Category: African News

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by Football Sierra Leone

Nigeria’s Rangers Beat MC Alger in Dramatic Match

Nigeria’s Rangers International played strongly to beat Algeria’s MC Alger 2-0 in the first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Second Preliminary Round on Sunday, even after losing a player to a red card in the 13th minute.

James Emo scored both late goals for Rangers, including a penalty in the 83rd minute and another goal in the 87th minute, giving the Nigerian team an important lead before the second leg on 23 October in Algeria.

After losing a player early on, Rangers coach Fidelis Ilechukwu had to quickly change his strategy. Despite having one less player, Rangers held off MC Alger’s efforts to score, and the first half ended without any goals.

In the 52nd minute, MC Alger also lost a player to a red card, which interrupted the game briefly. Tensions rose further when an official from MC Alger was sent off in the 70th minute.

Rangers finally scored their first goal from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute, and Emo increased their lead just four minutes later. The win means Rangers now need to defend their two-goal lead in the return match in Algeria to move on to the group stage.

by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Star Sport Academy Eye Champions League Comeback Against RS Berkane in Morocco

Sierra Leone’s sole representative in the second qualifying round of the CAF Champions League, Star Sport Academy, faces a defining continental test after their 2-0 home defeat in Liberia on Saturday.

The Freetown-based outfit will travel immediately ahead of the return fixture at the Berkane Municipality Stadium on Sunday, October 25th. 

Oussama Lamlioui’s first-half brace handed Berkane a 2–0 victory in the first leg at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Stadium on Saturday, October 17, giving the Moroccan side a two-goal aggregate advantage heading into the decisive encounter.

Despite the setback, Head Coach Amidu Karim and his men remain focused on the challenge ahead, with another 90 minutes to show their resilience, determination and ambition on the continental stage.

Star Sport Academy must now turn the first-leg lessons into a determined response, combining defensive discipline, attacking intent and clinical finishing to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Although the task in Morocco will be demanding, the Sierra Leonean side will be determined to deliver a spirited performance and represent their country with pride.

Coach Karim insists that his team remains committed to the challenge, stressing their determination to represent Sierra Leone with pride on the continental stage until the final whistle.

Following their 2-0 home defeat, Star Sport Academy now need a disciplined team performance, belief and composure in front of goal as they seek to overturn the two-goal deficit and keep their CAF Champions League campaign alive.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

TP Mazembe and Club Africain share spoils in Lubumbashi

DR Congo powerhouse TP Mazembe were held to a 1-1 draw against Tunisia’s Club Africain in the first leg of their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2026/27 Second Preliminary Round clash on Saturday.

Kazema Baso put the five-time African champions ahead at the Kamalondo Stadium in Lubumbashi. However, just a minute later, Alain Kante equalised, bringing the score level for the visitors from Tunisia.

Mazembe controlled much of the second half, creating numerous scoring chances, yet they struggled to penetrate Club Africain’s resolute defense. The result leaves the tie finely balanced, with the Congolese side unable to secure a home advantage despite their relentless attacking efforts.

Both teams will now focus on the critical return leg at the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi in Radès on Sunday, 25 October, where a spot in the group stage is on the line.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tshepang Moremi nets as Orlando Pirates claim crucial away win

Orlando Pirates from South Africa won 1-0 against Namibia’s African Stars in the first leg of the second-round preliminary of the CAF Champions League on Saturday.

Tshepang Moremi scored the only goal in the 78th minute, giving Pirates an important advantage. This late goal was key as they took the win on African soil.

African Stars could not score an equaliser, leaving Pirates with a narrow lead in the two-legged match. This result boosts Pirates’ chances of moving on to the group stage of Africa’s top club tournament.

Now, African Stars need to come back in the second leg in South Africa to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.

by Football Sierra Leone

Pyramids Defeat El Merriekh in Juba in First-Leg Clash

Pyramids FC achieved a crucial away win against El Merriekh Bentiu from South Sudan, with Mahmoud Saber scoring in the 30th minute.

The victory, however, came with challenges as key defenders Mahmoud Marei and Iyad Al-Asqalani will miss the return leg due to suspensions.

Marei received a second yellow card, while Al-Asqalani was cautioned for the third time this season.

Despite these setbacks, Pyramids hold a one-goal advantage heading back to Cairo after eliminating Gor Mahia with a 7-1 aggregate score in the previous round. El Merriekh Bentiu also performed well, defeating Somalia’s Heegan FC 4-0 on aggregate.

The return fixture will take place at the Air Defence Stadium in Cairo on October 24. The winners will progress to the group stage of Africa’s top club competition, starting at the end of November.