Category: Sport News

Burkina Faso book FIFA U-17 World Cup spot afer defeating Egypt
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkina Faso book FIFA U-17 World Cup spot afer defeating Egypt

Burkina Faso has reached the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals and is the first African nation to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

On Thursday evening, the West African team defeated a struggling Egypt 2-1 to secure their spot in the knockout stages and the FIFA World Cup finals with a game to spare.

Burkina Faso’s qualification came after their opening Group A win against Cameroon, where they won 2-1 on Monday, followed by Thursday’s victory, which featured goals from Issouf Dabo and the standout performer Asharaf Tabsoba.

The match started cautiously, but Burkina Faso took the lead late in the first half, with Dabo scoring in the 41st minute. After halftime, Egypt pressed forward, but they struggled to penetrate a well-organized Burkinabe defense. Tabsoba, who delivered another impressive performance, sealed the victory with a goal in the 69th minute, extending his team’s lead.

Despite the second goal, Egypt continued to search for a confidence-boosting goal, which finally came in the 78th minute from Belal Ateya’s strike. This goal made for a tense finish to the match, as Egypt desperately sought an equalizer while Burkina Faso remained determined, knowing qualification was within their grasp.

The match concluded with a 2-1 victory for Burkina Faso, marking their second win out of two games and ensuring their advancement to the next round and the FIFA World Cup. They will next face South Africa in a match that is now of secondary importance for them.

Egypt will compete against Cameroon, who currently have one point following their earlier draw with South Africa. This match will be crucial for both teams as they vie for a spot as one of the best third-placed teams.

SLFA boss Daddy Brima detained as entire executive goes under investigation
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

SLFA boss detained as entire executive goes under investigation

The president of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Thomas Daddy Brima slept overnight at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) as the country’s anti-corruption commission (ACC) investigated their executive.

All three individuals are expected today at the Anti-Corruption Commission office for further scrutiny.

The ACC has confirmed that the investigation is underway and is inviting the media to imminently reveal further details that remain unclear.

The detention of the FA boss Thomas Daddy Brima, Mr Bawoh and the Finance officer comes just three days before the much-awaited SLFA Congress which is a stage that will gauge the atmosphere ahead of the next election.

Fifa delegates are also expected in Sierra Leone ahead of the SLFA congress on April 5th.  This recent development has left uncertainty regarding how FIFA will respond. In 2018, FIFA suspended Sierra Leone from international football due to government interference in the management of the country’s football association.

The ban follows a decision by the country’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which barred two leading officials from the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) from entering the governing body’s offices.

FIFA stated, “The suspension will be lifted once the SLFA and its recognized leadership have confirmed to FIFA that the SLFA administration, premises, accounts, and communication channels are once again under their control.”

Al Masry excel in Confederation Cup Quarter-Final first-leg victory over Simba
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Al Masry secure quarter-final first-leg victory over Simba

Al Masry delivered a solid performance at home, defeating Simba 2-0 in Suez during their exciting first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup Quarter-Final on Wednesday night.  

After a lively beginning where both teams aimed for an early advantage, the hosts found their rhythm and took charge of the match.  

With a more measured approach to the game, Abderrahim Deghmoum scored the opening goal in the 16th minute, providing Al Masry with a crucial score to ease their nerves.  

Simba, however, remained hopeful of a comeback as they pushed forward in numbers, but Al Masry’s well-organized and steadfast defence thwarted the Tanzanian powerhouse.  

As the second half began, both teams resumed their high-energy play from the first half.  

Despite both sides having a reasonable share of possession, neither could penetrate the other’s defence, and both teams missed the key pass to break through. 

In the closing moments of the match, Nigerian forward John Ebuka secured a decisive and hard-earned win for the Egyptians in the 89th minute by scoring a goal that provided his team with a valuable two-goal advantage going into the return leg next week.

Stellenbosch and Zamalek share CAF Confederation Cup spoils
by Football Sierra Leone

Stellenbosch and Zamalek share CAF Confederation Cup spoils

Stellenbosch and Zamalek ended their first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final at DHL Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday without any goals.

Although there was an energetic atmosphere and moments of offensive play from both teams, neither side was able to score in a closely fought match.

Stellenbosch, competing in the knockout stages of a continental tournament for the first time, delivered a commendable performance and created opportunities to secure a home victory.

The closest they came was in the 72nd minute, when Andre de Jong’s header narrowly missed the target after a well-placed cross from Fawaaz Basadien.

Earlier, Ismaël Touré also made Zamalek goalkeeper Mohamed Awad work hard with a powerful header that was saved down low to the corner.

Zamalek, who have won the CAF Champions League five times and are among the favorites in this tournament, dominated possession for significant periods but found it difficult to penetrate Stellenbosch’s well-structured defense.

The Egyptians came closest to scoring when Naser Mansy’s header required an excellent save from Sage Stephens, and Mostafa Shalaby shot just over the bar late in the first half.

Both teams showed commitment in a match marked by fouls and interruptions. Despite several substitutions in the second half, the draw means the tie will be decided in Cairo next week. While Zamalek will have the advantage at home, Stellenbosch’s determination and attacking potential suggest they could still pull off an upset.

Egypt's Pyramids with huge first-leg CAF Champions Leguea advantage
by FSL News

Egypt’s Pyramids with huge first-leg CAF Champions League advantage

Pyramids FC has made a significant advancement toward the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League following a decisive 4-1 victory over FAR Rabat in the first leg of their quarter-final match. This encounter took place on Tuesday evening at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo.

The Egyptian team demonstrated a dominant performance, establishing a 3-0 lead within the first 40 minutes, largely due to the exceptional contributions of Congolese striker Fiston Mayele and winger Ibrahim Adel.

Mayele opened the scoring in the 2nd minute, capitalizing on an assist from Mostafa Fathi. He further enhanced the team’s advantage with a close-range finish in the 12th minute, following a cutback from Adel.

Ibrahim Adel then added to the scoreline in the 38th minute by efficiently converting a chance from the left side of the penalty area, having been set up by Ramadan Sobhi.

The Moroccan team narrowed the gap just before halftime with a goal from Abdelfattah Hadraf, assisted by Youssef El Fahli. However, hopes for a comeback faded in the second half when Adel scored his second goal, bringing Pyramids FC’s tally to four after an assist from Blati Touré in the 67th minute.

Despite late pressure from FAR Rabat and several substitutions made in an attempt to regain control, the home team navigated the remainder of the match with composure, even striking the crossbar in stoppage time through Mostafa Fathi.

This commanding victory provides Pyramids FC with a three-goal advantage as they prepare for the return leg in Morocco, placing FAR Rabat in a challenging position as they seek to overcome this deficit in order to reach the semi-finals.