Africa

3, January 2021

Red cards as Uganda hold Cameroon in CHAN warm-up ⁰

Uganda drew 1-1 with host country Cameroon in a fiery African Nations Championship (CHAN) warm-up match despite having a player sent off after only 12 minutes.

Ben Ocen was shown a straight red card following his reckless challenge on Alfred Meyong at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, the 42,500-capacity national stadium in Yaounde.

Cameroon went ahead through Banga Bindjelme just a minute after Uganda were reduced to 10 men, but Milton Karisa levelled on 70 minutes and the home side had Basile Yamkam red-carded in the final minute.

Cameroon will face Niger and Zambia in other friendly matches as the central African nation prepares to host a major Confederation of African Football (CAF) male tournament for the first time since 1972.

The Nations Championship kicks off on January 16 in Yaounde with a Group A clash between Cameroon and Zimbabwe, and Burkina Faso and Mali meet later in the second half of a double-header.

Group winners and runners-up advance to the quarter-finals of a tournament reserved for footballers playing in their country of birth.

Source: France 24

30, December 2020

Football Politics: CAF to elect new president ⁰

Malagasy Ahmad was a hot favourites to secure a second term as CAF president until FIFA barred him from all football activities for five years.

A FIFA statement said the 60 year old had “breached his duty of loyalty, offered gifts and other benefits, mismanaged funds and abused his position as the CAF president”.

With Ahmad sidelined, Ivorian Jacques Anouma, Mauritanian Ahmed Yahya, Senegalese Augustin Senghor and South African Patrice Motsepe will contest the election in Rabat on March 12.

Source: France 24

29, December 2020

CHAN to take place in Cameroon with spectators in attendance despite Covid-19 ⁰

CAF has confirmed the African Nations Football Championship (CHAN) in Cameroon to take place with fans allowed into the stadia with COVID-19 measures implemented.

Initially scheduled to have taken place in April 2020, the tournament was postponed to early 2021 due to the ongoing pandemic.

It is now set to run from January 16 to February 7 2021.

According to the Journal du Cameroon, the Sports and Physical Education Minister Narcisse Mouelle Kombi was informed of this decision during a working visit to the Amadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé.

Mouelle Kombi stated that during group matches, the stadiums will be filled at 25 per cent capacity.

“CAF has delivered a satisfactory certificate to Cameroon in which she indicates the percentage of stadia occupation in line with health exigencies outlines by FIFA,” said Mouelle Kombi.

“Twenty five per cent of spectators will be admitted in the different stadia during the first phase of the competition, that is group matches.”

He suggested that this could rise to 50 per cent in the knockout phases of the competition.

In a previous stadium visit in Douala, Cameroon Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute added that he was “sure” that by the time the competition starts, the COVID-19 situation in Africa will have improved.

To date, there have been more than 26,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Cameroon, resulting in the deaths of 448 people.

The cities of Yaounde, Douala and Limbe are set to host matches at the Championship.

CHAN is one of two international continental men’s football competitions sanctioned by CAF along with the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Africa Cup of Nations allows all players who play internationally for African teams to compete, while the CHAN only permits players involved in domestic leagues to compete.

Cameroon’s side will be solely made up of Cameroonian players playing football in their home league.

Source: Ghanasoccernet

13, December 2020

Football: Issa Hayatou to be made Honourable CAF President ⁰

Hayatou spent 29 years running the Confederation of African Football and will be granted the status of honorary president of the Confederation of African Football (Caf) next month at a special ceremony in his home nation Cameroon.

Hayatou is the longest-serving ruler in Caf’s history, having led the African football body from 1988 to 2017.

The 74-year-old was made an honorary vice-president of Fifa after losing the elections three years ago, and now Caf is following suit.

“This distinguished leader presided over Caf for 30 years… and this honour salutes his immense role in the development of African football,” Caf said in a statement.

The decision to make Hayatou an honorary president was a proposal by the Executive Committee (ExCo) which the General Assembly approved yesterday.

The ceremony, which originally would have taken place in early 2020 but was postponed due to coronavirus, will take place in Yaounde on January 15, – a day before the African Nations Championship (Chan) kicks off in Cameroon.

Source: Thisday

9, December 2020

Africa Cup of Nations: Gambia fined for letting Gabonese team sleep on airport floor ⁰

Gambia was fined $100,000 for the unsporting reception accorded to the visiting Gabonese national team in November.

Gabon were in the west African country for a 2021 African Cup of Nations qualifier.

In its ruling published on Tuesday, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) chided the hosts for non-compliance “with the loyalty, Integrity and sportsmanship values and rules of Fair Play”.

“The Disciplinary Board decided to impose upon the Gambian federation a fine of 100.000 USD (One Hundred Thousand US Dollars) of which 50.000 USD (Fifty Thousand US Dollars) are suspended on the condition that the federation is not found guilty of a similar offense within a period of twenty-four (24) months”, read part of the ruling.

The Gabon delegation were told they were not allowed to leave the airport because of an administrative problem and were forced to sleep on the floor before being allowed to leave in the morning after government intervention.

The incident garnered global attention after Arsenal captain and Gabon international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang tweeted about it.

Gabon lost the tie 2-1.

Gambia and Gabon are in drawn in Group D along with Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

CAF also fined the Gabonese football federation $10,000 for ‘offensive and degrading material that undermines the honor and image of the Confederation of African Football’ published by Aubameyang.

Source: Africa News

8, November 2020

Africa Cup qualifiers to go ahead behind closed doors ⁰

All 48 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers between November 9 and 17 will be played behind closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic, a Confederation of African Football (CAF) statement said Friday.

While Africa has avoided a second wave of Covid-19 that much of Europe is experiencing, there have been more than 1.8 million official cases and 44,200 deaths in the continent, according to an AFP tally.

“Our goal is to ensure uniformity of safety and security operations across Africa, emphasising that matches take place in a safe and secure environment,” said CAF head of security and safety Christian Emeruwa.

“We are aware of the enormous task that lies ahead, in particular to succeed in keeping spectators and fans away from the stadiums.”

The matches will be the first in the crown jewel of African football since last November when the first two Cup of Nations matchdays were played.

Another two matchdays are scheduled during nine days from this Monday and the final two rounds will be played next March.

There are 12 groups of four teams and the winners and runners-up in all except one qualify for the 2022 tournament in Cameroon.

Five-time African champions Cameroon qualify automatically from Group F because they are the hosts, with the highest placed finishers between Cape Verde, Mozambique and Rwanda filling the other place.

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon are taking part in qualifying to achieve competitive match practice rather than rely on friendly internationals.

Algeria are the holders of the Cup of Nations after defeating Senegal 1-0 in the final in Cairo last year through a goal from Baghdad Bounedjah.

The Algerians boast a perfect Group H qualifying record after two rounds having trounced Zambia 5-0 at home before winning 1-0 in Botswana.

Source: AFP

31, October 2020

Cameroon legend Geremi opposed to Africa Cup matches in Europe ⁰

Cameroon football legend Geremi Njitap says African countries must not be allowed to stage Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Europe during the coronavirus pandemic.

There have been reports that Senegal and Guinea-Bissau were “discussing” moving back-to-back matches during November from Dakar and Bissau to Portugal.

Senegal had to postpone at the last minute this month a warm-up match when eight of the visiting Mauritania delegation tested positive for Covid-19.

However, that was the only friendly international in the continent during October to be cancelled while two in Portugal and one in Turkey involving African teams were called off due to coronavirus.

Answering a question from AFP at a videoconference organised by the Netherlands-based global professional footballers’ union FIFPro, Geremi said: “I do not believe CAF will allow that.

“This is an African competition and there is no way matches can be played in Europe,” said the former Real Madrid, Chelsea and Cameroon defender-cum-midfielder and FIFPro board member.

“Of course, staging qualifiers in Europe would be better for most of the players because that is where they are based.

“I have no objection to friendly internationals involving African countries being staged in Europe, but not Cup of Nations nor World Cup qualifiers.

“African football supporters will not accept that — they want to cheer their heroes on even if the numbers at grounds may be severely limited by the pandemic.”

FIFPro general secretary Jonas Baer-Hoffmann warned that health protocols “do not change one bit” whether matches are staged in Africa or Europe.

“It is very important to make clear that the responsibilities and obligations of federations in terms of health protocols do not change.

“During the international window this month, many footballers in Europe contracted the virus after being with national teams.

“Irrespective of whether matches are staged in Africa or Europe, federations need to do a better job than they did this month when providing health safeguards.

– ‘Big risk’ –

“Otherwise, there is a big risk of many positive cases which can impact on how Africa proceeds with qualifying for the Cup of Nations and World Cup.”

There are 48 Cup of Nations qualifiers scheduled between November 9 and 17, including defending champions Algeria playing Zimbabwe at home and away.

Geremi was also asked if he agreed with 1995 World, European and African Footballer of the Year and now Liberia president George Weah that Covid-19 posed a huge threat to African football.

“Football is more than a religion in Africa and an Africa without football is unimaginable,” said the former star who made 118 appearances for the Cameroon national team, the Indomitable Lions.

“Kids love football, and many poor families see the sport as a path to a better life if a child can develop their talents and secure a professional contract.

“Governments and companies cannot stop putting money into football,” he said, reacting to the fears of Weah that there will be a “large drop-off” in funding from the public and private sectors.

“Where these (sponsorships) no longer exist, many clubs will collapse and leagues will close permanently,” Weah told a recent videoconference organised by the Africa Sports Ventures group.

“It is my considered opinion that the future of sport in Africa is bleak, and not guaranteed to recover,” said the ex-Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, Chelsea, Manchester City and Marseille forward.

“Health and economic recovery take absolute priority, however it is important that the global funding being raised should recognise the social importance of sport.”

Source: AFP

17, October 2020

Football: Eto’o meets Chadian President at N’djamena Palace ⁰

The meeting between the Cameroonian football legend and the Chadian Head of State took place on Thursday, October 15, 2020 in N’djamena, on the sidelines of a tournament for the detection of young talents for which the former La Liga “pichichi” was the special guest.

Samuel Eto’o Fils was received in audience at the presidential palace of N’djamena, by President, Idriss Deby Itno. The “pichichi” and the Chadian head of state exchanged at length on the issue of the development of football in Chad, with the construction of a football school in the Chadian capital, the fruit of a partnership between the Chadian state and the Samuel Eto’o Foundation.

The avenues of a partnership was also explored between Samuel Eto’o’s organisation and the “Grand Coeur” Foundation of the Chadian first lady Hinda Deby Itno, whom the former Barcelona man also met after his audience with the president.

At the end of the tournament, Eto’o selected 15 young Chadians who will benefit from a two-year training scholarship at the Kadji Sports Academy (KSA) in Douala, where he himself was moulded before flying to Europe.

By Rita Akana

3, October 2020

Football updates from the African continent ⁰

South African coach Pitso Mosimane has been congratulated by President Cyril Ramaphosa after joining African and Egyptian giants Al Ahly from Mamelodi Sundowns.

“It is a recognition of the talent and capability within our continent,” said the head of state as he reacted to Mosimane becoming the first sub-Saharan African to coach the Cairo club.

“Pitso will be missed as a force in South African football, but his appointment strengthens the bonds of friendship between our two countries.”

Mosimane replaced Swiss Rene Weiler, who led Ahly to the Egyptian Premier League title this season but could not agree terms for a renewal of his contract.

Here, AFP Sport rounds up football news from the continent:

Egypt

Mosimane debuts Sunday as coach of record eight-time African champions Ahly in a domestic league match that is more significant to rivals Al Mokawloon Al Arab.

His new club have already clinched a 42nd title and are 15 points above fierce rivals Zamalek with four matches to play but Swiss coach Rene Weiler left after contract talks with the club broke down.

Mokawloon are desperate for a win as they trail Pyramids by five points in the race to finish third and qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup, the African equivalent of the Europa League.

South Africa

Ajax Amsterdam have severed links with Ajax Cape Town, selling their 51 percent stake in the national second-tier league club from Cape Town.

