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Africa’s star referee Bamlak Tessema retires

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Ethiopia’s celebrated referee Bamlak Tessema Weyesa has retired.

The celebrated star referee on the African continent called it quits on August 31st, 2025.

Talk about a career built on consistency and excellence that spanned over 20 years, Tessema walked the journey.

The 42-year old no nonsense referee officiated at several tournaments including TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), CAF Champions league and Confederation Cup matches, TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championships (CHAN) and notably the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

His last appointment came as the Video Assistant Referee at the just concluded CHAN 2024.

Tessema began refereeing in 2003 in local Ethiopian Leagues, quickly rose to prominence and earned his FIFA badge in 2009.

He became household name across Africa officiating at the Africa cup of Nations, African Nations championship CHAN, CAF Champions league and CAF Confederation cup.

Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) thanked Bamlak for his remarkable service and unforgettable contribution to Ethiopian and African football. “Wishing him the best in his next endeavor,” said EFF.

Isayas Jira, President of EFF and CAF Executive Member thanked Bamlak for the good work. “You are not just a referee – you are an icon, a legend, and a shinning example for aspiring referees in Ethiopia and across Africa. Your integrity, professionalism, and excellence on the world stage have brought immense pride to our nation,” added Jira.

Kenya Premier League

Gor Mahia FC crowned Kenya Premier League champions

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Gor Mahia FC have been crowned 2025/2026 FKF Premier League champions.

Handled by coach Charles Akonnor, the Gor Mahia side lost their last match 1-0 to Nairobi United at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.

The defeat did not spoil the party as the giants lifted their 22nd League title and were crowned at the same Stadium. “We are vey happy that after a tough season we emerged champions. I thank the team and management for the efforts,” added coach Akonnor.

Gor Mahia FC completed the League with 69 points from 34 matches played, while second placed AFC Leopards collected 64 points, and Kenya Police FC in third place with 55 points.

K’Ogalo will receive KSh15 million (approximately $116,000) in prize money and return to the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League next season.

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Football in Sudan

Football development Workshops return to Sudan’s capital Khartoum

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The Sudan Football Association (SFA) has organized two Football development workshops in the capital Khartoum.

The development comes after over two years of non activity because of the civil war that started in 2023.

Besides the referees and assessors workshop taking place, the Elite League is also on-going.

Ali Ahmed, the Head of Referees at the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) is conducting the two week workshop for referees and assessors at the Sudan Football Association (SFA) Technical Centre.

“We are very happy to have these workshops back in Sudan because Football contributes a big role in peace and integration here. CECAFA is also proud to support Sudan in Football development,” added Ahmed.

Osama Atta Elmanan Hassan, the SFA Vice President says they are glad to have Football back to Khartoum and also organize Football development workshops.

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NEWS

Vipers SC retain StarTimes Uganda Premier League title

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Vipers Sports Club are champions of the 2025/2026 StarTimes Uganda Premier League.

The Kitende based side defeated Maroons FC 3-0 in a match played at the Wankulukuku Stadium on Tuesday to clinch their eighth Premier League title.

Veteran Yunus Sentamu gave Vipers SC the lead, before Usama Arafat and Karim Watambala added to more goals to ensure Vipers SC clinched the title with one more match to be played.

The win and a goalless draw by closest challengers KCCA FC against URA FC ensured Vipers bagged yet another trophy as they now have 64 points from 29 matches.

In the other matches played on Tuesday army side UPDF settled for a goalless draw against Calvary FC, while Police FC and Entebbe UPPC also drew 1-1, Bidco FC and Kitara FC drew 1-1, while Express FC and Lugazi FC also ended 0-0

Vipers SC handled by Belgian Van Jacky Minnaert will now represent Uganda in the 2025/2026 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

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AFCON 2027 qualifiers

Sudan draw Ethiopia in 2027 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

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CECAFA teams Sudan and Ethiopia have been placed in Group J 2027 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA qualifiers.

In the draw conducted at the Egyptian Football Association headquarters in Cairo, Egypt on Tuesday, the two CECAFA teams were placed alongside Senegal and Mozambique.

The draw was conducted by former African football stars Max-Alain Gradel (Cote d’Ivoire), William Troost-Ekong (Nigeria), Essam El Hadary (Egypt) and Trésor Mputu (DR Congo).

Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania will co-host the tournament from June 19 June to July 17, 2027. Co-hosts will take part in qualifiers but have secured their places as co-hosts, so one team from their pool will join them.

The first matches of the group qualifiers will kick-off in September, 2026.

Group D also has two CECAFA teams Kenya and Eritrea together with South Africa and Guinea. Somalia who are making a return to the group stage of the qualifiers after several years are placed alongside Ivory Coast, Ghana and The Gambia.

The 48 teams that will play in the qualifiers have been placed into 12 groups, with the top two in each pool advancing to the continental finals.

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