Egyptian powerhouse, Zamalek, who were on the brink of elimination by Djibouti’s Arta Solar, displayed their championship calibre with a hard-fought 4-1 victory.

This narrow win brought the aggregate scoreline to 4-3 in Zamalek’s favour, securing their place in the competition’s group stage.

The 2019 champions had experienced a shocking 2-0 defeat in the first leg and faced disappointment as Arta Solar took the lead in Cairo.

However, Zamalek, drawing on their championship pedigree, persevered and scored four impressive goals, sending their fans into raptures in a dramatic encounter.

Sierra Leone’s Kallon FC had an unfortunate exit from the competition as they settled for a 1-1 draw against Ghana’s Dreams FC, resulting in a 3-2 aggregate defeat.

Cote d’Ivoire’s Afad Djekanou suffered a disheartening 2-0 loss at home to Guinea’s CO Coyah, leading to their elimination from the competition as CO Coyah advanced with a 3-2 aggregate score.

In Rwanda, Rayon Sports also bid farewell to the competition in front of their home fans after playing to a 1-1 draw against Libya’s Al Hilal Benghazi.

The deadlock forced the two teams to determine the winner through a penalty shootout, following a similar scoreline in the first leg.

The weekend’s closing fixtures will wrap up on Sunday, promising more thrilling African football action with some of the continent’s top teams in action.

Caf Confederations Cup Fixtures
Sunday, 1 October
Saint Eloi Lupopo vs Sekhukhune United
Club Africain vs Bahir Dar Kenema
Rivers United vs Etoile Filante
Future FC vs Singida Fountain Gate
Academica do Lobito vs Al Merreikh
USM Alger vs FUS Rabat

Scheduled to kick off on Friday, October 20, 2023, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the AFL’s opening match will showcase Simba SC from Tanzania facing off against Al Ahly SC from Egypt.

The Prize Money for the AFL is as follows:
$4 000 000 (R75 Million) for the Winner
$3 000 000 (R56 Million) for the Runner-up
$1 700 000 (R32 Million) for each of the Semi-finalists
$1 000 000 (R18.9 Million) for each of the Quarter-finalists

The prize money at stake is remarkably attractive and competitive, with the winners needing just six matches to claim the substantial prize pool of $4,000,000.

Among the notable and top-ranking football clubs participating in this inaugural AFL edition are Enyimba FC (Nigeria), Wydad AC (Morocco), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), TP Mazembe (DR Congo), Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia) and Atletico Petroleos de Luanda (Angola).

The AFL represents a collaborative effort between CAF and FIFA. One of its primary objectives is to elevate the quality of African club football to a global competitive level and ensure the commercial viability of African football clubs.

Additionally, the AFL aims to foster the development and nurturing of youth football talent across the African continent.
CAF’s overarching goal is to ensure that all 54 CAF Member Associations, including those without representation in the AFL, benefit and receive financial support from the commercial success and viability of this prestigious tournament

In the first leg, the Red Devils displayed their prowess with a 3-0 triumph away from home, fuelled by goals from Hussein El-Shahat and Ahmed Abdelkader.

In the return leg, Al Ahly continued their dominant form. Mohamed Magdy Afsha set the tone within the first ten minutes with a remarkable free-kick goal, granting his team an early advantage.

Shortly thereafter, Mahmoud Kahraba doubled their lead from the penalty spot after half an hour. Afsha struck again, this time at the far post, netting his second and Al Ahly’s third of the evening just five minutes later.

With a comfortable lead, Al Ahly maintained their offensive pressure and secured their fourth goal through a well-executed play.

Mohamed Hany initiated a dynamic run down the right flank and delivered a sublime cross, which Mahmoud Kahraba met with a powerful header, eluding Saint George’s Bahiru Negash.

These convincing victories over two legs earned Al Ahly a spot in the CAF Champions League group stages, scheduled to kick off at the end of November.

