Category: Football Africa

Nigeria and DR Congo face FIFA sanctions for Indiscipline
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria and DR Congo face FIFA sanctions for Indiscipline

FIFA has sanctioned Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) due to disciplinary issues during their 2026 World Cup continental play-off in November last year.

Following the match, FIFA’s judicial body found both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the DR Congo Football Association (Fecofa) guilty of separate violations.

The NFF was fined 1,000 Swiss francs (around $1,270; £950) for failing to ensure proper “order and security,” specifically regarding objects thrown by spectators. In contrast, the Congolese FA faced a heavier fine of 5,000 Swiss francs for supporters using “laser pointers,” which breaches FIFA’s Article 17.2.d.

The play-off final on November 16, 2025, in Rabat, saw DR Congo win 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, ending Nigeria’s hopes of World Cup qualification for the first time since 2018.

Following the defeat, NFF questioned the eligibility of several DR Congo players who had changed their national allegiance, citing domestic laws that reportedly do not recognise dual citizenship for adults.

With just two weeks until the intercontinental play-offs in Mexico to decide World Cup qualifiers, the sanctions have intensified focus on FIFA’s decision regarding Nigeria’s protest about alleged ineligible players.

Nonetheless, FIFA has confirmed DR Congo’s participation in the upcoming fixtures, where they will face the winner of New Caledonia and Jamaica on March 31.

Coach Sebastien Desabre has named a 26-man squad, welcoming back Yoane Wissa after a knee injury sidelined him during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

DR Congo is hoping to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when the country competed under the name Zaire.

Up to 10 African nations could qualify to participate in the expanded global tournament in North America.

Esperance claim vital first-leg victory over Al Ahly
by FSL News

Esperance claim vital first-leg victory over Al Ahly

Esperance Sportive de Tunis earned a crucial 1–0 win over Al Ahly SC in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final, giving them an edge for the return match in Cairo.

The encounter at the Hamadi Agrebi Stadium lived up to the hype, showcasing a tense tactical battle between two of Africa’s finest clubs. Algerian defender Mohamed Amine Tougai scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot midway through the second half, breaking Esperance’s long scoring drought against Al Ahly.

Despite the defeat, the Egyptian champions remain competitive, with the return leg set for Cairo International Stadium, where they will aim to overturn the deficit and maintain their hopes of continental success.

Both teams started cautiously, aware of the need to avoid early mistakes. Esperance’s Florian Danho had an early chance denied by an excellent save from Al Ahly’s goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir. In response, Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet unleashed a powerful long-range shot, but it was kept out by Esperance’s Bechir Ben Said.

As the match unfolded, it became a tactical duel, with both sides pressing to disrupt their opponent’s rhythm. The game’s turning point came in the 73rd minute when a penalty was awarded to Esperance after Al Ahly defender Mohamed Hany handled the ball. Tougai stepped up confidently to convert, igniting celebrations among the home fans.

Al Ahly pushed hard for an equaliser, introducing fresh attacking options, but were unable to find the back of the net. Esperance nearly extended their lead late in the game but were kept at bay.

With a narrow lead, Esperance heads to Egypt, knowing the tie is still very much alive. The return leg on Saturday promises to be another gripping chapter in this storied rivalry, with a spot in the Champions League semi-finals at stake.

Pyramids and AS Far settle for first leg quarter-final draw
by Football Sierra Leone

Pyramids and AS Far settle for first leg quarter-final draw

The CAF Inter-Club quarter-final first legs delivered a thrilling display of football, with all four matches ending in tense 1-1 draws.

The crucial away goals kept the ties for both the Champions League and Confederation Cup very much alive.

In the Champions League, defending champions Pyramids FC fought hard for a 1-1 draw at AS FAR Rabat’s Olympic Stadium.

The hosts took an early lead when Ahmed Hammoudan scored in the 8th minute, but Mahmoud Zalaka levelled the game with a goal in the 52nd minute, keeping hopes strong for both teams.

At the Berkane Municipal Stadium, Al Hilal Omdurman initially went in front thanks to a goal from Abdel Raouf in the 13th minute. However, RS Berkane managed to salvage a draw with a last-gasp penalty converted by Mounir Chouiar in the 90+9th minute.

Al Hilal faced a setback late in the match when Steven Ebuela received a red card, leaving them down to ten men.

In the Confederation Cup, Zamalek SC held their ground with a 1-1 draw at AS Otoho d’Oyo’s Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat in Brazzaville. Charles Atipo opened the scoring for the home side, only to see Oday Dabbagh equalise for the Egyptian team.

Meanwhile, at the New Suez Stadium, CR Belouizdad snatched a point away from home against Al Masry, ending in a 1-1 standoff. Salah Mohsen had put Al Masry ahead, but Lofti Boussouar struck in stoppage time to secure the equaliser.

With all four ties remaining evenly matched, the stage is set for next weekend’s second legs, where those hard-earned away goals could prove decisive in determining which teams advance to the semi-finals.

