Category: Sport News

Striker Cedric Bakambu eyes DR Congo World Cup 2026 spot
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Cedric Bakambu eyes DR Congo World Cup 2026 spot

DR Congo's striker Cedric Bakambu has voiced his keen ambition to secure a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the team gears up for their final two matches in the qualification race for the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

The Congolese team sits second in Group B of the CAF qualifiers, trailing Senegal by two points. Despite a recent loss to Senegal, Bakambu remains hopeful about their chances, emphasising unity and determination to achieve qualification.

The DR Congo has not participated in the World Cup since 1974, making the current campaign significant. Bakambu, who has scored three goals and provided two assists recently, aspires to become DR Congo’s all-time top scorer, currently just three goals shy of the record.

He reflected on the emotional experience of playing at the Stade des Martyrs in front of a packed crowd and highlighted the importance of giving back to his country of origin, with strong ties to his roots.

“We’re still on track even though we lost against Senegal. Where there’s life, there’s hope,” adds the 34-year-old forward, not shying away from the memory of that painful 3-2 home defeat against the Teranga Lions on Matchday 8 on 9 September, when he opened the scoring.

“It makes no difference if we qualify for the World Cup directly or through the play‑offs. The target is still the same. It won’t be easy, but we’ll do everything in our power.”

“For me, Senegal is the best team in Africa. You could sense it on the pitch. They know all about playing on the biggest stage in the world. Nobody can say that Senegal didn’t deserve to win. Hats off to them. Just ask any of the Senegalese players – coming and getting a result at the Stade des Martyrs is no mean feat.” Cedric Bakambu told FIFA.com

Sierra Leone and Senegal split rewards in U17 WAFU qualifying opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone and Senegal split rewards in U17 WAFU qualifying opener

Sierra Leone and Senegal played to a 1-1 draw in a thrilling Group B match at the WAFU A U17 Championship in Mali, showcasing their determination to qualify for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations.

Emerging as Sierra Leone’s hero, Musa A. Samura opened the scoring with a poised finish that sent the Sierra Leonean spectators into a state of euphoria.

Following a well-worked move that sliced open the Senegalese defence, his goal came halfway through the first half.

But as the first half wore on, Senegal, renowned for their youth-level tenacity, entered the game. Their hard work was rewarded in the second half when Souleymane C. Faye equalised the game.

The gifted forward seized a defensive error and slipped the ball past the Sierra Leonean goalie to bring the score level and ignite optimism for the West African behemoths.

The game went on at a fast clip with both teams creating opportunities, yet neither side could locate the winning goal. While Sierra Leone defended fiercely to hang onto the point, Senegal displayed more attacking intent in the last stages.

This result gives both teams all to play for in their upcoming group games. Every point counts as the best teams advance to the next round of qualifiers.

The WAFU A U17 competition in Mali keeps producing fierce and thrilling games. In the day’s other match, Guinea narrowly edged Mauritania 1-0 to go top of Group B after their opening matches.

Sierra Leone and Senegal played to a 1-1 draw in a thrilling Group B match at the WAFU A U17 Championship in Mali
Sierra Leone and Senegal played to a 1-1 draw in a thrilling Group B match at the WAFU A U17 Championship in Mali
South Africa Stun USA to reach U20 World Cup Knockouts
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa Stun USA to reach U20 World Cup Knockouts

The Amajita of South Africa have progressed to the Round of 16 following a hard-fought 2-1 victory, with standout performances from Kekana, Vilakazi, and Smythe Lowe.

The Amajita of South Africa have progressed to the Round of 16 following a hard-fought 2-1 victory, with standout performances from Kekana, Vilakazi, and Smythe Lowe.

South Africa’s U20 team (Amajita) secured their place in the knockout stage of the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup after narrowly defeating the United States 2-1 in their final Group E match at Estadio El Teniente in Chile on Sunday.

Early excitement as Amajita bounces back from an initial setback.

The Americans started strong and took the lead when Noah Cobb converted Matthew Corcoran’s free kick. However, South Africa quickly levelled the score when Thato Sibiya’s cross deflected off Joshua Wynder and into his own goal.

Just before halftime, Shakeel April sprinted down the right wing and assisted Gomolemo Kekana, whose first-time strike put Amajita ahead 2-1, a lead they held onto.

Mfundo Vilakazi, the playmaker for Kaizer Chiefs, impressed with his creativity and vision, setting in motion the play that led to the crucial goal.

Meanwhile, Kekana, a member of the Mamelodi Sundowns first team, excelled in midfield battles with a level of composure and maturity that belied his age.

In goal, Fletcher Smythe Lowe, who plays for Estoril in Portugal, made six critical saves and confidently commanded his area, frustrating the American attackers.

