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.

Mali will play their first match against Israel in the Paris 2024 Olympics on Wednesday, July 24th - kick off at 6:00 PM CAT.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali ready for Israel in Olympics football showdown

Mali will play their first match against Israel in the Paris 2024 Olympics on Wednesday, July 24th – kick off at 6:00 PM CAT.

The match will be at Parc des Princes in Paris, France. Mali had a 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan in a friendly match on June 10th. They haven’t lost in their last four matches, winning three and drawing one.

“As coach, my objective is to do better than our quarter-final finish at Athens 2004,” Badra Diallo told FIFA. The well-travelled Malian is sure to have lofty ambitions for his troops when the action gets underway in France, not least because the Olympic movement holds a special place in his heart.

Keep an eye on midfielder Boubacar Traoré, who plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Premier League.

Israel lost 2-0 to Germany in the 2025 UEFA Under 21 Euro qualifiers in March 2024 and hasn’t played since. They have lost their last six matches. Oscar Gloukh, an attacking midfielder for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga, is a key player for Israel.

This will be the first time Mali and Israel meet at the under-23 level. The match will be officiated by referee Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh from New Zealand.

Olympics history – Previous participations: 1 (Athens 2004) – Best result: Quarter-finals (Athens 2004)

Mali headed to Athens in 2004, eager to emulate the exploits of African heavyweights Nigeria and Cameroon, who had reigned supreme in the previous two editions of the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament.

Les Aigles Espoirs got their campaign up and running with a scoreless stalemate against Mexico before making their mark against the hosts with a 2-0 win. Well placed to advance to the next round, the tournament first-timers shared the spoils with the Korea Republic in a thrilling tussle that ended 3-3, a result that was enough to see them progress as group winners.

The West Africans then took Italy to extra time in the quarter-finals following a goalless draw after normal time, only for Cesare Bovo’s 116th-minute header to crush Malian dreams of an Olympic medal.

Mali’s Group D fixtures – All kick-off times are local

Wednesday, 24 July – Mali v Israel | 21:00 | Parc des Princes, Paris

Saturday, 27 July- Japan v Mali | 21:00 | Stade de Bordeaux

Tuesday, 30 July – Paraguay v Mali | 21:00 | Parc des Princes, Paris

Women's Olympic - Nigeria to open against Brazil as Zambia meet USA
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Women’s Olympic: Nigeria face Brazil as Zambia meet USA

Africa’s representatives, Nigeria and Zambia, will kick off their campaigns on the opening day of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 on Thursday, alongside ten other teams.

Nigeria vs. Brazil Venue: Stade de Bordeaux, Kick-off: 19:00

Nigeria will participate in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament for the first time since 2008.

Nigeria is the most experienced African nation at the Games, having competed three times in the past. Brazil has won both previous meetings against Nigeria.

They won 4-3 after extra time in the 1999 Women’s World Cup quarter-final and 3-1 in the group stage of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

USA vs. Zambia Venue: Stade de Nice, Kick-off: 21:00

The U.S. Olympic Women’s Soccer Team starts their 2024 Summer Olympics journey on July 25 against Zambia at Stade de Nice in Nice, France. The game will be at 9 p.m. local time / 3 p.m. ET.

The USA’s only previous Olympic match against an African team was a 3-1 victory against Nigeria at Sydney 2000.

During Tokyo 2020, Zambia’s captain Barbra Banda made history by becoming the first player to score hat-tricks in back-to-back Olympic matches.

She scored three goals in each of the group-stage matches against the Netherlands and China PR.

Zambia secured its place in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris by defeating Morocco 3-2 on aggregate in the 2024 CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Meanwhile, host nation France will play against Colombia, while World champions Spain will face Japan in a rematch of their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 group-stage meeting, which Japan won 4-0.

Germany will compete against Australia from Group B as Canada takes on New Zealand.

See the link for full Women’s Olympic matches.

Nigeria will participate in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament for the first time since 2008.
Nigeria will participate in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament for the first time since 2008.
Zambia secured its place in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris by defeating Morocco 3-2 on aggregate in the 2024 CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Zambia secured its place in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris by defeating Morocco 3-2 on aggregate in the 2024 CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Senegal's defender Mamadou Fall joins Barcelona
by FSL News

Senegal’s defender Mamadou Fall joins Barcelona

Senegal’s defender Mamadou Fall has officially joined Barcelona, as confirmed by Major League Soccer side Los Angeles.

Fall, 21, spent last season on loan at Barça and featured in 22 matches for their reserves. Previously, LAFC loaned the Senegalese centre back to Villarreal CF.

