Category: Football Africa

Morocco stun the Netherlands after a penalty shootout to reach the last 16
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mohamed Salah faces race to be fit for Egypt’s last-32 tie

Egypt’s captain, Mohamed Salah, is doubtful for Friday’s World Cup match against Australia in Dallas due to a hamstring injury. He has scored 68 goals in 119 games for Egypt.

Salah was taken off the field during Egypt’s 1-1 draw with Iran. Team doctor Mohamed Abou said Salah felt pain, and scans showed he has a hamstring strain.

The Egyptian Football Association stated that Salah has started treatment but did not say whether he will be ready to play against Australia in Dallas on July 3 at 19:00 BST.

“I spoke with Salah, and it seems, God willing, the injury is not serious,” said Egypt coach Hossam Hassan after the Iran match. “He told me he thinks it will be fine.”

Salah previously missed three weeks due to a hamstring issue in late April but returned to play in Liverpool’s final two matches of the season.

During this World Cup, Salah has scored once and provided two assists, helping Egypt secure second place in Group G.

Morocco stun the Netherlands after a penalty shootout to reach the last 16
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco stun the Netherlands after a penalty shootout to reach the last 16

Following a 1-1 tie, Morocco defeated the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16. Their triumph would not have been possible without Yassine Bounou.

Cody Gakpo’s 72nd-minute goal gave the Netherlands the lead first, but Issa Diop tied it with a header in stoppage time, sending the game into overtime.

Morocco converted three penalties in the shootout but missed two, and Bounou saved a crucial one from Justin Kluivert.

Having defeated South Africa 1-0, Canada will now play Morocco in the following round. This win highlights Morocco as a World Cup powerhouse.

The game started sluggishly, but Morocco grew more active. Early opportunities for Hakimi were saved, including a strong header from Nael El Aynaoui. The Netherlands battled to generate opportunities until Gakpo scored against the run of play.

Morocco persisted and used changes that changed the flow of the game. Diop scored the equaliser in stoppage time to set off celebrations.

Following a 1-1 tie, Morocco defeated the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16. Their triumph depended much on Yassine Bounou.

Though Cody Gakpo’s goal in the 72nd minute gave the Netherlands the lead, Issa Diop equalised for Morocco with a header in stoppage time, forcing the game into extra time.

Morocco made three penalties in the shootout, but Bounou stopped a crucial penalty from Justin Kluivert, even if two were missed. Canada defeated South Africa 1-0 and will now play Morocco in the next round.

This victory highlights Morocco’s World Cup prowess as a formidable team. Though the game began sluggishly, Morocco got more active. Early opportunities for Hakimi were saved, including a strong header from Nael El Aynaoui.

The Netherlands struggled to create opportunities until Gakpo scored against the run of play. Morocco persisted and made game-changing substitutions. Diop tied the score in stoppage time, setting off festivities.

Morocco had chances during extra time but couldn’t convert; therefore, they went to penalties. Though Rahimi and Talbi scored, El Aynaoui missed Morocco’s first penalty.

Bounou’s save and Saibari’s perfect penalty helped Morocco advance to the next round.

Achraf Hakimi calls for discipline ahead of the Netherlands
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Achraf Hakimi emphasises discipline ahead of the Netherlands clash

Morocco’s skipper Achraf Hakimi is encouraging his squad to maintain attention and discipline for their crucial Round of 32 FIFA World Cup game against the Netherlands at the Monterrey Stadium on Monday night. 

Playing for Paris Saint-Germain, Hakimi knows Morocco is up against a good Dutch squad. He stresses that little details will determine the result of the game.

Hakimi told ABtalks that “it will be a difficult game against the Netherlands. Their calibre and players are well-known to everybody. The captain remarked that there isn’t much room for mistakes in knockout football. He thinks game-long focus will be essential.

Hakimi’s remarks suggest Morocco honours the Netherlands but is hopeful going into this crucial game. Though they had a fantastic group-stage record, he underlined that prior results against the Dutch do not count.

The squad is concentrating on sound defence and attacking effectiveness. One of the tournament’s top players, Hakimi, is anticipated to significantly impact defence and attack by providing speed and assistance from his right-back position.

Hakimi makes it obvious that Morocco honours the Netherlands, but the game will rely on focus, discipline, and little details instead of history or reputation.

Canada reach FIFA World Cup last 16 with last-gasp winner over South Africa in Los Angeles
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Canada book World Cup last-16 spot with last-gasp winner over South Africa in Los Angeles

Canada secured their place in the World Cup’s last 16 with a stunning last-gasp 1-0 victory over South Africa! Stephen Eustaquio scored a dramatic goal in stoppage time, giving Canada the victory they so desperately needed.

Both sides showed excellent talent and drive, making the game very close. Canada, however, always produced more scoring chances across the game.

Eustaquio rose to the occasion when the situation called for a standout moment, firing a strong shot that guaranteed the team’s victory just as the game was about to end.

This game was a historic event as neither Canada nor South Africa had ever made it to the tournament’s knockout rounds.

With this victory, Canada can now look forward to finishing their World Cup run against either Morocco or the Netherlands in the following round.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe Hails Nine African Teams in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe Hails Nine African Teams in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32

Africa recored 90% of 100 from the World Cup 2026 group stage as nine of ten teams made the last 32 of the USA, Canada, and Mexico showcase

“The hard work and investments in youth football development, coaching, professional football leagues and football infrastructure in each of CAF’s 54 Member Associations and in the CAF Competitions are bearing fruit, Dr Motsepe vehemently noted.

“I want to congratulate the National Teams and coaching staff of Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and South Africa for qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Round of 32.

They have made their countries and the 1.6 billion people in Africa and in the Diaspora proud. The achievements of these nine teams show that African football is becoming more competitive and recognized worldwide.

The hard work put into developing youth football, coaching, professional leagues, and infrastructure in each of the 54 CAF Member Associations is paying off.

New governance and financial practices have attracted sponsors and partners, helping the growth of African football. I also congratulate the 9 CAF Member Association Presidents and their teams and thank the African Governments for their support of these Associations.

CAF wishes all nine teams the best as they compete in the FIFA World Cup 2026™, and we believe they will continue to make their countries and Africa proud.”