Category: Football Africa

Jean Philippe Krasso brace sink Zambia's Chipolopolo in Bouaké
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Jean Philippe Krasso brace sinks Zambia’s Chipolopolo in Bouaké

Cote d’Ivoire made an impressive start in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers by defeating Zambia’s Chipolopolo 2-0 on Friday night.

Substitute Jean Philippe Krasso scored two late goals to secure the win for the African champions at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké. As a result, they go top of Group G ahead of Tuesday’s second matches.

After a goalless first half, Jean-Philippe Krasso broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute and added his second goal 11 minutes later.

The result gives Cote d’Ivoire a strong start as they seek to defend their Africa Cup of Nations title.

Cote d’Ivoire 2-0 Zambia: J. Krasso (73′, 84′)

In an earlier Group G match, Sierra Leone and Les Sao of Chad played to a goalless draw at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Liberia.

Sierra Leone 0-0 Chad

On matchday two, Sierra Leone will face Zambia at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, while Chad will host defending champions Ivory Coast. Both matches will take place on Tuesday.

Full Friday's AFCON 2025 qualifying results
Full Friday's AFCON 2025 qualifying results
Chad snatch valuable point as Sierra Leone sleep at home
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Chad snatch valuable point as Sierra Leone sleep at home

In Friday’s match, Sierra Leone missed an opportunity to secure a win as they settled for a goalless draw against Les Sao of Chad in the Group G opener at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Liberia.

The visitors put up a solid fight in the Liberian capital as Sierra Leone failed to create decisive chances in the opening hour of the tie.

The Leone Stars in most of the game, struggled to assert themselves, facing relentless pressure from Chad. Chad maintained a persistent offensive, repeatedly testing Sierra Leone’s goalkeeper Mohamed Kamara, who made several outstanding saves.

A missed opportunity arose for Sierra Leone when substitute Musa Noah Kamara’s presence led to a promising chance, only for Charlton Athletic striker Daniel Kanu to falter late in the game.

Musa struck another shot in the final two minutes of extra time, but it was an easy save for the Coton Sport keeper, Allabatina Allamtana Gabin

Crystal Palace Under-21s midfielder Hindolo Mustapha, who received his first International call, made his Sierra Leone debut.

This outcome makes it imperative for both Sierra Leone and Chad to pursue a win in their next matches: Sierra Leone will face Zambia, while Chad will host defending champions Ivory Coast, both on Tuesday.

Sierra Leone has failed to secure victories in their last three opening recent Cup of Nations qualification matches against Lesotho and Nigeria, the 0-0 result against Chad.

In the meantime, the other teams in the group, Ivory Coast and Zambia, will confront each other at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké later this evening.

Sierra Leone 0-0 Chad

Chad snatch valuable point as Sierra Leone sleep at home
Burundi beat Malawi in AFCON qualifier Group L opener
by FSL News

Burundi beat Malawi in AFCON qualifier Group L opener

The Intamba of Burundi were impressive against host Malawi’s Flames as they defeated the home team 3-2 at the Bingu National Stadium on Thursday.

Burundi’s opening goal came from Chimwemwe Idana’s own goal in the 22nd minute, which was then equalized by Chawanangwa Kaonga’s 31st-minute goal for Malawi.

Burundi took the lead again, through Jean Claude Girumugisha two minutes later, but Malawi fought back with a goal in the second half when Lanjesi Nkhoma capitalized on Kaonga’s assist, sending the fans into ecstasy.

In a competitive battle, Burundi sealed the win with a goal by Mokono Elie Eldhino in the 87th minute – making the score 3-2.

The game ended with no further goals during the additional four minutes of play. With this win, Burundi is currently at the top of Group L as Senegal prepares to host Burkina Faso on Friday.

The Flames will travel to Bamako, Mali for their second Group L match against Burkina Faso next week. Malawi will face Senegal back-to-back in October. On the other hand, Burundi will host Senegal at BNS.

Goalless in Dar es Salaam between Tanzania and Ethiopia
by @football_sierra

Goalless in Dar es Salaam between Tanzania and Ethiopia

Tanzania and Ethiopia began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification with a goalless draw in Dar es Salaam. The match in Group H featured few clear chances due to physical battles and cautious play from both sides at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.

In the opening minutes, both teams lacked attacking urgency. Tanzania managed a few goal attempts, but Ethiopian goalkeeper Seid Habtamu Aregawi was largely untroubled.

In contrast, Ethiopia found space on the flanks but encountered formidable resistance from the Tanzanian defence.

The first half concluded with neither side able to breach the opposition’s defence, resulting in an unchanged scoreline of 0-0. At halftime, Tanzania made a substitution by bringing on Pascal Msindo, while Ethiopia introduced Binyam Fikre and Adis Giday.

Consequently, Tanzania dominated possession in the second half, exerting pressure on the Ethiopian defence. However, the Walyas remained resilient, thwarting the Taifa Stars’ attempts to score.

The match saw an increase in Tanzania’s tempo – which nearly led to a breakthrough, but their efforts lacked precision, culminating in a tense 0-0 draw.

In Tripoli, Libya and Rwanda tied 1-1 in their Group D opener. Libya’s Sobhi Al-Dawi scored in the 16th minute, but Rwanda’s Innocent Ntshwe equalized early in the second half.

Despite both teams trying to secure a win, the match ended in a draw, with each team earning a point.

Bakr Issa helps Sudan open AFCON qualifying campaign with a win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bakr Issa helps Sudan win AFCON qualifying opener

Sudan started their CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 qualifiers with a 1-0 win over Niger. Abu Bakr Issa scored the only goal on Wednesday afternoon.

His second-half goal at the Juba Stadium gave the hosts three vital points in the opening match. Sudan is in Group F, which includes strong teams like Ghana and Angola. Angola will play against Ghana on Thursday at the Baba Yara Stadium.

The match was evenly contested, with both teams creating an equal number of opportunities. Sudan broke the deadlock in the 51st minute after a defensive mistake from Niger allowed Abu Bakr to put the hosts in the lead.

Following this victory, Sudan is temporarily at the top of Group F. Ghana will take on Angola on Thursday, September 5, in a home match.

Niger faces a tough challenge in their next match as they travel to Ghana on Monday, September 9, while Sudan will travel to Luanda to play against Angola.

Under the leadership of Ghanaian head coach Kwesi Appiah, the Sudan team has been in good form, winning five out of their six games in 2024. They have conceded only one goal in their last six games and are at the top of their 2026 World Cup qualifying group as well as the 2025 AFCON qualifying group.

 Lecce winger Banda completes Zambia squad for doubleheader
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Lecce winger Banda completes Zambia squad for doubleheader

Lecce winger Lameck Banda has joined the Zambia squad in Abidjan for their upcoming matches. The team is preparing to face Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Banda’s arrival completed the 23-member squad, with other players as head coach Coach Avram Grant focus on finalizing preparations for their two vital matches.

Earlier, Switzerland-based Joseph Sabobo Banda and Obino Chisala of Mozambique outfit Costa do Sol joined the squad.

With all the players in camp, Grant will be eager to step up preparations ahead of vital qualifiers.

Zambia will face the African champions at the Stade de la Paix on Friday evening before heading to Ndola for Tuesday’s match against the Leone Stars.

The journey to the AFCON 2025 in Morocco begins today
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

The journey to AFCON 2025 in Morocco begins today

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers will begin on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, with several nations starting their quest to qualify for the tournament.

In Group F, Sudan and Niger are scheduled to play at the Juba Stadium in South Sudan on Wednesday afternoon.

Sudan, the 1970 competition winners, missed the most recent edition in the Ivory Coast.

Niger aims to qualify for the third time in their history, with their last appearance in the 2013 showpiece.

