Category: Football Africa

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.
DR Congo ease past Ethiopia to maintain Group H lead
by FSL News

DR Congo ease past Ethiopia to maintain lead in Group H

DR Congo won 2-0 against Ethiopia in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification Group H match at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Monday night.

The Leopards now lead Group H after winning their first two matches. Walia Ibex are third in the table with one point from their first two games.

The Leopards had the first real chance of the game in the seventh minute, but Samuel Essende’s attempt was saved by the goalkeeper.

The score was 0-0 at half-time. Congo scored the first 17 minutes into the second half with a goal from Theo Bongonda.

Fiston Mayele added another goal in the 76th minute, sealing Congo’s 2-0 victory over Ethiopia.

Ethiopia 0 – DR Congo 2 (Bongonda 62′, Mayele 76′)

Ethiopia: Habtamu, Kasa, Hamid (Biniam 77′), Baye, Moges, Panom, Waza (Demissie 64′), Berhane, Dagnachew (Wondimu 83′), Gugsa (Belay 64′), Markneh

DR Congo: Bertaud, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Inonga, Ditu, Moutoussamy, Pickel (Sadiki 80′), Akolo (Bongonda 33′), Wissa (Elia 69′), Essende (Mayele 69), Kakuta (Kakuta 46′).

Oumar Sako's late goal denies Ghana Black Stars first win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Oumar Sako’s late goal denies Ghana Black Stars first win

Ghana’s search for their first victory in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers continues after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Niger at the Stade Municipal de Berkane on Monday, September 9.

The Black Stars’ hopes of securing their first win were dashed when Oumar Sako equalized for Niger in the 81st minute. As a result, they remain second from bottom with only a point from their opening two matches.

In a tightly contested match, the drama unfolded as Alidu Seidu scored his debut goal for Ghana in the 44th minute, giving them a well-deserved lead at halftime.

Ghana displayed their attacking prowess early on, with Abdul Fatawu delivering a cross to Mohammed Kudus, who forced a save from the Nigerien goalkeeper Abiboulaye Hainikoye.

Throughout the first half, Ghana maintained control of the game, persistently seeking the opening goal. Despite the Menas’ attempts to counter, they were unable to truly test the Ghanaian goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi.

Alidu Seidu scored just before halftime, giving Ghana the lead, but Oumar Sako levelled the score in the 81st minute.

Meanwhile, Angola secured consecutive victories in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers by defeating Sudan in Luanda on Monday to maintain their lead in the group.

The AFCON 2025 qualifying matches return in October where each team will play two matches.

Full Monday’s 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗔𝗙𝗖𝗢𝗡 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀:
 
🇳🇪 Niger 1-1 🇬🇭 Ghana
🇬🇶 EQ Guinea 2-2 🇹🇬 Togo
🇧🇮 Burundi 0-1 🇸🇳 Senegal
🇲🇬 Madagascar 1-1 🇰🇲 Comoros
🇺🇬 Uganda 2-0 🇨🇬 Congo Brazzaville
🇱🇸 Lesotho 0-1 🇲🇦 Morocco
🇪🇹 Ethiopia 0-2 🇨🇩 DR Congo
🇦🇴 Angola 2-1 🇸🇩 Sudan
In their second match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Senegal won 1-0 against Burundi on Monday. The game took place at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal secure first win in Group L on road to Morocco

In their second match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Senegal won 1-0 against Burundi on Monday. The game took place at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Thanks to a second-half penalty scored by Ismaïla Sarr, Senegal managed to secure the win despite facing a well-organized Burundian side.

At the start, Burundi put pressure on Senegal, but Senegal managed to get control of the game.

Sadio Mané and his team had possession and took 21 shots compared to Burundi’s two. Despite this, the 2021 AFCON champions had trouble breaking down Burundi’s strong defence.

The game was goalless at halftime even though there were a few close opportunities. In the second half, Senegal missed an opportunity to score. Burundi also had a chance to score but missed the target.

