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Mo Salah, Omar Marmoush and Osama Faisal named to Egypt squad

Mo Salah, Omar Marmoush named for Egypt’s World Cup qualifiers

Egypt’s coach Hossam Hassan has announced his squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and Burkina Faso.

Leading the attacking lineup is Mohamed Salah, accompanied by Mostafa Mohamed, Osama Faisal and Omar Marmoush. The goalkeeping unit is comprised of Mohamed El Shenawy, Mostafa Shobeir, Mohamed Sobhy, and Abdelaziz El Balouti.

The team includes some fresh talent as well as the return of a few familiar faces. Notably, Amr El Gazzar, a defender from the National Bank of Egypt, receives his first call-up to the national team.

Additionally, Pyramids midfielder Mohannad Lasheen is back after a hiatus following the Africa Cup of Nations, and Al Ahly’s Marwan Attia rejoins the squad after his recovery from a hernia.

Currently, Egypt sits at the top of Group A with 16 points, holding a five-point advantage over Burkina Faso in second place. They remain strong favourites to advance to the final qualifying rounds.

Here’s the complete roster for Egypt:

Goalkeepers:
– Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly)
– Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly)
– Mohamed Sobhy (Zamalek)
– Abdelaziz El Balouty (National Bank)

Defenders:

– Rami Rabia (Al Ain, UAE)
– Khaled Sobhi (Al Masry)
– Amr El Gazzar (National Bank)
– Hossam Abdelmaguid (Zamalek)
– Mohamed Rabia (ZED)
– Mohamed Hany (Al Ahly)
– Ahmed Eid (Al Masry)
– Mohamed Hamdy (Pyramids)
– Ahmed Nabil “Koka” (Al Ahly)

Midfielders:

– Hamdi Fathi (Al Wakrah, Qatar)
– Nabil Emad (Zamalek)
– Marwan Attia (Al Ahly)
– Mahmoud Sabrer (ZED)
– Mohannad Lasheen (Pyramids)
– Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” (Al Ahly)
– Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” (Al Ahly)
– Omar Marmoush (Manchester City)
– Ibrahim Adel (Al Jazira, UAE)

Forwards:
– Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
– Mostafa Mohamed (Nantes)
– Osama Faisal (National Bank)


Fixtures:

September 5: Egypt vs Ethiopia (Cairo International Stadium)

September 10: Burkina Faso vs Egypt

Getafe's Christantus Uche named in Nigeria squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Getafe’s Christantus Uche named in Nigeria squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Christantus Uche has been called up to the Nigeria national team for the upcoming World Cup Qualifier matches against Rwanda and South Africa.

Uche, who has been in excellent form this season for Getafa, has been included in the Green Eagles’ roster for these two crucial qualifying matches, scheduled for September 6 against Rwanda and September 9 against South Africa.

Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface has been omitted from the Super Eagles’ squad for next month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.

The 23-year-old was the most notable exclusion as head coach Eric Chelle released his final list on Friday.

The squad list was posted on the Super Eagles’ official X account on Friday. Regulars such as Victor Osimhen, William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, Stanley Nwabali, Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Calvin Bassey have all been selected for these must-win fixtures.

Full squad:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabili; Amas Obasogie; Adeleye Adebayo.

Defenders: William Troost-Ekong; Calvin Bassey; Olaoluwa Aina; Bright Osayi-Samuel; Bruno Onyemaechi; Chidozie Awaziem; Felix Agu; Benjamin Fredericks.

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi; Frank Onyeka; Wilfred Ndidi; Fisayo Dele-Bashiru; Raphael Onyedika; Christantus Uche.

Forwards: Ademola Lookman; Samuel Chukwueze; Victor Osimhen; Moses Simon; Cyriel Dessers; Tolu Arokodare.

Morocco overcome Madagascar to clinch third CHAN title

Morocco overcome Madagascar to clinch third CHAN title

Morocco clinched their third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title in six years by defeating Madagascar 3-2 in the 2024 final held on August 30, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya.

