Category: Football Africa

Star Sport Academy Thanks SLFA for CAF Champions League Confirmation
by Ibrahim Sesay

Star Sport Academy Thanks SLFA after CAF Champions League Confirmation

Star Sport Academy has expressed its heartfelt appreciation to the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) following the official confirmation of their participation in the 2026/2027 CAF Champions League.

After the conclusion of the 2025/2026 Sierra Leone Premier League season, Star Sport Academy received communication from the SLFA indicating that the League Champions, Bo Rangers FC, had opted out of the competition.

As the next eligible club, Star Sport Academy has graciously accepted the responsibility to represent the nation on the continental stage. The club’s management intentionally took a few days before announcing this decision to allow for essential internal consultations and preparations, believing it was crucial to share this news in a thoughtful and organised manner.

They extend their congratulations to Bo Rangers FC for their successful season and offer sincere gratitude to the President of SLFA, along with the Executive Committee and the Secretariat, for placing their trust in the club. Star Sport Academy embraces this responsibility with humility and is fully committed to representing Sierra Leone with professionalism, discipline, and pride.

The club also wishes to thank their sponsors, partners, fans, players, and technical staff for their steadfast support and commitment. Your ongoing encouragement has been vital to their journey.

Moreover, preparations for the CAF Champions League campaign are already in full swing, and Star Sport Academy remains focused on ensuring that both the club and Sierra Leone are represented with honour and distinction.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Court of Arbitration for Sport sets date for Senegal AFCON hearing

Lausanne, 24 July 2026 – The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirms a hearing has been scheduled for the procedure between the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF, in French) against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF, in French) (“The Parties”) concerning the final of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 (AFCON 2025).

The hearing will take place on 8 October 2026, at CAS headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland. Registered by CAS on 25 March 2026, the FSF appeal seeks to set aside a CAF decision declaring that the Senegal national team forfeited the AFCON 2025 final and recording the Moroccan national team as the winners of the match by 3-0. The appeal requests that CAS declare the FSF winners of AFCON 2025.

The Parties did not agree to expedite this procedure, which is therefore following a standard timeline according to CAS procedural rules.

The hearing date was decided after consultation with the Parties, who also did not request that it be made public. This means it will take place behind closed doors. After the hearing, the Panel will start its deliberations. At this stage, CAS cannot state when a final decision will be rendered but it will not be on the day of the hearing.

CAS is aware of incorrect information circulating online about this procedure and subsequently being reported. Only information provided through CAS channels is considered official. Any announcements concerning this case will be published on the CAS website. Questions from accredited journalists can be directed to the CAS media office.

CAS Communication!

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hamburger SV bolster squad with Zambia striker Patson Daka

To boost their offence, Hamburger SV (HSV) has signed centre forward Patson Daka. Once with Leicester City, the 27-year-old striker passed his medical exam on July 21 and signed his contract in Austria. Daka will don the number 27 uniform.

With his team dedication and worldwide exposure, Daka fits their requirements precisely, HSV Sporting Director Kathleen Krüger said. Another HSV director, Claus Costa, praised Daka’s energy, speed, and pressing skills—all consistent with their playing style.

Daka, who was born on October 9, 1998 in Kafue, Zambia, started his career with Nchanga Rangers and swiftly ascended through Zambia’s national teams to debut at 16. In 2017, he joined FC Liefering in Austria and eventually rose to prominence as a Red Bull Salzburg player, scoring 68 goals in 125 games and winning many titles.

Summer 2021 saw Daka sign with Leicester City and become the first Zambian to score a goal in the Premier League. In a single UEFA match versus Spartak Moscow, he also netted four goals. Prior to Leicester’s demotion this summer, he played 76 Premier League games.

Daka is eager to start his next chapter at HSV. I am eager to start. I’m here to score goals and support the team, he continued. From the beginning, I was welcome and it was simple decision to join.

by Football Sierra Leone

Ghana’s Abdul Fatawu delighted after Ipswich Town move

Ghanaian winger Abdul Fatawu has expressed delight after he signed for Ipswich Town from Leicester City ahead of the new season. Fatawu, 22, joined Town for an undisclosed fee and signed a five-year contract running until 2031.

Abdul made an impression at the FIFA World Cup this summer, participating in all four of Ghana’s matches, including one against England, and has a total of 32 caps with three goals for his country.

