Category: Football Africa

Champions Al Ahly, CRB, Pirates, and Stade D’Abidjan in Group C
by FSL News

Champions Al Ahly, CRB, Pirates and Stade D’Abidjan in Group C

The official draw for the Group Stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League for the 2024/25 season has set up what promises to be an exciting phase of Africa’s top club competition.

Al Ahly SC of Egypt, the most successful club with 12 titles, will headline Group C, which includes CR Belouizdad of Algeria, former champions Orlando Pirates, and Stade D’Abidjan, who are making their first group stage appearance.

All six of CAF’s Zonal Unions will be represented in this season’s edition of the Group Stages, showing the continued growth of African football across the continent.

TP Mazembe, five-time champions, will headline Group A and will face off against Young Africans, Al Hilal, and MC Alger of Algeria.

Group B will feature 2016 champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who will compete against three-time champions Raja Casablanca and AS FAR, both from Morocco, along with DR Congo outfit Maniema Union FC.

Group C will be led by the reigning champions, Al Ahly SC. The last group of the competition will see last season’s runners-up, ES Tunis, competing against Pyramids FC, GD Sagrada Esperanca, and Djoliba AC of Mali.

The group stages will be played between November 2024 and January 2025.

•⁠  ⁠Match Day 1: November 26-27, 2024  – ⁠Match Day 2: December 6-8, 2024 – Match Day 3: December 13-15, 2024 

•⁠  ⁠Match Day 4: January 3-5, 2025 – Match Day 5: January 10-12, 2025 – Match Day 6: January 17-19, 2025

Click HERE for a list of fixtures.

TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Group Stage Draw Results: 

GROUP A: TP Mazembe (RDC), Young Africans SC (TAN), Al Hilal (SUD), MC Alger (ALG)

GROUP B: Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA), Raja CA (MAR), AS FAR (MAR) Maniema Union (RDC)

GROUP C: Al Ahly SC (EGY), CR Belouizdad (ALG), Orlando Pirates (RSA) ,Stade D ‘Abidjan (CIV)

GROUP D: ES Tunis (TUN), Pyramids FC (EGY), GD Sagrada Esperanca (ANG), Djoliba AC (MLI)

CAF will soon announce details of the fixtures, venues and dates in due course.

Exciting matches lineup in CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage draw
by Football Sierra Leone

Exciting matches lineup in CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage

The draw for the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage took place in Cairo on Monday, adding to the excitement surrounding the competition.

Defending champions Zamalek SC are in Group D with Al Masry, Enyimba, and Black Bulls. In Group C, USM Alger will compete against ASEC Mimosas, ASC Jaraaf, and Orapa United.

Group B features RS Berkane, Stade Malien, Stellenbosch FC, and CD Lunda Sul. Group A, known as the “Group of Death,” includes Simba SC, CS Sfaxien, CS Constantine, and Bravos do Maquis.

The group stage begins in November, with prestigious clubs from across Africa competing for the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup trophy.

The group stages will be played between November 2024 and January 2025. 

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage Fixtures Dates:

•⁠  ⁠Match Day 1: November 26-27, 2024  – ⁠Match Day 2: December 6-8, 2024 – ⁠Match Day 3: December 13-15, 2024 – ⁠Match Day 4: January 3-5, 2025 – ⁠Match Day 5: January 10-12, 2025 – ⁠Match Day 6: January 17-19, 2025

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage Draw Results:

Group A: Simba SC (Tanzania), CS Sfaxien (Tunisia), CS Constantine (Algeria), Bravos do Maquis (Angola)

Group B: RS Berkane (Morocco), Stade Malien (Mali), Stellenbosch (South Africa), CD Lunda Sul (Angola),

Group C: USM Alger (Algeria), ASEC Mimosas (Côte d’Ivoire), ASC Jaraaf (Senegal), Orapa United (Botswana)

Group D: Zamalek SC (Egypt), Al Masry (Egypt), Enyimba FC (Nigeria), Black Bulls (Mozambique),

•⁠  ⁠Match Day 1: November 26-27, 2024  

•⁠  ⁠Match Day 2: December 6-8, 2024 

•⁠  ⁠Match Day 3: December 13-15, 2024 

•⁠  ⁠Match Day 4: January 3-5, 2025 

•⁠  ⁠Match Day 5: January 10-12, 2025 

•⁠  ⁠Match Day 6: January 17-19, 2025

Click HERE for list of fixtures.

Namibia set for crucial AFCON Group J qualifiers against Zimbabwe
by Football Sierra Leone

Namibia set for crucial AFCON Group J qualifiers against Zimbabwe

Namibia set for crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group J qualifying matches against Zimbabwe. The team will play two important games against Zimbabwe on October 10 and October 14, 2024, in South Africa.

Bottom of the group having lost their opening two matches against Cameroon and Kenya in the race to Morocco, Namibia looks to review their chances against Zimbabwe.