LAFC initially signed Fall in June 2021. His profile quickly grew, and now he has 11 goals and two assists in 101 professional appearances, including five goals and one assist in 36 regular-season games with the Black & Gold.

“Fall is a player with incredible potential and exceptional talent,” said LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington.

“He began his professional journey at LAFC, and we are excited to see him join not only one of the top clubs in the world but also a great environment for his continued development. We wish him nothing but the best in his career at Barcelona.”

Ivorian striker Bénie Traoré pens FC Basel deal from Sheffield United
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivorian Bénie Traoré pens Basel deal from Sheffield United

Sheffield United has officially announced the departure of Ivorian International striker Bénie Traoré from the club to join Swiss side FC Basel for an undisclosed fee.

The Ivorian striker has signed a four-year contract until the summer of 2028 and will strengthen the Red and Blue squad with immediate effect.

Traoré, 21, who was signed by the previous manager, Paul Heckingbottom, from BK Häcken last summer, had limited playing time during his tenure at the Blades, with only nine competitive appearances.

Following his official debut on 12 August 2023 in a 1–0 loss to Crystal Palace in the Premier League, he spent the latter half of the previous season on loan in France with Nantes.

Expressing his satisfaction upon signing for the Swiss Super League club, Traoré stated, “I am delighted to have finalized my move to FC Basel. I have received encouraging feedback about the club, further affirming my positive impressions.

I am adept in various offensive positions on the field and can contribute in versatile roles. Having completed my pre-season training with Sheffield over the past few weeks, I am eagerly anticipating representing my new team on the pitch.”

Guinea beat Argentina in preparation for the Olympic opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea defeat Argentina in pre-Olympic football match

Guinea’s Syli national U23 team impressively defeated Argentina 1-0 in their final match before the Olympics in Vitré, France.

Thanks to a goal by Mohamed Soumah in the 72nd minute, they wrapped up their preparations ahead of their Paris Olympics opener on Wednesday.

Argentina’s Olympic coach, Javier Mascherano, has welcomed all of his players, including Copa America champions Nicolás Otamendi, Julián Álvarez, and Gerónimo Rulli, who joined the team earlier in the week.

Guinea’s manager, Kaba Diawara, was pleased to watch his team beat one of the tournament favourites.

The West Africans will start their Olympic campaign against New Zealand on July 24 at Stade de Nice, followed by a match against the home team, France, three days later.

They will finish the group stage with a challenging game against the USA on July 30.

Argentina, on the other hand, has been drawn into Group B with Morocco, Iraq, and Ukraine. They will play their first match on July 24th against Morocco, their second on July 27th against Iraq, and their third on July 30th against Ukraine.

Guinea’s Group A fixtures –All kick-offs in local time

Wednesday, 24 July Guinea v New Zealand | 17:00 | Stade de Nice

Saturday, 27 July France v Guinea | 21:00 | Stade de Nice

Tuesday, 30 July USA v Guinea | 19:00 | Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint Etienne

Egypt's U23 national team won their final friendly match against Iraq 2-1 before the 2024 Paris Olympics, which will begin on July 24th.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt gear up for Olympics opener with a win over Iraq

Egypt’s U23 national team won their final friendly match against Iraq 2-1 before the 2024 Paris Olympics, which will begin on July 24th.

The Pharaohs drew 1-1 with Ukraine earlier this week and then secured a 2-1 victory over Iraq to complete their preparation.

Ibrahim Adel from Pyramids FC scored both goals for Egypt. Adel’s performance is crucial for Egypt in the upcoming Olympics, where he will have support from Ahmed Sayed Zizo and Mohamed Elneny, a former Arsenal midfielder.

Despite the win, the team still struggles to keep a clean sheet. Coach Roger Micale hopes the players will gain experience from these matches before the Olympic games.

The win over Iraq has boosted confidence within the team ahead of the Olympics.

Egypt will start their Olympic campaign against the Dominican Republic on July 24, followed by a match against Uzbekistan three days later.

They will finish the group stages with a challenging game against Spain on July 30.

The Egypt XI lineup for the match against Iraq was: Hamzaa Alaa, Omar Fayed, Hossam Abdelmeguid, Ahmed Eid, Kareem El-Debes; Mohamed Elneny, Mohamed Sheata, Ahmed Atef; Ibrahim Adel, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Osama Faisal.

The selected 22 players are ready for 2024 Paris Olympics
The selected 22 players are ready for 2024 Paris Olympics
The upcoming 2024-2025 women's interclub football season is eagerly anticipated, with the official kickoff scheduled for Wednesday, July 24th.
by FSL News

CAF set date for Women’s Champions League Qualifying draw

The upcoming 2024-2025 women’s interclub football season is eagerly anticipated, with the official kickoff scheduled for Wednesday, July 24th.

