Category: Sport News

Morocco's head coach Walid Regragui names squad, no Ziyech
by FSL News

Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui names squad, no Ziyech

Morocco’s head coach, Walid Regragui, has selected a 26-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Niger and Tanzania on March 21 and 25. However, Hakim Ziyech is not included.

The squad includes four new players: Bilal Nadir, Chemsedine Taibi, Hamza Igamane, and Omar El Hilali. This shows that the Atlas Lions are bringing in young talent to the team.

Two key players are missing from the squad due to injuries: Hakim Ziyech, a top playmaker, and Ayoub El Kaabi, a strong goal-scorer. Their absence will create challenges for Regragui as he adjusts his attack.

Returning to the squad are Jawad El Yamiq and goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid, who missed previous international matches. Their return adds strength to the defense and goalkeeping.

Morocco leads Group E in the qualifiers and wants to build on that success. They will play both matches in Oujda, where home support could help them earn six points.

With Ziyech and El Kaabi out, Youssef En-Nesyri, Soufiane Rahimi, Brahim Diaz, and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli will take on more attacking responsibilities. After Morocco’s impressive run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, there are high expectations for the team.

Key players like Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, and Nayef Aguerd remain important to the team’s goals. With a strong squad and home advantage, Morocco aims to win both matches and strengthen their reputation as one of Africa’s top football teams.

Morocco’s 26-Man Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal), Munir El Kajoui (Al Wehda), El Mehdi Benabid (FUS Rabat).

Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), Noussair Mazraoui (Bayern Munich), Nayef Aguerd (West Ham United), Jawad El Yamiq (Al-Wahda), Abdel Abqar (Deportivo Alavés), Jamal Harkass (AS FAR), Omar El Hilali (Espanyol), Adam Aznou (Bayern Munich U19).

Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat (Manchester United), Azzedine Ounahi (Marseille), Ismael Saibari (PSV Eindhoven), Bilal El Khannouss (Genk), Oussama Targhalline (Le Havre), Bilal Nadir (Nice).

Forwards: Youssef En-Nesyri (Sevilla), Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid), Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Real Betis), Amine Adli (Bayer Leverkusen), Soufiane Rahimi (Al Ain), Eliesse Ben Seghir (AS Monaco), Osame Sahraoui (Heerenveen), Hamza Igamane (Wydad AC), Chemsedine Taibi (FUS Rabat).

Juma Bah named in Sierra Leone's new head Mohamed Kallon first squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Juma Bah named in coach Mohamed Kallon’s first Sierra Leone squad

Sierra Leone’s new head coach, Mohamed Kallon, has announced his 25-man squad, which includes experienced striker Kei Kamara and the exciting Manchester City defender Juma Bah, who is currently on loan to Lens in France.

The Leone Stars are poised to continue their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a double-header. They are aiming for a spot in next year’s World Cup Finals, which will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Sierra Leone will encounter a tough matchup against Guinea-Bissau in the capital of Liberia on March 20, prior to moving on to face Group A leaders Egypt. Significantly, the squad will be without recent goal scorers Amadou Bakayoko and Augustus Kargbo, who is out due to a hamstring injury.

The squad consists of nine foreign-based players and a majority of home-based stars. Momoh Kamara, who played a pivotal role in helping Sierra Leone reach the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in history, has also been included.

First-time call-up players include defender Edward Bello Yillah of Mighty Blackpool, attacker Momoh Dumbuya from FC Kallon, midfielder James Kayamba and defender Citta Bah from Star Sport Academy, keeper Dauda Bangura from East End Lions, midfielders John B. Sesay and Mohamed Bangura from Bhantal FC.

The former Inter Milan and Monaco striker is focused on leading the Leone Stars to positive results this month in the Group A 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Mohamed Kallon squad predominately home stars 16 and 9 foreign stars - For the first time in many years!
Mohamed Kallon squad predominately home stars 16 and 9 foreign stars - For the first time in many years!
Coach Luís Boa Morte picks roster for Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso
by Football Sierra Leone

Coach Luís Boa Morte picks roster for Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso

Guinea-Bissau has added four new players to its squad for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso. Coach Luís Boa Morte has selected 25 players for these important matches.

Guinea-Bissau will play against Sierra Leone on March 20 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia. They will then return home to face Burkina Faso at the 24 de Setembro National Stadium in Bissau on March 24.

Babacar Fáti, a 25-year-old left-back who used to play for Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, is among the new players. He currently plays in Finland. Mario Junior, a 21-year-old centre-back from the Portuguese team Oliveirense, has also received his first call-up.

Midfielder Vando Felix, 22, has debuted in Portugal’s top league with Vitória Guimarães. He joins the national team alongside 24-year-old striker Tamble Monteiro from Portimonense.