Another highly anticipated qualifier will feature Libya and Rwanda at the 11 June Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Under the guidance of former Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic, known as ‘Micho’, Libya has suffered only one defeat in 11 matches since October last year.

The qualifiers will determine the 24 teams for the 35th edition of Africa’s biggest sports event, which will be held in a North African nation from December 21 to January 18.

Today's Matches in the Race to Morocco
Today's Matches in the Race to Morocco
Kamil Conteh is hopeful about the Chad African Cup of Nations opening game against his home country, Sierra Leone, scheduled for Friday.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

The aim is to qualify for AFCON 2025 – Kamil Conteh

Kamil Conteh is hopeful about the Chad African Cup of Nations opening game against his home country, Sierra Leone, scheduled for Friday.

Sierra Leone will host the Central African nation in the Liberian capital, and Conteh is already aiming for a place in the next continental tournament in Morocco.

“It’s always an honour to play for them. My family, both here and back home, are proud. If I get to play, I will show what I can do. We have qualifiers, so the aim is to qualify for the AFCON.” Kamil told Bristol Rovers website.

Conteh, a midfielder with nine caps for his nation since debuting in March 2022 against Togo, emphasized the importance of the upcoming matches for Sierra Leone, with games against Chad and Zambia being the first two qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Conteh is looking forward to demonstrating his skills on the field and highlighted that the main aim for his nation is to qualify. Sierra Leone did not qualify for the 2023 edition of the competition in Côte d’Ivoire.

Only the top two teams from each group in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers will secure a spot in the final tournament. However, in Group B, which includes hosts Morocco, only one additional team will be eligible.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is set to take place in Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026.

Victor Osimhen to Galatasaray from Napoli imminent
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Victor Osimhen to Galatasaray from Napoli Imminent

Victor Osimhen is currently in Turkey to join Galatasaray on loan until June 2025, with a salary of €9-10m. There is no buy option or obligation, as per reports.

The talented Nigerian international forward netted an impressive total of 76 goals in 133 games for Napoli.

His exceptional performance played a pivotal role in Napoli’s triumphant 2022-23 Serie A title win, where he contributed an outstanding 26 goals to secure the championship.

The loan does not include an option to buy – Osimhen had difficulty securing a move away from Naples before the transfer window closed. Gala has agreed to pay Osimhen’s full salary for the 2024-25 season.

Deals with Al Ahli and Chelsea fell through due to financial reasons, and he was subsequently left out of the first team by Napoli’s head coach Antonio Conte.

A message from Galatasaray on social media reads, “Official negotiations have commenced with the football player and his club SSCN Napoli SPA regarding the temporary transfer of professional footballer Victor James Osimhen.”

Striker Sebastien Haller set to miss Zambia and Chad qualifier
by @football_sierra

Striker Sebastien Haller set to miss Zambia and Chad qualifiers

The Ivory Coast national football team will be without their key striker, Sebastien Haller, during the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The Elephants kick start their AFCON 2025 campaign against Zambia at home on Friday, September 6, and Chad away on Tuesday, September 10.

Sebastien Haller will not be available for these matches due to his recent loan transfer to Spanish La Liga side CD Leganes from German Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.

Haller, who notably scored the winning goal in the 2023 AFCON final against Nigeria, has been replaced by France-based striker Jean-Philippe Krasso in the squad.

An official statement from the Ivorian Football Federation informed, “The federation Ivorian Football informs the press and the public that the player Sébastien Haller, summoned by Selector Emerse Faé for the 1st and 2nd Days of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, will be unavailable due to his transfer to another club.”

It further stated, “Indeed, the Ivorian international, who transferred to Leganés (Spain) in the final moments of the Mercato, will be with his new club, especially for the medical examination.”

As a result, Sébastien Haller is replaced by Jean-Philippe Krasso of Paris FC for this FIFA window from September 2 to 10, 2024.