Category: Sport News

Ivory Coast qualify after Chad and Sierra Leone shared spoils
by Football Sierra Leone

AFCON dates and CAF 2025 competition calendar reveal

On Monday, the Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved the competition calendar for 2025.

Additionally, the EXCO announced that the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be held on January 27, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco.

Morocco has also been selected as the host for the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations finals, while Ivory Coast will host the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

CAF issued the following statement including key dates:

TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025: Opening Match will be played Sunday, 30 March 2025; Final Match will be played Saturday, 19 April 2025

TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2025 – Opening Match will be played Saturday, 26 April 2025; Final Match will be played Sunday, 18 May 2025

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2024-25: Final, First Leg will be played Saturday, 17 May 2025; Final, Second Leg will be played Sunday, 25 May 2025

TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2024-25: Final, First Leg will be played Saturday, 24 May 2025; Final, Second Leg will be played Sunday, 1 June 2025

CAF Women’s Champions League 2025: Opening Match will be played Saturday, 8 November 2025; Final Match will be played Sunday, 23 November 2025

TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025: Opening match will be played Sunday, 21 December 2025; Final Match will be played Sunday, 18 January 2026.  

Malian wonder kid Ibrahim Diarra officially joined Barcelona
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Malian wonderkid Ibrahim Diarra officially joins Barcelona

Malian wonder kid Ibrahim Diarra is ready to train with Barcelona’s junior side as he officially joined Spanish giant FC Barcelona.

The club has secured a permanent transfer agreement with Africa Foot Academy for young talent Diarra, whose contract runs until June 30, 2028.

Diarra will train with the reserve team until he turns 18 later this year. He previously impressed during a trial in February and at the Under-17 World Cup, where he scored five goals and provided four assists.

Barca’s statement reads: “Promising player – Born on 12 December 2006 in Mali, Ibrahim Diarra is a skillful left-sided midfielder, noted for his physique, ball control and versatility. Indeed, he also frequently plays on the wing.

A product of the Africa Foot Academy, Diarra played for his country at the 2023 Under 17 World Cup, captaining his side and scoring five goals and giving four assists on the way to an impressive fourth place.”

Barbra Banda and keeper Ronwen Williams claim CAF Awards
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Barbra Banda and keeper Ronwen Williams claim CAF Awards

Zambian striker Barbra Banda and South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams were crowned winners at the 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday.

Banda had an impressive season with Orlando Pride in the NWSL, helping the team win the NWSL Shield and Championship. She also scored a hat trick for Zambia at the Paris Olympics 2024, making her the first player to achieve this three times in Olympic football. Additionally, she became the first African player in the FIFPRO Women’s World 11.

Williams was the only double winner, taking home both the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Men’s Interclub Player of the Year awards. He made key penalty saves at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire 2023, leading South Africa to a bronze medal.

At 32, Williams helped Mamelodi Sundowns only concede 11 goals in 30 games during the South African Premiership, securing their seventh consecutive league title.

Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie won Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for the second year, while Moroccan forward Sanaâ Mssoudy of AS FAR was named Women’s Interclub Player of the Year.

Lamine Camara from Senegal and Monaco won Men’s Young Player of the Year for his impressive performances as a midfielder.

  • 2024 Caf Awards winners

Men’s Player of the Year: Ademola Lookman (Nigeria & Atalanta)

Women’s Player of the Year: Barbra Banda (Zambia & Orlando Pride)

Men’s Coach of the Year: Emerse Fae (Ivory Coast)

Women’s Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe)

Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Ronwen Williams (South Africa & Mamelodi Sundowns)

Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria & Paris FC)

Men’s Club of the Year: Al Ahly (Egypt)

Women’s Club of the Year: TP Mazembe (DR Congo)

Men’s Interclub Player of the Year: Ronwen Williams (South Africa & Mamelodi Sundowns)

Women’s Interclub Player of the Year: Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco & AS Far)

Men’s Young Player of the Year: Lamine Camara (Senegal & Monaco)

Women’s Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (Morocco & AS Far)

Men’s National Team of the Year: Ivory Coast

Women’s National Team of the Year: Nigeria

Goal of the Year (voted for by fans): Cristovao Mabululu (Angola) – Angola v Namibia (Afcon 2023)

Ademola Lookman Crowned Awarded CAF Player in Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ademola Lookman Crowned CAF Player of the Year in Morocco

On Monday, in a prestigious ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco, Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman crowned the 2024 African Footballer of the Year at the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Awards in Marrakesh.

