Five Things To Know About CAF Confederation Cup

Published

3 years ago

September 8, 2022

African debutants Future FC of Egypt and Royal AM of South Africa will be among 48 clubs challenging CAF Confederation Cup title-holders Renaissance Berkane of Morocco this season.

While the length of the continent separates them geographically, Future and Royal share the advantage of being well supported financially by owners desperate to make an impact in Africa.

Berkane will not be easily conquered, though, in a season that kicks off on Friday, having reached three of the last four finals and won two.

Here, AFP Sport lists five things to know about a competition launched in 2004, which is the African equivalent of the UEFA Europa League.

Berkane buoyant

Based in the northeastern citrus growing region, Berkane are known as the Orange Boys and have shown consistent improvement since a disappointing Confederation Cup debut seven years ago.

They lost the 2019 final on penalties to Zamalek, beat another Egyptian club, Pyramids, in the next title decider and edged Orlando Pirates of South Africa on penalties in the 2022 final.

Moroccan clubs usually hire local, north African or European coaches, but the latest Berkane success came under the guidance of Florent Ibenge from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Royal revel

Durban-based Royal burst on to the South African scene last season, finishing third in their Premiership debut, ahead of traditional giants Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

They subsequently lost Malawian coach John Maduka, who moved to top-flight rivals Maritzburg United, while leading scorer Victor Letsoalo was transferred to another Premiership outfit.

But the departures have not stopped a club funded by TV personality and businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize from being among those setting the pace in the new league season.

Future bright

Cairo club Future changed owners, changed its name from Coca-Cola FC, and finished fifth in their Egyptian Premier League debut last season.

Confederation Cup slots go to the clubs finishing third and fourth, but the CAF deadline for entries fell midway through the season so Future qualified as they were fourth at that stage.

Former Zamalek goalkeeper Mahmoud ‘Genesh’ Abdel Rahim is the best known member of a squad that includes stars from Cameroon, Ghana, Madagascar and Tunisia.

Nigerian hurdles

The closest a Nigerian club came to winning the competition was in 2005 when now defunct Dolphins finished runners-up to Moroccan opponents FAR Rabat.

No team from the most populous country in Africa has reached the final since and the chances of Kwara United or Remo Stars doing so this season are slim.

Kwara will face Berkane if they eliminate Douanes of Niger while Remo have a tough preliminary hurdle to clear in the shape of FAR.

Sfaxien struggle

Tunisian team CS Sfaxien hold the record for Confederation Cup titles with three, but they have performed poorly in recent campaigns.

They made a humiliating exit in the qualifying phase three seasons ago, and exited in the quarter-finals the following year and in the group stage last season.

Unless Sfaxien improve under coach Karim Dalhoum and captain/goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen, the chances of the trophy coming to Tunisia for a sixth time are remote.

AFP

5 ‘Big’ Recent Events Diogo Jota Had Before His Death

Published

13 minutes ago

July 3, 2025

Editor

The global football community is united in grief following the devastating news of Diogo Jota’s passing.

The Liverpool and Portugal forward, 28 years old, died this morning in a car accident in Spain.

His untimely death has cast a somber shadow over the sport, coming just weeks after a period of immense personal joy and professional triumph that showcased his burgeoning talent and cherished connections.

Jota’s recent life was marked by a series of significant milestones that underscored his growing stature in both club and international football.

5 Major Recent Milestones for Jota

UEFA Nations League Final Win

Just weeks before his passing, in early June 2025, Jota was a pivotal member of the Portugal squad that triumphed in the UEFA Nations League, beating Spain in the final. This marked a significant international achievement for the talented forward.

Premier League Champion

In April 2025, Jota played a crucial role in Liverpool’s Premier League title victory. His contributions were vital in securing the coveted domestic league title for the Reds.

100th Liverpool Start Milestone

In late 2024 (specifically, October 5, 2024), Jota marked his 100th start for Liverpool across all competitions. He celebrated this milestone by scoring a goal against Crystal Palace, highlighting his consistent impact for the club.

Marriage to Rute Cardoso

On June 22, 2025, just ten days before his tragic death, Diogo Jota married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso. This publicly celebrated event was a joyful personal milestone, shared with their three children.

Continues Playing and Streaming (FIFA eSports)

Jota remained highly active both on the football pitch and in the world of competitive gaming. He was known for his elite FIFA (now EA FC) skills, even achieving a world No. 1 ranking, and ran his own esports organization, Luna Galaxy. His engagement in streaming provided a unique connection with fans and showcased his diverse talents beyond professional football.

Sports

CAF Unveils New WAFCON Trophy

Published

20 minutes ago

July 3, 2025

Editor

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled a new trophy for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Morocco 2024.

The trophy was unveiled on Wednesday night at an event hosted by CAF and long-term partner TotalEnergies in Casablanca, Morocco.

CAF, in a statement, said, “The trophy is a powerful symbol of the rise and recognition of women’s football across the African continent.”

According to the football governing body, the new design represents more than a piece of silverware; it is a celebration of equality, unity and excellence.

“We are drawing direct inspiration from the iconic Men’s TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations trophy.

“The launch of the new trophy forms part of CAF leadership’s goal of developing and growing women’s football in Africa and making African women’s football amongst the best in the world.

“The trophy’s striking design features identical petals spiralling upward, each one representing a participating national team.

“Together, they form the shape of a blooming flower, a timeless symbol of growth, empowerment, and beauty,” the statement said.

The statement also expatiated further on the distinctive features of the trophy.

“Emerging from the heart of this elegant floral form is a golden sphere, patterned subtly as a football.

“Adorned with a shiny gold map of Africa, the sphere reflects the continent’s ambition, pride, and global impact in the women’s game.

“Crafted in brilliant silver and matte gold, the body of the trophy is wrapped in a gold ring engraved with the CAF logo, affirming the confederation’s steadfast commitment to elevating the women’s game across all 54 member associations.

“The base, a pristine white marble pedestal with elegant gold-accented stripes, bears the name of the competition in refined matte gold lettering, cementing the WAFCON legacy within the rich tapestry of African sport,” it added.

CAF also noted that the new trophy would serve as a beacon of aspiration, inspiring millions of young girls across the continent to dream, to believe, and to achieve on the global stage.

(NAN)

Sports

Liverpool ‘Devastated’ By Diogo Jota’s Death

Published

28 minutes ago

July 3, 2025

Editor

Liverpool said on Thursday that the club had been left “devastated” by the death of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota and his brother in a car crash in Spain.

Spanish police said a vehicle veered off a motorway and burst into flames shortly after midnight in the northern province of Zamora.

Jota, 28, got married to his partner Rute Cardoso on June 22. The couple had three children.

He spent the last five years at Anfield and helped the English giants win the Premier League last season.

“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,” the club said in a statement.

“The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.

“Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.

“We will continue to provide them with our full support.”

Fans were quick to arrive at Anfield following the news and laid down tributes of their own, including scarves, wreaths and flowers.

Capped 49 times by Portugal, Jota previously played with Atletico Madrid and Porto before moving to England in 2017 with Wolves.

His impressive form earned a £45 million ($62 million) move to Liverpool three years later where he quickly became a fans’ favourite thanks to his goalscoring prowess.

Jota scored 65 times for the Reds and also lifted the League Cup and FA Cup in the 2021/22 season.

AFP