The Tour du Faso 2026 commissaires’ panel has issued several disciplinary penalties following offences recorded during the competition, with sanctions handed to riders, team directors and a journalist.

Benin riders Ezer Mensah, wearing number 63, and Maurice C. Charbel Gandaho, wearing number 65, were each fined 35,800 FCFA and deducted two points from their UCI rankings.

The pair were punished for taking shelter behind a vehicle or using a vehicle’s slipstream during a stage race.

Four team directors were also fined 71,600 FCFA each for failing to comply with the instructions of the commissaires.

The sanctions apply to Abdelbasat Hanachi of the Equipe nationale d’Algerie, Thabiso Rengane of Tshenolo Pro Cycling Team, R. Jeremie Ouedraogo of the Equipe nationale du Burkina Faso and Jacques Lepere of Flanders.

Niger rider Ibrahim Sani Boureima, number 102, was penalised for physical conduct towards another rider. He received a fine of 71,600 FCFA and lost 15 points in the UCI rankings.

A journalist, described in the official statement as another licensed person, was given a warning for breaching regulations covering movement in the opposite direction during the race.

The commissaires’ panel also set out the feeding arrangements for stage nine. Riders will be allowed to take refreshments from kilometre 10, with feeding ending five kilometres before the finish.

Mamelodi Sundowns will face USM Alger in the 2026 CAF Super Cup at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Sunday, with the African champions looking to recover from a shock early exit in the CAF Champions League.

Mamelodi Sundowns won last season’s Champions League against AS FAR Rabat, prevailing 1-0 at home before a 1-1 draw away. USM Alger lifted the CAF Confederation Cup for a second time after beating Zamalek on penalties, despite losing the second leg in Egypt 1-0 following a 1-0 first-leg victory and winning the shootout 8-7.

The South African champions are unbeaten since the end of August and currently lead their domestic championship. However, their recent continental campaign ended in the second qualifying round when they were eliminated by Angola’s Wiliete on the away-goals rule, which remains in use in CAF competitions.

That result was a major setback for one of Africa’s most consistent clubs, who had reached the Champions League group stage in 12 successive seasons. Mamelodi Sundowns have responded with three straight domestic victories, beating Marumo Gallants and Golden Arrows 1-0 in the Carling Knockout Cup before defeating Durban City 4-1 in the league.

History is also on their side. In 34 editions of the CAF Super Cup, the Champions League winners have prevailed 26 times, or almost 76% of the time. Mamelodi Sundowns won the 2017 edition in that role, beating TP Mazembe 1-0.

The hosts have also been particularly strong at home against North African opposition. They defeated AS FAR Rabat 1-0 in the first leg of last season’s Champions League final, overcame Esperance Tunis 1-0 in the semi-finals and beat MC Alger 2-0 in the decisive final group game in 2025/2026.

USM Alger, meanwhile, have yet to play a CAF inter-club fixture this season. They were given a bye in the opening round of the Confederation Cup and then reached the group stage without playing after Equatorial Guinea’s Panthers withdrew in the second round.

The Algerian side sit fourth in Ligue 1 after seven matches, with four wins, two draws and one defeat. Following a 2-2 derby draw with CR Belouizdad, Lamine Ndiaye’s team beat CS Constantine 2-0 in their latest match.

USM Alger arrived in South Africa four days early to adapt to the austral summer. Their recent away record south of the Sahara is mixed: they won in Cote d’Ivoire against AFAD Djekanou and San Pedro, drew with Djoliba in Mali and lost to Maniema Union in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their prospects are encouraged by their 2023 Super Cup success against Al Ahly, when they became one of only six Confederation Cup winners to defeat the Champions League holders.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ recent form is VVVNNV, while USM Alger’s is VNVDVV.

Twelve Sundowns players were selected by South Africa manager Pitso Mosimane for the Bafana Bafana’s Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying matches against Kenya. They include goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, one of the 10 nominees for the 2026 African Ballon d’Or, and forwards Siyanda Ndlovu and Iqraam Rayners.

Williams and Mokoena remain doubts for the Super Cup, while right-back Khuliso Mudau is injured. USM Alger can call on goalkeeper Oussama Benbot, recalled by Algeria manager Brahim Hemdani alongside team-mate Achref Abada. Ahmed Khaldi, nominated for the African Interclub Player of the Year award, is also available.

