NEWS
It’s D-Day for CECAFA U-23 Challenge Cup semi finals in Ethiopia
After battling through the group stages four teams will this afternoon be all out to prove a point at the semi final stage of the CECAFA U-23 Challenge Cup.
The first game will see Tanzania face surprise package South Sudan, and later Burundi will take on Kenya’s Emerging Stars at the Bahir Dar Stadium, Ethiopia.
Kim Poulsen, the Tanzania coach has made it clear that they will not underrate the South Sudan team because they are a physical team that is also good at passing the ball. “We must approach this semi final match with a lot of caution and also take our chances,” added Poulsen.
The Tanzanian team will however miss the suspended first choice goalkeeper Boniface Mnata Metacha who accumulated two yellow cards in their group games where they beat DR Congo 1-0 and drew 1-1 with Uganda.
For the South Sudan team that scored late goals to beat Djibouti 2-0 in their last group game to make it to the knock out stage, they will hope that Dominic Angelo Kornello and Aluk Akeck Mabior find their scoring touch again.
South Sudan’s head coach Simon James Yor made it clear that although the Tanzanian team is good on the ball, his team will use a strategy which will tame their opponents. “We also need to be sharp at goal because this is a knock out stage,” added the coach.
The second semi final match pitting the highest scoring teams in the tournament promises to be a thriller. Paul Reagan Otieno and Benson Ochieng Oluoch will be determined to continue with their scoring form for the Kenyan team that has also not conceded a goal yet. “We have had enough time to rest and also prepare for the semi final. I have watched Burundi play and they are not an easy side,” said Kenya’s coach Stanley Khayo Okumbi.
Kenya started their campaign with a 3-0 win against Djibouti, before stopping South Sudan 2-0. The Burundi team humbled Eritrea 3-0 and settled for a 1-1 draw against hosts Ethiopia.
Burundi’s coach Jimmy Ndayizeye made it clear that playing at the semi final stage is good for his young players. “I am happy that we are at the semi final stage. We are going to approach this game with a lot of caution to defend well and also try to take our chance at goal,” added Ndayizeye.
Tomorrow action will shift to the classification matches with Ethiopia facing DR Congo to determine which team will be ranked seventh and eighth, while Eritrea battle Uganda in a fifth and sixth ranking match. The tournament will come to climax on July 30th.
El Merriekh SC Bentiu are the undisputed giants of South Sudan Football in the 2026 season.
A week a goal El Merriekh SC Bentiu emerged champions of the South Sudan Premier League, and today they defeated Al Ghazala 2-1 to lift the South Sudan Cup.
Saleh Ishimwe scored after 32 minutes to give El Merriekh SC Bentiu a 1-0 first half lead at the Juba National Stadium.
After recess Gaetan Masha got his name on the score sheet to make it 2-0 for El merriekh SC Bentiu after 50 minutes. Ayub Khoak pulled a goal back for the Al Ghazala SC team.
Coach Ibrahim Hussein thanked his team for the hard work through out the season. “It has been hard work which has seen the team perform well in the 2026 season,” said the head coach.
The El Merriekh SC Bentiu team received medals and the trophy in a ceremony graced by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Atong Kuol Manyang.
Michael Amin Francis, President of the South Sudan Football Federation (SSFF) and El Merriekh SC Bentiu Chairman Malual Tap Diu also attended the awarding ceremony.
El Merriekh SC Bentiu will now select to either feature in the CAF Champions League or the CAF Confederation Cup in the 2026/2027 season.
Simba SC have defeated arch-rivals Young Africans SC 1-0 in the final of the Muungano Cup 2026.
Cheered on by President of Tanzania, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, the two sides came all out at the New Amaan Complex on Wednesday night.
The 90 minutes action packed final did not witness goals. It was in the added 30 minutes when Zambian International Clatous Chama was brought down and Simba SC was awarded a penalty.
Selemani Mwalimu made no mistake from the spot sending Young Africans SC goalkeeper Djigui Diarra the wrong side.
It was all celebration after the final whistle. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, the President of Zanzibar awarded the Cup to the champions who also bagged a cash prize of 150,000,000 Tanzania shilling.
To reach the final Simba SC ejected Mlandege FC 3-0, while the 2025 winners Young Africans SC defeated Azam FC 2-1.
The Muungano Cup was played between teams from Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Union.
The Rwanda Premier League has unveiled Bank of Kigali as the new official sponsors of the Premier League which is now rebranded BK Pro League.
During the unveiling at the Amahoro Stadium on Friday, it was announced that Bank of Kigali will sink 3.25 billion Rwanda Francs (US$2.2 million) in the Rwanda Premier League covering five years.
The partnership with the contract which runs from the current 2025/2026 season until the end of the 2030/2031 season is aimed at enhancing the financial stability of local clubs and transform the professionalization of the sport.
Dr. Diane Karusisi, the CEO of Bank of Kigali made it clear that they are very happy to invest in the future of Rwandan Football by associating with the Rwanda Premier League.
“We are not just putting our name on a League. We are investing in the future of the Rwandan football ecosystem, and through it, in the future of Rwanda,” added Karusisi.
She made it clear that as a bank for Rwandans, they are committed to supporting Rwandans in every journey, including sport. “By extending this commitment to football, we aim to promote financial empowerment and create opportunities for players, clubs, and communities alike,” said Karusisi.
The Chairman of Rwanda Premier League, Yussufu Mudaheranwa said: “This partnership marks an important milestone for the Rwanda Premier League. We have been building towards a stronger, more competitive league, and this collaboration with Bank of Kigali allows us to accelerate that progress, supporting our clubs, strengthening the league’s foundations, and creating a better environment for players and fans alike,” he added.
“Strategic partnerships such as this are key to advancing football development in Rwanda. We welcome Bank of Kigali’s commitment and believe this collaboration will contribute positively to the growth of the game at all levels,” said Fabrice Shema Ngoga, President of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA).
Rwanda Premier League attracts 18 clubs and army side APR FC have lifted more titles than any other team.
The Muungano Cup 2026 enters the semi-final stage in Zanzibar on Saturday.
Young Africans SC, the 2025 Cup winners kick started their title defence with a 4-0 win against Mwembe Makumbi City, while Azam FC whom they face in the semi-final stage on Saturday defeated KVZ FC 2-0.
On Thursday night Zanzibar Premier League side saw off 2025 CECAFA Kagame Cup winners Singida Black Stars FC, while Simba FC ejected home side Mafunzo FC.
Omariy Samatta and Mussa Mbappe netted the goals for Mlandege FC, while Daudi Mishamo scored for the Tanzania Premier League side Singida Black Stars FC.
Selemani Mwalimu also netted the only goal to see Simba SC advance to the semi-final stage where they face Mlandege FC on Sunday.
The tournament which will brings together teams from Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar is played to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Union.
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