Herve Renard’s decision to omit Oumar Diakite from the Cote d’Ivoire squad for their two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Gambia has prompted widespread confusion among observers and supporters.

The Elephants manager announced his squad on Thursday for the matches in Bouake on 12 November and Bakau on 17 November, but once again did not include the 22-year-old forward.

Diakite was also left out of Renard’s plans in September and October. His latest omission has attracted particular attention because of his form for Sturm Graz, where he is on loan from Stade de Reims until the end of the season.

The striker has scored 10 goals and provided four assists in 11 matches for the Austrian club. He also scored twice in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

On social media in Cote d’Ivoire, supporters voiced their dissatisfaction with what they regard as unfavourable treatment of one of the team’s most popular players.

Renard explained at a news conference that he had selected Ange-Yoan Bonny of Inter Milan and Elye Wahi of Nice instead because Diakite plays in a less competitive league.

The decision means Diakite will miss another important opportunity to contribute to a Cote d’Ivoire side that currently leads Group C jointly with Gambia, with a superior goal difference.

Cote d’Ivoire made a perfect start to the qualifying campaign, beating Ghana 2-0 before defeating Somalia 0-2. Gambia opened with a 2-1 victory over Somalia and then came from behind to beat Ghana 2-4.

Two wins from the upcoming fixtures would put Cote d’Ivoire within touching distance of qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Guinea have suffered a third withdrawal from their squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Serhou Guirassy ruled out of the double-header against Eritrea.

The Borussia Dortmund striker underwent medical tests on Thursday which confirmed a thigh injury. He is expected to be unavailable for four to six weeks and will therefore miss the upcoming international window.

Guirassy’s absence is a significant blow to both Borussia Dortmund and Guinea, where he is the team’s main attacking threat. He scored the only goal in the Syli National’s 1-0 victory over Kenya during the previous international break.

His withdrawal follows those of defender Saidou Sow and goalkeeper Soumaila Sylla, further reducing Paulo Duarte’s options at a crucial stage of qualifying.

Sow, who plays for FC Nantes and is regarded as one of Guinea’s most reliable defenders, has pulled out because of a knee injury. He has been replaced in the squad by Ousmane Conde, an attacker who plays for Karvina in the Czech Republic.

Sylla had been recalled by Duarte despite leaving the squad for unexplained reasons after Guinea’s match against South Africa. The Guinean Federation has not given details of the goalkeeper’s latest unavailability.

He has been replaced by Sekou Salifou Sylla of Horoya AC.

The three withdrawals come as Guinea face a difficult challenge in a group with an unusual qualification structure. Kenya have already secured their place as hosts, leaving Guinea, South Africa and Eritrea competing for the one remaining qualifying spot.

Eritrea appear, on paper, to be the most manageable opponent. However, Guinea are already under pressure after losing to South Africa and cannot afford to drop points in either of the two matches.

Duarte’s side effectively need two victories to keep their qualification hopes alive and prepare for a possible decisive meeting with Bafana Bafana at home later in the campaign.

Guinea will at least be able to call on the experience of Amadou Diawara and Mouctar Diakhaby, who are returning to the national team.

Without Guirassy, who scored the decisive goal against Kenya, Duarte will have to find alternative solutions in attack. The striker’s injury has added to a growing list of absences for a team with little room for error in the race to reach the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Guinea have suffered a third withdrawal from their squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Serhou Guirassy ruled out of the double-header against Eritrea.

The Borussia Dortmund striker underwent medical tests on Thursday which confirmed a thigh injury. He is expected to be unavailable for four to six weeks and will therefore miss the upcoming international window.

Guirassy’s absence is a significant blow to both Borussia Dortmund and Guinea, where he is the team’s main attacking threat. He scored the only goal in the Syli National’s 1-0 victory over Kenya during the previous international break.

His withdrawal follows those of defender Saidou Sow and goalkeeper Soumaila Sylla, further reducing Paulo Duarte’s options at a crucial stage of qualifying.

Sow, who plays for FC Nantes and is regarded as one of Guinea’s most reliable defenders, has pulled out because of a knee injury. He has been replaced in the squad by Ousmane Conde, an attacker who plays for Karvina in the Czech Republic.

Sylla had been recalled by Duarte despite leaving the squad for unexplained reasons after Guinea’s match against South Africa. The Guinean Federation has not given details of the goalkeeper’s latest unavailability.

