Morocco strengthens grip in Group E World Cup qualifiers
by Football Sierra Leone

Morocco strengthen grip in Group E World Cup qualifiers

Morocco came from behind to defeat Niger 2-1, strengthening their lead in Group E of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers. Meanwhile, Guinea’s campaign suffered a setback with a frustrating goalless draw against Somalia.

In Oujda, the Atlas Lions, who reached the semi-finals in the last World Cup, fell behind after a goal from Niger’s Boubacar Goumey Oumarou in the 47th minute.

However, a triple substitution by coach Walid Regragui revitalized the team. Ismael Saibari equalized in the 59th minute, tapping in a clever assist from Brahim Diaz. Morocco secured the win with a late goal from Bilal El Khannouss in stoppage time, keeping them six points clear at the top of Group E.

In contrast, Guinea’s hopes crumbled in a disappointing 0-0 draw against Somalia, who are among the lowest-ranked in African football. Despite having Champions League star Serhou Guirassy, Guinea struggled to break down Somalia’s defensive setup, missing a chance to pressure Group G leaders Mozambique and second-placed Algeria.

As criticism of the team grows, Guinea faces a must-win match against Uganda next, while Morocco prepares to face Tanzania.

Mohamed Salah shines as Egypt ease past Ethiopia in World Cup Qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mohamed Salah scores as Egypt ease past Ethiopia in World Cup Qualifiers

Egypt secured another significant victory, solidifying its position at the top of Group A in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers. The Pharaohs continued their perfect run in Group A with a comfortable 2-0 win over Ethiopia in El Jadida, Morocco.

Egypt took control early in the match, with Liverpool star Mohamed Salah scoring the first goal in the 31st minute after a well-executed move involving Hamdy Fathi. Nine minutes later, Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” doubled the lead, taking advantage of a defensive error from Ethiopia.

Although Ethiopia showed some resistance after halftime, Hossam Hassan’s team was never seriously threatened, and the score remained unchanged throughout the match.

Egypt now has 13 points from five matches, leading second-placed Burkina Faso by five points, and they are nearing qualification for the 2026 finals in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

It was another disappointing result for Ethiopia, leaving them with just three points from five games and vastly diminishing their hopes of qualification.

Eric Chelle praises Nigeria's performance after defeating Rwanda
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Eric Chelle praises Nigeria’s performance after defeating Rwanda

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle praised his players after their 2-0 win against the Amavubi of Rwanda.

Nigeria matchday five tie took place at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday night and marked the Super Eagles’ first victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series. With this win, the team moved up to fourth place in Group C.

In his post-match remarks, Chelle said, “It was a tough game; Rwanda has a strong team. I am proud of my players. We worked hard in the few days leading up to this match, although we only had two full training sessions. However, we controlled the ball well in the second half. It was a solid performance from my players.”

Chelle also mentioned his team’s strategy and the need for improvement. He stated, “I enjoy setting up the game plan. We tried two different tactics. This is just the first game, and we need to improve as we prepare for the next one.”

He emphasized that teamwork is essential. “Every player can contribute, and we need to work together to reach our goal of qualifying for the World Cup. We have talented players, and today the team performed well. My job is to make decisions about the game plan and which players to use.”

Rwanda’s head coach, Adel Amrouche, expressed disappointment after the Amavubi’s loss to the Super Eagles.

“We need to correct some things in the team. Unfortunately, we lost, but we will regroup for the next game,” he said. “I am ashamed of today’s performance, especially in front of our fans and the president.”

Bertrand Traoré nets as Burkina Faso down Djibouti in Group A tie
by Football Sierra Leone

Bertrand Traoré nets as Burkina Faso down Djibouti in Group A tie

Burkina Faso defeated Djibouti 4-1, allowing them to overtake Sierra Leone on goal difference ahead of matchday six against Guinea-Bissau in the World Cup qualification matches for Group A.

As a result, Burkina Faso now sits in second place, behind Egypt, who are set to play against Ethiopia later this evening in the race for qualification to the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Josue Tiendrebeogo opened the scoring in the 13th minute, and Bertrand Traoré doubled their lead in the 33rd minute at the Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi on Friday.

MC Alger player Mohamed Zougrana extended Burkina Faso’s lead to three goals, and Lassina Traoré capped it off with a fourth goal, making it 4-0.

Djibouti’s Samuel Akinbinu managed to pull one back with a consolation goal from the penalty spot in the 88th minute.

Group leaders Egypt will face Ethiopia later in the final match of group stage five.

On matchday six, Burkina Faso will travel to meet Guinea-Bissau at Estádio 24 de Setembro, while Ethiopia will host Djibouti at Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi. Additionally, Sierra Leone will entertain Egypt in Cairo on Tuesday.

Moses Sesay marks his England's U18 debut with a goal
by Football Sierra Leone

Moses Sesay marks his England’s U18 debut with a goal

Sierra Leone native Moses Sesay scored on his England’s under-18 men’s debut as they came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against Czechia in their first match of the calendar year.

The Young Lions fell behind in the first half of the international fixture held at Estadio de Sao Miguel. Just before halftime, Filip Ruzicka scored for Czechia, giving them the lead. The FC Viktoria Plzen forward’s shot deflected off a defender, sending goalkeeper Oliver Whatmuff the wrong way and finding the back of the net.

However, Liam Bramley’s side fought back strongly in the second half. After seeing an initial effort cleared off the line, Moses Sesay marked his debut with a goal, levelling the score with a spectacular overhead bicycle kick just after the halftime mark, making it 1-1 in the 49th minute.

England took the lead with 75 minutes on the clock when they were awarded a penalty. Baylee Dipepa, Sesay’s club teammate, confidently stepped up to take the spot-kick and successfully converted it from 12 yards after coming off the bench, putting the Young Lions ahead 2-1.

Yet, there was one final twist in the match. In the 89th minute, Czechia equalized when Pavlo Simon pounced on a rebound after Whatmuff made an initial save. The match ended in a 2-2 draw in Portugal.