Category: Football Africa

CAF holds Women's Media Officers Workshop in Rabat, Morocco
by Football Sierra Leone

CAF holds Women’s Media Officers Workshop in Rabat, Morocco

The first CAF Women’s Media Officers Workshop has started in Rabat, Morocco, with twenty participants, mostly women from various African regions. (By Marie Esther Samura, Participant )

The workshop, themed “Her Path: Born Winner,” aims to help media officers improve their skills in media operations and communication strategies, supporting CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe’s goal of increasing women’s representation in African football.

The first day, May 13th, featured an introduction to the CAF Future Media Officers Program by Mr. Luxolo September, who highlighted advancements in CAF’s media operations since 2021 and emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust and empowering women in the field.

CAF Media Manager Charlotte Eyoum discussed the CAF Women’s Football Events and Opportunities Program, noting successful training sessions that have increased visibility for women media officers and connected them with experienced professionals.

Media Consultant Christophe Kukawka covered media facility planning in stadiums and the importance of staffing and training. He also introduced the New Media Mixed Zone concept and provided an overview of press operations.

Sheriff Hassan, CAF’s Head of Digital and Marketing, spoke about the federation’s digital platform, highlighting improvements in the production and global distribution of football content.

The day concluded with a panel discussion featuring women journalists and football administrators, focusing on the challenges women face in a male-dominated industry.

Sierra Leone native Bangura-Williams pens long-term deal with Millwall
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone native Bangura-Williams pens long-term deal with Millwall

Sierra Leone native Raees Bangura-Williams has signed a new long-term contract with The Den. The 20-year-old will continue with The Lions following his impressive start.

Bangura-Williams made his debut in January during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round, scoring just 10 minutes after coming on against Dagenham & Redbridge.

His father is an amateur football manager originally from Sierra Leone, currently based in Park Langley.

“I’m grateful for all the support and have more to give. It’s an honour to be here,” he said, noting the season has been life-changing and that Millwall is the right place for him to develop.

In 13 appearances, he has impressed fans with several assists, including key plays against Cardiff City and Portsmouth. His performance earned him a call-up to England’s Elite League Squad.

Despite missing the end of the 2024/25 season due to injury, he is determined to earn a place in Alex Neil’s starting lineup for the 2025/26 season.

Millwall’s Director of Football, Steve Gallen, praised Ra’ees’ inspiring journey to the first team and expressed excitement about his contract signing as a reward for his hard work. Gallen noted that Ra’ees represents the club’s future and thanked James Berylson and Alex Neil for their support in finalizing the deal.

Four African places in the U20 FIFA World Cup in Chile confirmed
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Four African places in the U20 FIFA World Cup in Chile confirmed

Africa has four teams going to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile 2025. These teams qualified by reaching the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations. The qualified teams are Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa.

Every team triumphed in tense, thrilling, hard quarter-final matches. First to qualify, Morocco narrowly defeated Sierra Leone 1-0 after extra time due to a late own goal. This game ended Sierra Leone’s spectacular first showing in the competition.

The host country, Egypt, joined Morocco in achieving an exciting comeback against Ghana. Trailing 2-0, they last-minute equalised and won the 5-4 penalty shootout, securing their spot at the World Cup.

Africa’s most prosperous U20 team, Nigeria, advanced by beating Senegal, the defending champions, in a penalty shootout. To secure their 14th entry in the U20 World Cup, the Flying Eagles maintained their coolness.

Thanks to a last-minute goal from Thabang Mahlangu, South Africa finished the group with a 1-0 victory over DR Congo in extra time.

These four teams’ qualification keeps Africa’s excellent record in the U20 World Cup. Each squad will now hone in on the semi-finals and the continental title challenge. From September 27 to October 19, the FIFA U-20 World Cup will be held in Chile.

The qualified teams are Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa
The qualified teams are Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa
Morocco beat 10-man Sierra Leone U20 to book Chile U20 World Cup spot
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco beat 10-man Sierra Leone to book Chile U-20 World Cup spot

Morocco defeated 10-man Sierra Leone 1-0 in extra time, advancing to the semi-finals of the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 and securing a spot in the Chile U20 World Cup.

