Category: Football Africa

Ghana unveils Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz ahead of World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana unveils Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz ahead of World Cup

The Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the Ghana Football Association introduced Carlos Queiroz as the new head coach of Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, on April 23. He will lead the team in this year’s World Cup.

Carlos Queiroz, a Portuguese coach, spoke to the media about his role ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He shared his plans for the Black Stars and aims to make Ghana “a country of champions” as they prepare for the tournament.

Queiroz said this job is more than just winning games. He wants to change the culture, discipline, and identity of the team. He described it as a mission, not just a contract, and he aims for Ghana to excel in football and become true champions. He wants to build a strong and united team that can handle pressure on the world stage.

Queiroz has plenty of experience with World Cups. He helped South Africa qualify for the 2002 tournament and led Portugal to the Round of 16 in 2010.

He also managed Iran in the 2014 and 2018 World Cups. In addition, his work with Egypt, Japan, Qatar, and Oman shows he can stabilise and improve national teams.

Ghana will start its 2026 World Cup journey against Panama in Toronto on June 17. The team will then face tough games against England and Croatia in Group L. Queiroz plans to work with the players in the coming weeks to build teamwork, tactical skills, and mental toughness. His goal is to ensure that Ghana is not just participating in the World Cup but aiming to compete seriously for the title.

Ismaila Sarr wraps up Crystal Palace win over Fiorentina
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ismaila Sarr wraps up Crystal Palace win over Fiorentina

Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr was on target as Crystal Palace defeated Fiorentina 3-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League quarter-final. This victory brings them closer to reaching a major European semi-final.

Jean-Philippe Mateta scored his first goal in over three months from a penalty in the 24th minute after Evann Guessand was fouled by Dodo. Seven minutes later, he helped set up Palace’s second goal, which Tyrick Mitchell scored after a saved shot. Ismaila Sarr secured the win with a header in the 90th minute.

Mateta, starting for the first time since a transfer to AC Milan fell through, expressed his happiness after the match. He thanked the fans and said he was eager to continue working hard.

In addition to his penalty, Mateta had another close chance that went wide. Fiorentina came back stronger in the second half, hitting the crossbar and forcing some saves. However, Sarr’s late header sealed the game.

With this win, Palace takes a three-goal lead into the second leg in Florence next week, where they will aim for a spot in the semi-finals against either Shakhtar Donetsk or AZ Alkmaar.

Carlos Queiroz appointed as Ghana head coach ahead of World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Carlos Queiroz appointed as Ghana head coach ahead of World Cup

Former Manchester United assistant coach Carlos Queiroz is now the head coach of Ghana’s national football team for the upcoming World Cup.

The 73-year-old Portuguese coach takes over from Otto Addo, who was fired on March 31 after the team lost friendly matches to Germany and Austria.

Ghana, known as the Black Stars, is in the same World Cup group as England. The team also did not qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations under Addo’s leadership. Queiroz worked as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United twice, first from 2002 to 2003 and again from 2004 to 2008. He also had a stint as the head coach of Real Madrid.

Most recently, Queiroz managed Oman but left the role last month after they did not qualify for the World Cup. He said, “I accept this mission with the same passion and commitment that have guided me throughout my career. Ghana is a nation of talent, pride, and footballing soul. I arrive with respect for its history and belief in its future.”

Queiroz led Portugal to the last 16 at the 2010 World Cup and coached Iran in the last three tournaments. He has also worked with teams in Egypt, Japan, Colombia, and South Africa, and previously managed Portugal in the early 1990s.

Ghana will play their first World Cup match in Group L against Panama on June 17, followed by games against England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27. This World Cup will take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Zamalek edge Belouizdad in first leg CAF Confederation Cup clash
by Football Sierra Leone

Zamalek edge Belouizdad in first leg CAF Confederation Cup clash

Zamalek is close to reaching the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final after winning 1-0 against Algeria’s CR Belouizdad in the first leg of their semi-final on Friday night.

Juan Bezerra scored the only goal in the first half, giving Zamalek an important away victory. Belouizdad controlled much of the game but missed key chances. They hit the post early on and had a goal disallowed after a VAR review.

Zamalek’s defence remained strong, and goalkeeper Mahdi Suleiman made crucial saves to keep the score intact.

This is Zamalek’s first win over Belouizdad and only their second win in Algeria in continental matches. The tie remains close heading into the return leg in Cairo.

Zamalek will look to use their home advantage, while Belouizdad must improve to stay in contention. The second leg is scheduled for Friday, 17 April.

Leon solo nets winner as Sundowns edge ES Tunis
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Brayan León nets winner as Sundowns edge ES Tunis

Mamelodi Sundowns took a significant step towards the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Espérance Sportive de Tunis in a tense semi-final first leg in Tunis on Sunday evening.

The only goal came in the second half when striker Brayan León scored with a powerful header, demonstrating Sundowns’ resilience, especially after they went down to ten men late in the match.

Espérance started strong, creating good chances early on. Mohamed Tougaï forced a save from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, while Florian Danho hit the post in the 32nd minute. Despite their pressure and multiple set-pieces, they couldn’t break through Sundowns’ solid defence.

Sundowns emerged with renewed determination after halftime and struck just five minutes in. A precise cross from Thapelo Morena found León, who headed it into the top corner for a vital away goal.

Espérance seemed to have equalised in the 65th minute through Aboubacar Diakité, but a VAR review disallowed the goal due to a foul on the keeper. The hosts continued to press, with Ogbelu and Danho attempting shots, but Williams remained composed.

The match shifted in the 84th minute when Sundowns’ Grant Kekana received a red card, leaving them to defend their lead with ten players.

Espérance ramped up the pressure, creating late chances, but Sundowns held on for the 1-0 win, giving them a crucial advantage going into the return leg.