Category: Football Africa

Race heats up as Caf invites bids for three AFCON finals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Race heats up as Caf invites bids for three Afcon finals

Even before the invitation for official bids for the next three Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals after 2027 was announced, interested hosts had already been in the race.

A total of seven countries have already placed their names in contention for either the 2028 Afcon or the 2032 and 2036. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has moved the tournament from bi-annual to every four years.

After Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania co-host in 2027, another East African nation, Ethiopia, had already filed to bid for the 2028 edition, according to the state broadcaster EBC, which announced it back in January.

However, the Ethiopian bid is not without challenge, as a joint campaign from four Southern African countries, led by South Africa, is also underway, along with Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

This bid could pose a threat to Ethiopia, potentially preventing a back-to-back East African hosting. However, with four countries in a joint bid is a first, and its size could also be a weakness.

Senegal and Egypt have both shown an interest in the 2032 event, but the Egyptians have also hinted at being keen to stage the 2036 finals.

Morocco March Into History with Dominant 3-0 Win Over Canada, Set Up France Rematch
by Abdul Karim Kargbo

Morocco March Into History with Dominant 3-0 Win Over Canada, Set Up France Rematch

Morocco has once again made football history, becoming the first African nation to reach the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals in consecutive tournaments after a commanding 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada in Houston.

The Atlas Lions’ latest achievement further strengthens their reputation as one of world football’s rising powers and highlights the success of years of strategic investment in football infrastructure and youth development.

After a hard-fought first half, Morocco took complete control following the restart. Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi inspired the victory with two superb second-half goals, the opener coming from a brilliantly rehearsed free-kick routine orchestrated by Achraf Hakimi. Soufiane Rahimi added a third goal in stoppage time to seal an emphatic win and send the North Africans into the last eight in style.

The victory has now set up a blockbuster quarterfinal clash against France after Les Bleus edged Paraguay 1-0 to book their place in the last eight. The encounter will rekindle memories of the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinal in Qatar, where France defeated Morocco 2-0 to end the Atlas Lions’ historic run. Morocco will be eager to gain revenge and continue their remarkable journey, although there are concerns over the fitness of leading scorer Ismael Saibari, who was forced off in the first half with a suspected injury.

For Canada, the defeat brings an end to their World Cup campaign after four matches despite a spirited display on home soil. Morocco, however, once again showcased the tactical discipline, defensive resilience and clinical finishing that have become the hallmarks of their success. With another quarterfinal appearance secured and a mouthwatering rematch against France awaiting, the Atlas Lions now carry the hopes of an entire continent as they chase an unprecedented place in the World Cup semifinals.

Morocco reach back-to-back World Cup quarterfinals after win over Canada
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco reach back-to-back World Cup quarterfinals after defeating co-hosts Canada

Azzedine Ounahi scored two goals in the second half, helping Morocco to book their place in the World Cup quarterfinals. Their second consecutive time after reaching this stage in Qatar in 2022.

Ounahi played well against Canada in Houston, giving the Atlas Lions full control before Soufiane Rahimi scored the third for the North Africans. The key second goal came in the 82nd minute, disappointing Canadian fans. Real Madrid player Brahim Díaz made a fantastic pass to Ounahi, who scored calmly.

Ounahi had already scored his first goal just after halftime, in the 49th minute, breaking the tie. Canada tried hard to equalise, but Ounahi’s goals, combined with Díaz’s skill, made it difficult for Canada in the last minutes of this tense Round of 16 match.

The Atlas Lions made history as Africa’s first semi-finalists at Qatar 2022, and after shrugging off a slow start with a strong second-half showing here, they can now look forward to a Boston quarter-final on 9 July against the winners of the France-Paraguay tie.

Canada 0-3 Morocco

Morocco goals: Ounahi (50, 82), Rahaimi (90+8)

Egypt knock out Australia's Socceroos to advance
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt knock out Australia’s Socceroos to advance

Egypt defeated Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 Round of 32 draw at the Dallas Stadium on Friday to win their first-ever World Cup knockout game. They became the second African team to make it to the last sixteen of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following Morocco.

Emam Ashour scored a header in the 13th minute following a smart play to give Egypt the lead. Ashour’s first effort from a free-kick was blocked, but Hafez crossed the ball back in to let Ashour score his second goal in the competition.

Egypt dropped ten men briefly as Hany was under care. Bos had two tries to get in touch with a free kick before Irvine called a foul against him during this time.

Conceding an early goal, the Socceroos began to get into the game and produced six chances to three for Egypt. Set pieces provided their biggest dangers. To provide more chances, Coach Popovic instructed wingers Bos and Behich to switch sides.

The Socceroos scored from a set piece in the 55th minute. Hany accidentally diverted O’Neill’s inswinging free-kick into his own net, therefore enabling Circati to reach the end of the cross.

The second half came to an end when neither team capitalized on their opportunities, so causing extra time.

Both teams battled hard but could not score in the additional 30 minutes. Penalties decided the game. While Mohamed Salah and Hossam Abdelmaguid scored for Egypt, Harry Souttar (Australia) and Lucas Herrington failed to score.

The winner of the match between Argentina and Cape Verde will be Egypt’s opponent in the following round.

Mo Salah doubtful as Egypt face first-ever World Cup knockout match.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mo Salah doubtful as Egypt face first-ever World Cup knockout match

Egypt will feature in a knockout game at the World Cup for the first time for a place in the round of sixteen as Hossam Hassan’s team battles with Australia in a Round of 32 match at Dallas Stadium.

Remaining unbeaten with a 1-1 draw against Belgium, a 3-1 victory New Zealand, and another 1-1 draw against Iran, Egypt ended the group stage strong.

Egyptians are starting to believe they fit this level. Australia is regarded for its excellent organisation and aggressive attitude in entering this game.

At a pre-match news conference, Coach Hossam Hassan stressed his team’s confidence. He talked about Mohamed Salah’s injury and said, “Salah is passionate and eager to contribute. Unless I know he is ready for the game, I will not take chances. Though we can’t guarantee he will start, we hope he could play.

Coach Hassan said of Salah’s skill, “He is among the best players in the world and I am lucky to be working with him. I have utilized him successfully and he has exceeded expectations.

Asked about the bulk of the Australian players, Hassan dismissed worries: “In Africa, we have familiarity with tall players, just like Australia. The height is not the problem here. Not tall were Maradona and Messi. We play football, not rugby. We are in condition and ready.

Ready for Australia, he remarked: “Every team has strengths and weaknesses. We are ready for what lies ahead. Australia has been following me closely; they demand respect.

Especially from set pieces, they work well as a team and have fast, aggressive attacks.” He continued: “We want to make the Arab world and the Egyptian people proud. Details and events will decide the outcome.

The game ought to be tight. Egypt has advanced technical abilities. Salah may change the game even if he only plays a few minutes. Omar Marmoush, Emam Ashour, and Mostafa Ziko are among the players who provide pace and quality. Though important, the team’s strong group stage results come without key players Ahmed Fatouh, Mohamed Abdelmonem, and the suspended Mohanad Lasheen.

Under Tony Popovic, Australia is a well-drilled team hard to beat. Particularly from Nestory Irankunda, their strong defense, intense pressing, and rapid counter-attacking define their threat. They excel at set pieces and can use their strength effectively in this fierce game.

Egypt is somewhat favored because of its talent and history of success. But Australia’s vast match knowledge and mental fortitude may cause a surprise.

This Round of 32 game in the 2026 World Cup is more than simply a game for Egypt. This is an opportunity to prove that African football can compete at the highest level and make history.

Respect for their opponents and the conviction that they have a good shot define Hossam Hassan and his team’s attitude for this game.