Category: Sport News

Mali book WAFU U17 AFCON qualifier semi-final spot
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali and Senegal book WAFU U17 AFCON qualifier semi-final spot

Mali has confidently secured its place in the semi-finals, while Sierra Leone has successfully regained its momentum at the end of the second day of the UFOA A U17 Tournament in Group B, held on Saturday, October 26, at the Lat Dior Stadium in Thiès.

From Group A, host Senegal became the first team to reach the semi-finals after back-to-back victories over Liberia and the Gambia on Tuesday and Friday, respectively.

In their second tie, Sierra Leone defeated Mauritania with a 1-0 victory. Captain Alie Kabia, who was named Man of the Match, netted the winning goal in stoppage time of the first half (45+2 minutes).

In the day’s second match, the Malian Eaglets showcased their prowess by overcoming Guinea Bissau’s Djurtus with a late goal. Ibrahim Diakité brought on just minutes earlier, received a brilliant pass from Seydou Dembélé at the edge of the penalty area and scored the decisive goal with a stunning shot from outside.

With two victories in two matches, Mali has emphatically validated its advancement to the semi-finals. Seydou Dembélé has also claimed the title of Man of the Match for the second consecutive time in the clash between Guinea Bissau and Mali.

The third and final day of Group B will take place on Tuesday, October 29, starting at 4 p.m. Mali will face Mauritania at the Lat Dior Stadium, while Guinea Bissau will take on Sierra Leone at the Annex of the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio.

Mali currently sits at the top of the standings with 6 points and a goal difference of +2. Sierra Leone holds second place with 3 points, and Guinea Bissau and Mauritania are tied for third, each with 1 point.

Sierra Leone U17 win to Revive AFCON qualification hopes
by @football_sierra

Sierra Leone U17 win to Revive AFCON qualification hopes

On Saturday, Sierra Leone’s U17 team won their first match in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers, beating Mauritania 1-0 at the Stade Lat-Dior.

This win boosted their chances of qualifying after losing their first match in Group B. They have now played two matches and secured three points.

The team’s only goal came from striker Alie Ramadan Kabia in the 45+1 minute. His effort showed the team’s skill and determination, leading them to an important victory.

Alie Ramadan Kabia also earned the Man of the Match title for his outstanding performance against Mauritania.

In their opener, Sierra Leone lost 1-0 to Mali in the WAFU A U17 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tournament.

Sierra Leone’s final Group B contest will be against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday at the Abdoulaye Wade Annex Stadium in Senegal in the race to the knockout stages of the competition.

This win boosted their chances of qualifying after losing their first match in Group B.
This win boosted their chances of qualifying after losing their first match in Group B.
Nigeria awarded three points and three goals as Libya penalized
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigeria awarded three points and three goals as Libya penalized

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded Nigeria three points and recognized three goals in relation to the match against Libya.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced an investigation into Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya, stressing that unsportsmanlike behaviour will not be accepted.

On Saturday, Ousmane Kane, chair of the CAF Disciplinary Board, stated that Nigeria would be awarded the points after finding Libya guilty of mistreating the team. The Libyan Football Federation was also fined for this incident.

CAF determined that the Libyan Football Federation violated rules concerning the Africa Cup of Nations and the CAF Disciplinary Code. As a result, the match scheduled for October 15, 2024, in Benghazi has been declared a 3-0 win for Nigeria.

CAF stated that Libya violated Article 31 of the AFCON regulations, as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF disciplinary code.

Libya is required to pay a fine of USD 50,000 within 60 days of this announcement.

The Nigerian team faced delays at a Libyan airport, lacking food and internet access while preparing for their match. They eventually departed after diplomatic and social media efforts.

With this CAF decision, Nigeria is well-positioned to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, having 10 points from four games—four points ahead of Benin Republic. Rwanda has five points, and Libya, with only one point, cannot qualify.

A win or draw against Benin Republic in Abidjan on November 14 will secure Nigeria a spot in the finals, set for December 2025 to January 2026 in Morocco.

Senegal beat Gambia to maintain Group A lead in U17 qualifiers
by FSL News

Senegal beat Gambia to maintain Group A lead in U17 qualifiers

On Friday, Senegal won their second match in the African Cup of Nations U17 qualifiers, beating The Gambia 3-1 at the Stade Lat-Dior. With this win, Senegal’s U17 team is now the favourite to finish first in Group A. They have played two matches so far.

Senegal started the tournament with a 2-1 victory over Liberia on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in Thiès, Senegal. Group A now includes three teams: Senegal, Liberia, and The Gambia, after Guinea was disqualified.

Just like in their match against Liberia, Senegal scored quickly, with Mohamed Dabo finding the net right after kick-off. This early goal surprised The Gambia, who had not played in the first round.

Senegal took control of the match and made it 2-0 in the 23rd minute with a penalty from Elhadji Cissé. Two minutes before halftime, The Gambia scored with a goal from Francis Gomez in the 43rd minute.

In the second half, The Gambia tried to fight back but struggled against Senegal’s strong defence. Senegal sealed the win with a third goal from Youssouf Manel in the 88th minute, finishing the match 3-1.

On Monday, October 28, 2024, Liberia and The Gambia will play for second place in Group A, as both teams are at the bottom of the standings.

Later today, Group B will continue at the Lat Dior Stadium in Thiès. Sierra Leone will face Mauritania at 3 p.m., followed by Guinea-Bissau against Mali at 6 p.m.

Later today, Group B will continue at the Lat Dior Stadium in Thiès. Sierra Leone will face Mauritania at 3 p.m., followed by Guinea-Bissau against Mali at 6 p.m.
Later today, Group B will continue at the Lat Dior Stadium in Thiès. Sierra Leone will face Mauritania at 3 p.m., followed by Guinea-Bissau against Mali at 6 p.m.
CAF Green light the Gambia to host International football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Green light Gambia to host International football

Gambia’s Independence Stadium will host international matches again after receiving approval from the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF).

The last home match was on March 25, 2021, when Gambia won 1-0 against Angola. Following that game, CAF banned the stadium and 22 others in Africa from hosting international matches in February 2022.

The return of international games is a significant milestone for Gambia’s football fans. The Gambia national football team will play against the Comoros Islands in their fifth qualifying match for the 2025 Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations on November 15, 2024, at the Independence Stadium.

The Scorpions, Gambia’s national football team, are currently in 3rd place in Group A, with 5 points from four games.

Bakary Y. Badjie, the Minister of Youth and Sports, announced that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has cleared the Independence Stadium in Bakau to host international matches again. The stadium will be the venue for The Gambia’s upcoming match against Comoros on November 15.

“This decision follows our submission of photos and a report from the CAF License Officer last week,” Badjie said enthusiastically. “We are thrilled to bring our home games back to this important venue.” He also thanked the public for their patience during the two-year renovation.

The last home match was on March 25, 2021, when Gambia won 1-0 against Angola. Following that game, CAF banned the stadium and 22 others in Africa from hosting international matches in February 2022. The return of international games is a significant milestone for Gambia’s football fans.