New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Club football

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced new coaching rules. Head coaches and assistants for senior national teams must hold a CAF A Licence or Pro to enhance coaching standards across Africa.

CAF has unveiled new coaching standards approved by the Executive Committee to raise coaching quality throughout Africa, thereby affecting national teams, every club event, and the CAF Women’s Champions League.

According to CAF’s recent correspondence to Members Associations, Coaches without the necessary licenses must begin obtaining them now, but those hired before May 4, 2025, have a grace period until the end of the 2026/2027 season.

New coaches employed by clubs and national teams must meet the required credentials, as well as current agreements.

Coaches who miss the deadline standards will be prohibited from entering technical areas during official CAF events; they will also not be able to sign up as team officials or take part in team activities, therefore jeopardising their careers. Failure to follow instructions might result in more punitive measures.

“It is also important to underscore that in case of non-fulfilment of the above requirements, the affected coach would be prohibited from accessing Zones 1 and 2 of the stadiums during CAF matches.

Additionally, coaches will not be registered as team officials or permitted to participate in any official team activities.

Other sporting sanctions, including a referral to the CAF Judicial Bodies, may apply, ” the communication stated.

We take this opportunity to once again express our appreciation for your continued contributions to the development of African football and our continuous support to collectively enhance its future. We trust that you will play a pivotal role in the successful implementation of these new directives.”

This decision highlights CAF’s dedication to raising the standard of coaching and governance in African football by aligning it with international norms and hoping to increase the worldwide competitive presence of the continent.

New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
Ex-Star Sport Academy attacker Kamara nets on Vejle Boldklub debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-Star Sport Academy attacker Kamara nets on Vejle Boldklub debut

Abdulai Kamara, who was with Star Sport Academy since the beginning of this campaign, scored on his debut for Danish side Vejle Boldklub in the Superliga.dk after his permanent move until 2029.

Vejle Boldklub played to a 1-1 draw against Randers on Sunday in the Danish Superliga. Kamara wasted no time recording his first goal, helping his side earn a point.

Having made 12 appearances, scoring 8 goals since joining Star Sport Academy from GFI Academy in Guinea, the 18-year-old offensive player has opened his account in Denmark.

Vejle is an exciting opportunity.

Abdoulaye Kamara, originally from GFI Academy in Guinea, is excited to join the 3F Superliga squad in Vejle. He expressed that the opportunity was unexpected but has been positive, noting the professionalism of the club and his teammates. As an offensive player, he enjoys having the ball and contributing to the team’s success.

Kamara mentioned the adjustment to a new country and the focus on training, praising the facilities and coaches for helping him improve. While the language barrier poses a challenge, he is committed to practising English and appreciates the support from his teammates. He is optimistic about his future in Denmark.

Ghana beat Algeria on penalties to set date with hosts Morocco
by Football Sierra Leone

Ghana beat Algeria on penalties to set date with hosts Morocco

Following a 0-0 tie after in 120 minutes of play in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana beat Algeria 4-2 in a penalty shootout. This win confirms their place in the semifinals against Morocco.

Saving penalties from Marine Dafeur and Ines Belloumou, goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan was crucial. Evelyn Badu’s ultimate penalty delighted players and supporters.

Ghana were more energetic, and the game was very hotly fought. Stella Nyamekye’s first-half strike was ruled out for offside, and Badu failed a vital opportunity near the end of normal time. The shootout resulted from both sides’ difficulties in generating chances.

Algeria left the competition with no goals against, whereas Ghana hopes to capture their first continental championship following three prior second-place finishes. Tuesday at 19:00 GMT marks the semifinal against Morocco.

Augustus Kargbo returns to full fitness in Blackburn Rovers win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Augustus Kargbo returns to full fitness in Blackburn Rovers win

After completing fitness, Sierra Leone International Augustus Kargbo made his return as Dion De Neve’s early goal ensured a 1-0 victory for Rovers versus Premier League Everton at Ewood Park.

Part of the rover’s triumph over Everton on Saturday was Kargbo, who had a hamstring injury against Derby County in March. Appreciated being back outside at home; even better with the victory; thank you for your support, he wrote on Facebook.

De Neve’s seventh-minute goal after latching onto Callum Brittain’s low pass offered a great start for home fans.

With Mark Travers in particular keeping the scoreline close by late-game crucial saves against Harry Pickering and Augustus Kargbo, Rovers earned their triumph against a tough Everton team, including many internationals.

Manager Valerien Ismael brought Balazs Toth, Callum Brittain, and Todd Cantwell back following their absence in the past game to present a strong lineup. Everton also had appearances by former Rovers players Jarrad Branthwaite and Michael Keane.

Following De Neve’s opening, Everton replied with a close attempt from Idrissa Gana Gueye, but it missed wide. Rovers could have increased their lead with a Dom Hyam header that went just past the mark and a Yuki Ohashi opportunity going over the bar, among other possibilities.

Though Everton pressed, Rovers kept their advantage, and the game was still tight with a blocked shot from Carlos Alcaraz right before halftime. Early in the second half, Toth made a fantastic save against Iliman Ndiaye; O’Brien and Pickering’s attempts from Rovers continued to pose threats.

Kargbo challenged Travers with a strong shot in the dying seconds, but Rovers preserved their lead for a well-earned triumph.

Defender Osman Kakay makes Košice FC debut in friendly draw
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Defender Osman Kakay makes Košice debut in friendly draw

Sierra Leone international Osman Kakay made his debut for Košice in a 1-1 draw against the Hungarian team Diósgyőr VTK during their final summer training camp.

Karlo Miljanić scored the equaliser in the second half. This game was also a final test for the yellow-blues before they started their journey in the European Cup. Coach Roman Skuhravý fielded Osman Kakay, who recently transferred from Boavista Porto, giving the match added significance.

Košice will play their next match at home on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 8:00 p.m., against the Belarusian club Neman Grodno. This match will be the opening round of the second qualifying phase for the European Conference League.