Category: Sport News

Mighty Blackpool FC Joins African Club Association (ACA)
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mighty Blackpool Joins African Club Association (ACA)

One of Sierra Leone's most decorated football club's, Mighty Blackpool has announced its membership in the African Club Association (ACA).

This milestone signifies the club’s commitment to excellence and active participation in the African football community.

The ACA promotes improved football standards across Africa. “Joining the ACA aligns with our vision for integrity and innovation,” stated Rodney Michael, Chairman of Mighty Blackpool FC. He encourages other Premier League and Division 1 teams to join as well.

Benefits of ACA Membership: Mighty Blackpool FC will gain:

  • Continental Representation: Influence on football policies and reforms.
    -Capacity Building: Access to training and support for leaders and coaches.
  • Commercial Opportunities: Enhanced visibility for sponsorships and partnerships.

  • Knowledge Exchange: Collaboration with other clubs on governance and youth development.
  •  Advocacy: A strong voice in CAF and FIFA discussions.

Mighty Blackpool’s ACA membership represents a commitment to modern management, financial transparency, and youth development, aiming to elevate Sierra Leonean football on the African stage.

African Club Association is the united voice of clubs across the continent.

ACA brings together men’s and women’s clubs of all sizes from across the continent — with the mission of helping every member club grow and develop, while ensuring that, collectively, clubs are central to decision-making on the regional and global football stages.

We will always be shaped by the collective, where the superstar is the badge on the front of the shirt.

Djoliba, Wydad and Kaizer Chiefs in CAF Confederation Cup action this weekend
by FSL News

Djoliba, Wydad and Kaizer Chiefs in CAF Confederation Cup action this weekend

The CAF Confederation Inter-club 2025/26 resumes this Friday, January 23, with Matchday 3 of the group stages starting across Africa.

After the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco 2025, focus returns to club football this weekend, where Africa’s top teams continue their continental journeys.

With the first two rounds of group matches completed before the break, Matchday 3 is crucial for teams aiming to qualify for the quarter-finals.

The CAF Confederation Cup also picks up steam, featuring former champions, experienced teams, and excited newcomers all striving for success.

As qualification spots remain tight in several groups, Matchday 3 gives clubs a chance to improve their standings or get back in the race before the final rounds.

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Fixtures (All times GMT)

Group A – Saturday, 24 January

19:00 — USM Alger (ALG) vs Djoliba AC (MLI)

Sunday, 25 January

16:00 — OCS Safi (MAR) vs  FC San Pedro (CIV)

Group B -Sunday, 25 January

13:00 — Nairobi United FC (KEN) vs Azam FC (TAN)

Sunday, 25 January

19:00 — Wydad AC (MAR) vs AS Maniema Union (DRC)

Group C – Sunday, 25 January
16:00 — Singida Black Stars (TAN) vs AS Otoho (CGO)

Sunday, 25 January

19:00 — CR Belouizdad (ALG) vs Stellenbosch FC (RSA)

Group D- Sunday, 25 January

13:00 — ZESCO United FC (ZAM) vs Kaizer Chiefs FC (RSA)

Sunday, 25 January

19:00 — Zamalek SC (EGY) vs Al Masry SC (EGY)

African Champions League resumes on Friday as Al Ahly ready for action
by Football Sierra Leone

African Champions League resumes on Friday as Al Ahly ready for action

The TotalEnergies CAF Champions League kicks off with an exciting opening day on Friday, as record champions Al Ahly take on Tanzania’s Young Africans in Cairo.

Later that day, South African powerhouses Mamelodi Sundowns host Sudan’s Al Hilal Omdurman in Pretoria, a match expected to have a significant impact on the standings in Group C as the campaign reaches its midpoint.

The weekend also features other key matchups, including a high-stakes Group A encounter on Saturday between RS Berkane and title holders Pyramids FC.

Throughout Saturday and Sunday, teams will be vying for dominance in their groups, striving to build on strong starts or reignite their hopes of qualification.

TotalEnergies CAF Champions League fixtures (All times GMT)

Group A – Saturday, 24 January

13:00 — Power Dynamos FC (ZAM) vs Rivers United FC (NGA)

19:00 — RS Berkane (MAR) vs Pyramids FC (EGY)

Group B – Friday, 23 January

16:00 — Al Ahly SC (EGY) vs Young Africans SC (TAN)

Saturday, 24 January

16:00 — JS Kabylie (ALG) vs AS FAR Rabat (MAR)

Group C – Friday, 23 January

18:00 — Mamelodi Sundowns FC (RSA) vs Al Hilal Omdurman (SUD)

Sunday, 25 January

13:00 — St Éloi Lupopo (DRC) vs MC Alger (ALG)

Group D – Saturday, 24 January

16:00 — Espérance de Tunis (TUN) vs Simba SC (TAN)

Sunday, 25 January

16:00 — Stade Malien (MLI) vs Petro Atlético (ANG)

CAF Issues Sanctions Against Algeria After Misconduct
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Issues Sanctions Against Algeria After Misconduct

The CAF Disciplinary Board met to discuss issues from the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 match between Algeria and Nigeria on January 10, 2026.

The Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football has announced penalties for Algeria’s misconduct during the January 10, 2026, African Cup of Nations match against Nigeria:

– Luca Zidane is suspended for two matches for misconduct.
– Rafik Belghali is suspended for four matches (two of which are deferred for one year) for aggressive behaviour toward the referee.
– The Algerian Football Federation will incur fines totalling USD 100,000 for various infractions:
– USD 5,000 for receiving five yellow cards in one match.
– USD 25,000 for inappropriate behaviour from players and officials.
– USD 5,000 for fans using smoke devices.
– USD 5,000 for fans throwing objects.
– USD 10,000 for failing to follow security measures.
– USD 50,000 for offensive gestures by supporters towards match officials.

AFCON top scorer Brahim Díaz apologises to Moroccan people
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

AFCON top scorer Brahim Díaz apologises to Moroccan people

Brahim Díaz of Morocco has apologized for missing a key penalty in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, where Senegal triumphed 1-0 after extra-time in Rabat.

Díaz was fouled in the box by El Hadji Malick Diouf, leading to a VAR-reviewed penalty decision that sparked protests from Senegal.

He attempted a Panenka shot, which Senegal’s goalkeeper Édouard Mendy saved. The miss sent the match went to extra time, where Pape Gueye scored the winning goal for Senegal, securing their second AFCON title.

Díaz expressed his regret on social media the following day. “My soul hurts,” wrote Díaz. “I dreamed of this title thanks to all the love you have given me, every message, every show of support that made me feel I was not alone. I fought with everything I had, with my heart above all else.

“Yesterday I failed, and I take full responsibility and apologise wholeheartedly. It will be difficult for me to recover, because this wound does not heal easily, but I will try.

“Not for myself, but for all those who believed in me and for all those who suffered with me. I will keep going until one day I can give you all this love back and be the pride of my Moroccan people.”

Despite missing a penalty, the 26-year-old had a remarkable debut tournament, becoming the first player in AFCON history to score in all five of his initial matches at the finals. He not only made his mark but also finished as the tournament’s top scorer, earning the Golden Boot with five goals in seven appearances.

Díaz is eagerly anticipating the chance to make amends at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.