Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa return to World Cup since hosting in 2010
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa return to World Cup since hosting in 2010

The Bafana's will be making their fourth FIFA World Cup appearance next year — and their first since hosting the tournament in 2010 with 18 points out of a potential 30.

The Bafana Bafana has rejoined the ranks of football’s elite. The team, led by Hugo Broos, secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup by defeating Rwanda 3-0 on the last day of the African qualifiers — a result that enabled them to surpass Benin and Nigeria in one of the continent’s most competitive groups.

They demonstrated their consistency and discipline in a qualifying zone where every match was crucial. The win ignited celebrations in Johannesburg, where thousands of supporters rejoiced at the conclusion of a long and arduous wait.

South Africa 3–0 Rwanda – South Africa scorers: Mbatha (5), Appollis (26), Makgopa (72)

Elsewhere, Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen had an outstanding match as Nigeria beat Benin 4–0 in Uyo.

The Super Eagles started strong when Samuel Chukwueze intercepted a loose pass and quickly passed to Osimhen, who scored just three minutes into the game.

Benin struggled to recover from this early goal. Before halftime, Osimhen scored again with a powerful header from Chukwueze’s perfect cross, making it 2–0 for Nigeria.

Osimhen completed his hat-trick six minutes into the second half by nodding in a free-kick from Moses Simon, which crushed Benin’s hopes.

Late in the match, substitute Frank Onyeka added another goal, making it 4–0. This loss dropped Benin from first to third place and allowed South Africa to take the top spot and qualify automatically.

Nigeria finished in second place and will now wait to see if they qualify for the FIFA Play-off Tournament as one of the four best runners-up.

Nigeria 4–0 Benin – Nigeria scorers: Osimhen (3, 37, 51), Onyeka (90)

One of the smallest nations, Cape Verde book 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Impressive Cape Verde book first-ever FIFA World Cup ticket

Trailblazers - From the central Atlantic Ocean of West Africa to their inaugural appearance in a FIFA World Cup, Cape Verde has secured its place after a remarkable victory against Eswatini on Monday.

The Blue Sharks wrapped up their qualifying journey impressively with a decisive 3-0 victory against Eswatini, thanks to goals from Livramento, Willy Semedo, and seasoned player Stopira.

The island nation, with a population of approximately 525,000, is the second smallest country to ever qualify for a World Cup finals, following Iceland, which took part in the 2018 tournament.

Challenged by Cameroon throughout the qualifiers, the Blue Sharks made a bold statement to finish. Battling against strong winds in the first half, Bubista’s team finally found the breakthrough after the halftime interval: Dailon Livramento scored first from close range.

Willy Semedo extended the lead by scoring from close range after capitalizing on a rebound created by Ryan Mendes. The celebration was capped off in stoppage time when 37-year-old Stopira, who had come on late in the match, netted the third goal — a fitting tribute to the veteran’s journey, having first played for the national team in 2008.

Cabo Verde 3–0 Eswatini Goals: Livramento (48’), W. Semedo (55’), Stopira (90’)

Elsewhere In Group D, Mauritius and Libya played to a scoreless draw, with both teams already eliminated. Libya showcased more initiative but struggled against a strong defense, with Ezzeddin El Maremi nearly scoring a header and Husain Taqtaq hitting the post. Libya finished third in the group while Mauritius placed fifth.

Meanwhile, Cameroon drew with Angola, diminishing their chances of automatic qualification. Marc Brys’ team created significant chances, but Andre Onana made key saves, and Mabululo hit the woodwork twice. Cameroon now awaits results from other matches to see if they advance.

Ghana seal 2026 FIFA World Cup spot with win over Comoros
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana seal 2026 FIFA World Cup spot with win over Comoros

The Black Stars topped Group I in CAF qualifying - the African nation reached South Africa 2010 quarter-finals

The Black Stars have once again booked their spot at the FIFA World Cup following a 1-0 win against Comoros that ensured they finished at the top of Group I.

In November 2024, the nation was in shock when Ghana did not make it to the continental finals for the first time since 2004. Despite numerous calls for him to resign, Otto Addo chose not to step down as head coach.

“I’m not someone who can resign. If I had acted that way, I would never have become a player or a coach,” Addo stated. “If you understand my journey to reach this position, you wouldn’t even mention resignation.”

