The second matchday of the UEFA Champions League league phase produced 32 goals across nine matches on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, with Paris Saint-Germain recovering from three goals down to beat Manchester City 4-2.

The French side secured a notable victory in England after a thrilling contest, overturning a substantial deficit to claim all three points. The result was one of the evening’s most significant moments as several leading clubs were tested in high-scoring matches.

Aston Villa matched that impact with a record 6-0 victory over Fenerbahce in Birmingham. Nicolas Jackson and Ross Barkley both scored twice, while Johan Manzambi and Tammy Abraham also found the net.

The result gives Aston Villa two wins from two matches and underlines their strong start to the European campaign.

Real Madrid were also involved in a seven-goal game, eventually overcoming AS Roma 4-3. The Spanish side had to work hard for victory in a contest that remained open and unpredictable throughout.

Real Betis completed a comeback of their own against FC Porto, winning 3-2. Isco’s late penalty proved decisive as the Spanish club turned the match in their favour.

Liverpool were emphatic winners away from home, beating LASK 6-3, while Feyenoord edged past Como 3-2 in another closely fought encounter.

Elsewhere, Shakhtar Donetsk defeated AEK Athens 3-1. VfB Stuttgart recorded a 3-0 victory over Slovan Bratislava, and Bodø/Glimt secured one of the night’s surprises by beating Borussia Dortmund 1-0.

The results point to an open start to the league phase, with established contenders facing demanding matches and several teams showing they can recover from difficult positions.

Wednesday’s results

Feyenoord 3-2 Como

LASK 3-6 Liverpool

AS Roma 3-4 Real Madrid

Aston Villa 6-0 Fenerbahce

Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 AEK Athenes

Bodø/Glimt 1-0 Borussia Dortmund

Manchester City 2-4 Paris Saint-Germain

Real Betis 3-2 FC Porto

Slovan Bratislava 0-3 VfB Stuttgart

Aston Villa produced a commanding 6-0 victory over Fenerbahce on Wednesday to make it two wins from two in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League.

The result, secured with three goals in each half, was the club’s biggest victory in European competition, according to the record cited. Nicolas Jackson and Ross Barkley both scored twice as Unai Emery’s side overwhelmed their Turkish opponents.

Johan Manzambi opened the scoring after 12 minutes, reacting quickest when Fenerbahce failed to clear a corner. The visitors tried to respond, but Emiliano Suzuki denied Vedat Muriqi on several occasions.

Fenerbahce came close to an equaliser when Oguz Ayd?n struck the crossbar in the 34th minute, but their failure to take their chances proved costly. Aston Villa soon extended their lead through two goals from Jackson in the space of eight minutes.

The Senegalese forward was set up by Boubacar Kamara for the second goal in the 31st minute, before adding another in the 39th minute following a combination with Barkley. Aston Villa went into the interval 3-0 ahead.

The home side continued to control the game after the restart and added three more goals in the second half.

Barkley converted a penalty in the 68th minute after Ismail Yuksek fouled Manzambi. The English midfielder then completed his double four minutes later, with his shot taking a deflection after Ibrahim Mbaye had created the opportunity with good work on the left.

Mbaye’s contribution helped Aston Villa maintain their dominance as Fenerbahce struggled to turn their limited openings into goals. Suzuki continued to provide security in goal as the visitors found no way back into the match.

Tammy Abraham completed the scoring in the 90th minute, meeting a cross from Alysson Edward to round off Aston Villa’s record European win.

The victory gives Aston Villa a perfect start after the opening two matchdays of the competition and provides confidence for the remainder of their European campaign. Fenerbahce must now respond quickly, with their next European fixture against Slavia Prague.

AS Roma and Real Madrid went into half-time level at 1-1 in the UEFA Champions League after an even opening 45 minutes in Rome.

The home side began with purpose and tested Thibaut Courtois several times, with Matias Soule going closest when his effort threatened the Real Madrid goal.

Roma were forced into an early change in the 17th minute when Manu Kone suffered a muscle injury. He was replaced by Niccolo Pisilli.

