Category: Football Africa

Frustrated Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye to quit national team under Pape Thiaw
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Frustrated Senegal’s Pape Gueye to quit national team under Pape Thiaw

Following the Teranga Lions’ dramatic departure from the 2026 World Cup, Senegalese midfielder Pape Gueye, who was left frustrated by the coach’s tactics, has threatened to stop playing for his nation should head coach Pape Thiaw remain in charge.

In their Round of 32 match on Wednesday, the Senegalese suffered a devastating loss after giving up a two-goal advantage to lose 3-2 to Belgium. The Villarreal midfielder Gueye spoke with deep emotion about the loss, saying he would quit his international career unless there were changes to the coaching staff of the national squad.

The 26-year-old wrote in an Instagram post following the game: “I will come back later to discuss the causes for the elimination”. But today I am declaring that I will stop participating for the national team as long as this coaching staff stays.

Gueye’s remarks come following one of Senegal’s most agonising World Cup losses, when the West Africans seemed to have one foot in the last 16 before having a spectacular collapse.

Senegal got the ideal start when Habib Diarra scored from the rebound after Ismaila Sarr’s header hit the post.

With his fourth goal of the competition, a strike that also tied Roger Milla’s record for the most goals scored by an African player at a single men’s World Cup, Sarr then extended the Teranga Lions’ lead.

Senegal seemed sure to clinch their berth in the following round, given a two-goal advantage.

But Belgium mounted an incredible comeback, scoring three late goals to close the gap and complete an amazing turnaround that killed Senegal’s chances of advancing in the competition.

The Turnaround

Belgium appeared ready to be eliminated until Romelu Lukaku scored from a Thomas Meunier cross to give them optimism.

The Return!

Yuri Tielemans bravely headed Belgium back into contention. He scored to send the game into overtime, holding off two Senegal defenders and the goalkeeper, Mory Diaw.

Late Drama

Following a challenge on Tielemans by Camara, we searched for a potential penalty for Belgium. Youri Tielemans converted the penalty given to send Belgium into the last sixteen of the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Belgium eliminates Senegal as Tielemans nets a brace in Seattle
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Belgium eliminates Senegal as Tielemans nets a brace in Seattle

As Senegal sought to advance and eliminate Belgium in their FIFA World Cup round of 32 game on Wednesday in Seattle, two first-half goals gave them hope. But they lost the game 3-2 after letting a two-goal lead slip away.

Early in the game, Habib Diarra netted in the 24th minute to give Senegal the lead. Senegal was the superior team in the first half, demonstrating speed and ambition; Belgium battled to find their pace.

Belgium seemed to be driven by falling behind, since they grew more dangerous as the game went on. Ismaila Sarr scored powerfully in the 51st minute.

Moussa Niakhate delivered a fantastic pass over the Belgium defense. Sarr sprinted in, grabbed the ball with his chest, then launched a strong shot past Courtois. It was amazing.

Sarr so earns the distinction of being the first Senegalese player to record four goals in a World Cup game.

The Turnaround

Belgium appeared ready to be eliminated until Romelu Lukaku scored from a Thomas Meunier cross to give them optimism.

The Return!

Yuri Tielemans bravely headed Belgium back into contention. He scored to send the game into overtime, holding off two Senegal defenders and the goalkeeper, Mory Diaw.

Late Drama

Following a challenge on Tielemans by Camara, we searched for a potential penalty for Belgium. Youri Tielemans converted the penalty given to send Belgium into the last sixteen of the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Players Reactions 

“I’ve had enough of these matches! (laughs) It was intense, but we gave it our all. We were trailing, but we showed character. In matches like this, that’s what it takes. This Senegal side is one of the best teams in the tournament. Technically, physically and tactically, it was really tough. But when we stepped up the intensity of our pressing, when we were there for the second ball, our team spirit shone through, and we won the match.

It’s victories like this that we need to bring this squad even closer together. [On his goal] I think it’s my dad up there helping me. [On the fact that he was originally supposed to take the penalty] As I’m still going through a tough time mentally, I preferred Youri to take it.” Romelu Lukaku, Belgium player via FIFA.COM

“We’re disappointed. We had a good first half, but it wasn’t enough. A match lasts 90 minutes, and we’re devastated. It’s very tough. I don’t know what to say. When you’re on the pitch, you have to give your all, and that’s not what we did. We’ve only got ourselves to blame.” Habib Diarra, Senegal via FIFA website.

Koeman hails Morocco's technical quality ahead of World Cup Round of 32 clash
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Koeman hails Morocco’s technical quality ahead of World Cup Round of 32 clash

Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has called Morocco the toughest team his side has faced so far at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He praised Morocco’s skill ahead of their important Round of 32 match in Monterrey, Mexico.

During his pre-match press conference, Koeman said the Dutch are preparing for one of their hardest games of the tournament. He acknowledged that Morocco deserves to be considered one of the top teams in the world.

Although the Netherlands topped Group F, Koeman did not consider his team the favourites against the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champions.