The four-time European champions worked with their Cape Town namesakes for 21 years, offering coaching assistance and taking talented locals to the Netherlands.

But the plan gradually misfired with a Ajax Amsterdam statement saying “the South African market has not produced enough talent and the club has shifted its focus to other markets”.

Ethiopia

Wubetu Abate has replaced Abraham Mebratu as coach of Ethiopia, who have competed at the Africa Cup of Nations only once in the past 38 years.

Mebratu did pull off a surprise home win over the Ivory Coast in a 2021 qualifier, but achieved little else of note for a country ranked 41st in Africa and 146th in the world.

“It is a dream come true for me to manage my country,” said Abate as he prepared for two Cup of Nations qualifiers against Niger next month.

Nigeria

Hoffenheim defender and former Germany U20 captain Kevin Akpoguma has opted to play for Nigeria — the birthplace of his father — at senior level.

The 25-year-old can switch international allegiance because he has not played for the German senior team.

Germany-born Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr says Akpoguma could be considered for home and away Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone during November.

DR Congo

Five-time CAF Champions League winners TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo have hired a Cameroonian midfielder and a Guinean forward for the 2021 African campaign.

Cameroonian Cedric Martial Zemba Ikong, 21, has moved to southern Congolese city Lubumbashi from Apejes Mfou, an academy team based in Yaounde.

Guinean Moustapha Kouyate, 26, joins 11-time CAF title winners Mazembe from Muscat Club in Oman and is seen as a successor to Jackson Muleka, who moved to Standard Liege recently.

Morocco

Star Moroccan forward Ayoub el Kaabi has joined Wydad Casablanca from Chinese club Hebei Fortune to bolster the already powerful squad of the Moroccan title hopefuls.

He sprang to prominence in the 2018 African Nations Championship, scoring nine goals as hosts Morocco won a competition restricted to footballers playing in their country of birth.

Second-place Wydad trail fierce Casablanca rivals Raja by one point with three rounds remaining in the Moroccan championship.

Guinea

Conakry-based Horoya are the only non-north African side to reach the semi-finals of the two 2020 CAF club competitions and much of the credit belongs to businessman Antonio Souare.

He has poured millions of dollars into the club that has not lifted a continental trophy since winning the now defunct African Cup Winners Cup 42 years ago.

Souare is bankrolling thea new stadium and an academy outside the Guinean capital for the club who meet Pyramids of Egypt this month in a Confederation Cup semi-final.

Source: AFP

5, August 2020

Didier Drogba enters race to be president of Ivory Coast football federation ⁰

CHELSEA legend Didier Drogba was mobbed by thousands of adoring fans as he submitted his candidacy to become president of Ivory Coast football.

The 42-year-old will compete with four other hopefuls for the position after launching his bid in the country’s economic capital Abidjan.

Didier Drogba was met by adoring crowds as he bid to become the new FA President in Ivory CoastCredit: AFP or licensors

Didier Drogba hopes to be voted president of football in Ivory Coast next monthCredit: AFP or licensors

The elections to be top chief at the Cote d’Ivoire Football Federation take place on September 5.

And the former striker hopes his achievements throughout his distinguished club career and with The Elephants will help him be voted in.

Indeed the surrounding streets were full of fans desperate to get a glimpse of their idol, carry banners and wearing T-shirts adorned with Drogba’s face.

However, despite his popularity with football fans in the country, he is still not certain to be on the ballot.

Drogba needs nominations from three of the 14 Ligue 1 clubs and two from the lower divisions.

The two-time African Football of the Year also must have the endorsement of any of five special interest groups of coaches, doctors, current and former players and referees, according to Reuters.

And his candidacy has already suffered a big blow after the Ivory Coast Footballers Association controversially did not support him.

Drogba said: “Football is everyone’s sport, football brings people together, football unites.

“We can see it today with all these people gathered in front of the headquarters of the Ivorian football federation.”

The Blues icon added: ”It’s no secret that our football is going badly, and that is why with my team we are committed to contributing to the rebirth of Ivorian football.