Category: Football Africa

Fecafoot president Samuel Eto set for CAF's March 12 election after CAS ruling in favour
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Fecafoot president Samuel Eto’o set for CAF’s March 12 election after CAS ruling in favour

Fecafoot president Samuel Eto’o can now run for a position on Africa’s soccer governing body after successfully appealing a prior decision that had blocked his candidacy.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland ruled in Eto’o’s favour on Friday. He had appealed to overturn the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to exclude him from the executive committee elections.

Eto’o, 43, is a former striker who played for top clubs like Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea. He has been president of the Cameroon Football Federation since 2021 and has faced controversy during his time in office.

In September, FIFA banned Eto’o from attending national team games for six months due to “offensive behavior and violations of fair play.” The ban was a result of his misconduct involving officials.

Last July, CAF fined Eto’o $200,000 for violating ethics and sportsmanship principles by becoming a brand ambassador for a betting company. Eto’o’s lawyers announced in February that this fine was overturned on appeal.

The 54 member federations will elect their leaders in Cairo next Wednesday. CAF president Patrice Motsepe from South Africa is running unopposed for a second term. FIFA President Gianni Infantino is expected to be present. Eto’o now has the opportunity to compete for a seat on the executive committee thanks to the CAS ruling.

The CAS stated, “The panel found enough information to overturn the CAF’s decision about Mr. Eto’o’s ineligibility.” They added that it will be up to the CAF assembly meeting on March 12, 2025, to evaluate the candidates.

Exciting Second Round U17 African Women’s World Cup Qualifiers
by Football Sierra Leone

Exciting Second Round U17 African Women’s World Cup Qualifiers

The second round of qualifiers for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco starts this weekend. Several exciting matches are lined up.

Africa has four spots available for the tournament, and teams are eager to qualify.

On Saturday, March 8, the first-leg matches will take place. Cameroon will host Ethiopia, and Tanzania will play against Zambia. A key matchup is South Africa versus Nigeria, two teams with strong international experience.

Other interesting matches include Sierra Leone against Guinea and Benin facing DR Congo.

In East Africa, Uganda will meet Kenya in a CECAFA derby, while Algeria will challenge Botswana in a north versus south match.

Another match to watch is Cote d’Ivoire against Burundi. The second-leg matches are set for March 14 and will be important for deciding which teams qualify.

Zambia and Nigeria, who represented Africa in the last World Cup in the Dominican Republic, hope to win at home and continue their journey.

Some teams are well-known in youth competitions. Nigeria, a five-time qualifier for the U-17 Women’s World Cup, is favoured against South Africa. Cameroon relies on its experience to defeat an improving Ethiopia team.

Zambia must be careful with Tanzania, which has shown its potential. Meanwhile, DR Congo, with less experience, hopes to surprise Benin. Finally, Algeria needs to stay alert against Botswana, a team that can create upsets.

Schedule of the Second Round of the African Qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

First-leg Matches

  • Saturday, March 8, 2025 (local time)

14:00

• South Africa vs Nigeria

• Uganda vs Kenya

• Botswana vs Algeria

17:00: Sierra Leone vs Guinea

19:00: Cameroon vs Ethiopia

  • Sunday, March 9, 2025 (local time)

14:00

• Tanzania vs Zambia

16:00

• Benin vs DR Congo

17:00

• Ivory Coast vs Burundi

Second-leg Matches

  • Wednesday, March 12, 2025 (local time)

17:00: Burundi vs Cote d’Ivoire

  • Saturday, March 15, 2025 (local time)

13:00: Ethiopia vs Cameroon

15:00: Zambia vs Tanzania

16:00:Nigeria vs South Africa

17:00: Guinea vs Sierra Leone

  • Sunday, March 16, 2025 (local time)

13:00: Kenya vs Uganda

15:30: DR Congo vs Benin

21:00: Algeria vs Botswana

Financial boost for African teams and others in FIFA Club World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Financial boost for African teams and others ahead of FIFA Club World Cup

FIFA has unveiled an impressive prize pool of $1 billion for the upcoming 2025 Men’s Club World Cup, signaling a significant boost for international club football. Although the governing body has not disclosed the specific allocation of the prize money among participating teams, it is widely believed that the financial rewards will heavily favor top European clubs.

Notably, both Chelsea and Manchester City are anticipated to secure a minimum of $55 million each, reflecting their stature in the footballing world and their potential success in the tournament. This substantial financial incentive aims to enhance competition and elevate the prestige of the Club World Cup on a global scale.

The African teams taking part are Al Ahly (Egypt), Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), and Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco).

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, “The FIFA Club World Cup will be the highlight of club football and will show strong support for clubs in ways no other event has done. All money made from the tournament will go to the clubs involved and through the solidarity program; FIFA will not keep any of it. FIFA’s reserves for developing global football will stay intact.”

