Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco thrash Uganda in CAF U17 Cup of Nations opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco thrash Uganda in CAF U17 Cup of Nations opener

Morocco began the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with an impressive 5-0 victory over Uganda in Mohammedia on Sunday night.

The hosts quickly established their dominance, scoring two goals in the first ten minutes. Ilies Belmokhtar opened the scoring in the third minute, followed by Driss Aït Chiekh in the eighth. In the 23rd minute, a penalty, awarded after a VAR review, was converted by Ziyad Baha Abedlahadj, who was cheered by the crowd.

Belmokhtar scored again, bringing Morocco’s lead to 4-0 before halftime. The team dominated possession at 67% and converted four of six chances in the first half.

After the break, Uganda tried to regroup, but Moroccan goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch made several crucial saves. In the 71st minute, Ziyad Baha scored again after a defensive error, finalizing the score at 5-0.

This commanding win puts Morocco at the top of Group A, sending a strong message to their rivals as they celebrate Eid with their fans. It was a clear statement of intent from a team determined to go far in the tournament.

Read related – Ilies Belmokhtar nets brace in U17 AFCON opening win over Uganda

Ilies Belmokhtar nets brace in U17 AFCON opening win over Uganda
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ilies Belmokhtar nets brace in U17 AFCON opening win over Uganda

Ilies Belmokhtar from Morocco made a standout debut with two goals at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with a stunning performance in his team’s 5-0 victory over Uganda.

The AS Monaco forward, turning 17 in May, showcased his talent and emerging leadership within a promising Moroccan squad. “The most important thing is the three points. I wouldn’t be here without the win,” he stated after receiving his award.

Known for his skillful use of both feet and sharp decision-making, Belmokhtar helped lead Morocco’s aggressive play that left Uganda struggling to keep up. “We saw that our opponents weren’t pressing us, so we played our game and applied what we’ve worked on in training,” he noted.

Morocco’s U-17 team represents a new era in North African youth football, blending tactical discipline with flair. As they face tougher challenges ahead, Belmokhtar’s composure and scoring ability will be crucial. If Sunday’s performance is any indication, he is ready for the spotlight.

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Sierra Leone's Juma Bah out of Lens League tie against Lille due to injury
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Juma Bah out of Lens derby tie against Lille due to injury

Lens’ Juma Bah suffered a serious injury during training on Saturday morning when he collided head-to-head with teammate Jonathan Gradit, Lequipe reports.

As a result, Bah lost two teeth and spent the afternoon in the hospital for further examination. He will miss the Lille derby this Sunday at 8:45 p.m. and will not return to action until Tuesday, by concussion protocol.

Bah sat in shock for several minutes following the collision and will likely be replaced by Malang Sarr at kickoff. Meanwhile, Gradit has also sustained an injury, requiring stitches for a cut on his eyebrow. His fitness is currently uncertain, and a medical examination will assess the condition of his swollen eye on Sunday morning after he wakes up.

With both players’ statuses in question, Lens is expected to play in a 5-3-2 formation if Gradit is fit. If he cannot play, coach Will Still may need to switch to a 4-5-1 formation.

Two teams competing for European football next season face off in Ligue 1 this weekend as Lille hosts Lens in the Derby du Nord on Sunday evening.

Kenyan Patrick Matasi suspended following match-fixing investigation
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kenyan Patrick Matasi suspended following match-fixing investigation

Kenya goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has been temporarily barred from football and related activities in the country for 90 days while an inquiry is conducted regarding match-fixing claims.

On Thursday evening, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) reached this decision just hours after announcing that it had started an investigation involving the 37-year-old player.

The situation emerged after an online video surfaced, seemingly showing the goalkeeper consenting to a scheme to manipulate the results of a match.

In a statement sent by FKF on Thursday, the country’s top federation said the decision to suspend Matasi was made by Section VII (2) of the FKF Anti-Match Manipulation Regulations (2016), and has been formally communicated to his club, Kakamega Homeboyz FC and the player.

“The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has provisionally suspended goalkeeper Patrick Matasi from all FKF-sanctioned events and competitions for 90 days, following concerns raised by circulating videos suggesting possible match manipulation,” FKF said in a Statement.

“FKF, in collaboration with FIFA, CAF, and other relevant authorities, has initiated an official investigation into the matter. The Federation remains committed to upholding integrity in football and ensuring a fair and transparent process for all involved parties. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.”

Egypt is set to host U20 Cup of Nations in 2025, beginning on April 27th
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt set to host U20 Africa Cup of Nations

The Confédération of African Football (CAF) has awarded the rights to host the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025 to the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) and the Egyptian Government.

This decision follows a notification from the Fédération Ivoirienne de Football (FIF) and the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, stating that they are unable to host the tournament due to unforeseen circumstances.

The Egyptian Football Association and the Egyptian Government had previously submitted a bid to host the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025.

The opening match is scheduled for Sunday, April 27, 2025, with the final set to take place on May 18, 2025.

Sierra Leone is placed in a group with Senegal, Zambia, and Kenya for the forthcoming youth football tournament. The leading four countries will qualify for the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, which is set to take place in Chile from September 27 to October 19, 2025.