Category: Football Africa

Sierra Leone U17 win to Revive AFCON qualification hopes
by @football_sierra

Sierra Leone U17 win to Revive AFCON qualification hopes

On Saturday, Sierra Leone’s U17 team won their first match in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers, beating Mauritania 1-0 at the Stade Lat-Dior.

This win boosted their chances of qualifying after losing their first match in Group B. They have now played two matches and secured three points.

The team’s only goal came from striker Alie Ramadan Kabia in the 45+1 minute. His effort showed the team’s skill and determination, leading them to an important victory.

Alie Ramadan Kabia also earned the Man of the Match title for his outstanding performance against Mauritania.

In their opener, Sierra Leone lost 1-0 to Mali in the WAFU A U17 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tournament.

Sierra Leone’s final Group B contest will be against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday at the Abdoulaye Wade Annex Stadium in Senegal in the race to the knockout stages of the competition.

This win boosted their chances of qualifying after losing their first match in Group B.
This win boosted their chances of qualifying after losing their first match in Group B.
Nigeria awarded three points and three goals as Libya penalized
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigeria awarded three points and three goals as Libya penalized

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded Nigeria three points and recognized three goals in relation to the match against Libya.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced an investigation into Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya, stressing that unsportsmanlike behaviour will not be accepted.

On Saturday, Ousmane Kane, chair of the CAF Disciplinary Board, stated that Nigeria would be awarded the points after finding Libya guilty of mistreating the team. The Libyan Football Federation was also fined for this incident.

CAF determined that the Libyan Football Federation violated rules concerning the Africa Cup of Nations and the CAF Disciplinary Code. As a result, the match scheduled for October 15, 2024, in Benghazi has been declared a 3-0 win for Nigeria.

CAF stated that Libya violated Article 31 of the AFCON regulations, as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF disciplinary code.

Libya is required to pay a fine of USD 50,000 within 60 days of this announcement.

The Nigerian team faced delays at a Libyan airport, lacking food and internet access while preparing for their match. They eventually departed after diplomatic and social media efforts.

With this CAF decision, Nigeria is well-positioned to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, having 10 points from four games—four points ahead of Benin Republic. Rwanda has five points, and Libya, with only one point, cannot qualify.

A win or draw against Benin Republic in Abidjan on November 14 will secure Nigeria a spot in the finals, set for December 2025 to January 2026 in Morocco.

Senegal beat Gambia to maintain Group A lead in U17 qualifiers
by FSL News

Senegal beat Gambia to maintain Group A lead in U17 qualifiers

On Friday, Senegal won their second match in the African Cup of Nations U17 qualifiers, beating The Gambia 3-1 at the Stade Lat-Dior. With this win, Senegal’s U17 team is now the favourite to finish first in Group A. They have played two matches so far.

Senegal started the tournament with a 2-1 victory over Liberia on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in Thiès, Senegal. Group A now includes three teams: Senegal, Liberia, and The Gambia, after Guinea was disqualified.

Just like in their match against Liberia, Senegal scored quickly, with Mohamed Dabo finding the net right after kick-off. This early goal surprised The Gambia, who had not played in the first round.

Senegal took control of the match and made it 2-0 in the 23rd minute with a penalty from Elhadji Cissé. Two minutes before halftime, The Gambia scored with a goal from Francis Gomez in the 43rd minute.

In the second half, The Gambia tried to fight back but struggled against Senegal’s strong defence. Senegal sealed the win with a third goal from Youssouf Manel in the 88th minute, finishing the match 3-1.

On Monday, October 28, 2024, Liberia and The Gambia will play for second place in Group A, as both teams are at the bottom of the standings.

Later today, Group B will continue at the Lat Dior Stadium in Thiès. Sierra Leone will face Mauritania at 3 p.m., followed by Guinea-Bissau against Mali at 6 p.m.

Later today, Group B will continue at the Lat Dior Stadium in Thiès. Sierra Leone will face Mauritania at 3 p.m., followed by Guinea-Bissau against Mali at 6 p.m.
Later today, Group B will continue at the Lat Dior Stadium in Thiès. Sierra Leone will face Mauritania at 3 p.m., followed by Guinea-Bissau against Mali at 6 p.m.
CAF Green light the Gambia to host International football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Green light Gambia to host International football

Gambia’s Independence Stadium will host international matches again after receiving approval from the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF).

