Category: Football Africa

Alassana Jatta as Notts County promoted to Sky Bet League One
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alassana Jatta nets as Notts County promoted to Sky Bet League One

In a thrilling display of skill and teamwork, Notts County secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Salford City in the Sky Bet League Two Play-off final at the iconic Wembley Stadium on Monday.

Gambian International Alassana Jatta sparked the excitement early on, brilliantly converting a stunning pass from Jodi Jones with a superb finish that set the tone for the match.

Just before halftime, Lucas Ness added to our momentum, rising high to connect with a perfectly placed cross, delivering a powerful header that doubled our advantage.

As the second half unfolded, any hopes of a Salford resurgence were firmly dashed. Jodi Jones once again found himself in the spotlight, executing a composed finish with poise and precision, much to the delight of the 20,000 jubilant Notts supporters.

The atmosphere was electric, filled with a palpable sense of triumph as we celebrated our remarkable achievement on this grand stage.

Notts County, the world’s oldest professional football club, founded in 1888, will compete next season in Sky Bet League One.

Sierra Leone U-17 Girls Stunned by Benin in 2026 World Cup Qualifier
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone U-17 Girls Stunned by Benin in 2026 World Cup Qualifier

Sierra Leone’s Under-17 female team faces a daunting challenge in the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup African qualifiers after suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to Benin in Monday’s first-leg clash in Lome, Togo.

The young Sierra Queens were punished by a clinical Benin side at the Kegue Stadium, with Romaine Gandonou striking in the 16th and 67th minutes while Diane Dogbe added a second-half goal in the 57th minute to hand the Young Amazons a commanding advantage.

Head Coach Fatmata “Taribo” Turay’s side struggled to contain Benin’s attacking pressure despite moments of resilience, leaving Sierra Leone with a mountain to climb ahead of Thursday’s crucial return-leg underway at the Kegue Stadium.

The defeat puts West African teams on the brink of elimination, meaning the Sierra Queens must produce an extraordinary comeback to keep their hopes of reaching the next stage of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup alive.

Mamelodi Sundowns win second CAF Champions League after edging past AS FAR
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mamelodi Sundowns win second CAF Champions League after edging past AS FAR

Mamelodi Sundowns won the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League for the second time by drawing 1-1 with FAR Rabat in the second leg of the final in Morocco. They claimed a 2-1 aggregate victory after winning the first leg 1-0 in Pretoria.

Mohamed Hrimat scored a penalty for FAR Rabat in the 40th minute, but Teboho Mokoena equalised for Sundowns just before half-time with a stunning shot. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made a crucial save by stopping Hrimat’s second penalty in the second half.

This victory gives Sundowns their second Champions League title and coach Miguel Cardoso his first win in the finals. FAR Rabat started the match strongly, aiming to overturn their deficit, but Sundowns stayed organised defensively.

Hrimat had an early chance that he missed, while Sundowns found their rhythm and created opportunities. The turning point came when FAR Rabat was awarded a penalty through VAR, which Hrimat converted. However, Sundowns quickly responded with Mokoena’s goal right before half-time.

In the second half, Cardoso substituted Marcelo Allende to strengthen the midfield. FAR Rabat continued to push forward, but Hrimat’s header went wide, and Williams saved another penalty.

Sundowns later had a goal disallowed for offside but held onto their lead for the win, marking another historic achievement for the Tshwane club.

Tanzania beat Algeria to reach CAF U17 AFCON semis
by Football Sierra Leone

Tanzania beat Algeria to reach CAF U17 AFCON semis

Tanzania advanced to the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after beating Algeria 4-3 on penalties in a thrilling 3-3 quarter-final draw on Sunday.

Algeria started strong, with Valmy scoring in the 4th minute. Tanzania responded with Athanasis equalising in the 25th minute. Valmy scored again before halftime, making it 2-1, but Mbalasalu struck back for Tanzania in stoppage time, ending the half at 2-2.

In the second half, Athanasis scored to give Tanzania a 3-2 lead, but Benderamdane equalised for Algeria in the 65th minute. The score remained tied, leading to a penalty shootout where Tanzania emerged victorious 4-3.

This win confirms Tanzania’s status as a surprise contender in the tournament. They topped Group C and now await their semi-final opponent as they aim for a historic continental title.

Match details:

– Tanzania 3 (4-3 on penalties) 3 Algeria

– Scorers: Dismas Athanasis (25’, 61’), Luqman Mbalasalu (45+8’); Muhammad Valmy (4’, 40’), Noam Benderamdane (65’)

Morocco edge past Cameroon to reach CAF U-17 AFCON semi-finals
by FSL News

Morocco edge past Cameroon to reach CAF U-17 AFCON semi-finals

Morocco secured a 1-0 victory over Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, thanks to a goal from Mohamed Habib Zinbi in the 17th minute.

