Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

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 Alie Bittar @bittar32

Algeria seal historic 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup spot

Algeria made history by qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after defeating Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026.

Côte d’Ivoire took an early lead with a goal from Ines Konan, but second-half goals from Ines Khiri and Amira Ould Braham turned the game around for Algeria.

This victory sends Algeria to the semi-finals for the first time and secures their spot in the World Cup, as the semi-finalists earn automatic qualification.

Côte d’Ivoire’s hopes aren’t over; the four losing quarter-final teams will play in an African play-off for another chance to qualify for the World Cup.

Côte d’Ivoire started strong but lost momentum after Habibou Ouedraogo received a red card. Algeria made key substitutions at half-time, which boosted their attack. Khiri equalized in the 58th minute, and after a missed penalty from Côte d’Ivoire, Ould Braham scored in the 64th minute to put Algeria ahead.

Despite being a player down, Côte d’Ivoire fought hard, but Algeria’s strong defense held firm. The final whistle marked a significant achievement for Algeria, reaching the semi-finals and qualifying for their first World Cup.

Coach Benstiti had hoped to move past the quarter-finals after last year’s disappointment, and his players responded with resilience. While Côte d’Ivoire has room for growth, Algeria’s victory is a historic milestone in their football journey.

Historic CAF Champions League Debut for Star Sport Academy
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Historic CAF Champions League Debut for Star Sport Academy

Star Sport Academy is poised to make history with its debut in the CAF Champions League, as they prepare to take on Gambian side Medina United following Thursday’s preliminary round draw in Cairo, Egypt.

This marks an exciting new challenge for the Academy as it gets ready to represent Sierra Leone on Africa’s premier club stage.

In the first week of September, we will host Gambia’s Medina United for the preliminary first leg, before travelling to the Gambia for the return match.

This two-legged tie offers Star Sport Academy a golden opportunity to make their mark in continental football while showcasing their skills against experienced opponents.

The Sierra Leonean top-flight side will continue with their training in Kenema, Sierra Leone. Meanwhile, they’ll compete in the West Africa Champions Cup in Guinea as part of their preparation.

“Our training has intensified, with players and coaching staff fully committed to a strong performance in this inaugural CAF Champions League campaign,” team Manager Musa Pokawa told this medium.

The winner over two legs will take on the Moroccan giants RS Berkane in the second round.

CAF has scheduled the first leg to take place in Sierra Leone from September 4th to 6th, 2026, while the return leg is slated for The Gambia between September 11th and 13th, 2026.

The second preliminary round qualifiers are planned for October, with the first leg matches scheduled for October 16th to 18th, and the return legs to be held from October 23rd to 25th, 2026.

Star Sport Academy Set for Historic CAF Champions League Debut
Star Sport Academy Set for Historic CAF Champions League Debut
Sierra Leone Interclub Representatives to Know Their Opponents Today
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone Interclub Representatives to Know Their Opponents Today

Today, Star Sport Academy and East End Lions Football Club will learn their continental opponents following the draw in Cairo.

Debutant Star Sport Academy has been chosen to represent Sierra Leone after the champions, Bo Rangers, withdrew from the competition. Meanwhile, one of Sierra Leone’s oldest clubs, East End Lions, secured victory in the Orange FA Cup, earning them a ticket to the CAF Confederation Cup.

Football fans across the continent and beyond will be able to follow the draws live on CAF’s official YouTube channel, CAF TV.

The TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup draw will begin at 14h00 Cairo time (11h00 GMT), followed by the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League draw at 15h00 Cairo time (12h00 GMT).

The draws will map out the route to the Group Stages of the two competitions, with 61 clubs entered in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and 56 set to compete in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup.