Category: Football Africa

Morocco named Nations Championship squad with high hopes
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco named Nations Championship squad with high hopes

Morocco’s national team is preparing for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) after missing the 2022 edition.

Coach Tarik Sektioui has named a 28-man squad aiming to reclaim the title they last won in 2020.

“We focused our selection on technical ability and team chemistry,” said Sektioui. Despite some player departures to Europe, we are confident this squad has what it takes to represent Morocco with pride.”

The squad features experienced players from local clubs like RS Berkane, Raja Casablanca, and Wydad Casablanca, including standout players from Berkane and two senior national team members: Youssef Belammari and goalkeeper Rachid Ghanimi.

The tournament, reserved for players in national leagues, will take place from August 2 to 30 across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Morocco is in Group A, competing against Kenya, Angola, Zambia, and DR Congo.

The team’s campaign starts against Angola. With a strong attacking lineup and past successes in CHAN, Morocco aims to showcase their strength and reclaim their status as a top contender in African football.

Morocco Squad – TotalEnergies CHAN 2024

Goalkeepers:

  • Al Harrar Elmehdi
  • Rachid Ghanimi (FUS Rabat)
  • Aqzdaou Omar (Wydad Casablanca)

Defenders:

  • Moufid Mohamed (Wydad Casablanca)
  • Boulacsout Mohamed
  • Mchakhchekh Mehdi
  • Louadni Marouane
  • Arrassi Bouchaib
  • Assal Abdelhak (RS Berkane)
  • Belammari Youssef (Raja Casablanca)
  • Zahouani Fouad

Midfielders:

  • Khairi Ayoub (RS Berkane)
  • Hrimat Mohamed Rabie
  • Souane Amine
  • Essadak Houssam
  • Hajji Reda (RS Berkane)
  • Bach Anas
  • Aït Ouarkhane Khalid
  • Bougrine Sabir

Forwards:

  • Mehri Youssef (RS Berkane)
  • El Mahraoui Anass
  • Bouhra Saïf-Eddine (Wydad Casablanca)
  • Baba Khalid
  • Riahi Imad (RS Berkane)
  • Salaheddine Errahouli
  • Mouloua Ayoub
  • El Kaabi Youness
  • Lamlioui Oussama (RS Berkane)
Coach Benni McCarthy Names Harambee Squad for CHAN Tournament
by Football Sierra Leone

Coach Benni McCarthy Names Harambee Squad for CHAN Tournament

HarambHarambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has announced a 25-man squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to take place from August 2, 2025, in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

The squad includes experienced goalkeepers Faruk Shikhalo, Sebastian Wekesa, and Byrne Omondi. The defense features a mix of seasoned players and young talent, including captain Abud Omar and debutants Swaleh Pamba and Kevin Okumu.

In midfield, notable players include Brian Musa and Alpha Onyango, while the attack will be led by Masoud Juma.

The team will be captained by Abud Omar, with support from Daniel Sakari and Alphonce Omija. McCarthy expressed confidence in the team’s preparations.

Kenya is grouped with DR Congo, Angola, Morocco, and Zambia, beginning their campaign on August 3, 2025, against DR Congo at Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani, aiming to leverage home support for a strong performance in the tournament.

Kenya Listed CHAN 2024 Squad

Goal Keepers

Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Sebastian Wekesa

Defenders

Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Pamba Swaleh, Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Mike Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, Kevin Okumu

Midfielders

Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire

Fowards

Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, Masoud Juma, Austin Odongo, Felix Oluoch

Hosts Morocco advance to Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hosts Morocco advance to Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final

Hosts Morocco won 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 tie in regulation and extra time in Rabat on Tuesday night, advancing to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final for the second year in a row.

During the shootout, Khadija ErRmichi, Morocco’s goalkeeper, made a very important stop; Ghana missed two penalties. Morocco’s victory qualifies it for the final against Nigeria on Saturday; Ghana will fight South Africa for third place on Friday.

Ghana took the lead in the 26th minute with a goal from Stella Nyamekye in the game. In the 55th minute, Morocco equalized when Sakina Ouzraoui Diki scored under continued pressure.

Though each side had opportunities, neither could find a winner in normal time. Morocco made all their shots, therefore penalties decided the victor following extra time.

As they seek their first WAFCON championship at home, Moroccan players and supporters erupted in celebration upon the last whistle. Ghana will attempt to get a medal in the third-place match on Friday.

Morocco's Sakina Ouzraoui is our TotalEnergies Woman of the Match after a splendid performance vs Ghana!
Morocco's Sakina Ouzraoui is our TotalEnergies Woman of the Match after a splendid performance vs Ghana!
Super Falcons of Nigeria beat South Africa to reach into WAFCON final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Super Falcons of Nigeria beat South Africa to reach WAFCON final

Nigeria triumphed 2-1 over their closest rivals, South Africa, in a thrilling Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semifinal on Tuesday evening.

The win guaranteed their spot in the final, which also preserved their chances for a record-extending 10th continental title.

The game featured outstanding performances from Rasheedat Ajibade and Michelle Alozie, who scored pivotal goals that helped the Super Falcons avenge their 2022 loss to Banyana Banyana, reaffirming Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football.

Just before halftime, Ajibade converted a penalty after Bambanani Mbane handled the ball in the South African box to open the scoring. This aim mirrored Nigeria’s first-half dominance as they controlled the pace of the game with a disciplined defence and rapid transitions, with Alozie and Ihezuo constantly threatening.

In the second half, defending champions South Africa fought back and were given a penalty in the 60th minute when Hildah Magaia was fouled by Osinachi Ohale. Linda Motlhalo successfully converted the penalty, tying the scores and temporarily changing the momentum in favour of Banyana Banyana.

But just as extra time looked to be around, Michelle Alozie scored a spectacular long-range victor deep into stoppage time. Her 35-yard shot past goalkeeper Andile Dlamini set off rowdy celebrations among Nigerian players and fans at Stade Larbi Zaouli.

Tensions erupted during the final minutes of the game, leading to injuries and many yellow cards, with Chinwendu Ihezuo being carried off. Still, Nigeria held strong for nine minutes of stoppage time to guarantee the victory and go forward in the championship.

Still undefeated in the competition, the Super Falcons will go into the championship with fresh optimism. Meanwhile, South Africa’s title defence comes to disappointment despite their preparation for the third-place playoff.

Two mouth-watering Women's AFCON semi-final ties
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Two mouth-watering Women’s AFCON semi-final ties

Two mouth-watering semi-final ties are in the menu at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Tuesday.

First, nine-times winners Nigeria will have some titanic battle for the ages against champions South Africa in Casablanca at 16:00 GMT.

And in Rabat, the hosts, Morocco, take on the lowest-ranked side left, Ghana, at 19:00.

Now we still have the prospect of a repeat of the 2022 final when Banyana Banyana defeated the Atlas Lionesses 2-1, once again in the capital, on Saturday evening.

Form and fancy would suggest joining Nigeria and Morocco together. However, an all-West African encounter could also inject an extra dimension to a tournament that has not lacked compelling narratives.

Morocco and Ghana have yet to win the championship, which the Confederation of African Football has doubled to $1m for the victors and introduced a new trophy.

The tournament hosts are now on course to reach the final for a second consecutive time, having cruised to a 3-1 win over Mali.

Yet another passionate home crowd of the 21,000-capacity Olympic Stadium is anticipated in the capital to back the Atlas Lionesses.

“The public who have come to the stadium have encouraged us from the outset,” coach Jorge Vilda said.

It’s been that way, and hopefully it’s the same in the semi-final. What we have in our mind is we want to arrive at the final.”

The last four at the Women's Cup of Nations in Morocco
The last four at the Women's Cup of Nations in Morocco