Nigeria to face Argentina at the U20 World Cup round of sixteen
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria to face Argentina in U20 World Cup round of sixteen cracker

Nigeria is set to take on Argentina following their 1-1 draw with Colombia, the same team they knocked out in the Round of 16 two years ago. Meanwhile, Colombia will go up against South Africa.

Following a spectacular 1–1 tie with Colombia in Talca, Nigeria progressed to the Round of 16 of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025™. Securing one of the last qualification places as among the top third-placed teams on Sunday night.

Twice denied by the woodwork and defeated several times by Colombia’s outstanding goalie Jordan García, the flying eagles put on a spirited performance.
Early on, they ruled, but six minutes into the second half, Kener González broke the tie with a brilliant finish following a rapid Colombian counter.
With striker Nasiru Salihu and midfielder Amos Ochoche both nearly scoring, Aliyu Zubair’s side refused to give up and pressed for an equaliser.

Their perseverance eventually paid off four minutes from time when captain Daniel Bameyi retained his cool from the penalty spot for the second straight game. Turning calmly will get Nigeria to a critical point.

Colombia was guaranteed to head Group F as a result, while Nigeria’s four points were enough to advance them as one of the best third-place teams.

With the Flying Eagles set to meet the same adversary they knocked out at the same point of the 2023 tournament in Argentina, their upcoming conflict provides additional interest.

Nigeria coach Aliyu Zubair said, “It wasn’t easy, but we were proactive. Knowing they are good on the ball and physically strong, we sought to restrict their passing lanes, therefore giving us a somewhat edge. Our main aim was to make the next round; who we would have to face does not concern us.

Nigeria’s success emphasises how three of the four African countries—Morocco, South Africa, and Nigeria—have advanced to the knockout rounds. Growing the continent’s power in adolescent football.

The FIFA U20 Round of 16 scheduled.
The FIFA U20 Round of 16 scheduled.
South Africa set for crucial must-win final World Cup qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa set for crucial must-win final World Cup qualifiers

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has unveiled his final squad for South Africa’s last two crucial group matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

South Africa is set to face Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday, 10 October, followed by a clash against Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, 14 October.

The 23-man squad features eight changes from Broos’ selection for the September qualifiers. Sydney Mobbie, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Ime Okon, Siyabonga Ngezana, Luke Le Roux, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Mduduzi Shabalala have all been replaced.

Malibongwe Khoza earns his first national team call-up after impressing at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and establishing himself as a regular starter for Mamelodi Sundowns.

Joining him in the new squad are Thabang Matuludi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Sphephelo Sithole, Thapelo Morena, Tshepang Moremi, and Khuliso Mudau.

Unfortunately, South Africa was docked three points by FIFA, resulting in their 2-0 victory over Lesotho in March being overturned to a 3-0 loss due to the fielding of Teboho Mokoena, who was meant to be serving a suspension for yellow cards.

As it stands, Bafana Bafana currently sit second in Group C, tied with Benin on 14 points but trailing by a single goal on goal difference.

With only two qualifiers remaining in the group stage, South Africa must win both matches to improve their goal difference or hope that Benin stumbles and drops points to secure automatic qualification.

If Bafana Bafana fall short, they will aim to clinch one of the CAF’s allocated spots in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.

South Africa will be looking to defeat Zimbabwe for the second time in these qualifiers and to overcome Rwanda after suffering a 2-0 defeat to the Wasps away from home in November 2023.

The South Africa Squad

Goalkeepers – Ronwen Williams – Mamelodi Sundowns, Sipho Chaine – Orlando Pirates, Ricardo Goss – Siwelele FC

Defenders – Malibongwe Khoza – Mamelodi Sundowns, Khuliso Mudau – Mamelodi Sundowns, Aubrey Modiba – Mamelodi Sundowns, Khulumani Ndamane – TS Galaxy – Mbekezeli Mbokazi – Orlando Pirates, Thabang Matuludi – Polokwane City and Samukelo Kabini – Molde FK (Norway), Nkosinathi Sibisi – Orlando Pirates, Sphephelo Sithole – CD Tondela (Portugal)

Midfielders – Teboho Mokoena – Mamelodi Sundowns, Bathusi Aubaas – Mamelodi Sundowns, Thalente Mbatha – Orlando Pirates and Sphephelo Sithole

Strikers – Thapelo Morena – Mamelodi Sundowns, Sipho Mbule Orlando Pirates, Tshepang Moremi Orlando Pirates, Oswin Appolis – Orlando Pirates, Mohau Nkota – Al Ettifaq FC (Saudi Arabia), Relebohile Mofokeng – Orlando Pirates, Iqraam Rayners – Mamelodi Sundowns, Lyle Foster – Burnley FC (England)

SLFA President Babadi Kamara attends WAFU A Zonal meeting in Kinshasa
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

SLFA President Babadi Kamara attends WAFU A Zonal meeting in Kinshasa

On Saturday, October 4th, the President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Babadi Kamara, participated in a WAFU A zonal meeting held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Chairing the gathering was CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and other football heads from West Africa. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the 47th CAF General Assembly.

