Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Issues Sanctions Against Algeria After Misconduct
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Issues Sanctions Against Algeria After Misconduct

The CAF Disciplinary Board met to discuss issues from the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 match between Algeria and Nigeria on January 10, 2026.

The Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football has announced penalties for Algeria’s misconduct during the January 10, 2026, African Cup of Nations match against Nigeria:

– Luca Zidane is suspended for two matches for misconduct.
– Rafik Belghali is suspended for four matches (two of which are deferred for one year) for aggressive behaviour toward the referee.
– The Algerian Football Federation will incur fines totalling USD 100,000 for various infractions:
– USD 5,000 for receiving five yellow cards in one match.
– USD 25,000 for inappropriate behaviour from players and officials.
– USD 5,000 for fans using smoke devices.
– USD 5,000 for fans throwing objects.
– USD 10,000 for failing to follow security measures.
– USD 50,000 for offensive gestures by supporters towards match officials.

AFCON top scorer Brahim Díaz apologises to Moroccan people
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

AFCON top scorer Brahim Díaz apologises to Moroccan people

Brahim Díaz of Morocco has apologized for missing a key penalty in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, where Senegal triumphed 1-0 after extra-time in Rabat.

Díaz was fouled in the box by El Hadji Malick Diouf, leading to a VAR-reviewed penalty decision that sparked protests from Senegal.

He attempted a Panenka shot, which Senegal’s goalkeeper Édouard Mendy saved. The miss sent the match went to extra time, where Pape Gueye scored the winning goal for Senegal, securing their second AFCON title.

Díaz expressed his regret on social media the following day. “My soul hurts,” wrote Díaz. “I dreamed of this title thanks to all the love you have given me, every message, every show of support that made me feel I was not alone. I fought with everything I had, with my heart above all else.

“Yesterday I failed, and I take full responsibility and apologise wholeheartedly. It will be difficult for me to recover, because this wound does not heal easily, but I will try.

“Not for myself, but for all those who believed in me and for all those who suffered with me. I will keep going until one day I can give you all this love back and be the pride of my Moroccan people.”

Despite missing a penalty, the 26-year-old had a remarkable debut tournament, becoming the first player in AFCON history to score in all five of his initial matches at the finals. He not only made his mark but also finished as the tournament’s top scorer, earning the Golden Boot with five goals in seven appearances.

Díaz is eagerly anticipating the chance to make amends at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Akor Adams nets brace as Sevilla draw with Elche
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Akor Adams nets a brace as Sevilla draw with Elche

Akor Adams helped Sevilla secure a draw against Elche by scoring two goals after returning from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with the Super Eagles.

Sevilla initially fell behind 2-0, with goals from Aleix Febas and Germán Valera. Coming off the bench, Akor scored in the 75th minute and converted a penalty in stoppage time to equalise.

In a statement to Mundo Deportivo, Akor expressed his gratitude for playing time and noted that while the team had chances to win, he was satisfied with the draw.

He emphasised the importance of teamwork and mentioned that he was happy to contribute after watching the team’s previous games while away.

The draw leaves Sevilla in 14th place in the La Liga table. Their next match is on Saturday against 10th-place Athletic Club at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.

Sierra Leone set to compete in FIFA Series 2026
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone set to compete in FIFA Series 2026

Sierra Leone will face host nation Azerbaijan, Oman, and St Lucia in this year's FIFA series.

Forty-eight national teams from all six FIFA confederations are set to compete, representing almost a quarter of the global football community. Eleven FIFA Member Associations to host 12 groups, engaging both men’s and women’s national teams.

Following the announcement of the expanded format in November 2025, the FIFA Series 2026 will feature 48 national teams competing in 12 groups of four teams each during the international match window in March and April.

With 48 participating teams – representing almost 25% of FIFA’s 211 Member Associations – nearly a quarter of the global football community will take part in the FIFA Series.

Eleven FIFA Member Associations will host the series of events, with Rwanda hosting two groups, bringing the total number of groups to 12.

The initiative will include nine men’s groups and three women’s groups, with all six FIFA confederations represented, underlining the truly global nature of the FIFA Series™.

The confirmed hosts for the men’s groups are Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Rwanda and Uzbekistan. The women’s contests will take place in Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire and Thailand.

Match schedules for all FIFA Series 2026 events will be announced in due course.

Pape Gueye nets an extra time stunner as Senegal win AFCON title
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pape Gueye nets an extra-time stunner as Senegal win AFCON title

Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title for the second time after defeating hosts Morocco 1–0 in a thrilling final held in Rabat.

The clinching moment came just three minutes into extra time when Pape Gueye scored with a powerful left-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area, sending the Senegalese bench into celebration and disappointing the home crowd.

Morocco almost won the match during regular time when they were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review. However, Edward Mendy saved Brahim Diaz’s shot, forcing the game into extra time.

The match was evenly matched from the start. Morocco aimed for their first title in over 50 years, while Senegal sought to reclaim the championship it won in 2021. Senegal started strong, controlling the game and creating better chances in the first half.

Morocco’s goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, made key saves, stopping Gueye’s header from a corner and then denying Iliman Ndiaye in a one-on-one situation. The best chance for Morocco came just before half-time when Nayef Aguerd just missed connecting with a cross from Abdessamad Ezzalzouli.

After the break, Morocco came out with renewed energy. Ayoub El Kaabi had a great opportunity but missed the target with a shot after receiving a perfectly placed pass from Bilal El Khannouss. Morocco continued to press for a goal, but they struggled to finish.

Senegal remained dangerous on the counterattack. In the 89th minute, substitute Ibrahim Mbaye nearly scored, but Bounou made another excellent save.

As the game went into extra time without a winner, Senegal quickly struck. Sadio Mané made a clever back-heel pass to Idrissa Gana Gueye, who then set up Pape Gueye for the goal. Gueye showed strength and composure, sending a powerful shot past Bounou.

Morocco pressed hard for an equaliser. Diaz tried to make up for his penalty miss with a close-range shot saved by Mendy. Youssef En-Nesyri also came close with a diving header that went just wide. Senegal almost increased their lead, but Bounou stopped another shot from Pape Cherif Ndiaye, and the rebound was missed.

In the end, Senegal defended strongly and celebrated a historic victory, securing their second AFCON title and confirming their status among Africa’s best teams.

Pape Gueye, named Man of the Match, said, “I am very happy to win the final. It was a complicated match. After Morocco missed the penalty, we stayed focused and played our game. Then we scored a goal that allowed us to win. Scoring in a final is a proud moment for me. I am really happy to score, and most importantly, Senegal now has a second star.