Category: Sport News

Thomas Partey scores brace as Ghana go top of Group I

Thomas Partey scores brace as Ghana go top of Group I

Thomas Partey scored two goals to help the Black Stars win 3-0 against Madagascar in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Monday evening at the Grand Stade Al-Hoceima stadium.

Ghana took the lead early, with Partey netting the first goal in the 11th minute. He scored again in the 58th minute while Madagascar struggled to find rhythm.

Just minutes after Partey’s second goal, Mohamed Kudus added another goal to make it 3-0. This result gives the Black Stars their fifth win and increases their lead over Madagascar to five points.

Ghana is now well-positioned for a place in the FIFA World Cup, leading Group I with four matches left. Madagascar will be disappointed with this result.

In another match, reigning African champions Côte d’Ivoire won 1-0 against The Gambia. Sébastien Haller scored in the 15th minute, helping The Elephants maintain their lead and keep The Gambia from scoring.

This victory puts Côte d’Ivoire one point ahead of Gabon, who briefly led Group F following their 2-1 win over Kenya on Monday.

Burkina Faso beat Guinea-Bissau to close gap on Egypt in World Cup qualifiers

Burkina Faso beat Guinea-Bissau to close gap on Egypt in World Cup qualifiers

Lassina Traoré scored a brace that helped the Stallions of Burkina Faso secure back-to-back World Cup qualifying victories, defeating Guinea-Bissau 2-1 at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro on Monday.

Burkina Faso was determined to overcome their opponents after their previous matchday five victory, which saw them thrash Djibouti 4-1. They knew that a win would help them close the gap on leaders Egypt in Group A.

An early goal from Lassina Traoré in the 6th minute was equalized by a long-range shot from Zidane Banjaqui in the 36th minute, bringing the score to 1-1 at halftime.

In the second half, after absorbing pressure from the hosts, Burkina Faso capitalized on a defensive mistake, and Traoré restored their lead in the 73rd minute, completing his brace.

The visitors held on to win for the second consecutive time, narrowing the gap two points behind Egypt, who will face Sierra Leone in Cairo on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Namibia and Equatorial Guinea played to a 1-1 draw in Johannesburg on Matchday 6 of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Namibia, coming off a narrow win over Malawi, aimed to keep pace with Group H leaders Tunisia. Equatorial Guinea, fresh from a 2-0 victory against São Tomé and Príncipe, struggled to find quality finishing in the first half, which ended goalless.

In the second half, Namibia took the lead in the 51st minute with a goal from Peter Shalulile, assisted by Deon Hotto’s free kick. Equatorial Guinea equalized just three minutes later with Saúl Coco’s goal from Esteban Orozco’s pass.

Both teams pushed for a winner, but the match ended in a draw. Namibia is second in Group H with 12 points, behind Tunisia, while Equatorial Guinea is fourth with seven points, needing to win their remaining matches to stay in contention.

CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025

Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco schedule confirmed

The Confederation African Football (CAF) has shared important details about the CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025. The tournament will take place from March 30 to April 19, 2025, with 16 countries participating.

Four stadiums will be used for the matches: the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia, the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Berrechid Stadium, both in Casablanca, and the El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida.

The tournament starts on March 30 at the El Bachir Stadium with the opening match featuring Morocco against Uganda, the East African champions, at 22:00 local time (GMT).

On March 31, Tanzania will play against Southern African champions Zambia at 14:00. Later that day, Burkina Faso, last edition’s bronze medallists, will face two-time champions Cameroon in a Group B match at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium at 17:00.

The last match of the day, also at Larbi Zaouli Stadium, will see 2015 runners-up South Africa play against 1997 champions Egypt at 20:00.

On April 1, matches for Groups C and D will begin, featuring the defending champions, Senegal. Senegal will play The Gambia at the El Abdi Stadium at 14:00, while Somalia, in their second finals appearance, will compete against Tunisia at 17:00.