Long-term absentees Houssam Ghacha and Mohamed Bouderbala will miss out. Raouf Benguit and forward Mohamed-Amine Ramdaoui, USM Alger’s leading scorer this season with five goals, travelled despite being doubts.

The match will be played in the afternoon in temperatures of at least 25C. Home advantage may prove decisive, but uncertainty over Sundowns’ key players and their Champions League disappointment make a cautious prediction appropriate: a goalless draw, followed by penalties without extra time.

Cedric Bakambu has announced his departure from San Diego FC only two months after joining the Major League Soccer club.

The 35-year-old Democratic Republic of the Congo international confirmed the decision in a message on social media, leaving him looking for a new club after a brief spell in California.

Bakambu said he had wanted to continue with San Diego FC but that some decisions were outside his control. He thanked his team-mates, members of the coaching staff and the club’s supporters for their welcome, trust and backing during his time at the club.

Questions over his future had already emerged after he was absent from San Diego FC’s previous match.

Bakambu joined the club on 3 September after leaving Real Betis, but he will not continue his career in MLS. He scored five goals in nine appearances for San Diego FC, starting four of those matches.

His departure comes despite an agreement that was initially due to run until the end of the 2026 season. The contract also included options that would have allowed the club to retain him for subsequent campaigns.

No details were given about the reasons behind the decision or Bakambu’s next destination.

The forward is now seeking another opportunity as he approaches his 36th birthday. He brings experience from several European leagues, having played in Spain, France, Turkey and Greece during his career.

Bakambu’s next move remains undecided as he considers a new project after his unexpectedly short stay with San Diego FC.

The dispute over the venue for the 2030 World Cup final has intensified after a senior ally of Spanish opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo accused Morocco of trying to “steal” the match from Spain.

Isabel Diaz Ayuso, president of the Community of Madrid and one of Feijoo’s leading supporters within the Partido Popular (PP), said it was “reasonable” for Spain to threaten to withdraw from hosting the tournament if the final were awarded to Morocco.

Her comments followed a statement by Feijoo on the El Chiringuito programme on Mediaset. Feijoo, president of the PP and a candidate in Spain’s anticipated general election, said he would remove Spain from the organisation of the next World Cup if the country became the new government and Morocco was chosen to stage the final.

Ayuso said Feijoo “could not have put it better”, adding that, in her view, Morocco wanted to “steal the World Cup from under their noses”.

The comments have caused surprise in Morocco, with the argument over the final’s location becoming increasingly public while the decision remains with FIFA.

The Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid is competing with the Grand Stade Hassan II, which is under construction in Benslimane. The Moroccan venue is intended to become the largest stadium in the world, with a planned capacity of about 115,000.

That would put it ahead of the stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea, which currently holds the record with an estimated capacity of 114,000.

The latest intervention from Spain has prompted a strong reaction on the other side of the Strait of Gibraltar. In a column, Le360 Sport questioned: “Since when has the 2030 World Cup belonged to Spain?”

The proposed final venue is therefore at the centre of a growing disagreement between the two countries, with both Madrid and Benslimane viewed as possible destinations. No final decision has yet been made by FIFA, but the public dispute has gathered pace following the statements from Feijoo and Ayuso.

The 2030 World Cup is the subject of a shared hosting arrangement, but the contest for the final has taken on particular political importance in Spain. Feijoo’s warning that Spain could leave the organisation if Morocco won the right to stage the match has now been reinforced by Ayuso’s public support for his position.

Moroccan media have challenged the assumption that Spain should host the final, while Spanish political figures continue to argue for the Santiago Bernabeu. The issue remains unresolved as the competing bids await FIFA’s decision.

Algeria have announced a 24-player squad for the second round of qualifying for the U23 Africa Cup of Nations, with Kilian Belazzoug receiving his first call-up after being unable to break into the senior side.

Rafik Saifi’s team will face Eswatini in the first leg in Lobamba on 11 November before hosting the return match at the Stade du 5 Juillet 1962 in Algiers on 16 November.

The qualifying tournament will also determine the teams who reach the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Belazzoug, who plays for Rennes, has been included in the under-23 squad as he looks to continue his development with the younger national team. The defender has faced strong competition for places in Algeria’s senior set-up.

Kail Boudache of OL and Kelyann Bezahaf of OM are also included. The squad features three dual nationals who joined up during the previous training camp: Yanis Senhadji of Real Jaen, Gaetan Bakhouche of Toulouse and Karim Boutera of Degerfors.

