Category: Football Africa

Nigeria Super Eagles edge Iran In Friday's International friendly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria edge Iran in Friday’s international friendly

Goals from Moses Simon, marking his 96th senior cap for Nigeria, and Jerome Akor Adams secured a 2-1 victory for Nigeria against Iran in an international friendly held in Antalya, Turkey, on Friday.

At the Corendon Airlines Park in Antalya, the Super Eagles showcased a blend of early attacking flair and late defensive solidity, reflecting the evolving identity of an Eric Chelle-coached team. The three-time AFCON champions quickly asserted their dominance in the match.

From the kickoff, Samuel Chukwueze set up Moses Simon, who scored just six minutes in, giving Nigeria an early lead. Chelle’s side kept control in the first half but couldn’t extend their advantage before halftime.

After the break, debutant Emmanuel Fernandez replaced Semi Ajayi, and six minutes later, Ademola Lookman assisted Akor Adams to double the lead. Nigeria added Chibuike Nwaiwu for Igoh Ogbu, marking his debut.

Iran responded with a goal from Mehdi Taremi, but Nigeria held firm. Chelle made further substitutions, bringing on Paul Onuachu, Chidera Ejuke, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru to maintain energy and control.

Frank Onyeka also made a late appearance, helping Nigeria close out the match. This victory marks Nigeria’s second win over Iran, with their last meeting resulting in a goalless draw at the 2014 World Cup.

Next, the Super Eagles face Jordan on March 31, offering Chelle another chance to prepare for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.

General Secretary shake-up at the Confederation of African Football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

General Secretary shake-up at the Confederation of African Football

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is bracing for a shake-up following the announcement that its long-time general secretary, Veron Mosengo-Omba, intends to step down.

As reported by AfricaSoccer.com, the official from DR Congo will leave his position when CAF’s Executive Committee meets in Cairo on Friday.

Mosengo-Omba’s decision comes amid growing criticism of his continued tenure, particularly after he surpassed the organisation’s mandatory retirement age.

According to sources within CAF’s Executive Committee, if Mosengo-Omba does not resign voluntarily, some influential board members are ready to seek his immediate removal formally.

The controversy centres on CAF’s Regulation 130, which mandates a retirement age of 63, with a maximum three-year extension. Mosengo-Omba, who was appointed in March 2021 at age 61, reached this threshold in October 2022.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe granted him the full extension, which lapses in October 2025. After that, no further extensions can be granted—yet Mosengo-Omba has remained in his role, even as he oversaw major tournaments such as December’s AFCON in Morocco.

His extended presence in office has revealed deeper issues within CAF. Critics argue that permitting a senior official to stay beyond the legal limit undermines the organization’s credibility and governance.

There are also concerns that contracts signed during this period may be challenged. The lack of action from CAF’s oversight bodies, including its Audit and Governance Committees, has heightened worries about accountability.

Adding to the scrutiny is Mosengo-Omba’s close relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Although FIFA has not publicly commented, critics view its silence as implicit support.

Insiders describe the atmosphere surrounding CAF’s leadership as increasingly “toxic,” which has led Mosengo-Omba to choose a voluntary departure over a public showdown.

With no deputy general secretaries appointed throughout his tenure, CAF now finds itself facing a leadership void. The organisation must swiftly decide whether to focus on succession planning or to overhaul its governance structures in a bid to restore credibility.

South Sudan ease past Djibouti in AFCON preliminary first leg
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Sudan ease past Djibouti in AFCON preliminary first leg

South Sudan delivered an impressive performance, securing a dominant 4-0 victory over Djibouti in the first leg of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 Preliminary Round in Juba on Thursday.

Keer Majak shone brightly, contributing a goal and two assists, as South Sudan firmly took control of the tie ahead of the return leg, which will also take place in the same venue.

This result provides South Sudan with a substantial edge in its quest to advance to the group stage of the qualifiers, leaving Djibouti with a significant challenge ahead in the second leg.

Right from the start, South Sudan made their intentions clear and found the back of the net in the 31st minute. Justin Bangasi laid off a perfect pass for Teng Kuol, who opened the scoring.

