NEWS
A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
Internationals: Ethiopian coach makes history in Yemen
"We played all of our home games far from home but still we notched a tremendous results that have made all Yemenis rejoice as one in these trying times."
Abraham Mebratu’s name will go down in history as the first man to lead war-torn Yemen to the Asian Cup finals. Mebratu’s charges booked a place at next year’s finals in UAE by overcoming Nepal, 2-1 ensuring they finish top of their group with two wins and two draws in four matches. The Ethiopian and his Yemeni team has won a victory both for football and the country which still continues to toil in political unrest.
"We played all of our home games far from home but still we notched tremendous results that have made all Yemenis rejoice as one in these trying times." - Abraham Mebratu
This is the first time that an Ethiopian coach has led a foreign country to a major tournament.
International Friendlies Round II: How did Africa’s world cup five perform?
How did the African 5 fare during round two of the international break?
Tunisia and Morocco made it two wins in two matches after seeing off Costa Rica and Uzbekistan. Tunisia edged the Central Americans 1-0 courtesy of Wahbi Khazri’s goal who also finished the job in Eagles of the Carthage’s 1-0 win over Iran a few days ago. Morocco continued their impeccable form by comfortably beating Uzbekistan by two goals to nothing even after fielding a second-best team. So far they seem to be the favorites to write history for Africa at the FIFA World Cup finals in June but with Spain, Portugal, and Iran in their way to the knockout stages, it is easier said than done.
Nigeria narrowly escaped the onslaught of Lewandowski and friends against Poland, in their 1-0 win but they wouldn’t be so lucky this team. Mitrovic’s brace revealed the Super Eagles’ weakness which might actually be a blessing in disguise for Nigeria as the world urges closer. Salah-less Egypt were humbled 1- 0 by Greece and capped off the international break with no wins in two. Injury-hit Senegal drew 0-0 with Bosnia Herzegovina, finishing the break with only stalemate score sheets.
In the light of these recent events, are you still confident in your world cup team? Let us know in the comments below!
Uganda: CAF Commissions FUFA Beach Soccer Arena ahead of the regionals in May
Set for a date in May in Lake Victoria, Entebbe
The CAF Committee for Development of Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee were in Uganda for a historic one-day meeting, the first to be conducted outside its Cairo, Egypt headquarters on Monday, 26 March. Amongst other things, the delegation discussed the preparations for the third edition of the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2018, Youth Olympics Futsal Tournament and bidding process for the Futsal Africa Cup of Nations 2020.
The delegation then signed off with a visit to the venue for the inaugural CECAFA Beach Soccer Challenge scheduled to take place in May featuring the east African nations. The proposed three-acre facility at Kitubulu on the shores of Lake Victoria in Entebbe is currently under construction and the project is earmarked at $200 000 and expected to have a 2000 sitting capacity.
Morocco: Inside their 2018 FIFA World Cup bid
The country of Morocco ranks as one of the safest in the world
The North African country is making a fifth attempt at hosting the world’s biggest soccer tournament, the FIFA World Cup. Their fifth bid couldn’t be any easier as they have to outbid a USA, Canada and Mexico’s joint bid. In their 193 paged document submitted to FIFA, Morocco presented a case of them being "one of the safest countries in the world" and will offer "an ideal security environment" for the tournament. It is an interesting point to make especially during the period when gun law and policy is one of the key political debates.
"Exceptionally low murder rates (three per 100,000 people), benefitting from very low gun circulation, are reflected in a United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) study ranking Morocco among the best-performing nations in the world - at the same level as both Denmark and Japan." - The Moroccan bid.
Mexico’s murder-rate stood at 21 per 100, 000 in 2017 (the highest in modern records) ; USA was at 5.3 per 100, 000 IN 2015 according to the FBI while Canada was at 1.68 per 100, 000 in the same year.
Abroad: Nigeria’s Ighalo talks about life in China
"When I went there I was expecting a lower class of the league but when I arrived I saw how tough it is and said this is not what I had heard about.”
The Super Eagles and the Changchun Yatai striker has opened up about what it is like playing in the Chinese Super League. Odion Ighalo moved to Asia in 2017 from English side, Watford. He seems to have adapted to life in China, alluding that football is actually competitive in CSL than he initially thought or what most people would think because of the influx of foreign players and managers. Ighalo scored 15 goals in 27 appearances in his first season and now he has 1 in 3 matches.
