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Preview: Ethiopia, Sierra Leone 2026 World Cup qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Preview: Ethiopia, Sierra Leone 2026 World Cup qualifier

Ethiopia set to battle Sierra Leone at the Stade El Abdi on Wednesday in the opener of the CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. 

Without a doubt, both sides will aim to kick off their qualification campaign with maximum points.

As the host team, the Walia Ibex will seek a bright start en route to make their FIFA World Cup debut in 2026 despite suffering a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign, finishing first from bottom in Group D.

However, the newly appointed Ethiopia coach, Gebremedhin Haile, will be looking for a better performance in the World Cup qualifiers. 

Last week Thursday, Ethiopia Walias defeated Sudanese club side Al Hilal 2-0 in a test friendly ahead of facing Sierra Leone. Goals from Alelegn Azene and Bereket Desta. 

Sierra Leone, on the other hand, also struggled to impress in the AFCON qualifiers. They only managed a win from their Group A six matches, losing the last two to Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau.

But Sierra Leone had a good start under new coach Amidu Karim in Morocco in October’s training camp, where they shared the spoils 1-1 with Benin and defeated Somalia 2-0.

Ethiopia vs Sierra Leone Head-to-Head and Key Numbers

  • Wednesday’s game will mark the third meeting between the two nations. Ethiopia are undefeated in their previous two games in this fixture, picking up a win and a draw.
  • The two sides last faced off in a friendly clash in August 2021, which ended goalless.
  • Sierra Leone is without a clean sheet in their last two games in CAF AFCON qualifiers.
  • Ethiopia are without a win in their last three CAF Afcon qualifiers in Group D 
  • Leone Stars were ranked 122nd in the latest FIFA rankings and now sit 21 places above their midweek opponents.

 

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Mamelodi Sundowns crowned AFL champions as they see off Wydad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mamelodi Sundowns crowned AFL champions as they see off Wydad

South African side Mamelodi Sundowns proved too strong for visitors Wydad Casablanca as they defeated the Moroccans 2-0 to win their first-ever African Football League (AFL) champions.

Wydad won the first let 2-1, but after a 2-0 second leg victory, Sundowns sealed a 3-2 aggregate triumph to earn themselves $4,000,000.

Goals from Peter Shalulile and Aubrey Modiba at a raucous Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria were enough to claim victory.

The first 30 minutes of the game saw both sides keep each other at bay, but while the first half was about to end, a defensive lapse from Wydad was punished by Sundowns after goalkeeper Youssef Motie parried Khuliso Mudua’s shot against the leg of Peter Shalulile, who then fired home.

Aubrey Maphosa Modiba completed the win in the 53rd minute after intercepting a wayward pass before racing through to double Sundowns’ advantage.

Wydad’s Ayoub El Amloud missed a late chance with a header, and Sundowns held firm to secure the historic AFL title. 

Coach Rulani Mokwena’s tactical prowess overcame early pressure, marking Sundowns as the inaugural champions of the new AFL competition.

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Mamelodi Sundowns crowned AFL champions as they see off Wydad
Mamelodi Sundowns crowned AFL champions as they see off Wydad
Ghana striker Raphael Dwamena dies after collapsing on the pitch
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana striker Raphael Dwamena dies after collapsing on pitch

Former Ghana striker Raphael Dwamena collapsed and died aged 28 while playing for Egnatia against Partizani on Saturday. However, the game was halted at 1-1 with no further play.

The Football Federation further confirmed all football championships in Albania have been postponed to a later date.

“Despite the immediate intervention of specialist doctors he unfortunately passed away,” said the Albanian Football Federation (AFL).

“AFL expressed its deep shock for the tragedy that happened today during the match of the 13th week of “Abissnet Superiore”, Egnatia-Partizani.”

“Footballer Raphael Dwamena lost consciousness during the match, and after the first intervention of doctors on the field of play, he was transported by ambulance to the hospital.”

Dwamena has scored nine goals in the Albanian league this campaign as the leading scorer. He had won nine caps and scored two goals for Ghana.

“The Ghana Football Association is sad to hear of the death of our former player Raphael Dwamena and wish to express our deepest condolences to his family at this difficult moment,” GFA said in their statement.

