Category: Football Africa

Kazeem Ogunleye’s late goal helps Enugu Rangers' to victory
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kazeem Ogunleye’s late goal helps Enugu Rangers’ to victory

Kazeem Ogunleye’s late goal helped Enugu Rangers win 1-0 against Angola’s Sagrada Esperanca in a CAF Champions League qualifier on Friday.

The 18-year-old striker scored with a well-placed shot from just outside the box, securing the victory in the southeastern Nigerian city of Uyo.

Despite having more possession, Enugu Rangers struggled with passing and finishing in the second-round first leg until Ogunleye’s decisive strike.

Enugu Rangers narrowly advanced to the final qualifying stage after a 2-1 aggregate win over Comoran champions Zilimadjou, with both games played in Nigeria due to the lack of a suitable stadium in the Comoros.

Enugu Rangers will now travel to Angola for the return leg against Sagrada Esperanca in Luanda next weekend, aiming to become the first Nigerian team to win the prestigious African club title since Enyimba’s back-to-back triumphs in 2003 and 2004.

In another match, US Monastir of Tunisia secured a 1-0 first-leg win at home against Algeria’s former champions Mouloudia Alger through Fourat Soltani’s 22nd-minute strike, deflected by Ayoub Ghezala.

This weekend’s CAF Champions League action will continue with nine matches on Saturday and five on Sunday, with defending champions Al Ahly of Egypt playing their first match against Kenya’s Gor Mahia.

Nigeria's Enugu Rangers eye positive result against Sagrada
by FSL News

Nigeria’s Enugu Rangers eye positive result against Sagrada

Enugu Rangers defender Ifeanyi Onyebuchi is optimistic about the upcoming CAF Champions League Second Preliminary Round first leg match against G.D. Sagrada Esperanca of Angola.

Onyebuchi acknowledges the tough challenge ahead, considering Sagrada Esperanca’s 4-0 win against St Louis Suns United of Seychelles in the first round.

He expresses confidence in the team’s preparation and their ability to secure victory. The team, under coach Godwin Nosike’s guidance, is intensifying preparations for the encounter.

The players are focused on defending the club’s honour and representing their country effectively. The team fully focussed on the task at hand, aiming for a strong performance that will hopefully secure them a spot in the group stage of the competition.

Rangers have a history of successful encounters with Angolan teams, and they are looking to continue this trend in their upcoming matches.

Young Africans ready for Commercial Bank of Ethiopia challenge
by FSL News

Young Africans ready for CB of Ethiopia challenge

The Tanzania Mainland Premier League champions, Young Africans SC, are in Addis Ababa for their CAF Champions League match against Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE).

The match is scheduled for Saturday at the Abebe Bikila Stadium, with the return leg set for next week at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

The Young Africans’ squad is buoyed by their impressive 10-0 aggregate victory over Vital’O FC in the previous round, which has bolstered their growing confidence as they prepare to face CBE.

Despite challenges, including the absence of Farid Mussa due to injury, the team is in good spirits.

Manager Walter Harrison confirmed that all players, including those returning from international duty, have rejoined the squad, ensuring a strong lineup for the upcoming match.

They are aiming for positive results away from home and are determined to carry their domestic success onto the continental stage.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a temporary suspension of its approval for the use of Ghana's Baba Yara Stadium.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF suspends Ghana’s Baba Yara Stadium approval

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a temporary suspension of its approval for the use of Ghana’s Baba Yara Stadium. This decision comes as a result of technical issues, specifically concerning the inadequate condition of the playing field.

Despite recently hosting a match between Ghana and Angola, the stadium was found to be below the required standards for Category 3 international matches.

As a result, Ghana will need to find alternative venues for its upcoming official matches as the Baba Yara Stadium is no longer an option. This decision came after CAF’s assessment of the stadium following the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Ghana and Angola, which was played on September 5, 2024.

CAF inspectors identified several issues at the stadium, which has a capacity of over 40,000. The confederation board also recommended that the Ghanaian authorities conduct a full assessment of all international stadiums in the country and immediately begin refurbishment efforts.

Kenya beat Namibia to stay on course for Morocco 2025
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kenya beat Namibia to stay on course for Morocco 2025

Kenya had a positive result in their latest 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match, winning 2-1 against Namibia in Group J at the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.

In the first 15 minutes, there was little difference between the two teams, and they shared possession equally in the early stages of the game. Namibia tried to attack midway through the first half, but the Kenyan midfielders quickly stopped them.

On the other side, Kenya looked dangerous when they counter-attacked. The referee ended the first half after a few scoring chances from both teams.

Kenya took the lead just before the hour mark with a well-placed free-kick just outside the area.

Namibia attempted direct attacking plays in the future. Despite Namibia’s attempts, the Harambee Stars scored again in the 76th minute through Duke Abuya, increasing their lead.

Namibia made a late attempt to change the scoreline, with Deon Hotto scoring a consolation goal in stoppage time, but it was too late as Kenya won the match.