Sports
A look at Africa’s chances at FIFA Club World Cup
With the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup soon entering the exciting quarter-finals stage, an increased in global attention will be on the African game, as four strong African contenders prepare to represent the continent at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
The new and expanded version of the global club showpiece will take place in the United States between June 14 and July 13.
Reigning African champions Al Ahly SC, Tunisian giants ES Tunis, Morocco’s Wydad AC and Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa are the four clubs set to compete in the 32-club competition featuring some of the best clubs in world football.
CAFOnline takes a look at how the four representatives might fare at the much-anticipated competition.
Al Ahly SC – Egypt
The African champions will be making their 10th appearance at FIFA Club World Cup, with an impressive record of three bronze medals from their previous nine showings.
Guided by the 64-year-old Marcel Kohler who has enjoyed great success with the club, bagging two successive TotalEnergies CAF Champions League titles with the Red Devils, a lot will be expected of the club heading to the US firmly carrying the title of African champions.
The Egyptians face a mammoth task, having been drawn in Group A along with CONMEBOL COPA Libertadores champions SE Palmeiras (Brazil), FC Benfica (Portugal) as well as a Lionel Messi’s inspired Inter Miami CF (USA).
The 12-time African champions will be banking on the experience of their veteran campaigners such as Hussein El Shahat, Mohammed Al Shenawy as well as Mohamed Hany who have been highly instrumental in their most recent silverware collection.
Espérance Sportive de Tunis – Tunisia
Tunisian giants, Espérance Sportive de Tunis are headed to their fourth FIFA Club World Cup, having appeared at the competition’s 2011, 2018 and 2019 editions.
The Tunisians are yet to make a mark at the global showpiece and will be looking at stamping their authority as one of the best teams from the continent.
Last season’s TotalEnergies CAF Champions League runners-up are drawn in Group D alongside former European champions Chelsea FC, Brazil’s CR Flamengo as well as Club Leon of Mexico.
Captained by Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida who marshals the defence, the Tunisians will be relying on the trickery and speed of their attack that will be led by the likes of Youcef Belaili and newly signed Elias Mokwana.
Mamelodi Sundowns – South Africa
This year’s edition marks Mamelodi Sundowns’ second FIFA World Cup appearance after their 2026 debut in Japan.
The South Africans find themselves in a tough Group F alongside German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund, Fluminense FC of Brazil as well as Ulsan HD of Korea.
Affectionately known as the Brazilians for their enterprising style of play, the stage is set for the former African champions to shine under their new coach, Miguel Cardoso.
Key to Sundowns’ success will be their South American signings, Lucas Ribeiro Costa (Brazil) Marcelo Allende (Chile) as well as Lucas Suarez (Argentina) who seemed to have gelled well at the club.
Wydad AC – Morocco
Proud hosts of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 and the FIFA World Cup 2030, Morocco will be fully behind their club Wydad Athletic Club when they make their first FIFA Club World Cup appearance.
Having successfully stamped their authority as one of Africa’s best clubs, the Moroccans will be using the global showpiece to grow their presence at the world stage.
Drawn in a tough Group G along with English champions Manchester City, UAE’s Al Ain FC as well as Italian giants Juventus, the Moroccans have a tough group stage assignment ahead of them.
Currently undergoing a rebuilding phase under former Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena, the FIFA Club World Cup presents an exciting challenge for the club, as they look to rebuild in what looks to be a new era for the former African champions.
Sports
Twenty-three players take part in training as Otto Addo gets full house ahead of Chad, Madagascar World Cup qualifiers
The Black Stars continued their training sessions at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.
All 23 invited players were in action, fighting for a place in the squad for the two crucial matches.
The players were put through their paces, undergoing rigorous drills and exercises designed to test their readiness for the first clash on Friday.
The players demonstrated a high level of commitment and dedication, determined to make a positive impression on their coaches and the fans who thronged the stadium to catch a glimpse for themselves.
The likes of Thomas Teye Partey, Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Alexander Djiku, Mohammed Salisu, Jerome Opoku, Jonas Adjetey, Ernest Nuamah, Francis Abu, Ebenezer Annan, and Antoine Semenyo were in action.
The squad began their preparation on Monday with nine players before the rest joined on Tuesday.
With their training sessions off to a promising start, the Black Stars are poised to make a strong showing in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
The team’s training sessions at the Accra Sports Stadium are expected to continue on Wednesday and Thursday before they take on Chad on Friday, March 21, 2025.
Sports
Minister of Sports and Recreation boosts Black Stars morale ahead of World Cup qualifiers
Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Iddi Adams visited the Black Stars at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday to motivate them ahead of their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.
Accompanied by Director General of the National Sports Authority Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, Mr.Adams welcomed the team to Accra and wished them well in the upcoming games.
He assured the team that the stadium would be in top condition for the Chad game.
The team, which opened camp on Monday, had nine players train at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Ghana will host Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21 before facing Madagascar on Monday, March 24, 2025.