The hosts’ positive start was rewarded three minutes later. Matias Soule found Marten de Roon, who sent a long-range shot beyond Courtois to put Roma ahead.

Real Madrid responded in the 25th minute following a misplaced clearance by Mario Hermoso near the edge of the penalty area. Kylian Mbappe collected the loose ball and struck towards goal.

His effort took a slight deflection, lifted over the Roma goalkeeper and brought Real Madrid level.

Both sides must now find another decisive moment after the interval, with the tie still finely balanced.

Morocco became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals of the Futsal Africa Cup of Nations 2026 after a commanding 7-0 victory over Zambia in Rabat.

The hosts, who are defending the title for a third successive edition, made it two wins from two in Group A with a dominant performance at the Palais des Sports Prince Moulay Abdellah on Wednesday.

Raiss El Fenni was the standout player, scoring four times as Morocco underlined their status as the tournament favourites.

The 30-year-old winger struck twice within the space of a minute to give Morocco a 2-0 lead in the third and fourth minutes. He completed his hat-trick in the ninth minute after converting a pass from Bilal Bakkali.

Yanis Erraddaf added a fourth goal three minutes later, leaving Zambia with a four-goal deficit at half-time.

El Fenni scored again in the 21st minute to complete his quadruple and extend Morocco’s advantage. Soufian Charraoui then made it 6-0 in the 38th minute, before Youssef Jouad completed the scoring in the 40th.

The result leaves Morocco alone at the top of Group A and confirms their place in the last four. It also strengthens the position of coach Hicham Dguig’s side as the leading contenders to win the competition.

Morocco will play Libya in their final group match as they attempt to secure first place. They beat the same opponents 6-0 at the previous Futsal Africa Cup of Nations.

Libya began this year’s tournament with a 3-1 defeat by Zambia before drawing 2-2 with Algeria earlier on Wednesday. The result means the Mediterranean Knights must win their final match if they are to reach the semi-finals.

Zambia, meanwhile, were unable to build on their opening victory over Libya and were overwhelmed by the hosts in the decisive Group A meeting.

The third-round line-up for the African women’s football qualifiers for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games has been confirmed, with Algeria set to meet Burkina Faso and Morocco handed a difficult tie against Nigeria.

Algeria, who finished third at the most recent Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, progressed after defeating Central African Republic 15-0 on aggregate. Their reward is a meeting with Burkina Faso, who eliminated Equatorial Guinea with a 3-1 win in the first leg and a 1-1 draw in the return fixture.

Morocco advanced after Congo forfeited their tie, but the Atlas Lionesses now face Africa’s number-one side, Nigeria. Morocco’s most recent meeting with the Super Falcons ended in defeat in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, a 3-2 result on 26 July 2025.

Ivory Coast will play reigning African champions Cameroon in what has been described as the “family affair” of the round. Ivory Coast reached the third stage by overcoming Democratic Republic of the Congo 7-1, while Cameroon were awarded their tie against Guinea after the match was decided on a walkover.

Senegal have been drawn against neighbouring Mali. Senegal secured their place by beating Tunisia 1-0 away before winning the second leg 2-0. Mali recovered from a 3-1 first-leg defeat by Benin to win the return 6-2 and complete their progress.

Tanzania, who eliminated Botswana, will face Ethiopia, who ended Rwanda’s campaign. South Africa have been paired with Angola, who advanced at the expense of Namibia.

Malawi, surprise finalists at the last Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, will take on Kenya. Malawi’s team includes the Chawinga sisters and the side reached this stage after beating Zimbabwe 2-0 and then 7-0.

Kenya recorded the biggest aggregate victory of the second round, defeating Seychelles 22-0 across the two matches.

Ghana will meet Zambia in the remaining tie. Ghana were dominant against Mauritius, while Zambia overcame Uganda to secure their place in the third round.

The first legs are scheduled for 23 February 2027, with the return matches to be played on 6 March.

Paris Saint-Germain claimed a 4-2 victory at Manchester City on Wednesday, 14 October, in the second matchday of the Champions League, but Ayyoub Bouaddi emerged as one of the standout performers after being introduced at half-time.