His career includes Champions League experience with Sporting in Portugal and a successful spell at Leicester, where he netted nine goals in 44 appearances last season. Abdul will join his new teammates at a training camp in La Manga, Spain, this week.

“I’m proud to be with Ipswich Town,” Abdul said. “The club’s ambition is exciting, and I’m eager to contribute to our Premier League preparations. After speaking with the manager, Gary O’Neil, I understand the expectations and can’t wait to meet my teammates and start working. The supporters are incredibly passionate, and I’m excited to play for them.”

Manager Gary O’Neil expressed enthusiasm about the signing, noting, “Abdul is a young player with good experience. He has strong physical and technical qualities, is comfortable on the ball, and can excel in one-on-one situations.”

Born in Tamale, Ghana, Abdul began with Steadfast before moving to Dreams FC in the Ghanaian Premier Division in 2021. His performances earned him a transfer to Sporting, followed by a loan to Leicester, where he contributed to their Championship victory and promotion to the Premier League, winning the club’s Young Player of the Year award.

In international play, he was named Player of the Tournament during the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in March 2021 and made his senior debut later that year. He represented Ghana at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and recently played in all four matches in North America.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco’s Atlas Lions Hit New FIFA Ranking High

The latest FIFA rankings showcase Africa’s rising impact on the global football scene, with Morocco standing out as the continent’s highest-ranked team at an impressive 6th overall.

The Atlas Lions have maintained their strong position since their historic World Cup performance, emphasizing a new era of competitiveness for African teams on the world stage. Following closely, Senegal continues to be a reliable force, holding the 18th spot globally.

The Teranga Lions combine experience with tactical discipline, making them a tough challenger in both regional and international tournaments. North African teams are well represented as Egypt climbs to 24th place, while Algeria follows at 29th, reflecting the region’s rich football history.

West African powerhouse Nigeria sits just above Algeria in 26th place, demonstrating a steady path of rebuilding and showcasing their depth of talent. The reigning African champions, Côte d’Ivoire, are currently ranked 31st, a position that indicates their squad has room for growth as it matures.

Lower down the list, DR Congo (41st) and Cameroon (43rd) remain competitive, while Mali (53rd) and South Africa (54th) round out the continent’s top ten.

Top 10 African Teams – FIFA World Rankings

1. Morocco — 6th
2. Senegal — 18th
3. Egypt — 24th
4. Nigeria — 26th
5. Algeria — 29th
6. Côte d’Ivoire — 31st
7. DR Congo — 41st
8. Cameroon — 43rd
9. Mali — 53rd
10. South Africa — 54th

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Star Sport Academy set for maiden West Africa Champions Cup competition

Sierra Leone’s top-tier side, Star Sport Academy, has confirmed its debutant participation in this year’s West Africa Champions Cup (WACC), which will take place in Kankan, Guinea between August 14 and 21, 2026.

“After two seasons in Sierra Leone’s top flight, we’ll for the first time face West African peers hoping to make history at the tournament of champions,” Coach Amidu Karim side noted.

They went on, “Our club will face off against tough sides from the African continent, including Al Hilal Omdurman of Sudan, Guinean sides Horoya & Hafia, as well as Djoliba AC, Stade Malien de Bamako, FC Diarra & AS Real Bamako from Mali.”

The tournament is part of our club’s plans ahead of the 2026/27 season, with the Blue Wave already preparing for the new campaign.

The 5th edition of the West Africa Champions Cup features big clubs from West Africa, which creates a unique passion and excitement around it. We are pleased to participate in this event.

Host City Kankan is the largest city in Guinea by area and the second largest in population. Inhabitants: 410,542 (1 July 2025 Census).

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Coach Aliou Cissé wins legal case against the Libyan Football Federation

With FIFA directing the North African federation to pay him €820,000 in damages, former Senegal national team manager Aliou Cissé has won his legal battle against the Libyan Football Federation.

Appointed head coach of Libya in 2025 on a two-year contract following his excellent run with the Senegalese national team, Cissé guided Senegal to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) championship in 2021. But, only less than a year after his appointment, his tenure supervising the Libyan national team came to an abrupt end when both parties split over contract obligation disputes.

After he left, Cissé submitted a claim for financial obligations owed to him as per his contract and for unpaid wages. Ultimately rising to FIFA, the controversy was decided in favour of the 48-year-old coach. FIFA has ordered the Libyan Football Federation to give Cissé €820,000 in damages for contract violation.

This ruling ends a protracted dispute between the coach and the Libyan FA, aiming for clarification on the financial claims made by the previous African champion.

