debut as Galatasaray thrash Çaykur Rizespor
by @football_sierra

Victor Osimhen makes debut as Galatasaray thrash Rizespor

On Saturday, Nigerian International Victor Osimhen made his debut in the fifth week of the Trendyol Super League as Galatasaray hosted Çaykur Rizespor at the RAMS Park.

The Cimbom won the match 5-0, with goals scored by Davinson Sanchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Gabriel Sara, Dries Mertens and Barış Alper Yılmaz.

Galatasaray, who have played one less match in the league, have won four out of four and increased their points to 12 while scoring 14 and conceding three goals.

Rizespor, who have four points, have conceded a combined ten goals against Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe.

The striker post-match, “I am very happy to be here. This is my first time in this city. We met with our fans. I am happy that we won by such a big margin in my first match. We want to continue like this and win every match.”

 

Kazeem Ogunleye’s late goal helps Enugu Rangers' to victory
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kazeem Ogunleye’s late goal helps Enugu Rangers’ to victory

Kazeem Ogunleye’s late goal helped Enugu Rangers win 1-0 against Angola’s Sagrada Esperanca in a CAF Champions League qualifier on Friday.

The 18-year-old striker scored with a well-placed shot from just outside the box, securing the victory in the southeastern Nigerian city of Uyo.

Despite having more possession, Enugu Rangers struggled with passing and finishing in the second-round first leg until Ogunleye’s decisive strike.

Enugu Rangers narrowly advanced to the final qualifying stage after a 2-1 aggregate win over Comoran champions Zilimadjou, with both games played in Nigeria due to the lack of a suitable stadium in the Comoros.

Enugu Rangers will now travel to Angola for the return leg against Sagrada Esperanca in Luanda next weekend, aiming to become the first Nigerian team to win the prestigious African club title since Enyimba’s back-to-back triumphs in 2003 and 2004.

In another match, US Monastir of Tunisia secured a 1-0 first-leg win at home against Algeria’s former champions Mouloudia Alger through Fourat Soltani’s 22nd-minute strike, deflected by Ayoub Ghezala.

This weekend’s CAF Champions League action will continue with nine matches on Saturday and five on Sunday, with defending champions Al Ahly of Egypt playing their first match against Kenya’s Gor Mahia.

Nigeria's Enugu Rangers eye positive result against Sagrada
by FSL News

Nigeria’s Enugu Rangers eye positive result against Sagrada

Enugu Rangers defender Ifeanyi Onyebuchi is optimistic about the upcoming CAF Champions League Second Preliminary Round first leg match against G.D. Sagrada Esperanca of Angola.

Onyebuchi acknowledges the tough challenge ahead, considering Sagrada Esperanca’s 4-0 win against St Louis Suns United of Seychelles in the first round.

He expresses confidence in the team’s preparation and their ability to secure victory. The team, under coach Godwin Nosike’s guidance, is intensifying preparations for the encounter.

The players are focused on defending the club’s honour and representing their country effectively. The team fully focussed on the task at hand, aiming for a strong performance that will hopefully secure them a spot in the group stage of the competition.

Rangers have a history of successful encounters with Angolan teams, and they are looking to continue this trend in their upcoming matches.

Young Africans ready for Commercial Bank of Ethiopia challenge
by FSL News

Young Africans ready for CB of Ethiopia challenge

The Tanzania Mainland Premier League champions, Young Africans SC, are in Addis Ababa for their CAF Champions League match against Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE).

The match is scheduled for Saturday at the Abebe Bikila Stadium, with the return leg set for next week at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

The Young Africans’ squad is buoyed by their impressive 10-0 aggregate victory over Vital’O FC in the previous round, which has bolstered their growing confidence as they prepare to face CBE.

Despite challenges, including the absence of Farid Mussa due to injury, the team is in good spirits.

Manager Walter Harrison confirmed that all players, including those returning from international duty, have rejoined the squad, ensuring a strong lineup for the upcoming match.

They are aiming for positive results away from home and are determined to carry their domestic success onto the continental stage.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a temporary suspension of its approval for the use of Ghana's Baba Yara Stadium.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF suspends Ghana’s Baba Yara Stadium approval

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a temporary suspension of its approval for the use of Ghana’s Baba Yara Stadium. This decision comes as a result of technical issues, specifically concerning the inadequate condition of the playing field.

Despite recently hosting a match between Ghana and Angola, the stadium was found to be below the required standards for Category 3 international matches.

As a result, Ghana will need to find alternative venues for its upcoming official matches as the Baba Yara Stadium is no longer an option. This decision came after CAF’s assessment of the stadium following the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Ghana and Angola, which was played on September 5, 2024.

CAF inspectors identified several issues at the stadium, which has a capacity of over 40,000. The confederation board also recommended that the Ghanaian authorities conduct a full assessment of all international stadiums in the country and immediately begin refurbishment efforts.