The young midfielder made an immediate impact during his 45 minutes on the pitch, helping to alter the rhythm of the game with accurate passing, forward runs and determined defensive work. His display showed both maturity and the ability to influence a match against high-quality opposition, despite Manchester City ultimately suffering defeat.

Bouaddi was heavily involved in possession, touching the ball 46 times and completing 37 passes. He recorded a passing accuracy of 95%, while 10 of his passes broke through opposing lines. He also completed six passes into the final third and created two chances for his team.

His contribution in attack was underlined by an assist, adding a decisive final pass to an otherwise composed and varied performance. Bouaddi’s technical quality and awareness allowed him to identify openings quickly and provide Manchester City with greater momentum when moving forward.

The 45-minute appearance also demonstrated that his influence extended beyond his work with the ball. Bouaddi made six recoveries and one interception, showing a willingness to contribute to the defensive phase as well as helping his team progress up the pitch.

He completed two accurate long passes, further highlighting his range. Rather than relying solely on short combinations, Bouaddi was able to switch the point of attack and find alternative routes forward.

His performance combined passing precision, defensive activity and movement into advanced areas. The statistics reflected his involvement, but the most notable aspect of his display was the way he helped accelerate play and make effective decisions while under pressure.

Although Paris Saint-Germain secured the result with a 4-2 win, Bouaddi’s second-half showing provided a positive individual storyline for Manchester City. In only 45 minutes, he demonstrated an ability to affect the game in several areas and offered a convincing indication of his promise.

Bazoumana Toure’s rapid emergence at Newcastle United has attracted the attention of Manchester United and Arsenal, with both clubs continuing to monitor the 20-year-old Ivory Coast winger.

Toure only joined the Magpies last summer, but his attacking ability has already placed him on the radar of several leading English clubs. While Newcastle secured his signature from Hoffenheim, interest in the player has not disappeared since his move to St James’s Park.

According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United and Arsenal were interested in Toure before Newcastle won the race to sign him. Tottenham and Aston Villa are also understood to be following his progress, underlining the level of attention surrounding the young winger.

Toure moved to Newcastle from Hoffenheim for about 50 million euros in July and is continuing to adapt to the English top flight. His pace, direct running and ability to beat opponents in one-on-one situations have been identified as his main strengths.

Those qualities could help him take another step forward in the coming months, although he remains at an early stage of his Newcastle career.

Newcastle hold strong position

Newcastle are not thought to be under immediate pressure to consider a sale. Toure’s contract runs until 2031, giving the club a strong negotiating position and reflecting his importance to their long-term plans.

The winger is therefore not expected to be easy to prise away from Newcastle. Manchester United and Arsenal may decide whether to make a formal move in a future transfer window, but no departure has been announced at present.

For now, Toure’s performances will continue to be closely assessed by clubs across England. At 20, he has already generated significant interest despite having only recently arrived at Newcastle United.

Newcastle’s next fixture is against Aston Villa in the second matchday of the English championship. The match is priced by 1xbet at 2.20 for a Newcastle win, 3.75 for a draw and 3.00 for an Aston Villa victory.

APR FC will host Zamalek SC in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, with the Rwandan side aiming to secure an advantage before the return fixture.

Zamalek arrive with greater experience of African competition and will be expected to provide a significant test for APR. The home team will need a strong performance if they are to take control of the tie at this stage.

APR FC’s squad is made up largely of Rwandan players, supplemented by several foreign recruits. Playing in front of their own supporters, they are expected to rely on their collective organisation and team unity against the Egyptian club.

The probable APR FC starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Pavelh Ndzila

Defenders: Claude Niyomugabo, Clement Niyigena, Jean Gilbert Byiringiro, Yunusu Watara Nshimiyimana

Midfielders: Taddeo Lwanga, Mohamadou Lamine Bah, Dauda Yussif Seidu, Jean Bosco Ruboneka

Forwards: Mamadou Sy, Gilbert Mugisha

Zamalek have a competitive squad and will look to the experience of Abdallah El Said to add creativity and an attacking threat. The Egyptian side have the quality to pursue a positive result away from home and will hope to return from Rwanda with a favourable position ahead of the second leg.

The probable Zamalek SC starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Mahdi Soliman

Defenders: Omar Gaber, Mohamed Ismail, Mahmoud Hamdy El-Wensh, Mahmoud Bentayg

Midfielders: Mohamed Shehata, Abdallah El Said, Ahmed Rabie

Forwards: Chico Banza, Ahmed Sherif

The match is scheduled to take place soon as part of the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League. Information on the kick-off time, broadcast channel and viewing options is included in the match details.

The listed betting odds make Zamalek the clear favourites. APR FC are priced at 6,16 to win, while a draw is rated at 3,66 and a Zamalek victory at 1,48.

APR FC will host Zamalek SC in the first leg of their 2026/27 CAF Champions League second preliminary-round tie on Friday, 16 October.

The Rwandan side will be looking to take an advantage into the return match when the game begins at 15:00 GMT at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.

The match will be shown on beIN CONNECT MENA HD, beIN Sports MENA 1 HD, SuperSport Variety 4 HD, Azam Sports Channel and Canal + Sport Afrique.

APR FC earned their place in this round after recovering from a 1-0 defeat by Aigles du Congo in the first leg of their previous tie. They overturned that deficit with a 3-0 victory in the return fixture.

The Rwandan club then maintained that momentum by beating Marines FC 4-2 in their next recorded match.

Zamalek arrive in similarly encouraging form. The Egyptian club have put together a run of victories and most recently recorded a 4-0 win against Port FC.

That attacking strength gives Zamalek the potential to trouble APR FC despite playing away from home, while the hosts will hope their recent results and home advantage can keep the tie finely balanced.

Previous meetings

The clubs have met twice in the CAF Champions League, with both matches taking place in 2008.

Zamalek won 2-1 in Kigali before completing a clean sweep with a 2-0 victory in the return fixture. That record gives the Egyptian side the historical advantage ahead of their latest meeting.

Prediction and betting odds

Zamalek start as slight favourites because of their greater continental experience and their previous success against APR FC.

However, APR FC’s home advantage could allow them to compete strongly and prevent the visitors from taking control of the tie in the opening leg.

Africafoot’s prediction is a 1-1 draw.

The published 1xbet prices list APR FC at 6.16 to win, a draw at 3.66 and a Zamalek victory at 1.48.

Aston Villa were 3-0 ahead at half-time against Fenerbahce on Wednesday as Nicolas Jackson scored twice in the second matchday of the UEFA Champions League league phase.

Johan Manzambi opened the scoring after 12 minutes, reacting quickest when Fenerbahce failed to clear a corner. His effort took a deflection off Milan Skriniar before finding the net.

Fenerbahce responded positively to falling behind and created several clear chances. Vedat Muriqi was denied twice by the Aston Villa goalkeeper, while Oguz Ayd?n struck the crossbar in the 34th minute.

However, Aston Villa made the most of mistakes in the Turkish side’s build-up play. Boubacar Kamara won possession in midfield in the 31st minute and released Nicolas Jackson, who doubled the visitors’ advantage with a powerful right-footed finish.

The Senegalese forward struck again eight minutes later. After linking up with Ross Barkley, Jackson found the bottom-left corner with another well-placed shot to complete his double.

The two goals maintain Jackson’s strong run of form and leave Aston Villa in a commanding position at the interval. Fenerbahce must improve both defensively and in front of goal if they are to recover in the second half.

Niger began their campaign in the UFOA-B U17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026 qualifiers with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in Ouagadougou on Wednesday.

The result sees Niger claim an important win against the Golden Eaglets, a side with a distinguished record in youth football.

Abdoul Razaq Zada put Niger ahead in the 19th minute. Nigeria pushed for an equaliser, but Niger extended their lead when Abdoul Rakilou scored in the 86th minute.

Mubarak Fasiu pulled one back for Nigeria in the fifth minute of added time, at 90+5, but his goal came too late to prevent defeat.