He has been replaced by Sekou Salifou Sylla of Horoya AC.

The three withdrawals come as Guinea face a difficult challenge in a group with an unusual qualification structure. Kenya have already secured their place as hosts, leaving Guinea, South Africa and Eritrea competing for the one remaining qualifying spot.

Eritrea appear, on paper, to be the most manageable opponent. However, Guinea are already under pressure after losing to South Africa and cannot afford to drop points in either of the two matches.

Duarte’s side effectively need two victories to keep their qualification hopes alive and prepare for a possible decisive meeting with Bafana Bafana at home later in the campaign.

Guinea will at least be able to call on the experience of Amadou Diawara and Mouctar Diakhaby, who are returning to the national team.

Without Guirassy, who scored the decisive goal against Kenya, Duarte will have to find alternative solutions in attack. The striker’s injury has added to a growing list of absences for a team with little room for error in the race to reach the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Guinea have suffered a third withdrawal from their squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Serhou Guirassy ruled out of the double-header against Eritrea.

The Borussia Dortmund striker underwent medical tests on Thursday which confirmed a thigh injury. He is expected to be unavailable for four to six weeks and will therefore miss the upcoming international window.

Guirassy’s absence is a significant blow to both Borussia Dortmund and Guinea, where he is the team’s main attacking threat. He scored the only goal in the Syli National’s 1-0 victory over Kenya during the previous international break.

His withdrawal follows those of defender Saidou Sow and goalkeeper Soumaila Sylla, further reducing Paulo Duarte’s options at a crucial stage of qualifying.

Sow, who plays for FC Nantes and is regarded as one of Guinea’s most reliable defenders, has pulled out because of a knee injury. He has been replaced in the squad by Ousmane Conde, an attacker who plays for Karvina in the Czech Republic.

Sylla had been recalled by Duarte despite leaving the squad for unexplained reasons after Guinea’s match against South Africa. The Guinean Federation has not given details of the goalkeeper’s latest unavailability.

He has been replaced by Sekou Salifou Sylla of Horoya AC.

The three withdrawals come as Guinea face a difficult challenge in a group with an unusual qualification structure. Kenya have already secured their place as hosts, leaving Guinea, South Africa and Eritrea competing for the one remaining qualifying spot.

Eritrea appear, on paper, to be the most manageable opponent. However, Guinea are already under pressure after losing to South Africa and cannot afford to drop points in either of the two matches.

Duarte’s side effectively need two victories to keep their qualification hopes alive and prepare for a possible decisive meeting with Bafana Bafana at home later in the campaign.

Guinea will at least be able to call on the experience of Amadou Diawara and Mouctar Diakhaby, who are returning to the national team.

Without Guirassy, who scored the decisive goal against Kenya, Duarte will have to find alternative solutions in attack. The striker’s injury has added to a growing list of absences for a team with little room for error in the race to reach the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Atletico de Madrid host La Liga leaders FC Barcelona at the Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday, with victory potentially taking Diego Simeone’s side to the top of the table and creating a new managerial record in the Spanish top flight.

The match, part of the 12th jornada, will be played on Sunday 08 November 2026, with kick-off at 20:00 GMT in Madrid.

Atletico are second, two points behind their opponents, and arrive with a run of seven successive home league victories. Their momentum was checked by a midweek defeat by Bayern Munich, but Simeone’s team will now turn their attention back to their challenge for the national title.

A win would move Atletico above Barcelona and give Simeone a record 345 victories in Spain’s top division, making him the first coach to reach that total.

Barcelona chasing another away record

Barcelona travel to the capital after a 6-1 victory over Alaves. That result took their tally to 46 goals after 11 matches, the second-highest total recorded at this stage of La Liga. Only Athletic Bilbao, with 49 goals in 1930/31, had scored more by this point.

Hansi Flick’s side are also targeting a sixth consecutive away win in La Liga. Barcelona have achieved that sequence only twice previously, in 2010/11 and 2012/13.

The visitors are also seeking to extend their dominance in recent away meetings with Atletico. A fifth successive victory at Atletico’s ground would match a feat previously achieved only by Athletic Bilbao in 1955 and Real Madrid in 2013.

