Category: Sport News

Ghana to host the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in 2027
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana to host the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in 2027

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded Ghana the hosting rights for the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2027, coinciding with the nation’s 70th anniversary of independence.

This highlights Ghana’s rich football heritage and its vital role in African football development.

This will be Ghana’s second time hosting the tournament, having previously done so in 1999, when the team lifted the trophy at home. The competition will feature 12 teams, showcasing Africa’s brightest young talents and serving as an important pathway to professional football.

Ghana, a four-time champion, has a proud tradition in youth football, having produced many iconic players, including Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien, and André Ayew. Additionally, Ghana made history as the first African nation to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2009.

The top four teams from the tournament will qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, adding further significance. The most recent edition took place in Egypt, where South Africa claimed the title, reflecting the rising quality of youth football in Africa.

CAF will announce the dates and venues for the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana 2027, soon.

Dates Confirmed for Champions League, Confederation Cup draw
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Record-breaking prize money awaits CAF inter-club winners

The finals of the CAF Champions League and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup are set to offer more than just continental glory; the winners in the 2025/26 season will receive record-breaking prize money.

In the Champions League final, South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns will face Morocco’s AS FAR, while Algeria’s USM Alger will compete against Egypt’s Zamalek in the Confederation Cup.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe recently announced that the Champions League winners will earn USD 6 million, up from USD 4 million, a significant 50 percent increase, reflecting a rise from the USD 2.5 million that winners received in 2021.

The Confederation Cup has experienced even bigger gains, with prize money doubling from USD 2 million to USD 4 million. Both USM and Zamalek are recent champions, with USM winning in 2023 and Zamalek following in the next season.

CAF’s commitment to investing in African club football extends beyond the finalists. In a bid to assist clubs facing logistical challenges, Dr Motsepe announced that clubs eliminated in the preliminary stages will now receive USD 100,000 each, doubling previous support.

As a result, a record 130 clubs from across Africa will participate in both tournaments in the 2025/26 season.

This increase in prize money is part of CAF’s strategy to boost the value and competitiveness of African football, helping clubs develop talent and compete more effectively on the global stage.

Ibrahim Fullah is over the moon to receive young Player of the Year award
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ibrahim Fullah is over the moon to receive young Player of the Year award

Ibrahim Fullah has expressed his delight after he received the Charlton Athletic’s Valley Gold Young Player of the Year award following the Addicks’ 2-1 victory over Hull City at The Valley on Saturday.

After accepting the honour, the 19-year-old academy graduate expressed his excitement, saying, “It’s definitely unexpected, but I’m really thankful for this award! So many incredible names have won it before me, and just being listed among them is amazing. I’ve grown up with Tyreece Campbell, who is also on that list, so it feels special to be recognised like this,” he told his club website.

The 2025/26 season marks a pivotal year for Fullah as he makes his mark as a player for Charlton. He has already made 13 appearances in all competitions, finding the back of the net twice during the Carabao Cup.

“There have been plenty of ups and downs; it’s part of football. You can only control what you can control, and that’s what I focused on until my chance came. When it did, I knew I had to make the most of it,” he noted.

“I’ve learned a lot about what it takes to be a first-team footballer. It has required a great deal of hard work and sacrifice, but I’ve also grown a lot along the way.

Having confidence, patience, and a solid support network from coaches, staff, and teammates has been crucial.

This whole group is fantastic, and my family has played a big role in my journey as well. I’m truly grateful for all of it. As a team, we know what we’re capable of achieving together. Capable of, and we can achieve it. It’s been a really good season.”

Momoh kamara makes IF Elfsborg debut in Swedish Allsvenskan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Momoh Kamara makes IF Elfsborg debut in Swedish Allsvenskan

Sierra Leonean International Momoh Kamara made his debut for IF Elfsborg during their 2-1 defeat to Kalmar FF in the Allsvenskan on Monday night.

The 20-year-old began the match on the bench before coming on to play his first 32 minutes in the Swedish top flight.

The action began early at Guldfågeln Arena, with Elfsborg capitalising on strong pressing in the fifth minute. Taylor Silverholt won the ball and set up Frederik Ihler, who scored with precision, putting Elfsborg ahead 1-0.

Kalmar, however, quickly struck back, finding the equaliser in the 13th minute with a well-executed low cross that finished just past Elfsborg’s goalkeeper, Isak Pettersson.

The home side continued to dominate the game, forcing Elfsborg’s defence to work hard, but chances were limited for Elfsborg, with Simon Olsson’s long-range effort being the closest to a goal.

In the second half, both teams had chances, but Kalmar took the lead in the 57th minute with quick passing. Elfsborg’s manager, Björn Hamberg, brought in Ari Sigurpálsson and debutant Momoh Kamara to boost energy, but Kamara’s shot failed to challenge the goalkeeper.

Elfsborg intensified their attacks, yet Kalmar’s defence remained solid. With ten minutes left, fresh strikers Leo Östman and Dion Krasniqi were brought on, but they couldn’t score. Elfsborg left Borås empty-handed, suffering their first loss of the season.

Ademola Lookman on facing Arsenal after injury scare
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ademola Lookman on facing Arsenal after injury scare

Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman has expressed his eagerness to face Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League first-leg semifinal at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Wednesday.

The La Liga side has been without Lookman in their last two league matches due to injury concerns surrounding the Super Eagles forward.

However, Lookman, who made the switch to Atletico from Serie A club Atalanta, has assured Atlético fans that he is fit to take on the Gunners.

“Wednesday will be a very special game,” he stated during a press conference on Monday. “I’ve missed a couple of matches, but I’m feeling much better now. The fans have given us a massive boost, and we’re looking forward to the same energy on Wednesday.

“The first time I faced Arsenal was as a kid with Charlton, so this match is really special for me,” he said. “Atleti is a huge club with top players performing at a high level. It’s a privilege to contribute, and the work over the last month has been fantastic.”

Lookman injured himself during the Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad in the 62nd minute. Ahead of the Arsenal match, Diego Simeone confirmed, “Lookman isn’t ready for tomorrow’s match. Substituting him in the final was the right decision.”

Since joining from Atalanta in January, Lookman has been in great form, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in eighteen appearances across all competitions.