Category: Sport News

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Arch-rivals Cameroon and Nigeria Clash in WAFCON Quarter-final

Cameroon will face Nigeria for the 14th time in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, a matchup that highlights their longstanding rivalry since the tournament began in 1998.

Nigeria, the most successful team with 10 titles, has won nine of their encounters with Cameroon and two on penalties. Cameroon has one victory and one draw. Their only win came in 2012 when they finished third in the tournament.

This year, Cameroon is making its 13th WAFCON appearance, missing only the last edition in 2025. They have faced Nigeria in every tournament except 2002 and come into this quarterfinal as the underdogs. Coach Valentine Nguele acknowledges Nigeria’s strength but believes in his team’s capabilities.

After topping a challenging Group D with two wins and a draw, Cameroon has shown strong performance with four goals scored and only two conceded.

Nguele aims for her team to play freely against Nigeria. Defender Colette Ndzana, motivated after past losses, urges the team to stay calm and focused.

This is Cameroon’s second WAFCON quarterfinal, hoping to reach their 11th semifinal and secure a spot in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.

The other quarter-final is between Malawi and Ghana. Malawi, the surprise team of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026, will face last edition’s bronze medalists, Ghana, this Sunday in Rabat for a chance to reach the semifinals.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hosts Morocco book WAFCON semi-final spot

Hosts Morocco secured their place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 with a 2-1 victory over former champions South Africa.

As a result, they also qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil in 2027. Morocco started strong and nearly scored in the 20th minute with Sanaa Mssoudy’s header just missing. South Africa responded quickly, but Thembi Kgatlana’s shot also went over.

In the 31st minute, Sakina Ouzraoui scored for Morocco with a first-time shot, giving them a deserved lead. They extended the lead to 2-0 in the 51st minute when Hanane Aït El Haj converted a penalty.

South Africa, trailing by two goals, pushed hard and scored in the 67th minute through Kgatlana, making it 2-1. Despite their efforts, Morocco’s defence held strong.

The final score was 2-1, allowing Morocco to advance to the semi-finals on Wednesday, 12 August, and secure a spot in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.

WAFCON Quarter-final Results
WAFCON Quarter-final Results
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pitso Mosimane returns as South Africa head coach

Pitso Mosimane has been re-appointed as head coach of Bafana Bafana, South Africa’s national football team. The South African Football Association chose him due to his success as one of Africa’s top coaches.

Mosimane became head coach after the 2010 FIFA World Cup, following his role as assistant coach. His first tenure had mixed results, but he later achieved great success with Mamelodi Sundowns, winning the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League in 2016.

He then coached Al Ahly in Egypt, winning two more CAF Champions League titles in 2020 and 2021. He built a strong reputation by leading Al Ahly to three consecutive continental finals.

Mosimane brings experience from his time in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran. His immediate focus will be the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where he aims to secure a spot in the tournament.

by Football Sierra Leone

Coventry City sign Ghanaian winger Caleb Yirenkyi

Newly promoted Premier League side Coventry City FC has confirmed the signing of Ghanaian International Caleb Yirenkyi on a long-term contract, pending international clearance.

The talented midfielder joins from FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark. Recently, he scored the winning goal for Ghana against Panama at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

At 20 years old, Yirenkyi has 15 caps for the Black Stars after strong club performances. He started his career at the Right to Dream academy, joined Nordsjaelland in 2024, and made his senior debut later that year.

He became a key player, helping Nordsjaelland finish third in the 2025-26 season and qualify for the UEFA Conference League. Yirenkyi was named the Danish Superliga Young Player of the Year and was on the Team of the Year.

Excited for his new challenge, Yirenkyi said, “I’m thrilled to be at this club. I’m looking forward to learning from the Head Coach and giving my best for the team. The fans are incredible, and I can’t wait to play for them.”

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Algeria seal historic 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup spot

Algeria made history by qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after defeating Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026.

Côte d’Ivoire took an early lead with a goal from Ines Konan, but second-half goals from Ines Khiri and Amira Ould Braham turned the game around for Algeria.

This victory sends Algeria to the semi-finals for the first time and secures their spot in the World Cup, as the semi-finalists earn automatic qualification.

Côte d’Ivoire’s hopes aren’t over; the four losing quarter-final teams will play in an African play-off for another chance to qualify for the World Cup.

Côte d’Ivoire started strong but lost momentum after Habibou Ouedraogo received a red card. Algeria made key substitutions at half-time, which boosted their attack. Khiri equalized in the 58th minute, and after a missed penalty from Côte d’Ivoire, Ould Braham scored in the 64th minute to put Algeria ahead.

Despite being a player down, Côte d’Ivoire fought hard, but Algeria’s strong defense held firm. The final whistle marked a significant achievement for Algeria, reaching the semi-finals and qualifying for their first World Cup.

Coach Benstiti had hoped to move past the quarter-finals after last year’s disappointment, and his players responded with resilience. While Côte d’Ivoire has room for growth, Algeria’s victory is a historic milestone in their football journey.