Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco hammer Kenya 4-0 in WAFCON opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco hammer Kenya 4-0 in WAFCON opener

There was a real sense of purpose about Morocco from the very first whistle at Rabat’s Moulay El Hassan Stadium – and by full-time, they’d sent out a clear message to everyone in Group A: they mean business at this year’s TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Hosts Morocco ran out comfortable 4–0 winners over Kenya, taking charge of the game early and never letting go. Sakina Ouzraoui set the ball rolling just past the 20-minute mark, firing home to get the crowd on their feet.

Before half-time, the lead had grown to three – Meriem Atiq powered a header in from a well-worked corner, then Ibtissam Jraidi nodded home right on the stroke of the break to leave Kenya with a mountain to climb.

Any hopes of a comeback were extinguished almost immediately after the restart: barely two minutes into the second half, Jraidi struck again, grabbing her second of the afternoon and putting the result well beyond doubt.

For Kenya, this was their first appearance at the tournament in a decade – a moment to savour in itself, even if the day didn’t go to plan. They came up against a side with plenty of pedigree, two-time runners-up who looked sharp, organised and hungry from start to finish.

Elsewhere in the group, Algeria also got off to a winning start, beating Senegal 2–0 – meaning Morocco sit top of the pile on goal difference, with Algeria close behind, and Kenya and Senegal still searching for their first points.

Speaking after the match, Kenya boss Beldine Odemba was honest but upbeat: “We know we have areas to improve, and we will get to work on them straight away. There is still everything to play for.”

Morocco’s Jorge Vilda was full of praise for his team’s focus: “We controlled the game well, took our chances and stayed disciplined. It’s a very satisfying start, but we know the hardest tests are still to come.”

Next up for Morocco is a mouth-watering clash with North African rivals Algeria, while Kenya will dust themselves down and prepare to take on Senegal – two games that will shape how this group unfolds.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Momoh Kamara scores first IF Elfsborg goal in Allsvenskan Round 14 win over Malmö.

Sierra Leone’s Momoh Kamara scored his first goal in IF Elfsborg’s 2-1 win during their week fourteen Allsvenskan match at Eleda Stadium in Malmö.

After a quick start, with Arbër Zeneli scoring for Elfsborg in the first minute. Malmö responded by equalising with a goal from Jens Stryger Larsen. Kamara then put Elfsborg back in the lead in the 34th minute with a powerful left-footed shot from the centre of the box, assisted by Zeneli. Despite Malmö’s efforts to score again, the first half ended with a score of Malmö 1, Elfsborg 2.

Malmö started the second half stronger, and Elfsborg had to focus on defense at first. However, they remained calm and started to control the game.

IF Elfsborg kept the ball moving well and played more offensively. Kamara had a chance to score again when he shot quickly, forcing the Malmö goalkeeper to tip the ball to the corner.

In the 73rd minute, Leo Östman chased a deep pass behind the Malmö defense and was taken down by a defender. The Malmö player received a red card, leaving Elfsborg with one extra player.

After the sending off, Elfsborg continued to play safely with good passing for a while. However, as the match neared its end, Malmö increased their pressure on Elfsborg’s goal. They primarily attacked from the left side, but either Isak Pettersson, Elfsborg’s goalkeeper, was ready, or the defenders cleared the ball away.

Elfsborg held on until the end and took three important points back home to Borås!

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Court of Arbitration for Sport sets date for Senegal AFCON hearing

Lausanne, 24 July 2026 – The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirms a hearing has been scheduled for the procedure between the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF, in French) against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF, in French) (“The Parties”) concerning the final of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 (AFCON 2025).

The hearing will take place on 8 October 2026, at CAS headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland. Registered by CAS on 25 March 2026, the FSF appeal seeks to set aside a CAF decision declaring that the Senegal national team forfeited the AFCON 2025 final and recording the Moroccan national team as the winners of the match by 3-0. The appeal requests that CAS declare the FSF winners of AFCON 2025.

The Parties did not agree to expedite this procedure, which is therefore following a standard timeline according to CAS procedural rules.

The hearing date was decided after consultation with the Parties, who also did not request that it be made public. This means it will take place behind closed doors. After the hearing, the Panel will start its deliberations. At this stage, CAS cannot state when a final decision will be rendered but it will not be on the day of the hearing.

CAS is aware of incorrect information circulating online about this procedure and subsequently being reported. Only information provided through CAS channels is considered official. Any announcements concerning this case will be published on the CAS website. Questions from accredited journalists can be directed to the CAS media office.

CAS Communication!

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hamburger SV bolster squad with Zambia striker Patson Daka

To boost their offence, Hamburger SV (HSV) has signed centre forward Patson Daka. Once with Leicester City, the 27-year-old striker passed his medical exam on July 21 and signed his contract in Austria. Daka will don the number 27 uniform.

With his team dedication and worldwide exposure, Daka fits their requirements precisely, HSV Sporting Director Kathleen Krüger said. Another HSV director, Claus Costa, praised Daka’s energy, speed, and pressing skills—all consistent with their playing style.

Daka, who was born on October 9, 1998 in Kafue, Zambia, started his career with Nchanga Rangers and swiftly ascended through Zambia’s national teams to debut at 16. In 2017, he joined FC Liefering in Austria and eventually rose to prominence as a Red Bull Salzburg player, scoring 68 goals in 125 games and winning many titles.

Summer 2021 saw Daka sign with Leicester City and become the first Zambian to score a goal in the Premier League. In a single UEFA match versus Spartak Moscow, he also netted four goals. Prior to Leicester’s demotion this summer, he played 76 Premier League games.

Daka is eager to start his next chapter at HSV. I am eager to start. I’m here to score goals and support the team, he continued. From the beginning, I was welcome and it was simple decision to join.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco’s Atlas Lions Hit New FIFA Ranking High

The latest FIFA rankings showcase Africa’s rising impact on the global football scene, with Morocco standing out as the continent’s highest-ranked team at an impressive 6th overall.

The Atlas Lions have maintained their strong position since their historic World Cup performance, emphasizing a new era of competitiveness for African teams on the world stage. Following closely, Senegal continues to be a reliable force, holding the 18th spot globally.

The Teranga Lions combine experience with tactical discipline, making them a tough challenger in both regional and international tournaments. North African teams are well represented as Egypt climbs to 24th place, while Algeria follows at 29th, reflecting the region’s rich football history.

West African powerhouse Nigeria sits just above Algeria in 26th place, demonstrating a steady path of rebuilding and showcasing their depth of talent. The reigning African champions, Côte d’Ivoire, are currently ranked 31st, a position that indicates their squad has room for growth as it matures.

Lower down the list, DR Congo (41st) and Cameroon (43rd) remain competitive, while Mali (53rd) and South Africa (54th) round out the continent’s top ten.

Top 10 African Teams – FIFA World Rankings

1. Morocco — 6th
2. Senegal — 18th
3. Egypt — 24th
4. Nigeria — 26th
5. Algeria — 29th
6. Côte d’Ivoire — 31st
7. DR Congo — 41st
8. Cameroon — 43rd
9. Mali — 53rd
10. South Africa — 54th