Category: African News

Our African football page passionately on all continental topics of all National and International football news, Identifying football heroes on our continent.

Somali referee Omara Artan, barred from 2026 FIFA World Cup, lands UEFA role
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Somali referee Omar Artan, barred from 2026 FIFA World Cup, lands UEFA role

The Union of European Football Associations, UEFA, has confirmed the appointment of Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup.

This highly anticipated match is scheduled for 12 August in Salzburg, featuring UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain against UEFA Europa League champions Aston Villa FC.

“Despite his youth, Artan has quickly made a name for himself as one of the world’s leading referees and has been on the FIFA international officiating list since 2018,” UEFA noted. 

He notably officiated the second leg of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League final, solidifying his reputation in the sport. In recognition of his exceptional performances, he was honoured with the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year Award in 2025.

Although Artan was selected as part of the match officials for the FIFA World Cup 2026, he was unable to participate due to restrictions preventing him from entering the United States.

His appointment to referee the UEFA Super Cup falls under the framework of the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UEFA and CAF, which aims to foster cooperation in various areas, including refereeing. Both UEFA and CAF are dedicated to promoting football development at all levels and upholding the core values of unity, equality, and non-discrimination.

Aleksander Čeferin, UEFA president, said: “Omar Artan is an excellent young but already experienced referee, who has proven himself at the highest competition level of the Confederation of African Football. Football is made to connect people, and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills, which had earned him such a prestigious nomination. I am grateful to my friend CAF President Patrice Motsepe for supporting enthusiastically our initiative.”

Dr Patrice Motsepe, CAF president, said: “Omar Artan has made Somalia and the entire people of the African Continent extremely proud. His receipt of the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year Award 2025 and his appointment as a referee of the FIFA World Cup 2026 are a recognition of his world-class refereeing ability and the international respect that he enjoys. I am very thankful to my friend, Aleksander Čeferin for enabling Omar Artan to officiate the UEFA Super Cup 2026 match. This is a great honour for Omar Artan and for African referees and is also an excellent example of football, bringing together and uniting people from Africa and Europe and worldwide.”

Referee Omar Artan received a warm welcome upon his return to Mogadishu
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Referee Omar Artan received a warm welcome upon his return to Mogadishu

A warm welcome for Somali referee Omar Artan, who has returned to Mogadishu. Despite holding a diplomatic passport and a single-entry US visa, Artan was denied entry, shattering his dream of officiating at the FIFA World Cup.

“Every referee aspires to go to the World Cup,” Artan shared in an interview with BBC Somali last week, just before he departed from home. “When you’re selected, it feels like all your hard work has paid off. It’s a moment when everything falls into place. Years of effort finally find their meaning.”

Last year, Artan was recognised as the best male referee in Africa and officiated two matches at the recent Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon). After being included in the list of FIFA match officials, he was hailed by the country’s President Hassan Mohamud as “a symbol of inspiration for the new generation of Somalis.”

While the Somali government is making diplomatic efforts to resolve the entry issue, Artan’s hopes of attending the World Cup seem dim as he has risen through the officiating ranks in a nation that has been marred by conflict for decades.

The US State Department informed BBC Africa that it welcomes “legitimate travelers” to the World Cup and assesses each visa application on an individual basis, following a thorough review and meticulous vetting. They also noted that “national security and public safety” play significant roles in the visa decision-making process.

Omar Artan, who was set to be the first Somali to referee at the World Cup finals, has been dropped from the list of officials after he was denied entry to the United States.
Omar Artan, who was set to be the first Somali to referee at the World Cup finals, has been dropped from the list of officials after he was denied entry to the United States.
Liberia shine in victory over Sierra Leone at the SKD Stadium
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Liberia shine in victory over Sierra Leone at the SKD Stadium

Liberia took control of the second match after losing the first leg at the Southern Arena on Saturday, June 6th. They led 2-0 at halftime at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium and won the game 3-1.

The hosts played with great confidence, creating numerous chances and converting two crucial opportunities before the break. Their attacking movements consistently troubled the opposition’s defence throughout the first half, while their back line maintained an organised and disciplined approach.

Sebastin Teclar opened the scoring for the home team, followed closely by Ayoubah Kosiah, who extended the Lone Star’s advantage just before the halftime whistle.

After the break, Sierra Leone came out swinging, determined to claw their way back into the match. The Leone Stars entered the friendly with a tactical and psychological edge following their first-leg win, although they made seven changes to their lineup.

Nonetheless, the hosts continued to dominate, and they were rewarded when Philip Tarnue netted his first goal for the Lone Star, extending their lead to 3-0 against Sierra Leone at the SKD.

