Category: Sport News

Ivory Cost claim Cup of Nations U17 bronze after defeating Burkina Faso
by Football Sierra Leone

Ivory Coast claim Cup of Nations U17 bronze after defeating Burkina Faso

Côte d’Ivoire secured third place in the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations after a thrilling 5-2 victory in a penalty shootout against Burkina Faso at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Friday.

The match ended in a tightly contested 1-1 draw after regular time, but the Young Elephants showcased their composure during the shootout, converting all four of their spot kicks while Burkina Faso missed two of their first three attempts.

Burkina Faso initially took the lead in the 28th minute when Halidou Diakité scored from the centre of the box after a corner kick created chaos in the Ivorian defence. The Stallions dominated much of the first half, applying pressure through quick transitions and physical battles in midfield.

However, Côte d’Ivoire regrouped in the second half, inspired by key substitutions, and eventually equalized in the 84th minute. Alynho Haïdara, one of the substitutes, scored from close range following a well-coordinated move that began on the left flank.

The final minutes of normal time were intense, as Burkina Faso was reduced to 10 men when Prince Ouédraogo received a straight red card after a VAR review in the 90th minute. Côte d’Ivoire pushed for a late winner, but the Burkinabe defence held firm, leading the match to be decided by penalties.

Côte d’Ivoire secured a flawless shootout victory with goals from Haïdara, Souhalio Bamba, Vaboué Doumbia, and Yannis Touali, while Burkina Faso missed their attempts through Mikael Coulibaly and Comi Ouattara.

This win ensures a bronze medal for Côte d’Ivoire, highlighting their resilience after trailing for most of the match. Despite the defeat, Burkina Faso’s semi-final run showcased their promise and flair. Both teams will take valuable lessons from their experiences at Morocco 2025.

FIFA Club World Cup Trophy visit excites Wydad Athletic officials and players
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

FIFA Club World Cup Trophy visit excites Wydad Athletic officials and players

Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club recently celebrated the arrival of the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during a festive ceremony.

The event was attended by several prominent figures, including former Moroccan internationals Hussein Kharja and Hicham Ait Mena, who had the privilege of unveiling the trophy to the public.

The trophy arrived in Morocco on Tuesday as part of its promotional tour ahead of the much-anticipated global tournament, which is scheduled to take place this summer in the United States.

This inaugural edition of the tournament will feature 32 clubs and follow a structure similar to the FIFA World Cup. It is set to run from June 14 to July 13, 2025, across 11 cities in the United States.

Wydad Athletic Club issued an official statement expressing great pride in hosting the prestigious trophy. They stated that this event is a moment of honor not only for the club but also for Moroccan football as a whole. The celebration underscores Wydad’s role as Morocco’s representative on the global stage.

Wydad is the last African stop on the Club World Cup trophy tour, following visits to Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa, Al Ahly in Egypt, and Esperance in Tunisia.

FIFA Club World Cup Trophy Tour: Wydad AC - Day 2 CASABLANCA, MOROCCO - APRIL 16: Wydad AC players pose with the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during The FIFA Club World Cup Trophy Tour stop at Wydad AC on April 16, 2025 in Casablanca, Morocco. (Photo by Abdelmajid Bziouat - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
CASABLANCA, MOROCCO - APRIL 16: Wydad AC players pose with the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during The FIFA Club World Cup Trophy Tour stop at Wydad AC on April 16, 2025 in Casablanca, Morocco. (Photo by Abdelmajid Bziouat - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
CASABLANCA, MOROCCO - APRIL 16: The FIFA Club World Cup Trophy Tour stop at Wydad AC on April 16, 2025 in Casablanca, Morocco. (Photo by Abdelmajid Bziouat - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
CASABLANCA, MOROCCO - APRIL 16: The FIFA Club World Cup Trophy Tour stop at Wydad AC on April 16, 2025 in Casablanca, Morocco. (Photo by Abdelmajid Bziouat - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
CASABLANCA, MOROCCO - APRIL 16: The FIFA Club World Cup Trophy Tour stop at Wydad AC on April 16, 2025 in Casablanca, Morocco. (Photo by Abdelmajid Bziouat - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
CASABLANCA, MOROCCO - APRIL 16: The FIFA Club World Cup Trophy Tour stop at Wydad AC on April 16, 2025 in Casablanca, Morocco. (Photo by Abdelmajid Bziouat - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
CASABLANCA, MOROCCO - APRIL 16: The FIFA Club World Cup Trophy Tour stop at Wydad AC on April 16, 2025 in Casablanca, Morocco. (Photo by Abdelmajid Bziouat - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Shocking News - Aaron Boupendza's tragic death in China
by Football Sierra Leone

Shocking News – Aaron Boupendza’s tragic death in China

Gabonese striker Aaron Boupendza, playing with Zhejiang FC in China, tragically died at the age of 28 after falling from the 11th floor of his apartment.

