by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 30, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
South Africa coach Hugo Broos has assured fans that Bafana Bafana are full of motivation as they prepare for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria in Bloemfontein.
The Free State Stadium will play host to both encounters, with South Africa first taking on Lesotho on Friday, 5 September 2025, before locking horns with continental giants Nigeria on Tuesday, 9 September 2025.
Broos’ charges head into these fixtures sitting on top of Group C with 13 points from six matches, having registered four wins, one draw and just a single defeat. With the finish line in sight, the Belgian tactician stressed that the dream of qualifying for the global showpiece is driving his players to give their all.
“You know when you can go to the World Cup, is there a better motivation than that? For many of these players, it might be their first and maybe their last chance,” Broos explained.
He admitted, however, that the path is never easy on African soil, where every game poses a real test. “Qualifying for the World Cup is extremely difficult in Africa. You have to fight in every match. Don’t think that because we once won 5-0 against Congo that games will always be easy. Lesotho will be a tough challenge.”
With two decisive fixtures ahead, Bafana Bafana know that victory would take them one step closer to fulfilling their World Cup dream.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 30, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has unveiled a powerful 27-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where the Eagles will take on Comoros and Ghana in a double-header that could shape their Group I destiny.
The West Africans begin their campaign against Comoros on Thursday, September 4, at the Stade Municipal de Berkane in Morocco, before making the short trip to Accra for a fiery showdown with the Black Stars on Monday, September 8 at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Saintfiet has opted to maintain the backbone of his side, blending European-based stars with emerging local talents. RC Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare, Al Ahly’s in-form Aliou Dieng, and Brest playmaker Kamory Doumbia headline a dynamic midfield unit, supported by the experience of Mohamed Camara (Al Sadd) and Lassana Coulibaly (Lecce).
The attack promises firepower with Gaoussou Diarra (Feyenoord), Nene Dorgeles (Fenerbahçe), Mamadou Doumbia (Watford), and Lassine Sinayoko (Auxerre), while Schalke’s Ibrahima Cisse, Braga’s Sikou Niakate, and Palermo’s Salim Diakite lead a resolute defense. Goalkeeping duties will be contested between Djigui Diarra, Ismael Diawara, and Lyon’s Lassine Diarra.
With qualification hopes alive, Mali will be eager to seize maximum points—particularly in the crunch clash against Ghana, which could prove decisive in their pursuit of a World Cup ticket.
✅ Full Mali Squad for September Qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Djigui Diarra (Young Africans, Tanzania), Ismael Diawara (Sirius, Sweden), Lassine Diarra (Lyon, France)
Defenders: Fode Doucoure (Le Havre, France), Salim Diakite (Palermo, Italy), Sikou Niakate (Braga, Portugal), Ibrahima Cisse (Schalke 04, Germany), Mamadou Fofana (New England Revolution, USA), Moussa Diarra (Alaves, Spain), Ousmane Camara (Angers, France), Amadou Dante (Arouca, Portugal), Cheick O. Konate (Clermont, France)
Midfielders: Lassana Coulibaly (Lecce, Italy), Mohamed Camara (Al Sadd, Qatar), Mamadou Sangare (RC Lens, France), Aliou Dieng (Al Ahly, Egypt), Mahamadou Doumbia (Antwerp FC, Belgium), Kamory Doumbia (Stade Brest, France)
Attackers: Gaoussou Diarra (Feyenoord, Netherlands), Mamadou Camara (Laval, France), Nene Dorgeles (Fenerbahçe, Turkey), Mamadou Doumbia (Watford, England), Mustapha Sangare (Levski Sofia, Bulgaria), Moussa Sylla (Schalke 04, Germany), Lassine Sinayoko (Auxerre, France)
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 30, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Bayern Munich have secured the signing of Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson in a dramatic late-window move.
The Bavarian giants reached an agreement with Chelsea for an initial one-season loan worth €15 million, with an option to buy included in the deal. Though the clause is not mandatory, the total package could rise to around €80 million, with a sell-on clause also part of the agreement.
Jackson, who has shown flashes of brilliance in the Premier League, is now set to embark on a new challenge in Germany. The Senegalese forward will travel to Bavaria alongside his agent, Ali Barat of Epic Sports, as he prepares to link up with Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Bayern, in desperate need of attacking reinforcement, view the 23-year-old as a versatile forward who can add pace, power, and finishing prowess to their frontline.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 30, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
As the transfer deadline looms, Arsenal have turned their attention to Danish Superliga side FC Nordsjaelland’s highly-rated Ghanaian midfielder, Caleb Yirenkyi.
The teenager has been making waves in Denmark with his composure, creativity, and technical brilliance in midfield—qualities that have caught the eye of Mikel Arteta’s scouting team. With Arsenal looking to bolster their squad depth and invest in young talent for the future, Yirenkyi has emerged as a prime target.
Talks are understood to be progressing quickly, with the Gunners hoping to strike a deal before the transfer window slams shut. Should the move materialize, Yirenkyi would join a growing list of African starlets carving a path to the Premier League through Nordsjaelland’s talent-rich academy.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 30, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Italian giants Fiorentina are on the verge of securing the signature of Ghanaian full-back Tariq Lamptey from Brighton & Hove Albion. Negotiations between the two clubs have reached an advanced stage, with a deal expected to be finalized soon.
The 23-year-old, known for his blistering pace and attacking flair from the right flank, is set to bring fresh energy to La Viola’s defense as they strengthen ahead of the new season.
