Category: Football Africa

Mathews Banda confident of U20 World Cup qualification
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Boyd Mulwanda names five foreign-based to Zambia U20 Cup of Nations squad

Zambia Under-20 men’s coach Boyd Mulwanda has announced his final 25-member squad for the 2025 TotalEnergies Egypt Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U20 tournament, which begins this week.

The team departed on a Fly Emirates flight at 21:35 hours, connecting via Dubai, and to arrive in Cairo at around 08:10 hours.

Joseph Sabobo Banda, who is based in Switzerland, leads a group of five other foreign-based players: Joseph Liteta, Frank Chileshe, Andrew Mulenga, Bonephanseo Phiri, and Aaron Mbemba, who will travel directly to Cairo.

Zambia to compete in Group A alongside hosts Egypt, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Tanzania for the tournament, scheduled to take place from April 27 to May 18.

Goalkeepers Levison Banda (Zesco), Eric Makungu (Chirundu Leopards) and Mapalo Chitundu (Kansanshi Dynamos).

Defenders are Happy Nsiku (Red Arrows), Mathews Banda (Nkana), David Hamasenya (Leganes), Samson Ngulube (Kafue Celtic) Milimo Nalumango (Dusseldof FC) Charles Buyoya (Kafue Celtic) and Whiteson Banda (Napsa).

Midfielders are Aaron Mbemba (Cardiz FC), Frank Chileshe (Locomotive Tigilis), David Simukonda, Pascal Phiri (both Zesco), Perkin Mumba Mwale (Green Buffaloes), Emmanuel Mutale (Nkana), Elvis Mutale (Kafue Celtic), and Obvious Mwaliteta (Aguila).

Strikers are Joseph Sabobo Banda (FC Zurich), Andrew Mulenga (Portal Vitoria FC Brazil), Bonephanseo Phiri (Lokomotiv Tibilisi), Joseph Liteta (Cagliari FC), Danny Bwalya (both Nchanga Rangers) and Philimon Chilimina (Green Buffaloes).

Groups for the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025

  • Group A: Egypt, Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania
  • Group B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Kenya, Morocco
  • Group C: Senegal, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Ghana

The four highest-performing teams will qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, which will take place from September 27 to October 19

Ghana touch down in Cairo for the U20 Cup of Nations
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana touch down in Cairo ahead of the U20 Cup of Nations

The Ghanaian youth national team arrived in Cairo, Egypt on (Sunday) ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations Under-20 finals, which are being hosted by Egypt from April 27th to May 18th. A total of 13 teams will compete in the tournament.

The team, which has won the African championship four times (in 1993, 1999, 2009, and 2021), is making its thirteenth appearance in the finals since the current format was introduced in 1991.

They qualified for the tournament by finishing second in the West African region qualifiers, losing to Nigeria (2–1) in the final match.

The team is placed in Group C under the guidance of coach Raymond Ovi. They will begin their campaign against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on May 2nd at the New Suez Stadium.

They will then face the defending champions, Senegal, at the same venue on May 5th. They will conclude their group stage matches against the Central African Republic at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia three days later.

Morocco win first CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations after dramatic penalty shootout
by Football Sierra Leone

Morocco win first U17 Africa Cup of Nations after dramatic penalty shootout

Morocco secured the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time by defeating Mali 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw in the final at Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia.

Moroccan goalkeeper Zakaria Alaoui made two crucial saves in the shootout, exciting the home fans after a closely contested match.

This victory marks Morocco’s first title at this level, just two years after finishing as runners-up to Senegal. For Mali, it was tough to lose in their fifth finals, despite a strong performance.

Neither team scored in regular time, though both had chances. Morocco’s Ilies Belmokhtar and Ahmed Mouhoub threatened from distance, while Mali’s Seydou Dembélé and Soumaila Fané were active but lacked accuracy. A potential goal from Mali was ruled out by VAR for a handball.

In the penalty shootout, Morocco scored all four attempts—Ziyad Baha, Zakari El Khalfioui, Amine Ouahabi, and Ilies Belmokhtar—all converted. Mali’s Issa Koné and Lamine Keita had their penalties saved.

Coach Nabil Baha praised his team’s composure, noting they conceded just one goal in the tournament. Mali aimed for their third U-17 title but fell short against the resilient Moroccan side.

Malian Mamadou Doumbia goal was not enough in Watford's defeat
by FSL News

Malian Mamadou Doumbia goal was not enough in Watford’s defeat

Watford, reduced to nine men, faced a narrow defeat against league leaders Burnley despite a strong performance, taking an early lead through Mamadou Doumbia’s header.

Malian Mamadou Doumbia scored an early second goal for the Hornets, but Burnley equalized before half-time with a header from Zian Flemming. After the break, Josh Brownhill scored Burnley’s winner.

Watford’s situation worsened when Moussa Sissoko and Edo Kayembe were both sent off for receiving two yellow cards, leaving them with just nine players.

Despite being a man down, Watford pushed for an equalizer and nearly succeeded in stoppage time with a shot from Ryan Andrews, which was narrowly deflected wide. Manager Tom Cleverley made two changes to the starting lineup, with Pierre Dwomoh and Rocco Vata coming in.

Watford struck first after just seven minutes, breaking Burnley’s strong defense. However, after 60 minutes, they lost more players to red cards. Although Burnley had the numerical advantage, they struggled to create further chances. The match ended with Watford’s last efforts falling short, concluding a dramatic afternoon at Vicarage Road.

Ivory Cost claim Cup of Nations U17 bronze after defeating Burkina Faso
by Football Sierra Leone

Ivory Coast claim Cup of Nations U17 bronze after defeating Burkina Faso

Côte d’Ivoire secured third place in the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations after a thrilling 5-2 victory in a penalty shootout against Burkina Faso at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Friday.

The match ended in a tightly contested 1-1 draw after regular time, but the Young Elephants showcased their composure during the shootout, converting all four of their spot kicks while Burkina Faso missed two of their first three attempts.

Burkina Faso initially took the lead in the 28th minute when Halidou Diakité scored from the centre of the box after a corner kick created chaos in the Ivorian defence. The Stallions dominated much of the first half, applying pressure through quick transitions and physical battles in midfield.

However, Côte d’Ivoire regrouped in the second half, inspired by key substitutions, and eventually equalized in the 84th minute. Alynho Haïdara, one of the substitutes, scored from close range following a well-coordinated move that began on the left flank.

The final minutes of normal time were intense, as Burkina Faso was reduced to 10 men when Prince Ouédraogo received a straight red card after a VAR review in the 90th minute. Côte d’Ivoire pushed for a late winner, but the Burkinabe defence held firm, leading the match to be decided by penalties.

Côte d’Ivoire secured a flawless shootout victory with goals from Haïdara, Souhalio Bamba, Vaboué Doumbia, and Yannis Touali, while Burkina Faso missed their attempts through Mikael Coulibaly and Comi Ouattara.

This win ensures a bronze medal for Côte d’Ivoire, highlighting their resilience after trailing for most of the match. Despite the defeat, Burkina Faso’s semi-final run showcased their promise and flair. Both teams will take valuable lessons from their experiences at Morocco 2025.