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.

Morocco March Into History with Dominant 3-0 Win Over Canada, Set Up France Rematch
by Abdul Karim Kargbo

Morocco March Into History with Dominant 3-0 Win Over Canada, Set Up France Rematch

Morocco has once again made football history, becoming the first African nation to reach the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals in consecutive tournaments after a commanding 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada in Houston.

The Atlas Lions’ latest achievement further strengthens their reputation as one of world football’s rising powers and highlights the success of years of strategic investment in football infrastructure and youth development.

After a hard-fought first half, Morocco took complete control following the restart. Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi inspired the victory with two superb second-half goals, the opener coming from a brilliantly rehearsed free-kick routine orchestrated by Achraf Hakimi. Soufiane Rahimi added a third goal in stoppage time to seal an emphatic win and send the North Africans into the last eight in style.

The victory has now set up a blockbuster quarterfinal clash against France after Les Bleus edged Paraguay 1-0 to book their place in the last eight. The encounter will rekindle memories of the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinal in Qatar, where France defeated Morocco 2-0 to end the Atlas Lions’ historic run. Morocco will be eager to gain revenge and continue their remarkable journey, although there are concerns over the fitness of leading scorer Ismael Saibari, who was forced off in the first half with a suspected injury.

For Canada, the defeat brings an end to their World Cup campaign after four matches despite a spirited display on home soil. Morocco, however, once again showcased the tactical discipline, defensive resilience and clinical finishing that have become the hallmarks of their success. With another quarterfinal appearance secured and a mouthwatering rematch against France awaiting, the Atlas Lions now carry the hopes of an entire continent as they chase an unprecedented place in the World Cup semifinals.

CAF Release Schedule for the 2026–27 Inter-Club Competitions
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Release Schedule for the 2026–27 Inter-Club Competitions

CAF has released the match schedule for inter-club competitions for the 2026-27 season. The Preliminary rounds for the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup start in September 2026.

Group stages set for November 2026 to January 2027. The finals of both tournaments are scheduled for 9–31 May 2027

The TotalEnergies CAF Champions League winners will still get USD 6 million, and the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup winners will still get USD 4 million.

Starting on 4–6 September 2026 (first leg), the First Preliminary Round will officially mark the 2026/27 season; the return legs will follow from 11–13 September 2026.

The Second Preliminary Round is set for 16–18 October 2026, with the pivotal second legs played between 23 and 25 October 2026.

Beginning at the end of November, the group stage of both tournaments will start after the early rounds are finished.

The Preliminary Rounds:

  • First Preliminary Round: 4-6 September 2026 (First Leg)
  • First Preliminary Round: 11-13 September 2026 (Second Leg)
  • Second Preliminary Round: 16-18 October 2026 (First Leg)
  • Second Preliminary Round: 23-25 October 2026 (Second Leg)

The Group Stage Fixtures have been scheduled as follows:

Matchday 1: 27-29 November 2026
Matchday 2: 4-6 December 2026
Matchday 3: 18-20 December 2026
Matchday 4: 8-10 January 2027
Matchday 5: 15-17 January 2027
Matchday 6: 22-24 January 2027


The Knockout Stage Fixtures:

Quarterfinals: 26-28 February 2027 (First Leg)
Quarterfinals: 5-7 March 2027 (Second Leg)
Semifinals: 9-11 April 2027 (First Leg)
Semifinals: 16-18 April 2027 (Second Leg)
Finals: 9-31 May 2027

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe Hails Nine African Teams in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe Hails Nine African Teams in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32

Africa recored 90% of 100 from the World Cup 2026 group stage as nine of ten teams made the last 32 of the USA, Canada, and Mexico showcase

“The hard work and investments in youth football development, coaching, professional football leagues and football infrastructure in each of CAF’s 54 Member Associations and in the CAF Competitions are bearing fruit, Dr Motsepe vehemently noted.

“I want to congratulate the National Teams and coaching staff of Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and South Africa for qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Round of 32.

They have made their countries and the 1.6 billion people in Africa and in the Diaspora proud. The achievements of these nine teams show that African football is becoming more competitive and recognized worldwide.

The hard work put into developing youth football, coaching, professional leagues, and infrastructure in each of the 54 CAF Member Associations is paying off.