"When I went there I was expecting a lower class of the league but when I arrived I saw how tough it is and said this is not what I had heard about.” - Odion Ighalo
The Super Eagles striker is also encouraging other African players to consider a move to the CSL should the opportunity beckon.
"If the opportunity jumps on them and they think properly about it, they should go because it's an opportunity to make some money, play in Asia and to experience the life and culture there." - Odion Ighalo
DRC: Frustrated quartet walk out of the squad
Mutiny in the Republic of Congo side
Four players left the Democratic Republic of Congo camp before their friendly against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania. This was perhaps a case too many for West Ham United’s Arthur Masuaku, Paul-Jose Mpoku of Belgian club Standard Liege, Jordan Ikoko from En Avant Guingamp and Gael Kakuta of Ligue 1 outfit Amiens. The cited reasons for the protest were repeated logistical and organizational problems.
As the four left for their clubs, the faithful had to endure the flight delays, poor quality accommodation with a stern warning that they would follow suit if conditions would remain unchanged. DRC Congo have lost the ensuing match 2-0 in Tanzania to Tanzania. Logistical issues and non-payment of promised allowances are not exactly new in some other African countries and the players seem to be pushing for a revolution to change things. Here is what a Congo Brazzaville striker said last week after he had ditched the team in France over poor treatment of players:
"We will remain vigilant. We will now check a month before our next international to find out what the conditions are. I think a message has been conveyed to the country. And that the conditions will be much better in the future." - Thievy Bifouma
Russia 2018: Africa’s world cup five out to cap off friendlies in style on Tuesday
The 5 African Nations repping the continent in style
Nigeria: After snatching a 1-0 win against Poland (sixth-ranked team in the world), away from home, courtesy of a Victor Moses penalty, the Super Eagles will be out to prove their doubters wrong by putting up a more convincing performance against Serbia.
Morocco: The Atlas of the Lions have been a great revelation under Herve Renard and they continued that streak by dominating Serbia in a 2-1 win at home. With their recent performances and the backing of legend, El Hadji Diouf to write history for Africa in Russia, Morocco will be expected to come out on top against Uzbekistan.
Egypt: The Pharaoh's performances against Portugal were not too bad. They fell out by two goals to one, thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’ stoppage time brace after Mohamed Salah had opened the scoring. Anyone would tip them to bounce back against Greece.
Tunisia: The Carthage Eagles won hearts with their 1-0 victory over Asia’s surprise package, Iran, who will also face North Africans, Morocco in the June world cup finals. Whether or not they are not they will do the same against the challenge of Costa Rica tomorrow, one would be brave to pick a winner there.
Senegal: The Lions of Teranga shared the spoils with Uzbekistan in 1 -1 draw on Friday in Casablanca. With at least three key players expected to be on sidelines through injury, the Senegal camp will be desperate to show that they have enough depth in their squad to overcome any opponent as they face Edin Dzeko’s Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Internationals: Iran-Sierra Leone friendly subject to match-fixing scrutiny
Iran-Sierra Leone friendly under investigation for foul play
Sierra Leone FA’s (SLFA) president, Isha Johansen has petitioned FIFA’s Match-Fixing Enquiry Committee to investigate the Iran-Sierra Leone friendly that took place in Tehran, in February 2018. Isha claims that an under-strength side left the country without her consent and suspects that all the logistics and communications between SLFA and the Iranian federation( FFIRI) were handled by rival cabals in the SLFA.
FFIRI funded Sierra Leone ’s flights and accommodation in this arrangement and alluded that they would have canceled the match if they had known of its alleged true nature.
"My fear is that activities may have already taken place unknowingly to me for which I may one day [have] to account for." - Isha Johansen, SLFA President
Iran won the match 4-0 and is currently in its final phases of their world cup appearance in June 2018 where they will play Portugal, Morocco, and Spain in Group B.
Women’s African cup of Nations: Ghana gives the tournament a USD $8 million boost
A new chapter for African Women's football as Ghana step up big
During the launch of the Women’s African Cup of Nations tournament in Accra on Friday, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Isaac Asiamah revealed that the government has approved eight million dollars to be channeled towards a successful delivery of the games.