The last home match was on March 25, 2021, when Gambia won 1-0 against Angola. Following that game, CAF banned the stadium and 22 others in Africa from hosting international matches in February 2022.

The return of international games is a significant milestone for Gambia’s football fans. The Gambia national football team will play against the Comoros Islands in their fifth qualifying match for the 2025 Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations on November 15, 2024, at the Independence Stadium.

The Scorpions, Gambia’s national football team, are currently in 3rd place in Group A, with 5 points from four games.

Bakary Y. Badjie, the Minister of Youth and Sports, announced that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has cleared the Independence Stadium in Bakau to host international matches again. The stadium will be the venue for The Gambia’s upcoming match against Comoros on November 15.

“This decision follows our submission of photos and a report from the CAF License Officer last week,” Badjie said enthusiastically. “We are thrilled to bring our home games back to this important venue.” He also thanked the public for their patience during the two-year renovation.

The last home match was on March 25, 2021, when Gambia won 1-0 against Angola. Following that game, CAF banned the stadium and 22 others in Africa from hosting international matches in February 2022. The return of international games is a significant milestone for Gambia’s football fans.

Opening defeat for Sierra Leone U17 in WAFU AFCON qualifier
by Football Sierra Leone

Opening defeat for Sierra Leone U17 in WAFU AFCON qualifier

Sierra Leone’s U-17 national team started their WAFU A U-17 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tournament with a 1-0 loss to Mali. (Photo WAFU)

The only goal was scored in the eighth minute of the first half by the Malian wearing the number 10 jersey. He collected a clever pass and struck inside the area to beat the Sierra Leone keeper.

This loss puts Sierra Leone in a tough spot, but the team is determined to fight for a chance to advance.

Their next match is against Mauritania on Saturday, and winning is crucial for their hopes of moving forward in the tournament.

Senegal opened the tournament with a 2-1 victory over Liberia on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in Thiès, Senegal. Group A now consists of three teams: Senegal, Liberia, and Gambia, after Guinea’s disqualification.

Senegal quickly took control, scoring early goals by Mouhamed Dabo in the 6th minute and El Hadji Sow in the 8th minute.

Liberia responded strongly in the second half, reducing the deficit with a goal from Moses Nyanfore in stoppage time (90th + 4 minutes).

Group B matches on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, featuring Mali’s win over Sierra Leone. Mauritania played to a goalless draw against Guinea Bissau in the day’s last game.

Ex-AC Milan midfielder Rodney Strasser feels honored to attend CAF 46 General Assembly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-AC Milan midfielder Rodney Strasser honoured to attend CAF meeting

Former AC Milan player and ex-Sierra Leone international Rodney Strasser attended the 46th CAF Ordinary General Assembly on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This meeting brought together leaders and delegates from African Member Associations.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba led the discussions, which started at 10:00 AM local time (07:00 AM GMT) at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel.

Strasser spoke about his experience: “I am honoured to be part of the CAF 46th Ordinary General Assembly in Addis Ababa, joining colleagues from across the continent.

We are here to discuss the future of the game, making sure it stays beautiful, entertaining, educational, and empowering. Our goal is to bridge the gap among member states and promote unity through football.”

This year’s assembly is important for African football, with delegates from member associations, zonal unions, and global football figures present. The assembly represents Ethiopia’s second time hosting the CAF Congress, following the previous event in 2017.

WAFU A makes U-Turn as Sierra Leone U 17 reinstated after medical retest
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

WAFU makes U-Turn as Sierra Leone U17 reinstated after medical retest

Sierra Leone has been cleared to participate in this year’s Under-17 WAFU AFCON qualifiers in Senegal after a successful appeal re-qualified both Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau.

The youth tournament leading to the U17 AFCON begins today, with host nation Senegal facing Liberia at 16:00 at the Lat Dior de Thies stadium. The complete fixtures will be announced again by the WAFU media department in due course.

On Sunday, WAFU announced that Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, and Guinea would not take part in the tournament due to age cheating, according to the new rule outlined in Article 27.4 of the Under-17 African Cup of Nations regulations.

However, on Monday evening, the West African Football Union and the CAF Medical team reversed their decision after a satisfactory medical test confirmed Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau’s eligibility to compete in this year’s U17 AFCON qualifiers.

The new rule states in Article 27.4: “If, after carrying out the eligibility test (IRM) for a participating team, one or more of its players are deemed ineligible, the participating team will be disqualified.”