This win marks Morocco’s third consecutive semi-final appearance, where they will face either Senegal or Mali on Thursday.

Despite not playing as strongly as in the group stage, Morocco’s defense held firm, with goalkeeper Rayan Yaakoubi making key saves, particularly against Cameroon’s Arnold Massokon.

Cameroon struggled to equalize in the second half, with several chances either going wide or being blocked. Coach Tiago Lima Pereira lauded his team’s maturity in maintaining their lead.

For Cameroon, this loss was disappointing after bouncing back from an initial defeat against Côte d’Ivoire to reach the knockout stage. While they created opportunities, their failures in the final moments cost them.

The win showed that Morocco can adapt their game style when needed. After finishing Group A with seven points, they demonstrated they can endure pressure and secure a win.

The Atlas Cubs are now just one match away from the final, with the chance to lift the trophy on home soil still alive.

U17 Cup of Nations: Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and six others reach quarter-finals
by Football Sierra Leone

U17 Cup of Nations: Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and six others reach quarter-finals

Following a thrilling group stage rich in goals and shocks, eight countries have made it to the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026.

Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Tanzania, the host nations, came in first within their respective groups. Following fierce rivalry, Egypt, Cameroon, Mali, and Algeria also progressed.

Every one of the eight clubs has a secured berth at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026. Their current goal is winning the continental championship.

One important game will see Morocco take on Cameroon. Group A was headed by Morocco with seven points; Group B was led by Cameroon with six points after recovering from an early loss.

In another thrilling encounter, Côte d’Ivoire will face Egypt. While Egypt progressed from Group A with four points, the Ivorians ended in Group B unbeaten with seven points.

Surprising contender Tanzania will take on Algeria, who made it out of a tough Group D. Tanzania came out on top of Group C with two wins and one close loss.

Senegal will square off against Mali in a major West African battle. With six points, Senegal took first place in Group D; with five points, Mali stayed undefeated in Group C.

The quarter-finals feature the next generation of African football talent, several of whom have caught the attention of European scouts. The knockout stage promises even more enthusiasm as teams battle for the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON Morocco 2026 title.

Quarter-final Fixtures – TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON Morocco 2026

(All kick-off times in local time)

Saturday, 24 May 2026

  • Morocco vs Cameroon
  • Venue: CMVI – T8
  • Kick-off: 17h00
  • Senegal vs Mali
  • Venue: CMVI – T3
  • Kick-off: 17h00
  • Tanzania vs Algeria
  • Venue: CMVI – T11
  • Kick-off: 14h00
  • Côte d’Ivoire vs Egypt
  • Venue: CMVI – T11
  • Kick-off: 20h00

Semi-finals

Thursday, 28 May 2026

  • Winner Morocco/Cameroon vs Winner Senegal/Mali
  • Venue: Moulay El Hassan Stadium
  • Kick-off: 20h00
  • Winner Côte d’Ivoire/Egypt vs Winner Tanzania/Algeria
  • Venue: Moulay El Hassan Stadium
  • Kick-off: 17h00

Third-place Match

Monday, 1 June 2026

  • Loser Semi-final 1 vs Loser Semi-final 2
  • Venue: CMVI – T8
  • Kick-off: 20h00

Final

Tuesday, 2 June 2026

  • Winner Semi-final 1 vs Winner Semi-final 2
  • Venue: Moulay El Hassan Stadium
  • Kick-off: 20h00
Kenya and Uganda share U17 first leg qualifying spoils
by FSL News

Kenya and Uganda share spoils in U17 first-leg qualifier

CECAFA teams Uganda and Kenya have settled to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the second round of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026 qualifier.

The hosts, Uganda, took the lead after 13 minutes, with Shadia Nabirye scoring at the FUFA Kadiba Stadium.

After a well by Immaculate Acen, Nabirye was quick to rebound after Kenyan goalkeeper Mishel Okoyo had parried back the ball. But the Kenyan did not give up and continued attacking the Ugandan goal.

After recess, Kenya’s technical bench made changes bringing Emily Adhiambo and Gaudencia Maloba to replace Fleviah Khatenje and Ivy Atieno.

Adhiambo later leveled matters for Kenya with a long shot taken from far outside the box after 61 minutes.

The two teams tried to create more scoring opportunities, but failed to find the goals.

The Uganda Teen Cranes coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes, said that her team created some decent scoring opportunities, but where not sharp in finishing. “We need to go back to the drawing board and prepare well for the return leg,” said Botes.

Action continues on Saturday with Tanzania hosting South Africa, while Ethiopia will face Burundi on Sunday.

Four other teams from Africa will qualify to join hosts Morocco for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final tournament.

