
Hilal become dual champions after triumph in war-torn Sudan - Africa
To escape a war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions, according to the United Nations, Hilal and Merrikh competed in the Mauritanian championship, finishing first and sixth.
However, Confederation of African Football rules state that only national champions can enter the CAF Champions League, forcing the two clubs to return home and play in army-controlled northeast venues.
The national army have recaptured the capital, Khartoum, after two years of occupation by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, but fighting rages in other parts of the east African nation.
Here, AFP Sport brings news from around the continent, including a personal triumph for Brazilian forward Lucas Ribeiro from South African club Mamelodi Sundowns.
Sudan
Hilal hammered greatest domestic rivals Merrikh after building a three-goal lead by half-time to be crowned Sudanese champions a record-extending 31st time.
Hilal (plus 11) won the title on goal difference from Al Ahly Madani (plus 6) after both sides secured 14 points in the eight-club mini-league.
Snatching the title means Hilal will extend a remarkable record of competing in the Champions League every season since 2004 while Madani will represent Sudan in the competition for the first time.
South Africa
The goal Ribeiro scored for South African champions Sundowns against Borussia Dortmund has been voted the best of the 2025 Club World Cup in a FIFA online poll.
Securing possession in midfield, the 26-year-old used pace and footwork to burst through the defence before calmly shooting past goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
Unfortunately for Sundowns, the first goal of the group match in the 11th minute triggered an immediate response from the German outfit, who scored four times before finishing 4-3 winners.
Tanzania
Simba captain Mohammed Husseini will not have his contract renewed by Simba after 12 years at a club who have dominated Tanzanian football for decades with Dar es Salaam neighbours Young Africans.
The 28-year-old left-back joined Simba from Kagera Sugar in 2014 and has been a first choice since under various coaches, including current incumbent, South African Fadlu Davids.
Simba were runners-up in the CAF Confederation Cup and Tanzanian Premier League last season and suffered a surprise semi-finals loss to Singida Black Stars in the Tanzanian FA Cup.
Ghana
Abdul-Karim Zito has been elevated from caretaker to head coach of Asante Kotoko, a Ghanaian club seeking to become giants again in the west African nation.
The two-time African champions came third in the league last season behind first-time title-holders Bibiani Gold Stars, then beat Golden Kick with an added-time goal to win the Ghana FA Cup.
Lifting the cup qualified Kotoko for the CAF Confederation Cup, the second-tier African competition where Zito exceeded expectations in 2024 by taking another Ghanaian club, Dreams, to the semi-finals.
Uganda
Widely travelled Belgian coach Ivan Minnaert has swapped one domestic champion club for another by moving from Fassell of Liberia to Vipers of Uganda.
Monrovia-based Fassell finished 11 points ahead of Heaven Eleven in the Liberian title race to be crowned national champions for the first time.
Vipers, whose home ground lies 25 kilometres (16 miles) from the capital Kampala, won a much tighter Ugandan league chase, securing just two points more than runners-up NEC.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Follow us on:
Short link:
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


CAF
2 hours ago
- CAF
WHERE TO WATCH: TotalEnergies CAF Women's AFCON, Morocco 2024 Final
The final of the 13th edition of the CAF TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2024 between Morocco and Nigeria will take place in Rabat this Saturday at 21:00 local time (20:00 GMT) at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. A major event in African football, this final can be followed worldwide thanks to extensive television coverage. The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has ensured global broadcast of the match so that supporters of both teams, as well as women's football fans around the world, can experience this historic moment. The final will be broadcast live on over 50 channels and partner platforms across all continents. Among the leading broadcasters are: In Africa: Canal+, beIN Sports, RTI (Ivory Coast), CRTV (Cameroon), TVM (Mozambique), RTNC (DR Congo), NTA (Nigeria), TPA (Angola), Azam TV, UBC (Uganda), SABC Sport (South Africa), etc. International: BBC Worldwide, Ziggo (Netherlands), Naver (South Korea), Arena Sport, Sport TV, Okko (Russia), RFI, Band (Brazil), Setanta Sports, and many others. This wide coverage reflects the growing enthusiasm surrounding African women's football and the increasing impact of the Women's AFCON on the global sports scene. For more on the CAF TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2024, visit . For more information: communications@ CAF | Communications Division


CAF
6 hours ago
- CAF
Seoposenwe calls it a day, leaves WAFCON legacy
Tears of relief can be a thing. For Jermaine Seoposenwe, the end of the penalty shootout against Ghana in the third-place playoff at the TotalEnergies WAFCON 2024 on Friday, was the end of her journey with the South African national women's football team. A 15-year journey in national team colours filled with pride, hard work and overall excellence is what will go down memory lane. So many told and untold stories along the way, teammates that became family, trips overseas and most importantly – the fulfilment of a childhood dream. Seoposenwe, who was born in Cape Town, was the first female to score a goal for South Africa at a World Cup in 2010 and has since grown into a crucial member for the Banyana Banyana. Cheeky off the field with her teammates, tough on the field of play against her opponents and sleek in her touch on the ball. Graceful after games regardless of the result. A treasure. Lasting legacy Every girl that loves and wants to play football dreams of representing her nation. For Seoposenwe, she realized