Category: Football Africa

The inaugural FIFA Mini Pitch in Africa has been launched in Algeria
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

First FIFA Mini Pitch In Africa Inaugurated in Algeria  

Algeria has made history by becoming the first African nation to inaugurate a FIFA Arena mini-pitch, part of FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s initiative to install 1,000 such pitches globally, supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The new facility was officially opened at Collège Malek Haddad in East Algiers, with plans for a second pitch at Ibn Joubair school in West Algiers. Together, these pitches will serve around 1,500 children from local schools and grassroots clubs, providing vital opportunities for youth engagement in sports.

The FIFA Arena project aims to establish a total of 11 mini-pitches, or “Starting Eleven,” across all six confederations. So far, pitches have launched in Georgia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Armenia, making Algeria the first African country and the fifth worldwide to benefit. The project target areas are those lacking access to sports facilities.

Infantino emphasised the project’s mission, stating, “Every child deserves a safe space that allows them to learn, to play, and to grow.” Walid Sadi, president of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), expressed gratitude for FIFA’s support, highlighting that these mini-pitches advance school football and nurture future football talent.

Gelson Fernandes, FIFA Deputy Chief Member Association Officer, underscored the importance of this milestone for grassroots football in Algeria, stating, “In a football-passionate country like Algeria, this inauguration paves the way toward excellence. These children have the potential to become the next Mahrez or Slimani.”

Nigeria and Senegal set a date as debutant Sierra Leone battle on Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria and Senegal set a date as debutant Sierra Leone to battle Morocco

With Nigeria meeting the defending champions, Senegal, at the Suez Canal Stadium on Monday, the U20 Cup of Nations quarterfinals promise to be thrilling and a noted West African rivalry.

At the same time, tournament newcomer Sierra Leone has a difficult assignment against one of the favourites, Morocco.

Eight teams guaranteed their places in the quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt after a run of exciting games on Friday, May 9.

Emerging talents all throughout the continent are highlighted in this tournament, which acts as a qualifying event for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year. Besides the continental title, these young athletes are also vying for four open World Cup spots for Africa.

Egypt (hosts), DR Congo, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and South Africa are the teams moving on to the knockout stage. Monday, May 12, will see the quarterfinal matches.

With a slim 1-0 win over Tanzania at the Suez Canal Stadium, tournament hosts Egypt advanced to the quarterfinals and guaranteed their place as one of the two finest third-placed teams, alongside DR Congo.

With a 3-1 victory over the Central African Republic and a 1-1 tie against Ghana, DR Congo’s performance was sufficient to see them through.

South Africa ended up at the top in Group A, despite a 1-1 draw with neighbors Zambia. Second in that category was Sierra Leone.

Group B saw Morocco finish first; Nigeria, who came in second, will join Morocco in the knockout stages.

Defending champions Senegal also progressed, finishing second behind group leaders Ghana in Group C but edging out DR Congo on goal difference.

Exciting Quarterfinal Matches:

Promising excitement and unusual pairings, the next quarterfinals In the first quarterfinal confrontation, defending champions Senegal will take on a strong Nigeria. Hosts Egypt face a steep challenge against a sure Ghana. Having shown strong performance in the group stage, Morocco will face a Sierra Leone eager whereas the talented South Africans would have to deal with a tactically savvy DR Congo.

Top Goalscorer: Sierra Leone’s Momoh Kamara leads the scoring charts with 4 goals.

TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON Egypt 2025 Quarter-Finals Fixtures

12h00 GMT | Nigeria vs Senegal

15h00 GMT | Ghana vs Egypt

15h00 GMT | Morocco vs Sierra Leone

18h00 GMT | South Africa vs DR Congo

Ghana U20 beat Central African Republic to top Group A
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana U20 beat Central African Republic to top Group A

Ghana U20 won a tough match against the Central African Republic (CAR) 1-0 on Thursday. This victory allowed them to top Group C and secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt 2025.

Joseph Opoku scored the only goal in the 84th minute at the Suez Canal Stadium. Until then, Ghana had controlled the game with most of the possession and chances, but they couldn’t score. With this result, Ghana finished the group with seven points from three matches. Senegal also advanced to the knockout stage after beating DR Congo 2-0 in another match.

CAR needed to win to move on but spent most of the game on the defensive, struggling to create chances. Ghana’s players, like Aziz Issah and Andrews Adjabeng, tried to break the deadlock, but they had trouble finishing.

