Category: Sport News

Mali through to U17 AFCON after defeating Burkina Faso
by FSL News

Mali through to U17 AFCON final after defeating Burkina Faso

Mali secured their place in the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations with a decisive 2-0 victory over Burkina Faso in Tuesday’s semi-final held in Casablanca. (CAF Photo)

The young Eagles scored one goal in each half to advance to Saturday’s championship match, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between hosts Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire, scheduled for later on Tuesday.

Mali took the lead in the 42nd minute when Soumaila Fané unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, finding the top corner and leaving the Burkina Faso goalkeeper with no chance.

Despite a spirited response from the Stallions, Mali extended their lead midway through the second half. Mahamadou Traoré soared to meet Fané’s precise cross in the 74th minute, heading it home to secure the victory.

The match at Stade Larbi Zaouli was intense and physical, with Burkina Faso fighting hard but ultimately failing to penetrate Mali’s well-organized defense.

The Baby Stallions created several opportunities, including a close-range header from Halidou Diakité that went over the bar, but they lacked the finishing touch.

Burkina Faso finished the match with nine players after both Ali Koné and Alassana Bagayogo received second yellow cards in the second half, adding to their frustration.

Meanwhile, Mali exhibited maturity and tactical discipline throughout the contest, controlling key moments and managing the game with composure in the closing stages.

With this victory, Mali returns to the final of the U-17 AFCON for the first time since 2017, when they claimed the title. The West Africans are now just one match away from regaining continental glory.

Burkina Faso will compete against the loser of the second semi-final in the third-place playoff, which is also scheduled for Saturday.

U17: Burkina Faso v Mali, while Morocco squares off against Ivory Coast
by Football Sierra Leone

U17 Semis: Burkina Faso v Mali as Morocco squares off against Ivory Coast

The thrilling semi-finals of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations are poised to electrify the evening on Tuesday, April 15, as youth teams clash for a coveted spot in the grand final.

The first encounter promises to be a captivating showdown as Burkina Faso faces off against Mali at the vibrant Larbi Zaouli Stadium, with the kick-off set for 18h00 CAT. This matchup brings together two spirited teams, both eager to make their mark in this prestigious tournament.

In anticipation of the matches, CAF Medical Manager, Dr. Sidiki Boubakary, shed light on the innovative use of MRI technology, which has played a pivotal role in combating age fraud in African youth football. “The landscape has transformed dramatically; we’ve seen a significant decline in overage players competing in the U-17 category. Today, we are witnessing only true U-17 boys on the pitch. Remarkably, there have been no protests regarding age discrepancies leading up to the current TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025,” he remarked.

The Burkinabe Stallions have showcased their prowess throughout the tournament, storming into the semi-finals with an astonishing 6-1 victory over the formidable COSAFA champions, Zambia. Their confidence and skill are palpable as they gear up for this high-stakes encounter.

Later in the evening, the second semi-final features an exhilarating clash between the hosts, Morocco, and the determined Young Elephants of Ivory Coast at the atmospheric El Bachir Stadium, kicking off at 21h00 CAT. The Moroccan squad is fervently aiming to assert their dominance and capture the title on home turf. Yet, they face a tenacious challenge as the Young Elephants, fresh off a triumphant victory over defending champions Senegal, look to disrupt the hosts’ ambitions and advance to the final.

Anticipation builds as these talented youngsters prepare to battle for glory, promising a night of unforgettable footballing drama.

AFCON U-17 Semi-Final Fixtures

18:00: Burkina Faso v Mali

21:00: Morocco v Ivory Coast

African match officials named to officiate at the FIFA Club World Cup
by Football Sierra Leone

African match officials named to officiate at the FIFA Club World Cup

Issa Sy from Senegal, Ibrahim Mutaz from Libya, Dahane Beida Mauritania in Photo, Mustapha Ghorbal from Algeria, and Jean Jacques Ndala from DR Congo were named among the 117 match officials from 41 member associations selected, including 35 referees, 58 assistant referees, and 24 video match officials, for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.