Addo, who took Ghana to Qatar 2022 during his initial tenure with the team, strongly believed he was the right individual to spearhead the revival.

With the support of a new coaching staff, he effectively guided the Black Stars through CAF qualifying, accumulating 25 points from ten matches in Group I.

Ghana secured their spot in the World Cup on the final qualifying day with Mohammed Kudus scoring the decisive goal against Comoros, despite tough competition from Madagascar. Jordan Ayew’s seven goals during qualifying significantly contributed to their success.

This will be Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance, having first participated in Germany 2006. They aim to improve on their 2022 performance, where they were eliminated in the group stage.

Ghana’s best World Cup finish was in 2010, reaching the quarter-finals, thanks in part to Asamoah Gyan’s memorable goal against the USA in the Round of 16, which led to a thrilling quarter-final against Uruguay.

Ghana at the FIFA World Cup

First appearance: Germany 2006 Appearances: 5 (2006, 2010, 2014, 2022, 2026) Best result: Quarter-finals (2010)

Egypt join Morocco and Tunisia as Burkina Faso edge Sierra Leone
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone, Egypt and Burkina Faso record wins to wrap up World Cup qualifiers

In the final matches of Group A in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Sierra Leone, Egypt, and Burkina Faso all secured victories to wrap up on high.

Sierra Leone played a match of little significance on Sunday, winning 2-1 at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca. This was their final game in Group A of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers — early on, Samuel Gandi found the back of the net in the 23rd minute, but the goal was disallowed for offside after receiving a pass from Mohamed Buya Turay, the captain for the day for the Leone Stars.

Coach Mohamed Kallon’s team started strong against Djibouti, using decisive passing football despite Djibouti being a lower-ranked side with no prior wins. Surprisingly, Djibouti took the lead in the 29th minute.

Abdichakour Farah (Djibouti) left-footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Idriss Houmed Bilha. (1-0).

Sierra Leone’s captain, Buya Turay, nearly equalised in the 35th minute with a shot that hit the crossbar, saved skillfully by the Djibouti goalkeeper.

Just before the halftime break, defender Juma Bah, who is currently on loan at Nice from Manchester City, equalised for Sierra Leone (1-1) with a header from the centre of the box into the middle of the goal. The assist came from Alhassan Koroma.

Following the break, both teams sought to secure an early goal. Sierra Leone’s Saidu Fofanah almost added a second with a direct free kick, but again was saved by Djibouti’s keeper.

Sierra Leone secured the winning goal through defender Sallieu Tarawallie in the 72nd minute (2-1), after timing his run perfectly to outsmart the Djibouti goalkeeper. This victory marked Coach Kallon’s third win since assuming the role.

In other action from Group A, Egypt and Burkina Faso completed their FIFA World Cup qualifiers with solid victories, winning 1–0 and 3–1, respectively.

Egypt has already clinched their spot in the 2026 World Cup following its convincing win over Djibouti, while Burkina Faso is hoping for favourable results elsewhere to earn a chance at a playoff spot.

Striker Daniel Kanu pleased after being named Young Player of the Month
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Daniel Kanu pleased with EA Sports Young Player of the Month award

Daniel Kanu, on loan at Walsall for the 2025/26 season, has been named EA Sports FC EFL Young Player of the Month for September.

A graduate of Charlton Athletic’s Academy, he made 59 EFL appearances for the club but faced injuries in the 2024/25 season.

Kanu joined Walsall to gain valuable playing time and has excelled, forming a strong partnership with Aaron Pressley. Manager Mat Sadler is recognized for developing young players on loan, further highlighting Kanu’s talent.

“I couldn’t believe it when I was told I had won. It was one of those things where I hadn’t even thought about it once, the idea that I’d even be considered for the award, let alone winning it,” Kanu said. 

“It’s been a really good month, everything I expected and a lot more. I think with the successes that Walsall had last year, I was really excited to get here and help the team, and I’ve ended up scoring a few goals. 

“My goal against Chesterfield for me is my favourite one. It was my first start at home, so I think it will always stick with me. Once you get the first one, things get a lot easier as a striker.”

Daniel Kanu named EA Sports FC Young Player of the Month
Daniel Kanu named EA Sports FC Young Player of the Month