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.

Egypt and Morocco will play for the bronze medal in the Men's Olympic Football Tournament in Paris 2024.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

North African duo poised for bronze football medal battle

Egypt and Morocco will play for the bronze medal in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament in Paris 2024.

The match will take place on Thursday at Stade de la Beaujoire as both nations are in search of their first medal in the tournament.

Both teams have performed admirably in the Games. Egypt, coached by Rio 2016 gold medal-winning coach Rogerio Micale, defeated Spain in the first round and then won against Paraguay in a shootout to reach the quarter-finals. They were then narrowly defeated by hosts France in the semi-finals.

During the tournament, Morocco achieved impressive results, including a victory over world champions Argentina and scoring four goals against the USA in the quarter-finals. Nonetheless, they failed to maintain their lead against Spain in the semi-finals.

Both countries are eager to secure a podium finish, joining Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon in representing Africa. It promises to be an exciting and closely contested match.

Olympics history  Egypt

Appearances: 13 (Antwerp 1920, Paris 1924, Amsterdam 1928, Berlin 1936, London 1948, Helsinki 1952, Rome 1960, Toyko 1964, Los Angeles 1984, Barcelona 1992, London 2012, Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024)Best result: Fourth (Amsterdam 1928, Tokyo 1964), semi-final (Paris 2024)

Morocco

Previous participations: 8 (Tokyo 1964, Munich 1972, Los Angeles 1984, Barcelona 1992, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, London 2012, Paris 2024)

Best result: Semi-final (Paris 2024)

During the tournament, Morocco achieved impressive results, including a victory over world champions Argentina
During the tournament, Morocco achieved impressive results, including a victory over world champions Argentina
African champions Al Ahly have confirmed a contract extension for veteran Egyptian international midfielder Amr El Solia until summer 2025
by FSL News

Egyptian midfielder Amr El Solia pens new Al Ahly deal

African champions Al Ahly have confirmed a contract extension for veteran Egyptian international midfielder Amr El Solia until summer 2025.

His previous contract with Al Ahly was set to expire at the end of this month, and he had been linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia and Libya.

However, the Egyptian champions have announced that they have handed El Solia, 34, a contract extension for another season.

The club released a statement confirming the renewal: “Amir Tawfik, CEO of Al-Ahly Football Company and Contracting Manager, announced the renewal of Al-Ahly player Amr El-Sulaya’s contract for one season. He said that the player signed the contracts and completed all necessary procedures in this regard.”

El Solia is the first player to score in three CAF Champions League Finals, achieving this feat in the 2018, 2020, and 2021 finals.

He has 52 caps and one goal for Egypt, and he also featured in the 2021 AFCON final match against Senegal and the 2021 CAF Champions League Final against Kaizer Chiefs.

Morocco, Egypt to compete for bronze at Men's Olympic Football Tournament
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco and Egypt to compete for Olympic bronze medal

On Thursday, an epic battle for the bronze medal in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament is expected as Morocco takes on Egypt in the North African derby – both sides’ best chance to make history.

On Monday, both teams from North Africa were knocked out after tough semi-final matches in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament. Spain came from behind to beat resilient Morocco, while Egypt faced a similar defeat in the second semi-final.

Morocco’s quest for Olympic gold ended in a 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament semi-final.

Despite a strong start and a lead from top scorer Soufiane Rahimi, Spain’s comeback dashed Moroccan hopes. They will now compete for the bronze medal.

Elsewhere, Egypt’s hopes for Olympic football success ended in sadness as they lost 3-1 to a strong France team in the semi-final at the Stade de Lyon.

Despite a goal from Mahmoud Saber, France’s late surge in extra time sealed the victory. The team now looks to the bronze medal match as a chance to make history with Egypt’s first Olympic football medal.

The turning point came just two minutes into the additional period when Omar Fayed received his marching orders for a rash challenge, leaving Egypt to battle with ten men.

France will face Spain in the men’s Olympic Football Tournament gold medal match.

Next at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament

Bronze medal match | Thursday, 8 August

17:00 | Egypt v Morocco (all kick-offs in local time)

Gold medal match | Friday, 9 August

18:00 | France v Spain

New Villarreal's acquisition Nicolas Pepe joins training
by FSL News

New Villarreal’s acquisition Nicolas Pepe joins training

Ivorian International Nicolas Pepe, a former Arsenal player, has joined Villarreal training after signing a two-year deal with the La Liga club.

The Spanish side posted Pepe’s first training session on Monday as they prepared for the new Spanish campaign.

Despite high expectations when he first joined Arsenal, Pepe struggled to meet the hype. After a year with Trabzonspor in Turkey, he joined Villarreal on a two-year contract as a free agent.

Before leaving Arsenal, the 29-year-old scored 27 goals in 112 appearances over four years.

Villarreal, which finished eighth in the league last season, hopes Pepe can regain the form that made him one of Europe’s best-attacking players at Lille.

The versatile winger’s goal-scoring ability and knack for creating chances could be valuable for the Spanish club.

The transfer has been officially confirmed, and fans are eager to see Pepe shine in La Liga.

Algerian powerhouse CR Belouizdad has formally confirmed the acquisition of South African international Khanyisa Mayo.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Khanyisa Mayo completes move to Algerian side CR Belouizdad

Algerian powerhouse CR Belouizdad has formally confirmed the acquisition of South African international Khanyisa Mayo on a three-year deal. 

Mayo, a proficient left-footed forward, has made the transition from South African Premiership club Cape Town City to the esteemed Algerian champions permanently.

Notably, Mayo’s contributions of 10 goals and one assist in 28 matches significantly contributed to Cape Town City’s fifth-place finish in the 2023/24 season.

The 25-year-old has committed to a three-year contract with Belouizdad. Mayo’s outstanding performance previously earned him the 2022/23 DStv Premiership Golden Boot award for registering 12 goals in 27 matches for Cape Town City.

Moreover, he has represented the South African national team, Bafana Bafana, on seven occasions.

Of strategic significance, Belouizdad is positioned to participate in the CAF Champions League and is scheduled to face AC Leopards of Congo-Brazzaville in the upcoming first preliminary round.