Kenya beat Namibia to stay on course for Morocco 2025
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kenya beat Namibia to stay on course for Morocco 2025

Kenya had a positive result in their latest 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match, winning 2-1 against Namibia in Group J at the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.

In the first 15 minutes, there was little difference between the two teams, and they shared possession equally in the early stages of the game. Namibia tried to attack midway through the first half, but the Kenyan midfielders quickly stopped them.

On the other side, Kenya looked dangerous when they counter-attacked. The referee ended the first half after a few scoring chances from both teams.

Kenya took the lead just before the hour mark with a well-placed free-kick just outside the area.

Namibia attempted direct attacking plays in the future. Despite Namibia’s attempts, the Harambee Stars scored again in the 76th minute through Duke Abuya, increasing their lead.

Namibia made a late attempt to change the scoreline, with Deon Hotto scoring a consolation goal in stoppage time, but it was too late as Kenya won the match.

AFCON Qualifiers wrap-up: Ivory Coast maintain lead in Group
by FSL News

AFCON Qualifiers wrap-up: Ivory Coast maintain lead in Group G

The second round of matches for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers concluded on Tuesday night with significant wins for the title holders Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Zambia, Benin, and Cape Verde.

Here is a summary of the some matches played on Tuesday night:

Chad 0-2 Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire extended their strong start in Group G with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Chad. Following their win against Zambia in the opening match, the Elephants demonstrated their prowess once again at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé.

A standout performance from Jean-Philippe Krasso and Oumar Diakité secured the win, propelling Côte d’Ivoire to the top of the group.

Burkina Faso 3-1 Malawi

After drawing 1-1 against Senegal, Burkina Faso achieved a convincing 3-1 victory over Malawi in Bamako, Mali.

Despite early pressure from Malawi, Lassina Traoré broke the deadlock with a low header in the 35th minute. The Shakhtar Donetsk striker doubled the lead just minutes later by dribbling past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

Hassane Bandé added a third from the penalty spot before Malawi’s Zeliat Nkhoma pulled one back late. Burkina Faso now leads Group L, edging ahead of Senegal on goal difference.

Cape Verde 2-0 Mauritania

Cape Verde rebounded from a heavy 3-0 defeat to Egypt by defeating Mauritania 2-0 in Group C.

Ryan Mendes scored from a penalty after Benchimol was fouled by Houeibib, giving the Blue Sharks the lead.

In the second half, Mendes scored again in the 75th minute, securing Cape Verde’s three points and moving them into second place in the group.

Zambia edge Sierra Leone in Group G AFCON qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zambia edge Sierra Leone in Group G AFCON qualifier

On Tuesday, in a tense atmosphere, Zambia’s Chipolopolo secured their first victory in the African Cup of Nations Group G match day two, defeating Sierra Leone 3-2 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

In the opening 25 minutes, Zambia dominated the game and scored their first goal with a header by Kennedy Musonda in the 28th minute. However, Sierra Leone equalized with a great strike by Augustus Kargbo in the 33rd minute after poor defending from the host team.

Both teams showed resilience after the 35th minute in the African Cup of Nations Group G qualifier match. Sierra Leone’s coach, Amidu Karim, made four changes to the starting lineup, resulting in a better performance, especially on the left wing of the team’s attack.

Kelvin Mubanga Kampamba, a substitute from Al Nasr Benghazi, put the home side back in the lead with a good strike in the 70th minute.

Sierra Leone’s Hindolo Mustapha, coming off the bench, scored his first international goal, levelling the game 2-2 in the 73rd minute.

In the 85th minute, Kings Kangwa from Hapoel Beer Sheva scored with a clever free-kick, putting Zambia back in front for the third time after a handball from the Sierra Leone defensive, Ibrahim Sillah.

Zambia’s head coach Grant was delighted after the match and commended his players for their determination.

“It was a fantastic win; we played really well,” Grant told reporters after the match. “We created chances, but more importantly, we showed great mentality. Even after they equalized at 1-1 and then at 2-2, we never gave up. Two minutes after every goal they scored, we scored again. Many teams would have crumbled, but we kept playing and played well.”

He added, “Similarly to our performance in Ivory Coast, the players are displaying a lot of character, fighting spirit, and commitment, and I am very happy about that.”

Elsewhere, Ivory Coast defeated Chad 2-0 with goals from Jean-Philippe Krasso in the 45th minute and Oumar Diakité at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Cameroon to stay top of the group with six points ahead of October’s doubleheader against Sierra Leone.

Ivory Coast continues to lead, with Zambia close behind at three points, Sierra Leone at two, and Chad with one point.

Sierra Leone suffered first defeat win in the African Cup of Nations Group G match day two, defeating Sierra Leone 3-2 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Sierra Leone suffered first defeat win in the African Cup of Nations Group G match day two, defeating Sierra Leone 3-2 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.