In the 71st minute, Sadio Mané was fouled in the box leading to a penalty for Senegal. Ismaïla Sarr confidently took the penalty and scored, putting Senegal in the lead.

Despite their narrow victory, Senegal is now at the top of Group L with four points, while Burundi is in second place with three points.

One game cannot decide AFCON spot - Skipper Steven Caulker
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Skipper Steven Caulker’s report card ahead of Zambia tie

Skipper Steven Caulker emphasized that one game cannot determine the AFCON spot. He expressed the Leone Stars’ determination to confront a formidable Zambia team and uphold the pride of Sierra Leone.

Caulker is set to captain the Leone Stars in a crucial match against Zambia’s Chipolopolo on Tuesday as part of the journey to Morocco 2025 at the Levy Mwanawansa Stadium.

“We were absolutely clear that we intended to secure all three points against Chad, but unfortunately, it didn’t happen. I firmly believe that our performance against Chad was not bad.

We created several chances but couldn’t capitalize on the day. However, the very fact that we were able to create chances is a positive sign, Caulker rightly pointed out.

Defensively, clinching a clean sheet is a major accomplishment for us, and we are fully committed to elevating our performance from one to three points against Zambia, despite the challenging nature of the upcoming game against a formidable opponent.

Qualifying for the next AFCON will not be determined after just one game but after six games. That will be the real test. We secured one point and currently hold the second position in the table – providing us with a solid foundation to build on.”

Everyone is filled with positivity and we are prepared to give our all for Sierra Leone on Tuesday.”

Both teams faced challenging starts, with Grant’s team losing 2-0 to the Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone playing to a goalless draw against Chad in Liberia.

Zambia and Sierra Leone have history, meeting twice before with one victory for Chipolopolo in 1996 and a draw in 1994.

We know their weaknesses - Avram Grant on Sierra Leone
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

We know their weaknesses – Avram Grant on Sierra Leone

Avram Grant, the Zambia head coach, spoke ahead of the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier as he prepares his team to play against Sierra Leone on Tuesday at the Levy Mwanawansa stadium.

Both teams had a rough start, with Grant’s team losing 2-0 to the Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone playing to a goalless draw against Chad in Liberia.

Grant is committed to securing Zambia’s qualification for a back-to-back AFCON, despite the team’s four consecutive losses and winless streak since November 2023.

Looking ahead to Tuesday’s match, Grant promised a new game plan and expressed optimism, stating that the technical bench has thoroughly studied Sierra Leone’s tactics and they are prepared to demonstrate Zambia’s strength as a team.

“We are well-informed about the opponent. We have shared our insights with the players and thoroughly analyzed all of the opponent’s recent games. Everyone, including the staff, has reviewed this information,” he stated.

“We have identified their weaknesses and strengths. While they are a very good team – our objective is to demonstrate that we are also a strong team.”

Zambia and Sierra Leone have history, meeting twice before with one victory for Chipolopolo in 1996 and a draw in 1994.

Ghana Black Stars look to revive AFCON 2025 qualifying hopes
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana Black Stars look to revive AFCON 2025 qualifying hopes

Otto Addo’s team is aiming to breathe new life into their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying journey as they prepare to face Niger at the Berkane Municipal Stadium in Morocco on Monday, September 9th. (GFA Photo)

The Black Stars are currently second from bottom in Group F after a 1-0 loss to Angola in Kumasi on matchday 1, with Milson scoring in stoppage time.

Otto was appointed as head coach in May and began with wins over Mali (2-1) and Central African Republic (4-3) in June’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The former Ghana international will be aiming for a win in Berkane to put pressure on Sudan and the Black Sable Antelopes.

Niger has only qualified for the continental showpiece twice, in 2012 and 2013, but failed to advance past the group stage both times.

The Menas were defeated by Sudan 1-0 on September 4 in their opening match of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.