The match concluded with a late own goal scored by Sierra Leone’s Amara Keita at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo. Morocco controlled most of the match but found it difficult to break through Sierra Leone’s strong defense.

Sierra Leone, making their tournament debut, fought hard but ended up losing due to a tough break. The turning point came in the 115th minute when Keita accidentally scored an own goal while under pressure, sending Morocco into the semi-finals and qualifying them for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile later this year.

Sierra Leone played bravely, even after being reduced to ten players during regulation time. Substitute Samba Bah received a red card in the 90th minute after a dangerous challenge, leaving his team short-handed for extra time.

Morocco had a strong chance of winning, having been unbeaten in their last 12 matches in open play at the U20 AFCON. They created several opportunities through players like Jones El Abdellaoui, Ismaël Baouf, and Adam El Mokhtari, but Sierra Leone’s goalkeeper, Mohamed Bai Kamara made several great saves.

Sierra Leone also had chances, especially from their star player Momoh Kamara, whose long shot in the 113th minute was saved well. Despite their earlier surprise victory over Egypt, Sierra Leone could not score this time.

For Morocco, this victory marks their second trip to the semi-finals since 2005 and keeps their unbeaten streak alive at the 2025 tournament. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi’s team displayed patience and skill to overcome a well-organised opponent.

Sierra Leone exits the tournament with pride, having done better than expected in their first U20 AFCON. Key players Kamara and Alpha Turay made a lasting impression. Morocco will now prepare for a semi-final match against either South Africa or DR Congo, confident in their strong defence and tactical skills.

Egypt's Mohamed Salah wins Football Writers' Award
by Football Sierra Leone

Egypt’s Mohamed Salah wins Football Writers’ Award

Egypt and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has won the Football Writers’ Association award for the best men’s  player of the season.

Salah scored 28 goals and assisted 18 times to help Liverpool win the Premier League title. He set a record for the most goal contributions in a single 38-game Premier League season.

Salah also scored three goals and assisted four times as Liverpool reached the last 16 of the Champions League. Last month, the 32-year-old signed a new two-year contract to stay at Anfield until 2027.

Salah received 90% of the votes from over 900 FWA members, the largest margin of victory this century.

His Liverpool teammate Virgil van Dijk came second, Newcastle striker Alexander Isak was third, and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice finished fourth. Salah is now one of only two players, along with Thierry Henry, to win this award three times.

CAF TSG named U20 AFCON Group Stage top scorer Momoh Kamara in the Best XI
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF TSG named U20 AFCON Group Stage top scorer Momoh Kamara in the Best XI

As per the CAF Technical Study Group (TSG), Sierra Leone’s standout performer, Momoh Kamara, has been honoured in the Best XI of the group stage at the TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025.

In four games, the agile playmaker scored four spectacular goals, helping Sierra Leone make history by reaching the quarter-finals on their first try.

Kamara in photo alongside Walter Steenbok, former Technical Director of the South African Football Association, took all the individual awards, winning both Top Scorer and Best Player. To honour the tournament’s highlight stars, the TSG picked a 1-4-2-3-1 formation. Levison Banda of Zambia was named Best Goalkeeper; his defenders were Nigeria’s Odinaka Okoro, Daniel Bameyi, Ghana’s Dacosta Antwi, and Sierra Leone’s Nathaniel Jalloh.

South Africa’s Lazola Maku and Kenya’s Kevin Wangaya drive the game forward from midfield; Kamara is joined in the attack by Morocco’s Othmane Maamma and Zambia’s Joseph Sabobo. At the head of the line is Samuel Ntanda-Lukisa of DR Congo, whose important contributions guaranteed advancement for his team.

Mohamed Ouahbi of Morocco was chosen Best Coach for leading his team to an unbeaten group stage; Ghana earned the Fair Play Award for their discipline. Along with the recently unveiled Africa’s first FIFA Mini Pitch in Algeria, the knockout phase approaches increase the enthusiasm for these outstanding players and their countries.