This goal boosted the hosts’ confidence, prompting them to maintain relentless pressure, while Djibouti struggled to keep up with South Sudan’s speed and attacking flair. Despite this initial onslaught, Djibouti managed to hold on until halftime, maintaining a glimmer of hope at 1-0 going into the break.

However, any hopes Djibouti had of mounting a comeback were swiftly dashed after the halftime break, as South Sudan kicked their intensity up a notch. Just four minutes into the second half, in the 49th minute, Bangasi struck again, finishing off a well-crafted move with Majak playing a key role throughout the match.

Majak continued to make his mark, turning provider once more in the 66th minute, setting up Peter Manyang to extend the lead to 3-0, effectively sealing the outcome. To cap off an outstanding individual performance, Majak scored South Sudan’s fourth goal in the 81st minute, confirming a comprehensive win.

This defeat leaves Djibouti facing an uphill battle in the return leg, where they will need a stellar performance to overcome the deficit. With both legs being hosted in Juba, they will look to leverage their familiarity with the conditions to turn things around in the second encounter.

Seychelles and Lesotho Play to a Standstill in Bloemfontein

In a separate match on Thursday in Bloemfontein, Seychelles and Lesotho finished goalless at the Free State Stadium. The two teams will meet again for the return leg at the same neutral venue in the South African city on Sunday.

These matches are part of the opening round of qualifiers for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027, featuring the lowest-ranked teams vying for six spots in the next stage.

First leg AFCON 2027 preliminary qualifying advantage for Eritrea
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Eritrea beat Eswatini to grab 2027 AFCON preliminary qualifying advantage

Eritrea clinched a 2-0 win against Eswatini in the first leg of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027 Preliminary Round qualifier, held in Meknes, Morocco, on Wednesday.

The breakthrough came in the 81st minute when Siem Eyob-Abraha’s corner kick surprisingly curled straight into the net, catching everyone off guard.

Four minutes into stoppage time, their star player, Ali Suleiman, added to the scoreline with a dazzling run down the left side, unleashing a powerful strike into the roof of the net from close range.

This match marked Eritrea’s first continental qualifier in nearly two decades, though they did miss a penalty when Suleiman’s shot was saved by Eswatini’s goalkeeper, Mlamuli Makhanya, who made a crucial dive to his right.

Interestingly, Eritrea’s last CAF AFCON qualifier was also against Eswatini back in September 2007, where they finished second in their qualification group.

Now, both teams will head to Eswatini for the return leg, scheduled for Tuesday next week.

This match kicked off the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027 Preliminary Round qualifiers. The six teams that advance from this round will join the other 42 Member Associations in the Group Phase.

Next year, the continental finals will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, marking the first time the tournament will take place in East Africa in 51 years.

CAS confirm Senegal appeal over CAF AFCON final decision
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAS confirm Senegal appeal over CAF AFCON final decision

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has confirmed receipt of an appeal by the Senegalese Football Federation against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.

The appeal concerns a CAF decision on 17 March 2026 declaring that the Senegal national team forfeited the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 and recording the Moroccan national team as the winners of the match by 3-0.

Registered by CAS on 25 March 2026, the FSF appeal seeks to set aside the CAF decision and declare the FSF winners of AFCON. It also requests an immediate suspension of the time limit to submit an appeal brief until the CAF decision is notified with full grounds. The CAF decision rendered on 17 March 2026 was operative only.

A CAS Arbitral Panel will be appointed to consider this matter. Following this, a procedural calendar will be established. In accordance with CAS procedural rules, an Appellant has twenty days to file an appeal brief with legal arguments, and the Respondents then have a further twenty days to submit an answer containing a statement of defence. At this early stage of proceedings and considering the FSF request to suspend deadlines, it is not possible to anticipate a procedural timeline and to indicate when a hearing will be scheduled.

Matthieu Reeb, CAS Director General, has issued the following comment: “CAS is perfectly equipped to resolve this type of dispute, with the assistance of expert and independent arbitrators. We understand that teams and fans are eager to know the final decision, and we will ensure that arbitration proceedings are conducted as swiftly as possible, while respecting the right of all parties to a fair hearing.”