Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

drissa Gueye to miss Premier League contest against Crystal Palace
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Idrissa Gueye to miss Premier League clash against Crystal Palace

David Moyes has confirmed Idrissa Gueye will miss the upcoming match against Crystal Palace. The Senegal defensive midfielder plays for Everton, who are trying to secure a spot in European competitions as the season comes to an end.

Gueye could not play in the last match, a 3-3 draw with Manchester City. In a press conference ahead of the Crystal Palace game, manager David Moyes confirmed that Gueye, who is 36 years old, will not participate. Moyes said, “He’s fine. He’s not training yet, but it’s not a serious injury, so we hope he’ll be back soon.”

Gueye debuted for Senegal in 2011 and played in the 2012 Summer Olympics, taking part in one match. He has played in two FIFA World Cups and six Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

After losing in the 2019 AFCON final, he helped Senegal win the 2022 final. Gueye holds the record for the most caps for Senegal and is the first player from Senegal to earn over 100 caps.

He started his career at Diambars in Senegal and joined Lille’s reserve team in 2008. He played for Lille’s first team from 2010 to 2015, winning Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France in 2011. He then moved to Aston Villa and a year later signed with Everton.

Sierra Leone to learn AFCON 2027 qualifying opponents this month
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone to learn AFCON 2027 qualifying opponents this month

CAF has announced when all member associations will learn who they will play in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The draw date for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers is set for Tuesday, 19 May.

Still searching for a head coach, Sierra Leone missed out on the last African showpiece and will find out the names of the three teams they will face in the qualifiers during the draw.

A total of 48 teams will be placed in 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group will qualify for AFCON 2027.

This edition of AFCON will be hosted by three countries: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda and the qualifiers will begin in September 2026 and end in March 2027.

CAF also mentioned that the FIFA Council recently approved these dates in Vancouver, Canada. They will reveal the host country for the opening match and the final soon.

USM Alger and Zamalek SC set for CAF Confederation Cup final first leg cracker
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

USM Alger and Zamalek SC set for CAF Confederation Cup final first leg cracker

The CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 final starts this week, with the first leg between USM Alger and Zamalek SC in Algiers on Saturday at 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT).

Both teams have won this competition before and want to add another title to their achievements in African football.

USM Alger will host the first leg at Stade 5 Juillet 1962. The second leg will take place at the Cairo International Stadium on Saturday, May 16, at 21:00 local time (18:00 GMT).

USM Alger became the 2023 champions after drawing 2-2 on aggregate against Young Africans and winning on away goals. Zamalek secured their first title in 2019 by beating RS Berkane in penalties after a 1-1 draw and won again in 2024 with another away goals victory over the same team after a 2-2 aggregate score.

This season’s TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final remains highly competitive. Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida will officiate the first leg, and Gabonese referee Pierre Atcho will handle the second leg.

Zamalek reached the final by defeating CR Belouizdad 1-0 on aggregate, while USM Alger progressed by winning on away goals against Olympic Club Safi, drawing 0-0 at home and 1-1 away. The champions will receive a record prize of USD 4 million as CAF invests in African football.

TOTALENERGIES CAF CONFEDERATION CUP 2025/26 FINAL

First Leg

USM Alger vs Zamalek SC

Date: Saturday, 09 May 2026

Venue: Stade 5 Juillet 1962, Algiers, Algeria

Kick-off: 20h00 local time | 19h00 GMT

Referee: Dahane Beida (Mauritania)

Second Leg

Zamalek SC vs USM Alger

Date: Saturday, 16 May 2026

Venue: Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt

Kick-off: 21h00 local time | 18h00 GMT

Referee: Pierre Atcho (Gabon)
Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR set for CAF CL double header final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR set for CAF Champions League final double-header

The finale of this year’s CAF Champions League 2025/26 promises to be an electrifying showdown between South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns and Morocco’s AS FAR, as they go head-to-head in a two-legged duel for the title of continental champions.

The first leg kicks off in Tshwane (Pretoria), South Africa, on Sunday, May 17, at 14:00 GMT (16:00 local time). The action will then shift to Rabat for the return leg on Sunday, May 24, at 19:00 GMT (20:00 local time).

This highly anticipated final pits two former champions of Africa’s premier club competition against each other, each to reclaim their spot at the top. Mamelodi Sundowns are on the hunt for their second title, having previously celebrated victory in 2016, while AS FAR is eager to end a 41-year drought since their last triumph in 1985.

In addition to the honour of lifting Africa’s most sought-after club trophy, the teams will also vie for a record prize fund. CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe recently announced that the winners of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League will walk away with a remarkable USD 6 million, marking a 50% increase from previous editions.

Dates and kickoff times of the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final

First Leg – Mamelodi Sundowns vs AS FAR

Date: Sunday, 17 May 2026

Venue: Tshwane, South Africa

Kick-off: 16h00 local time | 14h00 GMT

Second Leg – AS FAR vs Mamelodi Sundowns

Date: Sunday, 24 May 2026

Venue: Rabat, Morocco

Kick-off: 20h00 local time | 19h00 GMT

Striker Kei Kamara hangs up his boots, announcing retirement
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Kei Kamara hangs up his boots, announcing retirement

Seasoned forward Kei Kamara has formally declared his retirement from professional football, therefore ending an amazing career spanning almost two decades. Major League Soccer’s second all-time top scorer has been hailed as a proven goal-poacher.

The Sierra Leone international said he had “hung up his boots”, ending a career marked by longevity, resilience, and regular goal-scoring in several leagues.

Kamara had a distinguished career, especially in Major League Soccer, where he rose to the position of one of the most recognisable attackers in the league.

Renowned for his aerial ability and physical presence, he played for numerous teams and developed a reputation as a consistent attacking threat well into his late 30s.

Kamara was a key player for the Sierra Leone national football team on the world stage, leading the team and motivating younger generations of footballers. Crucial qualifying drives benefited much from his experience and leadership.

Kamara’s departure signals the end of an era and leaves a legacy of professionalism and devotion that will be treasured by both fans and colleagues.

Kamara played for a record 12 different MLS clubs, while also spending brief stints abroad. “I never played for just one crest,” he said in a video announcing his retirement. I played for the love of the game, and the places it carried me.”