Category: Football Africa

No winners in Group C after opening U20 AFCON matches
by Football Sierra Leone

Ghana, Senegal register opening draws in Group C U20 AFCON matches

After four teams fought to a 1-1 draw on Friday in the U20 African Cup of Nations in Egypt, Group C had no opening winners .

In a fiercely fought Group C match at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, reigning champions Senegal drew 1-1 with the Central African Republic. Senegal grabbed advantage in the 49th minute following a scoreless first half with a header from Cheikh Thiam.

But Central African Republic leveled in the 74th minute when replacement Diogène Pengazonia scored from a through ball. Both teams were unable to find a victor even after generating several opportunities, including a near header from Thiam.

Senegal will get ready to face Ghana despite having control of the CAR aims to grow on this performance against DR Congo.

In their first Group C encounter at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, Ghana decided on a 1-1 tie with DR Congo. With Samuel Ntanda’s header in the 16th minute, DR Congo got off to an early lead; eight minutes later, Ghana leveled the score with Musibau Aziz.

Ghana couldn’t find the net once more despite controlling the ball and driving for a second-half winner; some close attempts included a saved Aziz header. The resilience shown by both sides helped the game to end in a draw, therefore all four teams in the group were tied on one point.

Morocco got off to a winning start in U20 AFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco edge Kenya in five-goal thriller Group Opener

Morocco started their campaign in the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025, with a thrilling 3-2 win against Kenya in Group B on Thursday night at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.

Morocco had to come from behind twice to secure the victory in an exciting match that highlighted the intensity of youth football in Africa. Kenya, participating in the U20 AFCON for the first time since 1979, began strongly. In the 16th minute, Lawrence Ouma scored with a header from Kevin Injehu’s well-placed free kick, celebrating with great joy.

Morocco equalized just before halftime. A scramble in the box allowed Yassir Zabiri to score, and after a brief review by VAR due to possible infringement, the goal was confirmed. This made the score 1-1 at halftime.

The second half was even more dramatic. Just ten minutes in, Zabiri scored again with a sharp header, giving Morocco a 2-1 lead. Kenya responded in the 71st minute. Hassan Beja scored from the center of the box after good teamwork with Aldrine Kibet, leveling the match at 2-2.

Morocco pressed on and regained the lead in the 78th minute. Reda Laalaoui received a clever pass from Saad El Haddad and calmly scored, making it 3-2.

In the 89th minute, Morocco earned a penalty, but Othmane Maamma’s shot was saved by Kenyan keeper Baron Ochieng, keeping Kenya’s hopes alive. Kenya fought hard for an equalizer and came close in stoppage time when Aldrine Kibet’s header hit the post. Despite this, Morocco held on for three important points and topped the group after Matchday 1.

Kenya can take many positives from this match, particularly their fearless and creative attack. Morocco showed composure and experience at key moments and will feel confident going into their next match.

South Africa register first U-20 AFCON win over Tanzania in Group A
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa register first U-20 AFCON win in Group A

South Africa won their first match in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations by beating Tanzania 1-0 on Wednesday. The game took place at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismaila, Egypt.

In the first half, there were not many scoring opportunities for either team. Tanzania had better possession and direct play at first, but their first chance came when Valentino Mashaka failed to score in the 15th minute.

The Amajitas took the lead in the 27th minute. Shakeel April scored after taking advantage of a mistake by Tanzanian goalkeeper Ismail Mpank. He was assisted by Faiz Abrahams.

Tanzania almost equalized later in the half, but Shekhani Khamis missed a header.

In the second half, Tanzania played stronger. Striker Bakari Msimu was a constant threat. He nearly scored with a header, but Amajitas goalkeeper Fletcher Smythe-Lowe made a good save.

With this win, South Africa is now in second place in Group A with three points. Tanzania starts their campaign with this close defeat and is currently in fifth place with one match played.

South Africa will have nearly a week off before playing Sierra Leone next Tuesday. Tanzania will face Sierra Leone on Saturday in their next group match..

