Category: Football Africa

Ghana Black Stars squad for AFCON qualifiers revealed
by FSL News

Ghana Black Stars squad for AFCON qualifiers revealed

Otto Addo, the Head Coach of the Black Stars, has revealed the 23-man squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Angola and Niger.

Following their successful performances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with wins over Mali and the Central African Republic, the Black Stars are gearing up for the AFCON qualifiers.

Kingsley Schindler, Inaki Williams, and Majeed Ashimeru return to the team. Captain Andre Ayew and Daniel Amartey are excluded.

The West Africans are to start their 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign with a match against Angola on September 5 at the Baba Yara Stadium, followed by a match against Niger on September 10.

The players are required to report by Monday, September 2, 2024, to commence their preparations for the AFCON qualifiers. 

Coach Otto Addo has mainly maintained the core group of players, with familiar faces such as Thomas Partey, Kudus Mohammed, Jordan Ayew, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku continuing to be part of the squad.

New Look CAF Super Cup identity revealed
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New Look CAF Super Cup identity revealed

On Wednesday, the Confederation of African Football, CAF, unveiled a new TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup competition logo in anticipation of this year’s event, which is set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 27th.

The new design takes inspiration from the actual trophy, just like the recent update for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. This change reflects CAF’s commitment to enhancing the image of all its competitions as interest in African football grows globally.

Veron Mosengo-Omba, the CAF General Secretary, sees the new look as part of African football’s evolution.

The upcoming tournament features a match between Egyptian clubs Al Ahly SC and Zamalek SC. The tournament coincides with Riyadh Season 2024, known for hosting major sporting events that attract international attention.

Ivorian coach Emerse Faé has announced the 25-man squad to kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Zambia and Chad.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Emerse Faé names Ivory Coast squad to start AFCON qualifier

Ivorian coach Emerse Faé has announced the 25-man squad to kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Zambia and Chad.

The team is scheduled to play against Zambia on September 6 and Chad on September 10. Notably, Amad Diallo is back in the squad, alongside other key players. Additionally, Faé has confirmed a coaching change, with Michaël Fabre replacing Gérard Gnanhouan.

The Ivory Coast will aim to secure their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with this squad. The squad features three goalkeepers: Yahia Fofana (Angers SCO), Mohamed Koné (Charleroi), and Badra Sangaré (Sekhukhune United).

In defence, Faé has chosen nine players, including Emmanuel Agbadou (Reims), Willy Boly (Nottingham), Ousmane Diomandé (Sporting CP), Guéla Doué (RC Strasbourg), Odilon Kossonou, Evan Ndicka (AS Roma), Christopher Operi (Le Havre), Singo Wilfried (AS Monaco), and Sylla Abakar (RC Strasbourg).

The midfield will include Mohamed Diomandé (Rangers), Maho Dorgelès (Nordsjaelland), Franck Kessié (Al Ahli), Ibrahim Sangaré (Nottingham), and Jean Michaël Seri (Al Orobah).

Upfront, the squad sees the return of Amad Diallo (Manchester United), who joins Simon Adingra (Brighton), Diakité Oumar (Reims), Evann Guessand (Nice), Sébastien Haller (Dortmund), Christian Kouamé (Fiorentina), Emmanuel Lath (Middlesbrough), and Bénie Traoré (Bâle).

Nigeria appoint German legend Bruno Labbadia as head coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria appoint German Bruno Labbadia as new head coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has named Bruno Labbadia, a former German international, as the new head coach of the Nigeria national soccer team, the Super Eagles.

Labbadia brings a wealth of experience, having worked with renowned clubs such as Hertha Berlin, VfB Stuttgart, VfL Wolfsburg, Hamburger SV, and Bayer Leverkusen.

This appointment precedes the Super Eagles’ upcoming qualifying campaign for the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations. Labbadia is expected to bring valuable and impactful expertise to the role.

This decision comes after the departure of the previous coach, Finidi George. Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, the General Secretary of the NFF, has confirmed that the NFF Executive Committee has approved the recommendation of its Technical and Development sub-committee to appoint Mr. Labbadia.

Labbadia’s esteemed standing in German football positions him perfectly to tackle the challenge of revitalizing the team’s performance and meeting the expectations of Nigeria’s passionate football community.

The 57-year-old had a successful playing career with several Bundesliga giants, including Bayern Munich. Labbadia holds a UEFA Pro License and is determined to lead the Super Eagles to success in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

His immediate objectives involve assembling a highly competitive team from a talented pool of players and pursuing continental and global achievements with determination and focus.

Stade de Rennais sign Senegalese defender Mikayil Faye
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Stade de Rennais sign Senegalese defender Mikayil Faye

Senegal international Mikayil Faye, an up-and-coming 20-year-old defender, has completed an exciting transfer from Spanish giants FC Barcelona to French club Stade de Rennais.

This transfer marks a significant step in his promising career. Faye, who previously impressed while playing for Barca’s reserve team in the Primera Federación, has now joined Rennes on a permanent deal.

Reportedly, Stade Rennais F.C. will pay an initial fee of €10.3 million for Faye, and the deal includes a €25 million buy-back clause for Barcelona. Additionally, a 30% sell-on clause has also been included in the agreement, emphasizing the high potential seen in Faye by both clubs.

In an official statement, Rennes expressed their enthusiasm about the transfer, highlighting Faye as “the great Senegalese hope of the 2004 generation.” The central defender has agreed to a contract of four seasons with the French club, signifying a long-term commitment to his new team.

Faye’s football journey began at the Diambars academy, and his talent was further showcased when he reached the round of 16 of the 2019 FIFA Under-17 World Cup with Senegal U17.

His remarkable progress led to an impactful senior debut for Senegal, where he scored in a friendly match against Gabon on 22 March 2024. This transfer to Stade Rennais F.C. marks an exciting new chapter in Faye’s promising career.