FOOTBALL - The African Mirror

Jun

18

2025

Historic Triumph: Mamelodi Sundowns make African football history at FIFA Club World Cup 2025

FOOTBALL

IN a momentous occasion for African football, Mamelodi Sundowns etched their name in history as the first African team to secure a win at the FIFA Club World Cup, currently unfolding in the United States. The South African giants clinched a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida, a landmark achievement that has sent waves of pride and celebration across the continent and beyond. The match, delayed by a weather warning, saw a vibrant crowd of 3,412 fans witness a display of tactical brilliance and resilience from the Sundowns, affectionately nicknamed "The…

Jun

11

2025

By The African Mirror

Senegal’s Night of Glory: Historic 3-1 Triumph Over England

FOOTBALL

ON a balmy June evening at Nottingham’s City Ground, Senegal’s Teranga Lions made history, roaring past England with a 3-1 victory that will echo through African football for generations. This was not just a win; it was a seismic moment - the first time in 22 attempts that an African nation had conquered the Three Lions. England, under new manager Thomas Tuchel, started brightly. In the seventh minute, captain Harry Kane pounced on a spilled save from Édouard Mendy to notch his 73rd international goal, giving the hosts an early lead and sending the home crowd into raucous applause. But…

May

24

2025

By WYCLIFFE W. NJORORAI SIMIYU

African footballers in China: what’s behind the sport migration trend

FOOTBALL

RELATIONS between China and Africa are increasingly important in understanding the dynamics that shape our world. But until now, the role of sport has been overlooked. A new book, Global China and the Global Game in Africa, explores the role of football in relations between China and Africa – culturally, politically and economically. Wycliffe W. Njororai Simiyu chatted to us about his chapter in the book. It’s a study of African football migration, how players fare in the popular China Super League, and what their experiences of the country are. What’s the history of African players working in China? A…

May

18

2025

By The African Mirror

Amajita Triumph: South Africa’s U-20 heroes make history with first ever continental crown in Egypt

FOOTBALL

SOUTH Africa’s U-20 men’s national football team, affectionately known as Amajita, has made history by winning the country’s first-ever continental title at the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt. This landmark victory signals a bright future for South African men's football, showcasing a new generation of talent ready to shine on the African and global stage. In a thrilling final against Morocco, Amajita triumphed 1-0 thanks to a spectacular goal from Gomolemo Kekana. His strike from outside the 18-yard box was a moment of pure brilliance that sealed the win and ignited celebrations among the…

Jul

03

2025

By The African Mirror

A World in Tears: The flood of tributes for Liverpool star Diogo Jota

FOOTBALL

THE football world stands shattered today, united in grief and disbelief after the heartbreaking loss of Diogo Jota, Liverpool’s shining star and Portugal’s beloved forward, who tragically died in a car accident in Spain alongside his brother André Silva. The news has sent shockwaves across continents, sparking an outpouring of sorrow and heartfelt tributes from international stars, legendary managers, and clubs alike. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Heartbreaking Tribute Leading the wave of mourning is Cristiano Ronaldo, Jota’s close friend, teammate, and Portugal’s greatest football icon, whose words cut deep into the hearts of millions: “It doesn’t make any sense. Just now we…

May

07

2025

By The African Mirror

Taku Chinyowa: A Zimbabwean dream ignites at Leeds United

FOOTBALL

At just 16 years old, Taku Chinyowa stands on the threshold of a footballing dream that many in Zimbabwe and across Africa have only dared to imagine. The talented youngster, who sharpened his skills at South Africa’s renowned Supersport Academy, has now signed a scholarship with Leeds United-one of England’s most storied clubs and a beacon for aspiring footballers worldwide. For Taku, this move is more than a personal triumph; it is an entry into a legacy. Leeds United’s white jersey has been worn by African greats such as Lucas Radebe, Phil Masinga, and Anthony Yeboah-icons whose exploits have inspired…

May

02

2025

By The African Mirror

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon): “I want to win the Africa Cup of Nations”

FOOTBALL

AT 35, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang proves he is far from losing his shine. Still as fast, sharp, and determined, he remains one of the most feared forwards, capable of making a difference at any moment. Just like his brace against Kenya (2-1) on Match Day 6 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which earned the Panthers three crucial points, while keeping pressure on Côte d'Ivoire, another top team in Group F. A campaign that promises to be decisive for the future of Gabon, with high-stakes matches to secure a place in the final stages of the competition. This qualification is…

May

01

2025

By The African Mirror

Five stars of CAF club competitions to watch at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025

FOOTBALL

THE TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations is the most prestigious competition on the African continent. It is the meeting place for the best African talents in football. More and more of the most anticipated players in the tournament are from the African championships. CAFOnline selects five players from CAF interclub competitions who will be able to light up the competition with their talent from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 202,6 in Morocco. ISSOUFOU DAYO (RS BERKANE & BURKINA FASO)In Morocco, at the end of this year, Issouffou Dayo will probably play his fourth TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of…

Apr

30

2025

By The African Mirror

Chris & Felix Katongo: Blood brothers, brothers in glory

FOOTBALL

IN the vast landscape of African football, few stories are as moving and inspiring as that of Chris and Felix Katongo. Trained on the bustling streets of Mufulira, Zambia, the brothers rose through the ranks of national football, fuelled by shared passion and a deep drive to elevate their country’s colours to the highest level. Over time, they became more than teammates—pillars of a golden generation and symbols of a dream fulfilled. Their defining moment? The 2012 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, won against powerhouse Côte d’Ivoire in a final that was as emotional as it was historic. For the…

Apr

24

2025

By The African Mirror

Tribute to Sinamandla Zondi: A Life Lived for the Beautiful Game

FOOTBALL

ON a rainy night at Chatsworth Stadium, South African football lost one of its brightest young stars. Sinamandla Zondi, known affectionately as "Sgora" to his teammates, friends, and fans, passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, after collapsing during the warm-up ahead of Durban City’s crucial match against Milford FC. He was just 22 years old—a defender whose passion for football was matched only by the impact he had on those around him. Sinamandla’s journey in professional football began in September 2021, when he made his debut for Durban City. Since then, he had become a regular fixture in the…