South Africa and Tanzania square off in Group A U-20 AFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa and Tanzania set to square off in Group A U-20 AFCON

South Africa will seek their first win at the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt 2025 when they play Tanzania in Group A on Wednesday at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia at 18:00 local time (15:00 GMT).

South Africa lost 1-0 to Egypt in their first game, while Tanzania had a bye. This is their first meeting at the tournament; South Africa has a record of two wins and one loss against East African teams, having previously lost to Ethiopia but won against Sudan and Burundi.

South Africa Facts

– In 1997, South Africa lost their opening match but still reached the final.

– If they lose again, it will be the first time since 2015 they start with two losses.

– In 2019, they drew their first two games before beating Burundi and finishing third.

– Their record in second group games is three wins, two draws, and three losses.

– They controlled 61.6% of possession against Egypt and hit the woodwork three times.

Tanzania Facts

– This is Tanzania’s second AFCON appearance after they debuted in 2021, where they did not win any matches.

– They lost 4-0 to Ghana in their first game in 2021 and conceded a total of eight goals.

– Tanzania’s only goal in 2021 was a late equalizer against Gambia.

– They qualified for this tournament by winning the 2024 CECAFA U-20 Championship after some impressive victories

Nigeria set for Tunisia U-20 Cup of Nations cracker
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria set for Tunisia U-20 Cup of Nations cracker

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are preparing to extend their dominance at the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, which started on Sunday in Egypt. Led by coach Aliyu Zubairu, the Flying Eagles are the tournament’s most successful team, having won seven titles.

They are aiming for an unprecedented eighth crown as they open their Group B campaign against Tunisia on  Thursday at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo.

In addition to Tunisia, the Flying Eagles will face Morocco and Kenya in what promises to be a fiercely contested group.

To prepare for the U-20 AFCON, Nigeria played three international friendly matches, including two against Cote d’Ivoire. The Flying Eagles won two of these matches, defeating both the Ivorians and Egypt.

Hosts Egypt made a winning start in the competition, achieving a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Africa at Cairo International Stadium.

Mohamed Abdallah scored the decisive goal in the second half. Despite suffering three first-half injuries that forced early substitutions, the Young Pharaohs maintained their composure and rightfully claimed maximum points.

Ndidi set to leave Leicester City due to a relegation release clause
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Wilfred Ndidi set to leave Leicester due to relegation release clause

Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi can leave the club for £9 million because of a release clause. This clause became active when Leicester lost 1-0 to Liverpool last weekend, which sent them down to the Championship with five games left in the season.

Since then, Leicester has also lost 3-0 to Wolves, and Ndidi is one of several players thinking about his future. The club believes it can rebuild its squad, as release clauses are rare at Leicester, and only three players’ contracts end this summer: goalkeepers Daniel Iversen and Danny Ward, and legendary striker Jamie Vardy, who is leaving after 13 years at the club.

Ndidi attracted interest from clubs like Marseille and Everton when he was a free agent last summer. However, he signed a new three-year deal with Leicester then.

He joined the club in 2017 for £17 million from Genk, and the interest from other teams likely led to his new contract including a release clause. Ndidi has won an FA Cup and the Championship while at Leicester and has played 27 times in all competitions this season.

Simba FC through to CAF Confed final after goalless draw
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Simba through to CAF Confed final after goalless draw

Simba secured a place in the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup after battling to a goalless draw against Stellenbosch FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.

The Tanzanian giants advanced 1-0 on aggregate due to their first-leg victory in Zanzibar, and their disciplined defensive display was enough to keep the South Africans at bay in Durban.

Needing a win to overturn the deficit, Stellenbosch pushed forward aggressively but were unable to penetrate an inspired Simba defense and goalkeeper Moussa Camara, who stood tall throughout the tense encounter.

Stellenbosch came closest to scoring in the closing stages, with Fawaaz Basadien and Ismaël Touré both missing crucial opportunities late in the game. Devin Titus and Sanele Barns also saw their efforts narrowly miss the target as the hosts searched desperately for a breakthrough.