The result raises further questions about the state of youth football in Nigeria. The country have won the U17 World Cup five times, but have not appeared at the tournament since 2019.

The latest setback highlights the challenges facing player development, talent identification and the support provided to young footballers. The Golden Eaglets must now respond to keep their hopes in the competition alive.

Aston Villa and Fenerbahce have confirmed their teams for Wednesday’s meeting on 14 October 2026, in the second round of the league phase of the UEFA Champions League.

Nicolas Jackson leads the Aston Villa attack, while Senegal Under-? Wait source says young Senegalese, no level. Ibrahim Mbaye also starts for the home side. The line-up includes Democratic Republic of the Congo international Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back.

John McGinn and Boubacar Kamara are selected in midfield as Aston Villa look to control the game at Villa Park. The hosts will be hoping their attacking options and midfield strength can help them make the most of home advantage.

Fenerbahce have named Mason Greenwood and Vedat Muriqi in their forward line. Matteo Guendouzi and Ismail Yuksek will provide support in midfield, with Nelson Semedo and Milan Skriniar included in defence.

The Turkish side’s task will be to withstand Aston Villa’s pressure and take advantage of their opportunities in search of a positive result.

Aston Villa: Suzuki, Cash, Lindelof, Barkley, McGinn, Kamara, Jackson, Pau Torres, Mbaye, Wan-Bissaka, Manzambi.

Fenerbahce: Ederson, Brown, Ismail Yuksek, Guendouzi, Greenwood, Ake, Irfan Can Kahveci, Muriqi, Nelson Semedo, Skriniar, Oguz Ayd?n.

Algeria claimed their first-ever point in the history of the CAN de futsal after recovering from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Libya on Wednesday.

The result came on the second matchday of the group stage at the Palais du Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, Morocco. Libya, the reigning bronze medallists, appeared on course for victory before Algeria’s late response earned Nordine Benamrouche’s side a valuable point.

The draw represents a significant turnaround for Algeria, who had begun their campaign with a 4-0 defeat by hosts Morocco on Monday. Despite that setback, the Algerians showed enough character to remain in contention for a place in the semi-finals.

They were handed an opportunity to take the lead when they won a penalty, but Amar Bessa was unable to beat the Libyan goalkeeper. Libya made Algeria pay in the 12th minute, finishing a well-worked team move to move in front.

Algeria tried to respond before the interval. Bilal Bentout came close to levelling when his effort went just wide of the right-hand post, but the Fennecs went into the break behind.

Libya then extended their advantage in the second half, capitalising on a rapid counter-attack in the 29th minute. Algeria, however, refused to give up and continued to apply pressure.

Their persistence was rewarded in the 34th minute when Sichaib reduced the deficit. The goal secured his place in Algerian futsal history, making him the first player from the country to score at the CAN de futsal.

The comeback was completed in the 39th minute. Walid Betterki struck directly from a free-kick to make it 2-2, with the goal confirmed after a VAR review.

The point leaves Algeria provisionally two points behind the leading pair of Morocco and Zambia in Group A. The two teams were due to meet later on Wednesday in a match that would determine who finished the day at the top of the section.

Algeria’s qualification hopes will now come down to their final group game. They must beat Zambia to reach the semi-finals and secure what would be a historic achievement for the team.

Akim Zedadka could be recalled by Algeria after the right-back’s impressive performance for Sabah FK in Tuesday’s Champions League victory over Slavia Prague.

The 31-year-old made a crucial goal-line clearance at the Baku Olympic Stadium as Sabah FK secured a 2-0 home win without conceding. His performance is understood to have attracted the attention of Algeria head coach Brahim Hemdani.

According to journalist Ait Kaci Ali and the website La Gazette du Fennec, Hemdani and his staff are monitoring Zedadka ahead of Algeria’s two CAN 2027 qualifying matches in November.

The Fennecs will face their first fixture at Tizi-Ouzou on 14 November before travelling to Lome to play Togo on 17 November.

