SPORT - The African Mirror

Oct

29

2025

Mali coach Saintfiet sets semi-final target for AFCON 2025

FOOTBALL

MALI head coach Tom Saintfiet has declared that reaching the semi-finals is the minimum goal for his team at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, despite being drawn in a challenging Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Zambia, and the Comoros. Speaking to CAFOnline.com ahead of the tournament, the Belgian tactician expressed confidence in his squad's ability to compete with Africa's elite nations, citing a strong defensive record and midfield depth as key assets. "For us, the minimum target is the semi-finals," Saintfiet said in the exclusive interview. "We can aim for first place in our group—even with…

Oct

24

2025

By SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

The NBA’s perfect storm: When hoops met heists

BASKETBALL

IN what FBI Director Kash Patel dubbed "the insider trading saga for the NBA," Thursday's bombshell indictments read less like a federal complaint and more like a fever dream screenplay rejected by Martin Scorsese for being too far-fetched. Portland Trail Blazers head coach and Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups? Charged. Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier? In handcuffs. The Mafia? Oh, they're here too, naturally. Welcome to the biggest scandal to rock professional basketball since, well, ever—a sprawling saga involving rigged poker games with X-ray tables (yes, really), fake injuries designed to tank prop bets, and organised crime families who apparently…

Oct

23

2025

By SPORTS REPORTER

African stars shine as NBA opens historic season with record international presence

BASKETBALL

AFRICA'S imprint on the NBA has never been stronger. As the league tips off its 2025-26 season tonight, a record-breaking wave of international talent includes more than 55 players with African roots – either born on the continent or with at least one parent from Africa – cementing the continent's status as a basketball powerhouse. The staggering numbers tell a story of African excellence: among the 135 international players from 43 countries on opening-night rosters, African-connected athletes are leading the charge in what has become the most globally diverse season in NBA history. Continental Giants Leading the League At the…

Oct

22

2025

By The African Mirror

Exclusive: Gayton McKenzie on Bafana’s World Cup return, lauds USA and President Trump Ahead of 2026

FOOTBALL

SOUTH Africa is officially heading back to football’s biggest stage. For the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010, Bafana Bafana have qualified for the FIFA World Cup, set to be held in the United States next year. The breakthrough has sparked celebration across the country, none more so than from newly appointed Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, who has made football reform a top priority since taking office in July 2024. “Firstly, I need to thank SAFA for keeping their word,” McKenzie said. “I met with Danny Jordaan when I first became minister. I said to Danny, Here are…

Oct

20

2025

By The African Mirror

Atlas Lion Cubs Roar: Morocco’s crowned FIFA World Cup U20 champions

FOOTBALL

THE Santiago sky blazed orange and red as the final whistle pierced through the Julio Martínez Prádanos Stadium. Sixteen years of waiting. Sixteen years since Ghana lifted African football's youth banner at the summit of world football. And now, on this electric Sunday evening in Chile, Morocco's Atlas Lion Cubs had rewritten history with a performance that will echo through generations. Argentina, the aristocrats of youth football with six world crowns glittering in their trophy cabinet, stood shell-shocked. The scoreboard told a story they couldn't believe: Morocco 2, Argentina 0. Complete. Dominant. Unstoppable. The Zabiri Show: Poetry in Motion If…

Oct

19

2025

By SPORTS REPORTER

New era for African baseball, softball as Uche, Matsetela take the helm

SPORT

IN a landmark moment for African baseball and softball, former pitcher and business executive Uche Odozor has been elected President of WBSC Africa, signalling a new chapter of ambition and innovation for the sports across the continent. Mashilo Matsetela, the former player and leading administrator who has led to growth of softball in South Africa, was elected as Odozor's deputy. The election took place during the WBSC Africa Congress at the Grand Fourwings Hotel in Bangkok on the eve of the global WBSC Congress, where continental delegates gathered to chart the future of baseball and softball in Africa for the…

Oct

17

2025

By The African Mirror

Morocco make history, reach first U-20 World Cup final after penalty shootout triumph

FOOTBALL

MOROCCO'S U-20 national team has advanced to their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup final, defeating France 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Estadio Elías Figueroa in a semifinal that tested nerves and tactics until the final kick. The Young Atlas Lions' historic achievement marks the first time an African nation has reached the final of this tournament since [previous achievement would need verification], positioning Morocco's emerging talent pool on the global stage just months before several players are expected to receive senior national team call-ups. Tactical Gamble Delivers Knockout Blow Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi made an unprecedented substitution…

Oct

15

2025

By SPORTS REPORTER

African football’s golden hour: A continent roars into 2026

FOOTBALL

THE drums of Africa thunder once more on football's grandest stage. As the final whistle blew on Tuesday's dramatic conclusion to the qualifying campaign, the continent has etched another glorious chapter in its World Cup odyssey, with history makers and giants alike punching their tickets to the 2026 extravaganza across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Magnificent Nine Nine African nations stand tall as automatic qualifiers, their names carved into World Cup folklore through blood, sweat, and moments of sheer brilliance. Morocco and Tunisia led the charge, securing their berths last month with the calm authority of North African…

Oct

11

2025

By The African Mirror

The road to glory: Africa’s journey to the 2026 World Cup

FOOTBALL

FROM the sun-scorched dunes of the Sahara to the lush highlands of East Africa, a revolution was unfolding. Four proud nations had already punched their tickets to football's greatest stage, and on this electric week, the desert was about to roar once more. Algeria: The Desert Warriors Return In Oran, beneath a sky painted in twilight hues of crimson and gold, the Stade Miloud Hadefi trembled with anticipation. Though technically Somalia's home fixture, fate had conspired to gift Algeria a coronation on their own soil—and fifty thousand voices rose as one, ready to witness history. The Desert Warriors had been…

Oct

10

2025

By OWN CORRESPONDENT

African giants fall as Argentina and Colombia advance at FIFA U-20 World Cup

FOOTBALL

TWO of Africa's football powerhouses have crashed out of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, as Nigeria suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Argentina while South Africa fell 3-1 to Colombia in the Round of 16 matches in Chile. Argentina Crush Nigeria in Dominant Display Argentina delivered a commanding performance at the Estádio Nacional de Santiago, dismantling Nigeria 4-0 to book their place in the quarter-finals. The South Americans will now face Mexico on Saturday as they continue their impressive campaign. The Albiceleste have been in scintillating form throughout the tournament, netting 12 goals in just four matches. Their tactical sophistication…