this dream. In her glowing career with the Banyana Banyana, she scored the goal that took South Africa to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil which she also competed at, played at two FIFA Women's World Cups (2019 and 2023) as well as four WAFCON editions (2016, 2018, 2022 and 2025). And as South Africa's number 12 retires from international football after amassing 112 caps, she wraps up what has been an immense contribution to a golden generation of South African football. An inspiration to many a young girl and a downright trailblazer. Her former teammate and ex Banyana Banyana international Amanda Dlamini told CAFOnline that, 'She has had a very colourful and rewarding journey in the national team. When I met her, she was young, had raw talent and was very ambitious with a great fighting spirit. She's been able to maintain that over the years. Like many, she had her own challenges and experiences that I think shaped the amazing player and leader we have seen over the years stepping into the centenary club which is not easy. It means she's had to stand the test of time and show great consistency for the national team. She will be missed for her fearlessness on the park, her confidence and composure in the striking force.' Seoposenwe was part of the WAFCON 2022 winning squad that made history – finally breaking the jinx on the continent. The 28-year-old at the time netted twice in the tournament. Her first coming against perennial archrivals Nigeria in a 2-1 win in the opening Group C tie while her second goal was the all-important lone finish against Tunisia in the last eight to book a place in the semifinals. 'Obviously, I made that decision before the tournament and so coming into the tournament, I have been very settled, very calm. A lot of the players have joked with me about my legacy and all those things, but it's very interesting to be in that position. Obviously, in the past I wasn't that person but now I am and it's a responsibility that I've accepted. And I do appreciate it the way they see me and the leader that I've been for them. But for me, it's just been the sense of relief. I don't know if that's the word to use, but I also have a sense of calmness,' Seoposenwe explained in detail. Tributes from Desiree Ellis and Refiloe Jane From the coach and captain's corner, Seoposenwe can hold her head up high even though her last game in a Banyana Banyana jersey ensured that the defending champions finished fourth – missing the podium after a 3-4 loss to Ghana following a 1-1 draw after regular time. Both Ellis and Jane have alongside the entire players' squad and technical staff been supportive of Seoposenwe's decision before and during the competition in a holistic way. Whether it was in moments of joy or when the going got tough. Teamwork by all means. 'What a legacy she leaves behind! I have known Jermaine since the age of 15. She went to the 2010 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago, scored our first goal at the World Cup for a women's team. And in that same year, she played at the WAFCON in 2010 in South Africa. Two years later, she played at the London 2012 Olympics and then she played at the WAFCON 2012 in Equatorial Guinea. She was part of that squad that beat Nigeria in the semifinals where she got the silver medal at the age of 19! It says something about Jermaine,' Ellis explained in detail. 'Two successive World Cups, two successive Olympic Games, 2018 silver at the WAFCON, 2022 African champion, 2023 World Cup Round of 16 but there is so, so, so much to Jermaine. A fighter, a leader and someone who gave everything to take this team forward. I don't think we can thank her enough, but we honour her, and we carry her spirit with us. And to be honest, I don't think we have enough words to say thank you to Jermaine for everything that she's done. She's always stepped onto the field, gave her all on the field and that is who Jermaine is. Leaving everything out there, stepping up in 2022 when Thembi [Kgatlana] got injured after not being part of the team for a long while due to visa issues and that is who Jermaine is.' Jane, who has known Seoposenwe for over a decade and with whom the Banyana Banyana won the WAFCON 2022, spoke about her glorious career, 'Jermaine has been a very important figure in the team. From when she was still a teenager to now upon her retirement. She's contributed immensely on and off the field and she leaves an amazing legacy – one for upcoming players to look forward to and to carry on with that.' 'Obviously, we would have loved to give her a perfect sendoff, but we couldn't do it. I hope that she can be proud of the performance of the team throughout the tournament. We know that she still has a lot to offer to football. She might be done with the national team, but she is still going to continue playing football and so much is still to be learnt from her.' South Africa finished fourth at the TotalEnergies WAFCON 2024 in Morocco. What Next? Seoposenwe, who features for CF Monterrey in the Mexican topflight league, will continue featuring at club level. The 31-year-old has played at home in South Africa for the University of Western Cape as well as played in leagues in Lithuania, Spain, Portugal before heading to Mexico. Three continents and Seoposenwe continues shining. Dlamini who is also a member of the 100+ caps with South Africa and is currently working as a broadcaster said, 'I think she's established herself very well outside of being in the national team, so she still has plenty seasons to play at club level.' 'She has a degree and surely big plans for the future. But she should know that she will have to work hard for herself when there's no support of people doing things for her like the football environment does. Everything is done for you (laughs). She should learn to pivot at every juncture as she is yet to discover so much about herself. It's about building a network of people who will be able to hold you up outside of your family, that support structure will always and there but community is equally important in this space.' Seoposenwe holds a Marketing Degree from Samford University in Alabama.