The thrilling Caf Confederation Cup match was played at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on a Friday night.

Both teams showcased captivating displays and generated numerous scoring opportunities during the first half, resulting in a halftime score of 0-0.

However, it was the home team that broke the deadlock in the 57th minute, courtesy of Nigerian international Etiosa Ighodaro, who capitalised on a brilliant assist from Ronald Pfumbidzai.

Ighodaro further embellished his performance by completing a brace in the 72nd minute.
In the 76th minute, Matsatsantsa executed double substitutions, with Pfumbidzai being replaced by Terrence Dzvukamanja, and Bradley Grobler stepping in for the two-goal hero, Ighodaro.

Matsatsantsa continued to assert their dominance, culminating in substitute Grobler finding the back of the net in the 90th minute, solidifying their commanding lead.
The match concluded with a final score of 3-0 in favor of the home side, SuperSport United.

On October 13, 2023, Bafana Bafana will play host to Eswatini, with the kick off scheduled for 18:00.
The team will later to West Africa to face Cote d’Ivoire, the host nation for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations, on October 17.

These matches are integral to Broos’ preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations in January and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in November. The venue for the international friendly encounter with Eswatini will be confirmed in the coming days.

The team will convene at their training camp in Johannesburg on October 8, 2023. Following the clash with Eswatini on October 13, Broos and his team will embark on a direct flight from Johannesburg to Abidjan the next day to face Côte d’Ivoire.

They are set to return to South Africa on October 18. In the days ahead, Broos will reduce the preliminary squad to a final roster of 23 players for the two matches.

PRELIMINARY SQUAD:
Goalkeepers
Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Veli Mothwa (Amazulu), Ricardo Goss (Supersport United), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)

Defenders
Nyiko Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Grant Kekana, Aubrey Modiba, Thapelo Maseko, Mothobi Mvala, Thapelo Morena, Khuliso Mudau (All Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Innocent Maela, Thapelo Xoki (All Orlando Pirates), Siyanda Xulu, Ime Okon (Both Supersport United)

Midfielders
Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubass (Both Mamelodi Sundowns), Njabulo Blom (St. Louis City, MLS), Grant Margeman (Supersport United), Sphephelo Sithole (C.D Tondela), Mlungisi Mbunjana (TS Galaxy), Sibongiseni Mthethwa (Kaizer Chiefs)

Forwards
Pule Mmodi, Mduduzi Mdantsane (Both Kaizer Chiefs), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol), Percy Tau (Al Ahly), Zakhele Lepasa, Monnapule Saleng (Both Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Lebo Mothiba (Strasbourg FC), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United), Khanyisa Mayo (Cape Town City), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Dludlu, asserts that Africa is now generating a substantial number of players who are making a significant impact on the world football scene.

She conveyed these sentiments during an interview with CAFOnline while participating in a year-long coaching program in the United States.

“African football is closing the gap, with great players populating all over the world,” Dludlu said.
“We have shown our strength by moving past rounds of 16 in the Last World Cup (3 out of 4 countries) all of us won a game and scored goals.

“It shows we are getting there with the rankings as well. If we keep doing things the right way and invest in women’s football at youth levels as well, we will move even further.”

The current head coach of the South African Under-17 women’s national team was part of the historic feat of the South African national team at the World Cup.

“It was a dream come true for me, as I had never gone to a senior World Cup as a player. To see a group of players work hard and believe in each other to push boundaries was incredible. Moment of a life time to make such history with this calibre of team.

“More attention [needs to be] given to youth teams in terms of tournaments and workshops for coaching education.

“It would also do us good to have more professional leagues like Morocco. Where players and coaches make a good living from football. Lastly it would help bridge the gap between youth and senior team players.

In July South Africa were ranked 63 and is now ranked 65.

Morocco has moved up two places to rank 13th globally and remains the leading African nation. Senegal, the reigning African champions, dropped two places to position 20 but still remains among the top 20 teams in the world.

Tunisia has moved up to position 29 in the world rankings. Mali and Cote d’Ivoire both moved up two places to rank 49th and 50th, respectively, breaking into the top 50 ranked sides.

Overall, CAF now has nine teams in the top 50 rankings, which is an improvement of two teams compared to the previous rankings.

Additionally, Guinea-Bissau made significant progress in the rankings, moving up six places to position 106.

It should be noted that Argentina is still the top the ranked team as they occupy number one ahead of France and Brazil.

15 Highest ranked African teams:
1 Morocco: 13
2 Senegal: 20
3 Tunisia: 29
4 Algeria: 34
5 Egypt: 35
6 Nigeria: 40
7 Cameroon: 41
8 Mali: 49
9 Ivory Coast: 50
10 Burkina Faso: 58
11 Ghana: 60
12 DR Congo: 64
13 South Africa: 65
14 Cape Verde: 71
15 Guinea: 81

Lyle Foster scored the only goal of the game for South Africa midway through the first half.

This was an important win for Bafana Bafana who are preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

South Africa’s coach, Hugo Broos, made seven changes to the starting lineup compared to their previous match against Namibia.

DR Congo had some promising attacks early in the game but did not test Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ricardo Goss.

The home side took the lead in the 25th minute through Foster after a corner kick routine. South Africa had further chances to score through players like Percy Tau and Bathusi Aubaas. DR Congo had opportunities on the counter-attack but lacked precision in creating clear openings.

DR Congo made a double change just before the hour mark to add attacking pressure, causing some nervy moments for the South African goalkeeper.

South Africa came close to increasing their lead in the 85th minute when Bathusi Aubaas had a deflected shot saved by DRC goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi Nzau, with the ball hitting the post.

Bafana Bafana are scheduled to play international friendly matches against Eswatini at home and Afcon hosts Ivory Coast (away) in the next month.

Salif Keita passe away on Saturday, 2 September. The former striker made his international debut in 1963, at the age of 16 and was also part of the squad that finished as runners to Congo at the 1972 African Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

In 1967 he joined French Ligue 1 side, AS Saint-Etienne, and help them win three consecutive league titles.

In 1970, the Bamako-born was voted as the African Footballer of the Year. “Dr Patrice Motsepe on behalf of CAF, conveyed condolences on the passing of former Mali International and National Team player, Salif Keita to his family, the Fédération Malienne de Football, his friends and colleagues,” read the statement.

The Eastern Cape-born was part of 10 CAF match officials selected to officiate at the World Cup held in New Zealand and Australia.

“Heading to the World Cup was really an emotional day,” Makalima said in an interview with CAFOnline.

“I was filled so much gratitude to say, finally my hard work is paying off and I’ve been selected for the highest competition of women football in in the world, so I was really filled with gratitude. It was a happy day for myself and for my family and for the country.

“I didn’t really have so much pressure, but I was looking forward to meeting up and learning from other match officials and also getting experience and being taught by one of the best instructors in in the world.

“I also told myself that I need to take it each day at a time, one session at a time so that I don’t feel overworked.

“I didn’t feel overwhelmed or that there was too much workload. I took the advice that I was given at the previous training session and how do I incorporate that into my next session so I would take each day at a time but obviously it’s the World Cup and you don’t want make mistakes. You want to be the best at it.”

With the World Cup over and the new DStv Premiership season under way, Makalima is back in the country. The 35-year-old explained what needs to be done to help grow and unearth more female referees on the continent.

“I think more than anything, more regular game time, more trust in female match officials and obviously us taking up space and not shrinking ourselves.

“If you want to perform at the highest level, you need to be at your highest performance standard. The opportunities are there for us, the harder we work, the more doors we open for younger match officials.

“The development structures that are put out there by CAF on the continent are the same as those put out there for our male counterparts, so it’s a matter of making sure that when we are transitioning we go at the same pace and not afraid when given the opportunity.”