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.

Egypt’s Ismaily SC relegated after 62 years in the top flight
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt’s Ismaily SC relegated after over 60 years in the top flight

Egyptian top-tier outfit Ismaily, and three-time champion, has been relegated to the second division for the first time in over 60 years after Tuesday’s defeat

They lost their match against Wadi Degla 2-1 on May 12, which confirmed their drop to the lower league. Ismaily ended the season stuck at the bottom of the table with just 19 points, falling 11 points behind Kahrabaa Ismailia, the first team outside the relegation zone.

This season, four teams will be relegated. Ismaily last faced relegation in the 1957-1958 season and quickly returned to the top league in 1962-1963.

Nicknamed “The Dervishes,” it has struggled with a financial crisis for several years, which has hindered its ability to compete with wealthier clubs.

Ismaily was founded in 1924 and won its first league title in 1967. In 1969, it became the first Egyptian club to win an African championship by defeating TP Mazembe. The club also reached the final of the African Champions League in 2002 but lost to Enyimba.

U-17 Cup of Nations set to kick off in Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

U-17 Cup of Nations set to kick off in Morocco

The CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 begins on Wednesday, featuring 16 teams vying for continental glory and a chance to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.

The tournament runs from May 13 to June 2, following a festival-style format that combines matches, training, and team activities in one location.

Most matches will take place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, while the opening match, semi-finals, and final will be held at an alternative venue. The eight quarter-finalists will qualify automatically for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, while the four third-placed teams will compete in playoffs for the last two spots.

Defending champions Morocco lead Group A, facing Tunisia, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Under coach Tiago Lima Pereira, Morocco aims to defend their title, relying on players like Adam Bougazir and Rami Loukmani. Their first match against Tunisia will be crucial. Tunisia’s coach, Nadjeh Toumi, will focus on strong defence and quick counterattacks.

In the other Group A game, Egypt takes on Ethiopia. Egypt, a former champion, seeks to reclaim its status, while Ethiopia returns to the tournament for the first time since 2003, having qualified with a 3-0 win over Kenya.

Group B features former champions Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon, along with Uganda and debutants DR Congo. Côte d’Ivoire, recent WAFU B champions, rely on technical skills and key players like Bema Doumbia. Cameroon, led by Alioum Saidou, boasts physical strength and solid defence.

With a mix of past champions and newcomers, the opening day will set the stage for a tournament showcasing Africa’s rising football talents. Each team aims to reach the knockout stage and compete for the title of African champions.

TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026:

GROUP A: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Ethiopia

Groupe B: Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroun, Ouganda, RD Congo

GROUP C: Mali, Angola, Tanzania, Mozambique 

GROUP D: Senegal, South Africa, Algeria, Ghana 

The link to the full tournament schedule 

Mustapha Raji is poised for third term as President Liberia Football Association without opposition
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mustapha Raji is poised for a third term as President Liberia FA without opposition

The current President of the Liberia Football Association (LFA), Mustapha Raji, is set to extend his leadership for another four years as he is the only candidate for the upcoming elections on May 15, 2026.

Raji’s chance for an unchallenged third term emerged after the LFA Elections Committee disqualified his sole opponent, Cassell A. Kuoh.

The committee determined that Kuoh was not eligible to run due to stipulations in the LFA Statutes that prevent individuals with previous criminal convictions from engaging in electoral processes.

This ruling effectively eliminates any competition from the election, leaving Raji as the sole candidate to guide the federation into a new term.

Having already completed two consecutive terms, Raji has overseen substantial advancements in Liberian football throughout his leadership, including administrative reforms and initiatives aimed at bolstering the domestic game.

In addition to his national responsibilities, he wields influence on a continental scale, having served as a two-term member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee.

His standing within CAF has further enhanced his reputation in the governance circles of African football.

The forthcoming election is now anticipated to be a mere formality, with focus shifting to Raji’s plans for what would be his third successive term as the leader of Liberian football.

USM Alger clinch first leg CAF Confederation Cup final win over Zamalek
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

USM Alger clinch first leg CAF Confederation Cup final win over Zamalek

USM Alger won 1-0 against Zamalek in the first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final in Algiers on Saturday night.

Ahmed Khaldi scored a penalty in the 98th minute, just after Zamalek thought they had taken the lead.  As a result, the win gives USM Alger an advantage ahead of the return leg in Cairo.

Zamalek needs to win by at least two goals in the second leg to claim the title. For most of the match, both teams struggled to find the back of the net. Zamalek played cautiously and nearly scored early, while USM Alger controlled possession but faced a strong defence.

In the second half, USM Alger pushed harder, but Zamalek remained organised. Zamalek’s Al-Dabbagh had a goal disallowed for a foul, and Slimane made several saves.

In a dramatic turn, Zamalek’s Bezerra appeared to score, but VAR ruled out the goal for a handball. Zamalek went down to ten men after Bentayg was sent off. Khaldi then scored the penalty to secure the win.

This victory gives USM Alger hope for success in the final, but the return leg in Cairo on May 16 remains open for both teams.

Recap: CAF to launch festival-style U17 tournament format
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Recap: CAF to launch festival-style U17 tournament format

The African Football Confederation (CAF) will launch a new festival-style format for its youth competitions. This format will combine matches, training, and team operations into one setting for all teams involved.

The first festival-style event will take place during the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, from May 13 to June 2, 2026. Most matches, except for the opening match, semi-finals, and final, will be held at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Morocco.

This new approach aims to create a lively tournament atmosphere while improving how the event is run. It will help ensure consistency and support long-term player development over time.

The final draw for the Total Energies CAF U-17 AFCON Morocco 2026 recently took place, setting a competitive lineup for the group stage. Hosts and defending champions Morocco are in Group A with Tunisia, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Former champions Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon lead Group B, along with Uganda and debutants DR Congo.

Last year’s runners-up, Mali, are in Group C with Angola, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Senegal heads Group D, which also includes 2015 runners-up South Africa, Algeria, and two-time winners Ghana.

The eight teams that reach the quarter-finals will qualify automatically for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar later in 2026. The teams that finish third in their groups will play two matches to decide the last two teams that qualify.

In total, 10 African nations will represent the continent at the global finals in Qatar later this year.

TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026:

GROUP A: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Ethiopia

Groupe B: Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroun, Ouganda, RD Congo

GROUP C: Mali, Angola, Tanzania, Mozambique 

GROUP D: Senegal, South Africa, Algeria, Ghana 

The link to the full tournament schedule