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw remains hopeful about defender Kalidou Koulibaly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw remains hopeful about defender Kalidou Koulibaly

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has confirmed that captain Kalidou Koulibaly will be fit for next year’s FIFA World Cup following his squad announcement.

Senegal were drawn into Group I alongside France, Norway, and Iraq

Slated to take place from June 11 to July 19, the global showpiece will be hosted across 16 cities: 11 in the United States, 3 in Mexico, and 2 in Canada.

It will mark the first World Cup to be hosted in three countries and the first tournament to expand from 32 to 48 teams.

Koulibaly is reportedly “coming along nicely.” Despite missing a large chunk of games for his current club, Al-Hilal, Thiaw named Koulibaly on the list of 28 players to represent Senegal at the World Cup. “He is the captain of this team, the one who brings everyone together.

He is evolving very well in his recovery. I think that by three weeks before the World Cup, he will be ready for it. This World Cup is not a 100-meter race, it’s a marathon, and I believe he will be ready on time,” Thiaw told reporters.

Kalidou Koulibaly also missed out on the Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco last year due to injury and has been sidelined since April.

Conversely, Chelsea defender Malang Sarr will not be heading to the World Cup with Senegal. Thiaw explained his reasoning: “Malang is a player I follow up closely. We spoke twice on the phone; the second time was just to congratulate him personally. He’s had a great season, but decisions had to be made.

In football, you never know what can happen. He’s on the standby list. But for now, I want to concentrate on these 28 players on the list.”

Tanzania and Mali reach quarter-finals and the World Cup as Mozambique secure a playoff spot
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tanzania and Mali reach quarter-finals and the World Cup as Mozambique secure a playoff spot

Following an electrifying final round of matches in Group C, Tanzania and Mali advanced to the quarter-final stages of TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, having both booked their ticket to FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026. Mozambique qualified for the playoff of the global tournament.

Mali 2-1 Tanzania | Goals: bdoulaye Touré (3’, 41’), Hassan Mkindai (82’)

What a finale we witnessed in Group C as play began with the match already underway.

Mali began life of the Final Round in dazzling fashion as league’sstarplayerAbdoulaye Touré found the back of the net in just three minutes.

He doubled his team’s lead just before half-time in the 41st minute. Tanzania came storming back in injury time through Hassan Mkindai which proved fruitless as Mali hung on to win the match. Tanzania topped the group on six points but both sides celebrated progression to the Quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations and qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Angola 1-2 Mozambique | Goals: Francisco Eliseu (27’), Allan Figueiredo (22’), Charif Carlos (55’)

Both Angola and Mozambique needed a win from this match to progress further. Mozambique stunned Angola in the opening minutes of the game through Allan Figueiredo in the 22nd minute.

Angola equalised just five minutes later through Francisco Eliseu, but they seemed to tire off after that goal. Charif Carlos made it two goals apiece in the second half as he scored in the 55th minute to hand the lead back to Mozambique, who held on strongly to the final whistle.

This victory gave Mozambique third place in the competition and a chance for qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup via the playoff, while for Angola, the tournament came to an end.

Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle names squad for Unity Cup
by Football Sierra Leone

Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle names squad for Unity Cup

Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle has named squads for friendly matches against Poland and Portugal as well as for the Unity Cup against Zimbabwe in England at the Valley Charlton stadium. 

Captain Wilfred Ndidi, as well as Bruno Onyemaechi, Igoh Ogbu, Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Terem Moffi have been named in the side that will contest the Unity Cup.

Some players making their debut with the team are goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and defenders Emmanuel Fernandez and Tochukwu Nnadi. Their opponent in the semi-final will be Zimbabwe on May 26.

For the friendlies, Chelle named a 24-man squad that includes Alex Iwobi, Maduka Okoye, Zaidu Sanusi and Victor Osimhen.

The Super Eagles will take on Poland in Warsaw on June 3 and Portugal in Leiria four days later on June 10.

Unity Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Arthur Okonkwo (Wrexham FC, England); Michael Atata (Ikorodu City)

Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Obinna Igboke (Enugu Rangers); Elias Ochobi (Rivers United); Chibueze Oputa (Enugu Rangers)

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympic Marseille, France); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa FC, Italy); Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA); Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City); Samson Tijani (FK Dukla Prague, Czech Republic); Ayobami Junior (Shooting Stars); Tosin Oyedokun (Ikorodu City)

Forwards: Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Philip Otele (Hamburger SV, Germany); Owen Oseni (Plymouth FC, England); Zadok Abu Yohanna (AIK, Greece); Terem Moffi (FC Porto, Portugal); Rafiu Durosinmi (Pisa FC, Italy); Femi Azeez (Millwall FC, England)

Friendly squad

Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Arthur Okonkwo (Wrexham FC, England); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)

Defenders: Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Coventry FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympique Marseille, France); Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA)

Forwards: A: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Coventry FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympique Marseille, France); Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA)