Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa forfeit three vital points in the race to 2026 World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa forfeit three vital points in the race to 2026 World Cup

South Africa's prospects for qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have taken a significant hit after the country was penalized for fielding an ineligible player.

Teboho Mokoena played in a match against Lesotho, which saw South Africa win 2-0 in March. However, the 28-year-old midfielder was supposed to be serving a suspension because he had already accumulated two yellow cards.

A FIFA disciplinary committee ruled that South Africa had breached competition rules and consequently imposed a 3-0 forfeit for the match.

Mokoena’s involvement in the win over Lesotho in March has now put South Africa and Benin on 14 points each, while Nigeria and Rwanda sit at 11 points. With two games left next month, the group remains wide open.

“We apologise to the nation for this administrative oversight and will reflect on the steps to take at the conclusion of our qualifying campaign. Finally, we call on all South Africans to rally behind the team during this final and crucial stage of the qualifiers,” Saffa acknowledged the Fifa decision.

African Champions South Africa ready for U20 opener against France
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

African Champions South Africa ready for U20 opener against France

Raymond Mdaka’s team is eager to continue their historic journey following their impressive victory in the U-20 AFCON earlier this year.

Tonight, they face a European powerhouse France at 17:00 hrs local time, at the Estadio El Teniente stadium in Chile.

Arriving in Chile as continental champions, South Africa secured their first-ever U-20 AFCON title with a thrilling win over Morocco.

It was in May that they lifted the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations trophy, thanks to a stunning goal from Gomolemo Kekana that clinched the victory in the Cairo final.

This triumph not only crowned them champions but also earned Mdaka’s squad a place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025™, marking their return to this prestigious tournament for the first time since 2019 and only their fifth overall appearance.

Their opponent – France will compete in the FIFA U-20 World Cup™ for the fourth time in a row, marking the first time in their history that they have achieved this. Only Argentina, the USA, and New Zealand have longer current streaks of qualifications for the tournament at Chile 2025.

South Africa Group E fixtures

29 September France-South Africa (17:00 local time, Estadio El Teniente)

2 October South Africa-New Caledonia (20:00 local time, Estadio El Teniente)

5 October South Africa-USA (17:00 local time, Estadio El Teniente)

Nigeria set for Norway cracker in FIFA U20 World Cup opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria set for Norway cracker in FIFA U20 World Cup opener  

The FIFA U20 World Cup will commence with an exciting match as Nigeria's Flying Eagles take on Norway's Young Vikings at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca in Chile on Monday. Kickoff time 21:00 WAT.

Both squads understand the importance of a robust opening game, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter filled with skill and intensity beneath the Chilean night sky.

Nigeria enters the tournament with a rich history, marking their 14th appearance and featuring two runner-up finishes, one in 1989 and another in 2005.

Guided by coach Aliyu Zubair, the Flying Eagles blend domestic talent with stars from Europe, aiming to sharpen their offensive play and make a significant impact.

Conversely, Norway, participating in their fourth U20 World Cup, aims to overcome their previous group-stage challenges.

Under the leadership of coach Bjorn Johansen, the Young Vikings bring a strong sense of determination and resilience, looking to make their mark with an impressive showing.

Nigeria’s roster features promising young talent, including goalkeepers Ebenezer Harcourt, Clinton Ezekiel, and Rufa’i Abubakar for defensive stability.

Defenders Ocheche Amos Onyejefu and Daniel Bameyi add international experience, while midfielders Daniel Daga and Israel Ayuma contribute strength and creativity.

In attack, the Flying Eagles showcase offensive power with Achichi Oseer, Kparobo Arierhi, and Sani Suleman.

Nigeria’s Group F fixtures

29 September Norway-Nigeria (17:00 local time, Estadio Fiscal)

2 October Nigeria-Saudi Arabia (20:00 local time, Estadio Fiscal)

5 October Nigeria-Colombia (20:00 local time, Estadio Fiscal)

Striker Augustine Williams takes USL Championship season's tally to eight
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Augustine Williams takes USL Championship season’s tally to eight

On Sunday, Augustine Williams recorded his eighth goal of the USL Championship to help Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC with a 1-0 victory over Las Vegas Lights FC at Highmark Stadium, earning their second consecutive win.

His goal came in the 30th-minute from the penalty spot as Williams converted marking the sole goal of the day.

Both teams quickly sought to maneuver past defenders for scoring opportunities. The Lights’ Patrick Leal delivered a threatening ball into the Hounds’ box, which Guillaume Vacter cleared. Junior Etou then teamed with Robbie Mertz for a run but was stopped by Lights goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena.

In the 28th minute, Mertz set up Etou again, who was tripped by Younes Boudadi, leading to a penalty. The Sierra Leone International Williams converted the penalty in the 30th minute, scoring his eighth goal of the season and maintaining a perfect record from the spot.

The Hounds’ goalkeeper, Randolph, made his first save in the 37th minute against Johnny Rodriguez’s curling shot. Five minutes after halftime, Luke Biasi assisted Bradley Sample, whose shot hit the crossbar.

The Hounds dominated with 19 shots compared to Las Vegas’s 6 and contained a free kick from Gennaro Nigro. Randolph made a crucial save in the 81st minute against Giorgio Probo and later denied Brigham Larsen in stoppage time.

Las Vegas had a final chance when Rodriguez failed to chip Randolph after a long goal kick.

US Monastir cruise past East End Lions to progress as Police FC advance
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

US Monastir cruise past East End Lions to progress as Police FC advance

Tunisian side US Monastir cruised past Sierra Leone’s East End Lions with a resounding 3-1 victory at the Taieb Mhiri Stadium, wrapping up a commanding 7-1 aggregate win over two legs.

The Tunisians wasted no time, scoring twice within the first seven minutes through Naude Zeguei and Haj Ali Moez, effectively sealing their fate.

Although Ali Conteh gave East End Lions a glimmer of hope early in the second half, an own goal by Alpha Kamara in the 71st minute made sure of Monastir’s comfortable progression.

With their dominant performance across both legs, the North Africans emerge as early favorites in the tournament.

Simba SC from Tanzania and Kenya Police FC secured their spots in the Second Preliminary Round of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, albeit through different routes.

Simba drew 1–1 against Gaborone United in Dar es Salaam, progressing with a 2–1 aggregate score. Jean Carlos Ahoua’s goal put Simba ahead before Lebogang Ditsele equalized for Gaborone with a penalty, but they couldn’t find a winner.

Kenya Police FC faced a tough challenge, losing 2–0 at home to Mogadishu City. However, their 3–1 first-leg victory in Somalia meant they advanced on away goals despite the tie ending 3–3.

In Eswatini, Nsingizini Hotspurs defeated Zimbabwe’s Simba Bhora 4–2 on penalties after a 1–0 win in the second leg leveled the tie at 1–1 on aggregate. Shongwe Nkosingiphile’s last-minute goal forced penalties, where Hotspurs held their nerve to advance.

Additionally, Nigeria’s Rivers United secured a 1-0 victory over Aigles du Congo, while Burkina Faso’s Rahimo FC advanced past AS Mangasport on penalties after a goalless draw over two legs.