Category: Football Africa

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

In Africa: Nigeria third as Morocco retain top spot in Fifa ranking 

On April 4th 2024, FIFA released its latest rankings, showing progress from African nations. Nigeria, a finalist at the recent CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, jumped to the 30th in the world rankings and third in Africa ahead of Egypt, Ivory Coast and Tunisia. 

They also secured the third position in Africa, following closely behind Senegal and Morocco. 

The Atlas Lions are currently in the 13th spot globally and have retained the top position in Africa. Senegal, ranking 17th in the world – holds the second position in Africa. 

Cote d’Ivoire is now ranked 38th globally and 5th in Africa. Egypt follows, securing the 4th position in Africa, while Tunisia and Algeria remain at the 41st and 43rd spots globally. 

Sierra Leone, who were not in action during the Fifa International window in March, remained static in the 126 position and 35th in Africa. 

Mali moved up three places to occupy the 44th spot. The world champions, Argentina, lead the rankings, followed by France and Belgium.

Fecafoot frowns at new head coach Marc Brys' appointment 
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Fecafoot frowns at new head coach Marc Brys’ appointment 

Cameroon’s national football team has a new coach Marc Brys, a Belgian with vast experience managing 15 clubs in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia, has been appointed as the new coach. 

The Ministry of Sports in Cameroon announced the appointment on Tuesday. However, the country’s football association, Fecafoot – Officiel, claims they were not informed.

“The Cameroonian Football Federation learned, at the same time as all Cameroonians, of the appointment to positions of responsibility within the national senior men’s football selection,” a statement on social media said.

“Fecafoot intends to shed light on this regrettable situation” and “communicate without delay” on “the reaction it intends to have,” they wrote.

Brys’ last job was with Leuven, where he spent three years. His assistant coach is former Cameroon forward Francois Omam-Biyik, who scored 26 international goals between 1985 and 1998.

The team will be looking to improve their performance after being eliminated by Nigeria in the last 16 of the recent Africa Cup of Nations.

Cameroon is leading Group D of the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, having secured a victory over Mauritius and a draw with Libya in their away match.

However, following their exit from the AFCON, Song’s contract was not renewed by the president of the Cameroonian Football Federation, Samuel Eto’o.

Ahly with first leg CAF CL quarter-final advantage over Simba
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ahly with first leg CAF CL quarter-final advantage over Simba

Al Ahly’s Ahmed Nabil Kouka, who joined the club at the age of seven, scored the team’s only goal in their 1-0 victory over Simba of Tanzania in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals. 

The experienced Egyptian team fought hard to secure a 1-0 victory, setting the stage for next week’s match in Cairo.

The 22-year-old midfielder scored his first goal of the African campaign just four minutes before 60,000 fans in Dar es Salaam. 

Mohamed Hany provided a great pass to Amr el Solia, who set up Koko to fire past Moroccan goalkeeper Ayoub Lakred after a mix-up in the Simba defence.

Shobeir, the son of former Egypt and Ahly goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir, has been a capable replacement for captain Mohamed el Shenawy, who was injured at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Tanzanians will take inspiration from their positive display in the latter stages of the game and look to capitalize on their opportunities to overturn the deficit and progress to the semi-finals of the tournament.

Spoils shared between Asec Mimosas & Esperance de Tunis
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Spoils shared between Asec Mimosas & Esperance de Tunis

Asec Mimosas and Esperance Sportive de Tunis played out a goalless draw in their Quarter-Final fixture at Stade Olympique in Tunis on Saturday.

Both teams are to meet again in the CAF Champions League return leg Quarter-Finals on 05 or 06 April as everything will be decided at Felicia.

Despite having less possession, Asec Mimosas had the first chance at goal when Karidioula Mofosse almost scored after Raed Bouchniba lost possession in the danger area. 

In the first half, Ghaylen Chaleli’s dangerous ball almost caught Asec’s goalkeeper off guard, but he managed to fist it away.

After the recess, the hosts continued to attack, with coach Miguel Cardoso injecting fresh legs. 

Second-half substitute Oussema Bouguerra’s well-struck effort from outside the box hit the woodwork, and Houssem Tka missed a header that went just off target. 

Despite the pressure from the hosts, Asec Mimosas managed to absorb most of the attacks, securing a confidence-boosting draw before the return leg next weekend. 

Meanwhile, on Friday, in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals, Al Ahly SC, the title holders, won 1-0 in Dar es Salaam against Tanzanian giants, Simba SC in the first leg of the Quarter-Finals.

Ahmed Kouka scored an early goal to secure the first-leg victory for the Egyptian giants. They did well to withstand the ongoing pressure from Simba throughout the encounter.

Sierra Leone mourns one of its greatest Lamin Bangura
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone mourns Lamin Bangura one of its greatest

Ports Authority head coach Lamin Bangura, one of Sierra Leone’s greatest footballers of all time, has sadly passed away following a tragic road accident on Tuesday. 

The late Bangura was a successful coach and player in West Africa, winning titles in Guinea and Sierra Leone. He suffered fatal injuries that ultimately led to his death. Several players and officials are currently in critical condition after a serious accident. 

“On March 25th, 2024, the team departed from Freetown en route to Kenema for a Premier League match between Kanhula Rangers and Port Authority. Unfortunately, while traveling along Konta Line Mile 91, their bus collided with a stationary vehicle, resulting in the tragic loss of a beloved football legend,” Ports Authority confirmed. 

Bangura helped Sierra Leone qualify for Tunisia AFCON 1996 and played for the team in AFCON 1994 and 1996. He also played a key role in As Kaloum’s CAF Clubs Cup final 1995.

The former ASEC Mimosas Abidjan defender was a crucial figure in guiding the Diamond Stars to their first Premier League title in 2012. It was the first Sierra Leonean club outside Freetown to win the league.

“I write with pain upon hearing the sudden death of one of our national football heroes, Coach Lamin Bangura, together with the bus driver and conductor.

Coach Lamin, you have done a lot for the growth of football in Sierra Leone as a player and coach. You represented the country, coached the National U23, and won the 2012 Sierra Leone Premier League with Diamond Stars. Your diligence is admirable,” SLFA’s boss, Thomas Brima

“We extend our deepest condolences to the club, families, and friends of those who lost their lives, including the head coach, Lamin Bangura. Our hearts go out to you all,” The Sierra Leone FA stated

“The Board extends its sympathy to all individuals impacted by this incident. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time,” the Sierra Leone Premier Board noted.

The league board announced the cancellation of the Kahunla Rangers and Ports Authority scheduled match on 27th March 2024 due to an unfortunate event.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Ports Authority FC and the family of Head Coach Lamin Bangura. May his soul rest in peace. East End Lions FC stands in solidarity with Ports Authority FC. Our condolences go out to all who knew and loved Coach Bangura,” EE Lions posted.

“Your kindness and love touched us deeply, and your departure has left a void that cannot be filled. We will miss you dearly,” Freetown City FC.