Category: Football Africa

Johnathan McKinstry pens new two year Gambia deal

Johnathan McKinstry pens new two-year Gambia deal

Jonathan McKinstry has penned a two-year contract extension as head coach of the Gambia senior national team beginning June 1st, 2026.  The Ministry of Sports made the announcement early Wednesday morning.

McKinstry was appointed head coach of the Scorpions in January of 2024, replacing the great Tom Saintfeit.  In his tenure as coach, McKinstry has led the team in 20 matches, winning 7, drawing 5, and losing 8.

The Northern Irish technician has been contracted to lead the Gambia national team until the end of 2028. Both the Ministry of Sports and GFF sources have confirmed that the contract was agreed upon last week and is awaiting signature from all necessary parties, including McKinstry himself.

McKinstry will look to qualify the GAM for a third AFCON finals beginning in September. Gambia was placed into Group C with the Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Somalia.

Senegal's goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, has urged his teammates to demonstrate their abilities as they kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey against France on June 16th at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey

Senegal’s Edouard Mendy calls on teammates to prove themselves against France

Senegal’s goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, has urged his teammates to demonstrate their abilities as they kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey against France on June 16th at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

This match will be the second time the Lions of Teranga face Les Bleus in the group stage, having famously stunned the defending champions 1-0 in their first match in 2002. Senegal advanced to the quarter-finals that year, becoming only the second African nation to achieve this feat.

In the upcoming tournament, Senegal is once again drawn with France in Group I, along with Norway and Iraq. They have qualified for four World Cups: 2002, 2018, 2022, and 2026, with a record of five wins, three draws, and four defeats across twelve matches.

“All of our opponents are strong, especially France,” Mendy told FIFA.com. “This is why we play football— to challenge ourselves against the best. We have the chance to do just that in our first World Cup match.”

Mendy emphasised his role in inspiring the next generation, mentioning, “It’s important to give back, as I’ve received so much. I want to help future players from Senegal achieve great things.”

Looking back at their historic victory over France, he said, “That match was a pivotal moment for our country, being our first World Cup win. Now we have our own match to prepare for in a new era.”

Senegal topped Group B in African qualifying, finishing with a 4-0 win against Mauritania. This World Cup will also be notable for being co-hosted by three nations and expanding to 48 teams from the previous 32.

Yirenkyi scores in Ghana's draw against Wales in a pre-World Cup match

Yirenkyi scores in Ghana’s draw against Wales in a pre-World Cup match

Ghana and Wales drew 1-1 in their first-ever matchup on Tuesday at the Cardiff City Stadium. It was Carlos Queiroz’s first game in charge of the Black Stars.

Caleb Yirenkyi scored for Ghana in the second half to take the lead, but Lewis Koumas scored a header in the third minute of stoppage time to level things up for Wales.

Wales dominated early on in the game and had opportunities to score first but Lawrence Ati- Zigi made two crucial saves to deny Daniel James. After the early pressure from Wales died down, Ghana started to find opportunities to score.

Jordan Ayew had a chance to score after keeper Karl Darlow fumbled the ball, but Darlow saved Ayew’s shot. Marvin Senaya also shot towards goal, and his volley deflected off a player and forced Darlow to make a diving save.

Late into the first half, Thomas Partey went into a tackle, and the Welsh bench protested for a second yellow. However, instead of getting yellow-carded, he was only warned by the referee.

Queiroz made four substitutions at half-time which saw Kwasi Sibo, Ernest Nuamah, Brandon Thomas-Asante and goalkeeper Benjamin Asare. The subs gave Ghana a spark forward as they soon created chances. Yirenkyi scored from a team effort after his first shot hit the crossbar, but he was there to tap in the rebound.

Ghana looked like the winners, but the late goal from Wales silenced the stadium. Neco Williams crossed a ball to the back post where Koumas timed his run perfectly and scored his header goal.

Queiroz gave his reaction to the game. He says the team needs to work on some decision making and team chemistry, but praised them for how far they got in a short time of training. He says the players executed the game plan he provided them, but most notably spoke about Yirenkyi, who he says is a player for the future.

Ghana will remain in Cardiff to train today before departing for the United States for another friendly before their opener at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Adil Mohamed Erradi begins preparing Liberia's game plan for Sierra Leone

Adil Mohamed Erradi begins preparing Liberia’s game plan for Sierra Leone

The Moroccan-Belgian coach Adil Mohamed Erradi conducted his first training session after his recent appointment as the new Liberia head coach, as he begins to prepare his plans for the Lone Star ahead of upcoming games against neighbours Sierra Leone.

Liberia will be taking on Leone Stars on the 6th and Sierra Leone will reciprocate on the 9th of this month with both being FIFA recognised friendlies. The first match will take place at the Southern Arena in Bo City and return leg will be played in the capital Monrovia.

Erradi takes over from Thomas Kojo who was interim head coach of the Lone Stars and has penned a 3 year deal with the Liberia Football Federation who are hoping to reach continental stage by 2027 in East Africa.

These upcoming friendlies will play a huge role in preparations for their Africa Cup of Nations campaign which is slated to kick off in September.

Mohamed Erradi who was born on December 6th in 19’78 has had an extensive professional career and also owns a UEFA Pro License. He began his coaching journey with a trip to Ghana which then led to him becoming assistant to Juan Carlos Garrido at Raja Casablanca in June of 2017. Later that same year he went on to become technical director at IR Tanger in November of 2017.

In July 2019 he took Rwanda based club APR FC the helm and set the Nations record for most consecutive unbeaten games (50 matches) while winning them three consecutive league titles; 2019–20 20’20-20’21 and 20’21-20’22.

He made Rwandan history in July of 20’22 when he took APR FC to the second round of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League.

Moroccan coach Adil Mohamed Erradi begins preparing Liberia's strategy for the Sierra Leone clash
Moroccan coach Adil Mohamed Erradi begins preparing Liberia's strategy for the Sierra Leone clash
Senegal win CAF U-17 AFCON title after defeating Tanzania

Senegal win CAF U-17 AFCON title after defeating Tanzania

Senegal triumphed in the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026, defeating Tanzania 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the final.

Tanzania took an early lead with Hamis Chenga scoring in the seventh minute, but Senegal equalised in the 64th minute through Ibrahima Dione, capitalising on a free-kick mishap.

The match proceeded to penalties, where Senegal showed composure, converting all four attempts. Faye, Sadio, Dione, and Thior scored for Senegal, while Tanzania converted two through Usuph and Mbegelendi but missed two crucial penalties.

This victory marks Senegal’s second U-17 AFCON title and highlights the strength of their youth football development. Despite the loss, Tanzania celebrated a historic campaign, reaching their first final and qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

The night ultimately belonged to Senegal, as they showcased resilience and skill throughout the tournament.

Senegal crowned CAF U-17 AFCON champions after defeating Tanzania
Senegal crowned CAF U-17 AFCON champions after defeating Tanzania