The 100-day milestone is an important step toward a tournament that aims to reshape club football globally. The financial support will greatly help the African teams, and other clubs on the continent will also gain from the solidarity program.

The four teams are getting ready for the competition. Ahly, Esperance, and Sundowns will all compete in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals in April. Esperance and Sundowns will face each other again after last season’s semi-final, which Esperance won. Ahly will play Sudanese club Al Hilal for a chance to reach the last four.

Sierra Leone U17 gear up for Guinea Women’s World Cup African Qualifiers
by FSL News

Sierra Leone U17 gear up for Guinea Women’s World Cup African Qualifiers

The Sierra Leone National U-17 Women’s Team has conducted its initial training session at the Southern Arena in Bo City as they ramp up preparations for their forthcoming match against Guinea in the Second Preliminary Round of the U-17 Women’s World Cup African Qualifiers.

Following a strong victory over the Central African Republic in the first preliminary round, our players are now concentrating on achieving another win.

The opening leg is scheduled for March 8, 2025, at the Southern Arena in Bo City, while the return leg will occur on March 15 at Stade Mamadou Konaté in Bamako, Mali.

With dedication, effort, and a strong sense of teamwork, both the players and coaching staff are entirely focused on earning a place in the final tournament.

The winner of this matchup will proceed to compete against the team that comes out on top between Ivory Coast and Burundi in the concluding round of the qualifiers.

The Sierra Leone Women’s U-17 team will play against Guinea in the second round of the African Qualifiers for the U-17 Women’s World Cup
The Sierra Leone Women’s U-17 team will play against Guinea in the second round of the African Qualifiers for the U-17 Women’s World Cup
Nigeria's coach Eric Chelle names World Cup Qualifiers squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle names World Cup Qualifying squad

Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle has revealed his preliminary squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup Qualifiers match against Zimbabwe. The Super Eagles are set to play against the Warriors on March 25.

The match will take place at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Nigeria will also face Rwanda four days prior to their game against Zimbabwe.

Among the fresh faces is Genk forward Tolu Arokodare, who has been selected for his inaugural appearance with the Super Eagles, joining the team for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.

The 24-year-old has exhibited outstanding performance in the Belgian Jupiler League, netting 16 goals and supplying 5 assists over 28 matches.

Tolu Arokodare has also scored 18 goals in all competitions this season, highlighting his ability to find the back of the net.

Defenders Igoh Ogbu and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, midfielders Anthony Dennis, Chrisantus Uche, and Papa Daniel Mustapha, and forwards Tolu Arokodare and Jerome Akor Adams are included for the first time. Home-based goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, defender Jordan Torunarigha, midfielder Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, and forwards Cyriel Dessers and Nathan Tella may also return if they make the final list of 23 players.

This selection shows recent successes and the potential to improve the Super Eagles’ attack.

South Africa and Egypt share CHAN qualifier spoils at Free State Stadium
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa and Egypt share CHAN qualifier spoils at Free State Stadium

Jamie Webber scored a stunning goal to equalize for South Africa against Egypt in the first round of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier at Free State Stadium on Sunday night.

Egypt took the lead in the 66th minute with a goal from Mohamed Hassan Hashem Abdelaal, stunning the home crowd. However, Webber leveled the match in the 80th minute, beating Egyptian goalkeeper Mahmoud Mohamed Kassem.

Coach Molefi Ntseki expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance despite not securing a win. “A solid structure is essential as it helps players understand their roles and responsibilities,” he noted.

Ntseki acknowledged the challenge ahead, especially with a second leg to play in Egypt. Egypt’s coach Wael Reyad mentioned that many players were absent due to passport issues and recognized the match’s difficulty for his team.

Ntseki’s squad will return to Johannesburg on Monday and remain in camp until they travel to Egypt on March 6, 2025. The winner of this matchup will progress to the next round of the CHAN qualifiers in May 2025.

Harambee Stars coaching job excites Benni McCarthy
by Football Sierra Leone

Harambee Stars coaching job excites Benni McCarthy

Famous South African footballer, Benni McCarthy, has been speaking after he was unveiled as head coach of Kenya’s national team, the Harambee Stars.

This is an important moment for Kenyan football and for the view of South African coaches in Africa. McCarthy is the first South African to coach a national team outside the COSAFA region. He is excited about bringing a winning attitude to the Harambee Stars.

“I am honored to take on this role and excited about the journey ahead with the Kenyan national team,” McCarthy said. “I have seen the talent in this country, and I believe we can compete at the highest level.”

