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.

Michael Essien Completes Uefa Licence in Football Management
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Michael Essien Completes Uefa Licence in Football Management

Ghanaian football legend Michael Essien has completed a UEFA Certificate in Football Management and has received his certificate.

He is now working as an assistant manager at FC Nordsjaelland, a Danish club. Essien had a great playing career, especially at Chelsea, and he wants to succeed as a manager.

Essien shared his achievement on Twitter: “Finally done with my UEFA certificate in football management journey. Thanks to all for the help. I keep learning about the beautiful game.”

The former football star, known for playing at Chelsea and Real Madrid, has earned a football management certificate while pursuing coaching qualifications.

Essien is now a talent coach for FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark’s top league, where he helps young players with his experience and knowledge.

Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi set for a long spell on the sideline
by FSL News

Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi set for long spell on the sideline

Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi injured his hamstring during the second half of West Bromwich Albion’s match against Cardiff City last weekend. Manager Carlos Corberán announced that Ajayi will be sidelined for a long time.

Ajayi will have surgery in the coming days. Corberán said, “Unfortunately, Semi has a serious injury. He has torn his muscles in two places. The club has said Semi will require surgery and is expected to be missing for around 16 weeks, while Paddy will be out for approximately eight weeks.”

He added, “The best way to treat this injury is through surgery, which will lower the risk of it happening again. Some injuries affect the tendon, and surgery is necessary. While surgery may delay recovery by about two weeks, it will also reduce the chances of re-injury.”

Players can return in around 16 weeks after this kind of surgery. Because of this injury, Ajayi will miss Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda in November.

Air Defense Stadium to host Egypt and Botswana AFCON qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Air Defense Stadium to host Egypt and Botswana AFCON qualifier

Egypt’s national football team will face Botswana at the Air Defense Stadium due to winter maintenance at the Cairo International Stadium, which includes pitch re-seeding.

The match against Botswana is set for November 19 and will be the last game in the sixth round of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Egypt has already qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, winning four matches in a row and earning 12 points.

In November, Egypt will also face Cape Verde between the 11th and 19th. These matches will allow head coach Hossam Hassan to test new players and refresh the team lineup.

Hassan aims to explore new player options, stating, “We want to test several new faces.” With qualification secured, his staff sees this as a chance to evaluate talents for the 2025 tournament.

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is likely to miss the training camp, providing opportunities for other forwards to contribute and helping the coaching staff strengthen the attack.

Using the Air Defense Stadium as a backup venue underscores the federation’s commitment to preparing the national team for future challenges.

Guinea Bissau beat Sierra Leone to reach WAFU U17 Semis
by FSL News

Guinea Bissau beat Sierra Leone to reach WAFU U17 semis

On Tuesday, Sierra Leone’s U17 team faced a challenging match in the WAFU African Cup of Nations qualifiers, suffering their second defeat with a narrow 1-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau at the Annex of the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio, Senegal.

This match marked a significant turning point for Sierra Leone, as it led to their elimination from the tournament.

The defeat also had implications for Group B standings. Guinea Bissau advanced to the next round, finishing the group stage behind Mali, who delivered a dominant performance by thrashing Mauritania 4-0 in a concurrent match at the same stadium. This win solidified Mali’s position at the top of the group.

Guinea-Bissau’s decisive moment came from a well-executed goal by Jose Henrique, who found the back of the net in the 45th minute, just before halftime. Edeny Vename Bampoque earned the Player of the Match title with his outstanding performance, helping Guinea-Bissau reach the semi-finals.

In the upcoming matches, host nation Senegal will face Guinea-Bissau, while Mali takes on Gambia. Both games are expected to be highly competitive as teams compete for a spot in the next U17 African Cup of Nations tournament.

Gambia book spot in WAFU U17 AFCON qualifier semifinals
by FSL News

Gambia book spot in WAFU U17 AFCON qualifier semifinals

On Monday, The Gambia U17 team secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Liberia during match day two of the WAFU U17 African Cup of Nations qualifiers, held at Lat Dior Stadium in Thiès. This win propelled them to the semi-finals of the tournament.

Francis Gomez scored two goals (a brace), while Bubacarr Susso netted his first goal of the tournament, leading the Baby Scorpions to their semi-final spot. Francis Gomez was named Man of the Match.

Senegal, the host nation, and Mali were the first two teams to advance to the knockout stages. Senegal reached the semi-finals following back-to-back victories over Liberia and The Gambia on Friday and Saturday, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Malian Eaglets proved their strength by overcoming Guinea Bissau’s Djurtus with a late goal to secure their place in the next round.

The final day of Group B will take place on Tuesday, October 29, starting at 4 p.m. Mali will face Mauritania at the Lat Dior Stadium, while Guinea Bissau will play against Sierra Leone at the Annex of the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio.

Francis Gomez was named Man of the Match.