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.

Hosts Morocco advance to Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hosts Morocco advance to Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final

Hosts Morocco won 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 tie in regulation and extra time in Rabat on Tuesday night, advancing to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final for the second year in a row.

During the shootout, Khadija ErRmichi, Morocco’s goalkeeper, made a very important stop; Ghana missed two penalties. Morocco’s victory qualifies it for the final against Nigeria on Saturday; Ghana will fight South Africa for third place on Friday.

Ghana took the lead in the 26th minute with a goal from Stella Nyamekye in the game. In the 55th minute, Morocco equalized when Sakina Ouzraoui Diki scored under continued pressure.

Though each side had opportunities, neither could find a winner in normal time. Morocco made all their shots, therefore penalties decided the victor following extra time.

As they seek their first WAFCON championship at home, Moroccan players and supporters erupted in celebration upon the last whistle. Ghana will attempt to get a medal in the third-place match on Friday.

Morocco's Sakina Ouzraoui is our TotalEnergies Woman of the Match after a splendid performance vs Ghana!
Morocco's Sakina Ouzraoui is our TotalEnergies Woman of the Match after a splendid performance vs Ghana!
Super Falcons of Nigeria beat South Africa to reach into WAFCON final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Super Falcons of Nigeria beat South Africa to reach WAFCON final

Nigeria triumphed 2-1 over their closest rivals, South Africa, in a thrilling Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semifinal on Tuesday evening.

The win guaranteed their spot in the final, which also preserved their chances for a record-extending 10th continental title.

The game featured outstanding performances from Rasheedat Ajibade and Michelle Alozie, who scored pivotal goals that helped the Super Falcons avenge their 2022 loss to Banyana Banyana, reaffirming Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football.

Just before halftime, Ajibade converted a penalty after Bambanani Mbane handled the ball in the South African box to open the scoring. This aim mirrored Nigeria’s first-half dominance as they controlled the pace of the game with a disciplined defence and rapid transitions, with Alozie and Ihezuo constantly threatening.

In the second half, defending champions South Africa fought back and were given a penalty in the 60th minute when Hildah Magaia was fouled by Osinachi Ohale. Linda Motlhalo successfully converted the penalty, tying the scores and temporarily changing the momentum in favour of Banyana Banyana.

But just as extra time looked to be around, Michelle Alozie scored a spectacular long-range victor deep into stoppage time. Her 35-yard shot past goalkeeper Andile Dlamini set off rowdy celebrations among Nigerian players and fans at Stade Larbi Zaouli.

Tensions erupted during the final minutes of the game, leading to injuries and many yellow cards, with Chinwendu Ihezuo being carried off. Still, Nigeria held strong for nine minutes of stoppage time to guarantee the victory and go forward in the championship.

Still undefeated in the competition, the Super Falcons will go into the championship with fresh optimism. Meanwhile, South Africa’s title defence comes to disappointment despite their preparation for the third-place playoff.

Two mouth-watering Women's AFCON semi-final ties
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Two mouth-watering Women’s AFCON semi-final ties

Two mouth-watering semi-final ties are in the menu at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Tuesday.

First, nine-times winners Nigeria will have some titanic battle for the ages against champions South Africa in Casablanca at 16:00 GMT.

And in Rabat, the hosts, Morocco, take on the lowest-ranked side left, Ghana, at 19:00.

Now we still have the prospect of a repeat of the 2022 final when Banyana Banyana defeated the Atlas Lionesses 2-1, once again in the capital, on Saturday evening.

Form and fancy would suggest joining Nigeria and Morocco together. However, an all-West African encounter could also inject an extra dimension to a tournament that has not lacked compelling narratives.

Morocco and Ghana have yet to win the championship, which the Confederation of African Football has doubled to $1m for the victors and introduced a new trophy.

The tournament hosts are now on course to reach the final for a second consecutive time, having cruised to a 3-1 win over Mali.

Yet another passionate home crowd of the 21,000-capacity Olympic Stadium is anticipated in the capital to back the Atlas Lionesses.

“The public who have come to the stadium have encouraged us from the outset,” coach Jorge Vilda said.

It’s been that way, and hopefully it’s the same in the semi-final. What we have in our mind is we want to arrive at the final.”

The last four at the Women's Cup of Nations in Morocco
The last four at the Women's Cup of Nations in Morocco
New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Club football

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced new coaching rules. Head coaches and assistants for senior national teams must hold a CAF A Licence or Pro to enhance coaching standards across Africa.

CAF has unveiled new coaching standards approved by the Executive Committee to raise coaching quality throughout Africa, thereby affecting national teams, every club event, and the CAF Women’s Champions League.

According to CAF’s recent correspondence to Members Associations, Coaches without the necessary licenses must begin obtaining them now, but those hired before May 4, 2025, have a grace period until the end of the 2026/2027 season.

New coaches employed by clubs and national teams must meet the required credentials, as well as current agreements.

Coaches who miss the deadline standards will be prohibited from entering technical areas during official CAF events; they will also not be able to sign up as team officials or take part in team activities, therefore jeopardising their careers. Failure to follow instructions might result in more punitive measures.

“It is also important to underscore that in case of non-fulfilment of the above requirements, the affected coach would be prohibited from accessing Zones 1 and 2 of the stadiums during CAF matches.

Additionally, coaches will not be registered as team officials or permitted to participate in any official team activities.

Other sporting sanctions, including a referral to the CAF Judicial Bodies, may apply, ” the communication stated.

We take this opportunity to once again express our appreciation for your continued contributions to the development of African football and our continuous support to collectively enhance its future. We trust that you will play a pivotal role in the successful implementation of these new directives.”

This decision highlights CAF’s dedication to raising the standard of coaching and governance in African football by aligning it with international norms and hoping to increase the worldwide competitive presence of the continent.

New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
Ex-Star Sport Academy attacker Kamara nets on Vejle Boldklub debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-Star Sport Academy attacker Kamara nets on Vejle Boldklub debut

Abdulai Kamara, who was with Star Sport Academy since the beginning of this campaign, scored on his debut for Danish side Vejle Boldklub in the Superliga.dk after his permanent move until 2029.

Vejle Boldklub played to a 1-1 draw against Randers on Sunday in the Danish Superliga. Kamara wasted no time recording his first goal, helping his side earn a point.

Having made 12 appearances, scoring 8 goals since joining Star Sport Academy from GFI Academy in Guinea, the 18-year-old offensive player has opened his account in Denmark.

Vejle is an exciting opportunity.

Abdoulaye Kamara, originally from GFI Academy in Guinea, is excited to join the 3F Superliga squad in Vejle. He expressed that the opportunity was unexpected but has been positive, noting the professionalism of the club and his teammates. As an offensive player, he enjoys having the ball and contributing to the team’s success.

Kamara mentioned the adjustment to a new country and the focus on training, praising the facilities and coaches for helping him improve. While the language barrier poses a challenge, he is committed to practising English and appreciates the support from his teammates. He is optimistic about his future in Denmark.