by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 29, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Two of the Premier League’s most electrifying dribblers are also proving to be master creators. West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus and Manchester City’s Jérémy Doku stand alone as the only players this season to combine double digits in both key metrics—chance creation and successful take-ons.
Kudus leads the charge with 24 take-ons completed and 12 chances fashioned, while Doku follows closely with 18 take-ons and 12 chances of his own. Their end product matches the flair, with each already supplying three Premier League assists.
Dynamic on the ball and decisive in the final third, Kudus and Doku are redefining what it means to be an attacking menace in England’s top flight.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 29, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
FIFA’s disciplinary hammer has shaken up Africa’s World Cup qualifying race. South Africa were docked three points for fielding Teboho Mokoena while he was on a yellow-card suspension against Lesotho, a decision that has blown the group wide open with just two matches left.
The updated table now puts Nigeria in prime position to seize control. The Super Eagles face a tricky trip to Lesotho before hosting Benin in their final game.
South Africa must regroup quickly, travelling to Zimbabwe before a decisive home clash with Rwanda. Benin remain in the hunt as well, but their path is just as demanding, with an away tie against Rwanda followed by a showdown in Nigeria.
Every kick now matters as the group hurtles toward a dramatic finish.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 29, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
The football world is mourning the loss of Roger Lukaku, the father of Belgian internationals Romelu and Jordan Lukaku, who has sadly passed away.
Roger, himself a former professional footballer who represented Zaire (now DR Congo), was a guiding influence in his sons’ careers, nurturing their passion for the game from an early age. His dedication and support helped shape Romelu and Jordan into two of Belgium’s most prominent players.
Messages of condolence and support have poured in from fans, teammates, and clubs around the world, offering comfort to the Lukaku family during this difficult time.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 29, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer, World Cup
South Africa’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign has been dealt a major blow after FIFA confirmed a three-point deduction for fielding Teboho Mokoena while he was under a yellow-card suspension against Lesotho.
The Bafana Bafana midfielder should have served a one-match ban but was included in Hugo Broos’ lineup during the crucial Group C clash. FIFA’s disciplinary ruling means South Africa lose the points gained from that fixture and slip to second place in the group, level on points with Benin but trailing on goal difference.
This decision puts added pressure on Broos’ men as they look to secure qualification in the remaining fixtures.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 29, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The road to continental glory narrowed on Sunday as 20 clubs booked their places in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.
In the Champions League, 12 sides progressed after a dramatic weekend of football. Tunisia’s Monastir and Algeria’s JS Kabylie turned on the style, scoring a combined 14 goals over two legs—Monastir crushing East End Lions 7–1 on aggregate and Kabylie dismantling Bibiani Gold Stars 7–0.
Elsewhere, Kenya Police edged Mogadishu City on away goals despite a 2–0 defeat, while Power Dynamos survived a scare against ASEC, winning 5–4 on penalties after a 1–1 aggregate. Nsingizini Hotspurs and Rahimo also held their nerve in shootouts to advance.
Big names like Al-Hilal, Colombe, Al Ahly Tripoli, Rivers United, and FC Nouadhibou all rose to the occasion, overturning first-leg stalemates with decisive second-leg victories. Simba SC’s 1–0 first-leg win proved crucial as they held Gaborone United to a 1–1 draw to move through.
Two ties remain: Al-Merrikh must overturn a 1–0 deficit against FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo on 4 October, while defending champions Pyramids FC kick off their campaign against APR on 5 October in Cairo.
The CAF Confederation Cup produced its own fireworks. Morocco’s OC Safi and Zambia’s ZESCO United ran riot, scoring five each to cruise into the next round. Tanzania’s Azam, Burkina Faso’s USFA, and Ghana’s Asante Kotoko all delivered home-and-away victories. AS Otohô held Primeiro de Agosto to a goalless draw to seal a 2–1 aggregate win, while Djoliba edged Abia Warriors 2–1 overall. Flambeau du Centre prevailed in a thrilling 4–3 aggregate over Al Akhdar after a 2–2 second-leg draw.
A few ties are still alive: Pamplemousses host Maniema Union on 3 October trailing 2–1, while Djabal travel to Lubumbashi to face FC Simba, looking to overturn a 1–0 first-leg deficit.
The stage is set for a gripping second preliminary round as Africa’s finest continue their quest for continental supremacy.
