Banda nets twice as Zambia beat Senegal in five-goal thriller
by FSL News

Banda nets twice as Zambia beat Senegal in five-goal thriller

With a 3-2 victory over Senegal in Group A on Wednesday at Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia, Zambia made a strong statement in their quest for the title at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The game was exciting, full of action, strong shots, and instances of personal brilliance. Having twice encountered a tough Senegalese squad, the Copper Queens showed their resolve to grab all three points.

Following a lacklustre 2-2 draw with hosts Morocco in their opening, Zambia understood they needed this victory, and they produced. Scoring just five minutes in, with star player Nguenar Ndiaye finding the net thanks to a pass from Méta Kandé, Senegal surprised them.

Zambia responded quickly, with Captain Barbra Banda equalising in the 12th minute after a pass from Racheal Kundananji. They took the lead just six minutes into the second half when Kundananji scored in the 51st minute 

Banda’s brace came in the 73rd minute, widening Zambia’s lead. Senegal had a chance to come back when Ndiaye scored from a penalty in the 80th minute, narrowing the lead to 3-2.

In extra time, Senegal pressured with corners and attempts, but Zambia’s goalkeeper, Ng’ambo Musole, made crucial saves to secure the victory. With this win, Zambia sits on four points in Group A as they aim for their final group match, demonstrating their intent to be title contenders.

Racheal Kundananji named Woman of the Match
Racheal Kundananji named Woman of the Match
Zambia in search of first WAFCON win over Senegal
by Football Sierra Leone

Zambia in search of first Women’s Cup of Nations victory

This afternoon’s kickoff at Stade El Bachir, Mohammédia, Zambia, will strive for their first victory in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations against Senegal. 

Beginning the competition with a 2-2 draw against Morocco, Zambia’s Barbra Banda recorded only 58 seconds, but Morocco tied via a penalty.

While Racheal Kundananji brought Zambia ahead, Morocco tied in the 87th minute.

One above the DRC and two behind Senegal, Zambia is level on points with Morocco.

With Captain Mama Diop and Nguenar Ndiaye each scoring twice, Senegal leads Group A after a commanding 4-0 victory over the DRC.

Their goal is to keep their number one spot in the group and win their second straight.

New Everton's deal for Senegal international Idrissa Gana Gueye
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New Everton’s deal for Senegal international Idrissa Gana Gueye

With the option for another year, Senegal international Idrissa Gana Gueyehas signed a new one-year deal with Everton to stay until June 2026.

Winning the Club’s Player of the Season and the Players’ Player of the Season accolades, Gueye had a remarkable 2024–25 season.

Gueye said: “Everyone knows what Everton means to my family and me following his contract. This club is more than merely a place I play; it’s part of who I am after six seasons here. Beginning my seventh year as a Blue brings me great pride. I am ready and more driven than I have ever been last season.

“This season is significant given our new stadium and momentum.” We have the opportunity to construct something significant. To once again raise the bar and bring Everton back where it should be, we need to collaborate—players, coaches, the manager, the board, and our fans. I completely support that challenge. Let’s start over together.

Manager David Moyes of Everton was pleased to extend Gueye’s contract, noting, “We are excited Idrissa has left. Given many new players and the new stadium, his familiarity with the Club will be rather important. Idrissa will help everybody integrate.”

Gueye will increase his 211 Everton appearances made since joining from Aston Villa in August 2016. After three years with Paris Saint Germain, he came back to the club in 2022.

Tensions mount as FIFA drawn into SLFA elections dispute
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tensions mount as FIFA drawn into SLFA elections dispute

The governing body of football, FIFA, has stated that it will intervene if elections are not conducted, which could have significant consequences for the governance of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA).

FIFA has also raised concerns about external influence following disputes within the lower electoral levels of the SLFA as preparations for the presidential election, scheduled for August 2nd, are ongoing.

This comes as a result of elections held at the district levels in the Falaba and Karene Football Association, which have been overturned after a ruling and directives of the Electoral Appeals Committee of the Sierra Leone Football Association.

The Electoral Appeals Committee of the SLFA decided to overturn the election process on the grounds of irregularities, despite their jurisdiction being limited to the SLFA elections, which has attracted the attention of FIFA to interfere.

FIFA, to resolve the issue, arranged a meeting with the Ethics Committee, the Electoral Committee, and the Electoral Appeals Committee.

Authorities within the global football body told them during this meeting that, under the SLFA statute, the Electoral Appeals Committee has no jurisdiction over appeals from the territories and emphasised the importance of cordiality between the Secretariat and committees, stressing adherence to SLFA statutes.

According to the SLFA, FIFA reminded the meeting that the mandate of the current Executive Committee has expired, necessitating elections to renew leadership legitimacy.

Even though FIFA issued warnings, the Electoral Appeals Committee insisted on their decision and suggested that FIFA review their ruling and come up with a judgment.

Mali edge Tanzania as South Africa defeat Ghana in WAFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali edge Tanzania as South Africa defeat Ghana in WAFCON

On Monday night, Mali narrowly defeated Tanzania 10 in Group C TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Following a set piece, Saratou Traoré scored with a composed shot from the centre of the box during stoppage time in the first half to become the only goal of the game.

In a game when both sides generated chances but had trouble turning them into goals, this objective became the deciding moment.

Tanzania had several scoring opportunities in the second half, including a header from Stumai Athumani that Mali’s goalkeeper, Fatoumata Karentao, saved. Elizabeth Chenge also had an opportunity, but offside calls presented problems.

Tanzania had many scoring possibilities in the second half, including a header from Stumai Athumani saved by Mali’s goalkeeper, Fatoumata Karentao. Although Elizabeth Chenge also had an opportunity, Tanzania struggled with offside judgments.

Mali played defensively; Karentao made important saves to protect their lead. Tanzania argued for an equalizer during stoppage time and won late free kicks, but Donisia Minja’s shot in the 95th minute went over the goal.

Ultimately, Mali grabbed the victory by remaining steady and grabbing their chances, therefore raising their position in the competition.

Early on, in their Group C opening in Oujda on Monday, reigning champions South Africa got their 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations going with a 20 victory against Ghana.

The first 35 minutes saw the goals by Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe, which helped Banyana Banyana demonstrate they are formidable title contenders in the larger 12-team competition.

Day three of the Women's Cup of Nations results
Day three of the Women's Cup of Nations results