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.

Sierra Leone U-17 Girls Stunned by Benin in 2026 World Cup Qualifier
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone U-17 Girls Stunned by Benin in 2026 World Cup Qualifier

Sierra Leone’s Under-17 female team faces a daunting challenge in the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup African qualifiers after suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to Benin in Monday’s first-leg clash in Lome, Togo.

The young Sierra Queens were punished by a clinical Benin side at the Kegue Stadium, with Romaine Gandonou striking in the 16th and 67th minutes while Diane Dogbe added a second-half goal in the 57th minute to hand the Young Amazons a commanding advantage.

Head Coach Fatmata “Taribo” Turay’s side struggled to contain Benin’s attacking pressure despite moments of resilience, leaving Sierra Leone with a mountain to climb ahead of Thursday’s crucial return-leg underway at the Kegue Stadium.

The defeat puts West African teams on the brink of elimination, meaning the Sierra Queens must produce an extraordinary comeback to keep their hopes of reaching the next stage of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup alive.

Mamelodi Sundowns win second CAF Champions League after edging past AS FAR
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mamelodi Sundowns win second CAF Champions League after edging past AS FAR

Mamelodi Sundowns won the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League for the second time by drawing 1-1 with FAR Rabat in the second leg of the final in Morocco. They claimed a 2-1 aggregate victory after winning the first leg 1-0 in Pretoria.

Mohamed Hrimat scored a penalty for FAR Rabat in the 40th minute, but Teboho Mokoena equalised for Sundowns just before half-time with a stunning shot. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made a crucial save by stopping Hrimat’s second penalty in the second half.

This victory gives Sundowns their second Champions League title and coach Miguel Cardoso his first win in the finals. FAR Rabat started the match strongly, aiming to overturn their deficit, but Sundowns stayed organised defensively.

Hrimat had an early chance that he missed, while Sundowns found their rhythm and created opportunities. The turning point came when FAR Rabat was awarded a penalty through VAR, which Hrimat converted. However, Sundowns quickly responded with Mokoena’s goal right before half-time.

In the second half, Cardoso substituted Marcelo Allende to strengthen the midfield. FAR Rabat continued to push forward, but Hrimat’s header went wide, and Williams saved another penalty.

Sundowns later had a goal disallowed for offside but held onto their lead for the win, marking another historic achievement for the Tshwane club.

Tanzania beat Algeria to reach CAF U17 AFCON semis
by Football Sierra Leone

Tanzania beat Algeria to reach CAF U17 AFCON semis

Tanzania advanced to the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after beating Algeria 4-3 on penalties in a thrilling 3-3 quarter-final draw on Sunday.

Algeria started strong, with Valmy scoring in the 4th minute. Tanzania responded with Athanasis equalising in the 25th minute. Valmy scored again before halftime, making it 2-1, but Mbalasalu struck back for Tanzania in stoppage time, ending the half at 2-2.

In the second half, Athanasis scored to give Tanzania a 3-2 lead, but Benderamdane equalised for Algeria in the 65th minute. The score remained tied, leading to a penalty shootout where Tanzania emerged victorious 4-3.

This win confirms Tanzania’s status as a surprise contender in the tournament. They topped Group C and now await their semi-final opponent as they aim for a historic continental title.

Match details:

– Tanzania 3 (4-3 on penalties) 3 Algeria

– Scorers: Dismas Athanasis (25’, 61’), Luqman Mbalasalu (45+8’); Muhammad Valmy (4’, 40’), Noam Benderamdane (65’)

Morocco edge past Cameroon to reach CAF U-17 AFCON semi-finals
by FSL News

Morocco edge past Cameroon to reach CAF U-17 AFCON semi-finals

Morocco secured a 1-0 victory over Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, thanks to a goal from Mohamed Habib Zinbi in the 17th minute.

This win marks Morocco’s third consecutive semi-final appearance, where they will face either Senegal or Mali on Thursday.

Despite not playing as strongly as in the group stage, Morocco’s defense held firm, with goalkeeper Rayan Yaakoubi making key saves, particularly against Cameroon’s Arnold Massokon.

Cameroon struggled to equalize in the second half, with several chances either going wide or being blocked. Coach Tiago Lima Pereira lauded his team’s maturity in maintaining their lead.

For Cameroon, this loss was disappointing after bouncing back from an initial defeat against Côte d’Ivoire to reach the knockout stage. While they created opportunities, their failures in the final moments cost them.

The win showed that Morocco can adapt their game style when needed. After finishing Group A with seven points, they demonstrated they can endure pressure and secure a win.

The Atlas Cubs are now just one match away from the final, with the chance to lift the trophy on home soil still alive.

U17 Cup of Nations: Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and six others reach quarter-finals
by Football Sierra Leone

U17 Cup of Nations: Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and six others reach quarter-finals

Following a thrilling group stage rich in goals and shocks, eight countries have made it to the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026.

Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Tanzania, the host nations, came in first within their respective groups. Following fierce rivalry, Egypt, Cameroon, Mali, and Algeria also progressed.

Every one of the eight clubs has a secured berth at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026. Their current goal is winning the continental championship.

One important game will see Morocco take on Cameroon. Group A was headed by Morocco with seven points; Group B was led by Cameroon with six points after recovering from an early loss.

In another thrilling encounter, Côte d’Ivoire will face Egypt. While Egypt progressed from Group A with four points, the Ivorians ended in Group B unbeaten with seven points.

Surprising contender Tanzania will take on Algeria, who made it out of a tough Group D. Tanzania came out on top of Group C with two wins and one close loss.

Senegal will square off against Mali in a major West African battle. With six points, Senegal took first place in Group D; with five points, Mali stayed undefeated in Group C.

The quarter-finals feature the next generation of African football talent, several of whom have caught the attention of European scouts. The knockout stage promises even more enthusiasm as teams battle for the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON Morocco 2026 title.

Quarter-final Fixtures – TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON Morocco 2026

(All kick-off times in local time)

Saturday, 24 May 2026

  • Morocco vs Cameroon
  • Venue: CMVI – T8
  • Kick-off: 17h00
  • Senegal vs Mali
  • Venue: CMVI – T3
  • Kick-off: 17h00
  • Tanzania vs Algeria
  • Venue: CMVI – T11
  • Kick-off: 14h00
  • Côte d’Ivoire vs Egypt
  • Venue: CMVI – T11
  • Kick-off: 20h00

Semi-finals

Thursday, 28 May 2026

  • Winner Morocco/Cameroon vs Winner Senegal/Mali
  • Venue: Moulay El Hassan Stadium
  • Kick-off: 20h00
  • Winner Côte d’Ivoire/Egypt vs Winner Tanzania/Algeria
  • Venue: Moulay El Hassan Stadium
  • Kick-off: 17h00

Third-place Match

Monday, 1 June 2026

  • Loser Semi-final 1 vs Loser Semi-final 2
  • Venue: CMVI – T8
  • Kick-off: 20h00

Final

Tuesday, 2 June 2026

  • Winner Semi-final 1 vs Winner Semi-final 2
  • Venue: Moulay El Hassan Stadium
  • Kick-off: 20h00