Category: Sport News

African Cup of Nations may be rescheduled to December 2025
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Africa Cup of Nations may be rescheduled to December 2025

A potential rescheduling of the next African Cup of Nations in Morocco to December 2025 is being considered to avoid a clash with the new-look Club World Cup.

The Cup of Nations was scheduled to take place mid-year starting from the 2019 edition in Egypt. However, the last two editions did not take place as planned.

The next AFCON was originally planned for July and August 2025. However, due to FIFA’s new 32-team tournament, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has had to reconsider these plans.

Recent reports have emerged that the event is set to span from late December 2025 to late January 2026, causing a shift in the football calendar to make room for FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup.

This scheduling change is expected to bring about significant adjustments and impacts on the international football scene.

The current plans are not yet confirmed but are under negotiation amid an escalating legal battle over the crammed football calendar.

Nigeria's Chidera Ejuke happy to join Spanish side Sevilla
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria’s Chidera Ejuke happy to join Spanish side Sevilla

Chidera Ejuke, the 26-year-old Nigerian winger, has joined Spanish side Sevilla on a free transfer from CSKA Moscow after a loan spell at Royal Antwerp.

Ejuke, a right-footed player, has primarily played as a left-winger and also has experience in all attacking positions in Europe.

The Nigeria winger said, “It’s all been very quick. I’m happy and very excited to be part of this family and I’m looking forward to achieving great things here. For a club like this to be interested in me is huge.

Communication has been easy, and I’m happy that everything has gone the way it has.”

Ejuke added, “It’s special to be the first Nigerian here. I feel good being part of this team. I’m looking forward to seeing what I can bring. I hope I can come back with Nigeria because it’s always nice to represent your country.”!

Chidera Ejuke started his European career with Valerenga in Norway, making 59 appearances, scoring 15 goals, and providing six assists across two seasons.

After playing for Heerenveen in the Netherlands, Ejuke joined CSKA Moscow, scoring 10 goals and providing 8 assists. He also had loan spells at Hertha Berlin and Royal Antwerp.

Ejuke made his debut for the Nigerian national team in 2020 and has earned eight caps during qualifying campaigns for the World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations.

Kenya’s Junior Starlets set for FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup debut
by FSL News

Kenya’s Starlets set for FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup debut

Kenya’s Junior Starlets will camp in Spain for three weeks before heading to the Dominican Republic for the Women’s U17 World Cup in October and November.

On Sunday, they made history by becoming the first Kenyan side to qualify for a World Cup after a 5-0 aggregate win against Burundiat Ulinzi Complex, Nairobi.

The team will have a three-week camp in Marbella, Spain in September to prepare for the global tournament taking place between October 16 and November 3.

The draw for the tournament is scheduled for this month and Kenya will face strong teams from Asia, such as Japan and Korea.

Recap

The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™ will occur in the Dominican Republic from October 16 to November 3, 2024.

This will be the first time the Dominican Republic has hosted a FIFA tournament.

Spain won the tournament in 2022 and achieved the remarkable feat of holding the U-17, U20, and senior women’s titles simultaneously, becoming the first nation to do so.

Sixteen teams will compete to win the trophy and join the ranks of former champions DPR Korea, Korea Republic, France, Japan, and Spain.

Nigeria & Zambia secure tickets to FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
by FSL News

Nigeria & Zambia secure tickets to FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

Nigeria and Zambia have officially secured their spots in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which will occur in the Dominican Republic from October 16 to November 3, 2024.

 

Nigeria became the first African team to qualify for the women’s youth competition after defeating Liberia 6-1 on aggregate. They won 4-1 in the away match and then secured a 2-0 victory in the home leg in Abuja.

 

Zambia returned to the tournament after a 10-year absence by securing their spot on June 15. They won 3-1 in their first match in Ndola and then played to a goalless draw in the return leg in Morocco, which was enough to secure their place in the finals.

The third and final African spot in the tournament will be determined in the match between Kenya and Burundi on June 16. Kenya holds the advantage after winning the first leg 3-0 at home.

Ex-Nigerian International Finidi quits Super Eagles job
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-Nigerian International Finidi quits Super Eagles job

Finidi George has resigned as coach of the Super Eagles, stating, “I won’t work under another coach in the Super Eagles.”

This decision followed the NFF’s option to appoint a foreign coach after the team failed to win the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin.

During Finidi’s tenure, the Super Eagles suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat to the Benin Republic in Abidjan after a 1-1 draw against South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

These results leave the Super Eagles winless after four matches, putting them in fifth place in Group C with just three points and jeopardizing Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Finidi, appointed as the substantive coach in April after serving as an assistant to Jose Peseiro, had his position reconsidered by the NFF due to the recent poor results.

The 53-year-old coach succeeded the Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, who left his post after his contract ended in February and had previously worked as Peseiro’s assistant for 20 months.

Crystal Palace have made their first summer signing with the arrival of Morocco centre-back Chadi Riad, in a deal worth ÂŁ12m plus ÂŁ2m in add-ons.
by FSL News

Morocco’s Chadi Riad joins Premiership side Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have made their first summer signing with the arrival of Morocco centre-back Chadi Riad.

The 20-year-old, who moved to Real Betis on loan from Barcelona last summer before making the move permanent, has joined the Eagles, external on a contract until June 2029.

Riad made 30 appearances for Betis in all competitions during the past campaign and helped them finish seventh in La Liga.

