Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Stade Malien beat Petro de Luanda in Bamako to go top of Group D
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Stade Malien beat Petro de Luanda in Bamako to go top of Group D

Stade Malien climbed to the top of Group D in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League with a solid 2–0 win over Petro de Luanda in Bamako on Sunday.

This victory allowed them to take the lead at the halfway point of the tournament.

In the second half, Taddeus Nkeng and captain Mamadou Traoré scored to settle the match, bringing Stade Malien to seven points from three games and creating a two-point lead over the second-place team.

In the first half, both teams played cautiously. Stade Malien was more aggressive, trying to create chances while Petro de Luanda defended deep.

Daouda Coulibaly had the best chance halfway through the first half, but Petro’s goalkeeper, Nuno Marques, quickly blocked the shot to keep the game scoreless.

The match shifted five minutes into the second half when Marques poorly kicked the ball, allowing Traoré to pass to Nkeng, who scored from distance, putting Stade Malien ahead.

Things worsened for Petro as left-back Eddie Afonso slipped while passing from the back, enabling Ousmane “Kalaba” Coulibaly to create an opportunity. Traoré scored again off his cross, making it 2–0.

Petro’s substitute Jó Paciência later missed a big chance in the 75th minute, but Stade Malien maintained their lead to secure the win. This win puts Stade Malien in a strong position in Group D, while Petro de Luanda falls to third place with four points.

In another match in the group, Espérance de Tunis narrowly beat Simba SC 1–0, keeping the qualification race tight before the next games.

Espérance de Tunis edge Simba SC in Group D CAF CL tie
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Espérance de Tunis edge Simba SC in Group D CAF CL tie

Espérance Sportive de Tunis secured a vital 1-0 victory over Simba SC on Saturday at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Radès, during Matchday 3 of Group D in the CAF Champions League group stage.

The match saw Jacques Diarra net the only goal in the 21st minute, earning the “Blood and Gold” three crucial points and putting them at the top of Group D with a total of 5 points.

This marked Espérance’s first win in the group stage, following two earlier draws. Meanwhile, Simba SC continues to struggle, remaining winless and sitting at the bottom of the group with zero points.

The Tunisians dominated play for much of the match and could have extended their lead, but fell short due to a lack of precision in their finishing and some hurried choices in the final moments. Despite a few attempts, Simba SC was unable to penetrate Espérance’s well-organized defense.

Mahmoud Trezeguet nets a brace as Al Ahly top of Group B in CAF CL
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mahmoud Trezeguet nets a brace as Al Ahly go top of Group B in CAF CL

Al Ahly took the lead in Group B of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League after beating Young Africans from Tanzania 2-0 in Alexandria on Friday.

Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet scored both goals, helping Al Ahly maintain their unbeaten record in the group stage.

Young Africans started strong and tested Al Ahly early with shots from Allan Onkell and quick counter-attacks. Al Ahly’s goalkeeper, Mostafa Shobeir, made important saves in the first 15 minutes, while Yasser Ibrahim cleared a threat as Young Africans pressed for control.

Despite having more possession, Al Ahly found it hard to score until stoppage time at the end of the first half. Mohamed Hany crossed the ball from the right, and Trezeguet headed it into the net, slipping it under the Young Africans goalkeeper to give Al Ahly a 1-0 lead.

After halftime, Young Africans pushed for a goal and nearly scored with a low shot, but Shobeir reacted quickly to keep Al Ahly ahead. As the match went on, Al Ahly gained more control and increased their lead in the 75th minute. Trezeguet received the ball in the penalty area, moved it to his right foot, and shot it into the net for his second goal.

Young Africans almost scored late in the game, but Shobeir made another great save. Al Ahly missed chances to score a third goal in the closing minutes.

This win puts Al Ahly at seven points from three matches at the top of Group B, while Young Africans stay in second place with four points as the group heads toward a critical phase.

Mighty Blackpool FC Joins African Club Association (ACA)
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mighty Blackpool Joins African Club Association (ACA)

One of Sierra Leone's most decorated football club's, Mighty Blackpool has announced its membership in the African Club Association (ACA).

This milestone signifies the club’s commitment to excellence and active participation in the African football community.

The ACA promotes improved football standards across Africa. “Joining the ACA aligns with our vision for integrity and innovation,” stated Rodney Michael, Chairman of Mighty Blackpool FC. He encourages other Premier League and Division 1 teams to join as well.

Benefits of ACA Membership: Mighty Blackpool FC will gain:

  • Continental Representation: Influence on football policies and reforms.
    -Capacity Building: Access to training and support for leaders and coaches.
  • Commercial Opportunities: Enhanced visibility for sponsorships and partnerships.

  • Knowledge Exchange: Collaboration with other clubs on governance and youth development.
  •  Advocacy: A strong voice in CAF and FIFA discussions.

Mighty Blackpool’s ACA membership represents a commitment to modern management, financial transparency, and youth development, aiming to elevate Sierra Leonean football on the African stage.

African Club Association is the united voice of clubs across the continent.

ACA brings together men’s and women’s clubs of all sizes from across the continent — with the mission of helping every member club grow and develop, while ensuring that, collectively, clubs are central to decision-making on the regional and global football stages.

We will always be shaped by the collective, where the superstar is the badge on the front of the shirt.

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.