The draw for the CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers is particularly exciting, as it will determine the teams competing in the 4 zones: UNAF, UNIFFAC, WAFU B, and CECAFA.

Mamelodi Sundowns, as the reigning champions, and the tournament hosts automatically qualified, resulting in eight teams competing in the final phase of the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League.

The draw is at 13:00 Cairo time (10:00 GMT) at CAF Headquarters in Egypt. It will be broadcast live on CAF TV and CAFOnline.com. Details about participating teams and qualifying tournament dates are below.

  • WAFU B (10 – 23 August): Ainonvi FC (Benin), Hasaacas Ladies (Ghana), Inter d’Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire), AO Étincelles OU USFA (Burkina Faso), AS Garde Nationale (Niger), Edo Queens (Nigeria), ASKO de Kara (Togo).
  • UNAF (21 – 31 August): CF Akbou (Algeria), Tutankhamun (Egypt), AS Far (Morocco), ASF Sousse (Tunisia)
  • CECAFA (17 August – 4 September): PVP Buyenzi (Burundi), FAD

(Djibouti), CBE FC (Ethiopia), Kenya Police Bullets (Kenya), Kawempe

Muslim (Uganda), Rayon Sports (Rwanda), Yei Joint Stars (South Sudan), Simba Queens (Tanzania), Warriors Queens (Zanzibar)

  • UNIFFAC (16 – 24 August): Lekié FF (Cameroon), TP Mazembe (DR Congo), Atlético de Malabo (Equatorial Guinea), CSM Diables Noirs (Congo)

CAF has said the COSAFA and WAFU A tournament draw dates will be announced in due course.

Nigeria's Victor Osimhen in talks to join French giant PSG
by FSL News

Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen in talks to join French giant PSG

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is reportedly in negotiations to transfer from Italian club SSC Napoli to the French champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

This potential move is prompted by PSG’s search for a replacement for Kylian Mbappe, who recently joined Real Madrid.

Reports from esteemed Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano suggest that Osimhen has reached an agreement with PSG, with negotiations still ongoing over the transfer fee between the two clubs.

Napoli manager Antonio Conte has expressed confidence in the amicable resolution of Osimhen’s departure, stating, “It was already a clear pact about Osimhen’s exit. The timing is exactly as we expected, and there will be no issues.”

Osimhen, whose current contract with Napoli runs until June 2026, has a buyout clause of €130 million. Alongside PSG, English clubs Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC have also shown interest in the 25-year-old striker.

Widely acknowledged as one of the premier strikers in the global football arena, Osimhen has achieved a commendable record of 76 goals in 133 matches across all competitions for Napoli. Furthermore, he has contributed 21 goals in 35 international matches for Nigeria.

Ex-International Nibombe Dare is the new Togo head coach
by FSL News

Ex-International Nibombe Dare is the new Togo head coach

The Togolese Football Federation (FTF) has officially announced that Nibombe Dare is the new head coach of the national team, known as the Sparrowhawks.

During a press briefing at the FTF headquarters in Kégué, it was announced that Daré, a former Togolese international player with a UEFA Pro license, will be leading the team in the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers.

“Nibombé Daré, a former international defender for the Hawks, was chosen from a group of Togolese candidates. After a rigorous evaluation, it was finally Daré who was selected to lead the Hawks.

The new coach inherits a team in search of stability and performance. With important deadlines in perspective, including the qualifications for the African Cup of Nations, CAN 2025 and the World Cup 2026, Daré will have the arduous task of forming a solid and coherent group,” FTF noted.

This announcement ends weeks of speculation about who would succeed Paulo Duarte. His first match in charge will be a home game against Liberia in early September.

FTF Secretary General Herve Agbodan told reporters, “This is the official announcement of his appointment. Nibombé Daré will soon be in Lomé to discuss the terms of his contract before his official presentation.”

Equatorial Guinea, Angola, and DRC make progress in Fifa ranking
by FSL News

Equatorial Guinea, Angola and DRC make progress in Fifa ranking

In July’s Fifa ranking, Sierra Leone stayed at 122nd place and 34th in the continent but the focus is on Equatorial Guinea, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The impact on the rankings of certain African teams was due to their limited participation during the concurrent UEFA EURO and Copa América events.

Equatorial Guinea moved up by two places, while Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo each moved up by one place.

Morocco, a top team in African football, didn’t do as well but still did well against tough teams. They dropped from 12th to 14th place in the world, but they are still a strong force in international football.

Senegal’s national team, the Lions of Teranga, also dropped to 19th place in the rankings.

Overall, these changes show the bright and competitive spirit of African football. They also show that African football is getting better and becoming more important globally.

Click the link to see the FIFA ranking of African teams.