AfricaSoccer.com
Total reads
493
This week
68
Rank
#192 of 463
Published
11,121 posts
Most read posts
Featured on Sportsblogs
Run this blog? Add the badge to your site to show readers you're featured — it links back to this page.
Latest Entries
Three obstacles could prevent Antonio Conte from taking charge of Al Ahli
Antonio Conte is being touted as Marino Pusic’s possible replacement at Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli, but three key hurdles could keep the Italian away. First, Saudi work‑permit and visa regulations may stall his appointment. Second, the club’s budget constraints and salary‑cap rules could clash with Conte’s high‑profile wage expectations. Third, his existing commitments – including a lucrative TV punditry contract and potential ties to European clubs – might prevent a swift move. The piece examines each obstacle, comparing Conte’s situation with that of rival candidate Nuno Santo.
Barcelona receive defensive boost ahead of Atletico Madrid showdown
Barcelona get a defensive lift ahead of Sunday’s La Liga clash with Atletico Madrid as centre‑backs Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen join Hansi Flick’s final training session. Both have recovered well from injury layoffs, giving the Catalans a stronger back line for the match at the Metropolitano.
Mourinho plans Real Madrid rotation strategy inspired by Paris Saint-Germain
Jose Mourinho unveils a new rotation plan for Real Madrid, mirroring Paris Saint-Germain's squad‑rest tactics to curb fatigue as the season winds down. The Portuguese coach aims to keep key players fresh for the decisive run‑in, outlining how the rotation will be managed and its expected impact on the title chase.
Inter target historic home record as Como seek first win over Cesc Fabregas’ former side
Inter Milan host Como on 8 November 2026, eyeing a historic home record as they chase a 12th straight Serie A win over their Lombardy rivals – the longest winning streak they’ve ever held against any opponent. The side aims to extend the run that Opta says includes 11 consecutive victories, while Como, led by former Cesc Fàbregas’ side, looks to claim their first win in the fixture. Both teams enter the match with contrasting stakes, promising a pivotal clash in the Italian top flight.
Al Nassr move to extend Joao Felix contract amid Barcelona interest
Al Nassr is set to trigger a unilateral extension clause in Joao Felix’s deal, securing the Portuguese forward for the Saudi side until the summer of 2029. Club officials, led by Ahmed Al Sultan, are fast‑tracking legal paperwork as Barcelona reportedly eyes a move for the striker. The extension would lock Felix in despite European interest, highlighting Al Nassr’s intent to keep its marquee attacker for the long term.
Portugal face symbolic decision over Ronaldo’s iconic number seven
Portugal must decide who will inherit Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic number 7 after his retirement from international duty. In an A Bola opinion piece, writer Rui Pedro Soares argues the choice carries weight far beyond a simple squad number, highlighting its symbolic power for the nation and future generations. The debate sparks speculation about potential successors and the cultural impact of passing the mantle.
Egyptian Football Association leaves Hossam Hassan’s future unclear in surprise statement
The Egyptian Football Association urges calm and unity as rumors swirl about Hossam Hassan's potential departure, yet it stops short of confirming his tenure beyond Egypt's next two fixtures. In a surprise Saturday statement, the EFA emphasizes the importance of stability for the national team, leaving Hassan's future deliberately ambiguous. The article, by Sylvester Ntim for AfricaSoccer.com, explores the implications of this uncertainty for Egypt's upcoming matches and the broader coaching landscape.
Gianni Infantino effigy burned during England’s Lewes Bonfire celebrations
During England’s Guy Fawkes Night on Nov 5, a massive effigy of FIFA president Gianni Infantino is torched before tens of thousands at the Lewes Bonfire, a long‑standing celebration in southern England. The article, by Abdul Karim for AfricaSoccer.com, details the event’s history, the procession, and reactions to the high‑profile target being set ablaze.
Barcelona’s fast starts pose early threat to Atletico Madrid
Barcelona have turned quick openings into a season‑long weapon, netting before the 10th minute in eight of their 15 La Liga and Champions League games. Their rapid start will be tested when they travel to face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, 8 November 2026, in the 12th round of the league. Coach Alansary highlights the Catalans' early‑goal habit as a key threat for the hosts.
Milan aim to extend unbeaten Genoa run as hosts chase historic fourth win
Milan travel to Luigi Ferraris on Sunday, 8 November 2026 for the 11th‑round Serie A clash with Genoa. The Rossoneri aim to keep their unbeaten streak in the last 10 league meetings against the hosts, who are riding a three‑match winning run and eye a historic fourth consecutive victory. With both sides keen to extend their recent form, the match promises a tactical showdown that could shift the table.
Vinicius must accept a place on the bench at Real Madrid, says Spanish journalist
Spanish journalist Jesús Gallego says Real Madrid should bench Brazil forward Vinícius Júnior after a sluggish start to the 2026‑27 season. In an AS column, Gallego argues that Vinícius’s recent performances fail to merit a starting role and risk harming the team's momentum. The criticism comes as Madrid struggles to find form, prompting calls for the winger to accept a reduced role. The piece, written by Alansary for AfricaSoccer.com, details the journalist’s view that the star must adjust his expectations at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Mustapha Hadji explains why Zinedine Zidane does not trust Al Hilal’s Theo Hernandez
Morocco legend Mustapha Hadji argues that Theo Hernández’s defensive flaws, not his attacking flair, keep Zinedine Zidane from selecting the Al Hilal left‑back for France. While Hernández dazzles on the forward wing, Hadji says his lack of defensive reliability undermines Zidane’s confidence, explaining why the French icon “does not trust” him at international level. The piece, by Issa Said for AfricaSoccer.com, delves into the gap between club success and national team expectations.