The honorable minister praised the Local Organizing community and the women world in their relentless efforts to deliver a world-class football tournament in the West African nation. He has also highlighted that the facilities will be ready to hosts all the eight visiting nations and assured the nation that preparations were underway to ensure the Black Queens of Ghana have a strong campaign and perhaps win the top prize.
"The women have demonstrated that they could sometimes do better than men as far as organization of such tournaments are concerned. They are ensuring that Ghana emerges as one of the best destinations for hosting football in the world." - Isaac Asiamah, Ghana’s Minister of Youth and Sports
The first and second ladies of the country, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, and Samira Bawumia are also on board to renovate some facilities for the tournament.
Four Nations Tournament: South Africa wins gold medal
South Africa win the battle in Ndola
Bafana Bafana claimed the ultimate prize in Ndola after overcoming the hosts, Zambia, 2-0 in the final on Saturday, 25 March. South Africa booked a place in the final by narrowingly beating Angola 4-3 in penalty shootouts but after fielding a different team for the match, the visitors were fairly comfortable against Zambia. Bafana coach, Stuart Baxter was elated with his charges’ performance and will be keen to use this as a springboard to take South Africa back to glory days with the first stop being the AFCON 2019.
“This was indeed a fruitful exercise for the technical team as well as the players. We had two highly competitive opponents in a short space of time and did well in both games. We played two different teams because we wanted everyone to play, especially the kids and they really held their own in tough conditions,” - Stuart Baxter.
In a bronze medal match played on the same day, Angola beat Zimbabwe 4-2 on penalties after playing out to a 2-2 in which the Warriors of Zimbabwe gave up the lead twice as they did against Zambia.
Zimbabwe: Senior women’s team coach appeals for support
"I think the whole thing is about sponsorship"
Head coach, Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda has made a familiar cry surrounding the exploits of the Mighty Warriors camp. Kwinji 15 who is a former Zimbabwean international has called upon the corporate world and any willing hearts to lend a hand as they prepare to tackle Namibia on April 5 for a place in the Women’s African Cup of Nations scheduled for November 2018 in Ghana. In particular, the Mighty Warriors mentor mentioned the lack of competitive matches in the form of international friendlies or a challenge-free domestic league as the main pain points before revealing that all the issues stem out of underinvestment into the women’s game.
"I think the whole thing is about sponsorship. My plea really is if there are any companies out there who can put their money in women football, it can go a long way in helping our girls. So that at least our national league is kept going." - Sithethelelwe Sibanda
Mighty Warriors enjoyed a fruitful 2016 that saw them qualify for the Rio Olympic games as well as the African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) finals in Yaounde, Cameroon.
Abroad: Arsenal tie down Egypt’s Mohamed Elneny
Elneny extends his stay at the London club
The Gunners and Pharaohs midfielder has signed a contract extension with the club which will see him stay in North London for a “long time.” The length of the contract has not been revealed but Elneny was not shy to share his commitment and focus to the twitter world.
"Officially we will be together for a longer time, in order to reach what we started, and to put Arsenal in its deserved spot in Europe and the whole world." - Elneny
Mohamed joined Arsenal in January 2016 from FC Basel and has since made 65 appearances for the club. He has not featured regularly for the Gunners this season but still remains an integral part of the midfield. He is currently with the Egyptian squad in Switzerland for a series of friendlies in preparation for the FIFA World Cup finals in June, Russia.
Teammate Delaney talks about the importance of the Ivorian
Zaha crucial to Palace survival
Damien Delaney is lamenting on the injury woes that are keeping their star man on the sidelines. The 36-year old believes that Wilfried Zaha is the man to take Crystal Palace to safety. The Ivorian forward is currently struggling to remain fit but has dazzled the fans with some fantastic displays which have resulted in 4 goals and two assists. Delaney is quoted as having said, “Without him, we lose someone with the ability to release pressure.” Such is the dependence of a club on a young African forward who has a promising future. Palace is currently sitting on 16th position with a 2 point advantage over Southampton who are also in the relegation battle.
Egypt: Striker surplus to South Africa’s Bidvest Wits, finds favor in Europe
The Egyptian International finds a new hom
Egyptian forward Amr Gamal who was on loan from Al Ahly was released last week by Bidvest Wits. Gamal has joined the Finnish champions, HJK Helsinki, who have described his arrival as welcome development.