However, Anis Ouzenadji and Adil Bourabaa will miss the tie through injury.

Ouzenadji, who plays for Troyes, only returned to training this week after suffering a knee and ankle sprain during his Algeria debut in early October. According to journalist Samir Kaabouche, the coaching staff have decided not to take any risks with the midfielder.

Bourabaa, of Le Mans, was also injured during the last international window, when he made his first appearance for the senior Algeria team. He is continuing his recovery after undergoing surgery above the ankle, with his return expected in January 2027.

Algeria are seeking to qualify for the U23 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2015. They missed the past two editions, held in Egypt in 2019 and Morocco in 2023.

The tie against Eswatini therefore represents the opening stage of Algeria’s attempt to return to the competition and move closer to a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Brentford are not planning to consider offers for El Hadji Malick Diouf during the January transfer window, despite reported interest from Chelsea and Liverpool.

The English club regard the Senegal international as an important part of their long-term plans and are not currently prepared to discuss his departure, according to TEAMtalk.

Diouf joined Brentford from West Ham United at the end of August in a deal that could eventually be worth 48 million euros. The 21-year-old signed a five-year contract running until 2031, with the option of an additional year.

That agreement gives Brentford a strong position should potential suitors make an approach for the left-back. The club have no immediate financial or contractual pressure to sell and intend to retain control over his future.

Chelsea and Liverpool are both understood to have shown interest in Diouf, who has already gained experience in the English league despite his age. His potential is believed to be one of the factors attracting the two Premier League clubs.

However, the defender’s limited playing time since moving to Brentford has helped fuel speculation that he could leave. Despite those reports, Brentford are not expected to open the door to a move in January.

The Bees instead want to manage Diouf’s development gradually. They see his recruitment as a long-term investment and remain committed to helping him establish himself at the club.

Diouf is valued at 35 million euros by Transfermarkt, although Brentford’s contractual position means the club are under no obligation to accept an offer at that level. His five-year deal, together with the extra-year option, leaves Brentford with significant influence over any future negotiations.

The Senegalese player’s move to Brentford came only recently, making an immediate transfer particularly unlikely. The club’s current stance is that his development should continue in west London rather than taking place elsewhere.

Brentford are due to face Brighton in their 10th league match of the season.

Lassine Sinayoko, Elye Wahi and Florian Thauvin have been nominated for the UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Month award for October.

The three forwards enjoyed influential spells during the month, with Sinayoko and Wahi recognised after particularly productive performances for Paris FC and OGC Nice respectively. RC Lens midfielder-turned-attacker Thauvin completes the shortlist after making a significant contribution in the final third.

Sinayoko was also among the nominees in September and has continued to establish himself as one of Paris FC’s key players. The Mali international is currently Ligue 1’s leading scorer with eight goals.

He added two more goals in October and also provided three assists. His form has played an important part in Paris FC’s strong campaign, with the club currently fourth in the league.

Wahi has also returned to his most effective form with OGC Nice. The 23-year-old Cote d’Ivoire international scored five goals during October, including a hat-trick in Nice’s emphatic 5-2 victory over Rennes.

That prolific run has marked a return to prominence for Wahi, who has again become a major attacking threat for his side. His goalscoring form places him among the leading contenders for the award.

Thauvin’s nomination reflects his creative influence for RC Lens. The former Olympique de Marseille player scored once and supplied five assists during October, making him one of his team’s principal providers of chances.

The three candidates offer contrasting profiles, setting up a closely contested vote to replace Ferran Torres, who won the award for September.

The trophy will go to the player who receives the most votes from the public. For both Sinayoko and Wahi, their nominations underline the quality of their starts to the season and the growing importance of their contributions to their respective teams.

Naples will host Lazio on Sunday, 8 November 2026, in the 11th round of Serie A, with kick-off scheduled for 11:30 GMT. Ahead of the match, Africafoot has assessed the teams’ expected starting line-ups.

Naples

Naples are expected to use a 3-5-2 formation as they look to strengthen their defensive structure. The proposed system would add protection through three centre-backs while using two wing-backs to provide width.

That approach is designed to address the team’s defensive uncertainty in recent weeks. It could also give the forwards greater freedom and help restrict Lazio’s attacking routes through the middle of the pitch.