With his coaching team, which includes Vasili Manousakis, Moeneeb Josephs, and Pilela Maposa, McCarthy wants to create a structured and competitive team. “We aim to build a strong team identity, play exciting football, and make the nation proud. I look forward to working with the players, the federation, and the passionate Kenyan fans to achieve success,” he added.

McCarthy and his team will begin as Kenya prepares for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon.

FKF President Hussein Mohammed is confident in the new technical team. He said: “We believe Benni McCarthy is the right person to lead our national team. His experience and dedication to Kenyan football match our goals. We also welcome Vasili Manousakis as Assistant Coach, Moeneeb Josephs as Goalkeepers Coach, and Pilela Maposa as Performance Analyst. This team has the expertise we need to instill discipline and a winning mindset as we prepare for upcoming competitions.”

SKD stadium to host Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau World Cup qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

SKD stadium to host Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau World Cup qualifier

Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia, is set to host Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau Fifa World Cup matchday five qualifier on March 20th due to the ongoing suspension of Sierra Leone’s home stadium.

The match is crucial to both teams in the race to Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The African Football Confederation (CAF) has designated a quartet of referees from Ghana to officiate this important encounter, which is scheduled to kick off at 16:00 local time.

This match is crucial for both teams seeking to advance in the qualifying rounds. Following this pivotal matchup, Guinea-Bissau will return to host the Burkina Faso national team at home on March 24.

This second fixture represents round six from Group A in the qualification process. Sierra Leone will travel to Cairo to battle leaders Egypt in their match day six of the qualifiers.

Guinea-Bissau is currently in second place in Group A standings, just behind Egypt.
Guinea-Bissau is currently in second place in Group A standings, just behind Egypt.
Fulham condemn racist abuse on Nigerian Calvin Bassey after FA Cup win
by Football Sierra Leone

Fulham condemn racist abuse on Nigerian Calvin Bassey after FA Cup win

Calvin Bassey netted Fulham’s sole goal during their penalty shootout triumph over Manchester United in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Fulham has denounced the racist and homophobic harassment aimed at their defender Calvin Bassey online after he scored in the FA Cup victory against Manchester United on Sunday.  

Bassey put his team ahead before the half-time break in a match that finished 1-1 at Old Trafford, with Fulham ultimately winning on penalties to advance to the quarterfinals of the FA Cup.  

“Fulham Football Club is completely horrified by the racist and homophobic abuse that Calvin Bassey received and subsequently shared on social media following yesterday’s FA Cup match against Manchester United,” Fulham stated in a press release on Monday.  

“We firmly denounce this outrageous behavior, which has no place in football or society. Such actions are completely unacceptable, and we fully support Calvin Bassey, who will continue to receive our unwavering backing.  

“We will make every effort to collaborate with the relevant authorities to identify those responsible for these despicable messages and pursue the strongest possible action against them.”  

Kyle Walker from Manchester City also experienced online racist abuse following their defeat to Juventus in the Champions League last December.  

Last month, City player Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw sat out a match for mental health reasons after enduring racist abuse following a loss to Arsenal in the Women’s Super League.  

“Fulham Football Club is devoted to maintaining a strong stance against all types of discrimination and is committed to creating an atmosphere of respect and inclusion,” Fulham added.

Fulham will face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup quarterfinals on March 29.

Kenya set to unveil Benni McCarthy as Harambee Stars coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kenya set to unveil Benni McCarthy as Harambee Stars coach

Benni McCarthy, the renowned South African footballer, is set to be unveiled as the head coach of Kenya’s national team, the Harambee Stars. His appointment is significant for both Kenyan football and the perception of South African coaches across Africa.

McCarthy will be the first South African to coach a non-COSAFA national team, signalling a change in the perception of South African coaches internationally. With a playing background at Ajax, FC Porto, and Manchester United, he is also the only South African to win the UEFA Champions League. His experience at Manchester United heightens expectations for his new role.

Moeneeb Josephs, his former Orlando Pirates teammate, will join him as the goalkeeping coach. The FKF chose McCarthy over other candidates, including Claude Makélélé, during a time when they faced financial and legal challenges.

McCarthy faces high expectations as he takes over a struggling team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group. He needs to improve quickly against tough opponents like Gabon and The Gambia later this month.

His long-term goal is to prepare the Harambee Stars for AFCON 2027. If he succeeds, he could change how South African coaches are perceived internationally. Mihlali Baleka remarked, “McCarthy has shown he’s not afraid of challenges and will work hard to succeed,” reflecting hopes for the revival of Kenyan football.

This appointment also inspires future South African coaches. If McCarthy achieves success, it may encourage more local coaches to pursue opportunities abroad, breaking down barriers.

Overall, McCarthy’s role as coach of the Harambee Stars could open doors for more opportunities in African football, and it is vital to recognize the lasting impact of such moments.