Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

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.”

Sullay Kaikai and Cambridge United secure League One promotion
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sullay Kaikai and Cambridge United secure League One promotion

Sierra Leone International Sullay Kaikai and his team, Cambridge United, earned automatic promotion from League Two. This happened despite Ben Knight missing a penalty in a goalless draw against Crewe.

Kaikai has returned to the Club for a second stint, having previously made 30 appearances for the U’s on loan during the 2014/15 season. In that time, he netted 6 goals, quickly becoming a fan favorite among the Amber Army. His contributions have been vital to their promotion campaign this season.

Cambridge received a penalty in the first half after Sullay Kaikai was fouled in the box, but Knight’s low shot was saved by the goalkeeper, Ian Lawlor.

As Salford City had a chance to take third place by beating Crawley, the away fans felt more nervous as the game went on.

Josh March nearly scored for Crewe, heading just wide from a corner after Cambridge started confidently. He had another chance when Mickey Demetriou headed the ball down in the box, but his close-range shot was blocked by keeper Jake Eastwood.

Cambridge’s coach, Neil Harris, substituted former Crewe striker Elliott Nevitt at half-time. Cambridge had more shots on target than Crewe but couldn’t get the ball past Lawlor.

In added time, Cambridge almost won, but Lawlor saved a header from Kelland Watts and then stopped Dom Ball’s follow-up shot with his legs.

A draw was enough for Cambridge to return to League One after being relegated last season. They conceded only 33 goals across 46 games, and Salford couldn’t find a winner in their match.

“We weren’t the better team, but we had better chances, especially in the 96th minute, to win,” Neil Harris told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.

“Many times this season, we’ve created chances without scoring when it mattered. If we had scored more, we could have reached 100 points and gone up much earlier.

“Ultimately, what matters is that we made it. If you can’t win, the important thing is not to lose. That always works for us.”

In June last year, Kaikai, 29, who has 105 appearances for the U’s to his name agreed terms to a new contract which will take him through until 2027.

Ismaila Sarr helps Crystal Palace close in on Conference League final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ismaila Sarr helps Crystal Palace close in on Conference League final

Ismaila Sarr scored the fastest goal in Conference League history to help Crystal Palace beat Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 in the first leg of their semi-final tie.

Sarr found the net just 21 seconds into the match in Poland after receiving a pass from Jean-Philippe Mateta. Shakhtar controlled possession afterward but struggled to create clear chances.

They equalized quickly in the second half when Oleh Ocheretko scored from close range. However, Palace took the lead again in the 58th minute when Daichi Kamada scored his first goal since October 2024.

Jorgen Strand Larsen added a third for Palace after a smart play, giving them a strong position heading into the second leg at Selhurst Park on May 7.

Oliver Glasner, the Palace coach, has led the team to memorable victories, including last season’s FA Cup win. With Sarr’s eighth goal in the competition, Palace looks poised to reach the final on May 27 in Leipzig.

Strand Larsen, despite previous struggles in the Premier League, proved his worth with this crucial goal.