The FIFA Referees Committee has announced the match officials for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, set to take place from June 14 to July 13 in 12 stadiums across 11 U.S. host cities. This announcement follows seminars with referees from all six confederations.

The names mentioned highlight Africa’s growing influence in international football officiating and its role in shaping the game.

Ghorbal is among Africa’s most experienced referees, having officiated at the FIFA World Cup and CAF events. Ndala and Sy have also built strong reputations through their consistent performance in high-level matches, both in Africa and internationally.

This tournament will not only showcase club excellence but also introduce referees wearing body cameras for the first time, providing fans with unique insights into in-game decisions via DAZN.

FIFA Referees Committee Chairman Pierluigi Collina called this appointment a “privilege,” emphasizing its significance in a referee’s career.

As clubs compete in America this summer, Africa can take pride in its referees, who embody fair play and inspire a new generation of officials across the continent.

Sierra Leone Gear Up for U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt 2025
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone Gear Up for U-20 Cup of Nations in Egypt

Sierra Leone’s Shooting Stars has intensified training for the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where they will face hosts Egypt, Zambia, South Africa, and Tanzania.

Sierra Leone will begin their AFCON U20 campaign against Zambia on April 27, followed by a match against host Egypt on the 30th.

Head Coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara has named 25 promising home-based players for the training camp. He will finalize his squad in the coming days. This important phase in the team’s preparation is designed to enhance the players’ fitness, skills, and teamwork as they strive for success in the tournament.

This championship is scheduled to take place from April 27 to May 18, 2025. Thirteen teams will compete in the tournament.

Group B has Nigeria, Tunisia, Kenya and Morocco while Group C comprises Senegal, Central Africa Republic, Congo DR and Ghana.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, along with the two best third-placed teams.

The four highest-performing teams will qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, which will take place from September 27 to October 19

The draw establishes the atmosphere for what promises to be another memorable edition of one of Africa’s top youth competitions.

Groups for the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025

Group A: Egypt, Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania

Group B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Kenya, Morocco

Group C: Senegal, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Ghana

Sierra Leone's Shooting Stars has intensified training for the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt
Sierra Leone's Shooting Stars has intensified training for the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt
Sierra Leone will begin their AFCON U20 campaign against Zambia on April 27, followed by a match against host Egypt on the 30th.
Sierra Leone will begin their AFCON U20 campaign against Zambia on April 27, followed by a match against host Egypt on the 30th.
Sierra Leone players getting ready for battle against some top African sides in U20 AFCON
Sierra Leone players getting ready for battle against some top African sides in U20 AFCON
Sierra Leone draw host Egypt, Zambia and South Africa in Group A
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone draw tough AFCON U20 opponents including host Egypt in Group A

The redraw for the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Cairo on Sunday has placed Sierra Leone in Group A alongside host Egypt, Zambia, South Africa, and Tanzania.

Sierra Leone will begin their AFCON U20 campaign against Zambia on April 27, followed by a match against host Egypt on the 30th.

Sierra Leone was originally placed in Group C, alongside Senegal, Kenya, and Zambia. However, the initial draw for Ivory Coast has been cancelled because the former host has decided to withdraw at the last minute.

The Shooting Stars from Sierra Leone are preparing to compete against hosts Egypt, Zambia, South Africa as well as Tanzania. This championship is scheduled to take place from April 27 to May 18, 2025. Thirteen teams will compete in the tournament.

Group B has Nigeria, Tunisia, Kenya and Morocco while Group C comprises Senegal, Central Africa Republic, Congo DR and Ghana.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, along with the two best third-placed teams.

The four highest-performing teams will qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, which will take place from September 27 to October 19.

Kenya will represent the CECAFA region with Tanzania, as both teams reached the qualifiers final in Dar es Salaam last October. Tanzania won that match 2-1, but both teams qualified for the tournament.

Sierra Leone will begin their AFCON U20 campaign against Zambia on April 27, followed by a match against host Egypt on the 30th.
Sierra Leone will begin their AFCON U20 campaign against Zambia on April 27, followed by a match against host Egypt on the 30th.