Augusto Dabo and Bura Nogueira have been dropped from the squad following Guinea-Bissau’s 2-1 loss to Mozambique in November, which resulted in their failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Manuel Balde (Penafiel, Portugal), Manuel Issufe Djalo (FC Koeppchen, Luxembourg), Fernando Embadje (Unión Collado Villalba, Spain)

Defenders: Gilberto Batista (Moreirense, Portugal), Sene Camara (Benfica Bissau), Jeferson Encada (Pharco, Egypt), Babacar Fati (SJK Seinäjoki, Finland), Sana Gomes (Omonia Aradippou, Cyprus), Mario Junior (Oliveirense, Portugal), Sori Mane (Academica Viseu, Portugal), Victor Rofino (Uniao Leiria, Portugal),  Sambinha (Maccabi Bnei Reineh, Israel), Opa Sangate (Dunkerque, France)

Midfielders: Zidane Banjaqui (Feirense, Portugal), Janio Bikel (Maccabi Netanya, Israel), Dalcio (Ankaragucu, Turkey), Vando Felix (Vitória Guimarães, Portugal), Jorginho (Omonia Aradippou, Cyprus), Carlos Mane (Kayerispor, Turkey), Alfa Semedo (NEOM, Saudi Arabia)

Forwards: Elves Balde (Farense, Portugal), Beto (Everton, England), Francelino (FC Midtjylland, Denmark), Tamble Monteiro (Portimonense, Portugal), Ze Turbo (AEL Limassol, Cyprus).

Ghana's head coach Otto Addo confirms squad for Chad and Madagascar
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana’s head coach Otto Addo confirms squad for Chad and Madagascar

Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, has announced a 23-man roster for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Chad and Madagascar.

The squad, captained by Jordan Ayew, features three players from local clubs: Benjamin Asare from Accra Hearts of Oak, Kamaradini Mamudu from Medeama SC, and Razak Simpson from Nations FC.

Thomas Partey, the Arsenal midfielder, makes a return to the squad after being absent for six months, during which Ghana participated in four Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Kamal Deen Sulemana from Southampton F.C. is also back in the lineup, while C.D. Lugo’s Jerry Afriyie keeps his spot in the team following an impressive performance against Niger last November.

Christopher Bonsu Baah, who plays for Genk in Belgium, has received his first call-up. Bonsu is a left-footed right winger who is also capable of playing in an attacking midfield role.

Ghana will start their training camp on Monday, March 17, 2025, and will practice for four days before facing Chad in the first of the two matches at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, 2025.

Afterwards, the team will fly to Morocco for their next match against Madagascar, scheduled for Monday, March 24, 2025.

Currently, Ghana sits in second place in Group I with nine points from three wins and one loss.

Jonathan Moses Sesay receives England U18 call-up
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Jonathan Moses Sesay receives England U18 call-up

Head coach Liam Bramley has chosen Jonathan Moses Sesay, who plays for Southampton, for the England men’s under-18 team. This squad has 23 players and is preparing for the international matches in March.

Sesay recently signed his first professional contract with Southampton. He will travel with the Young Lions to compete against Czechia, France, and Portugal. These games mark the start of the under-18 team’s calendar year.

The first match will be against Czechia at Estadio de Sao Miguel on Friday, March 21, at 5 PM GMT. The team will then play France on Sunday, March 23, at 3 PM GMT at Sport Clube Freamunde.

Finally, England will face Portugal on Tuesday, March 25, at 11 AM GMT at the Municipal Stadium Futbol.

Defender Abdul Jarju Kabia to miss Sierra Leone qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Defender Abdul Jarju Kabia to miss Sierra Leone qualifiers

Sierra Leone defender Abdul Jarjue Kabia is set to miss upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Guinea Bissau and Egypt this month due to a groin injury.

The injury, which is expected to keep him sidelined for three to four weeks, occurred during a goalless draw against Torpedo Zhodino in the Belarus Cup quarter-final on March 2nd.

Since making his debut for the Sierra Leone national team in late 2023, Kabia has participated in eight official matches, showcasing his skills in games against Ethiopia, Egypt, and Burkina Faso as part of the African qualification process for the World Cup.

Sierra Leone faces a tricky match against Guinea-Bissua in the Liberia capital on March 20 before travelling to face a difficult task against Group A leaders Egypt.

Libya new head coach Aliou Cissé rallies squad for Angola and Cameroon
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Libya new head coach Aliou Cissé rallies squad for Angola and Cameroon

Aliou Cissé has swiftly picked his first Libya’s national team sqaud 24 hours after his appointment. The Senegalese coach, who led Senegal to victory in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, has chosen a team mainly composed of locally based players as Libya gears up for crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Angola and Cameroon.

Libya currently occupies second place in Group D with four points from two matches, trailing Cameroon by just one point. They have a home match against Angola on March 20 and an away game in Yaoundé against Cameroon on March 25—both crucial for their World Cup aspirations.

Notably absent from the squad is Moatasem Al-Musrati, the AS Monaco midfielder, who has declined the call-up, and defender Daniel Elfadli. Despite these omissions, Cissé has put together a strong squad featuring key players from the domestic league, blending experience with emerging talent.

Cissé is known for his tactical discipline and will work on solidifying the defence while enhancing the team’s attacking efficiency. The midfield is led by experienced players Faisal Al-Badri, Badr Hassan, and Abdullah Daqo, while the strike force includes Moayad Al-Lafi and Mohamed Soula. The defense features Majdi Artiba, Sobhi Al-Mabrouk, and Al-Bahlol Abu Sahmain.

