by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 1, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Rwanda’s national football team, the Amavubi, have kicked off preparations for a decisive round of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as they eye crucial fixtures against Nigeria and Zimbabwe.
The team assembled at Gorilla Hotel on Sunday, August 31, before holding their first training session later that afternoon at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali. Head coach Adel Amrouche has named a 27-man provisional squad, which will be trimmed down to 24 players for the two-match assignment.
The Amavubi are scheduled to depart Kigali on Tuesday, September 2, aboard RwandAir for Nigeria. They will head to Uyo, where they will lock horns with the Super Eagles on September 6 in what promises to be a high-stakes clash.
Just a day after that fixture, the Rwandan delegation will travel to South Africa, where they will play Zimbabwe on September 9.
These games carry immense weight for both Rwanda and Nigeria, who are trailing group leaders South Africa. The Bafana Bafana currently top the group with 13 points—though their tally is under review following a FIFA probe into alleged use of an ineligible player against Lesotho in March.
Rwanda are second in the group with eight points, tied with Benin, while Nigeria sit fourth with seven points. Lesotho follow closely with six points, and Zimbabwe prop up the table with four.
With the race for qualification intensifying, Amrouche’s men will be hoping to strengthen their push for a historic World Cup berth.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 1, 2025 | Africa, International, Soccer, World Cup
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has unveiled his squad list for the September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with a blend of experience, exciting returns, and a debut call-up.
One of the headline inclusions is Amr El Gazzar, the National Bank of Egypt defender, who earns his first-ever call-up to the Pharaohs’ senior team. Also returning to the fold is Pyramids midfielder Mohannad Lasheen, making his comeback after last featuring at the Africa Cup of Nations. Marwan Attia of Al Ahly also reclaims his place after recovering from a hernia injury.
As expected, the talismanic Mohamed Salah leads the attack alongside Mostafa Mohamed and Omar Marmoush, while the goalkeeping unit features trusted names such as Mohamed El Shenawy and promising youngster Mostafa Shobeir.
Full Egypt Squad
Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly), Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly), Mohamed Sobhy (Zamalek), Abdelaziz El Balouty (National Bank)
Defenders: Rami Rabia (Al Ain, UAE), Khaled Sobhi (Al Masry), Amr El Gazzar (National Bank), Hossam Abdelmaguid (Zamalek), Mohamed Rabia (ZED), Mohamed Hany (Al Ahly), Ahmed Eid (Al Masry), Mohamed Hamdy (Pyramids), Ahmed Nabil “Koka” (Al Ahly)
Midfielders: Hamdi Fathi (Al Wakrah, Qatar), Nabil Emad (Zamalek), Marwan Attia (Al Ahly), Mahmoud Saber (ZED), Mohannad Lasheen (Pyramids), Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” (Al Ahly), Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” (Al Ahly), Omar Marmoush (Manchester City), Ibrahim Adel (Al Jazira, UAE)
Forwards: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Mostafa Mohamed (Nantes), Osama Faisal (National Bank)
Fixtures
September 5: Egypt vs Ethiopia (Cairo International Stadium)
September 10: Burkina Faso vs Egypt
Currently sitting comfortably at the top of Group A with 16 points, Egypt hold a five-point lead over Burkina Faso and remain firm favourites to progress to the final qualifying rounds.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 1, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
When Uganda co-hosted the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024, the mission went beyond chasing victories. It was about writing a new chapter for Ugandan football — one rooted in resilience, opportunity, and legacy.
A Tournament of Lessons
Drawn into Group A alongside Algeria, Niger, and the Central African Republic, the Cranes were far from favourites. For head coaches Morley Byekwaso and Fred Muhumuza, however, the tournament was not defined by the scoreboard alone but by the chance to lay a foundation for the future.
The campaign began with a harsh reality check: a 3-0 defeat to Algeria at the newly refurbished Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. Byekwaso was candid in his assessment:
“Algeria were better than us… we failed in our defensive block. The team was anxious, and after the first goal, we collapsed emotionally.”
Despite their shortcomings in composure and attacking efficiency, the Cranes refused to let the setback define them.
A Statement Win
Against Niger, Uganda struck back. With grit and determination, the team earned a 2-0 victory that reignited hopes of reaching the knockouts for the first time.
