by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cameroon book Women’s World Cup 2027 spot after win over Nigeria

Cameroon defeated defending champions Nigeria 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, securing a spot in the semi-finals and qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil 2027.

The match in Casablanca saw Myriam Maéva Nyadjou score the only goal in the 19th minute with a powerful shot from distance. Nigeria tried to equalise quickly, but Gift Monday couldn’t connect with an early chance. They continued to press, with Jennifer Echegini’s effort saved, allowing Cameroon to keep their lead into halftime.

In the second half, Nigeria pushed for a goal, but Cameroon’s goalkeeper, Michaely Bihina, made crucial saves, including stopping a strong header from Uchenna Kanu.

Cameroon nearly doubled their lead from a free-kick, but Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie made another great save. In the final moments, Nigeria’s Esther Okoronkwo shot wide as they sought an equaliser.

Cameroon held on for the win, eliminating the reigning champions and ensuring a new champion will be crowned at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco 2026.

Meanwhile, the four semi-finalists at the 2026 WAFCON will qualify directly for the World Cup, while two additional teams will have another chance through the FIFA inter-confederation play-off tournament.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Arch-rivals Cameroon and Nigeria Clash in WAFCON Quarter-final

Cameroon will face Nigeria for the 14th time in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, a matchup that highlights their longstanding rivalry since the tournament began in 1998.

Nigeria, the most successful team with 10 titles, has won nine of their encounters with Cameroon and two on penalties. Cameroon has one victory and one draw. Their only win came in 2012 when they finished third in the tournament.

This year, Cameroon is making its 13th WAFCON appearance, missing only the last edition in 2025. They have faced Nigeria in every tournament except 2002 and come into this quarterfinal as the underdogs. Coach Valentine Nguele acknowledges Nigeria’s strength but believes in his team’s capabilities.

After topping a challenging Group D with two wins and a draw, Cameroon has shown strong performance with four goals scored and only two conceded.

Nguele aims for her team to play freely against Nigeria. Defender Colette Ndzana, motivated after past losses, urges the team to stay calm and focused.

This is Cameroon’s second WAFCON quarterfinal, hoping to reach their 11th semifinal and secure a spot in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.

The other quarter-final is between Malawi and Ghana. Malawi, the surprise team of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026, will face last edition’s bronze medalists, Ghana, this Sunday in Rabat for a chance to reach the semifinals.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hosts Morocco book WAFCON semi-final spot

Hosts Morocco secured their place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 with a 2-1 victory over former champions South Africa.

As a result, they also qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil in 2027. Morocco started strong and nearly scored in the 20th minute with Sanaa Mssoudy’s header just missing. South Africa responded quickly, but Thembi Kgatlana’s shot also went over.

In the 31st minute, Sakina Ouzraoui scored for Morocco with a first-time shot, giving them a deserved lead. They extended the lead to 2-0 in the 51st minute when Hanane Aït El Haj converted a penalty.

South Africa, trailing by two goals, pushed hard and scored in the 67th minute through Kgatlana, making it 2-1. Despite their efforts, Morocco’s defence held strong.

The final score was 2-1, allowing Morocco to advance to the semi-finals on Wednesday, 12 August, and secure a spot in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.

WAFCON Quarter-final Results
WAFCON Quarter-final Results
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pitso Mosimane returns as South Africa head coach

Pitso Mosimane has been re-appointed as head coach of Bafana Bafana, South Africa’s national football team. The South African Football Association chose him due to his success as one of Africa’s top coaches.

Mosimane became head coach after the 2010 FIFA World Cup, following his role as assistant coach. His first tenure had mixed results, but he later achieved great success with Mamelodi Sundowns, winning the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League in 2016.

He then coached Al Ahly in Egypt, winning two more CAF Champions League titles in 2020 and 2021. He built a strong reputation by leading Al Ahly to three consecutive continental finals.

Mosimane brings experience from his time in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran. His immediate focus will be the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where he aims to secure a spot in the tournament.

by Football Sierra Leone

Coventry City sign Ghanaian winger Caleb Yirenkyi

Newly promoted Premier League side Coventry City FC has confirmed the signing of Ghanaian International Caleb Yirenkyi on a long-term contract, pending international clearance.

The talented midfielder joins from FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark. Recently, he scored the winning goal for Ghana against Panama at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

At 20 years old, Yirenkyi has 15 caps for the Black Stars after strong club performances. He started his career at the Right to Dream academy, joined Nordsjaelland in 2024, and made his senior debut later that year.

He became a key player, helping Nordsjaelland finish third in the 2025-26 season and qualify for the UEFA Conference League. Yirenkyi was named the Danish Superliga Young Player of the Year and was on the Team of the Year.

Excited for his new challenge, Yirenkyi said, “I’m thrilled to be at this club. I’m looking forward to learning from the Head Coach and giving my best for the team. The fans are incredible, and I can’t wait to play for them.”