Category: Football Africa

Barbra Banda is the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year
by FSL News

Zambia’s Barbra Banda wins BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year

Zambia and Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda has been named the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year, emerging as the top vote-getter from BBC Sport readers following a five-player shortlist.

The shortlist was selected by a panel of global football experts based on performances from September 2023 to August 2024. Banda expressed her surprise and gratitude, saying, “I would like to thank everyone who voted and those who have supported me—my family, my national team, and the Pride team.”

At the Paris Olympics, Banda scored four goals for Zambia, including a hat-trick against Australia, making her the leading African goalscorer in Olympic history with 10. She also netted 13 goals for the Pride in the 2024 NWSL season, despite joining in March.

Aitana Bonmati from Spain and Barcelona came second in the voting, while Sophia Smith of the USA and Portland Thorns finished third. Banda became the second-most expensive women’s football signing in history when she transferred to the Pride for $740,000 (£581,000).

Banda, who ranked 12th in the 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or, is a former professional boxer. She highlighted the challenges young girls face in pursuing sports in Zambia but noted that her mother eventually supported her passion for football.

Pride head coach Seb Hines praised Banda’s contributions to the team and African football, emphasizing her humility and team-first mentality.

Sierra Leone's Steven Caulker retires from international football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Steven Caulker retires from international football

Sierra Leone defender Steven Caulker has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 32, after earning 20 caps for his country.

The announcement came a day after he stepped down as skipper of the Leone Stars amid his claim of the broken system following Sierra Leone’s failed attempt to reach Morocco in 2025.

The former Liverpool and Tottenham player joined Turkish club Keçiörengücü in July 2024 on a one-year deal, with an option for another year. He debuted on August 9 in the league opener against Sakaryaspor.

Caulker played an important role in Sierra Leone’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign. He helped the Leone Stars achieve a goalless draw against Algeria and a 2-2 draw against Ivory Coast.

“I have made the difficult decision to retire from international football. I have played in 20 matches and participated in 1 AFCON tournament,” he wrote on his LinkedIn page.

Caulker started his professional career with Tottenham Hotspur in 2009. He spent three seasons on loan at Yeovil Town, Bristol City, and Swansea City.

While at Swansea, he made his first appearances in the Premier League. At the end of that season, he represented Britain at the 2012 Olympics. In November 2012, he scored in his first game for England in a friendly match against Sweden.

In October 2021, Caulker said he was waiting for FIFA to approve his switch from England to Sierra Leone. He played his first match for Sierra Leone in a friendly against Morocco, where the team lost 2-1.

On December 17, FIFA allowed him to play in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. He was part of Sierra Leone’s squad and played in all three group matches. The team drew with Algeria and Ivory Coast but lost to Equatorial Guinea, finishing third in their group with two points.

Caulker made one appearance for England, his birth country, in a 4-2 loss to Sweden in November 2012 before switching his allegiance to Sierra Leone last year.

TP Mazembe crowned Queens of African women’s club football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

TP Mazembe crowned Queens of African women’s club football

TP Mazembe ladies from the Democratic Republic of Congo have won the CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco 2024.

In the final match at Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi in El Jadida, TP Mazembe defeated the former champions and hosts AS FAR by a score of 1-0.

This victory is Mazembe’s first title in the tournament, erasing the disappointment of their early exit in 2022.

The deciding goal came from Marlene Kasaj, who scored on a penalty kick in the first 10 minutes. Mazembe defended their lead strongly throughout the match.

AS FAR pushed for an equalizer after falling behind, but TP Mazembe’s solid defence kept a clean sheet in the first half.

After halftime, TP Mazembe maintained their lead while AS FAR struggled to score.

Along with the Champions League trophy, TP Mazembe will receive $600,000, while AS FAR, as runners-up, will take home $400,000.

Zambia worsens Sierra Leone woes to end qualifying campaign on high
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zambia worsen Sierra Leone’s misery to wrap up qualifying campaign on high

Sierra Leone suffered its third defeat, a 2-0 loss to Zambia in the last match of the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.During the campaign, Sierra Leone conceded ten goals and scored five in their six qualifying matches.

With goals from Kennedy Musonda and Emmanuel Banda at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia, the visitors enjoyed a resounding victory.

The victory means, Zambia topped Group G with 13 points, finishing one point ahead of the African champions, Côte d’Ivoire.

The Leone Stars have once again failed to secure a place in the continent’s most prestigious football tournament, missing the opportunity since their appearance in the 2021 finals in Cameroon.

This outcome has left many soccer enthusiasts disheartened, as they feel that the financial support provided by the government should have empowered Sierra Leone to compete against the top teams across Africa.

Fans had hoped to see their national team rise to the challenge and make a mark on the international stage, but the disappointment lingers as they reflect on what could have been.

