Category: Football Africa

Guinea's Syli Junior register first WAFU U20 win

Guinea’s Syli Juniors register first WAFU U20 win

On Wednesday, Guinea’s U20 team, the Syli Juniors, defeated Guinea Bissau 3-1 in the WAFU A U20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tournament, showing their determination from the start.

After the Syli Juniors’ goalless draw against Sierra Leone last Sunday, today’s victory is crucial in their quest to advance to the knockout stages.

They have earned four points, while Liberia has three points and Sierra Leone has one point. Liberia will face Sierra Leone at 4 p.m. GMT today.

In Group B, defending champions Senegal defeated Mali 2-0 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex on Monday.

The Senegalese team, which includes U17 African champions Yaya Diémé and Serigne Fallou Diouf, is aiming to defend their title in a challenging group that also includes Mauritania and Gambia.

The WAFU B U20 tournament will take place from September 15 to 30, 2024, and the two finalists will earn a spot in the 2025 TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

CAF confirm CHAN Championship 2024 final tournament dates

CAF confirm CHAN Championship 2024 tournament dates

After the recent CAF Executive Committee meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe confirmed the dates for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (“CHAN”) final tournament.

Senegal is the current CHAN champion, having defeated hosts Algeria two years ago in Algiers. The competition is for players in their country’s domestic leagues.

The African Nations Championship (“CHAN”) 2024 will take place from February 1 to February 28, 2025. The first round of qualifiers is scheduled for the weekend of October 25-27, 2024.

CAF plans to host CHAN in East Africa and will provide details about the stadiums and other venues for the competition in the future.

Dr Motsepe visited some of the venues in Kenya and emphasized the need for everyone to work together quickly to ensure that all venues and facilities are ready for the competition.

Egypt's Al-Masry edged Al Hilal in the CAF Confederation Cup campaign

Egypt’s Al-Masry suffer CAF Confed defeat to Al Hilal

Egyptian Premier League side Masry began their CAF Confederation Cup journey with a narrow 3-2 loss to hosts Al Hilal of Libya in the first leg of the second preliminary round on Sunday.

Striker Salah Mohsen scored just a minute before halftime, latching onto a precise assist from winger Abdel-Rehim Daghmoum to control the ball in the area and slot it home.

Midfielder Mohammed Al-Shiteewi levelled the score for Al Hilal five minutes before the break with a powerful strike from outside the box. Mohsen put Masry back in the lead in the 63rd minute with a well-placed shot in the box.

In the 68th minute, Al-Hilal’s captain, Faisal El Badri, scored the equalizer with a header from a sharp cross outside the area. Ten minutes before the final whistle, Al-Shiteewi secured the victory for Al Hilal with a close-range header.

Despite Masry coach Ali Maher making three substitutions, Al Hilal’s defence held firm, securing a 3-2 victory. The return leg is scheduled for next week in Port Said.

Sundowns and Al Ahly record first-leg CAF Champions League wins

Sundowns and Al Ahly record first-leg CAF Champions League wins

Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns recorded heavy victories in their CAF Champions League second round first-leg preliminary matches, and Orlando Pirates also did well when they travelled to Botswana.

Sundowns were supposed to play Mbabane Swallows away, but they ended up winning 4-0 against the Eswatini side at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Saturday.

Because Swallows couldn’t host the match at an international standard stadium, Sundowns took full advantage of playing at one of their home grounds, and Lucas Ribeiro (2), Mosa Lebusa, and Iqraam Rayners all scored in Atteridgeville.

In another match, current CAF Champions League title holders Al Ahly won 3-0 against Gor Mahia at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.

Ramy Rabia scored in the 14th minute, and Percy Tau sealed the scoreline with goals in the 15th and 74th minutes.

The second leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round will begin on Friday, September 20th.

Saturday's CAF Champions League Second Round first-leg results
Saturday's CAF Champions League Second Round first-leg results
Sierra Leone and Guinea share opening points in WAFU U20

Sierra Leone and Guinea share opening points in WAFU U20

On Sunday, Sierra Leone’s under-20 team held Guinea to a goalless draw in their Group A clash in their WAFU A U-20 AFCON Qualifier at the SKD Stadium.

The Shooting Stars dominated the first half, creating several promising opportunities, but could not take the lead. Despite their efforts, Guinea’s resilient team held firm.

In the second half, Guinea stepped up their game, with both teams displaying tactical discipline and tenacity.

Head Coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara praised his team’s performance in the post-match press conference, acknowledging their challenge in their next match against Liberia.

The Shooting Stars skipper, Momoh I. Kamara, was awarded the Man of the Match for outstanding performance.

Sierra Leone’s next game is against Liberia, who secured a 1-0 victory over Guinea Bissau earlier, placing them at the top of the group.

Meanwhile, Guinea Bissau will face Guinea in their upcoming match – with both matches scheduled for Wednesday, September 18th.

A win for Sierra Leone on Wednesday would significantly boost their chances of advancing in the tournament.

WAFU A U20 AFCON Qualifiers Liberia 2024
WAFU A U20 AFCON Qualifiers Liberia 2024