New governance and financial practices have attracted sponsors and partners, helping the growth of African football. I also congratulate the 9 CAF Member Association Presidents and their teams and thank the African Governments for their support of these Associations.

CAF wishes all nine teams the best as they compete in the FIFA World Cup 2026™, and we believe they will continue to make their countries and Africa proud.”

Senegal to Meet Iraq in Crucial Group I Decider at Toronto Stadium
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal to Meet Iraq in Crucial Group I Decider at Toronto Stadium

Senegal is set to battle against Iraq at Toronto Stadium on Friday in an effort to recover from back-to-back losses in their first two Group I matches, and with their Round of 32 hopes in the balance. Both nations will meet for the first time in football history. (Photo Senegalese Federation)
 
Senegal has opened with two defeats
 
The Lions of Teranga started their World Cup run at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 16 with a 3-1 loss to France, as Kylian Mbappé introduced himself to the world with a brace against the African powerhouse.
 
Things got even worse for Senegal after that as they lost 3-2 to Norway on the same fields on June 23. Their losing streak dropped them to zero points in third place, while Iraq is fourth in Group I before Friday’s match.
 
The Opponent – opening on 17 June, Iraq played Norway and suffered a 4-1 loss at the Boston Stadium; Aymen Hussein scored for his country.
 
The Lions of Mesopotamia, as they are lovingly known, then faced 2022 finalists France at the Philadelphia Stadium on June 22 and lost 3-0 thanks to goals from Mbappe (2) and Ousmane Dembele.
 
Senegal’s head coach reflects and looks ahead
 
Pape Thiaw thinks his team has not failed at the competition, even if they lost their first two games, as Senegal is set to qualify for the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.
 
“We have one game left, and we need to concentrate on this last game, try it, get three points, then cross our fingers,” Thiaw added. “I suppose it’s a little too early to declare we failed. We’re not dead; rather, we’re living.
 
This is the first time Senegal has opened a World Cup season with two losses; we are not in a strong situation. However, we still have a chance to qualify; therefore, we will concentrate on the final game.

We hope to go through and wish to try to get those three points. Once you make it to the following round, it’s yet another tournament beginning. 

Somali referee Omara Artan, barred from 2026 FIFA World Cup, lands UEFA role
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Somali referee Omar Artan, barred from 2026 FIFA World Cup, lands UEFA role

The Union of European Football Associations, UEFA, has confirmed the appointment of Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup.

This highly anticipated match is scheduled for 12 August in Salzburg, featuring UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain against UEFA Europa League champions Aston Villa FC.

“Despite his youth, Artan has quickly made a name for himself as one of the world’s leading referees and has been on the FIFA international officiating list since 2018,” UEFA noted. 

He notably officiated the second leg of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League final, solidifying his reputation in the sport. In recognition of his exceptional performances, he was honoured with the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year Award in 2025.

Although Artan was selected as part of the match officials for the FIFA World Cup 2026, he was unable to participate due to restrictions preventing him from entering the United States.

His appointment to referee the UEFA Super Cup falls under the framework of the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UEFA and CAF, which aims to foster cooperation in various areas, including refereeing. Both UEFA and CAF are dedicated to promoting football development at all levels and upholding the core values of unity, equality, and non-discrimination.

Aleksander Čeferin, UEFA president, said: “Omar Artan is an excellent young but already experienced referee, who has proven himself at the highest competition level of the Confederation of African Football. Football is made to connect people, and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills, which had earned him such a prestigious nomination. I am grateful to my friend CAF President Patrice Motsepe for supporting enthusiastically our initiative.”

Dr Patrice Motsepe, CAF president, said: “Omar Artan has made Somalia and the entire people of the African Continent extremely proud. His receipt of the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year Award 2025 and his appointment as a referee of the FIFA World Cup 2026 are a recognition of his world-class refereeing ability and the international respect that he enjoys. I am very thankful to my friend, Aleksander Čeferin for enabling Omar Artan to officiate the UEFA Super Cup 2026 match. This is a great honour for Omar Artan and for African referees and is also an excellent example of football, bringing together and uniting people from Africa and Europe and worldwide.”