Category: Football Africa

Trezeguet's brace helps Egypt maintain lead as Guinea secure win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Trezeguet’s brace helps Egypt maintain lead as Guinea stun Algeria

Trezeguet’s brace secured Egypt’s flawless start in the quest for 2026 Fifa World Cup qualification with a 2-1 triumph over Burkina Faso, while Guinea stunned Algeria on their home turf.

Egypt 2 – 1 Burkina Faso Group A

The Pharaohs had an excellent start in Cairo, with Mahmoud Trézéguet scoring two early goals in the first 10 minutes. Lassina Traoré got a consolation goal for the Stallions, but it wasn’t enough as the Egyptians held on for the win. This victory secured their third win in as many matches and maintained their position at the top of Group A.

Algeria 1 – 2 Guinea Group G

Stylishly, Guinea revived their FIFA World Cup ambitions with a crucial 2-1 away victory at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers against Algeria. Mortaye Sylla scored in the 50th minute and Aguibou Camara found the net in the 63rd minute, securing a stunning victory for Guinea against the former African champions on their home turf.

Mali 1 – 2 Ghana Group I

In a thrilling comeback, Jordan Ayew found the net in injury time, leading Ghana to a crucial 2-1 victory over Mali.

In the 58th minute, Kamory Doumbia put Mali ahead, but Ernest Nuamah and Jordan Ayew scored to secure a comeback win for Ghana in Bamako.

In other fixtures, Senegal, missing Sadio Mane due to injury, achieved a 1-1 draw against DR Congo in Diamniadio, marking Aliou Cisse’s 100th game in charge of the Teranga Lions.

Furthermore, Benin, Libya, Malawi, and Sudan claimed victories and former Fulham assistant coach Luis Boa Morte commenced his tenure in charge of Guinea-Bissau with a goalless draw against Ethiopia.

All participating countries will have another match before the middle of next week, as the African World Cup qualifying takes a break until March next year.

The continent has secured nine places at the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. All group winners will earn a spot in the tournament.

On Monday, Egypt will head to Guinea Bissau, determined to extend their victorious run in the qualifiers.

  • Thursday’s African World Cup qualifying results
  • Egypt 2-1 Burkina Faso (Group A)
  • Guinea-Bissau 0-0 Ethiopia (Group A)
  • Senegal 1-1 DR Congo (Group B)
  • Mauritania 0-2 Sudan (Group B)
  • Benin 1-0 Rwanda (Group C)
  • Libya 2-1 Mauritius (Group D)
  • Algeria 1-2 Guinea (Group G)
  • Malawi 3-1 Sao Tome e Príncipe (Group H)
  • Mali 1-2 Ghana (Group I)
Debut for Curtis Davies, Bakayoko, Kaikai leads the attack against Djibouti
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Debut for Curtis Davies as Bakayoko & Kaikai lead attack


Curtis Davies, a seasoned player who first represented the England under-21 team in 2006, is on the brink of making his official international debut for Sierra Leone, where he is expected to showcase his skills and experience as a central defender.

“If I make my international debut for the team, it will be a great honour. My father will fly out for the games, and he is as excited as I am. If I am selected, it will be a significant moment for my family,” Davies stated confidently to Football Sierra Leone a few days ago.

Sierra Leone’s head coach, Amidu Karim, is confident about his team’s chances for today’s World Cup qualifier against Djibouti.

Forest Green striker Amadou Bakayoko and Cambridge United attacker Sullay Kaikai will lead the Leone Stars.

Augustus Kargbo, a key player in Cesena’s successful Serie B promotion campaign, and Mustapha Bundu from Plymouth Argyle are set to take the field at the El Hadija Stadium this afternoon.

Coach Karim has underlined the crucial importance of securing a victory for qualification and has spoken highly of the players’ preparedness to showcase their best performance.