Sierra Leone managed to score a late goal in the second half, with Charlton Athletic striker Daniel Kanu finding the net. However, Moroccan-Belgian coach Mohammed Erradi celebrated his first win as the manager of Liberia, guiding the Lone Star to a 3-1 victory over Sierra Leone. The supporters in the stadium erupted with cheers after the final whistle as Liberia avenged the first defeat.

Liberian striker Sherman vies for the ball with Sierra Leone defender Alpha Turay
Liberian striker Sherman vies for the ball with Sierra Leone defender Alpha Turay
Mali's youngster Seydou Diarra pens deal with SC Austria Lustenau
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali’s youngster Seydou Diarra pens deal with SC Austria Lustenau

Newly promoted Austrian Bundesliga team SC Austria Lustenau has signed gifted young player Seydou Diarra. Coming from FC Gueugnon, a team in the French sixth level, the 21-year-old forward has signed a contract through at least 2027.

Diarra, who can play in many attacking roles, last summer switched from Cedar Stars, a Ghana-based club, to Clermont Foot 63 in France. January saw him join FC Gueugnon and score three goals over eleven games.

Diarra is eager for his new adventure and hopes to take home club trophies. He claimed, “From now on, I am quite delighted to be playing for Austria. The team and all the guys have given me a wonderful welcome. The team and I are in good shape, therefore I will do all on the field to reach our shared objectives.

Mirco Papaleo, the athletic director, was upbeat about the recruitment. He continued, “We are happy Seydou chose to come with us. With his speed and skill, he is a gifted young player who will be quite useful for us on the wing. We think he will keep growing with us and turn in great work.

Diarra has been working out with Austria Vienna for two and a half weeks now. The coaches were so impressed by his outstanding play that he was offered a permanent job. He will be playing with Ghanaian player Lord Afrifa, who just moved from Sturm Graz and signed a two-year deal with an option for a third year.

Austria Lustenau was elevated to the Austrian Bundesliga after placing first in Bundesliga 2. On the final day of the season, they defeated SKU Amstetten 2-1 to claim the 2. Liga championship.

Schalke 04 among European clubs interested in Liberia captain Oscar Dorley
by Football Sierra Leone

Schalke 04 among European clubs interested in Liberia captain Oscar Dorley

Liberian International Oscar Murphy Dorley has once again been headlining the news as top European clubs are eyeing his signature.

The 27-year-old midfielder, who is currently part of Liberia’s Lone Star International friendlies against Sierra Leone, could be on a new roster once again. Spanish giants Deportivo Alavés and Deportivo La Coruña, as well as German clubs Schalke 04 and FC Augsburg, have been linked with Oscar.

The links keep coming for him just before the European summer transfer window opens. The midfielder, who has become one of the most dependable Africans in central Europe while playing for SK Slavia Prague has won several Czech league titles with his club and is a regular participant in UEFA club competitions.

For teams seeking experience and leadership, Oscar is a great choice, as he can play several positions, including central midfielder, defensive midfielder, left midfielder, and even left-back.

Currently under contract with Slavia Prague until June 2027, Oscar, Liberia’s best football talent, is among the highest-rated players in the Czech league. Insiders, however, point to his contract status and the team’s ambitions that may lead to a trade.

Oscar is a desirable prospect for teams looking for seasoned foreign players given over 50 appearances for Liberia and a strong European career.

Focused right now on his international obligations and the next season, he has drawn interest from teams in Spain and Germany. No official offers or contracts have been verified as of yet.

Johnathan McKinstry pens new two year Gambia deal
by Football Sierra Leone

Johnathan McKinstry pens new two-year Gambia deal

Jonathan McKinstry has penned a two-year contract extension as head coach of the Gambia senior national team beginning June 1st, 2026.  The Ministry of Sports made the announcement early Wednesday morning.

McKinstry was appointed head coach of the Scorpions in January of 2024, replacing the great Tom Saintfeit.  In his tenure as coach, McKinstry has led the team in 20 matches, winning 7, drawing 5, and losing 8.

The Northern Irish technician has been contracted to lead the Gambia national team until the end of 2028. Both the Ministry of Sports and GFF sources have confirmed that the contract was agreed upon last week and is awaiting signature from all necessary parties, including McKinstry himself.

McKinstry will look to qualify the GAM for a third AFCON finals beginning in September. Gambia was placed into Group C with the Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Somalia.

Adil Mohamed Erradi begins preparing Liberia's game plan for Sierra Leone
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Adil Mohamed Erradi begins preparing Liberia’s game plan for Sierra Leone

The Moroccan-Belgian coach Adil Mohamed Erradi conducted his first training session after his recent appointment as the new Liberia head coach, as he begins to prepare his plans for the Lone Star ahead of upcoming games against neighbours Sierra Leone.

