Category: African News

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Sierra Leone U17 win to Revive AFCON qualification hopes
by @football_sierra

Sierra Leone U17 win to Revive AFCON qualification hopes

On Saturday, Sierra Leone’s U17 team won their first match in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers, beating Mauritania 1-0 at the Stade Lat-Dior.

This win boosted their chances of qualifying after losing their first match in Group B. They have now played two matches and secured three points.

The team’s only goal came from striker Alie Ramadan Kabia in the 45+1 minute. His effort showed the team’s skill and determination, leading them to an important victory.

Alie Ramadan Kabia also earned the Man of the Match title for his outstanding performance against Mauritania.

In their opener, Sierra Leone lost 1-0 to Mali in the WAFU A U17 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tournament.

Sierra Leone’s final Group B contest will be against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday at the Abdoulaye Wade Annex Stadium in Senegal in the race to the knockout stages of the competition.

This win boosted their chances of qualifying after losing their first match in Group B.
This win boosted their chances of qualifying after losing their first match in Group B.
Nigeria awarded three points and three goals as Libya penalized
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigeria awarded three points and three goals as Libya penalized

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded Nigeria three points and recognized three goals in relation to the match against Libya.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced an investigation into Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya, stressing that unsportsmanlike behaviour will not be accepted.

On Saturday, Ousmane Kane, chair of the CAF Disciplinary Board, stated that Nigeria would be awarded the points after finding Libya guilty of mistreating the team. The Libyan Football Federation was also fined for this incident.

CAF determined that the Libyan Football Federation violated rules concerning the Africa Cup of Nations and the CAF Disciplinary Code. As a result, the match scheduled for October 15, 2024, in Benghazi has been declared a 3-0 win for Nigeria.

CAF stated that Libya violated Article 31 of the AFCON regulations, as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF disciplinary code.

Libya is required to pay a fine of USD 50,000 within 60 days of this announcement.

The Nigerian team faced delays at a Libyan airport, lacking food and internet access while preparing for their match. They eventually departed after diplomatic and social media efforts.

With this CAF decision, Nigeria is well-positioned to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, having 10 points from four games—four points ahead of Benin Republic. Rwanda has five points, and Libya, with only one point, cannot qualify.

A win or draw against Benin Republic in Abidjan on November 14 will secure Nigeria a spot in the finals, set for December 2025 to January 2026 in Morocco.

Senegal beat Gambia to maintain Group A lead in U17 qualifiers
by FSL News

Senegal beat Gambia to maintain Group A lead in U17 qualifiers

On Friday, Senegal won their second match in the African Cup of Nations U17 qualifiers, beating The Gambia 3-1 at the Stade Lat-Dior. With this win, Senegal’s U17 team is now the favourite to finish first in Group A. They have played two matches so far.

Senegal started the tournament with a 2-1 victory over Liberia on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in Thiès, Senegal. Group A now includes three teams: Senegal, Liberia, and The Gambia, after Guinea was disqualified.

Just like in their match against Liberia, Senegal scored quickly, with Mohamed Dabo finding the net right after kick-off. This early goal surprised The Gambia, who had not played in the first round.

Senegal took control of the match and made it 2-0 in the 23rd minute with a penalty from Elhadji Cissé. Two minutes before halftime, The Gambia scored with a goal from Francis Gomez in the 43rd minute.

In the second half, The Gambia tried to fight back but struggled against Senegal’s strong defence. Senegal sealed the win with a third goal from Youssouf Manel in the 88th minute, finishing the match 3-1.

On Monday, October 28, 2024, Liberia and The Gambia will play for second place in Group A, as both teams are at the bottom of the standings.

Later today, Group B will continue at the Lat Dior Stadium in Thiès. Sierra Leone will face Mauritania at 3 p.m., followed by Guinea-Bissau against Mali at 6 p.m.

Later today, Group B will continue at the Lat Dior Stadium in Thiès. Sierra Leone will face Mauritania at 3 p.m., followed by Guinea-Bissau against Mali at 6 p.m.
Later today, Group B will continue at the Lat Dior Stadium in Thiès. Sierra Leone will face Mauritania at 3 p.m., followed by Guinea-Bissau against Mali at 6 p.m.
CAF Green light the Gambia to host International football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Green light Gambia to host International football

Gambia’s Independence Stadium will host international matches again after receiving approval from the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF).

The last home match was on March 25, 2021, when Gambia won 1-0 against Angola. Following that game, CAF banned the stadium and 22 others in Africa from hosting international matches in February 2022.

The return of international games is a significant milestone for Gambia’s football fans. The Gambia national football team will play against the Comoros Islands in their fifth qualifying match for the 2025 Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations on November 15, 2024, at the Independence Stadium.

The Scorpions, Gambia’s national football team, are currently in 3rd place in Group A, with 5 points from four games.

Bakary Y. Badjie, the Minister of Youth and Sports, announced that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has cleared the Independence Stadium in Bakau to host international matches again. The stadium will be the venue for The Gambia’s upcoming match against Comoros on November 15.

“This decision follows our submission of photos and a report from the CAF License Officer last week,” Badjie said enthusiastically. “We are thrilled to bring our home games back to this important venue.” He also thanked the public for their patience during the two-year renovation.

The last home match was on March 25, 2021, when Gambia won 1-0 against Angola. Following that game, CAF banned the stadium and 22 others in Africa from hosting international matches in February 2022. The return of international games is a significant milestone for Gambia’s football fans.

Ex-AC Milan midfielder Rodney Strasser feels honored to attend CAF 46 General Assembly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-AC Milan midfielder Rodney Strasser honoured to attend CAF meeting

Former AC Milan player and ex-Sierra Leone international Rodney Strasser attended the 46th CAF Ordinary General Assembly on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This meeting brought together leaders and delegates from African Member Associations.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba led the discussions, which started at 10:00 AM local time (07:00 AM GMT) at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel.

Strasser spoke about his experience: “I am honoured to be part of the CAF 46th Ordinary General Assembly in Addis Ababa, joining colleagues from across the continent.

We are here to discuss the future of the game, making sure it stays beautiful, entertaining, educational, and empowering. Our goal is to bridge the gap among member states and promote unity through football.”

This year’s assembly is important for African football, with delegates from member associations, zonal unions, and global football figures present. The assembly represents Ethiopia’s second time hosting the CAF Congress, following the previous event in 2017.