Category: Football Africa

Wydad Athletic suffered a three-straight defeat in the FIFA Club World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Wydad Athletic suffer third straight defeat in FIFA Club World Cup

On Thursday in Washington, D.C., a first-half goal by Cassius Mailula was negated by second-half goals from Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba and Kaku, allowing Al Ain to defeat Wydad AC 2-1.

Both teams took to the pitch with a sense of determination, playing not just for points but for pride, having already been eliminated from contention for the round of 16 in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Both Manchester City and Juventus, two storied clubs in European football, had already secured the top two spots in Group G, rendering this match a contest for respect rather than advancement.

The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as fans filled the stands, eager to see their teams deliver a strong performance despite the stakes being low. Each player on the field understood the significance of this match, not only for their clubs’ legacies but for their own professional reputations.

Nonetheless, both clubs aimed to exit the tournament on a positive note, and it was the UAE side that left the pitch with their heads held high after completing the comeback.

Wydad Athletic Club to wrap up Club World Cup Group G against Al Ain
by Football Sierra Leone

Wydad Athletic eye first Club World Cup win against Al Ain

Wydad Athletic Club will conclude their final Group G match in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup against Al Ain FC on Thursday at Audi Field, located in Washington, DC, the capital of the United States.

In their second Group G match on June 22, Wydad suffered a 4-1 defeat to the Italian football powerhouse Juventus FC, extending their winless streak across all competitions to three matches.

As a result, the Moroccan football heavyweights currently sit in third place in the group standings. A win against Al Ain would allow Wydad to finish third, behind Manchester City and Juventus.

“We want to win for our fans and for our coach,” said Nordin Amrabat, Wydad’s midfielder. The team’s head coach, Mohamed Amine Benhachem, and the team doctor were involved in a traffic accident in the USA. Amrabat added, “We want to leave America with a good feeling. If you don’t win, you don’t have a good feeling; that means you’ve played three games and lost all three. For us as a club, winning is important, God willing.”

Al Ain has not won in their last two matches, including a heavy 6-0 loss to Manchester City on June 22. They currently sit in fourth place in Group G, but a win over Wydad could move them up to third.

“Our goal is to earn three points. We have the same aim for every game,” said Vladimir Ivic, Al Ain’s head coach. “We know we are a big club, the biggest in Asia. We strive to win every game in our championships, both cups, and the Asian Champions League. This match will be no different. We want to show our best in the final game. Overall, this tournament has been a great experience with everything well organized.”

This match will be the first time Wydad faces Al Ain in any competition. Canadian referee Drew Fischer will officiate the game on Thursday.

Nigerian International Moses Simon joins French side Paris FC
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigerian International Moses Simon joins French side Paris FC

Moses Simon, 29, has joined Paris FC in the French Ligue 1 from FC Nantes in a contract until June 2028.

The winger is known for his speed and strong crossing ability. He has a lot of experience in top-level football, both in clubs and national teams.

Simon started his career at AS Trenčín in Slovakia after training at the GBS Academy in Nigeria. He then played for La Gantoise in Belgium and Levante UD in Spain.

In 2019, he joined FC Nantes and quickly became an important player. He played almost 180 matches in Ligue 1 and won the Coupe de France in 2022.

As a player with over 70 caps for the Nigerian Super Eagles, Moses Simon is well-prepared for major competitions. His experience will help strengthen Paris FC’s team as they move into Ligue 1 McDonald’s next season.

Abdeslam Ouaddou named new Head Coach of Orlando Pirates
by FSL News

Abdeslam Ouaddou named new Head Coach of Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates legend Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi supports the appointment of Abdeslam Ouaddou as the new coach. He believes Ouaddou is the right choice to replace Jose Riveiro, who has joined Al Ahly in Egypt.

The Buccaneers have officially announced the appointment of the former Marumo Gallants coach. He will be supported by Mandla Ncikazi, Rayaan Jacobs, Helmi Gueldich, and Tyron Damons.

“Listen, he did well at Marumo Gallants. Pirates supporters need to rally behind him and show confidence, saying we believe in you. We saw the great work he did at Gallants and hope he can bring that success to Pirates,” Vilakazi said in an interview with Sowetan.

“He’s a capable coach based on his achievements with Gallants, where he improved their position without a pre-season. With the talent and resources at Pirates, I believe he can elevate the club.

This is a chance for him to create his legacy, especially working with quality players. If given time, I am confident he will succeed. Having a pre-season will certainly help.

Born in Alnif, Morocco, the 46-year-old Ouaddou has extensive experience as both a player and coach, earning 68 caps for the national team and playing in top European leagues.”

ES Tunis beat LAFC to keep Club World Cup hopes alive
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisian club ES Tunis eliminated from FIFA Club World Cup

Tunisian team ES Tunis lost 3-0 to English club Chelsea in their last Group D match of the Club World Cup at Lincoln Financial Field early Wednesday morning.

A stellar Tosin Adarabioyo performance confirmed their Round of 16 spot as defender Tosin Adarabioyo scored the first goal with a header, followed by Liam Delap’s first goal for Chelsea, and Tyrique George added a late goal to help Chelsea win in Philadelphia and move on to the knockout stage of the Club World Cup.

Chelsea controlled the game and created many chances. They broke the deadlock just before halftime when Tosin Adarabioyo headed a free-kick from Enzo Fernandez into the net. Liam Delap then scored, finishing calmly despite pressure from two ES Tunis defenders.

The team continued to play well in the second half, not allowing any chances for the opposition. Coach Enzo Maresca also gave debuts to Mamadou Sarr and Andrey Santos.

As in the first half, Chelsea waited until stoppage time to score again. Tyrique George hit a powerful low shot that Bechir Ben Said could not stop, rounding off a strong performance by Chelsea.

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