Category: Sport News

Recap: CAF to launch festival-style U17 tournament format
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Recap: CAF to launch festival-style U17 tournament format

The African Football Confederation (CAF) will launch a new festival-style format for its youth competitions. This format will combine matches, training, and team operations into one setting for all teams involved.

The first festival-style event will take place during the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, from May 13 to June 2, 2026. Most matches, except for the opening match, semi-finals, and final, will be held at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Morocco.

This new approach aims to create a lively tournament atmosphere while improving how the event is run. It will help ensure consistency and support long-term player development over time.

The final draw for the Total Energies CAF U-17 AFCON Morocco 2026 recently took place, setting a competitive lineup for the group stage. Hosts and defending champions Morocco are in Group A with Tunisia, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Former champions Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon lead Group B, along with Uganda and debutants DR Congo.

Last year’s runners-up, Mali, are in Group C with Angola, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Senegal heads Group D, which also includes 2015 runners-up South Africa, Algeria, and two-time winners Ghana.

The eight teams that reach the quarter-finals will qualify automatically for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar later in 2026. The teams that finish third in their groups will play two matches to decide the last two teams that qualify.

In total, 10 African nations will represent the continent at the global finals in Qatar later this year.

TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026:

GROUP A: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Ethiopia

Groupe B: Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroun, Ouganda, RD Congo

GROUP C: Mali, Angola, Tanzania, Mozambique 

GROUP D: Senegal, South Africa, Algeria, Ghana 

The link to the full tournament schedule 

Inter Milan’s Ange-Yoan Bonny switches allegiance to Ivory Coast
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Inter Milan’s Ange-Yoan Bonny switches allegiance to Ivory Coast

Inter Milan’s Ange-Yoan Bonny is in the running for the 2026 World Cup after switching from the French national team to the Ivory Coast.

Bonny, 22, was born in Aubervilliers, near Paris, and played for France at various youth levels. Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Fae contacted Bonny earlier this year and included him in the preliminary squad for a friendly match against South Korea on March 28.

Bonny is now eligible to play for the Ivory Coast after FIFA approved his request, and the French Football Federation signed off on it.

He has played 44 matches in all competitions for Inter Milan, scoring seven goals and providing seven assists since joining from Parma in the off-season.

Bonny aims to impress Fae before the World Cup, which will be held next month in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Ivory Coast is in Group E with Germany, Ecuador, and newcomers Curacao.

drissa Gueye to miss Premier League contest against Crystal Palace
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Idrissa Gueye to miss Premier League clash against Crystal Palace

David Moyes has confirmed Idrissa Gueye will miss the upcoming match against Crystal Palace. The Senegal defensive midfielder plays for Everton, who are trying to secure a spot in European competitions as the season comes to an end.

Gueye could not play in the last match, a 3-3 draw with Manchester City. In a press conference ahead of the Crystal Palace game, manager David Moyes confirmed that Gueye, who is 36 years old, will not participate. Moyes said, “He’s fine. He’s not training yet, but it’s not a serious injury, so we hope he’ll be back soon.”

Gueye debuted for Senegal in 2011 and played in the 2012 Summer Olympics, taking part in one match. He has played in two FIFA World Cups and six Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

After losing in the 2019 AFCON final, he helped Senegal win the 2022 final. Gueye holds the record for the most caps for Senegal and is the first player from Senegal to earn over 100 caps.

He started his career at Diambars in Senegal and joined Lille’s reserve team in 2008. He played for Lille’s first team from 2010 to 2015, winning Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France in 2011. He then moved to Aston Villa and a year later signed with Everton.

Jay Tee Kamara earns USL League One Team of the Week honours
by Football Sierra Leone

Jay Tee Kamara earns USL League One Team of the Week honours

Sierra Leone attacker, Jay Tee Kamara, has made a notable impact by being named to the USL League One Team of the Week for weeks 8 and 9. Playing for the Portland Hearts of Pine, Kamara showcased his exceptional skills during a thrilling 3-1 victory against the New York Cosmos.

In this match, he not only scored a goal but also provided two assists, contributing significantly to his team’s success. Kamara was a constant threat on the pitch, creating six scoring opportunities and taking four shots on goal.

His playmaking abilities were evident as he completed 22 out of 32 passes and demonstrated his agility by completing 3 of 6 dribbles. This impressive performance highlights Kamara’s pivotal role in the team’s offensive strategy and cements his status as a key player in the league.

Jay Tee Kamara earns USL League One Team of the Week honours
Jay Tee Kamara earns USL League One Team of the Week honours
Sierra Leone to learn AFCON 2027 qualifying opponents this month
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone to learn AFCON 2027 qualifying opponents this month

CAF has announced when all member associations will learn who they will play in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The draw date for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers is set for Tuesday, 19 May.

Still searching for a head coach, Sierra Leone missed out on the last African showpiece and will find out the names of the three teams they will face in the qualifiers during the draw.

A total of 48 teams will be placed in 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group will qualify for AFCON 2027.

This edition of AFCON will be hosted by three countries: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda and the qualifiers will begin in September 2026 and end in March 2027.

CAF also mentioned that the FIFA Council recently approved these dates in Vancouver, Canada. They will reveal the host country for the opening match and the final soon.