Zedadka has made only one appearance for Algeria, featuring in a 2-1 friendly defeat by Iran on 12 June 2022 under former manager Djamel Belmadi. He has not been selected since September of that year.

The former Lille player was overlooked by previous Algeria manager Vladimir Petkovic but could now be given another opportunity to compete for a place in the squad. He may join players such as Ismael Bennacer, Baghdad Bounedjah, Yacine Titraoui, Hicham Boudaoui and Houssem Aouar, who are also being considered for returns.

A recall would also give Zedadka the chance to challenge for the right-back position. He could replace Saadi Radouani in the squad and compete with Kevin Guitoun, Rafik Messali and Mohamed Azzi.

Rafik Belghali is expected to return on the right side of Algeria’s defence after completing his suspension, with Zedadka potentially providing further competition in that area.

Zedadka has been a regular starter for Sabah FK this season. He has made 12 appearances, starting all 12 matches, and has provided one assist.

His latest contribution came in Baku, where his defensive intervention helped Sabah FK preserve their clean sheet and complete a notable Champions League win against Slavia Prague.

Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal’s future at Stade Rennais remains uncertain, with negotiations over a new contract still ongoing and no agreement yet reached.

The Morocco defender, his representatives and the Rennes hierarchy have been discussing an extension since last summer. However, according to Sky Sports, talks have yet to produce a clear outcome or indicate which way the situation is heading.

Ait Boudlal is currently under contract until June 2028, meaning there is no immediate pressure on him to commit to fresh terms. Rennes must nevertheless decide how strongly it wants to invest in one of its young defenders, whose position at the club has prompted increasing questions.

Competition for a starting place

Uncertainty also surrounds Ait Boudlal’s role on the pitch. After returning from the latest international break, he was named among the substitutes, highlighting that his place in the starting XI is not guaranteed.

Franck Haise also criticised aspects of the defender’s performance in September, pointing to defensive errors during a news conference. Those comments reflected the level of expectation placed on Ait Boudlal by the Rennes coaching staff.

It remains unclear whether his current sporting situation will influence the contract discussions. There is no established direct link between the two matters at this stage.

Fulham bids rejected

Ait Boudlal’s potential value remains another important factor in the discussions surrounding his future. During the summer, Fulham made two attempts to sign him from Stade Rennais.

The first offer was worth 28 million euros, before the Premier League club returned with a bid of 35 million euros. Rennes rejected both proposals and indicated that it would require 40 million euros to consider allowing the player to leave.

The French club therefore made its financial expectations clear in response to Fulham’s interest. It remains to be seen whether the English side will renew its pursuit during a future transfer window.

With his contract situation unresolved, his playing time under scrutiny and previous interest from Fulham, Ait Boudlal’s position is one of the more sensitive issues facing Stade Rennais.

No decision has been announced. The coming months could prove significant as Rennes assesses whether to build its long-term plans around the Morocco international or consider alternative options.

Stade Rennais will soon play its second-day Ligue Europa fixture against OFI Crete, another opportunity for Ait Boudlal’s role within the team to be assessed.

Samir Chergui has returned to action for Paris FC after a brief injury absence, with his agent outlining the defender’s ambitions for Algeria and suggesting he could form a central defensive partnership with Ramy Bensebaini.

Chergui was left out of Algeria’s match against Burundi as a precaution after experiencing slight physical discomfort. The decision was influenced by the playing conditions, which were considered unsuitable for a player still recovering.

His representative discussed the situation in an interview with Maghreb-Foot, explaining that there had been no serious setback. Chergui has since resumed playing for Paris FC and is working to regain his rhythm.

The defender is highly regarded by Algeria supporters for his commitment and combative performances. His return to the national team has also strengthened his connection with the squad, according to his agent, who said Chergui approaches international camps with enthusiasm and is happy to regularly rejoin the Algeria group.

That relationship with the supporters has developed through his performances and attitude on the pitch. The appreciation shown by the Algerian public is regarded by his representative as evidence of the impact Chergui has already made during his time with the national side.

