Category: Sports

Riyad Mahrez scores twice as Algeria thrash Sudan
by Football Sierra Leone

Riyad Mahrez scores twice as Algeria thrash Sudan

Algeria kicked off their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 campaign with a confident 3–0 win over 10-man Sudan on Wednesday evening at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, marking an impressive start to their Group E fixtures.

The Fennecs, who were champions in 2019, celebrated their first AFCON finals victory since then, thanks to a brace from captain Riyad Mahrez and a late goal from Ibrahim Maza.

They dominated Sudan, taking the lead just two minutes in with Mahrez’s goal from a Hicham Boudaoui assist. Sudan’s Salah El-Din Adel was sent off in the 39th minute, allowing Algeria to maintain control.

In the second half, Mahrez scored again in the 61st minute, assisted by Mohamed Amine Amoura, followed by Maza’s goal in the 85th minute from Baghdad Bounedjah’s setup, securing a 3–0 win for Algeria. Algeria sits atop Group E with three points.

In another match, Burkina Faso staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Equatorial Guinea 2–1, scoring twice in stoppage time. After a balanced first half, Equatorial Guinea went down to ten men with a red card to Basilo Ndung.

Despite conceding in the 85th minute to Marvin Aniebo, Burkina Faso equalised in the fifth minute of added time through György Menongo and won it with Edmond Tapsoba’s goal shortly after, also finishing with three points atop the group.

Tunisia ease past Uganda to stay ahead of Nigeria in Group C
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia ease past Uganda to stay ahead of Nigeria in Group C

Tunisia kicked off their CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 campaign with an impressive 3-1 victory over Uganda at the Annex Olympic Stadium.

This win places them at the top of Group C, ahead of Nigeria, who secured a 2-1 win against Tanzania earlier on Tuesday.

Elyes Skhiri opened the scoring in the 10th minute, followed by Elias Achouri, who scored twice, including a goal just before halftime and his second in the 64th minute. Uganda managed a late goal from Denis Omedi, but it did not affect the outcome.

In post-match comments, Uganda’s coach, Paul Put, expressed disappointment at the team’s lack of aggression and respect shown to Tunisia, emphasising the need to improve in their next match.

Tunisia’s coach, Sami Trabelsi, praised his team’s performance and the support from Moroccan fans. Player Mohamed Elyes Achouri thanked his teammates and supporters for their efforts in challenging weather conditions.

The Eagles of Carthage of Tunisia take on the Super Eagles of Nigeria on December 27th in their second Group match, and it is expected to be a top-of-the-table cracker at the Stade Foot Fès.

Picture of Alie Bittar
Alie Bittar

@bittar32 On X

24/12/2025
Big AFCON 2025 blow for Nigeria's Super Eagles as skipper retires
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Big AFCON 2025 blow for Nigeria’s Super Eagles as skipper retires

William Troost-Ekong has decided to retire from international football. This means he will not play for Nigeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The decision comes just days before the Africa Cup of Nations begins in Morocco on December 21, where Nigeria will compete in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The 31-year-old centre-back Troost-Ekong was recently part of Eric Chelle’s preliminary squad for the tournament in Morocco, but has chosen to step aside to allow younger players to take the stage.

He earned 83 caps for the Super Eagles, making his debut under Stephen Keshi in 2015. His last match was a 4-1 win over Gabon before Nigeria’s elimination from World Cup qualifying.

Troost-Ekong participated in the 2018 World Cup and three AFCON tournaments, winning bronze in 2019 and silver in 2023, where he was named Player of the Tournament.

He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent Nigeria, highlighting his growth from a boy in the Netherlands to captain of the Super Eagles.

With accomplishments including 83 caps, participation in five major tournaments, and three medals, he felt fulfilled in his journey. He emphasised the importance of passing the captaincy to the next generation to continue their legacy.

Debutants Nairobi United fell to a second defeat in CAF Confederation Cup
by FSL News

Debutants Nairobi United fell to a second defeat in the CAF Confederation Cup

Nairobi United suffered their second consecutive defeat in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, losing 1–0 to DR Congo’s AS Maniema at Kasarani, who remain at the top of Group B.

The only goal of the match was scored in the 67th minute by Jaency Mboma Kinda, who converted a low cross from Chadoma Ozome at the near post. This rare moment of clarity in a cautious game ensured Maniema’s strong defensive record in the group remained intact.

Before the goal, scoring chances were limited, but Maniema gained momentum after halftime with a double substitution that energised their midfield and right flank.

Nairobi responded with three substitutions in the 69th minute, but the Congolese side managed the game’s final moments well. Nairobi’s frustration showed when Kevin Otiende received a yellow card in the 71st minute, followed by Mboma Kinda being cautioned in the 80th. Maniema also made a late substitution and held on with disciplined defending.

This victory puts Maniema on six points from two matches, tied with Wydad AC at the top of the standings on goal difference (Wydad 4:0, Maniema 3:0). Nairobi remains at the bottom, without any points or goals, while Azam is in third place.

Splendid Morocco's U20 achieved its goal by making it to the finals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Splendid Morocco’s U20 achieved its goal by making it to the finals

The Atlas Cubs have reached their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup final after defeating France 5-4 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in regulation. Morocco will face Argentina in the final.

Substitute goalkeeper Abdelhakim Mesbahi emerged as the hero, stepping in during the shootout to save Djylian N’Guessan’s attempt.

The match featured an early penalty for Morocco, converted by Yassir Zabiri, which ultimately became an own goal after hitting the post and deflecting off the French goalkeeper, Lisandru Olmeta.

France equalized through Lucas Michal in the second half, and after a tense extra time with a red card for France’s Rabby Nzingoula, the match was decided by penalties.

With this victory, Morocco becomes the first African team to reach the final since Ghana in 2009.

Morocco 1-1 France (aet; 5-4 PSO)

Morocco’s goal: Olmeta’s own goal (32), France’s goal: Michal (59)