The Atalanta forward triumphed over competitors Simon Adingra, Serhou Guirassy, Achraf Hakimi, and Ronwen Williams.

“This award is a blessing, to be recognised as best player in Africa is something incredible,” he said. “Four years ago my career felt down but now I’m here as the best player in Africa. Don’t let your failures stop your dreams.”

The event recognized the exceptional achievements of Africa’s football talents over the past year.

The ceremony was graced by esteemed figures from the football world, illustrating the significant advancements in the sport across the continent, particularly in both men’s and women’s football.

Ademola Lookman was distinguished as the CAF Men’s Player of the Year following an outstanding year with Italian club Atalanta and the Nigeria Super Eagles, succeeding his compatriot Victor Osimhen, who received the award in 2023.

This achievement marks a historic moment for Nigeria, as it is the first instance of consecutive winners of the Men’s award since Nwankwo Kanu (1996) and Victor Ikpeba (1997) were honoured nearly thirty years ago.

Senegal's Pape Matar Sarr scores as Tottenham thrash Southampton
by FSL News

Senegal’s Pape Matar Sarr scores as Tottenham thrash Southampton

Senegalese international Pape Matar Sarr scored one of Tottenham’s five goals in their impressive 5-0 victory over a struggling Southampton side at St Mary’s.

This victory provided a much-needed boost for manager Ange Postecoglou, his side currently sitting tenth in the Premier League table after a well-deserved win.

Sarr joined Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur on August 27, 2021, and was subsequently loaned back to Metz until the end of the 2021–22 season.

The goal was his fourth of the campaign as Tottenham quickly established dominance in the match, leading 4-0 within the first 25 minutes and reaching 5-0 by halftime.

James Maddison scored two goals, while Heung-Min Son, Dejan Kulusevski, and Pape Sarr each added to Southampton’s difficulties as they remained at the bottom of the league.

Defender Trevoh Chalobah helps Crystal Palace win over Brighton
by FSL News

Defender Trevoh Chalobah helps Crystal Palace win over Brighton

Sierra Leone’s Trevoh Chalobah and Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr played key roles in Crystal Palace’s 3-1 victory over Brighton at the Amex Stadium. (Photo Crystal Palace)

Palace, unchanged from their recent draw against Manchester City, sought their first win against Brighton in seven matches.

Chalobah, on loan from Chelsea, opened the scoring, marking his second Premier League goal for the club.

The goal resulted from Ebere Eze’s astute movements, leading to several corners. Will Hughes, in his 100th appearance, delivered a precise in-swinging cross that deflected off Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke and fell perfectly for Chalobah, who finished skillfully from six yards out, celebrating with the away supporters.

Palace scored two more goals from Ismaïla Sarr’s Senegal International 33rd and 82nd, respectively.

Marc Guéhi scored an own goal as Palace held on to their third league victory.

Black Bulls wallop Nigerian side Enyimba in CAF Confed Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Black Bulls wallop Nigerian side Enyimba in CAF Confed Cup

Nigerian football club Enyimba suffered a disappointing 3-0 loss to Mozambican side Black Bulls during their CAF Confederation Cup Group D encounter in Maputo on Sunday.

The match saw the home team dominate from the start. Two of the goals for the Black Bulls were scored by their Nigerian imports, Rume Akporoh and Francis Ayuba, showcasing their prowess in front of goal. The final goal was netted by Fidel Souza, further extending the lead and sealing a comprehensive victory for the Bulls.

This defeat leaves Enyimba struggling in the group stage, as they have yet to record a win. Their current record includes one draw and two losses from three matches played, placing them at the bottom of Group D with a total of only one point.