Recent meetings have produced a series of high-scoring contests. Atletico won 4-0 at home in the Copa del Rey on 12 February 2026, before Barcelona responded with a 3-0 victory in the return fixture on 3 March. Atletico then won 2-0 at Barcelona in La Liga on 8 April, but lost the return match 2-1 at home on 14 April in the Champions League.

The match is expected to be closely contested, with both teams affected by notable absences. Atletico have home form and greater freshness on their side, while Barcelona’s attacking output has made them difficult to contain over 90 minutes.

Africafoot’s prediction is a 2-2 draw.

The match will be broadcast in France by Disney and DAZN; in Belgium by Proximus Pickx and Play Sports 1 / Play Sports; in the United Kingdom and Ireland by Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Ultra HD; in Germany and Austria by Sky Sport Premier League, Sky Go / WOW; in Spain by DAZN; in Italy by DAZN; in the Netherlands by Viaplay Netherlands; in Poland by Canal+ / Canal+ Extra 1; in Portugal by DAZN Portugal; in sub-Saharan Africa by SuperSport; and in the Maghreb and Middle East by beIN Sports.

The listed odds are 3.75 for an Atletico victory, 4.33 for a draw and 1.80 for Barcelona to win.

Manchester United face Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday, 8 November 2026, with the two clubs aiming to strengthen their contrasting Premier League campaigns.

The match, part of the 10th round of the English top flight, will kick off at 16:30 GMT.

The game will be broadcast in sub-Saharan Africa by SuperSport. Viewers in France can watch on CANAL+, while Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR will show it in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

In the United States, coverage is available on USA Network and Telemundo / Telemundo Deportes. The match will also be shown on Stan Sport in Australia, DAZN Canada and fuboTV Canada in Canada, DAZN Spain, and Sky Sport Premier League, Sky Go and WOW in Germany and Austria.

Viaplay holds the rights in the Netherlands, with Play Sports / Proximus Pickx listed for Belgium. beIN Sports will broadcast the fixture in the Middle East and North Africa.

Head-to-head record

Manchester United and Aston Villa have met 197 times in all competitions, according to Transfermarkt figures. Manchester United have won 105 of those matches, while Aston Villa have recorded 50 victories. The remaining 42 fixtures ended level.

The recent record also favours Manchester United. In the teams’ past 10 meetings, the Red Devils have claimed six wins, compared with two for Aston Villa, while two matches have been draws.

Contrasting league form

Manchester United are 17th after nine league games and have struggled for consistency, recording one victory, four draws and four defeats. Their position has nevertheless been accompanied by a boost in European competition, with the club beating AS Roma 3-2 in a dramatic Champions League match this week.

Aston Villa occupy 10th place and have been more consistent in the Premier League. Their recent results include a victory over Manchester City, although Unai Emery’s side suffered a 3-0 defeat by Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Despite that setback, Aston Villa are described as a cohesive and dangerous team, while Manchester United’s defensive problems are expected to be tested further by the absence of suspended defender Lisandro Martinez.

The match is therefore expected to be open, with Aston Villa’s attacking efficiency viewed as a potential advantage against an inconsistent Manchester United side. Africafoot’s prediction is a 2-1 victory for Aston Villa.

The listed betting prices give Manchester United odds of 1.98 to win, with a draw priced at 3.20 and an Aston Villa victory at 3.00.

Atletico Madrid host La Liga leaders FC Barcelona at the Metropolitano in a high-profile meeting on the 12th matchday of the season, with both sides arriving among the division’s leading contenders.

Atletico are second in the table, while FC Barcelona sit at the summit. The fixture brings together two of Spain’s biggest clubs and is expected to be a closely contested encounter, with both teams in compelling form ahead of the game.

Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid will have to deal with injury concerns as they prepare to face the leaders. Defender Cristian Romero is unavailable, while midfielder and captain Koke remains a doubt for the match.

His possible absence would leave uncertainty around the centre of Atletico’s midfield, although the club still have significant attacking options available for the fixture.

Atletico Madrid’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak

Defenders: Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, David Hancko, Alex Grimaldo

Midfielders: Lee Kang-in, Morten Hjulmand, Pablo Barrios

Forwards: Giuliano Simeone, Julian Alvarez, Alex Baena

Jan Oblak is expected to start in goal, with Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, David Hancko and Alex Grimaldo forming the defensive line. Lee Kang-in, Morten Hjulmand and Pablo Barrios are the likely midfield trio.

Giuliano Simeone and Alex Baena could operate alongside Julian Alvarez in attack.

FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona will also travel to the Metropolitano with a heavily depleted squad. The Catalan side are without several first-team players, including Rodri, Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, Xavi Espart, Dani Olmo and Roony Bardghji.

Despite those absences, the leaders are expected to name a strong starting line-up, with Joan Garcia selected in goal and Joao Cancelo included in defence.

FC Barcelona’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia

Defenders: Brian Farinas, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Joao Cancelo

Midfielders: Pedri, Marc Bernal, Fermin Lopez

Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Anthony Gordon

Pedri, Marc Bernal and Fermin Lopez are the probable midfield combination, while Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Anthony Gordon are expected to lead the attack.

The match will be Atletico Madrid’s 12th-day fixture in the Spanish championship and represents a major test for both teams. Atletico will be seeking to reduce the gap to the leaders, while FC Barcelona will aim to strengthen their position at the top of the table.

The listed match odds have Atletico Madrid at 3.75 to win, with a draw priced at 4.33 and a victory for Barcelona at 1.80.

Bachir Belloumi’s performances for Hull City and Algeria have attracted attention from leading clubs, including Arsenal, according to former Algeria manager Rabah Saadane.

The 24-year-old winger has made his first appearances in the Premier League this season and scored his first international goals for Algeria. Saadane, who coached Belloumi’s father Lakhdar at international level, believes the younger Belloumi’s progress reflects the talent still being produced in Algeria.

Belloumi began his career at GC Mascara, in his home city and the club where his father spent a significant part of his career. He played only one season in the Algerian Ligue 1 with MC Oran before moving to Europe.

After two successful seasons at Farense in Portugal, Belloumi joined Hull City in 2024, when the English club were competing in the Championship. He helped Hull secure promotion to the Premier League at the end of last season and has continued to impress, registering three goals and two assists this campaign.

“He is a talented player,” Saadane told Africafoot. “He is left-footed, has very good individual technique and sees the game well. He is capable of scoring and creating goals.”

Saadane said Belloumi had made sensible career choices by developing at a modest Portuguese club before moving to England, where the main challenge was adapting to the demands of the English game.

Belloumi also had to overcome a serious injury during the 2025/26 season. His performances this term have included two goals in a 2-2 draw with Chelsea, while he scored his first two goals for Algeria in a 2-2 draw with Burundi in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying and a 2-1 friendly win over Niger.

“The Premier League is the best league in the world and is very demanding physically,” said Saadane. “He is at a modest club, where he can continue improving without the pressure he would face at a bigger team.”

Saadane believes Belloumi still needs to develop his weaker foot. “He is a pure left-footer, but he must improve his right foot. That is important,” he said.

The former Algeria manager also warned against making direct comparisons between Belloumi and his father. Lakhdar Belloumi was one of Africa’s leading players in the 1980s, remembered by Saadane as “a true artist” with exceptional technical and tactical ability.

The pair play in different positions, with Bachir operating as a winger and Lakhdar having been a creative attacking midfielder. Lakhdar’s experience playing basketball at a good level also helped him develop an outstanding tactical vision, according to Saadane.

With Riyad Mahrez having retired from international football, Belloumi could face increased responsibility for Algeria. However, Saadane said Mahrez would not be easy to replace and identified Feyenoord Rotterdam winger Anis Hadj Moussa as a rival for the same position.

“Hadj Moussa has a little more experience,” he said, adding that Algeria manager Brahim Hemdani might consider playing both players together.

Saadane said Arsenal’s reported interest was significant but advised Belloumi not to leave Hull City during the season. “I have always believed it is better to wait until the end of the season, then complete a full pre-season with a new team,” he said.

Mamelodi Sundowns will meet USM Alger in the TotalEnergies CAF Supercup final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane on Sunday, 08 November 2026.

The match is scheduled to begin at 13:00 GMT, with coverage available on beIN CONNECT MENA HD, beIN Sports MENA 1 HD, SuperSport, Azam TV and Canal+ Sport Afrique.

The fixture brings together two of African football’s leading clubs, with Mamelodi Sundowns benefiting from home advantage in Pretoria as they pursue another continental trophy.

Previous meetings

The two sides have met competitively only once before, during the group stage of the 2019/20 CAF Champions League.

Mamelodi Sundowns won both matches. They recorded a 1-0 victory away to USM Alger on 28 December 2019 before completing a 2-1 home win on 11 January 2020.