Liberia will be taking on Leone Stars on the 6th and Sierra Leone will reciprocate on the 9th of this month with both being FIFA recognised friendlies. The first match will take place at the Southern Arena in Bo City and return leg will be played in the capital Monrovia.

Erradi takes over from Thomas Kojo who was interim head coach of the Lone Stars and has penned a 3 year deal with the Liberia Football Federation who are hoping to reach continental stage by 2027 in East Africa.

These upcoming friendlies will play a huge role in preparations for their Africa Cup of Nations campaign which is slated to kick off in September.

Mohamed Erradi who was born on December 6th in 19’78 has had an extensive professional career and also owns a UEFA Pro License. He began his coaching journey with a trip to Ghana which then led to him becoming assistant to Juan Carlos Garrido at Raja Casablanca in June of 2017. Later that same year he went on to become technical director at IR Tanger in November of 2017.

In July 2019 he took Rwanda based club APR FC the helm and set the Nations record for most consecutive unbeaten games (50 matches) while winning them three consecutive league titles; 2019–20 20’20-20’21 and 20’21-20’22.

He made Rwandan history in July of 20’22 when he took APR FC to the second round of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League.

Moroccan coach Adil Mohamed Erradi begins preparing Liberia's strategy for the Sierra Leone clash
Moroccan coach Adil Mohamed Erradi begins preparing Liberia's strategy for the Sierra Leone clash
Senegal win CAF U-17 AFCON title after defeating Tanzania
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal win CAF U-17 AFCON title after defeating Tanzania

Senegal triumphed in the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026, defeating Tanzania 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the final.

Tanzania took an early lead with Hamis Chenga scoring in the seventh minute, but Senegal equalised in the 64th minute through Ibrahima Dione, capitalising on a free-kick mishap.

The match proceeded to penalties, where Senegal showed composure, converting all four attempts. Faye, Sadio, Dione, and Thior scored for Senegal, while Tanzania converted two through Usuph and Mbegelendi but missed two crucial penalties.

This victory marks Senegal’s second U-17 AFCON title and highlights the strength of their youth football development. Despite the loss, Tanzania celebrated a historic campaign, reaching their first final and qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

The night ultimately belonged to Senegal, as they showcased resilience and skill throughout the tournament.

Senegal crowned CAF U-17 AFCON champions after defeating Tanzania
Senegal crowned CAF U-17 AFCON champions after defeating Tanzania
Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi helps PSG retain the Champions League title
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi helps PSG retain Champions League title

Moroccan player Achraf Hakimi has won his second UEFA Champions League title with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), beating Arsenal in a penalty shootout in the final at Puskás Aréna in Budapest on Saturday.

Hakimi previously won the tournament with Real Madrid in 2018. PSG secured their second victory after the match ended 1-1 following extra time, demonstrating composure in the shootout.

Arsenal took an early lead with a sixth-minute goal from Kai Havertz. PSG responded in the second half when Ousmane Dembélé scored from a penalty after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was fouled.

In extra time, neither team scored, and the match went to penalties. PSG’s victory confirms their dominance in European football, having also won their first Champions League title last season.

This defeat is tough for Arsenal, who had recently won the Premier League and were close to a double.  Hakimi’s achievement now makes him a three-time Champions League winner, matching Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o, who also won the title three times.

As a result, with that achievement, Hakimi moves level with Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o, who won the tournament three times as a key player with Barcelona in 2006 and 2009, and Inter Milan in 2010.

Paris Saint-Germain have become the second club to win back-to-back titles in the UEFA Champions League era, matching Real Madrid
Paris Saint-Germain have become the second club to win back-to-back titles in the UEFA Champions League era, matching Real Madrid
Assane Sarr shines to propel Senegal into the U-17 AFCON final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Assane Sarr shines to propel Senegal into the U-17 AFCON final

Senegal reached the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after defeating the host team 7-6 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in Rabat on Thursday night.

Goalkeeper Assane Sarr was the hero for Senegal, making key saves during the shootout and ending Morocco’s hopes of winning at home.

Senegal will face Tanzania in the final, as Tanzania also won against Egypt on penalties earlier that day. Senegal took the lead in the 23rd minute when Mouhamed Wagne scored after a shot from Commissaire Faye was saved. Morocco had a goal ruled out in the 41st minute after a VAR review, which led to increasing frustration.

In the second half, Morocco pushed harder. A late handball by Cheikh Dieng allowed Morocco to equalize with a penalty rebound by Ismail El Aoud in stoppage time, making it 1-1.

The match went to a penalty shootout, where both teams had moments of success and failure. Senegal ultimately won the shootout 7-6, continuing their strong tournament performance.

For Morocco, it was a tough defeat after a late comeback in front of their fans. Senegal’s victory secures their place in the final, where they will face Tanzania for the title.