Cissé’s ability to quickly adapt and implement his strategies will be vital as the Knights of the Mediterranean strive for success in these qualifiers.

  • Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Murad Al-Wahishi (Al-Ahly Benghazi), Mohamed Ayad (Abu Salim), and Ahmed Ayad (Al-Tahadi).

Defenders Majdi Artiba (Al-Akhdar), Sobhi Al-Mabrouk (Al-Ittihad), Al-Mahdi Al-Kout (Al-Suwaihli), Mohamed Al-Shtiwi (Al-Hilal), Sand Bin Ali (Al-Ittihad), Al-Bahlol Abu Sahmain (Al-Ahly Benghazi), Taher Bin Amer (Al-Ittihad), and Mutassim Sabbou (Olympic Azzawiya SC).

Midfielders: Faisal Al-Badri (Al-Hilal), Badr Hassan (Al-Nasr), Hamza Al-Maqsi (Olympic Azzawiya SC), Abdullah Daqo (Al-Ahly Benghazi), Muhannad Eto’o (Al-Madina), Osama Al-Sharimi (Al-Suwaihli), Omar Al-Khoja (Al-Suwaihli), Ahmed Saad (Al-Hilal), Al-Abbasi (Al-Suwaihli), Fadel Salama (Al-Ahly Benghazi), and Taha Al-Shalawi (Al-Hilal).

Attackers: Moayad Al-Lafi (Al-Ahly Tripoli), Mohamed Soula (Al-Qadisiyah, Kuwait), Fahad Al-Masmari (Club Africain, Tunisia), Azou Al-Mariami (Al-Hilal), Ahmed Karwa (Al-Ahly Tripoli), and Anas Al-Masrati (Al-Taawoun).

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has revealed the players selected to compete against Lesotho and Benin in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers scheduled for March 21 and March 25, 2025, respectively.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hugo Broos names South Africa’s final squad for World Cup qualifiers

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has revealed the players selected to compete against Lesotho and Benin in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers scheduled for March 21 and March 25, 2025, respectively.

South Africa is set to face their neighbours Lesotho at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Friday, March 21, 2025. Following that match, the Bafana Bafana team, led by coach Hugo Broos, will take a charter flight to Benin to compete against the West African nation on Monday, March 24, 2025.

A week ago, Broos announced a 37-member preliminary squad, which included some new players such as Samukelo Kabini and Khulumani Ndamane from TS Galaxy and Siphesihle Mkhize from Sekhukhune United.

On Thursday, March 13, at the SABC television studios in Auckland Park, the preliminary squad was reduced to a final squad of 23 players.

Bafana Bafana is in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers alongside Rwanda, Benin, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho. To date, the Broos-coached team has played four matches, achieving two wins, one draw, and one loss.

Mjøndalen IF Fotball confirm Alie Conteh's Sierra Leone call up
by Football Sierra Leone

Mjøndalen IF Fotball confirm Alie Conteh’s Sierra Leone call up

Sierra Leone is competing in the World Cup qualifiers, and our striker has once again been selected for the national team squad, as noted by the Norwegian second-tier side.

It does not surprise Kevin Nicol that the West Africans have nominated Conteh for the matches against Guinea-Bissau and Egypt on March 20 and 25, respectively.

– He has been in very good form so far in the pre-season, so it’s not surprising, no. We have previously seen that Alie returns from the national team training camp with new energy, so we hope for more goals already in the series opener against Egersund, says the head coach.

Conteh has to sit out the dress rehearsal against Haugesund, but that doesn’t worry Nicol.

– No, it simply means that another player gets valuable match training against a good reference and can show off, he continues.

Important matches

Sierra Leone are fourth in Group A of the African World Cup qualifiers after four matches, but have a chance to grab the important second place that could qualify them to play in the World Cup.

Egypt are superb and has escaped, while opponents Guinea-Bissau currently hold the important second place. However, they are only one point ahead of the Leone Stars, as the national team is called.

Abubakarr Kargbo signs first Pro deal with Dutch side NEC Nijmegen
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Abubakarr Kargbo signs first Pro deal with Dutch side NEC Nijmegen

On Monday, top talent Abubakarr Kargbo, age 15, signed his first professional contract with NEC Nijmegen, which will run until the summer of 2028.

Three other talented players from the DFDS – NEC Football Academy also signed their first professional contracts.

Abubakarr Kargbo, Mees Rensen, Mandela Bongne, and Jeremy van Haalen, who all play in the Under 17 team, are now signed until the summer of 2028.

Technical director Carlos Aalbers is proud that these players have been connected to NEC for a longer time.

“This is part of our new vision. We want to keep great talents with us and not lose them to bigger clubs. This way, we reward them for their hard work and can continue to develop together,” he said.

Colin Williamson, Head of Youth Development, added: “It is uncommon for players to sign their first contract with NEC at just fifteen years old. We are happy to have these boys as a strong foundation as we aim to help them move up to the first team. This is something the DFDS – NEC Football Academy can build on.”