Sierra Leone has been requalified to participate, having met the necessary criteria after two of the five players in question were cleared. Additionally, Guinea-Bissau has been reinstated and will compete in the WAFU U17 tournament in Senegal.

Africa and Age Cheating

Guinea has a history of age cheating. In 2019, they were disqualified from the Under-17 World Cup in Brazil due to age violations at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, which served as qualifiers.

Despite runners-up at the U-17 Nations Cup in Tanzania in April, Guinea believed they had secured a World Cup spot by reaching the semi-finals.

https://twitter.com/bittar32/status/1848493588134383895

Morocco will host the CAF Women’s Champions League in November 2024
by FSL News

Morocco will host the CAF Women’s Champions League in November 2024

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that Morocco will host the 2024 edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League Finals, as reported by CAF.

The CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco will take place from November 9 to November 23, 2024. Morocco also hosted the 2022 edition of this premier club football competition for women in Africa.

A total of eight clubs will compete for the title. The winners will receive $400,000 in prize money, while the runners-up will receive $250,000. Mamelodi Sundowns are the current champions, having won the competition twice in three years.

Morocco’s ASFAR is another team that has won the competition, claiming the title in 2022 after defeating Mamelodi Sundowns.

Since its inception, the CAF Women’s Champions League has played a crucial role in advancing women’s football in Africa.

Morocco’s upcoming hosting of the CAF Women’s Champions League follows the successful organization of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2022, which also enjoyed remarkable success.

To qualify for the finals, six zonal tournaments were held, allowing six teams to earn their spots alongside the host nation and the holder of the 2023 title. The following teams have qualified:

CAF Women’s Champions League Qualified Clubs:

  • Holders: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
  • Host : ASFAR (Morocco)
  • WAFU A  : Aigles de la Medina (Senegal)
  • WAFU B: EDO Queens (Nigeria)
  • COSAFA: University of Western Cape (South Africa)
  • UNAF   : Tutankhamun (Egypt)
  • CECAFA: CBE FC (Ethiopia)
  • UNIFFAC: TP Mazembe (DR Congo)
Algeria beat Togo to seal Cup of Nations 2025 spot
by FSL News

Algeria beat Togo to seal Cup of Nations 2025 spot

Algeria confidently secured their place in next year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco by defeating Togo at the Kégué Stadium in Lomé during Monday’s Group E qualifier. They have previously won the AFCON tournament twice.

This victory brings the total number of qualified teams to four. Algeria’s Ramy Bensebaini scored the only goal for the North Africans, maintaining their 100% record in the qualifiers.

They have secured 12 points from four matches. Bensebaini converted a penalty in the 18th minute to give Algeria the lead. Despite facing heavy pressure from the hosts, Algeria managed to hold on to their lead. Hosts Morocco, Cameroon and Burkina Faso have also qualified for the finals.

In another match, Zimbabwe defeated Namibia 3-1 in Johannesburg, bringing them in a strong position in their pool. With two matches remaining, they are eight points ahead of the third-placed Kenya.

Gambia moved into the second place in their pool, ahead of Comoros, based on head-to-head records, despite playing one more game.

Mozambique secured a 3-0 win over Eswatini in Nelspruit, taking them to the top of their pool. They are five points clear of third-placed Guinea Bissau, who will host Mali on Tuesday.

First win for Gambia in the race to Morocco AFCON 2025
by FSL News

First win for Gambia in race to Morocco AFCON 2025

Gambia defeated Madagascar 1-0 in their 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi, securing their first victory and boosting their chances of qualifying for the competition.

Musa Barrow scored a crucial goal in the 62nd minute, helping the Gambian national football team to win and improving their chances of qualifying for the tournament in Morocco next year.

His goal came after sustained pressure from the Gambian side, as Yankuba Minteh’s pass found him unmarked inside the box. Although his first shot was blocked, Barrow quickly scored on the rebound, prompting celebrations among Gambian fans.

This win places the Scorpions in second place in Group A with five points after four matches, just one point behind leaders Tunisia. Comoros also have five points but a lower goal difference, putting them in third place.

Madagascar has only two points from four games and is at the bottom of the group. The Gambia performed well, with key contributions from Ebrima Jarju and Ebou Adams in midfield.

Despite missing a penalty, Gambia maintained pressure and eventually broke through. Madagascar had a few chances, but goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye kept a clean sheet. Gambia aims to sustain their momentum in the qualifiers, while Madagascar’s chances of qualifying remain uncert