SPORT - The African Mirror

Oct

22

2025

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…

Oct

09

2025

By The African Mirror

Africa’s World Cup dream: Egypt, Algeria and Ghana poised to seize glory as Cape Verde chase history

FOOTBALL

THE destiny of African football hangs in the balance this week as the continent's titans prepare for the defining battles of their World Cup qualifying campaign - and the stakes have never been more brutal. With Morocco and Tunisia already through, seven automatic tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup remain on the table. Only group winners advance directly to the expanded 48-team spectacle across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. For the rest, it's glory or the agony of a playoff lottery. The Pharaohs Ready to Roar Egypt stands on the precipice of redemption. Five points clear atop Group…

Oct

07

2025

By BIRD STORY AGENCY REPORTER

Lagos hosts Africa’s first Drogba-backed E1 electric powerboat race

SPORT

THE modern buildings along Lagos' Victoria Island Lagoon made for an impressive backdrop as Team Brazil took the top position on the podium, finishing first after taking pole position in qualifying for the first E1 powerboat race to take place in African waters. The race saw nine teams participate in the E1 "Racebirds" event. Visitors to the event said they were extremely impressed by the well-organised race, a contrast to what is often first thought of when considering Lagos: traffic jams and congested roads. Instead, the event played out against a backdrop of new high-rise buildings, on a stretch of…

Oct

06

2025

By The African Mirror

African teams shine at FIFA U-20 World Cup despite mixed fortunes

SPORT

AFRICAN nations delivered compelling performances at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025, with Morocco's Atlas Cubs securing top spot in their group despite a defeat, while Egypt's dramatic comeback victory ended in heartbreak and South Africa kept their knockout hopes alive with a commanding win. Morocco Top Group Despite Mexico Setback Morocco advanced to the Round of 16 as Group C winners despite falling 1-0 to Mexico in Valparaíso on Saturday, capping a remarkable group stage that saw the North Africans defeat both Spain and Brazil. Gilberto Mora's second-half penalty proved the difference in a tightly contested match, awarded…