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.

Group D AFCON qualification twist after Super Eagles left stranded
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Group D AFCON qualifier twist after Nigeria left stranded

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has withdrawn the Super Eagles from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.

Nigeria won 1-0 in Uyo on Friday, topping Group D with seven points, while Libya remained at the bottom with one point and faced elimination.

This decision follows a 12-hour delay at Libya’s Al Abraq International Airport, where the team was left stranded. The players have decided not to play the match due to frustration and fatigue. The NFF is arranging the team’s return to Nigeria.

“We maintained a positive outlook, but the circumstances we are encountering are unacceptable and seem deliberate. Travelling by road poses a significant danger, and we have serious concerns about our treatment at the hotel along with the quality of food provided. What was once amusing has turned into a serious matter. As a team, we pride ourselves on mutual respect, and given these hostile conditions, we have decided to refrain from participating in the match,” Troost-Ekong stated, tagging @caf_online for wider attention.

As confirmation of the dire situation, the NFF’s statement continued: “Players have resolved not to proceed with the match, and officials are now arranging for the team to return home.” The match was meant to be the fourth in their campaign to secure a spot in the next AFCON tournament set to take place in Morocco in the upcoming year.

The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) expressed concern over the situation experienced by the visiting team but denied any foul play. They reassured their Nigerian counterparts that the flight diversion was unintentional.

Burkina Faso secure 2025 Cup of Nations spot with victory over Burundi
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkina Faso secure 2025 Cup of Nations spot with victory over Burundi

Burkina Faso clinched their place in the 2025 African Cup of Nations after a 2-0 victory over Burundi at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium on Sunday.

With this victory, they have earned 10 points from four matches in Group L, securing their spot in the 24-team tournament. The goals were netted by Mohamed Konate and Bertrand Traore.

Senegal is currently in second place with seven points from three matches and can qualify by winning against Malawi. Burundi has three points from four games, while Malawi has none from three.

The top two teams from each of the 12 qualification pools will advance to the finals, which will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

In addition, Morocco have already secured their place in the tournament as hosts. 

Morocco's Atlas Lions thrash Central African Republic
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco’s Atlas Lions thrash Central African Republic

Morocco continued to show its strength in Group B of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Qualifiers on Saturday, October 12th, by defeating the Central African Republic.

The host of the 2025 AFCON has won three consecutive games as they prepare for the continental showpiece. They are leading with five points, ahead of Gabon, who had a goalless draw with Lesotho on Friday.

The Atlas Lions won 5-0 and are building momentum as they get ready to host next year’s Cup of Nations.  Assedine Ounahi scored two goals in the first half, and Adbe Essalzouli, Achraf Hakimi, and Soufiane Rahimi also scored.

The competition in Group B remains exciting as Gabon will play Lesotho again on Tuesday, and the Central African Republic will have another chance to play Morocco on the same evening.

Striker Serhou Guirassy nets hat-trick as Guinea thrash Ethiopia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Serhou Guirassy nets hat-trick as Guinea thrash Ethiopia

Striker Serhou Guirassy scored an impressive hat trick in the first half, leading Guinea to a resounding 4-1 victory over Ethiopia in their 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The match, held at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, showcased Syli National’s dominance from the outset. Guinea secured their lead in the 18th minute when Guirassy successfully converted a penalty after Birhanu Bekele’s foul inside the box.

The Germany-based attacker extended his lead in the 37th minute, finishing from close range after a well-timed pass from Seydouba Cissé. Just before half-time, Guirassy completed his hat-trick by slotting home in stoppage time from a François Kamano assist, securing a 3-0 lead at the break.

Guinea continued their dominance in the second half, with Seydouba Cissé adding a fourth goal in the 48th minute, finishing a through ball from Mady Camara.

After Matchday Three, DR Congo leads Group H with nine points, followed by Tanzania with four points and Guinea with three points. Ethiopia remains at the bottom with just one point.

Ethiopia scored a goal in the 53rd minute through Kenean Markneh, but Guinea’s victory renewed their prospects for qualification, while Ethiopia faces a challenging path to keep their hopes alive.

Zambia's Copper Bullet misfire against Chad at home
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zambia held by Chad in Afcon Qualifier at home

Zambia was unable to defeat Chad in the third match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Friday.

Currently, Zambia is in 2nd place in Group G with four points. However, the team’s performance left a bitter taste for Chipolopolo’s fans, who were hoping for a back-to-back win for the first time in the group.

In a recap of the match, Zambia and Chad played to a 0-0 draw at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. Despite dominating possession, Chipolopolo failed to score against a resilient Chad side, which was content to absorb pressure and counterattack when possible.

Zambia is currently in second place in the group with four points from three matches. Cote d’Ivoire is leading with six points and a game in hand. Chad is in third place with two points, and Sierra Leone is at the bottom with one point.

Zambia almost scored when Francisco Mwepu hit the post in the 84th minute, but Chad’s defense held firm to secure a valuable point away from home.