Latest news with #TotalEnergiesAfricaCupofNations
CAF
12-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Mauritania name 25-man squad for CHAN 2024 in East Africa
Mauritania head coach Aritz Lopez Garay has named a 25-man squad for the upcoming TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, as the West African nation looks to make a statement in East Africa. The locally-based selection will represent Mauritania at the continental tournament, which will take place from 2 to 30 August 2025, across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It will be the first time the competition is co-hosted by three nations. Lopez Garay, the Spanish tactician who took charge earlier this year, has opted for a blend of experience and youth drawn exclusively from the domestic league. The squad will undergo final preparations during a week-long camp in Nouakchott that started from 9 to 15 July, as they build up to what promises to be a fiercely competitive Group B. Mauritania has been drawn alongside Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Madagascar, and hosts Tanzania in a group that features varying styles and high stakes. The Lions of Chinguetti will be aiming to bounce back from the disappointment of missing out on the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, by putting in a strong showing at CHAN – a tournament exclusively for players active in their home leagues. Mauritanian fans are hoping for a deep run in the tournament, and coach Lopez Garay has acknowledged the pressure to deliver results. The final squad represents some of the standout performers in Mauritania's domestic top flight, with several players looking to make their mark on the continental stage. Mauritania will open their campaign in Group B with high hopes of progressing past the group stages, aiming to improve on their previous CHAN outings and restore pride on the regional stage. Full Squad List: Goalkeepers: Abderrahmane Sarr (Tevragh-Zeina), Namouri Diao (Nouadhibou), Babacar Diop (Ksar) Defenders: Mohamed Diop, Mohamed Zuwayed, Abdullah Al-Eid, Sakrana Mhimeed, Noah Mohammed Al-Abed, Omar Mangan, Al-Damin Al-Salek Midfielders: Mohamed Said, Moulay Idriss, Abdallah Mahmoud, Sid Ahmed El Abed, El Hassan El Eid, Mohamed Lamine Hout, Alassane Diop, Moulay Ahmed Khalil, Sidi Touda, Mohamed El Kheir Faraji, Ahmed Mokhtar Forwards: Sheikh Al-Hattab, Al-Mami Tatah, Hamadi Andyai, Mahmoud Al-Hassan
CAF
02-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Kasarani handed over as CHAN 2024 countdown in Kenya continues
With the eyes of the continent fixed on East Africa, Kenya has made a bold statement of intent by officially handing over the refurbished Kasarani Stadium to the Local Organising Committee (LOC) ahead of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN). The stadium, which has undergone extensive renovations, will not only serve as Kenya's primary venue but also host the final match of the competition on 30 August. The symbolic handover was conducted by Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Salim Mvurya, who said the move marked a 'critical milestone' in the country's journey toward hosting the 8th edition of CHAN. 'This momentous occasion is not only a proud achievement for Kenya but also for the entire East African region,' said Mvurya. 'It reaffirms our standing as a premier destination for international competitions and sets the stage for hosting future continental tournaments, including the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).' The Moi International Sports Centre, popularly called Kasarani, will host all Group A matches involving hosts Kenya, DR Congo, Morocco, Angola, and Zambia. Harambee Stars, under South African head coach Benni McCarthy, will begin their campaign at the same venue against DR Congo on Sunday, 3 August. The CHAN tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, running from 2 to 30 August. Tanzania's Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam will host the opening match between the Taifa Stars and Burkina Faso, while Uganda's Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala will stage key early fixtures for Group C. The refurbished Kasarani complex includes two adjacent training grounds, which Mvurya confirmed will also be available for match testing. 'They have to use the ground and test it with matches,' he explained. 'We've been relying on Ulinzi Sports Complex as a training base too, but now Kasarani is ready and available for action.' Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, which will host several Group A fixtures including Morocco vs Angola, was also given a positive readiness update. Mvurya revealed that the only pending task was the completion of a new perimeter wall to boost security — a directive from CAF inspectors. 'The playing surface and facilities inside the stadium are ready. The wall will be done within the next two days,' he assured. Beyond stadium logistics, Mvurya addressed preparations for Harambee Stars. 'We will work closely with the Football Kenya Federation to make sure the team gets the best preparations ever ahead of the tournament,' he said. 'They'll be playing on home soil, and we want the trophy to stay here.' Mvurya also issued a strong warning against vandalism of public facilities, referencing recent destruction of public infrastructure. 'We spend a lot of money on these stadiums. When they are damaged, we have to create new budgets, and that stalls progress,' he said. 'I urge all Kenyans to protect what belongs to us. Let us not use demonstrations as an excuse to destroy public or private property.' Zanzibar has also been added to the list of CHAN 2024 venues. The New Amaan Stadium, which recently hosted the CAF Confederation Cup final, will stage Group D matches featuring Senegal, Congo, Sudan, and Nigeria. With venues secured, stadiums upgraded, and the countdown officially underway, East Africa is poised to deliver a historic CHAN tournament that promises more for African football fans.
