Egypt heads to the World Cup finals in Russia for the first time in 28 years after 2-1 victory over Congo in Alexandria gives them an uncatchable four-point lead in Group E, having had to watch from the sidelines since Italy 1990.
Their place at the upcoming tournament in Russia was clinched in dramatic fashion as Mohamed Salah scored a stoppage-time penalty to sink a stubborn Congo 2-1. They now sit four points clear of second-placed Uganda with one Group E game remaining.
Liverpool attacker, Mohamed Salah had opened the scoring earlier in the half, only for Arnold Bouka to slam home in the 88th minute to silence almost 85,000 fans and seemingly set-up a tough trip to Ghana to seal their spot.
However, they were not to be left disappointed and 44-year-old goalkeeper Essam El Hadary led the celebrations at full-time as the North Africans, seven-time continental champions and 2016 CAF Africa Cup of Nations runners-up booked only their third passage to the finals. Russia will only be their second destination for a World Cup, having made their debut at Italy’s first hosting back in 1934.
Africa’s Russia 2018 Qualifiers round-Up – Nigeria became the first African country to book their ticket to the next FIFA World Cup™, while Tunisia also took a big step towards Russia 2018, as did Senegal, who have a game in hand on their closest pursuers. Côte d’Ivoire, on the other hand, were overtaken by Morocco and the two will now lock horns with qualification on the line on the final matchday, whereas Egypt can qualify if they overcome Congo later today.
Match of the weekend
Morocco 3-0 Gabon
The Moroccans capitalised on Côte d’Ivoire’s Friday-night stumble in Mali in style, easing past Gabon 3-0 to move into top spot in Group C. Khalid Boutaib was the star of the show, hitting a perfect hat-trick – his first goal was a glancing header, his second a right-footed volley and his third an emphatic left-footed finish – to fire his country to victory.
The Atlas Lions are now in pole position and know that a draw in their final game – a potentially explosive showdown away to the Elephants on 6 November – would be enough to take them through.
Elsewhere
Group A: Tunisia could have qualified courtesy of their 4-1 romp away in Guinea had Congo DR not kept within striking distance by triumphing 2-1 in Libya. Still, the Eagles of Carthage remain very much in the driving seat ahead of the final matchday, when they entertain the Libyans.
Group B: Nigeria sealed qualification by edging past a well-drilled, combative Zambia side 1-0. Alex Iwobi – who also scored against the Zambians in the reverse fixture – proved his side’s hero. Meanwhile, with both having been knocked out of contention the last matchday, there was only pride to play for when Cameroon welcomed Algeria to Yaounde, and it was the Indomitable Lions who claimed the bragging rights with an industrious 2-0 win.
Group C: Already reeling after their home loss to Gabon last time out, Marc Wilmots’ Côte d’Ivoire are now staring into the abyss after their limp 0-0 draw away to Mali, which leaves the Ivorians needing to get the better of Morocco in their last fixture in order to qualify.
Group D: South Africa belatedly breathed some life into their campaign by registering their first win of the group stage, a 3-1 defeat of Burkina Faso. Nevertheless, the Bafana Bafana stay bottom of the standings ahead of their November double-header against Senegal, who took command of the group and gave their qualification hopes a huge boost with their 2-0 success away to Cape Verde Islands.
Group E: Uganda hosted Ghana knowing that victory would see them leapfrog Egypt at the top of the table, at least temporarily. However, the Black Stars were not about to lie down and came away with a 0-0 draw. The upshot is that if the Pharaohs prevail at home to Congo later today, they will clinch a berth at the World Cup for the third time.
The quote
“We knew that today’s match was only a semi-final. Now we can go to Abidjan with more confidence, without having to take too many risks and with our fate in our own hands, albeit mindful that it’ll be a tough game. We beat Côte d’Ivoire at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, so we know we can do it again.” – Morocco coach Herve Renard
Sierra Queens of Sierra Leone will open their quest for the 2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations qualifiers against West African neighbours Mali in the first round qualifiers in the race to Ghana.
To qualify for the 2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations billed for Ghana, the two sides will face off in the first round of qualification in February with the Queens hosting the first leg in Freetown before moving away to Bamako for the return leg.
If the Sierra Leone Queens are able to get passed their Malian opponent, they will have to face the winner between Morocco and Ivory Coast, who would also battle in the first round.
The tournament will also double as the qualifiers to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The 2018 edition of the tournament will be held in Ghana from November 17 to December 1st.
Hosts Ghana qualified automatically, while the remaining seven spots will be determined by the qualifying rounds, which will begin on February 26, 2018.
