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.

Mo Sangare's late penalty helps Liberia beat Togo
by Football Sierra Leone

Mo Sangare’s late penalty helps Liberia beat Togo

On Wednesday, Liberia defeated Togo 1-0 to move to third, three points behind second-place Equatorial Guinea in Group E in the race to Morocco at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.

The Lone Star’s first victory at home since 2019 after a late penalty from Mo Sangare secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory for Liberia.

The home side achieved their first win of the campaign, much to the delight of home fans. This victory brought Liberia to third in the group with four points, while Togo fell to the bottom with two points.

Both teams struggled to create clear chances, with Togo applying early pressure but unable to penetrate Liberia’s resilient defence. Liberian goalkeeper consistently thwarted Togo’s Kodjo Laba and Kévin Denkey.

The turning point came in the 83rd minute when Togo’s captain, Djené Dakonam, handled the ball in the penalty area. Sangare confidently converted the penalty, giving Liberia the lead.

In the closing minutes, Togo searched for an equalizer, but Denkey’s shot was saved, and Laba missed another chance high and wide. With this win, Liberia boosted their morale under interim coach Thomas Kojo, while Togo’s hopes of qualification ended as they sit five points behind second-placed Equatorial Guinea.

Namibia secure first point in qualifiers after a draw against Cameroon
by FSL News

Namibia secure first qualifying point after a draw against Cameroon

Namibia earned their first point in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign by drawing 0-0 with Cameroon at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, South Africa, on Wednesday.

This result does not keep Namibia in the running for a finals spot as they were already eliminated before the match. However, it gives coach Collin Benjamin a positive outcome to build on against a top team.

Cameroon has qualified for the tournament in Morocco, leading their group with 10 points. Namibia will play their final qualifier against Kenya in Polokwane, South Africa, hoping to improve their standing.

In the recent match, Namibia had a few chances but failed to score, despite having opportunities saved by Cameroon’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana.

Coach Benjamin made three substitutions to seek a goal, but the match ended without one. Namibia maintains a balanced record against Cameroon, with one win for each team and two draws in their last four meetings.

Chad v Sierra Leone: A must-win game to increase qualification hopes
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Chad v Sierra Leone: A must-win game to increase qualification hopes

Group G of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifications will see Chad hosting Sierra Leone on Matchday five at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé on Wednesday.

After playing to a goalless draw in Liberia when Sierra Leone hosted in September at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, both teams remain in contention for qualification; however, any further mistakes could spell disaster for either side.

The margin for error is slim for both nations. Any further dropped points could lead to their elimination from the qualification race.

Chad has earned two points from their first four matches, with two draws and two losses, placing them fourth in the group.

In contrast, Sierra Leone is currently in third place with four points. The Leone Stars have recorded one win, one draw, and two losses from their initial four games. A victory would allow them to draw level on points with Zambia.

Read More – Kei Kamara returns

Players to watch out for: Allabatna Gabin (Chad)

The 24-year-old is a standout player for the Chad national team, known for his dominance in the box and sharp instincts. His reflexes and positioning are his key strengths. With the opposing team’s strong attack, Gabin will need to focus on keeping his side competitive, especially in the opening minutes.

Amadou Bakayoko (Sierra Leone)

Sierra Leone’s main attacking threat is their striker, known for his remarkable ability to evade defenders and score goals. In this must-win match, Bakayoko needs to be at his best, as such crucial games often hinge on slim margins. At 28, he has shown impressive maturity leading the national team, and a strong performance is anticipated from him.

Seven nations, including Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, DR Congo, Egypt, and Senegal, have qualified for the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, joining Morocco. They will all compete for Africa’s top trophy.

The 35th TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Kickoff: Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 19:00 GMT – Venue: Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium

Present Form:

Chad (in their last five in all competitions): L-D-L-D-L

Sierra Leone (last five in all competitions): D-D-L-L-W

Edo Queens ease past Commercial Bank in Champions League opener
by FSL News

Edo Queens ease past Commercial Bank in Champions League opener

On Sunday, the Edo Queens of Nigeria delivered an impressive performance, defeating Commercial Bank of Ethiopia FC with a score of 3-0 at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

This match marked the Nigerian team’s debut in the CAF Women’s Champions League. The victory featured goals from Emem Essien, Folashade Ljamilusi, and Chukwuamaka Osigwe.

The Queens began strongly, with Ljamilusi’s early run and cross setting up Essien for the first goal in the fifth minute. Despite CBE’s efforts to respond, the high pressure from the Nigerians kept them in control.

In the 54th minute, Ljamilusi scored again after a combination with Esther Moses, extending their lead.

Osigwe sealed the win with a left-footed strike in the 80th minute, following an assist from Moses. This impressive win placed Edo Queens at the top of Group B, with FC Masar in second after their 1-0 victory against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies.

Mamelodi Sundowns suffer opening defeat to Egyptian newcomers FC Masar
by Football Sierra Leone

Mamelodi Sundowns suffer opening defeat to Egyptian newcomers FC Masar

Egyptian newcomers FC Masar achieved a remarkable upset in their CAF Women’s Champions League debut, defeating reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 in a thrilling Group B match held in Casablanca on Sunday.

The winning goal came from a penalty taken by Sandrine Niyonkuru just before halftime. This unexpected victory shocked everyone in the tournament.

Masar, part of the Right to Dream Academy community, entered the game as the underdogs against the experienced Sundowns. However, their young team, an average age of only 20.6, stood strong and played with good strategy.

FC Masar, a new Egyptian team, surprised everyone by defeating reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 in their first CAF Women’s Champions League match in Casablanca on Sunday.

Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Sundowns couldn’t break through Masar’s strong defence. Goalkeeper Maya Abouelwafa and defenders Aisha Nantongo and Hasnath Ubamba made key saves and blocks.

Just before halftime, Sundowns were penalized for a handball, allowing Niyonkuru to score and give Masar a surprising lead. Sundowns pushed for an equalizer but faced tough resistance, including a late missed opportunity by Tiisetso Makhubela.

 

This win is a significant step for FC Masar in Egyptian women’s football, following their first domestic title last season. They are now optimistic about upcoming matches against Nigeria’s Edo Queens and Ethiopia’s Commercial Bank.