Star striker Oussama Lamlioui scored twice, including a breathtaking 40-yard strike, solidifying Morocco’s status as the most successful team in CHAN history.

Madagascar took an early lead in the ninth minute with Calvin Felicite Manohantzua’s goal, but Morocco equalized through Youssef Mehri in the 27th minute.

Oussama Lamlioui then scored to give Morocco a 2-1 lead at halftime.

After the recess, Toky Rakotondraibe levelled again for Madagascar, but Lamlioui’s second goal sealed the victory for Morocco.

Despite the loss, Madagascar’s silver medal marked a historic achievement.  Lamlioui earned the Golden Boot with six goals, while Mohammed Hrimat was named Player of the Tournament. Senegal’s Marc Diouf received the Fair Play Award and the Golden Glove.

Morocco clinched their third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title in six years by defeating Madagascar 3-2 in the 2024 final held on August 30, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya.
Morocco clinched their third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title in six years by defeating Madagascar 3-2 in the 2024 final held on August 30, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya.
Senegal clinch CHAN third place after defeating Sudan on penalty shootout

Senegal clinch CHAN third place after defeating Sudan on penalty shootout

Though they failed to defend their title at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), Senegal placed third after Friday’s 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Sudan after a 1-1 draw through ninety minutes in Kampala, Uganda.

Both teams had times of excellent play, making it an even match overall. Though Sudan took the lead inside six minutes, terrible marking from the Senegalese defense left tall striker Mohamed Teya wide as he heads in Abdel Raouf’s corner kick from six yards out.

2022 winners Senegal reacted swiftly and went on to dominate much of the first half. Before halftime, a deluge of possibilities presented themselves when Sudan goalkeeper Mohamed Elnour made a great stop at his near post from Oumar Ba’s sliding attempt. Amadou Coly had a good chance moments ago, but his shot veered wide.

However, the Local Lions of Teranga kept striving after halftime and were rewarded around the hour mari. Ousseynou Seck’s cross from the right wing found Mbaye Ndiaye’s head, which he lobbled over Elnour as the Sudan. Keeper came to claim the cross.

Both teams had chances in the last half hour but stayed even with a penalty shootout coming after the full time whistle. Walieldin Khidir, a Sudan star, missed the first penalty kick, therefore setting the tone. Senegal converted all four of their tries; Sudan also missed their third penalty.

On Saturday (15:00 GMT) Morocco battle Madagascar in Nairobi, Kenya, which will mark the last.

Ivorian Referees set to Officiate World Cup Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone Qualifier

Ivorian Referees set to officiate World Cup Guinea-Bissau v Sierra Leone Qualifier

Ivorian referees have been appointed to officiate the upcoming World Cup qualifier in Group A between Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone next month.

The officiating team includes Referee Kpan Clement Franklin, Assistant Referee 1 ADIOUMAN Koabenan Prosper, and Assistant Referee 2 Ettien Eba Médard Wenceslas.

The match is set to take place at the Estadio 24 de Setembro in Bissau. Joining them will be Fourth Official SORO Tuonifere, also hailing from Côte d’Ivoire.

Providing support in the proceedings will be Referee Assessor Jason Joseph Damoo from Seychelles and Match Commissioner Ramos Silva Barros Joel Amarante from Cape Verde.

This matchup marks the fifteenth encounter between the two teams, with Sierra Leone leading the series with eight wins, six draws, and just one victory for the home side.

In their last meeting, the Djurtus suffered a 3-1 defeat suffered at Sierra Leone back in March in the Liberian Capital at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.

Current Standings: Guinea-Bissau is currently two points behind Sierra Leone, which occupies the third position in their group with a total of 8 points.

Sierra Leone’s aspirations for qualification for the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, remain viable, with only 6 days remaining to enhance their standing in the table.