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Ethiopia beat Al Hilal to prepare for Sierra Leone qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ethiopia beat Al Hilal to prepare for Sierra Leone qualifier

Ethiopia Walias defeated Sudanese club side Al Hilal 2-0 on Thursday in a test friendly ahead of facing Sierra Leone as they continue preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Goals from Bahir Dar Kenema defensive midfielder Alelegn Azene and Defence Force left wing back Bereket Desta were enough as the new head coach tested his side.  

Newly appointed head coach Gebremedhin Haile and his side will depart for Morocco on Friday for their World Cup qualifying doubleheader after meeting the media. 

Ethiopia host Sierra Leone on Wednesday, November 15, at the El Abdi Stadium in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier before taking on Burkina Faso six days later at the same venue.

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Ethiopia in training ahead of opening World Cup qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ethiopia to play Al-Hilal ahead of Sierra Leone World Cup qualifier 

Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) has announced that newly appointed head coach Gebremedhin Haile will test his side against Sudanese club side Al-Hilal before heading to Morocco for their World Cup qualifiers.

The Walias were drawn in Group A in the new African zone qualifying format, along with Egypt, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Djibouti.

Ethiopia host Sierra Leone on Wednesday November 15, at the El Abdi Stadium in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier before taking on Burkina Faso six days later at the same venue.

“The Ethiopian national team has been practising for the World Cup qualifier match for Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso. 

Our team will have a practice match with Sudanese Al-Hilal at Bank field on Thursday afternoon and will be preparing in Addis Ababa until Friday and then will be heading to Morocco for our World Cup qualifying matches,” EFF announced on Wednesday. 

Gebremedhin Haile 30-man squad

Goalkeepers: Seid Habtamu, Abubeker Nura, and Biniam Genetu

Defenders: Amlemhiran Yigezu, Henok Adugna, Ramedan Yesuf, Yared Kasaye, Mengistu, Milion Solomon, Mignot Debebe, Birhanu Bekele, Yared Baye, Fetudin Jemal, and Woldeamanuel Getu.

Midfielders: Gatoch Panom, Natnael Zeleke, Shimelis Bekele, Surafel Dagnachew, Kenean Markneh, Wegene Gezahegn, Yabsira Tesfaye, and Alelegn Azene

Forwards: Getaneh Kebede, Abubeker Nasir, Amanuel G/Michael, Bereket Desta, Tegenu Teshome, Fitsum Tilahun, Chernet Gugsa, Habtamu Tadesse, and Abel Yalew.

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Burkina Faso confirm 25-man squad for World Cup double header
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkina Faso confirm 25-man squad for doubleheader

The Stallions of Burkina Faso have confirmed a 25-man list for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Morocco next week.

Hubert Velud’s side will kick off their campaign against Guinea-Bissau and Ethiopia on November 17 in Marrakech and November 21, 2023, in El Jadida, Morocco, respectively.

Having qualified for the 34th edition of the biennial African Association football in Ivory Coast next year, coach Velud will have another eye to progress from Group A to the next World Cup.

Group A consists of Egypt, Burkina Faso, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia and Djibouti in the race to the next World Cup.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be played across three North American nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Full drafted 25-man Squad listed below  

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Burkina Faso named 25-man squad for World Cup qualifying doubleheader
Burkina Faso named 25-man squad for World Cup qualifying doubleheader
Adel Ramzy optimistic ahead of AFL final return fixture in South Africa
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Wydad coach Ramzy is optimistic ahead of Sundowns’ tie

Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca coach Adel Ramzi is optimistic as he recalled his team could easily have scored four goals against Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the African Football League (AFL) at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.

Casablanca managed a 2-1 win ahead of the return match this Sunday in Pretoria.

Ramzi said the match was tactical and difficult for both sides as he pointed out that the two teams were unable to control the tie.

“It was a difficult fixture for both sides and the level was top notch. Sometimes Wydad Casablanca controlled the game, other times it was the opposition who was in control,” Adel Ramzi told the AFL website. 

“The result of the match was positive for us, although we conceded a goal, as we scored two goals against a team that had never conceded before we had the chance to score three or four goals – this is football, and for me, I am satisfied with the results.

“We are capable of scoring more goals in the return match away from home,” he added.