Sierra Leone’s Last three Games L-L-L

Djibouti’s Last Three Games D-L-D

Wednesday – 05 June 2024

  • Sierra Leone v Djibouti (Group A) | 1600 | El Jadida, Morocco
Sierra Leone first team for Djibouti's Sharks
Sierra Leone first team for Djibouti's Sharks
AFCON top scorer Emilio Nsue was Ineligible for Equatorial Guinea
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

AFCON top scorer Emilio Nsue was Ineligible for Equatorial Guinea

FIFA has determined that Equatorial Guinea captain Emilio Nsue was never eligible to represent the African nation during his 11-year international career.

Nsue won the Golden Boot as the top goalscorer at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) earlier this year, scoring five goals in four appearances, but has been banned by FIFA for six months from national team games.

In December 2013, FIFA ruled that Nsue was not eligible to play for Equatorial Guinea after he had made several appearances for Spain’s youth teams. Despite this ruling, he continued to represent Equatorial Guinea.

FIFA has published a detailed verdict explaining its decision to strip two wins from Equatorial Guinea in the 2026 World Cup qualifying games played in November.

In March, FIFA opened a new investigation into Nsue’s eligibility. Despite being given a six-day deadline to respond, no response from Nsue arrived.

A 15-page FIFA document from May 10, 2024, detailed the difficulties faced by the Equatoguinean federation in attempting to get Nsue approved a decade earlier.

As a result of his ineligibility, Emilio Nsue will not be able to retain the 2023 AFCON Golden Boot. Additionally, Equatorial Guinea was ineligible to participate in the last AFCON, and therefore, they are no longer entitled to maintain their appearance fee.

The versatile forward holds the record for most international goals for Equatorial Guinea, with 22 goals in 43 appearances. FIFA has acknowledged this feat as a significant achievement.

Otto Addo’s face the Eagles of Mali test in Group I
by FSL News

Otto Addo’s Ghana face tricky Eagles of Mali test

In November 2023, Ghana Black Stars kicked off their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Madagascar. However, their unexpected loss to Comoros has increased the pressure on them as they prepare to face Mali in Bamako.

The Black Stars currently hold the fourth spot in World Cup 2026 qualifying Group I, which includes Mali, Chad, and the Central African Republic.

On Thursday, Otto Addo’s team will face Mali in what is expected to be a challenging match. Four days later – they’ll host the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Key players to watch include Tariq Lamptey in defence, Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey in midfield and Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in the attack.

Kudus is expected to play a crucial role. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder has provided six assists and scored eight goals for West Ham in the league this season.

The team will introduce two new players: Thomas-Asante from West Brom and Sulemana from Cagliari. Both players have yet to make an appearance for the national team.

Comoros led Group I with six points, followed by Mali with four, Madagascar and Ghana with three each, and Central African Republic and Chad at the bottom with two points after playing two matches.

Ghana’s Black Stars Scheduled matches

  • Mali v Ghana (Group I) | 1900 | Bamako, Mali
  • Ghana  v Central African Republic  (Group I) | 1900 | Kumasi, Ghana
Defender Leon Balogun pens Rangers contract extension
by FSL News

Nigeria’s Leon Balogun pens Rangers contract extension

Nigerian defender Leon Balogun has committed to another year with Rangers, extending his contract until the 2024/25 season ahead of his second stint with the Scottish club.

Balogun first joined Rangers in 2020 and played a pivotal role in their title-winning season in 2020/21 and their Scottish Cup triumph in 2021/22.

After leaving for English club Queen’s Park Rangers in 2022, he returned to Rangers last summer.

He expressed his happiness and privilege to extend his contract with Rangers, stating his desire to win more trophies and titles with the club.

“In my time here so far, I have witnessed first-hand the impact he has not only on the pitch but off the pitch as well, with his valuable experience. He is a talented defender who brings a lot of qualities to the group, and I look forward to continuing to work with him next season.”

The Director of Football Recruitment, Nils Koppen, commented, “Leon has been an important player for this club and knows what it is like to represent Rangers. At a time of change within the squad, a player with Leon’s experience is vital, and it is fantastic we have been able to secure him.” him for another season.”

With 46 caps for Nigeria, Balogun scored his only goal for the national team against Central African Republic in October 2021.