The winning goal came when Joseph Aidoo made a strong run on a counterattack and passed to Opoku in the box. Opoku scored confidently, sending the Ghana bench into celebration. CAR couldn’t mount a comeback in the final minutes as Ghana controlled the game to secure their second win of the tournament.

Ghana U20 coach Desmond Ofei expressed pride in his team’s patience and tactical discipline following their progression to the knockout stage. Ghana needed only a draw to advance after previously defeating Senegal and drawing with DR Congo, while CAR ended with just one point from three matches, a drop from their 2021 quarter-final performance.

This marks the first time Ghana has gone unbeaten in the group stage since 2013, as they aim for their fifth U20 AFCON title. The final lineup for the knockout stages will be announced after all group matches conclude on Friday.

Morocco Under-20 finished their group stage with an unbeaten record, winning 3-1 against Tunisia at the Suez Canal Stadium. This victory secured the top spot in Group B of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco U-20 pick Cup of Nations quarter final ticket

Morocco Under-20 finished their group stage with an unbeaten record, winning 3-1 against Tunisia at the Suez Canal Stadium. This victory secured the top spot in Group B of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025.

Ayman Arguigue scored the first goal in the first half, setting the pace for Morocco. Late goals from Smail Bakhty and substitute Jones El Abdellaoui clinched the win. Tunisia briefly tied the game with an equalizer from Anis Doubal early in the second half, but they could not keep up and must now wait to see if they advance as one of the best third-placed teams.

The match was crucial for both teams, as they aimed for a knockout spot, depending on the outcome of the Nigeria vs. Kenya game, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Morocco’s victory ensured they finished first with seven points, while Nigeria came in second with five.

Morocco started strongly, putting pressure on Tunisia’s defense. Their efforts paid off just before halftime when Arguigue scored in the 44th minute after a great setup from Zahouani.

After halftime, Tunisia tied the game in the 53rd minute with a long-range goal from Doubal. However, Morocco regained the lead in the 86th minute when Bakhty scored during a goalmouth scramble, and El Abdellaoui sealed the victory with a stoppage time goal from a quick counterattack.

This win solidified Morocco’s unbeaten streak in the group stage, showcasing a strong defense and sharp attack. Tunisia, despite showing some quality, finished third with three points and a negative goal difference, and their hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals as one of the best third-placed teams are dimmed by this heavy loss.

Minnesota United FC sign Sierra Leone U20 star Momoh I Kamara on loan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Minnesota United sign Sierra Leone U20 star Momoh I Kamara on loan

Minnesota United has confirmed a one-year loan signing of Sierra Leone’s U20 Cup of Nations star Momoh I Kamara from Mattia Football Club through December 2025, with an option to buy. Once Kamara gets his P-1 Visa, he will be joining MNUFC2.

“Momoh is an exciting young player with a natural feel for the game, capable of creating scoring threats,” said Amos Magee, MNUFC’s Head of Development. “We look forward to him joining MNUFC2 and building on his national team succes,” the club said in their statement.

Kamara expressed his excitement about joining, stating, “This is a dream come true and a significant step forward in my career. I’m ready to give my all for the fans and my teammates.”

Khaled El-Ahmad, MNUFC Chief Soccer Officer, praised the recruitment team for successfully adding talent like Kamara, Putt, and Kabia, highlighting the promising future for the club.

Momoh Kamara began his playing career at a young age with Mattia FC, where he played from 2017 to 2022. He briefly played for Diamond Stars Football Club in 2022-2023 before moving to Leixões SC B, competing with the Portuguese team from 2023 to 2024. Following his time at Leixões, he returned to Mattia FC before joining MNUFC2.

Internationally, Kamara has represented Sierra Leone at nearly every level, starting with the U17 team and progressing to the U20 and senior national teams. He is currently competing alongside MNUFC2 teammate Alpha Kabia in the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

In the first three matches of the group stage, Kamara has scored three goals, notably a hat trick against Egypt on April 30, helping propel his country to the top of the group and secure a berth in the quarterfinals. 

The 19-year-old also made appearances for the senior team in March 2025 during two FIFA World Cup qualifier games, playing in group stage matches against Guinea-Bissau and Egypt.

VITALS

  • Momoh Kamara
  • Position: Midfielder
  • Height: 5’7”
  • Date of Birth: 5/6/2005 (19 years old)
  • Place of Birth: Kambia Town, Sierra Leone
  • Hometown: East End, Freetown, Sierra Leone
  • Previous Club: Mattia Football Club
Momoh I. Kamara has won back-to-back Man of the Match awards in the ongoing U20 AFCON
Momoh I. Kamara has won back-to-back Man of the Match awards in the ongoing U20 AFCON