CAF U20 AFCON Egypt 2025 – Group Stage Best XI (1-4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper:

  1. Levison Banda – Zambia

Defenders:

2. Nathaniel Jalloh – Sierra Leone

3. Odinaka Okoro – Nigeria

4. Daniel Bameyi – Nigeria

5. Dacosta Antwi – Ghana

Midfielders:

6. Kevin Wangaya – Kenya

7. Lazola Maku – South Africa

8. Momoh Kamara – Sierra Leone

Forwards:

9. Joseph Sabobo – Zambia

10. Othmane Maamma – Morocco

11. Samuel Ntanda-Lukisa – DR Congo

Individual Awards (Group Stage):

🏆 Best Player: Momoh Kamara (Sierra Leone)

🥅 Best Goalkeeper: Levison Banda (Zambia)

⚽ Top Scorer: Momoh Kamara (4 goals, Sierra Leone)

👔 Best Coach: Mohamed Ouahbi (Morocco)

🏅 Fair Play Team: Ghana

CAF TSG named U20 AFCON Group Stage top scorer Momoh Kamara in the Best XI
CAF TSG named U20 AFCON Group Stage top scorer Momoh Kamara in the Best XI
The inaugural FIFA Mini Pitch in Africa has been launched in Algeria
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

First FIFA Mini Pitch In Africa Inaugurated in Algeria  

Algeria has made history by becoming the first African nation to inaugurate a FIFA Arena mini-pitch, part of FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s initiative to install 1,000 such pitches globally, supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The new facility was officially opened at Collège Malek Haddad in East Algiers, with plans for a second pitch at Ibn Joubair school in West Algiers. Together, these pitches will serve around 1,500 children from local schools and grassroots clubs, providing vital opportunities for youth engagement in sports.

The FIFA Arena project aims to establish a total of 11 mini-pitches, or “Starting Eleven,” across all six confederations. So far, pitches have launched in Georgia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Armenia, making Algeria the first African country and the fifth worldwide to benefit. The project target areas are those lacking access to sports facilities.

Infantino emphasised the project’s mission, stating, “Every child deserves a safe space that allows them to learn, to play, and to grow.” Walid Sadi, president of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), expressed gratitude for FIFA’s support, highlighting that these mini-pitches advance school football and nurture future football talent.

Gelson Fernandes, FIFA Deputy Chief Member Association Officer, underscored the importance of this milestone for grassroots football in Algeria, stating, “In a football-passionate country like Algeria, this inauguration paves the way toward excellence. These children have the potential to become the next Mahrez or Slimani.”

Nigeria and Senegal set a date as debutant Sierra Leone battle on Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria and Senegal set a date as debutant Sierra Leone to battle Morocco

With Nigeria meeting the defending champions, Senegal, at the Suez Canal Stadium on Monday, the U20 Cup of Nations quarterfinals promise to be thrilling and a noted West African rivalry.

At the same time, tournament newcomer Sierra Leone has a difficult assignment against one of the favourites, Morocco.

Eight teams guaranteed their places in the quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt after a run of exciting games on Friday, May 9.

Emerging talents all throughout the continent are highlighted in this tournament, which acts as a qualifying event for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year. Besides the continental title, these young athletes are also vying for four open World Cup spots for Africa.

Egypt (hosts), DR Congo, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and South Africa are the teams moving on to the knockout stage. Monday, May 12, will see the quarterfinal matches.

With a slim 1-0 win over Tanzania at the Suez Canal Stadium, tournament hosts Egypt advanced to the quarterfinals and guaranteed their place as one of the two finest third-placed teams, alongside DR Congo.

With a 3-1 victory over the Central African Republic and a 1-1 tie against Ghana, DR Congo’s performance was sufficient to see them through.

South Africa ended up at the top in Group A, despite a 1-1 draw with neighbors Zambia. Second in that category was Sierra Leone.

Group B saw Morocco finish first; Nigeria, who came in second, will join Morocco in the knockout stages.

Defending champions Senegal also progressed, finishing second behind group leaders Ghana in Group C but edging out DR Congo on goal difference.

Exciting Quarterfinal Matches:

Promising excitement and unusual pairings, the next quarterfinals In the first quarterfinal confrontation, defending champions Senegal will take on a strong Nigeria. Hosts Egypt face a steep challenge against a sure Ghana. Having shown strong performance in the group stage, Morocco will face a Sierra Leone eager whereas the talented South Africans would have to deal with a tactically savvy DR Congo.

Top Goalscorer: Sierra Leone’s Momoh Kamara leads the scoring charts with 4 goals.

TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON Egypt 2025 Quarter-Finals Fixtures

12h00 GMT | Nigeria vs Senegal

15h00 GMT | Ghana vs Egypt

15h00 GMT | Morocco vs Sierra Leone

18h00 GMT | South Africa vs DR Congo

Ghana U20 beat Central African Republic to top Group A
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana U20 beat Central African Republic to top Group A

Ghana U20 won a tough match against the Central African Republic (CAR) 1-0 on Thursday. This victory allowed them to top Group C and secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt 2025.

Joseph Opoku scored the only goal in the 84th minute at the Suez Canal Stadium. Until then, Ghana had controlled the game with most of the possession and chances, but they couldn’t score. With this result, Ghana finished the group with seven points from three matches. Senegal also advanced to the knockout stage after beating DR Congo 2-0 in another match.

CAR needed to win to move on but spent most of the game on the defensive, struggling to create chances. Ghana’s players, like Aziz Issah and Andrews Adjabeng, tried to break the deadlock, but they had trouble finishing.

The winning goal came when Joseph Aidoo made a strong run on a counterattack and passed to Opoku in the box. Opoku scored confidently, sending the Ghana bench into celebration. CAR couldn’t mount a comeback in the final minutes as Ghana controlled the game to secure their second win of the tournament.

Ghana U20 coach Desmond Ofei expressed pride in his team’s patience and tactical discipline following their progression to the knockout stage. Ghana needed only a draw to advance after previously defeating Senegal and drawing with DR Congo, while CAR ended with just one point from three matches, a drop from their 2021 quarter-final performance.

This marks the first time Ghana has gone unbeaten in the group stage since 2013, as they aim for their fifth U20 AFCON title. The final lineup for the knockout stages will be announced after all group matches conclude on Friday.

Morocco Under-20 finished their group stage with an unbeaten record, winning 3-1 against Tunisia at the Suez Canal Stadium. This victory secured the top spot in Group B of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco U-20 pick Cup of Nations quarter final ticket

Morocco Under-20 finished their group stage with an unbeaten record, winning 3-1 against Tunisia at the Suez Canal Stadium. This victory secured the top spot in Group B of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025.

Ayman Arguigue scored the first goal in the first half, setting the pace for Morocco. Late goals from Smail Bakhty and substitute Jones El Abdellaoui clinched the win. Tunisia briefly tied the game with an equalizer from Anis Doubal early in the second half, but they could not keep up and must now wait to see if they advance as one of the best third-placed teams.

The match was crucial for both teams, as they aimed for a knockout spot, depending on the outcome of the Nigeria vs. Kenya game, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Morocco’s victory ensured they finished first with seven points, while Nigeria came in second with five.

Morocco started strongly, putting pressure on Tunisia’s defense. Their efforts paid off just before halftime when Arguigue scored in the 44th minute after a great setup from Zahouani.

After halftime, Tunisia tied the game in the 53rd minute with a long-range goal from Doubal. However, Morocco regained the lead in the 86th minute when Bakhty scored during a goalmouth scramble, and El Abdellaoui sealed the victory with a stoppage time goal from a quick counterattack.

This win solidified Morocco’s unbeaten streak in the group stage, showcasing a strong defense and sharp attack. Tunisia, despite showing some quality, finished third with three points and a negative goal difference, and their hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals as one of the best third-placed teams are dimmed by this heavy loss.