Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pape Thiaw on Malick Thiaw’s absence from Senegal squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pape Thiaw on Malick Thiaw’s absence from Senegal squad

Malick Thiaw will not play for Senegal’s national team in the friendlies against Ireland and England in next month’s International window. 

Coach Pape Thiaw confirmed his omission, despite ongoing talks with the Senegalese Football Federation, surprising many fans who view him as a potential defender.

Coach Thiaw explained that Thiaw is in discussions with his club and hasn’t played much lately, which affects his national team chances. Thiaw, born in Germany and playing for AC Milan, has struggled this season with limited playing time.

Fans may be disappointed, but the door remains open for Thiaw if he improves his form and maintains good discussions with the federation. His situation highlights the challenges of including dual-nationality players in African teams.

For now, Senegal will move on without him, but if his situation at AC Milan improves, he could receive a call-up soon. Both Thiaw and the federation are waiting for the right time to strengthen Senegal’s defense.

Veteran midfielder Victor Wanyama named in Kenya squad for Chad friendlies
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Veteran midfielder Victor Wanyama named in Kenya squad for Chad friendlies

Victor Wanyama is back in the Harambee Stars squad for two friendly matches against Chad. These matches will take place in Morocco on June 7 and June 10. This will be Wanyama’s first time representing Kenya since 2020.

The 33-year-old player relocated to Scotland in March after departing the Montreal Impact.

The squad has a mix of experienced players and new talent. Notable new players include Kenneth Nyamwaya and Swaleh Pamba, both of whom are making their national team debuts.

This is Benni McCarthy’s second training camp with the Harambee Stars. These friendlies will help evaluate the team’s strength and prepare for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August.

Players should arrive for camp on Friday, June 2, 2025, to prepare for the matches.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari FC), Sepstianos Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks FC), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City FC)

Defenders

Siraj Mohammed (Bandari FC), Swaleh Pamba (Bandari FC), Abud Omar (Kenya Police FC), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia FC), Kenneth Nyamwaya (Bidco United FC), Brian Mandela  (Stellenbosch FC)

Midfielders

Victor Wanyama  (Dunfermline Athletic FC ), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia FC), Timothy Ouma  (SK Slavia Prague), Brian Musa (Kenya Police FC), Ben Stanley Omondi  (Gor Mahia), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police FC), David Sakwa (Bandari FC), James Kinyanjui (KCB FC), Adam Wilson (The New Saints FC), William Lenkupae (Central Coastal Mariners FC)

Forwards

Moses Shumah (Kakamega Homeboyz FC), Beja Nyamawi (Bandari FC), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta)

Morocco set for Tunisia and Benin International friendlies
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco set for Tunisia and Benin International friendlies

Morocco will play two friendly matches in June. They will face their rivals Tunisia and Benin, the team that knocked them out of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Atlas Lions will face Tunisia on June 7, 2025, followed by a match against Benin just three days later, on June 10. Both games will be held at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

The match between Morocco and Tunisia is a classic African rivalry. These two football powerhouses have competed against each other 50 times since 1960, with Morocco having the edge in their head-to-head record, boasting 14 victories compared to Tunisia’s 8. Notably, 24 matches have ended in a draw, highlighting the competitiveness of this rivalry.

The last encounter between Morocco and Benin ended in heartbreak for the Atlas Lions. During the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt, Morocco appeared poised for victory on paper but suffered a dramatic defeat.

The Atlas Lions of Morocco named squad for friendlies against Tunisia and Benin
The Atlas Lions of Morocco named squad for friendlies against Tunisia and Benin
Sierra Leone's Sierra Queens book Women's Cup semis spot in Mauritania
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Sierra Queens book Women’s Cup semis spot in Mauritania

The Sierra Queens of Sierra Leone have advanced to the semi-finals of the ongoing WAFU A Women’s tournament in Mauritania, after securing a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Senegal on Monday evening at the Cheikha Boidiya Stadium.

Having previously defeated Guinea 3-1, they revitalized their chances of qualifying for the next round. The crucial point earned on Monday was significant, especially as Guinea defeated The Gambia 4-3.

Sierra Leone goalkeeper Hannah Juana was once again awarded Woman of the Match for her outstanding performance.

After suffering a 3-0 defeat to Gambia in their opening match, Sierra Leone turned their fortunes around with this impressive victory at the Cheikha Ould Boïdiya Stadium in Nouakchott, Mauritania.

Coach Malik Hassan Mansaray praised his team for their resilient and composure against a dominate Senegal side.

In Group A, Mauritania defeated Guinea-Bissau 2-0 as Liberia drew 1-1 against Mali and as a result, Liberia progressed to the semi-finals alongside Mali, who topped Group A on seven points, Liberia 5 and Mauritania four points in third.

In Group B, Senegal won the group with seven points, Sierra Leone on four, Guinea and the Gambia on three each.

In Group B, Senegal won the group with seven pooints, Sierra Leone on four, Guinea and the Gambia on three each.
In Group B, Senegal won the group with seven points, Sierra Leone on four, Guinea and the Gambia on three each.
The Sierra Queens of Sierra Leone reached the semi-finals of the WAFU A Women’s tournament in Mauritania after a tough 1-1 draw with Senegal.
The Sierra Queens of Sierra Leone reached the semi-finals of the WAFU A Women’s tournament in Mauritania after a tough 1-1 draw with Senegal.
Ghana face-off Super Eagles of Nigeria in London Unity Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana face-off Super Eagles of Nigeria in London Unity Cup

The Ghana Black Stars will face the Super Eagles of Nigeria in a match on Wednesday, May 28, at Brentford’s GTech Community Stadium. This game is for a spot in the London Unity Cup final on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

The first semi-final kicks off on Tuesday 27 May, with Trinidad and Tobago taking on Jamaica. The Unity Cup is an Afro-Caribbean international football tournament that was last held in 2004.

This competition, featuring the national teams of Ghana, Jamaica, Nigeria, and Trinidad and Tobago, will make its comeback after a 21-year hiatus. It will include two semi-finals and a final, all to be played at the Bees’ home ground.

Players from the Nigeria Premier Football League and their coaching staff are already in London. They will be joined later today by their teammates from overseas.