Category: Sport News

Burkina Faso secure 2025 Cup of Nations spot with victory over Burundi
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkina Faso secure 2025 Cup of Nations spot with victory over Burundi

Burkina Faso clinched their place in the 2025 African Cup of Nations after a 2-0 victory over Burundi at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium on Sunday.

With this victory, they have earned 10 points from four matches in Group L, securing their spot in the 24-team tournament. The goals were netted by Mohamed Konate and Bertrand Traore.

Senegal is currently in second place with seven points from three matches and can qualify by winning against Malawi. Burundi has three points from four games, while Malawi has none from three.

The top two teams from each of the 12 qualification pools will advance to the finals, which will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

In addition, Morocco have already secured their place in the tournament as hosts. 

Morocco's Atlas Lions thrash Central African Republic
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco’s Atlas Lions thrash Central African Republic

Morocco continued to show its strength in Group B of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Qualifiers on Saturday, October 12th, by defeating the Central African Republic.

The host of the 2025 AFCON has won three consecutive games as they prepare for the continental showpiece. They are leading with five points, ahead of Gabon, who had a goalless draw with Lesotho on Friday.

The Atlas Lions won 5-0 and are building momentum as they get ready to host next year’s Cup of Nations.  Assedine Ounahi scored two goals in the first half, and Adbe Essalzouli, Achraf Hakimi, and Soufiane Rahimi also scored.

The competition in Group B remains exciting as Gabon will play Lesotho again on Tuesday, and the Central African Republic will have another chance to play Morocco on the same evening.

Striker Serhou Guirassy nets hat-trick as Guinea thrash Ethiopia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Serhou Guirassy nets hat-trick as Guinea thrash Ethiopia

Striker Serhou Guirassy scored an impressive hat trick in the first half, leading Guinea to a resounding 4-1 victory over Ethiopia in their 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The match, held at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, showcased Syli National’s dominance from the outset. Guinea secured their lead in the 18th minute when Guirassy successfully converted a penalty after Birhanu Bekele’s foul inside the box.

The Germany-based attacker extended his lead in the 37th minute, finishing from close range after a well-timed pass from Seydouba Cissé. Just before half-time, Guirassy completed his hat-trick by slotting home in stoppage time from a François Kamano assist, securing a 3-0 lead at the break.

Guinea continued their dominance in the second half, with Seydouba Cissé adding a fourth goal in the 48th minute, finishing a through ball from Mady Camara.

After Matchday Three, DR Congo leads Group H with nine points, followed by Tanzania with four points and Guinea with three points. Ethiopia remains at the bottom with just one point.

Ethiopia scored a goal in the 53rd minute through Kenean Markneh, but Guinea’s victory renewed their prospects for qualification, while Ethiopia faces a challenging path to keep their hopes alive.

Senegal comfortably thrashed 10-man Malawi in AFCON Qualifier
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegal comfortably thrashed 10-man Malawi in AFCON Qualifier

At the Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade, the Senegalese national football team put on a dominant performance, securing a convincing 4-0 victory over Malawi.

The match took a dramatic turn in the 16th minute when Brighton Munthali was shown a red card for a foul on the talented Sadio Mané.

Senegal’s Pape Guèye ignited the scoreboard with a spectacular long-range shot in the 35th minute, setting the tone for the Lions’ commanding display.

Sadio Mané, a key figure for Senegal, showcased his skill once again by notching his 45th goal for his national team in the 69th minute. The momentum continued as Boulaya Dia swiftly added another goal just two minutes later.

The Senegalese team’s triumph was sealed in the 77th minute when Nicolas Jackson, after earning 17 caps, celebrated his first goal for the national team, concluding the match with a resounding victory for Senegal.

Malawi will attempt to avenge their defeat as they host Senegal at the Bingu National Stadium on Tuesday.

Steven Caulker - "Fail to prepare, prepare to fail"
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Steven Caulker on defeat to Ivory Coast – “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail”

Sierra Leone team captain Steven Caulker has admitted that team spirit alone is not enough to win top football matches as they lack organisation.

The West Africa side still searching for a win in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers and they’re currently at the bottom of the group after suffering a 4-1 defeat to the African Champions on Friday at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro.

“Team spirit alone will not win matches. The team put up a good fight but fell short in the crucial moments. We need to do better if we’re going to get a result on Tuesday. As players, we take ultimate responsibility for the performance and the result,” Steven Caulker explained.

On Players Responsibilities

It’s important to note that we are not receiving the support we need. The decisions made by those in power are ultimately impacting us on the field.

On Organisation and Planning

Right now, we lack organization. If we fail to prepare, we prepare to fail. However, we still have a chance to qualify, and we will give our all in the next three games to make it happen.

On the Critics – Caulker pointed out…

As for those who are criticizing us, the only one who has performed well in the game is Kallon. The rest should refrain from making comments, as I don’t recall them making significant contributions on or off the pitch for the Leone Stars.

If we are to progress as a top footballing nation in Africa, we need to reset everything after this campaign and start anew. We have the talent, and the government has provided financial support. There is no excuse for us not to succeed.

Coach Amidu Karim’s team must avoid another defeat when they welcome Ivory Coast for the second leg of the doubleheader on October 15 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia.