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Cote d’Ivoire name 43-player squad for 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup
Coach Bassiriki Diabate unveils a 43-player provisional roster for Côte d’Ivoire’s U‑17 squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA U‑17 World Cup in Qatar. The list, featuring five goalkeepers, 14 defenders and 12 midfielders, will be trimmed to 21 before the tournament, intensifying competition among the Elephanteaux.
Merveille Akinocho’s move to Villarreal highlights Benin’s football development debate
Eighteen‑year‑old Beninese striker Merveille Akinocho signs with Villarreal CF, a move hailed as a breakthrough for the young talent. The article examines his path from Ayema FC to Nigeria’s Beyond Limits FA and questions whether Benin’s football infrastructure can consistently produce and support prospects like Akinocho. Writer Nuhu Adams explores the broader debate on youth development in Benin amid growing European interest.
Gessime Yassine sets the pace in Ligue 1 dribbling rankings
RC Strasbourg winger Gessime Yassine tops Ligue 1’s dribbling leaderboard with 30 successful take‑ons, according to the league’s latest statistics. The French top‑flight data shows Yassine far ahead of his peers, highlighting his one‑on‑one impact, rapid acceleration, and technical skill. Written by Sylvester Ntim for AfricaSoccer.com and published on November 9, 2026, the piece examines how his dribbling prowess is shaping Strasbourg’s attack this season.
Saël Kumbedi replaces injured Pierre Kalulu in France squad
VfL Wolfsburg’s 21‑year‑old full‑back Saël Kumbedi, who has D.R. Congo heritage, receives his first senior call‑up for France after Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu withdraws with injury. French coach Zinédine Zidane names Kumbedi as Kalulu’s replacement ahead of upcoming fixtures, marking a significant milestone for the young player. The French Football Federation confirmed the change on November 9, 2026.
Dutch federation responsible for talks with Morocco-eligible players – Xavi
Netherlands coach Xavi Hernandez says the KNVB, not his staff, leads outreach to Dutch‑born players of Moroccan descent who could choose either national team. He emphasizes respect for each player's choice and offers to speak personally if needed. The comment comes amid ongoing debates over dual‑national talent and highlights the federation’s role in securing future internationals for the Dutch side.
Mauritanian outfit AS Douanes secure CAF Confederation Cup qualification after CAS verdict
Mauritanian club AS Douanes clinches a spot in the second round of the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup after the Court of Arbitration for Sport rules in its favor against Guinean side Hafia FC. The CAS decision resolves a legal dispute, securing Douanes' continental campaign and confirming their qualification. The club announced the verdict via an official statement, marking a significant boost to their tournament ambitions.
Andile Dlamini: Sundowns Ladies reach CAF Women’s Champions League semi-finals
Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini credits determination, preparation and a no‑complacency mindset for Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies’ march to the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League semi‑finals. The Banyana Ba Style side earned their spot with a decisive 3‑0 victory over Morocco’s FUS Féminines on Saturday, advancing to the tournament’s last four. Dlamini reflects on the team’s growth and the challenges ahead as they aim for a historic title.
Manchester United must ‘fight together’ to escape trouble, says Patrick Dorgu
Defender Patrick Dorgu urges Manchester United to "fight together" after his 96th‑minute equaliser salvaged a 4‑4 Premier League draw with Aston Villa on Sunday. The stoppage‑time goal stopped United, managed by Michael Carrick, from slipping into a third consecutive defeat. Dorgu, who scored alongside Joshua Zirkzee, highlighted the club’s precarious position and the need for unity to reverse their recent slump.
Morocco’s Botola Pro to resume on November 27 after international break
Morocco’s top-tier Botola Pro will restart on Friday, November 27, 2026, after a pause for the November international break. The league confirmed the return of the 2026‑27 season in an official statement, ending the suspension that halted domestic fixtures. The article, by Eric Kwafo for AfricaSoccer.com, outlines the schedule update and its impact on clubs awaiting play.
Da Cruz welcomes defensive options after Dortley and Moloisane impress for Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs manager Fernando Da Cruz praises the emerging central‑defence partnership of Rushwin Dortby and Thabo Moloisane after they helped the team reach the Carling Knockout Cup semi‑finals. The duo started the 2‑1 quarter‑final win over Siwelele at Peter Mokaba Stadium, giving Da Cruz a reliable option alongside Inacio Miguel. Their performances have broadened the Chiefs’ defensive choices heading into the upcoming stages of the competition.
Luther Singh scores as Kgaogelo Chauke sets up Burton victory
Luther Singh gives AEL Limassol a lift, netting the opening goal in a 3-1 Cyprus League win over Krasava, while fellow South African Kgaogelo Chauke sets up Burton’s decisive strike in another league fixture. The weekend highlights South African talent thriving abroad, with Singh’s first‑half scorer securing a comfortable victory for his Cypriot side.
Fouzi Lekjaa addresses CAF committee resignation reports and sets date for FRMF elections
FRMF president Fouzi Lekjaa debunks rumors of his resignation from the CAF Finance Committee and confirms that the federation’s next electoral general assembly will take place on December 12, 2026. He made the statements during a Board of Directors meeting at the FRMF headquarters on Monday, clarifying his continued role in CAF while setting the timeline for upcoming elections.
Senegal hand Arouna Sangante late call-up for AFCON 2027 qualifiers
Senegal’s coach Pape Thiaw adds Sevilla defender Arouna Sangante to the squad after a key player’s injury, bolstering the Teranga Lions for the upcoming AFCON 2027 qualifying double‑header against Sudan on Matchdays 3 and 4. The late call‑up comes amid multiple absences, prompting further lineup tweaks ahead of the crucial fixtures.
Kawkab Marrakech lead Botola Pro standings after Week 7
Kawkab Marrakech tops the 2026-27 Botola Pro after seven rounds, but the season pauses for the November international break. The National Professional Football League (LNFP) announced a suspension from Nov. 9‑20 to accommodate national team fixtures, with dates for the league's resumption pending. Eric Kwafo reports the standings shift and the temporary halt on AfricaSoccer.com.
Petrojet Assiut coach Shehata warns Al Ahly ahead of crucial Pyramids showdown
Petrojet Assiut manager Reda Shehata cautions Al Ahly’s coach Hussein Ammouta that his team may face unexpected challenges ahead of their ninth‑round Egyptian Premier League clash with Pyramids FC on November 23. Shehata hints at tactical and form issues that could affect the heavily‑favoured Al Ahly side in this pivotal matchup, setting the stage for a tense showdown between two of Egypt’s football powerhouses.
Dutch journalist calls for Morocco to pay compensation for Dutch-trained players after Oufkir switch
Dutch journalist Mike Verweij argues that Morocco should compensate the Netherlands for nurturing talent like Ayoub Oufkir, who recently elected to play for the Atlas Lions. Speaking on De Telegraaf’s Kick‑off podcast, Verweij points to a rising trend of Dutch‑trained, Morocco‑eligible players switching allegiance, raising questions about development costs and national team loyalty.
Al Ahly defender Yasser Ibrahim left disappointed after missing out on Egypt squad
Al Ahly centre‑back Yasser Ibrahim expresses disappointment after being left out of Egypt’s latest squad for the upcoming international camp. The veteran defender, who recently returned to action with the Cairo club, had hoped to rejoin the Pharaohs but his name was omitted from the roster. The omission, reported by Sylvester Ntim on AfricaSoccer.com, highlights the challenges Ibrahim faces in reclaiming his national team spot.
Achraf Hakimi named in 2026 FIFPRO World 11 for third time
Moroccan right‑back Achraf Hakimi makes the 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World XI for a third time, underscoring his status as a top defender. The PSG star earned the honor after 19,806 professional players from 73 nations voted in the lineup announced Monday. The selection highlights Hakimi’s consistent elite performances on the international and club stage.
Palm Hills Sports Club signs sponsorship deal with Mayar Sherif ahead of Los Angeles 2028
Palm Hills Sports Club announces a new sponsorship deal with Egyptian tennis star Mayar Sherif, aimed at backing her professional circuit and Olympic preparation for Los Angeles 2028. The partnership reflects Palm Hills' strategy to invest in elite athletes and broaden its sports sponsorship portfolio. The agreement was disclosed on November 9, 2026, by AfricaSoccer.com.
Bassem Ali leaves Egypt coaching staff 24 hours after appointment
Assistant coach Bassem Ali quits Egypt's national team just 24 hours after being named to Ali Maher's new technical staff. The former Al Ahly and Al Mokawloon Al Arab midfielder was appointed when the Egyptian FA replaced Hossam Hassan, but announced his departure within a day. The abrupt exit, reported by Sylvester Ntim on AfricaSoccer.com on November 9, 2026, raises questions about the new coaching setup.
Mbappe named La Liga player of the month for October
Kylian Mbappé earns La Liga Player of the Month for October after netting four goals for Real Madrid – a brace in the El Clásico win over Barcelona and two more against Sevilla. He outpaced rivals Lamine Yamal, Gonçalo Guedes and others for the award. The accolade, announced by AfricaSoccer.com on November 9, 2026, underscores Mbappé’s immediate impact in Spain since joining the club.
ZED thrash Samanoud 5-1 to secure biggest Egypt Cup win in last-32
ZED storms through the Egypt Cup last‑32, beating second‑tier side Samanoud 5‑1 for the round’s biggest margin. Walid Farag opens the scoring in the 11th minute, and Abdelrahman El Banouby doubles the lead seven minutes later. The hosts continue to dominate, sealing a decisive victory that propels them deeper into the tournament.
Al Ahly beat Petrojet to maintain perfect record in Egyptian Linked League quarter-finals
Al Ahly extends its flawless streak in the Egyptian Linked League quarter‑finals with a dominant 98‑75 win over Petrojet in the fifth round. The victory marks Al Ahly’s second triumph over both Zamalek and Petrojet and adds a win against Al Gezira, keeping them unbeaten in the phase. One quarter‑final match remains against Al [team name pending].
Chelsea, Manchester City and PSG tracking Lens defender Pierre Ismaelo Janio
Chelsea, Manchester City and Paris Saint‑Germain have joined the list of European heavyweights eyeing 21‑year‑old Lens centre‑back Pierre Ismaelo Janio ahead of the winter window, according to Team Talk. The French Ligue 1 defender is also attracting interest from several other English and French clubs, including Tottenham. The report, by Elikplim Bokor for AfricaSoccer.com, highlights the growing transfer buzz around Janio as clubs scramble for defensive reinforcements.
Al Masry appoint Ismail Youssef to lead new football and scouting committees
Al Masry restructures its sporting hierarchy by creating a football committee and a scouting committee, both chaired by sporting director Ismail Youssef. The new panels also feature Hossam Ghweiba, Amr El‑Desouky, Karim Zekry and Mahmoud Abdel‑Hakim. The shake‑up follows the appointment of Nabil Kouki as head coach, succeeding Ahmed Sami, with Kouki’s debut already underway. These moves signal a strategic push to boost talent identification and on‑field performance.