Possible partnership with Bensebaini

Chergui’s prospects with Algeria could become more significant following Aissa Mandi’s international retirement. His agent believes the Paris FC defender has the qualities to establish himself in central defence alongside Ramy Bensebaini.

The possibility of that partnership has already been discussed with members of Algeria’s technical staff, according to the representative. A role alongside Bensebaini would give Chergui an opportunity to take on greater responsibility and strengthen his position within the team.

The defender will now need to justify that confidence through consistent performances and convince the Algeria manager that he deserves an expanded role.

His agent remains confident in Chergui’s potential, saying he will demonstrate his ability on the pitch. After returning to competition with Paris FC, the defender is aiming to build momentum and meet expectations both at club level and with Algeria.

The next test for Paris FC will come in the seventh matchday of the French championship, when they face Rennes. For Chergui, the fixture represents another opportunity to continue his comeback and maintain his progress.

His return to action is an important first step, but regular appearances and sustained form will determine whether he can move into a more prominent position with Algeria. With the national team’s upcoming commitments approaching, Chergui has the chance to turn the faith shown in him into performances on the international stage.

Samir Chergui has returned to action for Paris FC after a brief injury absence, with his agent outlining the defender’s ambitions for Algeria and suggesting he could form a central defensive partnership with Ramy Bensebaini.

Chergui was left out of Algeria’s match against Burundi as a precaution after experiencing slight physical discomfort. The decision was influenced by the playing conditions, which were considered unsuitable for a player still recovering.

His representative discussed the situation in an interview with Maghreb-Foot, explaining that there had been no serious setback. Chergui has since resumed playing for Paris FC and is working to regain his rhythm.

The defender is highly regarded by Algeria supporters for his commitment and combative performances. His return to the national team has also strengthened his connection with the squad, according to his agent, who said Chergui approaches international camps with enthusiasm and is happy to regularly rejoin the Algeria group.

That relationship with the supporters has developed through his performances and attitude on the pitch. The appreciation shown by the Algerian public is regarded by his representative as evidence of the impact Chergui has already made during his time with the national side.

Possible partnership with Bensebaini

Chergui’s prospects with Algeria could become more significant following Aissa Mandi’s international retirement. His agent believes the Paris FC defender has the qualities to establish himself in central defence alongside Ramy Bensebaini.

The possibility of that partnership has already been discussed with members of Algeria’s technical staff, according to the representative. A role alongside Bensebaini would give Chergui an opportunity to take on greater responsibility and strengthen his position within the team.

The defender will now need to justify that confidence through consistent performances and convince the Algeria manager that he deserves an expanded role.

His agent remains confident in Chergui’s potential, saying he will demonstrate his ability on the pitch. After returning to competition with Paris FC, the defender is aiming to build momentum and meet expectations both at club level and with Algeria.

The next test for Paris FC will come in the seventh matchday of the French championship, when they face Rennes. For Chergui, the fixture represents another opportunity to continue his comeback and maintain his progress.

His return to action is an important first step, but regular appearances and sustained form will determine whether he can move into a more prominent position with Algeria. With the national team’s upcoming commitments approaching, Chergui has the chance to turn the faith shown in him into performances on the international stage.

Samir Chergui has returned to action for Paris FC after a brief injury absence, with his agent outlining the defender’s ambitions for Algeria and suggesting he could form a central defensive partnership with Ramy Bensebaini.

Chergui was left out of Algeria’s match against Burundi as a precaution after experiencing slight physical discomfort. The decision was influenced by the playing conditions, which were considered unsuitable for a player still recovering.

His representative discussed the situation in an interview with Maghreb-Foot, explaining that there had been no serious setback. Chergui has since resumed playing for Paris FC and is working to regain his rhythm.

The defender is highly regarded by Algeria supporters for his commitment and combative performances. His return to the national team has also strengthened his connection with the squad, according to his agent, who said Chergui approaches international camps with enthusiasm and is happy to regularly rejoin the Algeria group.

That relationship with the supporters has developed through his performances and attitude on the pitch. The appreciation shown by the Algerian public is regarded by his representative as evidence of the impact Chergui has already made during his time with the national side.