He predicted another difficult fixture in the return match, but he has great faith in the ability of his players to get the job done.

The coach also confirmed that team captain Yahya Jubran will not be available for the return match in Pretoria and admitted that they will miss his services.

“He is a leader on the pitch and we will miss him greatly. He has a strong personality which gives the team something extra. We trust in the rest of the squad. We will have him with us in South Africa to motivate the others.”

AFL WYDAD CASABLANCA  Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone & African News.

Casablanca managed a 2-1 win ahead of the return match this Sunday in Pretoria.
Casablanca managed a 2-1 win ahead of the return match this Sunday in Pretoria.
Salah, Elneny among foreign-based named in Egypt's squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Salah, Elneny among foreign-based named in Egypt’s squad

The Pharaohs of Egypt head coach Rui Vitoria listed nine foreign-based players in his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying camp in November.

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny are among key notable players. 

Eintracht Frankfurt winger Omar Marmoush, Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed, and Pendikspor forward Ahmed ‘Kouka’ Hassan were all named for their opening two World Cup qualifiers.

Al-Wakrah SC midfielder Hamdi Fathi, Ittihad Jeddah midfielder Tarek Hamed, and Khaleej FC striker Mohamed Sherif were all included by the Portuguese coach.

Also leading the list of foreign-based players is Trabzonspor winger Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan.

Coach Vitoria will start his Pharaohs 2026 World Cup campaign against Djibouti on 16 November in Cairo before taking on Sierra Leone on 19 November in Liberia.

Egypt to travel with an 82-man delegation to Liberia on a private jet for the World Cup qualifier against Sierra Leone on 19 November at the SKD.

The delegation includes at least 18 members of the technical staff and 43 players.

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Baciro Candé names Djurtus 23-man sqaud for World Cup 2026 qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Baciro Candé names Djurtus squad for World Cup qualifiers

Guinea Bissau head coach Baciro Candé has named a 23-man Djurtus squad for this month’s World 2026 opening two qualifiers.

Coach Baciro Candé announced his sqaud on Friday, 3rd November, as he set sights on preparation for Burkina Faso at the Grand Stadium of Marrakech before taking on Djibouti in Cairo (Egypt) on the 17th and 20th November, respectively.

England’s Bolton midfielder Carlos Mendes Gomes and Spanish forward Marciano Tchami are the latest in the draft, with Moreto Cassama and Mama Balde returning.

Group A consists of Egypt, Burkina Faso, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia and Djibouti in the race to the next World Cup.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be played across three North American nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Here is the roster of the drafted players:

Keepers – Jonas Mendes, Ouparine Djoco and Celton Biai 

Defenders – Opa Sangante, Nanu, Marcelo Djalo, Soriano Mané, Mendes Onion, Fali Cande, Jefferson Encada

Midfielders – Alfa Semedo, Moreto Cassama, Carlos Mané, January afternoon, Fernando de Lacerda Gomes and Quiz time

Strikers – Mama Baldé, Mauro Teixeira, Euciodalcio Gomes, Carlos Mendes Gomes, Franculin Dju, John Pedro Silva and Marciano Sanca Tchami

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Gebremedhin Haile names 30-man squad for Sierra Leone & Burkina Faso
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Gebremedhin Haile names 30-man squad for Sierra Leone & Burkina Faso

Newly appointed Ethiopia head coach Gebremedhin Haile has named a 30-man squad as he starts his preparation for their Opening World Cup Qualifiers this month.

The Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) announced the appointment of Gebremedhin on a 250,000 birr a month (net) contract during a joint press briefing on Friday.

Gebremedhin’s first task is against Sierra Leone before taking on Burkina Faso on the 15 and 21st at the Al Abdi stadium, respectively.

The new boss has previously spent a year as the Walias coach in 2016. He is also the head coach for the Ethiopian Premier League side Medhin FC.

Media reports in Ethiopia have confirmed that he will perform his Club duties alongside his new role until the end of the current Premier League season.

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Newly appointed Ethiopia head coach Gebremedhin Haile has named a 30-man squad to start the 2026 World Cup qualifying preparations.
Newly appointed Ethiopia head coach Gebremedhin Haile has named a 30-man squad to start the 2026 World Cup qualifying preparations.