Naples’ probable XI

Goalkeeper: Alex Meret

Defenders: Sam Beukema, A. Rrahmani, Rafa Marin

Midfielders: M. Politano, Frank Anguissa, Billy Gilmour, S. McTominay, Antonio Vergara

Forwards: R. Hojlund, K. De Bruyne

The structure would place significant responsibility on the midfield five, with the wing-backs expected to contribute both defensively and in attack. R. Hojlund and K. De Bruyne are listed as the likely strike partnership.

Lazio

Lazio are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation. The setup would give them a back four, a three-man midfield intended to control the pace of the game, and an attacking trio capable of creating decisive moments.

The expected formation also provides balance across the pitch, with the midfield tasked with linking the defence to the front three.

Lazio’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: C. Mandas

Defenders: Romano Floriani, Josip Sutalo, O. Provstgaard, Nuno Tavares

Midfielders: Davide Frattesi, R. Belahyane, K. Taylor

Forwards: Gustav Isaksen, T. Noslin, M. Zaccagni

Lazio’s likely attack would feature Gustav Isaksen, T. Noslin and M. Zaccagni, while Davide Frattesi, R. Belahyane and K. Taylor are expected to form the midfield three.

The Serie A fixture between Naples and Lazio is scheduled to take place shortly. The betting company 1xbet lists Naples as the 2.00 favourite, with a draw priced at 3.40 and a Lazio victory at 2.80.

Naples welcome Serie A leaders Lazio to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Sunday 8 November 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 11:30 GMT. The fixture is part of the 11th round of the Italian top flight and brings together two sides whose early-season fortunes have moved in opposite directions.

The match will be broadcast by beIN Sports in France, ESPN+ in the United States, Sky Sports in the United Kingdom, DAZN in Canada, DAZN and Sky Deutschland in Germany, DAZN in Portugal and Spain, and Canal+ Sport and New World Sport in Africa.

Contrasting form

The reigning champions have endured a difficult start to the campaign, both on the pitch and behind the scenes. Naples are eighth in the Serie A table with 14 points, already 14 points behind Lazio.

Their latest results have increased the pressure. They were beaten 2-0 by Juventus in Serie A before suffering a heavier defeat in the Champions League, losing 4-1 to Porto.

By contrast, Lazio have made an outstanding start under Gennaro Gattuso. They lead Serie A with 28 points from a possible 30, having recorded nine wins, one draw and no defeats.

Gattuso’s side have also won their past five matches. Their most recent victory came against Cagliari, with Andrea Pinamonti scoring the decisive goal in a 2-1 success.

A finely balanced rivalry

Despite the difference in current form, the historical record between the clubs is closely contested. Naples and Lazio have met 170 times, with Naples winning 64 of those matches. Lazio have recorded 54 victories, while the remaining 52 games ended in draws.

The fixture has regularly carried significance in the race for European qualification and at the top end of Serie A, adding further importance to Sunday’s meeting.

Lazio arrive as confident, unbeaten leaders, but Naples will be determined to respond in front of their home supporters after consecutive defeats. The contrasting momentum makes the visitors the stronger side on paper, although the home team’s need to recover could make the contest more competitive.

The predicted result is a 1-1 draw, viewed as the most balanced outcome between Lazio’s defensive stability and Naples’ desire to restore their form.

Betting company 1xbet lists Naples at odds of 2.00 to win. A draw is priced at 3.40, while a Lazio victory is available at 2.80.

Newcastle United have continued to monitor Samu Omorodion, with scouts attending a FC Porto match for the third time this season.

The Magpies sent representatives to the Estadio do Dragao to assess several Porto players, according to Medium. Their latest visit coincided with Porto’s 4-1 Champions League victory over Napoli, when Omorodion made a notable impact after coming on at half-time.

The forward, who is of Nigerian origin, marked his return from a serious knee injury by converting a penalty and scoring an important goal. He had been sidelined for an extended period after suffering a ruptured cruciate ligament.

His comeback has provided encouragement for Porto and Newcastle, who are understood to be particularly interested in his playing style.

“Omorodion should not rush into a high-stakes move” – former Nigeria star Shittu

A profile Newcastle value

Newcastle see Omorodion as a centre-forward who could add strength and greater efficiency in the final third.

His physical presence, power and finishing instinct fit the qualities the Premier League club are seeking. Newcastle’s attacking options have also been affected by several injuries, increasing the appeal of a player capable of leading the line.

However, any attempt to sign Omorodion is likely to require a substantial financial commitment.