The squad announcement comes at a critical point in their AFCON campaign, and the technical team will be relying on key players to perform well during the two matches. Both matches against Zimbabwe will take place in South Africa on neutral ground and are expected to be closely contested due to the rivalry between the two nations.

Namibia’s squad and tactics are crucial as they aim to qualify for AFCON 2025. The team will train in South Africa to refine their strategy and prepare for the challenges ahead. Their campaign now depends on their performance against Zimbabwe. Victory could propel them into a strong position, while defeat would jeopardize their chances.

Namibia must win at least of this month’s ties to revive their qualification hopes.

Richard Mbulu out of Malawi's AFCON qualifiers against Senegal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Richard Mbulu out of Malawi’s AFCON qualifiers against Senegal

Malawi is gearing up for an important 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Senegal, but striker Richard Mbulu’s injury is a major setback for the team.

Coach Patrick Mabedi has called up Isaac Kaliati from Mighty Mukuru Wanderers to replace Mbulu for the matches against Senegal.

The squad includes local and international players, with notable additions being Kaliati and Timothy Silwamba from Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, and the return of goalkeeper Brighton Munthali from Blue Eagles. Not having Mbulu will be a big challenge when facing Senegal in Dakar.

Despite the obstacles, Coach Mabedi’s team has shown resilience before, and they will try to contain Senegal’s strong attack while taking advantage of any chances to counter.

The team will travel to Senegal via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Foreign-based players will join the team directly from their clubs in Europe and Africa. This adds complexity to Malawi’s preparations, as there will be limited time for the full squad to train together before the matches.

After playing in Dakar, Malawi will return home to play the second leg at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on October 15. Squad depth and fitness will be crucial for the team’s success with two matches in a short time.

Despite Mbulu’s absence, the inclusion of Kaliati offers the team a chance to try something different up front. Coach Patrick Mabedi will be hoping his side can rise to the challenge against the formidable Senegalese team and keep their AFCON 2025 qualification hopes alive.

Otto Addo picks Ghana Black Stars squad for Sudan qualifying ties
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Otto Addo picks Ghana squad for Sudan qualifying ties

Ghana’s coach, Otto Addo, has named a 25-man squad for the upcoming matches against Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The Black Stars are set to commence training on Monday.

Defenders Alexander Djiku and Gideon Mensah are back in the squad after missing the last qualifiers against Angola and Niger.

Isaac Afful, a left-back from FC Samartex, has been chosen for his debut after performing well in the CAF Champions League preliminary round and the ongoing Premier League.

Olympique Lyon forward Ernest Nuamah and Ibrahim Sulemana of Atalanta have also returned to the squad after recovering from injuries that kept them out of the last qualifiers.

Ghana will play Sudan at the Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday, October 10, before travelling to Libya for the reverse fixture at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benina, Libya, on Monday, October 14, 2024.

The Black Stars aim to win against the Falcons after a tough start to the qualifiers against Angola and Niger, with a 1-0 loss to Angola and a 1-1 draw against Niger.

Senegal's Pape Matar Sarr nets as Tottenham win in Budapest
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegal’s Pape Sarr nets in Tottenham’s Europa League win

Senegal’s international, Pape Matar Sarr, scored two goals in two matches in the UEFA Europa League (UEL). He opened the scoring from close range after 23 minutes at the Ferencváros Stadium in Budapest.

Sarr’s teammate, Brennan Johnson, scored the second helping the team secure a valuable away victory in Europe with a 2-1 win against Ferencvaros in Hungary on Thursday evening.

As a result, the London club is currently third in the table, aiming to advance straight to the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League.

The result marked five wins in our last matches across three different competitions: Coventry in the Carabao Cup, Brentford and Manchester United in the Premier League, and Qarabag and Ferencvaros in the UEL.

Sarr’s fine finish showcased his good form as he shifted onto his left foot from the right angle and curled a low shot in off the far post, making it 2-0 four minutes from time in the rain at the Groupama Arena.

Despite the Hungarian champions being unbeaten at home in 14 matches, they fought until the end, with Barnabas Varga sliding home a cross from Cristian Ramirez as the clock ticked into five minutes of added time.

There were no more scares as Tottenham secured their second win out of two in the league phase of the new-look competition, following their MD1 win against Qarabag last week.

Coach Hossam Hassan ready Egypt squad for AFCON qualifying matches
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt could secure AFCON 2025 spot with wins over Mauritania

Coach Hossam Hassan has confirmed a 24-man squad for Group C double fixture against Mauritania, with the exclusion of the trio of Emam Ashour, Ahmed Hegazi, and Mohamed Elneny from Egypt’s squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Mauritania.

The Pharaohs have a chance to secure their place in the next AFCON by getting six points from the next two matches against Mauritania.

The Pharaohs will play against Mauritania in Cairo on 11 October 2024 before playing the return leg in Mauritania on 15 October 2024.