In Group D, Mali, who finished fourth in the last edition, will face tournament newcomers Angola at 17:00. Former champions Côte d’Ivoire will aim for an opening win against the Central African Republic at 20:00.

The TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON Morocco 2025 will also determine which teams qualify for the FIFA World Cup. Africa will have 10 representatives at the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

For a full list of TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 Fixtures, Times and Venues – CLICK HERE 

To download a graphic of the fixtures for editorial use only, CLICK HERE 

TotalEnergies CAF U-17 CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 Groups: 

  • GROUP A: Morocco (Hosts), Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia
  • GROUP B: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, South Africa, Egypt
  • GROUP C: Senegal, Gambia, Somalia, Tunisia
  • GROUP D: Mali, Angola, Cote d’Ivoire, Central African Republic
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang nets brace as Gabon go top of Group F

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang nets brace as Gabon go top of Group F

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice, helping Gabon win 2-1 against Kenya and reach the top of Group F. In another World Cup 2026 qualifying match, Eswatini and Mauritius ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw on Sunday.

Aubameyang gave Gabon an early lead in Nairobi. He scored a second goal from a penalty in the second half.

Kenya answered with a goal from Michael Olunga around the 60-minute mark, but Gabon held on to win and earn three important points.

This victory puts Gabon at the top of Group F with 15 points, ahead of Côte d’Ivoire, increasing their chances of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time.

Kenya now faces a tough road ahead, as this loss sets them back in the qualifying campaign.

In Group B, Eswatini and Mauritius played an exciting match with six goals. Thabo Mkhonto scored twice for Eswatini in the first 16 minutes.

Mauritius came back in the second half, with goals from Linsley Rose and Yven Aristide leveling the score just three minutes apart.

Eswatini seemed to secure the win when Mabuza scored in the 75th minute. However, Jean scored in stoppage time for Mauritius, earning them a draw.

Both Eswatini and Mauritius now sit near the bottom of Group B, with their chances of qualifying looking slim as the final rounds approach.

Bilili Sesay's debut delight after World Cup qualifying win with Sierra Leone

Bilili Sesay’s debut delight after World Cup qualifying win with Sierra Leone

Seventeen-year-old John Bilili Sesay, a player for local Sierra Leone Premier League club Bhantal FC, made his international debut during a 3-1 win against Guinea-Bissau in World Cup qualifying on Thursday in Liberia’s capital.

Sesay made a strong impression after being substituted on for Salford City midfielder Tyrese Fornah in the 72nd minute during his debut for Sierra Leone.

This performance was the perfect boost for Sesay, who has been impressive for Bhantal this season. “I’m delighted to have finally made my Sierra Leone debut,” Sesay said. “I felt good, I felt comfortable, and it’s a really happy moment for me.”

“A debut and a victory in a World Cup qualifier is a huge bonus for the entire Bhantal management.”

Next up for Sesay and his team is a trip to Cairo, Egypt, where they will face Mohamed Salah’s Pharaohs on matchday six of the qualifiers for the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

Coach Mohamed Kallon’s team will be up against the Group A leaders on Tuesday, following their recent victory against Guinea-Bissau in Liberia’s capital.

Seventeen-year-old John Bilili Sesay has been pivotal for local Bhantal FC this campaign in the Sierra Leone top-flight
Seventeen-year-old John Bilili Sesay has been pivotal for local Bhantal FC this campaign in the Sierra Leone top-flight
Sesay's teammate, Mohamed Bangura was handed his Sierra Leone debut for matchday five of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, CAF Group A
Sesay's teammate, Mohamed Bangura was handed his Sierra Leone debut for matchday five of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, CAF Group A
Sesay made a strong impression after being substituted on for Salford City midfielder Tyrese Fornah in the 72nd minute during his debut for Sierra Leone
Sesay made a strong impression after being substituted on for Salford City midfielder Tyrese Fornah in the 72nd minute during his debut for Sierra Leone