Porto are reportedly prepared to demand close to 100m euros for the striker. That valuation could make Newcastle reconsider their position, despite their owners having recently injected 114m euros into the club.

The Premier League’s financial regulations, including the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), could also make a deal more difficult if Newcastle attempt to complete it in January.

Omorodion is under contract with FC Porto until 2029 and is valued at 40m euros by Transfermarkt. His position therefore remains a comfortable one in Portugal, while Porto hold a strong negotiating position.

For now, Newcastle’s repeated scouting trips indicate sustained interest rather than any concrete negotiations. The situation could develop if Omorodion continues to demonstrate that he has fully regained his form in the coming weeks.

Newcastle are due to play Fulham in their 10th match of the English league season. The betting company 1xbet listed Newcastle at 3.20 to win, with a draw priced at 3.40 and a Fulham victory at 1.86.

Tolu Arokodare says his relationship with Ajax manager Michel Sanchez is built on “love and respect” – despite the disagreements between them.

The striker praised Sanchez’s approach while admitting he sometimes finds it difficult to accept the way he is coached.

“When you love someone, you do everything you can to help them become better,” Arokodare said. “When you love someone, you cannot simply indulge them when you are telling them the truth.”

Arokodare also said he valued Sanchez’s personality and believed the manager regularly brought the best out of him, even when they did not see things in the same way.

“I also like his personality,” he said. “Sometimes I do not agree with the way he trains me, but very often he ends up getting the best out of me.”

The Ajax striker then made a sharp joke about the pressure he puts on his manager.

“I always say that one day I will kill him. It is going to happen,” Arokodare said. “Not physically, but he is old and suffers from hypertension. I am going to stress him so much that he will die.”

Although the pair may differ over certain decisions, Arokodare accepts that Sanchez has the final say as manager.

“As a coach, you always have an idea of how you want the player to play, but on the pitch you feel it differently,” he said.

“He is the coach, so he is the boss. I do my best to listen to him as much as possible.”

Massire Sylla has signed a contract extension with Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise, keeping the Senegalese central defender at the club until 2031.

Union Saint-Gilloise announced the agreement in a video published on its official channels a few minutes ago. The new deal also includes an improved salary.

The contract extension rewards Sylla for his performances last season and reflects his continued development since joining the club.

His progress has attracted interest from several clubs, including AC Milan, according to Calciomercato.

Nigerian defender Nosa Edward Obaretin, currently on loan at Lorient, has revealed that former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos is the player he has admired most during his career.

Speaking to Calciomercato, Obaretin was asked about his objectives for the season, his style as a defender and the player who had influenced him.

“Obviously, I want to play as much as possible, and if I score, even better,” he said.

“As a defender, I like to be aggressive, but I also enjoy playing with the ball, and I take a lot of pleasure from that.”

Obaretin added that he still has areas of his game to improve, particularly when contributing in attack.

“I think I still need to improve a little, especially in attack, perhaps on set-pieces such as corners,” he said.

The defender said he regularly watched Ramos during the Spanish player’s best years, including his performances for Real Madrid in the Champions League.

“When I was younger and he was at the top of his game, I always watched Sergio Ramos,” Obaretin said.

“I think he is a very solid defender, and I have always tried to learn as much as possible from him, even by watching him on television, of course, during Real Madrid’s Champions League matches, because for me he was an exceptional defender.”

Burkina Faso international Cheikh Djibril Ouattara has signed a two-year contract extension with Armee patriotique rwandaise Football Club (APR FC), keeping him at the Rwandan club until 2028.

The 27-year-old striker’s new deal was officially announced on Thursday, 5 November 2026.

Ouattara joined the military club in January 2025 after leaving JS Kabylie and has since established himself as an important member of the squad. He was appointed APR FC captain in July.

The forward was the leading scorer in the BK Pro League during the 2025-2026 season, finishing with 18 goals. He also played a key role in APR FC’s performances in domestic competitions.

The extension underlines the Rwandan club’s intention to retain one of its principal attacking players. Ouattara will now continue representing APR FC for the next two seasons.

Pitso Mosimane has named Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena in South Africa’s final squad for two successive 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Kenya this month.

The Mamelodi Sundowns players are still returning to full fitness after recent injuries, but Mosimane has chosen to include both the Bafana Bafana captain and the midfielder in his selection.

Mamelodi Sundowns face USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup final on Sunday. Mosimane said he would monitor their involvement in that match before making a final decision on whether they will be able to play for South Africa.