CAF
13-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Aliou Cissé names first Libya squad - Al-Musrati absent, local talent leads charge
Aliou Cissé has wasted no time in getting to work as the new head coach of Libya's national team, unveiling his first squad just 24 hours after his official appointment. The Senegalese coach, who led his home nation to a TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations title in 2022, has opted for a squad largely composed of locally based players as Libya prepares for crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Angola and Cameroon. One of the biggest talking points from his selection is the absence of Moatasem Al-Musrati, the AS Monaco midfielder who declined a call-up, maintaining his decision to step away from the national team. Defender Daniel Elfadli is also missing from the list. Despite these omissions, Cissé has assembled a strong squad featuring several key figures from Libya's domestic league, with a mix of experienced internationals and fresh faces. Libya currently sits second in Group D with four points from two matches, trailing Cameroon by just one point. With a home fixture against Angola on March 20 in Benghazi, followed by a trip to Yaoundé to face Cameroon on March 25, Cissé's men have a golden opportunity to position themselves as serious contenders for a historic World Cup qualification. The new Libya boss, known for his tactical discipline and ability to instill a winning mentality, will be expected to solidify the team's defence and improve its attacking efficiency in these key fixtures. Cissé's squad is dominated by locally based players, with only a few playing abroad. The midfield will be led by the experienced Faisal Al-Badri (Al-Hilal), Badr Hassan (Al-Nasr), and Abdullah Daqo (Al-Ahly Benghazi), while up front, the strike force will rely on the likes of Moayad Al-Lafi (Al-Ahly Tripoli) and Mohamed Soula (Al-Qadisiyah, Kuwait) to deliver goals. The defensive setup includes Majdi Artiba (Al-Akhdar), Sobhi Al-Mabrouk (Al-Ittihad), and Al-Bahlol Abu Sahmain (Al-Ahly Benghazi), players who have been instrumental in Libya's recent performances. Cissé's ability to adapt quickly to the Libyan football environment and implement his tactical approach in such a short time will be key as the Knights of the Mediterranean aim for a strong showing in these qualifiers. Squad Goalkeepers: Murad Al-Wahishi (Al-Ahly Benghazi), Mohamed Ayad (Abu Salim), and Ahmed Ayad (Al-Tahadi). Defenders Majdi Artiba (Al-Akhdar), Sobhi Al-Mabrouk (Al-Ittihad), Al-Mahdi Al-Kout (Al-Suwaihli), Mohamed Al-Shtiwi (Al-Hilal), Sand Bin Ali (Al-Ittihad), Al-Bahlol Abu Sahmain (Al-Ahly Benghazi), Taher Bin Amer (Al-Ittihad), and Mutassim Sabbou (Olympic Azzawiya SC). Midfielders: Faisal Al-Badri (Al-Hilal), Badr Hassan (Al-Nasr), Hamza Al-Maqsi (Olympic Azzawiya SC), Abdullah Daqo (Al-Ahly Benghazi), Muhannad Eto'o (Al-Madina), Osama Al-Sharimi (Al-Suwaihli), Omar Al-Khoja (Al-Suwaihli), Ahmed Saad (Al-Hilal), Al-Abbasi (Al-Suwaihli), Fadel Salama (Al-Ahly Benghazi), and Taha Al-Shalawi (Al-Hilal). Attackers: Moayad Al-Lafi (Al-Ahly Tripoli), Mohamed Soula (Al-Qadisiyah, Kuwait), Fahad Al-Masmari (Club Africain, Tunisia), Azou Al-Mariami (Al-Hilal), Ahmed Karwa (Al-Ahly Tripoli), and Anas Al-Masrati (Al-Taawoun).
