Category: Football Africa

CAF named Kenya as host of CHAN 2024 final match
by Football Sierra Leone

CAF named Kenya as host of CHAN 2024 final match

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced that Kenya would serve as the host nation for the final match.

The grand finale of the tournament will be held at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on August 30. The match for third place will take place at Uganda’s Mandela Stadium in Kampala, and the tournament will start at Tanzania’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on August 2.

The eagerly awaited tournament is set to unfold during the summer months in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Originally slated for February 2025, the event has been pushed back to August due to issues with infrastructure readiness, stadium availability, and ensuring adequate team participation.

Zanzibar has been selected as a host venue for the upcoming 2024 CHAN tournament, reflecting CAF’s commitment to expanding African football.

Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar previously hosted the CAF Confederation Cup 2024/25 Final, enhancing its reputation.

The tournament marks a return to East Africa, following the 2016 edition in Rwanda, and will take place from August 2 to August 30, 2025, across three host nations.

Ivorian defender Willy Boly signs Nottingham Forest deal extension
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivorian defender Willy Boly signs Nottingham Forest deal extension

Nottingham Forest has announced a one-year extension for Ivorian defender Willy Boly, which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2026.

The Ivorian defender has made 45 appearances for the Reds since joining from Wolves in 2022, quickly becoming an essential part of Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad.

As a key member of the leadership group, Boly adds a wealth of experience to the team, having played in nine matches across all competitions last season.

He was part of the Ivory Coast squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last year and has experience competing in European tournaments, having played for Porto in the Champions League and for SC Braga and Wolves in the Europa League.

With more fixtures anticipated due to European qualification, Boly’s presence on and off the pitch will be crucial in helping the team adapt to the demanding schedule.

Boly has signed a new contract with the club, expressing his happiness and eagerness to continue with the team and its supportive fans. He aims to build on last season’s success.

Chief Football Officer Ross Wilson praised Boly as a valuable and experienced Premier League player who has significantly contributed to the team’s achievements. Wilson highlighted Boly’s professionalism, leadership qualities, and ability to connect with teammates.

Liberian native Christian Saydee departs Portsmouth to join Wigan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Liberian native Christian Saydee departs Portsmouth to join Wigan

Portsmouth has confirmed that Liberian decent Christian Saydee has left Pompey to join League One side Wigan for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old forward, who joined from Bournemouth in summer 2023, scored seven goals in 73 appearances and helped the team win the third tier title, returning Championship football to Fratton Park after 12 years.

Manager John Mousinho said, “Christian was a valued member of our squad and will be missed by staff, players, and fans for his key contributions.”

“However, we believe he deserves the opportunity for more regular playing time, and we didn’t want to hold him back from that. We thank him for everything he achieved while wearing a Pompey shirt and wish him the very best in this next chapter of his career.”

Saydee rose through the Cherries academy before making his way to Fratton Park. He netted his first goal in a League Cup match against Peterborough, and his first league goal for Pompey was particularly significant, as it secured a crucial win over promotion contenders Oxford at Fratton Park.

In the last season, Saydee found the net three times: he scored twice in a draw against Middlesbrough and added another goal in the draw with Hull on the season’s final day.

Wydad Casablanca suffer opening Club World Cup defeat to City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Wydad Casablanca suffer opening Club World Cup defeat to City

On Wednesday, one of Africa’s representatives, Wydad Athletic Club – WAC started their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a 2-0 defeat to defending champions Manchester City in Philadelphia.

In a recent match, Phil Foden scored the opening goal for Manchester City in the second minute, followed by a second goal from Jeremy Doku in the 42nd minute.

Morocco’s Nordin Amrabat showcased his versatility, contributing effectively on both defense and offense. Wydad Casablanca had a significant opportunity to equalize in the 31st minute when Thembinkosi Lorch lost his balance in the penalty area.

Although Wydad Casablanca displayed some hesitancy in the first half, they maintained a resilient defense, with goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid making crucial interventions.

Despite their challenges, the supporters passionately rallied behind the team with chants of “ole, ole, ole… Wydad, Wydad.”

Phil Foden expressed satisfaction with securing three points, while Wydad’s Meijers Bart acknowledged the positive start in the tournament and conveyed pride in being part of the team.

Moroccan side Wydad AC to face a tricky contest against Man City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Moroccan side Wydad AC to face a tricky contest against Man City

Wydad AC will begin their FIFA Club World Cup journey on Wednesday, facing off against the English football club Manchester City. The match will take place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Wydad earned their place in this prestigious tournament by being crowned CAF Champions League winners, marking their third title at the end of the 2021/22 season.

Similarly, Manchester City qualified as previous winners of the UEFA Champions League, having claimed their first European title in the 2022/23 season.

Wydad finished third in the Botola Pro 1 league this season, 16 points behind champions RSB Berkane. This poor performance resulted in the departure of their head coach, Rhulani Mokwena, after just one season.

Now under the leadership of Amine Benhachem, the Moroccan club is gearing up to take on City in what promises to be an uphill battle.

“It’s going to be a tough match—there’s no denying that,” Benhachem stated in the lead-up to the game. “But we believe we can compete. We have our style of play, and we’ll give it our best shot.”

Manchester City’s squad for the tournament includes new signings Rayan Aït-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, and Marcus Bettinelli. These additions enhance manager Pep Guardiola’s options, offering both defensive stability and attacking flair.

Having won the last edition of the Club World Cup, City is eager to assert their dominance in the competition’s revamped format.