Mainz 05 ready to test Bayern Munich, says Meikel Schonweitz
Technical director Meikel Schonweitz says Mainz 05 are set to give Bayern Munich a tough fight when the Bundesliga clash returns on Saturday. He points to last season’s two high‑scoring encounters, which produced 11 goals, and recalls Bayern’s narrow 4‑3 win in April. Schonweitz believes his side can repeat the pattern and unsettle the champions in this upcoming test.
Alonso urges Palmer to put England disappointment aside and focus on Chelsea
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso urges 24‑year‑old forward Cole Palmer to set aside his recent England Nations League omission and concentrate on club duties. Palmer was left out of the England squad for Friday’s matches against Croatia and Spain, adding to a challenging international spell. Alonso stresses the need for Palmer to focus on delivering for Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel, who also excluded him from the latest squad.
Victor Osimhen to undergo knee surgery ahead of Nigeria’s AFCON qualifiers
Nigeria’s star striker Victor Osimhen is set for left‑knee surgery on Saturday, Nov. 7, after injuring the joint in Galatasaray’s Champions League clash with VfB Stuttgart. The 27‑year‑old’s operation throws his participation in the Super Eagles’ 2027 AFCON qualifying fixtures into doubt, leaving fans and coaches concerned about the team’s attacking options. Osimhen’s club confirmed the injury on Friday, and the article, by Elikplim Bokor, details the expected recovery timeline and impact on Nigeria’s campaign.
Unai Emery in talks over new Aston Villa contract amid Manchester United links
Unai Emery confirms he is negotiating a new deal with Aston Villa, aiming to extend his tenure beyond the 2029 expiry of his current contract. The club announced that talks are underway, and Emery highlighted a constructive meeting with chairman Nassef Sawiris. While rumors link him to Manchester United, the focus remains on continuing Villa's long‑term project under Emery's leadership.
Orlando Pirates face fourth Sekhukhune United test in Carling Knockout semi-final push
Orlando Pirates’ assistant coach Rayaan Jacobs warns that a tough Sekhukhune United clash could determine their Carling Knockout Cup semi‑final hopes. The sides will meet for a fourth time this season after Pirates won the three previous meetings across different competitions, including both legs of their last encounter. Jacobs stresses the need to stay focused to secure a spot in the knockout’s final stages.
Kaizer Chiefs extend perfect DStv Diski Challenge run with AmaZulu win
Kaizer Chiefs keep a flawless record in the DStv Diski Challenge, beating AmaZulu 3-1 on Saturday to reach seven wins from seven and cement their table‑top lead. Neo Bohloko nets a brace, boosting his league total to eight goals in seven games, while Vela Khumalo’s side moves to 21 points. The victory reinforces Chiefs’ dominance as the competition heads into its final stages.
Sekhukhune United confident of overcoming Orlando Pirates, says Papi Zothwane
Sekhukhune United head coach Papi Zothwane declares his team confident of beating Orlando Pirates in the upcoming knockout clash, despite being winless in three meetings this season. The side travels to the Orlando Amstel Arena, a venue that has turned into a fortress for the Pirates, with a semi‑final berth on the line. Zothwane emphasizes tactical adjustments and belief that his players can overturn the odds and advance.
Arnaud Kalimuendo could return to Germany after struggling at Nottingham Forest
Eintracht Frankfurt eye a January 2027 loan or permanent deal for striker Arnaud Kalimuendo as he slips into obscurity at Nottingham Forest. The 24‑year‑old French‑Congolese forward has struggled for minutes in the Premier League this season, prompting Frankfurt to consider bringing him back to the Bundesliga where he previously thrived. The move, reported by Issa Said on AfricaSoccer.com, could revive Kalimuendo’s career ahead of the winter window.
Neo Bohloko fires Kaizer Chiefs to seventh straight DStv Diski Challenge win
Neo Bohloko sparks Kaizer Chiefs' seventh straight DStv Diski Challenge win, delivering a 3-1 triumph over AmaZulu FC on Saturday. The Soweto side remains the only unbeaten team, having opened the campaign with six consecutive victories and showing no sign of slowing down. Bohlko’s performance underscores Chiefs' dominance as they maintain a perfect record in the youth competition.
PSL coaching changes mount as Richards Bay dismiss Pantev
Eight PSL clubs have already overhauled their coaching staff midway through the 2026/27 season, and Richards Bay has now sacked Bulgarian manager Dimitar Pantev for a second time this campaign, according to Soccer Laduma. The dismissal makes Richards Bay the latest team to restructure its technical team as the league sees a surge in coaching churn.
Darren Keet takes up coaching role with Ottawa City Soccer Club
Former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Darren Keet launches his coaching career as Ottawa City Soccer Club’s High Performance and Goalkeeper Lead. Announced on the club’s social media on November 7, 2026, Keet joins Ottawa City’s player‑development programme to oversee elite training and goalkeeper mentoring. The move marks Keet’s first post‑retirement role after ending his professional playing career, signaling the South African veteran’s shift to developing talent in Canada.
Bryan Mbeumo claims Player of the Month and Goal of the Month awards at Manchester United
Bryan Mbeumo earns Manchester United’s Player of the Month for October, also clinching the club’s Goal of the Month after his striking finish versus Tottenham Hotspur. The Cameroon forward netted two goals in four appearances, highlighting a strong start to the season and securing both individual honors.
Fadlu Davids targets CAF Champions League success with Young Africans despite difficult season
Young Africans appoint Fadlu Davids as head coach and he vows to turn the tide in the CAF Champions League despite a shaky domestic start. Davids, returning to Tanzania, admits the team’s early results fall short of expectations, but says the continental tournament offers a chance to prove his impact. The article quotes his confidence and outlines the challenges ahead for Yanga in the 2026 season.