The gathering brought together presidents and representatives from WAFU A member associations to discuss crucial developmental priorities for football in the region. Key topics included youth competitions, the growth of infrastructure, and strategies for enhanced collaboration among member federations.

Similar to the CECAFA held Zonal meeting in Kinshasa ahead of the CAF Ordinary General Assembly.

CAF President Dr. Motsepe met with CECAFA President Alexandre Muyenge and other CECAFA leaders. He praised CECAFA for successfully hosting the TotalEnergies CHAN Competition in August. He noted that the tournament helped revive football in East Africa and improved cooperation among governments, sponsors, and fans.

Additionally, COSAFA held a meeting in Kinshasa on Friday morning to discuss football development in the region. COSAFA countries expressed their gratitude to Dr. Motsepe for providing more financial support to Zones and Member Associations. This support allows them to organize more competitions and programs.

Sierra Leone's Augustus Kargbo nets first goal of the Season in Blackburn's draw
by FSL News

Augustus Kargbo nets first goal of the Season in Blackburn’s draw

Sierra Leone's Augustis Kargbo helped Blackburn Rovers scored late to secure a draw against the high-flying Stoke City at Ewood Park on Saturday.

Million Manhoef opened the scoring early in the second half as the Potters dominated the match.

However, they were unable to find a second goal, and Augustus Kargbo equalized with just eight minutes left. Mark Robins’ team remains in third place in the Championship standings, while Blackburn halted a streak of two consecutive defeats.

Stoke nearly took an early lead within 10 seconds when Sorba Thomas attempted a volley from the edge of the box, prompting Balasz Toth to make a strong save. Blackburn then missed two significant opportunities before halftime.

Todd Cantwell shot wide, and Andre Gudjohnsen failed to convert Ryoya Morishita’s cross from close range. Just before the end of the first half, Manhoef had a chance to score but could not test goalkeeper Toth with his low shot.

Nevertheless, the Dutchman succeeded four minutes into the second half, as his shot was deflected in after connecting with Thomas’ well-placed through-ball. Five minutes later, Ryan Alebiosu prevented Thomas from scoring as the striker broke free on goal.

The defender made a perfectly timed tackle, yet had Thomas looked up, he would have seen Manhoef open for a tap-in. Cantwell emerged as Blackburn’s main threat, steadily gaining more influence in the game and testing keeper Viktor Johansson with a long-range strike.

Johansson was quick to deny substitute Dion De Neve from a narrow angle 13 minutes before the end, while Rovers’ Sondre Tronstad shot wide.

Toth thwarted Manhoef again as the visitors sought to secure their victory, and they were punished shortly thereafter by Kargbo’s goal from Cantwell’s cross. Johansson was again called into action, stopping the Sierra Leone striker from getting a second goal at the back post.

Sierra Leone to face Senegal in U17 AFCON Qualifiers Opener in Mali
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone to face Senegal in U17 AFCON qualifying opener in Mali

Against Senegal in Group B, Sierra Leone's U17 team will start their 2025 TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying run on October 6th in Mali.

The WAFU Zone A qualifiers will take place from October 5-18, 2025. The young Stars face a tough challenge against Senegal, known for their strong youth football program and recent success.

In Group A, Mali and Liberia will officially kick off the qualifiers on Sunday, October 5th, followed by The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau.

Sierra Leone’s technical crew is still upbeat despite the difficult start. Head coach Mohamed Konneh will be hoping they start well to make a statement on the continental scene.

The squad consists of promising academy players and emerging local talent. The 2025 U17 AFCON finals will showcase the best young teams in Africa and serve as a qualifying event.

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) prioritizes youth development, seeing this tournament as key for future national team stars.

Fans are hopeful the U17 team will proudly represent Sierra Leone as they face Senegal, followed by Mauritania and Guinea in Group B for a chance to advance.

U17 qualifying scheduled for Mali 2025
U17 qualifying scheduled for Mali 2025