Category: African News

Our African football page passionately on all continental topics of all National and International football news, Identifying football heroes on our continent.

Senegal parts ways with manager Pape Thiaw after World Cup exit
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal parts ways with manager Pape Thiaw after World Cup exit

Senegal has dismissed manager Pape Thiaw following their elimination from the World Cup at the last-32 stage. Senegal started poorly, losing to France and Norway in their opening two games.

They defeated Iraq 5-0 to finish third in Group B, as the best-placed third-placed team advanced to the knockout stages. Senegal went ahead against Belgium in their Round of 16 clash but conceded twice late on, including a penalty in extra time, as they lost 3-2.

Midfielder Pape Gueye subsequently announced that he was taking a break from international duty while Senegal was under its current management.

“After a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team,” the Senegal Football Federation (FSF) said in a statement, “the Executive Committee decided to relieve him of his duties in the best interests of Senegalese football.”

Senegal arrived in Qatar this month after appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against having their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations win deducted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Thiaw played a key role in the controversy as he led his players down the tunnel when Morocco was awarded a stoppage-time penalty in the final.

The players returned around 17 minutes later and Senegal went on to win after Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved and Gueye scored in extra-time.

Morocco was awarded the trophy in March after CAF overturned the final result due to Senegal’s walk-off. Senegal has since appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and others mourn Jayden Adams

Jayden Adams, a South African midfielder who played at this year’s World Cup, has died at age 25. South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, confirmed his death on Saturday in a statement.

“My heart goes out to the family of Jayden Adams, whom I spoke to this morning,” McKenzie said.

Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, has sent his heartfelt condolences following the passing of South Africa international and Mamelodi Sundowns star, Jayden Adams.

“At just 25 years of age, Jayden Adams represented his country for Bafana Bafana during FIFA World Cup 2026 and was also part of the Mamelodi Sundowns squad that won the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2026 in Rabat,” said Dr Motsepe.

Dr Motsepe on behalf of CAF and its 54 Member Associations would like to send his sincere condolences to the South African Football Association (“SAFA”), and its President, Dr Danny Jordaan, Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club and most importantly, to the Family of Jayden Adams.

Jayden Adams previously played his football for Stellenbosch FC and has recently cemented his place in the Bafana Bafana side. He died earlier this week after appearing for his country during their run in the World Cup round of 32.

”We at the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) are devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams,” SAFPU said in a statement. Jayden had recently proudly represented his country at the FIFA World Cup, to the collective hopes of a nation he carried with immense pride, courage, and distinction.

He started the team’s 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic despite his grandmother Marianna passing away the day before the match. He also started in South Africa’s subsequent 2-0 loss to Mexico. Adams entered as a substitute in South Africa’s 1-0 victory over South Korea.

Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s minister of sports, arts and culture, reached out to Adams following the passing of his grandmother.

”I shall carry forever the humble, appreciative response he gave me,” McKenzie said. That he chose to wear the national jersey and give his all for his country in that moment speaks to a depth of character and professionalism well beyond his years, and it reflects the calibre of young man South Africa has lost,” he added.

FIFPRO on Twitter: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams at the age of 25. Jayden had recently represented his country at the FIFA World Cup, marking a proud moment in a life and career cut tragically short. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, teammates, and all those who knew him. May he rest in peace.”

Ismael Saibari travels with Morocco but remains a doubt for the quarter-final against France
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ismael Saibari travels with Morocco but remains a doubt for the quarter-final against France

The new Bayern striker has travelled with the Morocco national team to Boston ahead of their quarter-final against France despite injury concerns.

He sustained a hamstring injury during Morocco’s World Cup game against Canada and could miss the rest of the Tournament. Due to thigh discomfort, he left the game in the 22nd minute; therefore, there is doubt as to his readiness for the following game.

Morocco’s coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, said Saibari felt pain, but it is too early to know the degree of the damage. Ouahbi still hasn’t spoken with the team doctor and is awaiting a medical evaluation to update Saibari’s status.

Ouahbi further said Chadi Riad skipped the game as a warning to ensure all players were fit to participate.

An MRI has been scheduled for Saibari, and the diagnosis is still pending. As of now, there is no official assessment. After the match, Morocco’s national team coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, mentioned, “Saibari experienced some discomfort in his thigh. We’ll have more information in a few days.”

Morocco advanced to the quarterfinals with a strong 3-0 victory against Canada.

Thanks to Azzedine Ounahi, who scored twice, Morocco regained control after a difficult first half, with Canada pushing strongly. Soufiane Rahimi scored his second goal of the competition.

Race heats up as Caf invites bids for three AFCON finals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Race heats up as Caf invites bids for three Afcon finals

Even before the invitation for official bids for the next three Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals after 2027 was announced, interested hosts had already been in the race.

A total of seven countries have already placed their names in contention for either the 2028 Afcon or the 2032 and 2036. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has moved the tournament from bi-annual to every four years.

After Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania co-host in 2027, another East African nation, Ethiopia, had already filed to bid for the 2028 edition, according to the state broadcaster EBC, which announced it back in January.

However, the Ethiopian bid is not without challenge, as a joint campaign from four Southern African countries, led by South Africa, is also underway, along with Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

This bid could pose a threat to Ethiopia, potentially preventing a back-to-back East African hosting. However, with four countries in a joint bid is a first, and its size could also be a weakness.

Senegal and Egypt have both shown an interest in the 2032 event, but the Egyptians have also hinted at being keen to stage the 2036 finals.

Morocco March Into History with Dominant 3-0 Win Over Canada, Set Up France Rematch
by Abdul Karim Kargbo

Morocco March Into History with Dominant 3-0 Win Over Canada, Set Up France Rematch

Morocco has once again made football history, becoming the first African nation to reach the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals in consecutive tournaments after a commanding 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada in Houston.

The Atlas Lions’ latest achievement further strengthens their reputation as one of world football’s rising powers and highlights the success of years of strategic investment in football infrastructure and youth development.

After a hard-fought first half, Morocco took complete control following the restart. Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi inspired the victory with two superb second-half goals, the opener coming from a brilliantly rehearsed free-kick routine orchestrated by Achraf Hakimi. Soufiane Rahimi added a third goal in stoppage time to seal an emphatic win and send the North Africans into the last eight in style.

The victory has now set up a blockbuster quarterfinal clash against France after Les Bleus edged Paraguay 1-0 to book their place in the last eight. The encounter will rekindle memories of the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinal in Qatar, where France defeated Morocco 2-0 to end the Atlas Lions’ historic run. Morocco will be eager to gain revenge and continue their remarkable journey, although there are concerns over the fitness of leading scorer Ismael Saibari, who was forced off in the first half with a suspected injury.

For Canada, the defeat brings an end to their World Cup campaign after four matches despite a spirited display on home soil. Morocco, however, once again showcased the tactical discipline, defensive resilience and clinical finishing that have become the hallmarks of their success. With another quarterfinal appearance secured and a mouthwatering rematch against France awaiting, the Atlas Lions now carry the hopes of an entire continent as they chase an unprecedented place in the World Cup semifinals.