Category: Football Africa

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Italian Serie A side Como sign Sierra Leone-born Trevoh Chalobah

The Italian outfit has said it is excited to announce that it has signed England international defender Trevoh Chalobah from Chelsea. The 27-year-old has signed a contract that lasts until 2031.

Chalobah was born in 1999 and joined Chelsea’s academy when he was nine. He moved through the youth system before joining the first team. To gain experience, he went on loan to Ipswich Town, Huddersfield Town, and Lorient before making his Chelsea debut in the 2021 UEFA Super Cup, where he helped the team win the trophy. He also won two FIFA Club World Cups and the UEFA Conference League.

Chalobah played more than 150 games for Chelsea in domestic and European competitions. He is good with the ball, strong, and versatile. He brings experience, leadership, and physicality to the defence.

Chalobah has represented England at various youth levels and made his senior debut in 2025. He was part of the squad that finished third in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Como 1907 Head Coach Cesc Fàbregas said, “Trevoh is an important signing for us. He reflects the ambition we have at this club. He has won at the highest level but is eager to start a new chapter and keep improving. He brings strength, speed, and leadership to our defense, as well as the skills to build from the back. He can elevate the team’s performance, and I’m very happy he chose Como.”

Upon his arrival, Trevoh said, “I’m thrilled to be here at Como. It’s an ambitious project, and working with manager Cesc Fàbregas again is special. I can’t wait to bring my experience to the team, enjoy the fantastic atmosphere at the stadium, and connect with the fans. I will give my best every day to make history together.”

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cameroon book Women’s World Cup 2027 spot after win over Nigeria

Cameroon defeated defending champions Nigeria 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, securing a spot in the semi-finals and qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil 2027.

The match in Casablanca saw Myriam Maéva Nyadjou score the only goal in the 19th minute with a powerful shot from distance. Nigeria tried to equalise quickly, but Gift Monday couldn’t connect with an early chance. They continued to press, with Jennifer Echegini’s effort saved, allowing Cameroon to keep their lead into halftime.

In the second half, Nigeria pushed for a goal, but Cameroon’s goalkeeper, Michaely Bihina, made crucial saves, including stopping a strong header from Uchenna Kanu.

Cameroon nearly doubled their lead from a free-kick, but Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie made another great save. In the final moments, Nigeria’s Esther Okoronkwo shot wide as they sought an equaliser.

Cameroon held on for the win, eliminating the reigning champions and ensuring a new champion will be crowned at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco 2026.

Meanwhile, the four semi-finalists at the 2026 WAFCON will qualify directly for the World Cup, while two additional teams will have another chance through the FIFA inter-confederation play-off tournament.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Arch-rivals Cameroon and Nigeria Clash in WAFCON Quarter-final

Cameroon will face Nigeria for the 14th time in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, a matchup that highlights their longstanding rivalry since the tournament began in 1998.

Nigeria, the most successful team with 10 titles, has won nine of their encounters with Cameroon and two on penalties. Cameroon has one victory and one draw. Their only win came in 2012 when they finished third in the tournament.

This year, Cameroon is making its 13th WAFCON appearance, missing only the last edition in 2025. They have faced Nigeria in every tournament except 2002 and come into this quarterfinal as the underdogs. Coach Valentine Nguele acknowledges Nigeria’s strength but believes in his team’s capabilities.

After topping a challenging Group D with two wins and a draw, Cameroon has shown strong performance with four goals scored and only two conceded.

Nguele aims for her team to play freely against Nigeria. Defender Colette Ndzana, motivated after past losses, urges the team to stay calm and focused.

This is Cameroon’s second WAFCON quarterfinal, hoping to reach their 11th semifinal and secure a spot in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.

The other quarter-final is between Malawi and Ghana. Malawi, the surprise team of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026, will face last edition’s bronze medalists, Ghana, this Sunday in Rabat for a chance to reach the semifinals.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hosts Morocco book WAFCON semi-final spot

Hosts Morocco secured their place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 with a 2-1 victory over former champions South Africa.

As a result, they also qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil in 2027. Morocco started strong and nearly scored in the 20th minute with Sanaa Mssoudy’s header just missing. South Africa responded quickly, but Thembi Kgatlana’s shot also went over.

In the 31st minute, Sakina Ouzraoui scored for Morocco with a first-time shot, giving them a deserved lead. They extended the lead to 2-0 in the 51st minute when Hanane Aït El Haj converted a penalty.

South Africa, trailing by two goals, pushed hard and scored in the 67th minute through Kgatlana, making it 2-1. Despite their efforts, Morocco’s defence held strong.

The final score was 2-1, allowing Morocco to advance to the semi-finals on Wednesday, 12 August, and secure a spot in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.

WAFCON Quarter-final Results
WAFCON Quarter-final Results
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pitso Mosimane returns as South Africa head coach

Pitso Mosimane has been re-appointed as head coach of Bafana Bafana, South Africa’s national football team. The South African Football Association chose him due to his success as one of Africa’s top coaches.

Mosimane became head coach after the 2010 FIFA World Cup, following his role as assistant coach. His first tenure had mixed results, but he later achieved great success with Mamelodi Sundowns, winning the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League in 2016.

He then coached Al Ahly in Egypt, winning two more CAF Champions League titles in 2020 and 2021. He built a strong reputation by leading Al Ahly to three consecutive continental finals.

Mosimane brings experience from his time in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran. His immediate focus will be the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where he aims to secure a spot in the tournament.