“Amr Gamal is a clever striker. The competition is becoming very tough and is developing. We want to have a competitive, energetic and offensive squad through the spring and summer.” - Juho Rantala, Helsinki’s Director of Football
Gamal will be keen to use this loan spell as a pedestal to bounce back and make it to the Pharaohs’ squad for Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup finals. It is not every day when you get to hear about a player not winging it in Africa, getting warm welcomes in Europe. It’s perhaps a sign that the quality of football in the continent’s domestic leagues may be improving at a rate faster than we realize.
Ghana: Essien may be reaching the end of his international career
What is your favorite Essien memory? Let us know in the comment box below.
If you are wondering, yes, he has been playing football but maybe not for long. The Ghanaian midfield maestro is falling of favor at Indonesia’s Persib Bandung. A rule that forbids Indonesian football clubs from having more than three foreign players has seen Michael Essien being moved to the sidelines. A 26-year-old Argentine, Jonathan Bauman has been picked ahead of 35-year-old who was one of the best midfielders in the world in his prime.
The acclaimed midfielder is known for his “no nonsense” midfield approach and charming smiles enjoyed an illustrious career where he featured for Chelsea, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Olympique Lyonnais winning several league titles and most notably a champions league trophy with North Londoners (Chelsea).
Four Nations Tournament: Zambia book a date with Bafana Bafana in the final
Tune in for the final on Saturday!
The four Southern African titans are so competitive up to a point that both semi-finals had to be decided on penalty shoot-outs. On Wednesday, the hosts, Zambia had to come from behind twice to force a draw with neighbors Zimbabwe. Chipolopolo eventually overcame their long-standing rivals 5-4 on penalties to set up a meeting with South Africa who also beat Angola on penalties after a hard fought 1-1 draw.
The final matches will be on Saturday when Zimbabwe will face Angola for the bronze medal with the finale kicking off three hours later.
CAF Champions League Draw: The battle lines have been drawn
Let the games begin!
With the second round matches scheduled for as early as 6-8 May 2018, the match-ups for the final 16 teams have been decided in a draw conducted in Cairo, Egypt.
The stand out fixture has to be between the 2017 and 2016 Champions. Wydad Casablanca(Morocco) and Mamelodi Sundowns(South Africa) are in Group C together with AS Port of Togo and Horoya of Guinea. Masandawana will be keen to settle a score with Wydad after the former was knocked out last year on penalties with the latter eventually claiming the prize. With several debutants like Mbabane Swallows (Swaziland), AS Port of Togo and seasoned competitors such as the eight-time champions, Al Ahly (Egypt) in the mix for the title hunt - the final stages of the tournament promises to be full of thrills and spills. In fact, reacting to the draw, Sundowns gaffer Pitso Mosimane highlighted how ready they are to take on any challenge but admitted that fresh boys like AS Port of Togo are closed books which will need to be studied.
““Horoya plays good football with great passing technique. They are a good team, tactical and have some good individual players. The team we don’t know much is AS Port (Togo), and we will have to conduct a research on them” ”
Here is the complete list of the groups....
2018 Champions League groups:
Group A: Al Ahly (Egypt), Township Rollers (Botswana), KCCA (Uganda), Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia)
Group B: TP Mazembe (DR Congo), Mouloudia Alger (Algeria), Difaa El Jadidi (Morocco), Entente Setif (Algeria)
Group C: AS Port of Togo (Togo), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Wydad Casablanca (Morocco), Horoya (Guinea)
Group D: Zesco United (Zambia), Primeiro de Agosto (Angola), Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia), Mbabane Swallows (Swaziland)
Morocco: Real Madrid defender pulls out of squad
Get well soon Hakimi
The Lions of the Atlas will be without breakout teen, Achraf Hakimi for this months’ friendlies as result of the injury he picked out on his first day of training. The 19 year old suffered the injury in Turin ahead of Morocco’s match against Serbia in preparation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in June. Hakimi came to the spotlight after being deployed by Zinedine Zidane on the right back position of the Los Blancos set up in the absence of injured Dani Carvajal. Since then, he has appeared 14 times for Real Madrid this season scoring once and was handed his Moroccan debut by Herve Renard also scoring in his four international caps so far.
Achraf Hakimi was born in Spain and has always represented Morocco at youth level even though he had an option to play for the European giants.