Those results give the South African side a perfect record from their previous official encounters with the Algerian club.

Form and team outlook

Mamelodi Sundowns go into the final after being crowned African champions last summer following an impressive CAF Champions League campaign. They have also established themselves near the top of their domestic league, maintaining a strong collective run and beginning the season with significant ambitions.

USM Alger arrive as winners of the CAF Confederation Cup, having overcome Zamalek in a hard-fought final. The Algerian club can draw on the mental resilience shown during that campaign, even though their domestic performances at the start of this season have lacked consistency.

USM Alger nonetheless retain a reputation for competing strongly in major continental matches. Their defensive organisation and ability to threaten on the counter-attack could be important against a Mamelodi Sundowns side facing some uncertainty over the make-up of its usual starting XI.

Prediction and odds

Mamelodi Sundowns are regarded as favourites because they will play in familiar surroundings. However, any changes or doubts within their preferred line-up could give USM Alger encouragement and make the contest more closely fought than the home advantage suggests.

The pre-match prediction is a 1-0 victory for Mamelodi Sundowns.

The listed odds make Mamelodi Sundowns 1.58 to win, with the draw priced at 3.55 and a USM Alger victory at 5.30.

Fares Ghedjemis has been included in Algeria’s squad for the two matches against Togo in the third and fourth rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Frosinone forward returns to the national team after missing the previous international camp. His call-up was confirmed by Algeria manager Brahim Hemdani.

Speaking to Maghreb-Foot, Ghedjemis’ agent, Sofiane Mahieddine, welcomed the decision and described the selection as deserved recognition for the 24-year-old’s performances.

Ghedjemis was left out of the previous squad after a disrupted pre-season and a lack of competitive playing time. Those difficulties came after a proposed move to another club fell through, leaving him without the preparation and match rhythm required for international football.

He has since re-established himself at Frosinone and produced a series of influential displays. Ghedjemis provided three assists against Atalanta before scoring his first goal of the season against Torino.

Those contributions have helped bring him back into contention for Algeria, where his return will provide another attacking option for the matches against Togo.

The right winger is under contract with Frosinone until 30 June 2030. His current market value is estimated at 12 million euros.

Frosinone will soon play their 11th match of the Italian championship against Cagliari. The available match odds list a Frosinone victory at 2.10, a draw at 3.40 and a Cagliari win at 2.60.

Inter Milan host fourth-placed Como at San Siro’s Giuseppe-Meazza on 8 November 2026, with both sides arriving after impressive European performances. Mahamad Sangare, presenter of the sports debate programme La VAR on Burkina Info TV, has offered his assessment and predictions for the Serie A meeting.

Inter are second in the table and three points behind leaders Lazio. The Nerazzurri began the campaign with eight wins and a draw from their opening nine matches, but suffered their first league defeat last weekend when they lost 3-1 to AC Milan in the Derby della Madonnina.

Christian Chivu’s side responded in the Champions League by beating Feyenoord 3-0 away from home. The reigning Italian champions, who also won the Coppa Italia last season after finishing runners-up to Napoli in 2025, are seeking to remain among the leading contenders for another title.

Inter will be without several important players, including Lautaro Martinez, who has scored four Serie A goals. John Stones, Curtis Jones and Brazilian wing-back Luis Henrique, formerly of OM, are also unavailable.

Marcus Thuram and Francesco Pio Esposito formed the attacking partnership against Feyenoord, with Esposito scoring. Bonny, who has two league goals, came on as a substitute. Thuram has five goals and two assists in Serie A this season. Nicolo Barella, with one goal and two assists, Hakan Calhanoglu, with three goals, and Piotr Zielinski, with two goals and two assists, are also expected to play key roles. Italy internationals Alessandro Bastoni and Federico Dimarco are available.

Como’s progress under Cesc Fabregas has placed them fourth, five points behind Lazio. They have won seven, drawn two and lost one of their 10 league matches, with their only defeat coming at Frosinone, where they were beaten 2-0.

After a goalless home draw with Roma, Como defeated Fiorentina 3-1, Sassuolo 2-0, Torino 3-1 and Venezia 1-0. Their latest league victory was followed by a remarkable 9-1 Champions League win at Lens’ Stade Bollaert in midweek.

Como have several absentees, including Italy international Kean, who has one Serie A assist, winger Diao, with two goals and one assist, defender Chalobah and reserve wingers Rodriguez and Addai. France newcomer Da Cunha, who has one league goal, has been moved into a more advanced role and scored the winning penalty against Venezia.

Nico Paz, with three goals and three assists, Douvikas, with five goals, and Croatia winger Baturina, with three goals, all scored against Lens. Baturina is competing for a place with former Lyon midfielder Caqueret, who has two assists.

Inter have won five and drawn one of the clubs’ past six official meetings. Como have not beaten them since returning to the top flight. Inter won 2-0 twice in 2025 and 4-0 in December of that year, while their 2026 meetings included a 4-3 Inter victory in Como in the Coppa Italia and Serie A.

Suggested statistical markets include Inter double chance at 1.885, under 2.5 goals at 1.478, both teams to score at 1.444, Como over 1.5 goals at 2.30 and more than four first-half corners at 1.55. The expert selections are Como double chance at 2.07, over 2.5 goals at 1.478, more than four first-half corners at 1.55, a 2-3 correct score at 26 and Nico Paz to score at any time at 3.00. The odds may change.

Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has named a 27-player squad for the decisive 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against South Africa.

The Harambee Stars will travel to face the Bafana Bafana at Orlando Stadium on 13 November 2026, before hosting the return fixture at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium on 17 November.

McCarthy, a former South Africa international, has combined home-based players with members of Kenya’s overseas contingent for the two matches.

The squad is led by Al-Arabi forward Michael Olunga, who is the most prominent name among the selected attackers.

Kenya squad

Goalkeepers: Byrne Omondi (Gor Mahia), Brian Bwire (Tusker), Faruk Shikalo (Nairobi United)

Defenders: Abud Omar (Tusker), Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Amos Wanjala (Valencia), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Eric Marcelo Ouma (Rakow Czestochowa), Stanley Wilson (AIK), Vincent Harper (Exeter City), Rooney Onyango (Sogndal), Hannif Wesonga (Jamus FC)

Midfielders: Manzur Okwaro (Stade de Reims), Alwyn Tera (Ararat-Armenia), Henry Ochieng (Slough Town), Zak Vyner (Wrexham)

Forwards: Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad), Mohammed Bajaber (Nairobi United), Will Lenkupae (Tulsa), Adam Wilson (The New Saints), Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia), Michael Olunga (Al-Arabi), Ryan Ogam (RFC Liege), Micah Obiero (Carlisle United)

Kenya’s two meetings with South Africa will form a key part of their campaign to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. ???

Burkina Faso rider Paul Daumont finished third in the intermediate sprint at Zorgho on Friday, 6 November 2026, during stage eight of the Tour du Faso 2026.

Algeria’s Anes Riahi won the sprint, with Morocco’s Youssef Bdadou taking second place. Daumont completed the top three.

The result means Daumont remains without a stage victory in the 37th edition of the Tour du Faso. The Burkinabe rider will continue his pursuit of a win on the event’s roads, hoping to achieve his goal before the competition ends.

The Zorgho intermediate sprint standings were:

1. Anes Riahi (Algeria)

2. Youssef Bdadou (Morocco)

3. Paul Daumont (Burkina Faso)

Young Africans have confirmed the appointment of South African coach Fadlu Davids, who is set to take charge of the Dar es Salaam club.

Davids is known for his tactical discipline and close knowledge of African football. He inherits an ambitious Young Africans squad expected to challenge for domestic honours while also targeting strong performances in continental competition.

The new coach is due to arrive in Tanzania tomorrow, with supporters expecting him to help the club take another step forward. Young Africans’ fans, known as the Wananchi, are hoping his arrival will bring further progress for the historic side.

Davids’ immediate challenge will be to establish his methods and build momentum with the squad. His ability to unite and motivate the players quickly is likely to be central to a successful start in the role.

Young Africans have set high standards for the incoming coach, who will be expected to compete for the national championship and guide the team to respectable campaigns on the continental stage.

Al Ittihad Alexandria have been ordered by FIFA to pay Angola striker Cristovao Mabululu $70,000 in outstanding wages.

The decision, issued on 28 October 2026, also requires the Egyptian club to pay annual interest of 5% on the debt until the financial dispute with the player is settled in full.

Al Ittihad Alexandria have 45 days to make the payment.

Failure to comply within that period could lead to significant sanctions, including a ban on registering new players for up to three consecutive registration periods.

Algerian rider Riahi Anes claimed the second hot-spot sprint at Mogtedo, finishing ahead of Morocco’s Bdadou Youssef and Dutchman Jannes Van Weele of Universe Cycling Team.

The result gives Riahi another success in the intermediate sprints during the stage and underlines his consistency in those contests.

Bdadou also secured another podium finish. The Moroccan had already been among the top three at the previous hot spot.

Mogtedo hot-spot results

1. Riahi Anes (bib number 146) – Algeria

2. Bdadou Youssef (bib number 15) – Morocco

3. Jannes Van Weele (bib number 23) – Universe Cycling Team (Netherlands)

Algerian rider Riahi Anes won the Koulbila intermediate sprint at the Tour du Faso 2026, finishing ahead of Morocco’s Bdadou Youssef and South African Emile Van Niekerk of Tshenolo Pro Cycling Team.

The result underlined Anes’ consistency in the stage’s intermediate sprints, while Bdadou also continued his strong run. The pair have now reached the podium in three consecutive points chauds, following their results at Toece and Nobere.

Algeria therefore leads the Koulbila classification, with Morocco second and South Africa third.

Koulbila intermediate sprint classification:

1. Riahi Anes (bib number 146) – Algeria

2. Bdadou Youssef (bib number 15) – Morocco

3. Emile Van Niekerk (bib number 113) – Tshenolo Pro Cycling Team (South Africa)

Ryan Fosso has been selected to replace Carlos Baleba for Cameroon’s double-header against Namibia after the Manchester United midfielder withdrew with a hamstring injury.

Baleba had been expected to return to the Indomitable Lions after several months away, but was forced to pull out of the squad. Head coach David Pagou has instead opted for a less experienced player at the highest level.

Fosso, 24, will join up with Cameroon once again after representing the national team in the opening two rounds of the qualifying campaign last month. The Standard Liege midfielder made his international debut on 27 March, when he came on against Australia.

He was also introduced as a substitute during Cameroon’s 3-1 victory over Comoros in September. Fosso then started in midfield alongside Arthur Avom and David Nyengue in the 1-1 draw with Congo.

Born in Lugano, in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, Fosso developed in the Swiss football system before moving to the Belgian league this summer. He is a box-to-box midfielder whose game is built around covering ground and providing intensity in the centre of the pitch.

Those qualities appear to have appealed to Pagou, who gave Fosso his first opportunity with the national side. However, his selection is not a like-for-like replacement for Baleba, who has established himself as one of Cameroon’s leading talents.

Fosso has had limited playing time in Belgium this season and has started only one match for Standard Liege. That lack of regular football is not necessarily ideal for a Cameroon midfield already missing one of its key players.

Baleba’s withdrawal is another setback for the 22-year-old, whose return to international football had been eagerly anticipated. He was taken off in the 51st minute of Manchester United’s 3-2 Champions League match against AS Roma on Tuesday after suffering a hamstring problem.

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick subsequently admitted that the initial signs were not encouraging, although he was unable to say how long Baleba would be unavailable.

Baleba has not played for Cameroon since the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, held at the start of the year. He was left out of the March gathering and then ruled out in September, meaning he will now have to wait at least until March 2027 for another chance to return to the national team.

His absence will therefore last more than a year, while Pagou must find alternative ways to maintain the balance of his midfield against Namibia.

Algeria will return to the FIFA U17 World Cup for the first time since 2009, but head coach Amine Ghimouz has named a squad containing several notable omissions for the tournament in Qatar.

The competition will take place from 19 November to 13 December, with Algeria’s selection attracting attention because of the absence of players who featured prominently in previous international camps.

Among the biggest surprises is the non-selection of Mouhammed Valmy. The forward was one of the standout performers at the last Africa U-17 Cup of Nations, scoring twice against Tanzania and being named player of the match. Ghimouz also praised Valmy’s performances during the continental tournament.

Yanis Messaoudi is another prominent absentee. The young midfielder, who plays for AC Milan, has not been included in the group travelling to Qatar.

Bilal Daaou of Eintracht Frankfurt U19 and Zinedine Zouai of Sochaux U19 are also missing from the squad. No explanation was given for the four omissions in the announcement accompanying the team list.

The decisions will be closely examined because this generation is regarded as a significant source of hope for Algerian football. The country has not appeared at the U17 World Cup since the 2009 edition in Nigeria.

Ghimouz has nevertheless retained several players who impressed during the previous continental competition.

Yacine Abed, who stood out at the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations, has been selected. He will be joined by Rayan Zidane, a midfielder with Bayer Leverkusen, and Walid Nechab of Olympique Lyonnais.

Ramy Benkhiat is also included after choosing Algeria last month. The squad further features Ilyes Grini of Lens, Nazim Benghezel of Amiens and Mahdi Maghlout of Inter Milan.

Khalil Touali, another player singled out for praise by Ghimouz during the continental tournament, has also made the final list.

Algeria have been drawn in Group J alongside the United States, Chile and Montenegro. Their immediate target will be to reach the knockout phase on their return to the global stage.

“Our ambition is to go far in the competition and, of course, to do our country proud,” Ghimouz said.

The coach’s squad combines several promising players with the absence of four expected names, leaving the young Fennecs facing their long-awaited World Cup return without some of the talents who had featured in earlier plans.

Paris Saint-Germain will aim to extend their winning streak when Troyes visit the Parc des Princes on Saturday, 7 November 2026, in the 10th round of Ligue 1. Luis Enrique’s side are seeking a seventh consecutive league victory and an 11th successive win in all competitions.

The European champions have not dropped points for two months and are strong favourites against an ESTAC side that has won only one of its past seven matches.

Match predictions

- Paris Saint-Germain to win both halves – 1.69

- Senny Mayulu to score or provide an assist – 1.95

- Paris Saint-Germain to score a penalty – 3.70

PSG’s recent form is particularly notable because they have often taken time to find their best level in the first half of previous seasons before improving after the new year. This campaign, however, they appear to have reached top speed much earlier.

A 2-1 home defeat by Monaco in early September left them with only two points from their opening three matches. They responded with a 1-0 victory over Brest in mid-September and followed it with wins against Marseille, Le Mans, Strasbourg, Lyon and Le Havre to move top of Ligue 1.

Lille remain two points behind, while Lyon and Paris FC are three points adrift, but PSG’s position looks secure. Troyes, by contrast, sit 16th, only one point clear of Le Mans and the relegation places.

Stephane Dumont’s side had been in the bottom two before last weekend, when goals from Mouhamed Diop and Ismael Boura secured a much-needed victory. That success ended a winless run lasting exactly two months.

Troyes have since collected four points from two matches and kept two consecutive clean sheets, although the challenge posed by PSG is considerably greater. A sixth league defeat on Saturday could send ESTAC back into the bottom two, although that would also require Le Mans to beat Monaco.

PSG are unbeaten in their past 10 meetings with Troyes, winning nine of them. Le Mans, meanwhile, must end an eight-match winless run against Monaco.

PSG’s Ligue 1 form is VVVVVV, while their record in all competitions is also VVVVVV. Troyes’ league form reads DDDDNV.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is out for the long term with a knee injury. Nuno Mendes, Marquinhos and Ousmane Dembele are also unavailable with muscle, thigh and thigh injuries respectively.

Ferran Torres remains PSG’s leading league scorer but has gone seven matches without a goal for Enrique’s team, including four in Ligue 1.

The champions of Ligue 1 and the Champions League impressed in midweek with a 6-0 win over Villarreal. Fabian Ruiz scored twice, while Desire Doue and Senny Mayulu also scored. Maghnes Akliouche supplied two assists, and Joao Neves contributed a goal and an assist.

Troyes have seven different scorers: Antoine Mille, Mouhamed Diop, Timothe Nkada, Lucas Maronnier, Jeremy Le Douaron, Ismael Boura and Renaud Ripart.

Yacouba Kone is ruled out with a knee injury, while Anis Ouzenadji, also recovering from a knee problem, remains doubtful.

Probable teams

Paris Saint-Germain: Safonov; Zaire-Emery, Zabarnyi, Pacho, Digne; Neves, Beraldo, Ruiz; Akliouche, Torres, Godts.

Troyes: Konate; Maronnier, Monfray, Diaz Jr, Iweru; Mille, Karim, Diop; Ifnaoui, Ripart, Nkada.

Troyes’ recent clean sheets may have restored some confidence, but PSG’s depth and their six-goal display against Villarreal suggest the hosts can overcome their absentees and claim another convincing home victory.