CAF
10 hours ago
- CAF
Morocco - Nigeria: The Final of a New Era
This Saturday at 9pm (local time), the Olympic Stadium in Rabat will vibrate to the rhythm of a historic match: the 13th TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations final pits Morocco against Nigeria. Two giants of African Women's Football are preparing to faceoff in a thrilling atmosphere, in front of a Moroccan crowd seeking an unprecedented home title. This 2024 edition was marked by the spectacular rise of the Atlas Lionesses, under the leadership of Jorge Vilda, while the Super Falcons, led by Justin Madugu, are aiming for a 10th continental title. This matchup between a conquering Morocco and an experienced Nigeria promises to be a high-flying display of fine talent, combining determination, pride and passion. A legendary setting for a tense final The 21,000-seater Olympic Stadium in Rabat is the ideal setting for this grand evening. "Playing in front of our home crowd is an immense source of energy. This stadium is more than a pitch, it's an arena where our dreams can come to life," revealed Vilda, Morocco's Spanish coach, aware of the importance of this match for his team and his country. His opponent Madugu, the Nigerian coach, knows that they will have to overcome the local pressure: "We know the stakes and the intensity of the Moroccan crowd. But our players have experience in major finals and know how to handle this type of match." Morocco: A football revolution underway With a second consecutive final, the Atlas Lionesses have confirmed that they are now a major force on the continent. Their team play, orchestrated by Vilda, impresses with its fluidity, tactical discipline, and fighting spirit. "Our strength lies in our cohesion. We have worked hard to get to this point. Each player knows what they have to do on the pitch," emphasizes Vilda. The latter, who previously coached the Spanish women's national team, has instilled tactical rigor and a winning spirit into a team that is discovering its identity. On the offensive side, Morocco can count on brilliant talents like captain fantastic Ghizlane Chebbak and Ibtissam Jraidi, capable of making the difference at any moment. For the Moroccan staff, this final is also a symbolic step in the development of Women's Football in Morocco - a division that is booming thanks to the support of the federation and modern infrastructure. Nigeria: A heavyweight on the continent, still formidable Nigeria remains the undisputed benchmark in African Women's Football. With nine titles under their belt, the Super Falcons command respect. Their history is rich, made up of generations of talented players and a deeply rooted winning culture. Madugu focuses on the balance between youth and experience. "We have a highly motivated group of players, aware of the pressure of a final. They are ready to give their all," he explains. Nigeria have often shown that they can raise their level of play when the competition becomes intense. Their strong team spirit, athleticism, and lethal counterattack ability make them a formidable team. This final represents an opportunity for them to continue writing their legend and silence those who believe that Nigerian Women's Football is losing momentum. The Tactical Duel: Vilda vs Madugu On the bench, Vilda and Madugu are engaged in a duel of strategy. The former, known for his methodical style, has instilled rigorous discipline in Morocco, emphasizing a composed style of play based on ball control and intelligent pressing. The latter, at the helm of Nigeria, favours energetic and direct football, seeking to exploit the speed and physical power of his attackers. This tactical contrast makes the clash even more interesting. "It will be an intense match, where every detail will count," warns Vilda. "We'll have to be ready to counter their strengths, while imposing our own pace." Madugu, for his part, is relying on the confidence his players have gained throughout the competition: "We know Morocco is a strong team, but we have our own game plan." The Stakes and Symbolic Dimension For Morocco, a victory would be a crowning achievement, a first in the history of national women's football. This triumph would symbolize the emergence of a new African power, capable of competing with the continent's top teams. "It's not just a match. It's a message for the entire country. Women's football is making great strides, and this final is an opportunity to show the world that we belong," summarizes Vilda. For Nigeria, it's a matter of heritage and pride. Winning a 10th title would reinforce their status as a force to be reckoned with and consolidate their dominance. But it is also about proving that they are still at the top despite the rise of other nations. On Saturday in Rabat, it is much more than just two teams facing off. The history of African Women's Football is being written, with a glorious past and a promising future. Nigeria, guardians of a victorious tradition, and Morocco, symbol of an ambitious renaissance, will offer an intense, technical, and passionate exhibition of quality football. This final at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat promises an evening of celebration and strong emotions, where every pass, every tackle, every shot could change the destiny of this exceptional encounter.