Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hugo Broos’ South Africa side ready for stiff Jamaica friendly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hugo Broos’ South Africa side ready for stiff Jamaica friendly

South Africa will play a competitive friendly match against Jamaica on Friday night in Pachuca, Mexico, as they look to fine-tune ahead of their much-anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Bafana Bafana of South Africa is confident of putting in a good performance following their return to football’s biggest stage after many years away. Hugo Broos’ side will be looking to snap their current winless run and head into their tournament with momentum following their opening game against World Cup hosts Mexico.

Having picked up two draws and suffered two defeats in their past four games. Many see this final warm-up match as a great opportunity to boost morale and preparation as well as sharpen up before the World Cup starts.

The Belgian head coach is expected to name his strongest side possible ahead of kickoff. However, there is one omission as Aubrey Modiba will miss the game for precautionary reasons.

Samukele Kabini and Bradley Cross will benefit from the midfielder’s absence, gaining more game time and valuable minutes on the field as they look to force their way into Broos’ plans against Mexico.

Guests Jamaica are a team on the rebound after finishing runners-up to Nigeria in the Unity Cup with a 3-0 loss. Ranked 71 in the world, the Reggae Boyz failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

In their last three matches, they’ve only tasted victory once and have struggled for consistency. Interim head coach Rudolph Speid has called up a young and inexperienced squad. He has rested several of his Europe-based stars, such as Leon Bailey and Demarai Grey, following a hectic club season.

Clearly, Jamaica are taking a breather and fielding their youngsters against some of Africa’s best talents. It will only be the sixth time these two sides meet, with South Africa unbeaten in the previous five, with one win and four draws. That was a 2-0 friendly victory in Germany back in April 20.

Defender Baba Rahman is optimistic about improving Ghana's performance
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Defender Baba Rahman is optimistic about improving Ghana’s performance

Ghana defender Baba Rahman believes performances from the Black Stars team will improve at next year’s World Cup Finals tournament.

It was not the perfect build-up to next year’s World Cup for the Ghana national team as they played Wales to a goalless draw. Ghana opened the scoring early on, but the Dragons managed to hit back with just three minutes left on the clock.

“I’m gutted we could not get the win last night, but this is a marathon, not a sprint. We will get there. This group will give everything for this precious shirt. God bless our homeland Ghana,” Baba Rahman posted after the game on social media.

The former Chelsea player played the second half after skipping out in 2023.

Ghana will become the lowest-ranked nation at the 2026 World Cup, beginning their Group L campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, Canada, ranked 73rd in the world. England is ranked fourth, while their other group rivals, Croatia, are ranked 11th, and Panama are ranked 33rd.

Their second game against former champions England will take place in Foxboro, Massachusetts six days later with a final game against the 2018 runners- up to conclude Group L fixtures on June 27.

Morocco Heads to the U.S. for Final World Cup Preparations
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco Heads to the U.S. for Final World Cup Preparations

Ahead of their final training camp, Morocco has left for their final destination as they look to make their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.

The Atlas Lions departed Rabat‑Salé Airport having enjoyed a successful training camp in Morocco that saw them defeat Madagascar 4-0 to give themselves a huge confidence boost ahead of the World Cup.

The fixture was played at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Monday, and Brahim scored one after coming on as a substitute in the 81st minute.

Morocco scored the fourth goal of the game when Brahim blasted a shot against the post from outside the box and El Kaabi tapped in. Saibairi had opened the scoring and then scored his second two minutes before halftime, while Rahimi added Morocco’s third from the penalty spot.

Mohamed Ouahbi’s side will fine-tune their plans once they’re based in America, when they take on Norway in a friendly on June 7 before the tournament kicks off for them.

Morocco’s fixtures at the World Cup start on June 13 when they take on Brazil at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey before taking on Scotland four days later on June 19. They’ll face Haiti in their final game before the knockouts begin on June 24.

Senegal's goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, has urged his teammates to demonstrate their abilities as they kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey against France on June 16th at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal’s Edouard Mendy calls on teammates to prove themselves against France

Senegal’s goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, has urged his teammates to demonstrate their abilities as they kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey against France on June 16th at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

This match will be the second time the Lions of Teranga face Les Bleus in the group stage, having famously stunned the defending champions 1-0 in their first match in 2002. Senegal advanced to the quarter-finals that year, becoming only the second African nation to achieve this feat.

In the upcoming tournament, Senegal is once again drawn with France in Group I, along with Norway and Iraq. They have qualified for four World Cups: 2002, 2018, 2022, and 2026, with a record of five wins, three draws, and four defeats across twelve matches.

“All of our opponents are strong, especially France,” Mendy told FIFA.com. “This is why we play football— to challenge ourselves against the best. We have the chance to do just that in our first World Cup match.”

Mendy emphasised his role in inspiring the next generation, mentioning, “It’s important to give back, as I’ve received so much. I want to help future players from Senegal achieve great things.”

Looking back at their historic victory over France, he said, “That match was a pivotal moment for our country, being our first World Cup win. Now we have our own match to prepare for in a new era.”

Senegal topped Group B in African qualifying, finishing with a 4-0 win against Mauritania. This World Cup will also be notable for being co-hosted by three nations and expanding to 48 teams from the previous 32.

Adil Mohamed Erradi begins preparing Liberia's game plan for Sierra Leone
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Adil Mohamed Erradi begins preparing Liberia’s game plan for Sierra Leone

The Moroccan-Belgian coach Adil Mohamed Erradi conducted his first training session after his recent appointment as the new Liberia head coach, as he begins to prepare his plans for the Lone Star ahead of upcoming games against neighbours Sierra Leone.

Liberia will be taking on Leone Stars on the 6th and Sierra Leone will reciprocate on the 9th of this month with both being FIFA recognised friendlies. The first match will take place at the Southern Arena in Bo City and return leg will be played in the capital Monrovia.

Erradi takes over from Thomas Kojo who was interim head coach of the Lone Stars and has penned a 3 year deal with the Liberia Football Federation who are hoping to reach continental stage by 2027 in East Africa.

These upcoming friendlies will play a huge role in preparations for their Africa Cup of Nations campaign which is slated to kick off in September.

Mohamed Erradi who was born on December 6th in 19’78 has had an extensive professional career and also owns a UEFA Pro License. He began his coaching journey with a trip to Ghana which then led to him becoming assistant to Juan Carlos Garrido at Raja Casablanca in June of 2017. Later that same year he went on to become technical director at IR Tanger in November of 2017.

In July 2019 he took Rwanda based club APR FC the helm and set the Nations record for most consecutive unbeaten games (50 matches) while winning them three consecutive league titles; 2019–20 20’20-20’21 and 20’21-20’22.

He made Rwandan history in July of 20’22 when he took APR FC to the second round of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League.

Moroccan coach Adil Mohamed Erradi begins preparing Liberia's strategy for the Sierra Leone clash
Moroccan coach Adil Mohamed Erradi begins preparing Liberia's strategy for the Sierra Leone clash