Saturday’s results

AS FAR (Morocco) 1-1 Pyramids (Egypt)

RS Berkane (Morocco) 1-1 Al Hilal Omdurman (Sudan)

AS Otoho (Congo-Brazzaville) 1-1 Zamalek (Egypt)

Al Masry (Egypt) 1-1 CR Belouizdad (Algeria)
Gambia's Yankuba Minteh scores winner for Brighton in win over Sunderland
by Football Sierra Leone

Gambia’s Yankuba Minteh scores winner for Brighton in win over Sunderland

Yankuba Minteh scored a bizarre goal that gave Brighton a 1-0 victory over Sunderland, marking the Black Cats' third consecutive home defeat in the Premier League.

In the 58th minute, Minteh’s sliced cross from a tight angle slipped past Sunderland goalkeeper Melker Ellborg at the near post.

Sunderland players were furious that play continued while midfielder Habib Diarra lay on the ground after a clash with Lewis Dunk during a corner.

However, the video assistant referee (VAR) confirmed that the goal was valid, as Brighton defender Paul van Hecke, obstructing Ellborg’s view, was onside.

This victory pushed Brighton to 40 points, placing them above Sunderland in 10th position. It was also their first win at Wearside since 1981, ending a nine-match winless streak.

Brighton was the better side in a lacklustre first half, with Jack Hinshelwood missing two clear opportunities to score. Sunderland thought they had taken the lead when Chris Rigg found the net, but his goal was disallowed for offside.

Brian Brobbey later squandered a crucial chance, firing over the bar after Brighton was caught in possession.

As Regis le Bris’ team pushed for an equaliser, they struggled to create clear chances. Diego Gomez also missed an opportunity to extend Brighton’s lead. With three straight home losses, Sunderland’s hopes for European qualification have taken a serious hit.

Stephen Constantine appointed as Rwanda's head coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Stephen Constantine reappointed as Rwanda’s head coach

Englishman Stephen Constantine has been reappointed as the head coach of Rwanda's men's national football team, signing a two-year contract.

The 63-year-old will step down from his current role with Cypriot club APEA Akrotiri to take up the position on March 16.

Constantine previously managed Rwanda from May 2014 to January 2015 before moving on to take the helm of the Indian national team. The Rwanda Football Federation expressed confidence in his ability to bring “leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to advancing Rwanda’s football ambitions.”

Born in London, Constantine has built a diverse coaching career in various less conventional football destinations. Alongside Rwanda and India, he has also taken charge of teams in Nepal, Malawi, Sudan, and Pakistan.

Currently, Rwanda sits at 130th in the FIFA rankings and is aiming to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027, an achievement they have only managed once before in 2004.

Constantine’s first match back in charge will be against Grenada in Kigali, part of the FIFA Series friendly tournament.

CAF greenlights Ethiopia to host International football after five years
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF green lights Ethiopia to host International football after five years

Ethiopia will host international football matches at home for the first time in five years, following approval from the Confederation of African Football for the use of its Dire Dawa stadium.

Ethiopia, an Eastern African nation with a population of 130 million, has been compelled to play its home matches abroad since 2021 after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) ruled that all three of its primary stadiums – in Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, and Dire Dawa – did not meet international standards.

However, following recent upgrades that received the green light from CAF inspectors, the second-largest stadium in Dire Dawa is set to host Ethiopia’s preliminary round second leg qualifier against São Tomé and Príncipe on March 31, according to the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF).

“Great news! The Dire Dawa International Stadium can now host national team matches,” announced the EFF. Built in partnership with the Dire Dawa city administration, the modern stadium is ready for national and international competitions.”

The EFF has reappointed former international player Yohannes Sahle to prepare the national team for the qualifiers, with the first leg kicking off in São Tomé on March 25.

The team that triumphs after both legs will move on to the group stage of the tournament, with the finals scheduled to take place next year in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Ethiopia, which previously hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 1976, recently finished fifth in Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, earning only nine points from ten matches.

Source AFP

CAF Inter-club winners' money increases by $2m
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Inter-club winners’ money increases by $2m

CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has raised the prize money for winners of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

The Champions League winner will receive USD 6 million, a 50% increase, while the Confederation Cup winner will get USD 4 million, a 100% increase.

During Dr Motsepe’s five years in office, the Champions League prize increased from USD 2.5 million to USD 6 million, a 140% rise, and the Confederation Cup prize rose from USD 1.25 million to USD 4 million, a 220% increase.

Total prize money and support for African clubs now exceed USD 42 million per season, a 123.4% increase since the President took office.

In August 2024, Dr Motsepe announced that teams eliminated in the early rounds of both tournaments would receive USD 50,000 each, increasing to USD 100,000 in 2025. This led to a record 130 clubs participating in the 2025/26 season.

CAF announces new dates for Women’s AFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF announces new dates for Women’s AFCON

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the delay of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to July-August, putting an end to weeks of uncertainty regarding whether the event would proceed as planned this month.

This tournament serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, where four teams from Africa will secure automatic entry, while an additional two will enter the inter-continental qualifiers.

In October 2024, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) awarded the hosting rights for the prestigious TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 to Morocco.

