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Al-Hilal begin contract talks with Hassan Tambakti and Nasser Al-Dawsari as Salem Al-Dawsari waits
Al‑Hilal have opened contract extension talks with midfielder Hassan Tambakti and forward Nasser Al‑Dawsari, while captain Salem Al‑Dawsari remains on a pending deal. Salem’s current contract expires at season’s end, meaning he could walk away and join another club if a new agreement isn’t reached. The club’s negotiations signal a strategic push to lock down key players ahead of the 2026‑27 campaign.
Zinedine Zidane’s wide scouting net leads to surprise France call-up for Sail Koubimbe
Zinedine Zidane stresses that a player’s league level shouldn’t limit national team selection, a stance that earned 21‑year‑old Wolfsburg defender Sail Koubimbe a surprise call‑up to France’s November training camp after Pierre Kalulu’s injury withdrawal. Koubimbe, currently in Germany’s second division, joins the squad as Zidane broadens his scouting scope.
Fermin Lopez embraces ‘Ferminator’ nickname after Barcelona double
Fermin Lopez celebrates his new “Ferminator” moniker after netting both goals in Barcelona’s 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid, a result that keeps the Catalans atop La Liga. Mundo Deportivo even featured the nickname on its front page, highlighting Lopez’s decisive impact. The piece details his reaction to the label and the significance of his double for the club’s title push.
Pedro reveals tearful La Masia struggle and why he chose retirement
Former Barcelona and Chelsea striker Pedro Rodriguez opens up about the emotional turmoil that plagued his early years at La Masia, citing homesickness, family depression and cultural adjustment as the toughest challenges of his career. In a candid interview with AS, Pedro explains how those struggles influenced his decision to retire, which he announced weeks earlier. The piece, written by Elikplim Bokor for AfricaSoccer.com, offers an intimate look at the personal side of a football prodigy’s journey.
Italian football presidency race heads to court as Galliani challenges election process
The Italian Football Federation’s presidential election spirals into a legal battle as former Serie A executive Adriano Galliani challenges the committee’s application review process. The dispute, compounded by Genoa’s sudden shift in support, threatens to delay the vote slated for later this month. Stakeholders fear the court ruling could reshape power dynamics within Italy’s football hierarchy.
DR Congo v Sierra Leone: Leopards eye third straight win in CAN 2027 qualifying
DR Congo hosts Sierra Leone on 12 Nov 2026 at Stade des Martyrs for a crucial CAN 2027 qualifier. The Leopards, chasing a third consecutive win, aim to solidify their top‑group position, while Sierra Leone seeks a vital point. Kick‑off is 16:00 GMT, with live coverage on beIN Sports, Canal+ Afrique, SuperSport and SABC Sport.
Ismaelo Ganiou attracting interest from Europe’s elite ahead of possible 2027 move
RC Lens centre‑back Ismaelo Ganiau, 21, is drawing attention from top clubs in Germany, England, Italy and France as he eyes a possible 2027 transfer. Since cementing his place at Lens, his development and upside have placed him on the radar of several elite European teams. The article details the interest, potential destinations and what makes Ganiau a coveted defensive prospect.
Benin backed to beat Central African Republic in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier
Two Beninese football insiders, Atlantic Department Football League president Charles Titigoueti and former international Klakla Leon, both predict a win for the Guepards against the Central African Republic in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Thursday, 12 November. While they agree on a Benin victory, their expected scorelines differ. The article, written by Eric Kwafo for AfricaSoccer.com, outlines the experts’ reasoning and previews the match.
Ngwenya sets early pace in 2026-27 Betway Premiership Golden Boot race
AmaZulu striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya tops the 2026‑27 Betway Premiership Golden Boot race, netting nine goals in nine matches as the league pauses for the international break. His tally gives him a four‑goal cushion over the nearest challengers, Orlando Pirates winger Tshepang Moremi and Richards Bay forward Nqaba Xulu. The Zimbabwe‑born forward’s early dominance sets the tone for a tight race once fixtures resume.
Gareth Ncaca returns home to lead ABC Motsepe League promotion bid
Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Gareth Ncaca, 44, returns to his hometown of Paarl to coach an ABC Motsepe League side, aiming for promotion. After a standout tenure with Antalyaspor JPM Under‑18s, where he drove the youth team to notable success, Ncaca chooses the Boland region to further his coaching career. The move highlights his commitment to developing local talent and reviving the club’s ambitions in South Africa’s third tier.
Maswanganyi says Jomo Sono’s criticism did not affect him but social media backlash hurt his family
Former Orlando Pirates winger Patrick Maswanganyi, 28, says that Jomo Sono’s “ant versus elephant” jab didn’t shake him, but the ensuing social‑media criticism devastated his family, who even considered urging him to quit football. Maswanganyi, who left the Buccaneers early this season, reveals how the backlash forced him to move out and impacted his loved ones.
RS Berkane dealt injury blow as Mounir Chouiar faces four-week absence due to injury
RS Berkane winger Mounif Chouiar will miss about four weeks after a hamstring injury sustained in the club’s 7th‑round National Professional Championship clash with Hassania Agadir. The Moroccan side confirmed the setback in a medical update, noting that examinations pinpointed the strain and will keep the former Lille player sidelined until mid‑December. The loss comes as Berkane push for higher league standing, leaving coach Noureddine Ould Ali to reshuffle his attack.
