Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Grant unveils Zambia 25-man provisional squad June friendlies
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Grant unveils Zambia 25-man provisional squad for June friendlies

Avram Grant, Zambia’s national football coach, has named a preliminary roster of 25 players. The squad will run two friendly games over the FIFA international window. On June 6, they will confront Sudan; four days later, in Morocco, Tunisia.

These friendly games will help Zambia prepare for their World Cup Qualifier matches in Group E. In September, Zambia will host Morocco and then play against Tanzania and Niger in October.

Zambia is also keeping the team engaged before the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will take place in Morocco in December. The team qualified for AFCON by finishing first in Group G with 13 points, ahead of Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and Chad. Zambia achieved this through four wins, one draw, and one loss.

The squad will be reduced before the trip to Morocco, but the coaches are open to adding more players before the September qualifiers. Players will undergo fitness tests as part of their preparation for the matches in Morocco.

PROVISIONAL SQUAD

(GOALKEEPERS)

Toaster Nsabata (Zesco), Francis Mwansa (Green Buffaloes), Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos)

(DEFENDERS)

Gift Mphande (Rishon LeZion-Israel), Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos), Kabaso Chongo, Killian Kanguluma (both Kabwe Warriors), Obino Chisala (Al Merreikh-Sudan), David Hamansenya (Leganes-Spain), Benedict Chepeshi (Zesco United),

(MIDFIELDERS)

Benson Sakala (Boleslav Mlada-Czech Republic), Miguel Chaiwa (BSC Young Boys-Switzerland), Kings Kangwa (Hapoel Beer’Sheva-Israel), Golden Mafwenta (MFK Vyskov-Czech Republic), Emmanuel Banda (Al Tai-Saudi Arabia), Joshua Mutale (Simba Sc-Tanzania), Kelvin Kapumbu (Zanaco), Owen Tembo (Power Dynamos)

(FORWARDS)

Patson Daka (Leicester City-England), Edward Chilufya (Midtjylland-Denmark), Clatous Chama , Kennedy Musonda (both Young Africans-Tanzania), Lubambo Musonda (Magdeburg-Germany), Kelvin Kampamba (Al Medina-Libya), Joseph Sabobo Banda (FC Zurich-Switzerland).

RS Berkane lift third TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup title
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

RS Berkane lift third TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup title

RS Berkane has been crowned the champions of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2024/25, securing the title with a 1-1 draw in Zanzibar and winning on aggregate in a tense and emotional final match.

The Moroccan team, which had an advantage from the first leg, displayed determination and composure under significant pressure in Dar es Salaam to capture their third Confederation Cup title, adding to their victories in 2020 and 2022.

The packed stadium erupted as Simba SC took an early lead, fueling hopes of a comeback. Joshua Mutale scored in the 17th minute with a composed finish following a clever assist from Elie Mpanzu, giving Simba a 1-0 lead.

The hosts continued to apply pressure, with Steven Mukwala and Shomari Kapombe threatening RS Berkane’s goal. However, the Moroccan defence, led by goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi, remained steadfast and resisted the attacks.

Despite Simba’s initial advantage, VAR drama unfolded in the 73rd minute when a goal from Steven Mukwala was disallowed for offside. This pivotal moment allowed RS Berkane to maintain its aggregate lead.

Tensions soared throughout the match, especially after Simba’s Yusuph Kagoma received a second yellow card and was sent off in the 50th minute, shifting the balance in favour of RS Berkane.

As Simba desperately sought a second goal, Soumaila Sidibe emerged as the hero for RS Berkane. He scored a crucial equaliser with a well-placed right-footed shot from a tight angle, beating goalkeeper Moussa Camara and silencing the home crowd.

This goal sealed the draw and effectively dashed Simba’s hopes, as RS Berkane’s aggregate lead became insurmountable.

This victory marks RS Berkane’s third TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup title, further solidifying their status as a continental powerhouse, having previously lifted the trophy in 2020, 2022, and now in 2025.

This victory marks RS Berkane’s third TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup title, further solidifying their status as a continental powerhouse, having previously lifted the trophy in 2020, 2022, and now in 2025.
This victory marks RS Berkane’s third TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup title, further solidifying their status as a continental powerhouse, having previously lifted the trophy in 2020, 2022, and now in 2025.
Daniel Kanu's Charlton Athletic promoted to Englidh Championship
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Daniel Kanu’s Charlton Athletic promoted to English Championship

Charlton Athletic triumphed over Leyton Orient in an all-London playoff finale at Wembley, securing their promotion to the Championship. A first-half free-kick from Macaulay Gillesphey was the only difference between the two teams in the match.

