Cameroon's Marc Brys - 'we must win to keep hopes alive'
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cameroon’s Marc Brys – ‘We must win to keep hopes alive’

Cameroon's Belgian coach, Marc Brys, has candidly acknowledged that finishing at the top of Group D and securing direct qualification is now beyond reach.

He emphasised that the focus must shift to clinching second place. “We need to win our next two matches to keep our World Cup hopes alive.”

Brys and the Indomitable Lions are gearing up to face Mauritius on Wednesday, October 8, in St. Pierre for Day 9 of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

This upcoming match, along with the game against Angola on October 13 in Yaoundé, holds great importance for Cameroon’s qualification hopes.

“I believe the players are eager to win these matches. Securing second place is the best we can aim for, so our goal is to finish as the top second-placed team in order to qualify. Finishing first is no longer an option,” Brys stated.

Cape Verde faces Libya and currently sits atop the group with 19 points. A win today could see them qualify for their first-ever World Cup, regardless of Cameroon’s results in the next two matches.

Striker Cedric Bakambu eyes DR Congo World Cup 2026 spot
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Cedric Bakambu eyes DR Congo World Cup 2026 spot

DR Congo's striker Cedric Bakambu has voiced his keen ambition to secure a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the team gears up for their final two matches in the qualification race for the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

The Congolese team sits second in Group B of the CAF qualifiers, trailing Senegal by two points. Despite a recent loss to Senegal, Bakambu remains hopeful about their chances, emphasising unity and determination to achieve qualification.

The DR Congo has not participated in the World Cup since 1974, making the current campaign significant. Bakambu, who has scored three goals and provided two assists recently, aspires to become DR Congo’s all-time top scorer, currently just three goals shy of the record.

He reflected on the emotional experience of playing at the Stade des Martyrs in front of a packed crowd and highlighted the importance of giving back to his country of origin, with strong ties to his roots.

“We’re still on track even though we lost against Senegal. Where there’s life, there’s hope,” adds the 34-year-old forward, not shying away from the memory of that painful 3-2 home defeat against the Teranga Lions on Matchday 8 on 9 September, when he opened the scoring.

“It makes no difference if we qualify for the World Cup directly or through the play‑offs. The target is still the same. It won’t be easy, but we’ll do everything in our power.”

“For me, Senegal is the best team in Africa. You could sense it on the pitch. They know all about playing on the biggest stage in the world. Nobody can say that Senegal didn’t deserve to win. Hats off to them. Just ask any of the Senegalese players – coming and getting a result at the Stade des Martyrs is no mean feat.” Cedric Bakambu told FIFA.com

Sierra Leone and Senegal split rewards in U17 WAFU qualifying opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone and Senegal split rewards in U17 WAFU qualifying opener

Sierra Leone and Senegal played to a 1-1 draw in a thrilling Group B match at the WAFU A U17 Championship in Mali, showcasing their determination to qualify for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations.

Emerging as Sierra Leone’s hero, Musa A. Samura opened the scoring with a poised finish that sent the Sierra Leonean spectators into a state of euphoria.

Following a well-worked move that sliced open the Senegalese defence, his goal came halfway through the first half.

But as the first half wore on, Senegal, renowned for their youth-level tenacity, entered the game. Their hard work was rewarded in the second half when Souleymane C. Faye equalised the game.

The gifted forward seized a defensive error and slipped the ball past the Sierra Leonean goalie to bring the score level and ignite optimism for the West African behemoths.

The game went on at a fast clip with both teams creating opportunities, yet neither side could locate the winning goal. While Sierra Leone defended fiercely to hang onto the point, Senegal displayed more attacking intent in the last stages.

This result gives both teams all to play for in their upcoming group games. Every point counts as the best teams advance to the next round of qualifiers.

The WAFU A U17 competition in Mali keeps producing fierce and thrilling games. In the day’s other match, Guinea narrowly edged Mauritania 1-0 to go top of Group B after their opening matches.

Sierra Leone and Senegal played to a 1-1 draw in a thrilling Group B match at the WAFU A U17 Championship in Mali
Sierra Leone and Senegal played to a 1-1 draw in a thrilling Group B match at the WAFU A U17 Championship in Mali
Morocco upbeat ahead of U20 World Cup Round of 16
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco upbeat ahead of U20 World Cup Round of 16 against South Korea

The team is focused on preparing for the knockout round after a strong performance in the group stage against South Korea on Friday

Coach Mohamed Ouahbi stated that Morocco will approach the U20 World Cup Round of 16 with calmness and sharpness.

Although they were beaten by Mexico 1-0 in Valparaíso’s final Group C match, they still top the group to progress.

Mohamed Ouahbi acknowledged Mexico’s superiority, stating, “We tried, but we didn’t succeed. We need to keep improving as we prepare for the Round of 16.”

The coach said little about the aspects of the game, instead attributing the defeat to squad rotation.

“The Mexicans were better than us.” He said, “The match was decided on minor details, the second ball and duels, which they won more than us.” He was also frustrated. But Ali Maamar received a yellow card and just five minutes of stoppage time; however, he admitted, “That’s not the cause of our defeat.”

Following two opening victories against Brazil and Spain, Ouahbi called the loss to Mexico a reality check that will assist his team going forward. This loss let us ground our feet. “This reverse will benefit us going forward,” he observed.

Having already impressed in the group stage with victories over Spain (2-0) and Brazil (2-1), Morocco qualified before the final game.

Six points put them top of Group C ahead of Mexico on five, Spain on four, and Brazil on one, despite losing to Mexico. Spain defeated Brazil 1–0 in the other group match.

South Africa Stun USA to reach U20 World Cup Knockouts
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa Stun USA to reach U20 World Cup Knockouts

The Amajita of South Africa have progressed to the Round of 16 following a hard-fought 2-1 victory, with standout performances from Kekana, Vilakazi, and Smythe Lowe.

The Amajita of South Africa have progressed to the Round of 16 following a hard-fought 2-1 victory, with standout performances from Kekana, Vilakazi, and Smythe Lowe.

South Africa’s U20 team (Amajita) secured their place in the knockout stage of the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup after narrowly defeating the United States 2-1 in their final Group E match at Estadio El Teniente in Chile on Sunday.

Early excitement as Amajita bounces back from an initial setback.

The Americans started strong and took the lead when Noah Cobb converted Matthew Corcoran’s free kick. However, South Africa quickly levelled the score when Thato Sibiya’s cross deflected off Joshua Wynder and into his own goal.

Just before halftime, Shakeel April sprinted down the right wing and assisted Gomolemo Kekana, whose first-time strike put Amajita ahead 2-1, a lead they held onto.

Mfundo Vilakazi, the playmaker for Kaizer Chiefs, impressed with his creativity and vision, setting in motion the play that led to the crucial goal.

Meanwhile, Kekana, a member of the Mamelodi Sundowns first team, excelled in midfield battles with a level of composure and maturity that belied his age.

In goal, Fletcher Smythe Lowe, who plays for Estoril in Portugal, made six critical saves and confidently commanded his area, frustrating the American attackers.

South Africa's U20 team (Amajita) secured their place in the knockout stage of the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup after narrowly defeating the United States 2-1 in their final Group E match at Estadio El Teniente in Chile on Sunday.
South Africa's U20 team (Amajita) secured their place in the knockout stage of the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup after narrowly defeating the United States 2-1 in their final Group E match at Estadio El Teniente in Chile on Sunday.