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.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Patrick Vieira appointed as Senegal’s new head coach

Patrick Vieira has been appointed the new head coach of the Senegal men’s national football team, replacing Pape Thiaw, who was dismissed after Senegal’s early exit in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Born in Dakar, Senegal, Vieira moved to France at eight and played over 100 matches for the French national team, winning the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championship in 2000.

Senegal’s football federation (FSF) hopes Vieira’s experience will enhance its coaching staff and support national sports goals. His first matches in charge are expected next month during the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Vieira recently left his position at Genoa, where he had guided the team to safety in Serie A. As a player, he won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups with Arsenal and achieved success with AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Manchester City. After retiring in 2011, he managed New York City, Nice, and Crystal Palace.

Thiaw faced controversy in January when Senegal left the field during the 2025 AFCON final after Morocco was awarded a late penalty. After returning, Senegal lost, and Morocco was declared the winner in March after the Confederation of African Football overturned the final’s decision. Senegal has appealed this ruling, with a hearing on October 8.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi joins Coventry from Nottingham Forest

Newly promoted Premier League side Coventry City has confirmed the signing of Nigerian International Taiwo Awoniyi from Nottingham Forest.

The 29-year-old striker has played in the Premier League for four seasons, scoring 21 goals in 90 league games. He began his career at Liverpool and had loan spells at FSV Frankfurt, NEC Nijmegen, Mouscron, and KAA Gent before moving to Mainz 05 and then 1. FC Union Berlin.

Awoniyi had a standout season with Union Berlin, scoring 20 goals, which led Nottingham Forest to sign him for a record fee in 2022.

He netted 11 goals in his first season at Forest, helping the team avoid relegation and reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals. He also played a key role in the team finishing seventh and qualifying for Europe in the 2024-25 season. Awoniyi has represented Nigeria 10 times and scored twice.

On joining Coventry City, Awoniyi said: “I’m very happy to complete my move to Coventry City. I can’t wait to get started and work with my new teammates. They were incredible last season, and I’m excited to join them.”

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Partnership Agreement between SLFA and FRMF for Football Development signed

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) have signed a partnership agreement to strengthen cooperation and promote football development in both countries.

The signing took place on Monday, August 17, 2026, in Rabat, Morocco. SLFA President Mr. Babadi Kamara and FRMF President Mr. Fouzi Lekjaa agreed on the terms.

This agreement will allow the two football organizations to work together in several areas, including training for technical and administrative staff, developing referees, promoting youth football, organizing friendly matches, and hosting football workshops.

The partnership will also help build football infrastructure in Sierra Leone by creating a technical training ground in a community in need.

As part of the agreement, the Moroccan Federation will host SLFA staff for training and observation programs. They will also provide access to specialized sports injury hospital facilities.

Both federations will work together to organize friendly matches for senior and youth national teams, including both men and women.

The agreement will initially last two years but can be renewed if both parties agree.

by @football_sierra

Cameroon Crowned First-Time WAFCON Champions After Beating Malawi

Cameroon won the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time with a 3-0 victory over Malawi in the final at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

Marie Ngah scored two goals, and Naomi Ndjoah Eto added one. Ngah opened the scoring in the 20th minute, followed by Ndjoah Eto’s goal ten minutes later. Ngah scored again in first-half stoppage time, giving Cameroon a strong 3-0 lead.

With this win, Cameroon became the fourth nation to win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, joining Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and South Africa. This victory also ended their previous disappointments from final losses in 2004, 2014, and 2016.

Malawi, in their first WAFCON final, struggled against Cameroon’s disciplined defence. Despite being strong attackers, they couldn’t respond once they fell behind. They made substitutions in the second half, but Cameroon maintained control.

Cameroon’s successful run included defeating Ghana, eliminating Nigeria in the quarter-finals, and beating Morocco on penalties in the semi-finals. They finished the tournament without conceding a goal.

Malawi’s campaign was historic, as they became the first Southern African debutants to reach the final. However, Cameroon celebrated their long-awaited title, moving beyond past disappointments after ten years.

by @football_sierra

Gambia Confirm Temporary CAF Approval for Bakau Stadium

The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) has confirmed that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has given temporary approval for the Independence Stadium in Bakau to host events in September 2026.

As a result, the Gambia National Team can play its upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON KE-TZ-UG 27) qualifier against Somalia at home, allowing passionate fans to support their team.

Gambian clubs taking part in CAF Interclub Competitions in September 2026 can also play their home games at the Independence Stadium.

CAF recognised the improvements made at the stadium in an official letter signed by Acting General Secretary Mr Samson Adamu. They thanked the GFF, its leaders, and the Gambian Government for their commitment and teamwork to upgrade the stadium to meet continental standards.

GFF President Lamin Kaba Bajo stated, “This is a great achievement for Gambian football and a happy day for our country. Playing at home in front of our loyal fans gives the Scorpions a real advantage. We thank President Adama Barrow, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the stadium management, and all Gambians for their support.”

While this approval is an important step, the GFF knows there is more work to do for permanent accreditation. CAF will send a report noting minor issues that need attention. The GFF and all national partners will work to ensure the stadium meets all CAF requirements.

CAF may send an inspector to attend a matchday in September to check the stadium’s readiness. The Federation welcomes this and will strive for smooth matchday operations.