Allan Okello, orchestrating play with flair and maturity, was central to the win — scoring once and assisting another. The defence, anchored by senior players, stood resilient.
“We strengthened our defence, motivated our captains… defending well and conceding no goals is crucial,” Byekwaso reflected.
Though Uganda ultimately fell short of progression, the win showcased what unity and discipline could achieve.
Rising Stars and New Pathways
CHAN once again proved its role as a launchpad for hidden gems. Midfielder Enock Ssebagala, following in the footsteps of his brother Manko Kaweesa (CHAN 2011), emerged as one of the revelations.
“It is a big opportunity… my brother has inspired me… I want to represent my country and make my family proud,” Ssebagala said.
Together with Okello, his rise symbolised CHAN’s broader purpose: bridging local league talent to international football. Indeed, several CHAN performers were soon called up for Uganda’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, proof that the project was bearing fruit.
History Reframed
Uganda’s CHAN story had long been one of repeated group-stage exits — six straight since 2011. CHAN 2024 did not end that drought, but it did reshape the narrative:
The team showed greater tactical flexibility.
Promising players stepped closer to senior-team prominence.
The coaching staff built a pipeline for future success.
The tournament became a laboratory for growth, not just a quest for medals.
Namboole Reborn
Beyond the pitch, the refurbished Mandela National Stadium stood tall as a symbol of progress. With new turf, floodlights, and upgraded facilities, it is now a venue ready to serve generations of players and fans — and to attract future continental tournaments.
Social and Economic Impact
The ripple effects extended far beyond football. CHAN created jobs, boosted tourism, and spotlighted Uganda on the continental stage. Local businesses thrived on matchdays, while the atmosphere inspired pride and unity across the nation.
The government and federation showcased how sport can be harnessed as a tool for nation-building — nurturing talent while igniting hope.
Looking Ahead
As Uganda turns its attention to World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Guinea, several CHAN performers will be part of the journey. For Byekwaso and Muhumuza, that is the clearest validation of their vision: CHAN was not just about results, but about preparing tomorrow’s stars.
The Legacy of CHAN 2024
Uganda’s CHAN 2024 campaign will not be remembered for advancing deep into the tournament. Instead, it will be remembered for what it built: a stronger football culture, a modernized stadium, rising stars, and a renewed sense of belief.
Legacies aren’t always written in trophies. Sometimes, they are written in resilience, infrastructure, and hope. For Uganda, CHAN 2024 was all of that — and more.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 1, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has expressed strong optimism about Ghana’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana currently sits at the top of Group I with 15 points from six games, boosting their hopes of reaching a fifth World Cup. With crucial qualifiers against Chad and Mali coming up, Addo urged his players to stay focused and consistent.
“We are in a good situation, and I hope that we can do everything to qualify. We have to take it step by step; we can’t make a mistake,” the 47-year-old tactician noted.
While fans are already dreaming about the World Cup, Addo cautioned against complacency. “A lot of people are talking about the World Cup already, but it’s still a long way,” he added.
The Black Stars will travel to N’Djamena to face Chad at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno on Thursday, September 4. They will then return to the Accra Sports Stadium to host Mali on Monday, September 8. The squad begins preparations with training sessions at the Accra Sports Stadium today and tomorrow morning before their trip.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 1, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
The Black Stars’ preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers are underway, with 14 players already reporting to camp in Accra.
According to Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Director, Henry Asante Twum, the early arrivals include Antoine Semenyo, Elisha Owusu, Salis Abdul Samed, Ibrahim Osman, Joseph Annan, Benjamin Asare, Ibrahim Sulemana, Mohammed Salisu, Jonas Adejey, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Caleb Yirenkye, Jerry Afriyie, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, and Tariq Lamptey.
Captain Thomas Partey and the rest of the squad are expected to link up with the team later this evening, with the first full training session scheduled for Tuesday at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Ghana will travel to N’Djamena for their first qualifier against Chad on Thursday, September 4, at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno. The team will then return home to host Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8.
The Black Stars are holding double training sessions in Accra today and tomorrow before their departure for Chad, as they aim to secure crucial points in the race to the 2026 World Cup.
