Author: Football Sierra Leone

Riyad Mahrez scores twice as Algeria thrash Sudan
by Football Sierra Leone

Riyad Mahrez scores twice as Algeria thrash Sudan

Algeria kicked off their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 campaign with a confident 3–0 win over 10-man Sudan on Wednesday evening at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, marking an impressive start to their Group E fixtures.

The Fennecs, who were champions in 2019, celebrated their first AFCON finals victory since then, thanks to a brace from captain Riyad Mahrez and a late goal from Ibrahim Maza.

They dominated Sudan, taking the lead just two minutes in with Mahrez’s goal from a Hicham Boudaoui assist. Sudan’s Salah El-Din Adel was sent off in the 39th minute, allowing Algeria to maintain control.

In the second half, Mahrez scored again in the 61st minute, assisted by Mohamed Amine Amoura, followed by Maza’s goal in the 85th minute from Baghdad Bounedjah’s setup, securing a 3–0 win for Algeria. Algeria sits atop Group E with three points.

In another match, Burkina Faso staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Equatorial Guinea 2–1, scoring twice in stoppage time. After a balanced first half, Equatorial Guinea went down to ten men with a red card to Basilo Ndung.

Despite conceding in the 85th minute to Marvin Aniebo, Burkina Faso equalised in the fifth minute of added time through György Menongo and won it with Edmond Tapsoba’s goal shortly after, also finishing with three points atop the group.

Last-gasp delight for Burkina Faso skipper Edmond Tapsoba
by Football Sierra Leone

Last-gasp delight for Burkina Faso defender Edmond Tapsoba

Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba, scored a late header to help Burkina Faso defeat 10-man Equatorial Guinea 2–1 in their opening match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on Wednesday.

Burkina Faso made an incredible comeback by scoring two goals deep into stoppage time after Equatorial Guinea scored against the run of play in the 85th minute through Marvin Anieboh, but G. Minoungou (90’+5)Goal 90 minute plus 5, and E. Tapsoba (90’+8) responded to win it in added time.

The match changed in the second half when Equatorial Guinea’s Basilo Ndung received a straight red card in the 50th minute due to a dangerous challenge, leading coach Juan Micha to reorganise his team and adjust their strategy.

Man of the Match – Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso defender), “I’m thrilled with our victory. We came back from behind to win, scoring two goals. This award reflects our team’s effort, and I dedicate it to everyone in the Burkina Faso national team.”

Juan Micha – Head Coach of Equatorial Guinea, “Congrats to Burkina Faso; they were tough opponents. We lost focus, and the match quickly slipped away. Our mental game struggled, especially after the red card, but we aim to improve in future matches.”

Brama Traoré – Head Coach of Burkina Faso, “Starting the tournament with a win was crucial. Facing a strong Equatorial Guinea team was challenging, but we worked hard to equalise and ultimately secure the victory, which we are very pleased with.”

Egypt’s Hossam Hassan hopeful of AFCON 2025 success
by Football Sierra Leone

Egypt’s Hossam Hassan hopeful of AFCON 2025 success

Egyptian football legend Hossam Hassan, now the coach of Egypt’s national team, wants his team to win the CAF TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco.

The former International believes they have what it takes to achieve this, even though they have not won the tournament since 2010.

Egypt is in Group B with Angola, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Their first match is against Zimbabwe at the Adrar stadium in Agadir, Morocco, on Monday.

In an interview with CAFonline.com, Hossam talked about how he instils a winning spirit in his players. He said, “The Egyptian national team already has a winning mentality. I was lucky to win three AFCON titles as a player in 1998, 2006, and 2008.

We will do everything possible to lift the trophy again this year. It will take hard work from every team member. Egypt has a rich football history, especially in AFCON, where we have won seven titles.”

He shared Egypt’s goals for the tournament: “We always aim to win, which requires a lot from our players. We have top players, and they are motivated for this championship.”

Hossam also expressed respect for their Group B opponents, saying, “All teams in our group are strong and have good players. African football has improved greatly, but we will give our best to win the title and make our fans happy.”

He acknowledged the progress of AFCON: “I thank CAF for their efforts in improving the tournament. African football has developed a lot, and all countries are working to do well in this championship. Egypt has hosted successful editions, and I believe Morocco will organise an excellent tournament.”

Hossam sent a message to Egyptian fans: “Thank you for your continued support. We will do everything we can to lift the trophy. The national team always aims to bring joy to our supporters, and we promise to give our all to make them proud.”

He noted that the close calls in 2017 and 2021 should motivate this generation of players, with Hossam’s guidance, to succeed.

Morocco beat Jordan to lift Second Arab Cup After Extra-Time
by Football Sierra Leone

Morocco beat Jordan to lift Second Arab Cup after extra time

Morocco secured their second Arab Cup title, narrowly defeating Jordan 3-2 after extra time in a final brimming with skill, intensity, and unforgettable moments.

The Atlas Lions started strong. A mere four minutes into the match, Oussama Tannane unleashed a powerful shot from midfield that caught everyone off guard, including the Jordanian goalkeeper, and put Morocco ahead 1-0 by halftime.

This stunning strike had fans on their feet and quickly established Morocco’s control over the game. Jordan rallied in the second half. Olwan found the net in the 48th minute and then converted a penalty 20 minutes later, giving Nashama a 2-1 lead. In response, Morocco’s coach, Sektioui, made three significant substitutions, shifting the game’s momentum.

Hamadallah’s goal in the 87th minute equalised the match, leading to extra time and heightening the tension. Jordan believed they had regained the lead in the 91st minute, but the goal was disallowed, extending the nail-biting suspense.

Finally, in the 100th minute, Hamadallah scored again, delivering the winning goal and securing a historic victory for Morocco.

Both teams poured their hearts into the match, providing an encounter filled with moments that fans will cherish for years.

Morocco has now claimed their Arab Cup in history, marking their first victory since 2012, while Jordan can take pride in an extraordinary tournament that saw them reach the final for the first time.

Mozambique and Angola set for pre-AFCON friendly in Portugal
by Football Sierra Leone

Mozambique and Angola set for pre-AFCON friendly in Portugal

Mozambique and Angola will clash in Portugal on Wednesday for a final warm-up ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

According to a statement from the Mozambique Football Federation, the friendly match will take place behind closed doors in Algarve.

Mozambique’s coach, Chiquinho Conde, expressed his enthusiasm for the game, emphasising the importance of building team cohesion rather than just focusing on a win.

Mozambique is preparing for the AFCON tournament in Morocco, where they will be competing in Group F alongside the Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and Gabon. Conde’s team is set to launch their AFCON campaign against the reigning champions next Wednesday.

Angola’s goalkeeper, Hugo Marques, shared his excitement about facing his former Cape Town City teammate, Edmison Dove, who anchors Mozambique’s defence.

He noted that this match holds significant importance as Angola gears up for AFCON, stating, “Angola wants it more.”

In their AFCON opener, Angola will face formidable opponents, Egypt, on Monday. They are drawn into a challenging group featuring Southern African rivals South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the record winners, Egypt.