Thierry Henry praises ‘special’ atmosphere at Soweto Derby
Thierry Henry, attending as a Betway ambassador, declares the Soweto Derby’s atmosphere “special,” saying it surpasses any rivalry he’s witnessed worldwide. He watched Orlando Pirates edge Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 at FNB Stadium in the Betway Premiership, highlighting the unique energy that defines South Africa’s biggest football showdown.
Highbury FC part company with coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi after 10 matches
Highbury FC dismisses head coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi after just 10 games in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, making him the third manager to fall this season following Clinton Larsen and Duncan Lechesa. Vilakazi, appointed before the campaign began, departs amid a turbulent start for the club. The move adds to a growing list of coaching vacancies in the division, signaling possible instability ahead for Highbury FC.
Al-Jinani set to continue as Raja coach after back-to-back victories
Raja Casablanca confirms Abdel Karim Al‑Jinany as permanent head coach after he steered the club to consecutive wins in the Moroccan Professional Championship. The management’s vote of confidence follows the notable results achieved since his appointment, cementing his status as the team’s new leader. Written by Eric Kwafo for AfricaSoccer.com, the piece details the back‑to‑back victories and the club’s decision to retain Al‑Jinany for the foreseeable future.
Gary Neville defends Moroccan star Noussair Mazraoui amid criticism of Manchester United’s defence
Gary Neville blasts Manchester United’s defensive recruitment and questions Michael Carrick’s decision to play Moroccan international Noussair Mazraoui out of position. The former defender warns that relying on the current back‑line could have serious repercussions, and he steps in to defend Mazraoui amid growing criticism of United’s defence. Neville’s comments, featured in an AfricaSoccer.com piece by Eric Kwafo, highlight concerns over the club’s tactical choices and the potential fallout if the defensive issues aren’t addressed.
CAF Awards 2026: Hakimi leads Morocco’s star-studded list of nominees
Morocco dominates the 2026 CAF Awards shortlist, with Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari among the top contenders for individual honors. The ceremony, now set for December 2 in Lagos after a schedule shift from the original December 7 date, promises to spotlight the North African talent. CAF’s revised timeline and the Moroccan nominees signal a strong showing for the kingdom at the continent’s premier football awards.
AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Niger coach bemoans lack of home advantage ahead of Morocco clash
Niger head coach Nabil Neghiz laments that his team must face Morocco on neutral ground in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, saying the loss of home support weakens their chances. The Algerian‑born coach highlights infrastructure shortfalls that prevent the match from being hosted in Niger, adding pressure ahead of the two‑legged showdown with the Atlas Lions. Neghiz stresses that playing away diminishes Niger’s odds of securing vital points in the crucial qualifying round.
Arsenal draw up four-player shortlist for January attacking signing
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has compiled a four‑player shortlist for a January attacking signing, according to The Independent. The Gunners are tracking Bournemouth striker Eli Kroupi Jr. alongside three other unnamed forwards as the winter window approaches. Arteta aims to bolster Arsenal’s attack ahead of the second half of the season, with a decision expected once the market reopens.
Egypt face Morocco next in North Africa youth qualifiers after late Tunisia win
Egypt’s U‑14 side (born 2010) tops the North Africa youth qualifiers after a dramatic 2‑1 win over Tunisia, securing three points and leading the four‑team round‑robin in Tunisia. The Egyptians now face Morocco on Friday, 13 Nov, while Algeria sits level on points but trails on goal difference. The tight schedule and goal‑hungry stakes set up a pivotal showdown for regional bragging rights.
Sudan’s Appeals Committee returns league title to Al Hilal after overturning Al Merrikh ruling
Sudan’s Football Association Appeals Committee has reversed its earlier decision, stripping Al Merrikh of the Elite League crown and reinstating Al Hilal as 2026 champions. The ruling overturns a prior award that had given Al Merrikh the title based on points from their Khartoum derby. The committee’s verdict, announced on November 10, reshapes the league’s final standings and sparks debate over the dispute’s handling.
Iraq deny negotiations with Hossam Hassan over national team job
The Iraqi Football Association refutes claims that it is in talks with former Egypt coach Hossam Hassan for the national team job. Deputy president Sarmad Abdulilah acknowledges Hassan would be a strong candidate, but says no negotiations are underway. Hassan recently left Egypt after Ali Maher was appointed his successor.
Egypt Under-23s begin Hamada Sidky era ahead of Japan friendly
Egypt's Olympic U‑23 squad kicks off the Hamada Sidky era with its first training session as they gear up for a friendly against Japan on Tuesday, 17 November at 18:00. Sidky, appointed head coach, will lead the team into the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations U‑23 qualifiers, aiming to build a competitive side ahead of the tournament. The article notes the upcoming match details and Sidky's new role in shaping Egypt's youth prospects.
Ancelotti: Brazil will keep monitoring Estevao despite Chelsea playing time
Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti says striker Estevao Willian remains a key part of his national team plans, even if his minutes at Chelsea stay limited. After returning from injury, Estevao has featured 132 minutes over the club’s last two Premier League games, but Ancelotti stresses Brazil will continue to monitor his form and fitness. The insight comes ahead of upcoming international fixtures, highlighting Brazil’s depth options.
Zamalek deny former stars were barred from football company meeting
Zamalek refutes claims that ex‑players and club legends were blocked from a meeting on the club’s proposed football company. A Zamalek source tells FilGoal.com that former figures were free to enter the headquarters and attend the board discussion. The denial, reported by AfricaSoccer.com on November 10, 2026, counters rumors of a boycott against the club’s restructuring talks.