In Group C, Orapa United and Jaraaf played to a 0-0 draw. Both teams had chances to score, but poor finishing and good goalkeeping prevented any goals. This result keeps both teams struggling in the standings.

In Group B, Stellenbosch won 1-0 against CD Lunda Sul. Devin Titus scored the only goal with a header in the 89th minute, helping Stellenbosch move into third place in Group B. Lunda Sul missed several key chances in this close match.

CAF Confederation Cup intriguing matches this weekend
by FSL News

CAF Confederation Cup intriguing matches this weekend

CS Constantine and RS Berkane aim to keep their perfect records on Sunday, while CS Sfaxien and Stellenbosch hope to earn their first points in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Early Sunday afternoon match, Simba set to entertain CS Sfaxien at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. Currently, Simba and Bravos do Maquis are tied for third place in Group A with three points each, trailing CS Constantine by three points following their recent loss.

Stellenbosch bottom in Group B, will travel to Angola for a match against CD Lunda Sul at Estadio 11 de Novembro, still seeking their first points after losing 3-1 to RS Berkane. Lunda Sul recently earned their first point with a 1-1 draw against Stade Malien.

Meanwhile, In Group C, Orapa United and ASC Jaraaf both have one point each in Group C and will face each other at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium.

In Group D, Black Bulls and Enyimba will compete at the Estadio do Zimpeto, with both teams looking to build on recent draws.

Later, CS Constantine will aim for their third win against Bravos do Maquis, while Zamalek hosts Al Masry, hoping to bounce back after a recent draw. The day concludes with RS Berkane playing Stade Malien and USM Alger hosting ASEC Mimosas.

Al Hilal stun MC Alger as Pirates, Stade d’Abidjan share spoils
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Al Hilal stun MC Alger as Pirates, Stade d’Abidjan share spoils

Sudanese team Al Hilal defeated MC Alger 1-0 in Algiers on Saturday, keeping their perfect record in the CAF Champions League. Guessouma Fofana scored the goal in the 76th minute with a header, assisted by Mohamed Abdelrahman at the 5 July 1962 Stadium.

MC Alger attempted to equalize but was thwarted by goalkeeper Issa Fofana. Al Hilal now leads Group A with nine points, followed by MC Alger with four points. Young Africans (Yanga) and Mazembe played to a 1-1 draw earlier.

In Group D, Esperance beat Pyramids 2-0. Youcef Belaïli scored in the 36th minute, and Elias Mokwana added a second before halftime. Esperance tops Group D with seven points, while Pyramids are second with four.

Orlando Pirates drew 1-1 with Stade d’Abidjan, missing a chance to extend their Group C lead. Evidence Makgopa scored a penalty, but Ousmane Méité equalized for Stade d’Abidjan. The Pirates remain at the top with five points, while Al Ahly is just one point behind.

AS FAR and Maniema Union ended their match in a 1-1 draw in Group B. Exaucia Moanda scored for Maniema Union in the 37th minute, but To Carneiro equalized for AS FAR in the 62nd minute.

AS FAR leads Group B with five points, while Maniema Union has three points.

Juma Bah's excellent form continues as Valladolid beat Valencia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Juma Bah excellent form continues as Valladolid beat Valencia

Sierra Leone’s Juma Bah played well in defence as Real Valladolid won 1-0 against Valencia CF in La Liga on Friday. The 18-year-old was making his thirteen appearances since his arrival in Spain.

This important win helps Real Valladolid move off the bottom of the league table as they try to avoid relegation. Moroccan forward Anuar scored the only goal with a great individual effort in the 19th minute.

Anuar said on DAZN, “It’s a sense of relief because we needed the three points. It felt like a final, and fortunately, we managed to come out on top.“

Valladolid’s Juanmi Latasa was sent off with 12 minutes left after a video review showed he used his elbow. Despite being one player down, the home team held on for the win against a struggling opponent.

This victory is a much-needed boost for caretaker coach Álvaro Rubio; it was his first win since replacing Paulo Pezzolano, who was fired in early December. Valencia now sits at the bottom of the table, with only two wins in their last 15 league games, but they have two games in hand.