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The African Football Confederation’s decision to appoint Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala for the first leg of the CAF Champions League final between Mamelodi Sundowns and Morocco’s AS FAR has sparked significant debate. Ndala, who also officiated the contentious 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, finds himself at the center of a fresh storm, with both clubs now questioning his suitability for the high-stakes match. The highly anticipated showdown between Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR, scheduled for May 17 in Pretoria, is set to be a clash of titans. Yet, the spotlight has shifted from the teams to the man in the middle. Ndala’s recent track record, particularly his handling of the controversial AFCON final in January, has drawn sharp criticism. The Moroccan side, already embroiled in a...

The Congolese football official, Jean-Jacques Ndala, has been selected by the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) to take charge of the first leg of the CAF Champions League final. This significant match will feature Mamelodi Sundowns against AS FAR and is scheduled for May 17 in Pretoria, South Africa.At 38 years old, the Congolese referee is well-known for his role in the controversial final of the most recent Africa Cup of Nations, which saw Senegal face Morocco. Despite the significant criticism that followed his performance in that game, the continental governing body has continued to show confidence in his abilities, as evidenced by his recent appointments in various interclub competitions.Confirmation for the Pretoria fixtureCAF has officially confirmed Jean-Jacques Ndala's as...

The Ivorian government has embarked on a proactive strategy to bolster its national airline, Air Côte d'Ivoire, and enhance the accessibility of air travel. A substantial 25% decrease in passenger charges has been officially implemented.This measure represents a profound declaration to the aviation industry. By enacting a one-quarter reduction in airport taxes, the Ivorian administration is not merely performing a symbolic act; it is initiating a fundamental strategic reform designed to sustainably transform the nation's air transportation landscape.The critical importance of this reductionThe total cost of an airline ticket often appears opaque to travelers. In reality, a significant portion of the final price comprises various taxes and fees, which are disbursed not to the airline, but t...

Jean-Jacques Ndala receives another major CAF final appointment Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala is once again making headlines, having been selected to officiate a significant continental final. Following his role in the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2025 final, Ndala has now been entrusted with overseeing the first leg of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League final. This high-profile match will feature Mamelodi Sundowns facing AS FAR Rabat in Pretoria.This latest appointment has sparked considerable discussion within football circles, particularly given Ndala's notable absence from the official list of African referees chosen for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite this omission, his continued selection for major CAF events underscores his standing as a pr...

Guess what happened this Saturday in Côte d'Ivoire? Bénin's under-20 women's national team pulled off something pretty special! They managed a strong 1-1 draw against the Côte d'Ivoire Elephants, giving our Amazones a real advantage heading into the second leg.An intense showdown right in Abidjan's heartThe highly anticipated clash between Côte d'Ivoire's and Bénin's rising female football stars totally lived up to the hype. This first leg of the qualifiers was packed with physical challenges and relentless effort from both sides, ending with neither team giving an inch.From the get-go, the Ivorian team, spurred on by their home crowd, tried to dictate the pace. But the Amazones U20 showed incredible tactical discipline and resilience. Even after the home side scored first, our young Bénin...

As President Patrice Talon prepares to transfer authority to Romuald Wadagni, he leaves behind a nation profoundly transformed. From modernizing essential infrastructure to fostering political stability, the past ten years of governance have revitalized Bénin’s sense of national pride and momentum. Unprecedented popular acclaim marks a presidential departure On May 1, 2026, the atmosphere across Cotonou, Parakou, and Porto-Novo transcended mere celebration. Thousands of Béninois citizens gathered not just to mark the head of state's 68th birthday, but primarily to convey their profound appreciation. Witnessing a president complete two constitutional terms without attempting to alter the rules, and having fulfilled his development pledges, has set a new benchmark for democracy, now frequent...

Under the blazing Dakar sun one Wednesday afternoon, the synthetic pitch at CICES pulses with an unusual energy. Away from the hustle of the VDN highway, Be Sport Academy buzzes like a hive of activity. Souleymane, 15, meticulously tightens his laces. Around him, teammates pull on jerseys, adjust shin guards, and exchange focused glances. Not a word is wasted—today’s session started ten minutes late. But the moment the ball begins to circulate, the boys’ faces relax, almost lighting up. Passes flow, runs synchronize, and movements align under the watchful eyes of the coaches. Every training session here is a showcase. These young players know that each drill, each sprint, could be their ticket to being spotted by talent scouts. This relentless pursuit of excellence isn’t accidental—it’s ...

FIFA Issues Stern Warning to National Teams Ahead of 2026 World Cup Draws Following the thrilling African Nations Cup final where Senegal triumphed over Morocco (1-0), FIFA President Gianni Infantino has issued a decisive warning to all national teams preparing for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is just around the corner. The CAN 2026 final was marred by controversy when Morocco was awarded a controversial penalty despite Senegal having a goal disallowed. In response, Senegalese players, led by coach Pape Thiaw, temporarily walked off the pitch in protest, delaying the match by over ten minutes before resuming play. The game ultimately ended with a Senegal victory, secured by a strike from Pape Guèye, marking the coun...

Just before dawn on April 25, violent explosions and gunfire erupted near Kati, a key military garrison town situated 15 kilometers northwest of Bamako, Mali’s bustling capital. Within hours, coordinated assaults led by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) and the Tuareg Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) unfolded across multiple regions. By the following day, the Malian military junta announced the death of Defense Minister Sadio Camara, who succumbed to injuries sustained during an attack on his residence. Reports later emerged suggesting that Modibo Koné, the junta’s intelligence chief, may also have been critically wounded or killed in the same wave of violence. Despite the junta’s initial claims that the situation was under control, the coordinated offensive continued to ...