Category: Football Africa

by @football_sierra

Gambia Confirm Temporary CAF Approval for Bakau Stadium

The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) has confirmed that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has given temporary approval for the Independence Stadium in Bakau to host events in September 2026.

As a result, the Gambia National Team can play its upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON KE-TZ-UG 27) qualifier against Somalia at home, allowing passionate fans to support their team.

Gambian clubs taking part in CAF Interclub Competitions in September 2026 can also play their home games at the Independence Stadium.

CAF recognised the improvements made at the stadium in an official letter signed by Acting General Secretary Mr Samson Adamu. They thanked the GFF, its leaders, and the Gambian Government for their commitment and teamwork to upgrade the stadium to meet continental standards.

GFF President Lamin Kaba Bajo stated, “This is a great achievement for Gambian football and a happy day for our country. Playing at home in front of our loyal fans gives the Scorpions a real advantage. We thank President Adama Barrow, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the stadium management, and all Gambians for their support.”

While this approval is an important step, the GFF knows there is more work to do for permanent accreditation. CAF will send a report noting minor issues that need attention. The GFF and all national partners will work to ensure the stadium meets all CAF requirements.

CAF may send an inspector to attend a matchday in September to check the stadium’s readiness. The Federation welcomes this and will strive for smooth matchday operations.

Cameroon stun hosts Morocco to reach the WAFCON final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cameroon stun hosts Morocco to reach the WAFCON final

Cameroon advanced to the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 by defeating Morocco 3-1 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in Rabat. The match ended without goals after 120 minutes, with Morocco missing a key penalty in extra time.

In the shootout, Cameroon scored three of four penalties through Marie Ngah, Rose Bella, and Myriam Nyadjou, while Morocco managed only one, converted by Hanane Aït El Haj. Cameroon’s keeper in the photo was outstanding, saving four penalties to win the Woman of the Match accolade.

Kenza Chapelle, Meryem Atiq, and Sakina Ouzraoui all missed for Morocco, leading to a 3-1 win for Cameroon. This victory follows their earlier success over Nigeria in the quarter-finals.

The match started cautiously, with both teams focused on defence. Morocco increased their efforts to score in the second half but couldn’t break through Cameroon’s defence.

In extra time, Morocco had a chance to win when they were awarded a penalty, but Fatima Tagnaout missed her shot. The match then went to penalties. Cameroon showed better composure, sealing their victory and reaching the final for the fourth time.

For Morocco, this defeat ends their chance for a third straight final, while Cameroon is now one win away from becoming African champions.

Sierra Leone's Hindolo Mustapha joins Notts County on loan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Hindolo Mustapha joins Notts County on loan

Hindolo Mustapha has joined Notts County on a season-long loan from Crystal Palace.

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder, who is a Sierra Leone International, has come to Meadow Lane after ending a loan with Wigan Athletic.

Richard Montague, our Director of Football, said: “Hindolo was one of our top targets this summer, so we’re happy to have him with us. He’s powerful, skilled, and direct, and can score different types of goals. Hindolo needs a stable home to establish himself in the men’s game, and that’s what we’ll provide.”

Mustapha came up through the youth ranks at Palace and signed his first professional contract in 2024. He renewed his contract last summer. At 18, he was selected by Sierra Leone for the qualifying rounds of the Africa Cup of Nations and scored a memorable goal against Zambia.

Last season, Mustapha was on loan at Nürnberg II and West Bromwich Albion, and now he is ready for a new chapter in Nottingham.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kenya’s Timothy Ouma joins Charlton Athletic on loan deal

Charlton Athletic has signed Kenya international Timothy Ouma on a season-long loan from Slavia Prague, with an option to make the transfer permanent.

Ouma is the seventh player to join this summer, after Ivan Mesík, Billy Koumetio, Karlan Grant, Danny McNamara, Millenic Alli, and Nathaniel Chalobah.

After his move, Ouma said, “I’m grateful to be here. I’ll give my all to help the team. I’m excited to see the supporters and hear them cheer for us.”

Manager Nathan Jones commented, “We’re thrilled to bring Timothy in. He’s an athletic and skilled midfielder with good experience, and he will add quality to our team.”

Managing Director James Rodwell added, “We’re excited to have Timothy. He fits our plan to improve the squad and brings skill and presence to midfield. We also have the option to make the transfer permanent.”

Ouma started his career with Nairobi City Stars before moving to IF Elfsborg in 2022. He then joined Slavia Prague and spent last season on loan at Lech Poznań, where he won the Ekstraklasa title.

Ouma has played for Kenya 12 times since making his debut in November 2021.

by Football Sierra Leone

Impressive Scorchers of Malawi Punch Their Ticket to Brazil 2027

Malawi’s scorchers have reached the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals to secure their places at the Women’s World Cup.

In Sunday’s late game, Malawi defeated Ghana 2-1 in a historic triumph to secure their inaugural appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which has come on the back of their maiden participation in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Ghana wasted no time settling in at Rabat, as Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah fired a half-volley past Mercy Sikelo to put her team ahead in the seventh minute. However, five minutes later, Temwa Chawinga levelled the score by netting her third goal of the tournament. After picking up the ball inside the penalty area, the Kansas City Current player saw her shot deflected by Alice Kusi into Cynthia Konlan’s net.

Following a balanced first half with few clear-cut chances, the Black Queens thought they had regained the lead after the break. The lively Alice Kusi surged down the right flank and crossed to Doris Boaduwaa, who rose above everyone else to beat Mercy Sikelo; however, the goal was ultimately disallowed due to an offside position by the Al Ahli player at the start of the move.

It was total heartbreak for the Ghanaians, as Malawi ultimately took the lead in the 79th minute. Montpellier’s Rose Kadzere collected a cross from the right by Chawinga, beat a defender, and calmly slotted the ball past Konlan.

The Black Queens threw everything into the attack during the final 10 minutes in a bid to reach the WAFCON semi-finals — and qualify for the Women’s World Cup for the fourth time in their history — but to no avail. It is Lovemore Fazili’s squad that will be heading to Brazil for their first-ever Women’s World Cup appearance.

Malawi 2-1 Ghana

Malawi goals: Temwa Chawinga (12), Rose Kadzere (79). Ghana goal: Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah (7)

Source FIFA.com