Meanwhile, several nations qualified with good performances. Nigeria, Tunisia, and South Africa also secured their places, bringing in some of Africa’s most famous teams.

Some nations made a comeback, including DR Congo, Angola, and Gabon. Botswana returns to the tournament after many years, showing the growing competitiveness of African football. Sudan and Benin qualified on the last day of matches.

Last week, Zambia, Mali, Zimbabwe, and Comoros secured their spots, creating a balanced mix of established and new teams.

Equatorial Guinea and Uganda, known for their strong past performances, will join the tournament in Morocco.

This will be Botswana’s first appearance in 12 years, while Tanzania and Mozambique have fought hard to qualify.

The qualification rounds show that the level of football in Africa is rising. Now that all 24 slots are filled, excitement is growing for what will be a memorable tournament.

Group G Match Day Six Results

Ivory Coast 4-0 Chad

Sierra Leone 0-2 Zambia

The 24 nations competing in the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have been confirmed. The tournament will kick off in December next year in Morocco, the host nation.
The 24 nations competing in the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have been confirmed. The tournament will kick off in December next year in Morocco, the host nation.
Tanzania stun Guinea to reach AFCON 2025 in Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tanzania stun Guinea to reach AFCON 2025 in Morocco

Simon Msuva scored a key header in the second half, giving Tanzania a 1-0 victory over Guinea at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium on Tuesday. This win qualified the Taifa Stars for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.

Tanzania finished second in Group H with 10 points, making it impossible for Guinea and Ethiopia to catch up.

Msuva’s goal in the 61st minute came from a cross by Mudathir Yahya, exciting the home fans and bringing Tanzania closer to their fourth AFCON appearance. This was Msuva’s third goal of the qualifying campaign.

Although Guinea pressed for an equalizer, they could not break through Tanzania’s strong defence. Their best chance came when Mady Camara hit the crossbar, but they failed to score.

With this loss, Guinea ended their hopes of qualifying with nine points in third place. Tanzania’s victory secured their spot in their second consecutive AFCON and their fourth overall.

Group H Standings (Finalized for Tanzania):

  1. DR Congo – 12 points (5 matches played)
  2. Tanzania – 10 points (6 matches played, qualified)
  3. Guinea – 9 points (6 matches played)
  4. Ethiopia – 1 point (5 matches played)
Coach Karim urges players to record positive results against Copper Bullets of Zambia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Coach Karim urges players to end AFCON campaign on high against Zambia

Despite the disappointment of not qualifying for the upcoming African Cup of Nations in Morocco, Sierra Leone coach Amidu Karim has urged his team to finish their AFCON qualifying campaign on a positive note as they face Zambia in their final Group G match on Tuesday.

Sierra Leone and Zambia will play their final match in the Liberian capital. This match will not affect their standings because Avram Grants side along with Ivory Coast, have already secured their advancement.

Karim’s team could not secure qualification after the Leone Stars’ 1-1 draw against Chad and Zambia’s victory over Ivory Coast. Their hopes of reaching Morocco in 2025 were dashed.

However, the coach is determined to achieve a positive ending, stating, “We are disappointed as technical staff and as a head coach for not making it to Morocco this time. Nonetheless, we want to assure our people and fans that we will fight and give our best against a difficult Zambia side.

“Just because we have been eliminated does not mean we cannot give our all for the people of Sierra Leone. We need to finish the group strongly, which means securing a positive result against Zambia.”

Sierra Leone will be without skipper Steven Caulker, and Kei Kamara and a couple of injured players might force the coach to make a few changes to his starting eleven.

Read related News – Zambia edges Sierra Leone in Group G AFCON qualifier.

Meanwhile, with only a few matches remain in the qualifiers for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025. So far, 21 teams have secured their spots for the tournament, which will take place in Morocco.

Malawi thrash Burkina Faso as they finish bottom of Group L
by FSL News

Malawi thrash Burkina Faso as they finish bottom of Group L

Malawi won their final Group L match of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers, beating Burkina Faso 3-0 at the Bingu National Stadium on Monday.

Despite this victory, Senegal and Burkina Faso still advance to Morocco. Before this match, Malawi had not won any of their last 10 qualifiers. Gabadinho Mhango opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a long-range shot, leading 1-0 at halftime.

In the second half, Richard Mbulu scored with a header in the 57th minute, and Lloyd Aaron sealed the win in the 62nd minute with a close-range goal.

Although this win was uplifting, Malawi finished last in the group due to a lower goal difference compared to Burundi. Burkina Faso, already qualified, struggled in the match and ended the group stage with 10 points, finishing second behind Senegal.

Senegal remains unbeaten and aims to keep that record in their final match against Burundi on Tuesday. They have 13 points, with eight goals scored and only one conceded.

