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.

Egypt's U20 coach Osama Nabih calls for fighting spirit against Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt’s U20 coach Osama Nabih calls for fighting spirit against Morocco

Egypt’s coach Osama Nabih declared that his team will fight “with strength and courage” as they prepare to face Morocco in Thursday’s semi-final of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025.

The match at Cairo’s June 30 Stadium promises to be exciting, featuring North African rivals driven by national pride. Kick-off is at 18:00 GMT on Thursday.

Following a thrilling quarter-final win over Ghana that secured Egypt’s place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, the young Pharaohs are focused on achieving continental success at home.

Nabih described the match as “like an Arab final,” acknowledging Morocco as a strong opponent that has been impressive at all levels.

Egypt reached the semi-finals after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Ghana, winning 5-4 in penalties, which also marked their return to the World Cup for the first time since 2011.

“The pressure to qualify was heavy,” Nabih admitted, noting that the players have gained mental stability since their success.

He also reflected on the tournament’s competitiveness, highlighting that all four semi-final teams were initially in the same group.

Egypt will face a Moroccan side that narrowly beat Sierra Leone 1-0 in their quarter-final.

Morocco remains unbeaten and boasts a strong defense, having kept three clean sheets in four matches.

Midfielder Ahmed Khaled “Kabaka” believes the team’s resolve is stronger than ever.

“We’ve vowed to fight until the end,” he stated, emphasizing that the World Cup qualification has boosted their morale.

Following a thrilling quarter-final win over Ghana that secured Egypt's place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, the young Pharaohs are focused on achieving continental success at home
Following a thrilling quarter-final win over Ghana that secured Egypt's place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, the young Pharaohs are focused on achieving continental success at home
CAF holds Women's Media Officers Workshop in Rabat, Morocco
by Football Sierra Leone

CAF holds Women’s Media Officers Workshop in Rabat, Morocco

The first CAF Women’s Media Officers Workshop has started in Rabat, Morocco, with twenty participants, mostly women from various African regions. (By Marie Esther Samura, Participant )

The workshop, themed “Her Path: Born Winner,” aims to help media officers improve their skills in media operations and communication strategies, supporting CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe’s goal of increasing women’s representation in African football.

The first day, May 13th, featured an introduction to the CAF Future Media Officers Program by Mr. Luxolo September, who highlighted advancements in CAF’s media operations since 2021 and emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust and empowering women in the field.

CAF Media Manager Charlotte Eyoum discussed the CAF Women’s Football Events and Opportunities Program, noting successful training sessions that have increased visibility for women media officers and connected them with experienced professionals.

Media Consultant Christophe Kukawka covered media facility planning in stadiums and the importance of staffing and training. He also introduced the New Media Mixed Zone concept and provided an overview of press operations.

Sheriff Hassan, CAF’s Head of Digital and Marketing, spoke about the federation’s digital platform, highlighting improvements in the production and global distribution of football content.

The day concluded with a panel discussion featuring women journalists and football administrators, focusing on the challenges women face in a male-dominated industry.

Four African places in the U20 FIFA World Cup in Chile confirmed
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Four African places in the U20 FIFA World Cup in Chile confirmed

Africa has four teams going to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile 2025. These teams qualified by reaching the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations. The qualified teams are Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa.

Every team triumphed in tense, thrilling, hard quarter-final matches. First to qualify, Morocco narrowly defeated Sierra Leone 1-0 after extra time due to a late own goal. This game ended Sierra Leone’s spectacular first showing in the competition.

The host country, Egypt, joined Morocco in achieving an exciting comeback against Ghana. Trailing 2-0, they last-minute equalised and won the 5-4 penalty shootout, securing their spot at the World Cup.

Africa’s most prosperous U20 team, Nigeria, advanced by beating Senegal, the defending champions, in a penalty shootout. To secure their 14th entry in the U20 World Cup, the Flying Eagles maintained their coolness.

Thanks to a last-minute goal from Thabang Mahlangu, South Africa finished the group with a 1-0 victory over DR Congo in extra time.

These four teams’ qualification keeps Africa’s excellent record in the U20 World Cup. Each squad will now hone in on the semi-finals and the continental title challenge. From September 27 to October 19, the FIFA U-20 World Cup will be held in Chile.

The qualified teams are Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa
The qualified teams are Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa
Nigeria pick Chile U20 World Cup ticket after defeating Senegal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria pick Chile U20 World Cup ticket after defeating Senegal

Nigeria beat Senegal 3-1 on penalties to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025. The match, held at the Suez Canal Stadium on Monday, ended 0-0 after both regulation and extra time.

With this win, Nigeria qualified for U20 World Cup in Chile and they moved closer to their eighth U20 AFCON title, while Senegal reflects on their strong campaign.

In this intense quarter-final match, both teams had chances to score but could not find the net after 120 minutes. Nigeria, unbeaten in the group stage, stayed composed during the shootout.

Precious Benjamin, Emmanuel Chukwu, and Israel Ayuma scored their penalties, while Senegal struggled, with Pierre Dorival’s shot saved, Mame Mor Faye’s attempt stopped, and Ousmane Konaté hitting the crossbar. Seydi Diouck scored Senegal’s only penalty, but it wasn’t enough.

Nigeria’s victory marks their eighth consecutive quarter-final win at the U20 AFCON. They will advance to the semi-finals, maintaining their perfect record in quarter-finals.

Both teams had opportunities in open play, with Nigeria’s Kparobo Arierhi and Divine Oliseh forcing saves from Senegal’s goalkeeper, Mouhamed Sissokho. Senegal’s Cheikh Thiam nearly scored, hitting the post in the 42nd minute.

During extra time, Nigeria pushed hard, but despite several attempts, the score remained tied. Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Ebenezer Harcourt, made a crucial save against Mame Mor Faye’s penalty kick.

After the game, Nigeria’s head coach, Ladan Bosso, praised his team’s resilience, saying, “We prepared for all scenarios, including penalties. I’m proud of the boys for executing under pressure.”

Egypt's Mohamed Salah wins Football Writers' Award
by Football Sierra Leone

Egypt’s Mohamed Salah wins Football Writers’ Award

Egypt and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has won the Football Writers’ Association award for the best men’s  player of the season.

Salah scored 28 goals and assisted 18 times to help Liverpool win the Premier League title. He set a record for the most goal contributions in a single 38-game Premier League season.

Salah also scored three goals and assisted four times as Liverpool reached the last 16 of the Champions League. Last month, the 32-year-old signed a new two-year contract to stay at Anfield until 2027.

Salah received 90% of the votes from over 900 FWA members, the largest margin of victory this century.

His Liverpool teammate Virgil van Dijk came second, Newcastle striker Alexander Isak was third, and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice finished fourth. Salah is now one of only two players, along with Thierry Henry, to win this award three times.