The Gabonese Football Federation (Fegafoot) confirmed the news on April 16, 2025, expressing their sorrow and remembering him for his contributions to Gabonese football.

Boupendza had a remarkable career, including notable performances at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2022, helping Gabon reach the knockout stages. Starting at CF Mounana in Gabon, he progressed to Bordeaux in 2016, followed by successful stints in Turkey, Qatar, the United States, and Romania before joining Zhejiang FC in January 2025.

During his brief time at Zhejiang FC, he scored four goals and provided six assists in just six matches, showcasing his talent. His fall is being investigated as suspicious, with reports indicating that he was with his brother at the time.

Tributes have poured in from the football community. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang expressed his sorrow on Instagram, saying, “I don’t have the words. Rest in peace, my brother.” Mario Lemina shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the sense of guilt felt by those close to him.

Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema and former club FC Cincinnati also expressed their condolences, highlighting Boupendza’s impact and the loss the football world has suffered.

Boupendza’s journey was one of resilience across various leagues, earning eight goals in 35 appearances for Gabon since his debut in 2016. As the investigation continues, the football community mourns the untimely loss of a talented player whose legacy will live on through those he touched.

Guinean striker Serhou Guirassy nets hattrick despite Dortmund elimination
by FSL News

Guinean striker Serhou Guirassy nets hattrick despite Dortmund elimination

Guinean striker Serhou Guirassy made history in the Champions League on Tuesday night by scoring a hat-trick for Borussia Dortmund against Barcelona.

His team lost 5-3 on aggregate after a 4-0 defeat in the first leg, so they were eliminated from the competition. In the quarter-final second leg at Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund won 3-1, but it wasn’t enough to progress.

Guirassy, one of Europe’s top scorers this season, scored all three goals for Dortmund. He converted a penalty in the 11th minute and scored again in the 49th and 76th minutes. Although his goals did not change the outcome, he set four records in one night:

He was the first Guinean player to score a hat trick in the Champions League. He is the fastest African to reach 13 goals in a single Champions League campaign. He holds the record for the most goals by a Borussia Dortmund player in one Champions League season. Additionally, he is the highest-scoring African in the 2024/25 Champions League, with a total of 13 goals.

Serhou Guirassy leads the Champions League scoring charts this season, outpacing stars like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. The 28-year-old has gained attention from top European clubs, especially in the Premier League, despite Dortmund’s elimination from the tournament. His achievements have been a proud moment for Guinean football fans, and he may still make headlines and set records this season.

Morocco edge Ivory Coast to set up U17 ASFCON final date with Mali
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco edge Ivory Coast to set up U17 AFCON final date with Mali

The Morocco U17 team will play against Mali on Saturday aiming to win the trophy in front of their home fans. They reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations after a tense victory over Côte d’Ivoire in a penalty shootout at El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia.

The semi-final match ended in a goalless draw, but the young Atlas Cubs ultimately edged past the Elephants 4-3 in the penalty shootout.

Nabil Baha’s team was dominant in the first half, controlling the game and creating better chances, but they could not find a breakthrough.

The second half mirrored the first, as Morocco continued to create significant opportunities but could not find the back of the net. With neither team able to score, the match went straight to penalties.

In the end, Morocco kept their cool and held their nerve to secure a spot in the final, where they will face Mali, who defeated Burkina Faso 2-0 earlier in the day.

Morocco’s U17 team secured their place in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations after a tense penalty shootout victory over Côte d’Ivoire at El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia.

The semi-final match ended in a goalless draw, but the young Atlas Cubs ultimately edged past the Elephants 4-3 in the penalty shootout. Nabil Baha’s team was dominant in the first half, controlling the game and creating better chances, but they were unable to find the breakthrough.

The second half mirrored the first, as Morocco continued to create significant opportunities but could not find the back of the net. With neither team able to score, the match went straight to penalties.

In the end, Morocco kept their cool and held their nerve to secure a spot in the final, where they will face Mali, who defeated Burkina Faso 2-0 earlier in the day.