Category: Sport News

Ismael Saibari travels with Morocco but remains a doubt for the quarter-final against France
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ismael Saibari travels with Morocco but remains a doubt for the quarter-final against France

The new Bayern striker has travelled with the Morocco national team to Boston ahead of their quarter-final against France despite injury concerns.

He sustained a hamstring injury during Morocco’s World Cup game against Canada and could miss the rest of the Tournament. Due to thigh discomfort, he left the game in the 22nd minute; therefore, there is doubt as to his readiness for the following game.

Morocco’s coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, said Saibari felt pain, but it is too early to know the degree of the damage. Ouahbi still hasn’t spoken with the team doctor and is awaiting a medical evaluation to update Saibari’s status.

Ouahbi further said Chadi Riad skipped the game as a warning to ensure all players were fit to participate.

An MRI has been scheduled for Saibari, and the diagnosis is still pending. As of now, there is no official assessment. After the match, Morocco’s national team coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, mentioned, “Saibari experienced some discomfort in his thigh. We’ll have more information in a few days.”

Morocco advanced to the quarterfinals with a strong 3-0 victory against Canada.

Thanks to Azzedine Ounahi, who scored twice, Morocco regained control after a difficult first half, with Canada pushing strongly. Soufiane Rahimi scored his second goal of the competition.

Sierra Leone's Hindolo Mustapha pens Wigan Athletic loan deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Hindolo Mustapha pens Wigan Athletic loan deal

Wigan Athletic has signed Sierra Leone international Hindolo Mustapha on loan from Crystal Palace, pending approval from the Premier League, EFL, and FA.

The 20-year-old will join Gary Caldwell’s team for the entire 2026/27 Sky Bet League One season.

Mustapha has been with Palace since age nine, progressing through their Academy and scoring 16 goals with 17 assists in 57 appearances for their U18 and U21 teams.

He was named Palace’s U21 Player of the Season for 2024/25, netting 11 goals and providing seven assists. He has also had loan spells at 1. FC Nürnberg and West Bromwich Albion.

On the international stage, he has played three times for Sierra Leone, including a debut against Chad in 2024.

Mustapha expressed excitement about joining Wigan, stating he believes he can grow and make an impact. Head coach Gary Caldwell praised Mustapha’s skills and potential, emphasising the importance of support from staff and fans.

Race heats up as Caf invites bids for three AFCON finals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Race heats up as Caf invites bids for three Afcon finals

Even before the invitation for official bids for the next three Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals after 2027 was announced, interested hosts had already been in the race.

A total of seven countries have already placed their names in contention for either the 2028 Afcon or the 2032 and 2036. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has moved the tournament from bi-annual to every four years.

After Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania co-host in 2027, another East African nation, Ethiopia, had already filed to bid for the 2028 edition, according to the state broadcaster EBC, which announced it back in January.

However, the Ethiopian bid is not without challenge, as a joint campaign from four Southern African countries, led by South Africa, is also underway, along with Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

This bid could pose a threat to Ethiopia, potentially preventing a back-to-back East African hosting. However, with four countries in a joint bid is a first, and its size could also be a weakness.

Senegal and Egypt have both shown an interest in the 2032 event, but the Egyptians have also hinted at being keen to stage the 2036 finals.

Morocco March Into History with Dominant 3-0 Win Over Canada, Set Up France Rematch
by Abdul Karim Kargbo

Morocco March Into History with Dominant 3-0 Win Over Canada, Set Up France Rematch

Morocco has once again made football history, becoming the first African nation to reach the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals in consecutive tournaments after a commanding 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada in Houston.

The Atlas Lions’ latest achievement further strengthens their reputation as one of world football’s rising powers and highlights the success of years of strategic investment in football infrastructure and youth development.

After a hard-fought first half, Morocco took complete control following the restart. Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi inspired the victory with two superb second-half goals, the opener coming from a brilliantly rehearsed free-kick routine orchestrated by Achraf Hakimi. Soufiane Rahimi added a third goal in stoppage time to seal an emphatic win and send the North Africans into the last eight in style.

The victory has now set up a blockbuster quarterfinal clash against France after Les Bleus edged Paraguay 1-0 to book their place in the last eight. The encounter will rekindle memories of the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinal in Qatar, where France defeated Morocco 2-0 to end the Atlas Lions’ historic run. Morocco will be eager to gain revenge and continue their remarkable journey, although there are concerns over the fitness of leading scorer Ismael Saibari, who was forced off in the first half with a suspected injury.

For Canada, the defeat brings an end to their World Cup campaign after four matches despite a spirited display on home soil. Morocco, however, once again showcased the tactical discipline, defensive resilience and clinical finishing that have become the hallmarks of their success. With another quarterfinal appearance secured and a mouthwatering rematch against France awaiting, the Atlas Lions now carry the hopes of an entire continent as they chase an unprecedented place in the World Cup semifinals.

Morocco reach back-to-back World Cup quarterfinals after win over Canada
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco reach back-to-back World Cup quarterfinals after defeating co-hosts Canada

Azzedine Ounahi scored two goals in the second half, helping Morocco to book their place in the World Cup quarterfinals. Their second consecutive time after reaching this stage in Qatar in 2022.

Ounahi played well against Canada in Houston, giving the Atlas Lions full control before Soufiane Rahimi scored the third for the North Africans. The key second goal came in the 82nd minute, disappointing Canadian fans. Real Madrid player Brahim Díaz made a fantastic pass to Ounahi, who scored calmly.

Ounahi had already scored his first goal just after halftime, in the 49th minute, breaking the tie. Canada tried hard to equalise, but Ounahi’s goals, combined with Díaz’s skill, made it difficult for Canada in the last minutes of this tense Round of 16 match.

The Atlas Lions made history as Africa’s first semi-finalists at Qatar 2022, and after shrugging off a slow start with a strong second-half showing here, they can now look forward to a Boston quarter-final on 9 July against the winners of the France-Paraguay tie.

Canada 0-3 Morocco

Morocco goals: Ounahi (50, 82), Rahaimi (90+8)