Final Group L Standings:

  1. Senegal – 13 points (4 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses)
  2. Burkina Faso – 10 points (3 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses)
  3. Burundi – 4 points (1 win, 1 draw, 3 losses)
  4. Malawi – 4 points (1 win, 1 draw, 4 losses)
Salt to injury as Kei Kamara departed Sierra Leone camp
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Salt to injury as Kei Kamara departs Sierra Leone camp

Striker Kei Kamara, who told the BBC that he was inspired by Roger Milla for his return to international football at age 40, has left the Sierra Leone national team camp in Liberia. As a result, he will not be available for Tuesday’s game against Zambia.

Sierra Leone and Major League Soccer (MLS) Kei Kamara re-joined Leone Stars two years and seven months after he announced his retirement.

Kamara’s decision to return to international football at the age of 40 was inspired by Cameroon legend Roger Milla in a bid to help Sierra Leone reach their fourth AFCON.

He was aiming to help Sierra Leone qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), and he started but was substituted in the 76th minutes in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Chad.

“There’s only one person I think about when I decided to come do this thing all over again, being part of the national team at this age, and that’s Roger Milla,” Kamara told the BBC World Service.

“Roger Milla was doing it, came back out, played at the World Cup at 42. The World Cup is only two years ago away, so why not?”

His MLS club, Los Angeles, will play Seattle Sounders on November 24th in the MLS Conference semifinals, and his services have been requested as Sierra Leone lost all hopes of reaching Morocco 2025.

On Saturday, the SLFA announced that captain Steven Caulker departed the team’s camp in Monrovia, Liberia, to return home due to urgent personal matters requiring immediate attention.

However, Sierra Leone and Zambia’s final match on Tuesday holds no impact on their standings, as they have already secured their place in Morocco 2025 AFCON.

Striker Serhou Guirassy nets winner for Guinea against DRC
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Serhou Guirassy nets winner for Guinea against DRC

Guinea’s forward, Serhou Guirassy, scored the only goal against the Democratic Republic of Congo during Matchday 5 of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, bringing his total to six goals in Abidjan on Saturday night.

The Borussia Dortmund striker scored a dramatic stoppage-time goal as Guinea secured a vital 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo. This victory puts Guinea in a strong position for qualification. They need only a draw in their final match against Tanzania.

His form has been pivotal to Guinea’s campaign, highlighting his clinical finishing and ability to perform under pressure.

Morocco’s Brahim Diaz is the second-highest scorer with four goals, while several players, including Algeria’s Amine Gouiri and Senegal’s Sadio Mané, have three goals each.

As the qualifiers near completion, the race for top scorer remains competitive, with Guirassy poised to extend his tally.

Guinea is now in second place in Group H with 9 points, two ahead of Tanzania, who drew 0-0 with Ethiopia.

With DR Congo already qualifying, the final match between Guinea and Tanzania will decide who joins them. A draw is enough for Guinea, while Tanzania needs to win to advance.

The final matches will conclude on Tuesday, determining the last five spots for the tournament, scheduled in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Top Scorers After Matchday 5:

  1. Serhou Guirassy (Guinea) – 6 goals
  2. Brahim Diaz (Morocco) – 4 goals
  3. Amine Gouiri (Algeria) – 3 goals
  4. Jean-Philippe Krasso (Ivory Coast) – 3 goals
  5. Sadio Mane (Senegal) – 3 goals
  6. Ryan Mendes (Cape Verde) – 3 goals
  7. Kingsley Musonda (Zambia) – 3 goals
  8. Trezeguet (Egypt) – 3 goals
Heartbreak for Ghana's Black Stars as they miss out on AFCON 2025
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Heartbreak for Ghana Black Stars as they miss out on AFCON 2025

Ghana Black Stars’ heartbreak continues after another disappointing draw in matchday five of qualifying for the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, which ended in disappointment as they drew 1-1 with Angola in Luanda.

Despite taking an early lead through Jordan Ayew’s impressive free-kick in the 18th minute, they could not maintain their advantage, with Zine’s header equalizing the match in the 64th minute.

This result means Ghana, a four-time champion, will miss the tournament for the first time in 20 years. The Black Stars currently sit at the bottom of Group F with just three points from five matches, failing to record a victory.

Angola leads Group F with 13 points and has secured qualification for Morocco. Given Ghana’s esteemed football history, the country keenly feels disappointed.

 

In Group A, Comoros qualified for the AFCON for the second time, winning 2-1 against Gambia. The Gambia initially led, but Comoros equalized just before halftime and scored the winning goal in the 90th minute from substitute Myziane Maolida.

Further, Morocco continued their strong form with a 5-1 victory over Gabon, despite already securing their place in the tournament. After Gabon scored the first goal, Morocco responded with five consecutive goals, maintaining a perfect record in Group B with 15 points and a goal difference of +17.