Simba continues to pursue their dream of winning a continental title for the first time since 1993 by reaching the final, where they will face the winner of CS Constantine and RS Berkane.

For Stellenbosch, this marks the end of their historic Confederation Cup campaign, achieving the last four in their first continental venture. Simba will rely on their strong defense as they prepare for the final, aiming to secure the trophy.

Simba’s victory keeps alive their dream of winning a continental title for the first time since 1993, when they were runners-up in the old CAF Cup. They will now face the winner of CS Constantine and RS Berkane in the final.

For Stellenbosch, their historic Confederation Cup campaign ends in the semi-finals, exceeding expectations in their first venture into continental football. Simba will build on their solid defense as they prepare for the final, aiming to complete their journey with a trophy.

Shooting Stars keeper Mamadou Jalloh lauds teamwork in goalless with Zambia
by Football Sierra Leone

Shooting Stars’ Mamadou Jalloh lauds teamwork in goalless with Zambia

Sierra Leone debutant and IF Bromby goalkeeper Mamadou Walle Jalloh noted his joy after Sierra Leone and Zambia played to a scoreless draw at the Suez Canal Stadium on Sunday.

Keeper Jalloh stressed in international competitions the need for teamwork after both sides played to a draw in their first game of Group A in the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

“𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞.” Jalloh said in the post-game interview, “𝐀𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦, 𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐰𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩. “𝐖𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲. 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞.”

When asked about his composure during several moments when Zambia was on the break, he replied, “𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬.”

Sierra Leone’s next match is against the host nation Egypt, who defeated South Africa at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday, topping the table.

𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬
𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬
𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐰
by FSL News

𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐰

Sierra Leone U20 head coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara spoke after Sunday’s goalless draw against Zambia in their opening match of the CAF TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Reflecting on the result, Kamara admitted that no team wants to start a tournament without a win. He said: “𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒖𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒘𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔.”

The head coach emphasized the need to understand why, despite dominating possession, his side struggled to score. Looking ahead, Kamara acknowledged the challenge of facing hosts Egypt but remained determined. “𝑻𝒐 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒅𝒆𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 o𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅. 𝑾𝒆’𝒓𝒆 𝒖𝒑 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒆. 𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒈𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒖𝒔 𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒚 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓,” he added.

Meanwhile, IF Bromby goalkeeper Mamadou Wurie Jalloh, who made his CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations debut, expressed satisfaction with his performance. Wurie backed his team to go all out for wins in the upcoming matches, confident they can reach the next round of the tournament.

Sierra Leone’s next match is against the host nation Egypt, who defeated South Africa at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday, topping the table.

Winning U20 Cup of Nations start for host nation Egypt
by Football Sierra Leone

Winning U20 Cup of Nations start for host nation Egypt

Egypt began the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025, with a 1-0 win over South Africa at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday evening.

This match followed an exciting opening ceremony and was the second game of Group A, after Zambia and Sierra Leone played to a goalless draw earlier in the day.

Mohamed Abdallah scored the winning goal for Egypt in the 62nd minute. He received a great pass from Mohamed Raafat during a quick counterattack and calmly finished to put the ball past the South African goalkeeper, exciting the home fans.

Egypt controlled most of the early game, but South Africa started to find their rhythm and almost scored when Mfundo Vilakazi hit the post from long range within the first 10 minutes.

The South African team created several chances but faced strong defense from Egypt’s players and goalkeeper. Gopolang Taunyana’s late header nearly equalized the score, but the goalkeeper made the save, and Egypt stood firm under pressure.

Despite dealing with multiple injuries and making three substitutions in the first half, Egypt showed resilience. They stuck to their game plan and earned the three points.

With this win, Egypt sits at the top of Group A after the first round of matches. Their next game is against Sierra Leone on Wednesday, while South Africa will play Tanzania.

Egypt is aiming for their fifth U-20 continental title, having won it in 1981, 1991, 2003, and 2013. In this tournament, the top four teams will qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year, making this strong start important for Egypt as they begin their campaign in front of enthusiastic home supporters.