Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

In their second match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Senegal won 1-0 against Burundi on Monday. The game took place at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal secure first win in Group L on road to Morocco

In their second match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Senegal won 1-0 against Burundi on Monday. The game took place at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Thanks to a second-half penalty scored by Ismaïla Sarr, Senegal managed to secure the win despite facing a well-organized Burundian side.

At the start, Burundi put pressure on Senegal, but Senegal managed to get control of the game.

Sadio Mané and his team had possession and took 21 shots compared to Burundi’s two. Despite this, the 2021 AFCON champions had trouble breaking down Burundi’s strong defence.

The game was goalless at halftime even though there were a few close opportunities. In the second half, Senegal missed an opportunity to score. Burundi also had a chance to score but missed the target.

In the 71st minute, Sadio Mané was fouled in the box leading to a penalty for Senegal. Ismaïla Sarr confidently took the penalty and scored, putting Senegal in the lead.

Despite their narrow victory, Senegal is now at the top of Group L with four points, while Burundi is in second place with three points.

One game cannot decide AFCON spot - Skipper Steven Caulker
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Skipper Steven Caulker’s report card ahead of Zambia tie

Skipper Steven Caulker emphasized that one game cannot determine the AFCON spot. He expressed the Leone Stars’ determination to confront a formidable Zambia team and uphold the pride of Sierra Leone.

Caulker is set to captain the Leone Stars in a crucial match against Zambia’s Chipolopolo on Tuesday as part of the journey to Morocco 2025 at the Levy Mwanawansa Stadium.

“We were absolutely clear that we intended to secure all three points against Chad, but unfortunately, it didn’t happen. I firmly believe that our performance against Chad was not bad.

We created several chances but couldn’t capitalize on the day. However, the very fact that we were able to create chances is a positive sign, Caulker rightly pointed out.

Defensively, clinching a clean sheet is a major accomplishment for us, and we are fully committed to elevating our performance from one to three points against Zambia, despite the challenging nature of the upcoming game against a formidable opponent.

Qualifying for the next AFCON will not be determined after just one game but after six games. That will be the real test. We secured one point and currently hold the second position in the table – providing us with a solid foundation to build on.”

Everyone is filled with positivity and we are prepared to give our all for Sierra Leone on Tuesday.”

Both teams faced challenging starts, with Grant’s team losing 2-0 to the Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone playing to a goalless draw against Chad in Liberia.

Zambia and Sierra Leone have history, meeting twice before with one victory for Chipolopolo in 1996 and a draw in 1994.

We know their weaknesses - Avram Grant on Sierra Leone
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

We know their weaknesses – Avram Grant on Sierra Leone

Avram Grant, the Zambia head coach, spoke ahead of the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier as he prepares his team to play against Sierra Leone on Tuesday at the Levy Mwanawansa stadium.

Both teams had a rough start, with Grant’s team losing 2-0 to the Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone playing to a goalless draw against Chad in Liberia.

Grant is committed to securing Zambia’s qualification for a back-to-back AFCON, despite the team’s four consecutive losses and winless streak since November 2023.

Looking ahead to Tuesday’s match, Grant promised a new game plan and expressed optimism, stating that the technical bench has thoroughly studied Sierra Leone’s tactics and they are prepared to demonstrate Zambia’s strength as a team.

“We are well-informed about the opponent. We have shared our insights with the players and thoroughly analyzed all of the opponent’s recent games. Everyone, including the staff, has reviewed this information,” he stated.

“We have identified their weaknesses and strengths. While they are a very good team – our objective is to demonstrate that we are also a strong team.”

Zambia and Sierra Leone have history, meeting twice before with one victory for Chipolopolo in 1996 and a draw in 1994.

Tunisia beat Gambia to top Group A in the race to Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia beat Gambia to top Group A in race to Morocco

On Sunday, Tunisia defeated the host Gambia 2-1 in the Africa Cup of Nations Group A qualifier at the Stade El Abdi Jadida in Morocco.

The Gambia struggled to capitalise on a home tie as Tunisia found the space to secure the win for their second straight in the qualifiers.

New head coach Johnny Mckinstry’s team is still without a win in the 2025 Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Ali Al-Addi scored the opening goal for the Eagles of Carthage in the 11th minute, but his goal was cancelled out by Ali Sowe three minutes later.

The visitors secured their win in the 75th minute through Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, placing the North Africans comfortably at the top of their group.

In their opening qualifier match at the El Abdi Jadida last Wednesday, The Gambia’s national team, known as The Scorpions, drew 1-1 with Comoros Islands.

This result meant that they shared the spoils in the biennial biggest football showpiece qualifiers.

Meanwhile, the two other teams in the Group Comoros and Madagascar will compete  later today at the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi in Tunisia as the qualifiers heat up.

Ghana Black Stars look to revive AFCON 2025 qualifying hopes
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana Black Stars look to revive AFCON 2025 qualifying hopes

Otto Addo’s team is aiming to breathe new life into their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying journey as they prepare to face Niger at the Berkane Municipal Stadium in Morocco on Monday, September 9th. (GFA Photo)

The Black Stars are currently second from bottom in Group F after a 1-0 loss to Angola in Kumasi on matchday 1, with Milson scoring in stoppage time.

Otto was appointed as head coach in May and began with wins over Mali (2-1) and Central African Republic (4-3) in June’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The former Ghana international will be aiming for a win in Berkane to put pressure on Sudan and the Black Sable Antelopes.

Niger has only qualified for the continental showpiece twice, in 2012 and 2013, but failed to advance past the group stage both times.

The Menas were defeated by Sudan 1-0 on September 4 in their opening match of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.