The full draw for this year’s qualifiers includes; First Round: Senegal v Algeria, Libya v Ethiopia, Morocco v Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone v Mali, Burkina Faso v Gambia, Congo v South Africa, Kenya v Uganda, Lesotho v Swaziland, Tanzania v Zambia, Namibia v Zimbabwe.
Second Round: Senegal/Algeria v Libya v Ethiopia , Morocco/Ivory Coast v Sierra Leone/Mali, Burkina Faso/Gambia v Nigeria , Congo/Central Africa v Cameroon, Kenya/Uganda v Equatorial Guinea, Lesotho/Swaziland v South Africa, Tanzania/Zambia v Namibia/Zimbabwe.
Sierra Leone international, Prince Barrie, says Haifa’s trip to the city of Rabat, Morocco is the ideal way for him to settle quickly into life with his new club.
The attacking midfielder, who signed a two-year deal on Wednesday 27 September with Guinean top-flight side will be in the Hafia’s side departing tonight for Morocco on a two-week training camp, where the team will play three friendly games before the start of the season.
This year’s Guinea national Cup Winner is expected to play three friendly matches (two against the FUS in Rabat and one against the Raja).
Hafia will engage in three competitions next season, the Guinean Championship, the National Cup of Guinea and CAF Confederation Cup.
He told Football Sierra Leone that the trip will provide him with the perfect opportunity to get to know his new teammates.
“I’m happy to be here, I signed a two-year contract with one of Guinea biggest clubs and it feels right,” the former Inter Allies attacking midfielder told footballsierraleone.net.
“I’m so looking forward to this trip. I think the best thing about the trip is that we’re going to Rabat and will be a good time to know my teammates,”
“I played in Ghana for one season and It was ok. I also went to Sweden on trials with AIK in 2015. Now am in Guinea because I was scouted against Senegal during the CHAN preliminary doubleheader in July.
Physically I’m in a good sharp,” the former Inter Allies player added.
The 15 times Guinean Champions will return to Conakry on October 27 and will face Horoya AC the 2017 Champions in the Guinean Super Cup.
The Guinea pro league is expected to start on November 4th.
The three times African Champions was one of the dominant forces in the 1970s.
Hafia promoted some great talents as Papa Camara, Bengally Sylla, Abdoulaye Keita, Chérif Souleymane, Petit Sory, Mamadou Aliou Kéïta, Mory Kone.
Here is the list of fifteen players signed by Hafia FC last week.
Prince Barrie (attacker) a two-year contract from Sierra Leone, Yakhouba Bangoura (middle) two-year contract from FC AKB national division.
Ismael Camara (midfielder) Two-year contract from Atletico de Coleah, Demba Camara (striker) Two-year contract from FC Inter Turku of Finland.
Mohamed Cheick Camara (striker): Top scorer in league 2 with 18 goals. Two-year contract from FC Santoba, Midfielder Sankoumba Diakité a two-year contract from FC Atouga and Guinea’s U-16 international, Aboubacar Camara (striker): 12 goals last year. Two-year contract, Bakary Diakité (middle): a Two-year deal from Soumba.
Souleymane Badji (middle): two-year contract from JS Kabylie of Tunisia, Alhassane Kennedy Soumah (middle): two-year contract from the Atletico de Coleah
Ibrahima Sory Camara (middle): two-year contract from Renaissance FC, Kerfalla Camara (defender): a two-year contract from the Horoya AC reserve
Momo Coumbassa (goalkeeper): two-year contract from Atletico de Coleah, Mohamed Sorel Camara (striker): two-year contract from Fello Star
Gnamien Ghislain (striker): two-year contract from AFAD (Côte d’Ivoire)
He’s been among the goals recently for the Danish NordicBet Liga side, Vendsyssel after joining on loan in January from local side Lion pride.
Sierra Leone-born striker Christian Moses pictured in action was again on the scoresheet in Monday’s 3-1 defeat at home by Esbjerg FB.
However, despite frustrated with his side home defeat, the Lion Pride striker knows how much a goal means to the club and fans.
“I feel great at the moment, thanks to God everything is going on well with me here,” Moses told the footballsierraleone.net.
“I’ve managed to score six goals in 13 League appearances, a good way to announce my arrival I suppose. Overall I’m happy with my effort so far here.
“As a team, we are third position on the table, working towards promotion.”
With eight games to go before the end of the Danish NordicBet Liga first phase, Vendsyssel next outing will be against BK Fremad Amager on Saturday and Moses is excited about helping his side bid to go on a winning run.
“Hopefully, from this Saturday we can put together a run of successive wins and that might help our promotion chase before the league break up.
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Sierra Leone | Highlights -