In the 31st minute, the defender scored a free kick, curling the ball past Leyton Orient goalkeeper Josh Keeley and into the net. This goal was the only one of the match, giving Charlton a win over their London rivals in the League One play-off final.

Charlton confirmed their return to the Championship after being away for five years. The match ended after a long 11 minutes of added time in the second half. When referee Andrew Kitchen blew the full-time whistle, the sold-out Charlton fans at Wembley erupted in celebration.

Daniel Kanu joined the club at the U11 level and signed his first professional contract in February 2022. He had a great 2021/22 season as a first-year scholar, scoring 41 goals for the academy and winning the Valley Gold Young Player of the Year award.

He made his first team debut for Charlton in February 2022, just 10 days after signing his pro deal, and scored his first senior goal in a Papa John’s Trophy match against Plymouth Argyle in November 2022. He made his full league debut on Boxing Day against Peterborough United.

In October 2023, Kanu joined Southend United on a 28-day loan, which was extended until January 2024. He was recalled in December 2023 and signed a new long-term contract with Charlton in February 2024, keeping him at the club until 2027.

First leg CAF Champions League final draw between Mamelodi and Pyramids
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

First leg CAF Champions League final draw between Mamelodi and Pyramids

Mamelodi Sundowns drew 1-1 with Pyramids FC in the first leg of the 2024/25 CAF Champions League final on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.

Lucas Ribeiro Costa scored in the second half to give Sundowns the lead. However, Pyramids equalised with a late header from Walid El Karti in stoppage time. This late goal sets up an exciting second leg in Cairo next month.

Both teams played carefully in the first half with few chances. Iqraam Rayners and Arthur Sales had shots that went just wide for Sundowns, while Fiston Mayele and Ibrahim Adel tried their luck but were stopped by Sundowns’ goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

The game became more intense after halftime. Costa scored in the 54th minute after he found a loose ball in the box, sending the local fans into a frenzy. Sundowns could have scored again, but substitutes Peter Shalulile and Neo Maema missed their chances late in the game.

As stoppage time began, Pyramids fought back. Mohanad Lasheen sent a perfect cross to El Karti, who was unmarked in the six-yard box. He scored with a precise header, surprising the home crowd.

This draw keeps the tie balanced before the second leg in Cairo on June 1, where the new CAF Champions League trophy will be awarded. Pyramids remain unbeaten in the knockout stages and achieved an important result in their first final.

Sundowns will feel disappointed about conceding late, but they will hold on to their solid performance as they prepare for the return match.

The match reached fans across 28 countries, showcasing African club football on a global stage. Both teams now focus on their preparation for the crucial match in Cairo, where a new chapter in this major competition will unfold.

Big CAF Champions League showdown between Sundowns and Pyramids
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Big CAF Champions League showdown between Sundowns and Pyramids

Mamelodi Sundowns and Pyramids FC will face off in the first leg of the 2024-25 CAF Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday, May 24.

Sundowns have reached the Champions League final for the third time, having previously won in 2016 and been runners-up in 2001. This year, they finished second in Group B, behind ASFAR, and advanced to the knockout stage by defeating Esperance de Tunis and Al Ahly on away goals.

After clinching their eighth consecutive domestic championship, Sundowns aim for continental success, though coach Miguel Cardoso noted that the Champions League is tougher than the Betway Premiership.

“With all due respect to the Premiership, this is another level we are going to face,” said Cardoso. “We have a very tough challenge ahead in this Champions League final. We also need to be strong and play high-quality football.”

Pyramids set to compete in their first Champions League final after previously reaching the Confederation Cup final in 2020. They advanced by finishing second in Group D, defeating ASFAR and Orlando Pirates in knockout rounds.

Coach Krunoslav Jurcic has a tactical plan for the first leg, focusing on a balanced approach to counter their opponents’ strengths and weaknesses.

Pyramids and Sundowns have faced each other twice in the current Champions League, with a 0-0 draw in Pretoria and a 1-0 win for Sundowns in Cairo. Sundowns have a record of 10 wins, 9 draws, and 7 losses against Egyptian teams, while Pyramids have 1 win, 3 draws, and 2 losses against South African teams.

The return match will take place at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday, June 1.