Though he struggled in Libya, Cissé has rapidly found another important worldwide coaching position. Named head coach of Angola, he is set to use his expertise from Senegal and past international travels to guide the Palancas Negras into a new age.

Having led Senegal’s ascent to regional prominence, won the 2021 AFCON championship, and helped the team to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, Cissé is still among Africa’s most admired coaches.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt intends to submit bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations

Egypt seeks to submit a proposal to hold the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Ministry of Youth and Sports verified the nation’s readiness to host this big football event.

The Ministry spokesperson said Egypt has the necessary infrastructure and skills to hold the tournament. The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) must now get in touch with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and submit a request to host.

This declaration comes after CAF asked member nations to submit proposals for the 2028 tournament’s hosting. A prosperous football country, Egypt has previously staged significant events. The nation last hosted the AFCON in 2019, stepping in to take over for another host, and the occasion drew accolades for its planning and facilities.

Egypt’s New Administrative Capital site helps it to apply once more, and it has several excellent stadiums, including Cairo International Stadium and Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria.

The Egyptian Football Association will probably start negotiations and ultimately file a formal interest to CAF as CAF launches its bidding process. Egypt’s declaration raises the rivalry for the 2028 hosting rights as other African countries are also anticipated to submit bids soon.

Before selecting the host country for Africa’s premier football competition, CAF will assess bids against factors such as stadium quality, housing, transportation, security, and overall organisation.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 Set to Kick Off on July 26

CAF and LOC have revealed the Match Schedule with kick-off times for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 as Africa’s flagship women’s competition gets set to kick off on 26 July 2026 in Rabat, with the Final to be played on 16 August 2026, also in Rabat.

Stakes at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 will be high, with not only a place in the Finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 up for grabs but also USD 1 Million Prize money awaiting the winning nation.

Two cities will stage matches for the tournament: Rabat and Casablanca. The expanded format of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 will be the largest edition of the competition to date, with sixteen (16) nations participating for the very first time.

The teams have been divided into four groups of four. See below for the breakdown of the groups as well as the detailed schedule of how each team will fare on their road to the Final.

Road to the Final:

Matches will get underway on Sunday, 26 July 2026 at 18: 00 local time (17:00 GMT) with host nation Morocco’s opening clash against Algeria at the Rabat Olympic Stadium.

Senegal will play their opening match against Kenya later that day.

Morocco will begin their hunt for their maiden title on Sunday evening against Kenya at home. The match will start at 21: 00 (20:00 GMT) at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

Pool matches include Nigeria vs Zambia on 1 August and Ghana vs Cameroon on 2 August. Quarter-final matches will take place on 8 and 9 August, with winners progressing into the semi-finals, where defeated teams can still qualify for FIFA Women’ s World Cup Brazil 20 27 via continental play-offs.

Semi-finals will take place on 12 August at the Neutral Stadium (Rabat). The third-place match will be played on 15 August at the Rabat Olympic Stadium. The Final will take place on Sunday, 16 August 20 26 at 20:00 at the Neutral Stadium.

Groups

Group A – Rabat: Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya

Group B – Casablanca: South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Tanzania

Group C – Rabat: Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi

Group D – Casablanca: Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde

Senegal parts ways with manager Pape Thiaw after World Cup exit
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal parts ways with manager Pape Thiaw after World Cup exit

Senegal has dismissed manager Pape Thiaw following their elimination from the World Cup at the last-32 stage. Senegal started poorly, losing to France and Norway in their opening two games.

They defeated Iraq 5-0 to finish third in Group B, as the best-placed third-placed team advanced to the knockout stages. Senegal went ahead against Belgium in their Round of 16 clash but conceded twice late on, including a penalty in extra time, as they lost 3-2.

Midfielder Pape Gueye subsequently announced that he was taking a break from international duty while Senegal was under its current management.

“After a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team,” the Senegal Football Federation (FSF) said in a statement, “the Executive Committee decided to relieve him of his duties in the best interests of Senegalese football.”

Senegal arrived in Qatar this month after appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against having their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations win deducted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Thiaw played a key role in the controversy as he led his players down the tunnel when Morocco was awarded a stoppage-time penalty in the final.

The players returned around 17 minutes later and Senegal went on to win after Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved and Gueye scored in extra-time.

Morocco was awarded the trophy in March after CAF overturned the final result due to Senegal’s walk-off. Senegal has since appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.