“I’m not sure if we are the favourites in the match against Morocco,” Koeman said.

Koeman expressed disappointment that two of the highest-ranked teams are facing each other so early in the knockout rounds.

“It’s a big thing for this game to take place now because we are both teams that ought to go further than this stage,” he added.

Koeman praised Morocco’s playing style, calling the Atlas Lions one of the most skilled teams left in the competition. He pointed out that Morocco plays confidently, attacks well, and combines quickly when they have the ball, making it a dangerous team.

According to Koeman, Morocco does not just defend; they try to control matches through their technical skills and attacking style.

“They want to attack,” he said. “They have a lot of football quality, and they can score easily.“

Koeman also highlighted captain Achraf Hakimi, saying he is one of Morocco’s key players because he can play in different positions and help drive the team forward.

DR Congo could provide a stern test for England in Atlanta
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

DR Congo could provide a stern test for England in Atlanta

Starting their World Cup knockout campaign on Wednesday night against DR Congo at the Atlanta stadium, Thomas Tuchel’s England side may face a challenge. A victory for either side will guarantee a spot among the 16 against Mexico.

In a competition that begged many issues, Thomas Tuchel’s team came out on top Group L. Starting with a 4-2 win over Croatia, they then had a goalless draw with Ghana and finished with a shaky 2-0 victory over Panama.

Before this tournament, the Three Lions had fierce competition from African teams and so know not to underestimate DR Congo. The group-placed Congolese team drew with Portugal, played strongly against Colombia, and won 3–1 against Uzbekistan. This game is the first time these two teams will face off.

Head Coach Sébastien Desabre probably will go back to the 5-3-2 lineup he used in the group stage; for the vital game against Uzbekistan, he had a back four.

Leading the attack together with Cédric Bakambu is Yoane Wissa, who scored three of DR Congo’s four group stage goals. Four defenders have close relationships to the Premier League: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, and Arthur Masuaku. From Sunderland, Noah Sadiki is a midfielder. Desabre’s team has no reported injury problems.

England and DR Congo’s first meeting 

Fifty-two years after their debut in 1974, when the nation was known as Zaire, the Leopards are competing in their second World Cup ever.

Thanks to a goal by Burnley’s Axel Tuanzebe, they came behind Senegal in their qualification group but progressed after beating Nigeria on penalties and 1-0 in extra time.

Since 2022, Sébastien Desabre has served as the head coach. Coaching teams in Uganda, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, and Cameroon, he has African football knowledge. In 2023, he guided DR Congo to the African Cup of Nations semi-finals.

With Cedric Bakambu’s four qualifying goals helping him, Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa will provide a major menace. Tuanzebe, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and captain Chancel Mbemba will offer excellent protection on defence.

“It ramps up now, doesn’t it? It’s a proper phase of football. One game at a time. There are lads who have won Champions Leagues, lads who have been in youth tournaments with England. Everyone knows the pressure of it and I think that is where you will see us thrive.” Jordan Pickford, England goalkeeper

“England next is gonna be a different game, a tough, tough game against top players, top opponents. We need to enjoy this type of game. We deserve to play against England, one of the best teams in the world, so I’m looking forward to what’s coming next.“ Yoane Wissa, DR Congo striker

Predicted lineups:

England’s predicted team (4-2-3-1 formation): Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.

DR Congo’s predicted team (5-3-2 formation): Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Kapuadi, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Kayembe; Bakambu, Wissa.

England v Congo DR

Round of 32

Wednesday, 1 July | Atlanta Stadium

Kick-off time

12:00 (Atlanta) | 17:00 (London) | 17:00 (Kinshasa)

Amad Diallo proud of Côte d'Ivoire's achievement despite elimination
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Amad Diallo proud of Côte d’Ivoire’s achievement despite elimination

Rising elephants star Amad Diallo discusses Côte d’Ivoire’s incredible FIFA World Cup 2026 trip and what it means to score in their tight 2-1 defeat against Norway at the Dallas Stadium on Tuesday.

Though their ambition at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ is gone, Côte d’Ivoire leaves North America with dignity. This was their fourth World Cup appearance, and this time they made history by making the knockout stage for the first time.

At Dallas Stadium, they lost 2-1 to Norway in the Round of 32, but they kept supporters entertained along the way. Despite the letdown, Amad Diallo valued what the developing Côte d’Ivoire side achieved.

Diallo told FIFA, “We are really proud of what we achieved.” The youngest team in this tournament, we can be proud. This is a success for us since we never advanced from the group stage in our last three competitions.

Entering in the second half, Diallo had an instant effect. After a fast one-two with Nicolas Pépé, he scored a brilliant goal in the 74th minute to tie the score.

Following his group stage goal versus Ecuador, which gave the 23-year-old some relief, Diallo scored his second World Cup goal.

“Scoring that goal is a great relief; it’s a dream come true,” Diallo added. “Playing on the grandest stage has always been my goal; therefore getting this goal was remarkable. Losing would still feel like a win to us, even if it happened.