Initially, the tournament was set to take place from March 17 to April 3, 2026. However, after thorough discussions that involved CAF, its key partners, including FIFA, and various other stakeholders, it became evident that adjustments were necessary to facilitate the success of this significant women’s football event.

Consequently, CAFdecidedn to reschedule the WAFCON 2026 to a new timeframe, now planned for July 25 to August 16, 2026.

This change aims to accommodate various unforeseen circumstances that could impact the tournament’s execution, thereby ensuring a smooth and successful competition that showcases the talents of women footballers across Africa.

Preparations for the CAF WAFCON 2026 are underway, and all the parties are confident that it will be very successful.

Mohamed Ouahbi Assumes Role as the New Coach for Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mohamed Ouahbi Assumes Role as the New Coach for Morocco

It’s official: Walid Regragui has stepped down as head coach of the Atlas Lions, ending weeks of speculation about his future. Mohamed Ouahbi has been appointed as Morocco’s new national team coach.

The Morocco Football Federation (FRMF) announced Morocco’s disappointing exit from the AFCON, highlighted by a chaotic final against Senegal on January 18, during which the match was interrupted by fans storming the field.

Regragui had previously stated he would resign if he failed to win AFCON, fueling rumours about his departure. In addition to his resignation, reports were linking him to a possible move to Marseille.

Regragui took charge of the Moroccan national team on August 31, 2022, just before the World Cup in Qatar. He had previously enjoyed success, leading Wydad Casablanca to a CAF Champions League title and making history with FUS Rabat by winning their first league title in 70 years. Under his leadership, Morocco reached the World Cup semi-finals, marking a historic achievement for African and Arab teams.

Despite a solid record of 35 wins, 9 draws, and 5 losses, Morocco’s AFCON campaign revealed challenges, particularly regarding squad management. Key decisions, such as fielding injured players like Romain Saiss, drew criticism.

Ouahbi, who has been influential in Morocco’s youth setup since March 2022, replaces Regragui. He led the U‑20 team to a World Cup victory in 2025 and has a strong coaching background, including 17 years at Anderlecht’s academy. His emphasis on youth development and long-term planning aligns with the FRMF’s vision.

As Morocco faces the next World Cup cycle, Ouahbi’s experience and success at the junior level position him well to manage the team under pressure. He will immediately step into his role, tasked with leading the national team in their upcoming challenges.

All you need to know about CAF Confederation Cup knockout rounds
by FSL News

All you need to know about CAF Confederation Cup knockout rounds

Dates and kick-off times have been officially announced for the quarter-finals of the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, marking an exciting stage in the knockout rounds of this prestigious tournament.

This mid-March, several high-stakes matches will take the spotlight across Africa, featuring a highly anticipated Moroccan derby and a series of fierce North African rivalries, all battling for a coveted spot in the semi-finals.

One of the standout matchups sees Moroccan teams Olympique Club de Safi and Wydad AC face off. The first leg kicks off in Safi on 15 March at 22:00 GMT, followed by the return leg in Casablanca on 22 March at 19:00 GMT. This tie guarantees that at least one Moroccan side will make it to the last four.

In another significant clash, Egyptian club Al Masry SC will compete against Algeria’s CR Belouizdad. Their first game is set for 14 March at 20:00 GMT, with the decisive second leg scheduled for 21 March at 19:00 GMT.

Egyptian giants Zamalek SC will also start their quarter-final quest away from home, facing off against AS Otoho from Congo on 14 March at 13:00 GMT, with the return leg taking place on 22 March at 16:00 GMT.

Additionally, DR Congo’s AS Maniema Union will host Algeria’s USM Alger in the first leg on 15 March at 13:00 GMT, while the return fixture in Algeria is set for 22 March at 19:00 GMT.

These dates and times come after last month’s quarter-final draw in Cairo, where teams learned their opponents and potential pathways to the final. The ties will be played over two legs, with the aggregate winners moving on to the semi-finals of Africa’s second-tier club tournament.

The draw has laid out a clear road to the final: the team emerging from the AS Maniema Union and USM Alger clash will face the winner of the Moroccan derby between Olympique Safi and Wydad Casablanca. On the other side of the bracket, the victor between Al Masry and CR Belouizdad will meet the team that advances from the battle between Zamalek and AS Otoho.

The semi-finals are scheduled for 10–12 April (first legs) and 17–19 April (second legs), with the two-legged final taking place in May, crowning the new champions of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup. With the schedule now set, the eight remaining clubs can fully focus on their preparations as they aim for continental glory.

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 – Quarter-final fixtures (all times GMT)

First legs

14 March 2026

13:00 — AS Otohô vs Zamalek SC

14 March 2026

20:00 — Al Masry SC vs CR Belouizdad

15 March 2026

13:00 — AS Maniema Union vs USM Alger

15 March 2026

22:00 — Olympique Club Safi vs Wydad AC

Second legs

21 March 2026

19:00 — CR Belouizdad vs Al Masry SC

22 March 2026

16:00 — Zamalek SC vs AS Otohô

22 March 2026

19:00 — Wydad AC vs Olympique Club Safi

22 March 2026

19:00 — USM Alger vs AS Maniema Union