CAF
12-03-2025
- Business
- CAF
Dr Patrice Motsepe re-elected unopposed as CAF President for second term
Dr Patrice Motsepe has been re-elected unopposed as President of the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) for a second four-year term. The decision was confirmed at the 14th CAF Extraordinary General Assembly in Cairo on Wednesday, extending his leadership of the organisation until 2029. Motsepe's re-election comes after a first term widely praised for stabilizing CAF's finances and boosting its global profile. Under his leadership, the organization set several new records at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Cote d'Ivoire 2023, attracting a record 1.4 billion viewers worldwide. Prizemoney for major tournaments, including the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations, has also increased significantly, alongside enhanced financial support for Member Associations. The 63-year-old faced no opposition after the nomination deadline passed in November 2024. His decision to run again followed requests from Member Association Presidents and key stakeholders. 'The goal remains making African football globally competitive, stabilizing finances, and investing in infrastructure,' he said. Dr Motsepe's unopposed re-election reflects both confidence in his leadership and the desire to see him elevate African football to new heights.
CAF
10-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Benin call on Italian based teenage striker Candas Fiogbé
Benin coach Gernot Rohr handed a first call up to Italian based teenage striker Candas Fiogbé as he named a 25-man squad to take on Zimbabwe and South Africa in the 2-26 FIFA World Cup qualifiers this month. The 19-year-old Fiogbe has yet to play a senior match but been competing for Atalanta's under-20 team in Italy's Primavera 1 league and for their under-19 side in the UEFA Youth League, where he has netted six goals. There is also a recall for defender Brandon Agounon, who was in the squad one year ago but has yet to win a cap. But Benin must do without the injured French-based pair of Aiyegun Tosin and Cédric Hountondji while Olivier Verdon has been left out for disciplinary reasons, Rohr told a press conference on Monday. Verdon, 29, competed for Benin at the 2019 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt. There are only two home-based players in the squad with the rest drawn from clubs in 17 different countries. Benin play away against Zimbabwe in Durban, South Africa on March 20 and then travel to Abidjan in the Ivory Coast where they are hosting their game against Bafana Bafana on March 25. Squad: Goalkeepers: Saturnin Allagbé (Botev Vratsa, Bulgaria), Marcel Dandjinou (JDR Stars, South Africa), Serges Obassa (Remo Stars, Nigeria) Defenders: Moise Adilehou (Laval, France), Brandon Agounon (Châteauroux, France), Rodrigue Fassinou (Coton Sport Benin), David Kiki (Steaua Bucharest, Romania), Rachid Moumini (Ayéma), Tamimou Ouorou (Hatta, United Arab Emirates), Yohan Roche (Petrolul 52, Romania), Rabiou Sankamao (Wydad Fès, Morocco), Mohamed Tijani (Yverdon Sport, Switzerland) Midfielders: Mattéo Ahlinvi (Arsenal Tula, Russia), Mariano Ahouangbo (Soliman, Tunisia), Gislain Ahoudo (Gabès, Tunisia), Samadou Attidjikou (Al Masry, Egypt), Sessi d'Almeida (Apollon Limassol. Cyprus), Dodo Dokou (Smouha, Egypt), Imourane Hassane (Grasshoppers Zurich, Switzerland) Forwards: Jodel Dossou (Victoria Rosport, Luxembourg), Candas Fiogbé (Atalanta, Italy), Andréas Hountondji (Standard Liège, Belgium), Steve Mounié (FC Augsburg, Germany), Junior Olaitan (Grenoble, France), Steve-Waren Traoré (Haka, Finland)