Egypt currently tops the group with six points from two wins over Cape Verde and Botswana and they hope to maintain their winning run in the qualifiers against the Lions of Chinguetti, who are second in the group with three points.

The Zamalek duo of Mohamed Awwad and Nabil Emad have returned after their standout performance in the CAF Super Cup match against Al Ahly.

Hossam has also selected six foreign-based players, five players from Al Ahly, five players from Zamalek, and eight players from other domestic league teams.

The top two teams in the group will secure direct qualification for the 2025 AFCON, scheduled to be held in Morocco.

The Full Squad Listed

Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly), Mohamed Awad (Zamalek), El Mahdy Soliman (Al Ittihad), Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly).

Defense: Mohamed Abdelmonem (Nice), Rami Rabia (Al Ahly), Ahmed Ramadan (Ceramica Cleopatra), Khaled Sobhy (Al Masry), Mohamed Hamdi (Pyramids), Mohamed Shehata (Zamalek), Ahmed Nabil Kouka (Al Ahly), Ahmed Eid (Al Masry).

Midfield: Hamdy Fathy (Al Wakrah), Marwan Ateya (Al Ahly), Nasser Maher (Zamalek), Ahmed Sayed Zizo (Zamalek), Nabil Emad (Zamalek), Mahmoud Trezeguet (Al Rayyan), Omar Marmoush (Eintracht Frankfurt), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Mostafa Fathy (Pyramids), Ibrahim Adel (Pyramids).

Attack: Mostafa Mohamed (Nantes), Osama Faisal (Bank Al Ahly).

Mohamed Salah becomes top Africa's scorer in Champions League history
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mohamed Salah becomes top Africa’s scorer in Champions League history

Mohamed Salah has become the top scorer in Champions League history from Africa with 45 goals, surpassing Ivorian Didier Drogba and Cameroonian Samuel Eto’o, who have 44 and 30 goals, respectively.

Salah scored a perfect curler into the top corner at the Kop end, helping Liverpool secure a 2-0 victory against Bologna at Anfield during the league phase. This finish earned Salah a spot on the shortlist for Goal of the Day, alongside goals from Jhon Duran (Aston Villa), Christos Tzolis (Club Brugge), and Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus).

Despite Bologna’s strong performance, Liverpool maintained their 100% record in the competition. Liverpool continued their winning start with Alexis Mac Allister scoring from close range and Mohamed Salah finishing with a sublime strike in Arne Slot’s first European night at Anfield.

The hosts took the lead 11 minutes into the game when Mac Allister connected with a cross from Salah. Bologna had their chances, with Dan Ndoye hitting the woodwork and Alisson Becker denying Kacper Urbański and Riccardo Orsolini.

However, Salah secured the win with a stylish left-footed shot into the far corner 15 minutes from time.

Mohamed Salah has become the top African scorer in the history of the Champions League.
Mohamed Salah has become the top African scorer in the history of the Champions League.
Ademola Lookman shines as Atlanta thrash Shakhtar Donetsk
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ademola Lookman shines as Atlanta thrash Shakhtar Donetsk

Nigerian international Ademola Lookman scored a goal and provided an assist to help Atalanta secure a 3-0 victory against Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen.

Lookman, who previously scored a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, once again showcased his talent in Europe by leading Atalanta to their first win of the 2024/25 Champions League campaign.

Atalanta opened the scoring midway through the first half when Berat Djimsiti capitalized on Lookman’s cross to score from close range.

Lookman then doubled their lead just before half-time by finding space in the box to convert Sead Kolasinac’s low delivery.

Shortly after the break, Raoul Bellanova extended Atalanta’s lead to three goals by heading in Davide Zappacosta’s cross.

This victory comes as a much-needed boost for Atalanta, who have struggled in Serie A this season with only two wins in their first six matches.

AFCON winner Aliou Cisse departs as Senegal’s head coach
by Football Sierra Leone

AFCON winner Aliou Cisse departs as Senegal’s head coach

The Senegalese Football Association has decided not to renew the contract of national team head coach Aliou Cissé. This signifies the conclusion of his tenure, marking the end of an extraordinary era during which he steered Senegal to unprecedented triumphs, most notably their historic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory in 2022.

This groundbreaking win, the first in Senegal’s history, solidified Cissé’s reputation as a national hero, following his earlier feat of guiding the team to the AFCON final in 2019.

Cissé’s stewardship of Senegal spanned more than a decade. He initially took on the role of caretaker coach of the national team in 2012 before assuming responsibility for the U23 squad.

Throughout his tenure, he demonstrated unwavering dedication, resilience, and an enduring commitment to nurturing Senegalese talent.

Cissé, who led Senegal to the 2018 FIFA World Cup and achieved consistent success in continental competitions, guided the team to the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

His departure as head coach will be deeply felt, leaving behind a strong team and a lasting impact on Senegalese football.