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.

Zamalek upset Berkane to capture the CAF Confederation Cup crown
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zamalek upset Berkane to capture the CAF Confederation Cup

Zamalek clinched the African club football’s secondary competition with a thrilling 1-0 victory over RS Berkane in the second leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final, securing the trophy on aggregate on Sunday.

The Egyptian giants entered the second leg at the Cairo International Stadium behind 2-1 from the first leg in Morocco a week ago.

The Zamalek team, backed by their passionate home crowd, made a remarkable comeback to win the continent’s title for the second time. Striker Ahmed Hamdi scored the winning goal in the 23rd minute, levelling the aggregate score. 

However, Hamdi had to leave the game due to an injury just before halftime. The second half saw Zamalek defending fiercely against Berkane’s attacks. 

Senegalese midfielder Ibrahima Ndiaye played a crucial role in Zamalek’s strong defence. Berkane’s frustration resulted in a red card for one of their players, leaving them with 10 men. Despite the pressure, Zamalek’s defence remained solid, securing a 2-1 aggregate victory.

This win represents a remarkable comeback for the Cairo-based club, which previously claimed the title in the 2018/19 season. On the other hand, Berkane came very close to winning the CAF Confederation Cup for the third time in four years but fell short in the end.

https://twitter.com/bittar32/status/1792484721861005680

Al Ahly, Espérance set for an intriguing second-leg
by FSL News

Al Ahly, Espérance set for an intriguing second-leg

Both prominent North African clubs are eager for a victory as they face off in the thrilling second leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final in Cairo on Saturday, May 25, 2024.

Following a goalless first leg, an intense match is anticipated as Al Ahly, the host, seeks to maintain their dominance in continental football.

The first leg took place in Rades, with Espérance aiming to secure an advantage before the challenging return leg in Cairo the following Saturday.

Despite having more possession, the hosts struggled to create clear chances against the resilient defence of the reigning champions. Rodrigues Silver nearly scored early on, with a header that narrowly missed the target.

Al Shahat also came close to scoring for Al Ahly with a long-range shot just before halftime. However, the first half ended with few chances for both teams.

In the second half, Espérance continued to press for a goal. Al Ahly’s Afsha injected energy into the attack. Emam Abdelghany almost caught the goalkeeper off guard with a long-range strike.  As the match concluded, Al Ahly maintained possession to secure the draw. 

TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Final

Saturday, 18 May 2024 | Tunis 

Espérance Sportive de Tunis 0-0 Al Ahly SC

Saturday, 25 May 2024 | Cairo 

17h00 GMT | Al Ahly SC vs Espérance Sportive de Tunis

Sierra Leone U20 to kickoff tourney against Mauritania
by FSL News

Sierra Leone U20 to kickoff tourney against Mauritania

The Sierra Leone national female U20 team, known as the Shooting Starlets, is set to kick off the 2024 WAFU Tournament in Thiès, Senegal, against Mauritania on Tuesday.

Mali and Guinea-Bissau will kick off the tournament, followed by Senegal hosting Gambia at Stade Lat Dior on Monday.

The Shooting Starlets, drawn in Group B against Mauritania, Guinea, and Liberia, aim to showcase their talent and gain valuable international experience.

The team, which consists of 20 players and eight technical staff, is ready to compete in the tournament scheduled from Monday, May 20th to Tuesday, May 30th, 2024. They have arrived in Senegal with high expectations.

The tournament promises to be competitive, with teams from across West Africa (Zone A) vying for the championship. As the Shooting Starlets embark on this significant journey, they carry the hopes and support of the nation.

Their involvement represents a significant milestone in the advancement and acknowledgement of women’s soccer in Sierra Leone, under the guidance of FA President Thomas Daddy Brima and his Executives.

Senegal U20 Girls Tournament 2024: May 20-30 in Thiès - Matches Schedule:
Senegal U20 Girls Tournament 2024: May 20-30 in Thiès - Matches Schedule:
Burkina Faso's Les Étalons to host Sierra Leone in Bamako, Mali
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkina Faso’s Les Étalons to host Sierra Leone in Mali

Group A’s second-placed team, Burkina Faso’s Les Étalons, secured their first win in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers by defeating Ethiopia’s Walias on November 21, 2023, in Morocco after their opening draw with Guinea-Bissau. 

They are scheduled to host Sierra Leone at the Mar du 26 stadium in Bamako, Mali next month.

This upcoming match will be the second meeting between the two West African nations – with Sierra Leone having previously defeated Burkina Faso at the 1996 Cup of Nations in the Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein.

The fourth match day of Africa’s 2026 qualifiers is crucial for Sierra Leone, as they must avoid defeat to improve their chances of qualification. 

A strong Leone Stars side, mainly consisting of foreign-based players, is expected to be announced in the next coming days.

In the current standings, Egypt leads Group A with six points, followed by Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau with four points each. Sierra Leone and Ethiopia are tied on one point each, while Djibouti has no points after losing their first two games.

Read Related News –Burkina Faso Wallop Ethiopia to go second behind Egypt 

FIFA World Cup African Zone Group A table after the first two matches.
FIFA World Cup African Zone Group A table after the first two matches.
Ex-Milan star Rodney Strasser feels 'honored' to be among the greats at the FIFA Congress.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Rodney Strasser feels ‘honoured’ to be at FIFA Congress

Ex-AC Milan star Rodney Strasser expressed his honour at being the first Sierra Leonean football legend to represent his country at the 2024 FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand. 

The 74th FIFA Congress is scheduled to take place in Bangkok on 17th May 2024, gathering delegates from 211 member associations at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center for a five-day international event.  

One of the main agenda items will be the confirmation of the host nation or nations of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™. This will mark Thailand’s first time hosting a FIFA Congress, making it a significant event for the country.  

Rodney expressed his gratitude for the opportunity after sharing a photo with football legends such as Brazilian Cafu, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, ex-Nigerian International Mikel Obi, and others.

He highlighted the importance of showcasing the work of the Rodney Strasser Foundation and advocating for professional football players and children in sports in Sierra Leone.  

He stated, “My journey is not just about me, but about the countless young athletes and communities who deserve support and recognition. At the FIFA Congress, I aim to share our foundation’s initiatives, promote the development of football in Sierra Leone, and network with global leaders in the sport. I aspire to inspire change, foster collaboration, and bring hope to those who need it most.”

Rodney expressed his gratitude for the opportunity after sharing a photo with football legends such as Brazilian Cafu, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, ex-Nigerian International Mikel Obi, and others.
Rodney expressed his gratitude for the opportunity after sharing a photo with football legends such as Brazilian Cafu, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, ex-Nigerian International Mikel Obi, and others.