South Africa's U20 team (Amajita) secured their place in the knockout stage of the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup after narrowly defeating the United States 2-1 in their final Group E match at Estadio El Teniente in Chile on Sunday.
South Africa's U20 team (Amajita) secured their place in the knockout stage of the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup after narrowly defeating the United States 2-1 in their final Group E match at Estadio El Teniente in Chile on Sunday.
Nigeria to face Argentina at the U20 World Cup round of sixteen
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria to face Argentina in U20 World Cup round of sixteen cracker

Nigeria is set to take on Argentina following their 1-1 draw with Colombia, the same team they knocked out in the Round of 16 two years ago. Meanwhile, Colombia will go up against South Africa.

Following a spectacular 1–1 tie with Colombia in Talca, Nigeria progressed to the Round of 16 of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025™. Securing one of the last qualification places as among the top third-placed teams on Sunday night.

Twice denied by the woodwork and defeated several times by Colombia’s outstanding goalie Jordan García, the flying eagles put on a spirited performance.
Early on, they ruled, but six minutes into the second half, Kener González broke the tie with a brilliant finish following a rapid Colombian counter.
With striker Nasiru Salihu and midfielder Amos Ochoche both nearly scoring, Aliyu Zubair’s side refused to give up and pressed for an equaliser.

Their perseverance eventually paid off four minutes from time when captain Daniel Bameyi retained his cool from the penalty spot for the second straight game. Turning calmly will get Nigeria to a critical point.

Colombia was guaranteed to head Group F as a result, while Nigeria’s four points were enough to advance them as one of the best third-place teams.

With the Flying Eagles set to meet the same adversary they knocked out at the same point of the 2023 tournament in Argentina, their upcoming conflict provides additional interest.

Nigeria coach Aliyu Zubair said, “It wasn’t easy, but we were proactive. Knowing they are good on the ball and physically strong, we sought to restrict their passing lanes, therefore giving us a somewhat edge. Our main aim was to make the next round; who we would have to face does not concern us.

Nigeria’s success emphasises how three of the four African countries—Morocco, South Africa, and Nigeria—have advanced to the knockout rounds. Growing the continent’s power in adolescent football.

The FIFA U20 Round of 16 scheduled.
The FIFA U20 Round of 16 scheduled.
South Africa set for crucial must-win final World Cup qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa set for crucial must-win final World Cup qualifiers

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has unveiled his final squad for South Africa’s last two crucial group matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

South Africa is set to face Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday, 10 October, followed by a clash against Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, 14 October.

The 23-man squad features eight changes from Broos’ selection for the September qualifiers. Sydney Mobbie, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Ime Okon, Siyabonga Ngezana, Luke Le Roux, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Mduduzi Shabalala have all been replaced.

Malibongwe Khoza earns his first national team call-up after impressing at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and establishing himself as a regular starter for Mamelodi Sundowns.

Joining him in the new squad are Thabang Matuludi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Sphephelo Sithole, Thapelo Morena, Tshepang Moremi, and Khuliso Mudau.

Unfortunately, South Africa was docked three points by FIFA, resulting in their 2-0 victory over Lesotho in March being overturned to a 3-0 loss due to the fielding of Teboho Mokoena, who was meant to be serving a suspension for yellow cards.

As it stands, Bafana Bafana currently sit second in Group C, tied with Benin on 14 points but trailing by a single goal on goal difference.

With only two qualifiers remaining in the group stage, South Africa must win both matches to improve their goal difference or hope that Benin stumbles and drops points to secure automatic qualification.

If Bafana Bafana fall short, they will aim to clinch one of the CAF’s allocated spots in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.

South Africa will be looking to defeat Zimbabwe for the second time in these qualifiers and to overcome Rwanda after suffering a 2-0 defeat to the Wasps away from home in November 2023.

The South Africa Squad

Goalkeepers – Ronwen Williams – Mamelodi Sundowns, Sipho Chaine – Orlando Pirates, Ricardo Goss – Siwelele FC

Defenders – Malibongwe Khoza – Mamelodi Sundowns, Khuliso Mudau – Mamelodi Sundowns, Aubrey Modiba – Mamelodi Sundowns, Khulumani Ndamane – TS Galaxy – Mbekezeli Mbokazi – Orlando Pirates, Thabang Matuludi – Polokwane City and Samukelo Kabini – Molde FK (Norway), Nkosinathi Sibisi – Orlando Pirates, Sphephelo Sithole – CD Tondela (Portugal)

Midfielders – Teboho Mokoena – Mamelodi Sundowns, Bathusi Aubaas – Mamelodi Sundowns, Thalente Mbatha – Orlando Pirates and Sphephelo Sithole

Strikers – Thapelo Morena – Mamelodi Sundowns, Sipho Mbule Orlando Pirates, Tshepang Moremi Orlando Pirates, Oswin Appolis – Orlando Pirates, Mohau Nkota – Al Ettifaq FC (Saudi Arabia), Relebohile Mofokeng – Orlando Pirates, Iqraam Rayners – Mamelodi Sundowns, Lyle Foster – Burnley FC (England)