“They are key players who led us at the first AFCON in 2024, the second AFCON in 2025 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They played in the AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea in September 2026, didn’t they?” Mosimane said.

“They are therefore very important players and we will wait until the last possible moment if the doctors tell me: ‘Coach, we consider them unavailable.’ We can then call up other players, as we did during the last camp with Tshepang Moremi, who replaced the injured midfielder Lebohang Maboe.”

Mosimane added that the Bafana Bafana medical team and members of his technical staff had remained in contact with Mamelodi Sundowns. They will continue to monitor the players’ condition before the squad’s matches against Kenya.

South Africa will begin its training camp in Johannesburg on Sunday, 8 November 2026.

Victor Osimhen will miss Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Tanzania after sustaining a knee injury that requires surgery.

The striker was forced off after the Champions League match against Stuttgart, and his Turkish club has confirmed that he will undergo an operation tomorrow.

The injury brings an abrupt end to Osimhen’s current run with the Turkish side, which will be without one of its key players for important fixtures in the remainder of the season.

His absence is also a major setback for Nigeria, with the Super Eagles unable to call on their main attacking threat for both matches against Tanzania.

The two-legged qualifying tie is scheduled to take place on 13 and 17 November as Nigeria continue their campaign for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria’s coaching staff must now find a way to reorganise the team’s attack without one of its most influential players.

Sebastien Desabre says the Democratic Republic of Congo have done everything they can to persuade Paris Brunner to choose them, but the decision now rests with the AS Monaco striker.

Desabre was speaking on Friday after naming a 26-player squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying matches against Sierra Leone. The teams will meet in Kinshasa on 12 November before playing again in Casablanca, Morocco, on 17 November.

Brunner, 20, was not included in the squad as he continues to weigh up whether to represent Germany or DR Congo at senior level.

“We are doing our duty with Paris Brunner, but...” Desabre said at his news conference, adding that the coaching staff had taken all the steps available to them. The right-footed forward must now make his own choice.

Brunner was born in Dortmund to a German father and is eligible to play for DR Congo through his mother’s heritage. He has represented Germany at every youth level from under-16 upwards and has been selected by the Germany Under-21 team for the next international window.

Desabre previously confirmed that he had spoken directly to Brunner’s parents to explain the national team’s plans and ambitions. The DR Congo staff do not want to put undue pressure on the player, despite Brunner having repeatedly shown signs of an attachment to the country’s colours on social media.

The striker has made a strong start to the season with AS Monaco and is currently one of the club’s emerging players. He has scored eight goals and provided one assist in 12 appearances, starting all 12 matches.

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi says four players are in contention to replace the injured Azzedine Ounahi as the Atlas Lions’ number 10.

Ounahi will miss Morocco’s two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying matches against Niger, with the teams meeting in Casablanca on 13 November before playing in Rabat on 17 November.

The Panathinaikos midfielder was left out of Ouahbi’s 26-man squad after undergoing surgery for a complete rupture of the biceps femoris tendon in his right thigh.

Ounahi is expected to be unavailable for more than five months, with his return to competitive football scheduled for late March or early April 2027.

Brahim Diaz appears to be the most natural candidate to take responsibility for Morocco’s attacking play in his absence. The Real Madrid player is often deployed on the right wing for both club and country, but he is capable of operating centrally and has previously occupied the number 10 position for the Atlas Lions.

However, Diaz did not completely convince former Morocco manager Walid Regragui when used in that role during his early appearances for the national team.

Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, Ouahbi kept his plans open and named three other versatile options: Bilal El Khannouss of Stuttgart, Abdellah Ouazane of Ajax and Amine Sbai of Angers.

The Morocco manager indicated that selecting the replacement for Ounahi would depend on finding the right balance within the team, rather than simply naming a direct substitute.

The matches against Niger form part of the third and fourth rounds of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. With Ounahi unavailable, Morocco must decide whether to use Diaz in a central role or turn to one of the three younger alternatives included among Ouahbi’s options.

Sebastien Desabre has recalled Cedric Bakambu to a 26-man DR Congo squad for the two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Sierra Leone on 12 and 17 November.

The selection contains few major departures from the squad used in October, but includes a number of notable changes. Several players have returned, while others who featured in recent friendlies have been left out.

Bakambu’s return is the most prominent development. The 35-year-old has been absent from the Leopards since the World Cup 2026, but has earned another opportunity after making a positive start to life in Major League Soccer with San Diego FC.

