Category: African News

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Sierra Leone's Ibrahim Conteh set for CAF Instructors Workshop
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Ibrahim Conteh set for CAF Instructors Workshop

The workshop will take place from January 31 to February 2, 2024, and will include 31 participants.

The objective of the workshop is to enhance the Club Licensing system in African football. CAF Muhammad F Sidat will oversee the participants and train potential candidates, who will be assigned by the continental football body to impart knowledge and expertise on the club licensing support mission.

Conteh was chosen by CAF based on his performance during the Training-of-Trainers workshop, which was organized by the Sierra Leone Football Association in December 2023.

The African football landscape aims to continuously improve the Club Licensing system. Therefore, CAF plans to organize a workshop for CAF Club Licensing Instructors and CLOP experts with clear objectives.

CAF will train and select new licensing instructors and experts for the next cycle.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 African News.

Mali & Burkina Faso ready for AFCON last-sixteen decider
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali & Burkina Faso ready for AFCON last-sixteen decider

On Tuesday (January 30), Mali and Burkina Faso will face off in the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 at Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium. 

This will be the second time the neighbouring West African teams will face each other in the AFCON. The first time was during the 2004 edition.

Mali and Burkina Faso have received local support more than any other teams in 2024, except hosts Cote D’Ivoire, where many of their fans reside.

Mali has won seven out of eight clashes against Burkina Faso, who have only managed one draw. However, Burkina Faso looks motivated and could upset their old foes. 

Burkina Faso finished second in Group D with four points, behind leaders Angola, who had a near-flawless run with seven points. 

In contrast, Mali finished unbeaten in the group stage, but Burkina Faso’s defensive weaknesses were exposed in their last group game, where they lost 2-0 against Angola. 

Les Etalons are expected to fix their defensive issues to avoid a similar fate. While Mali is a pacy side that mostly attacks through the flanks, Burkina Faso’s talisman Bertrand Traore, formerly of Chelsea, could come to their rescue.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 African News.

Hosts Cote d'Ivoire purge holders Senegal to reach last eight
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hosts Cote d’Ivoire purge holders Senegal to reach last eight

Cote d’Ivoire defeated reigning defending champions Senegal in a dramatic match, securing their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

Senegal took the lead just four minutes into the game with a goal from Habib Diallo after a superb cross from Sadio Mane.

However, the hosts gradually grew into the game and had the better of the first half, with Ibrahim Sangare posing a constant threat on the wing.

Despite several near misses, Senegal’s defence, led by Kalidou Koulibaly and Abdou Diallo, repelled everything thrown at them.

In the second half, Cote d’Ivoire continued pressing, and the game turned on a pivotal 86th-minute moment when Nicolas Pepe was brought down in the box, and Franck Kessie scored the equalizer from the spot.

The scores remained level in extra time, and in the shootout, both sides netted their first four penalties. However, when Kalifa Coulibaly’s effort came off the upright, Kessie stepped up to smash home the winning kick, capping a remarkable turnaround for the hosts.

Led by captain Serge Aurier, the spirited hosts fought until the end and rode their luck at times against profligate opponents. After a disastrous group stage, Cote d’Ivoire showed tremendous resilience and spirit to dethrone Senegal, who will have to relinquish their title.

The defending champions are out, and the unfancied hosts march on in dramatic style. This result has opened up the tournament and makes the quarter-finals even more exciting.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 African News.

Mendes scored penalty secure Cape Verde's quarter-final spot
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cape Verde book Cup of Nations quarter-final spot

In a thrilling match at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Cape Verde defeated Mauritania 1-0 with a late penalty scored by Ryan Mendes, securing their place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

Throughout the game, Cape Verde had more possession and created more chances. Jovane Cabral had a goal disallowed for offside early on. However, Mauritania’s defence held strong, and both teams went into the closing stages of the game without scoring a goal.

As the match progressed, Cape Verde continued to push for a goal, while Mauritania posed threats on the counterattack. The passionate fans of both teams cheered loudly, but the deadlock remained.

In the 87th minute, Babacar Niasse of Mauritania fouled Gilson Tavares in the box, giving Cape Verde a penalty kick. Ryan Mendes stepped up and scored, making the score 1-0 in favour of Cape Verde.

With time running out, Mauritania tried to equalise, but Cape Verde held on to secure their spot in the quarter-finals for the second time. They will face either Morocco or South Africa on Saturday.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 African News.

DR Congo advanced to the quarter-finals to face Guinea
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

DR Congo advance to the quarter-finals to face Guinea

The Democratic Republic of Congo has eliminated Egypt from the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 tournament by winning 8-7 on penalties in the round of 16 at Stade Laurent Pokou.

The match was intense and went on for 120 minutes of mouthwatering contest. 

Sebastien Desabre’s team will face Guinea in the next round after Guinea eliminated Equatorial Guinea in the quarter-finals.

Meschack Elia scored in the 37th minute, giving DR Congo the lead with a header from the six-yard box. The Pharaohs responded to Les Léopards ‘s lead in the first half.

Egypt was awarded a penalty after a VAR review, and attacker Mostafa Mohamed converted it into the top right corner, beating goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau.

Although the seven-time champions dominated the second half, they were unable to break through the resilient Les Léopards defence. The match eventually went into extra time, marking the first time in the tournament in Côte D’Ivoire.

The game travelled to a shootout, and Egypt missed twice from the penalty spot. Mostafa Mohamed and goalkeeper Gabaski both missed their kicks, while Arthur Masuaku missed his earlier for Les Léopards.

DR Congo has advanced to the quarter-finals after winning 8-7 on penalties. Egypt has attempted to advance from the last 16 three times in the past but has failed to do so twice. D.R. Congo has been eliminated in their first knockout game in their two previous appearances in 2019 and 2017.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 African News.