“As a full international at just 20 years old, Chadi is an exciting young player who we are delighted to be able to welcome to the club,” said Palace chairman Steve Parish.

Riad added: “I was interested in coming here because of the history of the club, and the league in which it plays.

“The club has high-level players who are young and I have come here to follow their same trajectory, to grow as they have grown.”

Riad was selected for the senior Morocco national team at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He made his debut in a 3–1 pre-tournament friendly win over Sierra Leone on 11 January 2024.

The FĂŠdĂŠration Malienne de Football (FEMAFOOT) has immediately terminated senior national team coach Eric SĂŠkou Chelle's contract.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali FĂŠdĂŠration part ways with coach Eric SĂŠkou Chelle

The FĂŠdĂŠration Malienne de Football (FEMAFOOT) has immediately terminated senior national team coach Eric SĂŠkou Chelle’s contract.

In a statement reported on national television, no reason was given for the decision. The sacking occurred days after Mali were held to a goalless draw by 10-man Madagascar in a Group I World Cup qualifier in Johannesburg.

The decision was unanimously made by the Executive Committee in an extraordinary session, with the approval of the relevant authorities on Thursday.

Mali suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Ghana at the Stade du Mars in Bamako last week before drawing with a ten-man Madagascar on Tuesday in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Malian Eagles face a tough challenge in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, as they currently have just five points after four matches.

FEMAFOOT has expressed its gratitude to Sekou Chelle for his leadership of the national team and has also thanked the Department of Sports for their ongoing support.

Malian football is entering a new chapter as the federation seeks a new coach. Mali is among several African nations making changes to their coaching staff ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 qualifiers.

Sierra Leone to know AFCON 2025 qualifying opponents in July
by FSL News

Sierra Leone to know AFCON 2025 qualifying opponents in July

Sierra Leone will find out their group opponents for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 on Thursday, July 4th, 2024. (Photo Credit SLFA)

The draw will take place at SuperSport studios in South Africa at 14:30 local time (15:30 Cairo time, 12:30 GMT).

The Leone Stars did not qualify for the AFCON in Ivory Coast as they finished third in Group A behind Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau.

This time, the Leone Stars are expected to be in Pot Three. A total of 48 nations, including four preliminary round winners, will be drawn into 12 groups, with each group consisting of four teams.

The qualifiers will begin in September 2024 to determine the initial 24 nations competing in Africa’s largest event.

The event will feature CAF legends, team representatives, and members of the Local Organizing Committee.

A Third straight Sierra Leone League Title For Bo Rangers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Third straight Sierra Leone League Title For Bo Rangers

Bo Rangers secured their third consecutive Sierra Leone Premier League title with three games to spare on Wednesday, defeating Wusum Stars 2-1.

This victory gave the Southern Province side an insurmountable fifteen-point lead over their closest rivals, Bhantal FC.

Since 2019, they made history as the first team from outside the capital city of Freetown to achieve a remarkable feat by winning the Sierra Leone Premier League three consecutive times.

Additionally, they have the opportunity to claim a league-and-cup double when they face East End Lions in the FA Cup final, pending a decision on the date by the authorities.

Suffian Kalokoh and Kwame Mketiah each scored a goal, giving Bo Rangers a two-goal lead before Wusum’s Paul Jackson Kama netted one back in the 72nd minute. Despite this, Bo Rangers managed to hold on to their lead and secure maximum points.

Coach John Keister reflected on the success, expressing his pride in being a title-winning coach once again.

He acknowledged the challenges of leading a club that had previously won the title twice, but he emphasized the collective pride in their achievements. Keister also shared his personal satisfaction in accomplishing this for the people of Bo City.

Bo Rangers have now secured their third title since the revamp of the Sierra Leone top tier in 2019, with Keister securing his second title in the same period.

Bo Rangers secured their third consecutive Sierra Leone Premier League title with three games to spare on Wednesday, defeating Wusum Stars 2-1.
Bo Rangers secured their third consecutive Sierra Leone Premier League title with three games to spare on Wednesday, defeating Wusum Stars 2-1.
Gabon come from behind to defeat the Gambia in five-goal thriller
by FSL News

Gabon come from behind to defeat Gambia in five-goal thriller

Gabon completed an impressive comeback, defeating Gambia 3-2 in their World Cup qualifying fixture at Stade de Franceville.

The victory propelled Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s team to second place in Group F, just one point behind leaders Ivory Coast.

Despite falling behind in the first half, Gabon rallied in the second half with goals from Jim Allevinah, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Denis Bouanga.

The Gambia fought back with a goal from Ebou Adams, but Gabon held on for the win.

The result puts Gabon in a strong position in the group, while Gambia sits in fourth place.

Meanwhile, Burundi are two points further back after their 3-1 win away against Seychelles in neutral Morocco.

Tuesday’s African World Cup qualifying results

  • South Sudan 0-3 Sudan (Group B)

  • Lesotho 0-1 Rwanda (Group C)

  • South Africa 3-1 Zimbabwe (Group C)

  • Angola 1-1 Cameroon (Group D)

  • Cape Verde 1-0 Libya (Group D)

  • Congo 0-6 Morocco (Group E)

  • Zambia 0-1 Tanzania (Group E)

  • Gabon 3-2 The Gambia (Group F)

  • Kenya 0-0 Ivory Coast (Group F)

  • Seychelles 1-3 Burundi (Group F)

  • Mauritius 2-1 Eswatini (Group G)

  • Chad 0-2 Comoros (Group I)

  • Madagascar 0-0 Mali (Group I)