Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa overcame Senegal as Tanzania cruised to victory, while Angola held Mali
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa overcame Senegal as Tanzania cruised to victory, while Angola held Mali

South Africa overcame Senegal 2-1 in their opening match on Thursday. Senegal started strong, scoring first in the 44th minute with a goal from Cheickh Thior.

In the second half, Inganathi Simama equalised for South Africa just three minutes in. South Africa took the lead in the 55th minute after an own goal by Thior, and then held firm to secure the win.

  • Senegal 1-2 South Africa – Scorers: Cheickh Thior (44’) / Inganathi Simama (48’), Cheickh Thior (55’ OG)

Tanzania won 3-0 against Mozambique, dominating the match from the start. Dismas Athanasi scored the first goal in the 27th minute. An own goal by Pascoal Miambo in the 35th minute made it 2-0. In the 63rd minute, Razaki Mbegelendi sealed the victory with another goal.

Angola and Mali played to a goalless draw in their Group C opener at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. Mali created more chances, but Angola’s goalkeeper Gelson Dala made several key saves to secure a point for his team.

Algeria drew 2-2 with Ghana in a thrilling match. Ghana scored early with goals from Isaac Barfo and Eric Gyamfi. Algeria fought back in the second half, with Ilyes Grini and Melwane Zaidi scoring to level the match after being two goals down.

A complete performance from Angola's Gelson Dala earns him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award.
A complete performance from Angola's Gelson Dala earns him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award.
Morocco held to draw in U-17 opener as Côte d’Ivoire and Uganda impress
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco held to draw in U-17 opener as Côte d’Ivoire and Uganda impress

Morocco and Tunisia played to a 1-1 draw in a competitive North African derby at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 on Wednesday evening.

The match took place at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, where Morocco had strong support from their fans. The defending champions controlled the game for much of the time but struggled against a well-organised Tunisian team.

Tunisia scored first in the 27th minute through Yahya Jlidi, whose calm finish shocked the home crowd and gave Tunisia a valuable lead at halftime.

After the break, Morocco increased their urgency, pushing for an equaliser while Tunisia stayed solid defensively and posed a threat on counterattacks.  

Morocco finally equalised in the 76th minute when Ilian Hadidi scored, sparking celebrations in the stadium. Despite Morocco’s late pressure, Tunisia held on for a crucial point in a closely fought Group A match.

In another match, Egypt and Ethiopia played to a 0-0 draw. This result leaves Group A open, as both teams had their chances but were unable to score. Egypt had more possession, while Ethiopia looked to attack quickly with player Dawit Kassaw Yirdaw.

Egypt’s Mohamed Attia and Ahmed Safwat showed some creativity, but Ethiopia’s strong defence kept them from finding the net.

Uganda started their campaign strongly in Group B with a 3-0 win over DR Congo. This victory puts Uganda on level points with Côte d’Ivoire, which won against Cameroon earlier in the day.

Uganda dominated the match against DR Congo, scoring first in the 37th minute through Owen Mukisa and adding a second goal by Nicholas Kawooya just before halftime.

In the second half, despite DR Congo’s efforts, Uganda remained strong in defence and secured the win with a third goal from Abdulshakur Babi in the 82nd minute. This victory gives Uganda a strong start in their bid for the knockout stages and qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Côte d’Ivoire also started well in Group B, beating Cameroon 2-0. Ange Nomane scored the first goal in the 52nd minute, and Hubert Yao added a second goal later. This win positions Côte d’Ivoire favourably in the competitive group with Uganda and DR Congo.

Egypt’s Ismaily SC relegated after 62 years in the top flight
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt’s Ismaily SC relegated after over 60 years in the top flight

Egyptian top-tier outfit Ismaily, and three-time champion, has been relegated to the second division for the first time in over 60 years after Tuesday’s defeat

They lost their match against Wadi Degla 2-1 on May 12, which confirmed their drop to the lower league. Ismaily ended the season stuck at the bottom of the table with just 19 points, falling 11 points behind Kahrabaa Ismailia, the first team outside the relegation zone.

This season, four teams will be relegated. Ismaily last faced relegation in the 1957-1958 season and quickly returned to the top league in 1962-1963.

Nicknamed “The Dervishes,” it has struggled with a financial crisis for several years, which has hindered its ability to compete with wealthier clubs.

Ismaily was founded in 1924 and won its first league title in 1967. In 1969, it became the first Egyptian club to win an African championship by defeating TP Mazembe. The club also reached the final of the African Champions League in 2002 but lost to Enyimba.

U-17 Cup of Nations set to kick off in Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

U-17 Cup of Nations set to kick off in Morocco

The CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 begins on Wednesday, featuring 16 teams vying for continental glory and a chance to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.

The tournament runs from May 13 to June 2, following a festival-style format that combines matches, training, and team activities in one location.

Most matches will take place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, while the opening match, semi-finals, and final will be held at an alternative venue. The eight quarter-finalists will qualify automatically for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, while the four third-placed teams will compete in playoffs for the last two spots.

Defending champions Morocco lead Group A, facing Tunisia, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Under coach Tiago Lima Pereira, Morocco aims to defend their title, relying on players like Adam Bougazir and Rami Loukmani. Their first match against Tunisia will be crucial. Tunisia’s coach, Nadjeh Toumi, will focus on strong defence and quick counterattacks.

In the other Group A game, Egypt takes on Ethiopia. Egypt, a former champion, seeks to reclaim its status, while Ethiopia returns to the tournament for the first time since 2003, having qualified with a 3-0 win over Kenya.

Group B features former champions Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon, along with Uganda and debutants DR Congo. Côte d’Ivoire, recent WAFU B champions, rely on technical skills and key players like Bema Doumbia. Cameroon, led by Alioum Saidou, boasts physical strength and solid defence.

With a mix of past champions and newcomers, the opening day will set the stage for a tournament showcasing Africa’s rising football talents. Each team aims to reach the knockout stage and compete for the title of African champions.

TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026:

GROUP A: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Ethiopia

Groupe B: Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroun, Ouganda, RD Congo

GROUP C: Mali, Angola, Tanzania, Mozambique 

GROUP D: Senegal, South Africa, Algeria, Ghana 

The link to the full tournament schedule 

League One promotion-chasing Lincoln City sign Sierra Leone's Kamil Conteh
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kamil Conteh returns to Bristol Rovers after the end of his loan deal

Sierra Leone international Kamil Conteh, who joined Lincoln City on loan from Bristol Rovers until the end of the season, is set to return to his parent club after his loan spell.

The former Grimsby player could not join the high-flying City Imps squad next season after their promotion to the English Championship. Lincoln City secured promotion to the Sky Bet Championship after a 2-1 win over Reading in early April.

Conteh, 23, has played almost 150 competitive career matches after starting at Premier League side Watford. He has also played for EFL clubs Middlesbrough, Grimsby Town, and Bristol Rovers.

Conteh’s arrival completed City’s transfers for the January window, but he only managed a couple of appearances for the Lincoln-based team.