He has scored five goals in eight appearances for the club and is now within one goal of the DR Congo scoring record. Bakambu has 21 international goals, with Dieumerci Mbokani currently leading the way on 22.

A number of recently integrated dual nationals have also retained their places after making their international debuts in a friendly last month. Kevin Pedro, Jordy Makengo, Ezechiel Banzuzi and Willy Kambwala are all included again.

Noah Mbamba has been selected for the first time. The midfielder, who is on loan from Bayer Leverkusen to Lorient, missed the previous international gathering because of injury. He has since made an encouraging start to the season and has regained match rhythm since October.

The decision to omit Samuel Essende is the biggest surprise in the squad. The forward has scored 14 goals in 12 league matches for Young Boys, making him the leading scorer in the Swiss Super League.

Essende was brought back into the international set-up for October’s friendlies against Uganda after missing the World Cup 2026. However, his club form has not been enough to secure another call-up, with Desabre apparently unconvinced by his previous performances.

Theo Bongonda, an established member of the team, has also been dropped after a disappointing showing last month. The Al-Faisaly player is among the notable absentees.

Stephy Mavididi remains unavailable for administrative reasons. The Watford winger is still waiting for his documentation to be completed by FIFA.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka will miss the double-header because of injury.

Despite the changes, Desabre has kept the core of the squad that represented the Leopards at the World Cup 2026. Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy and Yoane Wissa are among those retained.

DR Congo have won their opening two qualifying matches. Two victories against Sierra Leone would put the Leopards in a strong position in the race to reach the Africa Cup of Nations 2027.

Real Madrid will look to make it eight consecutive victories in all competitions when they visit Valencia in La Liga on Saturday evening.

Jose Mourinho’s side travel to Mestalla with confidence after a 3-2 Champions League win against AEK Athens, while Valencia secured some relief last weekend by beating Elche 1-0.

Valencia remain in serious trouble during the opening half of the season. Javier Aguirre’s side have collected only nine points from 11 league matches and sit 19th in the table. Their eight goals are joint-worst in La Liga, leaving Los Ches facing a significant battle to avoid relegation.

Umar Sadiq provided a much-needed boost by scoring the only goal at Elche. Valencia are now aiming for successive league victories for the first time since May. Before the November international break, they will also play Tavernes in the first round of the Copa del Rey on 10 November.

Valencia lost both meetings with Real Madrid during the 2025-2026 season, including a 2-0 defeat at Mestalla. However, they can draw encouragement from their 2-1 victory at the Bernabeu in April 2025.

Real Madrid have won seven matches in a row in all competitions, including four successive La Liga games since their 2-1 defeat by Atletico de Madrid before the previous international break.

They are third in the league with 27 points from nine wins and two defeats, three points behind leaders Barcelona. Their midweek victory over AEK Athens was their fourth in the 2026-2027 Champions League league phase and strengthened their prospects of qualification.

After beating FC Barcelona 2-1 at the end of October, another success on Saturday would move Real Madrid level with the Catalan club on 30 points.

Valencia will be without Sergi Canos and Diego Lopez, both with knee injuries, and David Otorbi, who has a hamstring problem. Jose Manuel Copete is doubtful. Sadiq, who returned from a hamstring issue to score from the bench against Elche, is expected to start. Harvey Elliott is available again after suspension, although his inclusion in the squad remains to be confirmed.

Real Madrid continue to be without Rodrygo, Raul Asencio and Ferland Mendy because of knee, leg and hip injuries respectively. Vinicius Junior will serve the final match of his domestic suspension.

Arda Guler and Aurelien Tchouameni were rested against AEK Athens and have been confirmed as starters by Mourinho. They are expected to line up alongside central defenders Dean Huijsen and Ibrahima Konate. Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham should feature in attack, with Federico Valverde also included after an influential display in Europe.

Expected teams

Valencia: Dimitrievski; Martinez, Tarrega, Pepelu, Gaya; Rodriguez; Maffeo, Mayol, Guerra, Rioja; Sadiq.

Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Tchouameni, Bernardo; Guler, Bellingham, Diomande; Mbappe.

Despite the difficulty of winning at Mestalla, Real Madrid’s attacking quality and current form make them favourites. The predicted result is a narrow 2-1 victory for the visitors, with that exact score listed at odds of 7.50 on Betclic.