Category: African News

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Sierra Leone ponder new opponents for Cairo U20 AFCON draw
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone ponder new opponents for Cairo U20 AFCON draw

The final draw for the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will take place in Egypt on Sunday, April 13, at 17:00 local time (15:00 GMT) at the Egyptian Football Association headquarters.

Sierra Leone was originally placed in Group C, alongside Senegal, Kenya, and Zambia. However, this group is now expected to change due to a redraw. The initial draw for Ivory Coast has been canceled because the former host has decided to withdraw at the last minute.

The tournament runs from April 27 to May 18, 2025. Thirteen teams will compete in the tournament. Group A will consist of five teams, while both Groups B and C will have four teams each.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, along with the two best third-placed teams. The four highest-performing teams will qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, which will take place from September 27 to October 19.

Egypt, as the host country, is in position A1 in the draw. Nigeria, who came in third in the last tournament, is placed in position B1, and defending champions Senegal are in position C1.

Tunisia, Zambia, and the Central African Republic, who qualified last time, will be in Pot 1 and sorted into one of the three groups. Teams that did not qualify for the last tournament, such as Morocco, debutants Sierra Leone, Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, and DR Congo, will be in Pot 2 and will fill the remaining spots in the groups.

DRAW PROCEDURES

Seeded teams: Egypt will be in position A1; Nigeria will be in B1 and Senegal will be C1.

Pot 1 for the teams from Level 2: Tunisia, Zambia and Central African Republic

Pot 2 of the teams of Level 3: Morocco, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa & DR Congo

The teams drawn from Pot 1 will go respectively into positions A2, B2 & C2

The teams drawn from the Pot 2 will go respectively into positions A3, B3, C3, A4, B4, C4 & A5

CAF U-20 AFCON, EGYPT 2025 QUALIFIED TEAMS

CECAFA: Tanzania, Kenya

COSAFA: South Africa, Zambia

UNAF: Egypt (hosts), Morocco, Tunisia

UNIFFAC: DR Congo, Central African Republic

WAFU A: Senegal, Sierra Leone

WAFU B: Nigeria, Ghana

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.

Egypt's Mo Salah optimistic of winning more trophies after new deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt’s Mo Salah optimistic of winning more trophies after new deal

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has signed a new two-year contract with the club, which extends his stay until 2027. His impressive goal-scoring record has placed him third on the all-time top scorers list for the Reds, with 243 goals in 394 appearances to date.

The Egyptian international cited the team’s potential as a key reason for his decision. “Of course I’m very excited. We have a great team now. Before also we had a great team. But I signed because I think we have a chance to win other trophies and enjoy my football, he told  Liverpoolfc.com.

“With the support of the fans and the city, along with the encouragement they always provide during matches, I believe we can achieve great success in the coming years.” Salah’s commitment comes during an exceptional season in which he has scored 32 goals and provided 22 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. In the Premier League alone, he has netted 27 goals and contributed 17 assists, highlighting his crucial role in Liverpool’s attacking prowess.

The forward expressed a strong desire to secure the Premier League title this season. “As I mentioned at the start of the season, I want to win the Premier League more than anything else. I really want it,” he added. “The fans deserve it—the last time we won, we didn’t celebrate it much. Hopefully, we can do it this time. There are still seven games left, and it won’t be easy since Arsenal is also in contention. We will give it our all, and hopefully, in the end, we can win it.”

Since joining Liverpool in 2017, Salah has scored a total of 243 goals, placing him third on the club’s all-time scoring list.

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.

Rampant Burkina Faso thrash Zambia to U17 Cup of Nations Semis
by FSL News

Rampant Burkina Faso thrash Zambia to reach U17 Cup of Nations Semis

Burkina Faso performed impressively on Thursday night, defeating Zambia 6-1 in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

This victory secured their spot in the semi-finals for the second year in a row. The match took place at the El Arbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, and Burkina Faso clearly showed their strength, repeating their success from the 2023 tournament in Algeria.

The Young Stallions took control early in the game. Mohamed Fofana scored the first goal in the 11th minute after Zambia made a defensive mistake. Ten minutes later, Burkina Faso doubled their lead when Nkotami Chimwemwe fouled Issouf Diakité in the penalty box. Souleymane Tapsoba confidently scored the penalty, marking his fifth goal of the tournament.

Zambia managed to score once in the 35th minute, thanks to Abel Salim Nyirongo, who found the net after getting to a loose ball. However, they struggled to gain momentum. Nyirongo almost scored again just before halftime but was stopped by Burkinabè keeper Prince Hamed Ouédraogo in a key one-on-one play.

In the second half, Burkina Faso came back with more energy. Diakité made the score 3-1 in the 58th minute with a calm finish from a precise pass by Coulibaly, which was confirmed by VAR. A few minutes later, Diakité scored his second by weaving through the Zambian defense and finishing from a clever assist by Tapsoba.

Zambia ran into more trouble when Mwape fouled Bagayoko in the penalty area during the 78th minute. Tapsoba scored another penalty, extending the lead. He capped off a great game with a third goal in the 90th minute by taking advantage of a defensive mistake.

This strong win not only puts Burkina Faso in the semi-finals but also sends a strong message to the other teams. Diakité and Tapsoba have formed an important partnership, with Tapsoba leading the tournament with seven goals.

Burkina Faso had already qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup before this match. Now, they aim to reach their second U-17 AFCON final and win a second continental title, having won in 2011.