Author: Football Sierra Leone

African match officials named to officiate at the FIFA Club World Cup
by Football Sierra Leone

African match officials named to officiate at the FIFA Club World Cup

Issa Sy from Senegal, Ibrahim Mutaz from Libya, Dahane Beida Mauritania in Photo, Mustapha Ghorbal from Algeria, and Jean Jacques Ndala from DR Congo were named among the 117 match officials from 41 member associations selected, including 35 referees, 58 assistant referees, and 24 video match officials, for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.

The FIFA Referees Committee has announced the match officials for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, set to take place from June 14 to July 13 in 12 stadiums across 11 U.S. host cities. This announcement follows seminars with referees from all six confederations.

The names mentioned highlight Africa’s growing influence in international football officiating and its role in shaping the game.

Ghorbal is among Africa’s most experienced referees, having officiated at the FIFA World Cup and CAF events. Ndala and Sy have also built strong reputations through their consistent performance in high-level matches, both in Africa and internationally.

This tournament will not only showcase club excellence but also introduce referees wearing body cameras for the first time, providing fans with unique insights into in-game decisions via DAZN.

FIFA Referees Committee Chairman Pierluigi Collina called this appointment a “privilege,” emphasizing its significance in a referee’s career.

As clubs compete in America this summer, Africa can take pride in its referees, who embody fair play and inspire a new generation of officials across the continent.

Mali book U17 AFCON semis spot with victory over Tunisia
by Football Sierra Leone

Mali book U17 AFCON semi-final spot with victory over Tunisia

Mali secured their spot in the semi-finals of the 2025 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations by defeating Tunisia in an intense 10-9 penalty shootout after finishing 1-1 in regulation time on Friday evening at Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi in El Jadida.  

The fiercely contested match saw both teams give it their all, but it was Mali who remained composed during the penalties to earn their place in the final four of the continental tournament.  

Seydou Dembélé put Mali ahead in the 42nd minute, expertly finishing a well-coordinated move with a precise strike into the top corner.  

The West African side controlled much of the first half, applying high pressure and generating numerous opportunities through Dembélé and Soumaila Fané.  

Tunisia emerged stronger after halftime and eventually got their reward in the 79th minute when Anisse Saidi hit a powerful low shot from distance to equalize for the North Africans.  

With the match tied at 1-1 at the end of regulation, it went directly to a penalty shootout to establish the winner.  

The shootout became a lengthy ordeal, as both sides confidently converted pressure-laden penalties in an impressive demonstration of poise.  

After 19 successful attempts, Tunisia’s Slim Bouaskar had his penalty blocked by Mali’s goalkeeper, Cheick Diarra, who then scored to send Mali into the semi-finals, sparking celebrations.  

Mali’s progression highlights their strong U-17 AFCON history as they prepare to face Burkina Faso, aiming for their third title after wins in 2015 and 2017.  

Tunisia exits the tournament proudly after a commendable challenge against one of Africa’s top youth teams.

Ivory Coast through to U17 Cup of Nations semis after defeating Senega
by Football Sierra Leone

Ivory Coast through to U17 Cup of Nations semis after defeating Senegal

Ivory Coast won 5-3 on penalties after playing to a goalless draw against defending Champions Senegal in the quarter-finals of the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday.

The match was intense and tactical, with Cote d’Ivoire defeating the defending champions. Both teams played carefully and did not show their usual fast-passing style.

Key players like Alynho Haidara from Cote d’Ivoire and Barhama Ndiaye from Senegal were quiet for most of the game. In the second half, both teams tried harder to score.

In the 87th minute, Vaboue Doumbia had an excellent opportunity to score, but his low cross nearly went in with the goalkeeper out of position. Senegal almost won at the end when substitute Ibrahima Sow’s close-range shot was cleared off the line.

With the score at 0-0, the match went to penalties. Cote d’Ivoire won 5-3 in the shootout.

Ziyad Baha nets twice as Morocco beat South Africa in U17 AFCON
by Football Sierra Leone

Ziyad Baha nets twice as Morocco beat South Africa in U17 AFCON

Morocco advanced to the semi-finals of the 2025 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations by defeating South Africa 3-1 on Thursday in Mohammedia.

Playing in front of a supportive home crowd at Stade El Bachir, Morocco took control early, with Ismail El Aoud scoring in the 13th minute.

South Africa fought back and equalized with Neo Bohloko’s header in the 54th minute but Morocco quickly regained the lead. Ziyad Baha scored twice, first in the 61st minute and then a minute later, securing the win.

Morocco defended well throughout the match, with goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch making key saves to maintain their advantage.

This victory confirmed Morocco’s spot in the semi-finals, joining Burkina Faso, who beat Zambia 6-1 earlier in the day. Morocco’s strong attacking and defensive play makes them a top contender for the U-17 AFCON title.

Al Ahly, Esperance, Sundowns all set for Intriguing second leg CAF Champions League ties
by Football Sierra Leone

Al Ahly, Esperance, Sundowns all set for Intriguing second leg CAF Champions League ties

The CAF Champions League semi-finals are on the line Tuesday as four teams look to overcome deficits, while others aim to protect slim leads in quarter-finals are entering a critical phase with second-leg matchups set to determine who advances to the final four of Africa’s top club tournament.

Sundowns up against tough Esperance

Mamelodi Sundowns heads into a challenging match against Tunisia’s Esperance Sportive de Tunis with a narrow 1-0 lead. Coach Miguel Cardoso’s squad needs to stay firm to avoid last season’s semi-final disappointments.

Key players include Namibian forward Peter Shalulile and Brazilian playmaker Lucas Ribeiro. Sundowns will rely on their experience against a determined Esperance team aiming for their fifth Champions League title.

Under coach Maher Kanzari, they seek to turn the deficit around, with star player Youcef Belaïli expected to lead their attack. The Tunisian crowd will be a crucial motivator as Esperance looks to make a comeback.

MC Alger seeks revenge against Orlando Pirates

MC Alger faces a tough challenge after losing 1-0 to Orlando Pirates in the opening match in Algiers. The return leg in South Africa presents a significant test for the Algerians, who now must produce a strong away performance to remain in the competition.

Coach José Riveiro’s Pirates are the favorites for the second leg in Johannesburg.

The Buccaneers displayed solid defense in the first encounter, and fans hope to see players like Evidence Makgopa return to scoring form or potentially witness a surprising comeback from Monnapule Saleng, who recently resumed training after an extended absence. MC Alger will aim to harness their belief and character to defy the expectations away from home and turn the tie in their favor.

Pyramids FC are ready but cautious in Morocco

Egypt’s Pyramids FC holds a strong lead in the quarter-finals after a 4-1 victory over Morocco’s Royal Army in Cairo. The team’s attacking trio, consisting of Ibrahim Adel, Ramadan Sobhi, and Fiston Mayele, played a key role.

Coach Krunoslav Jurcic aims to secure their advancement in the upcoming match in Rabat. Despite the setback, Royal Army’s coach, Alexandre Santos, remains hopeful for a comeback on home ground. The match is taking place amid tensions between the clubs due to complaints over fan restrictions and stadium access.

Al Ahly cautious of an upset as Al Hilal prepares for an ambush in Nouakchott.

Al Ahly holds a 1-0 lead against Al Hilal ahead of their second-leg match in Nouakchott, due to security issues in Sudan. Coach Marcel Koller aims for improved offensive play from players like Achraf Bencharki, Imam Ashour, and Wissam Abu Ali, while veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy anchors the defense.