Possible partnership with Bensebaini

Chergui’s prospects with Algeria could become more significant following Aissa Mandi’s international retirement. His agent believes the Paris FC defender has the qualities to establish himself in central defence alongside Ramy Bensebaini.

The possibility of that partnership has already been discussed with members of Algeria’s technical staff, according to the representative. A role alongside Bensebaini would give Chergui an opportunity to take on greater responsibility and strengthen his position within the team.

The defender will now need to justify that confidence through consistent performances and convince the Algeria manager that he deserves an expanded role.

His agent remains confident in Chergui’s potential, saying he will demonstrate his ability on the pitch. After returning to competition with Paris FC, the defender is aiming to build momentum and meet expectations both at club level and with Algeria.

The next test for Paris FC will come in the seventh matchday of the French championship, when they face Rennes. For Chergui, the fixture represents another opportunity to continue his comeback and maintain his progress.

His return to action is an important first step, but regular appearances and sustained form will determine whether he can move into a more prominent position with Algeria. With the national team’s upcoming commitments approaching, Chergui has the chance to turn the faith shown in him into performances on the international stage.

Juventus are monitoring Folarin Balogun’s situation at AS Monaco and could bring forward plans to sign the United States international during the January transfer window, according to information reported by Ekrem Konur.

The Italian club had initially been expected to consider a move for the 25-year-old next summer. However, the collapse of his proposed transfer to Everton has prompted Juventus to assess whether the deal could be accelerated by several months.

Everton had been prepared to pay 50 million euros for Balogun, but the move fell through after an issue emerged during his medical examination. The failure of the transfer has left the striker’s position at AS Monaco uncertain.

Balogun was not included in the club’s registered squad for the UEFA Conference League, further raising questions about his role in the team’s plans. His omission could also influence the way Juventus approach any potential negotiations in January.

No agreement has been reached between Balogun and Juventus at this stage, and the Italian club have yet to decide whether to make a formal move. It also remains unclear under what terms AS Monaco would be willing to discuss the player’s departure.

A transfer could offer Balogun the opportunity to restart his career in a different environment after the setback involving Everton. For now, his future is expected to remain a subject of attention as the January market approaches.

Balogun remains under contract with AS Monaco until June 2028. His current market value is estimated at 50 million euros, a figure that could prove significant if Juventus decide to turn their interest into a bid.

The striker earns an annual salary of 3,220,000 euros, equivalent to 2,093,000,000 FCFA, at AS Monaco. Those financial commitments, together with the length of his contract, are likely to be important factors in any discussions between the two clubs.

The failed Everton transfer has therefore left AS Monaco facing a decision over Balogun’s future, while Juventus are considering whether January represents an opportunity to secure a player they had previously expected to target in the summer.

AS Monaco’s next fixture is against FC Lorient in the seventh round of the French league. The match will come as speculation continues over Balogun’s role at the club and whether he could leave during the forthcoming winter transfer window.

El Merriekh Bentiu host Pyramids FC on Friday, 16 October 2026, in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League. The Egyptian side will look to draw on its continental experience as it seeks an advantage in the first leg of the two-match tie.

El Merriekh Bentiu progressed past Somali Police FC in the previous round and will now face a Pyramids FC team regarded as a significantly stronger opponent. The South Sudanese club will aim to maintain its momentum when the two sides meet.

El Merriekh Bentiu probable XI

Goalkeeper: Gabin Allambatnan

Defenders: Rehan Angier, Saleh Ishimwe, Bangasi, Kekeli Attor

Midfielders: David Derrick, Ousmane Sampi, Gaetan Masha, Gem Jonathan

Forwards: Thetloach Thor, Tot Maet Doh

Pyramids FC have several experienced players available, including goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy, Morocco defender Mohamed Chibi and Morocco midfielder Walid El Karti. Their experience and individual quality are expected to be important as the Egyptian club attempts to take control of the tie.

Pyramids FC probable XI

Goalkeeper: Ahmed El Shenawy

Defenders: Mohamed Chibi, Mahmoud Hamdy, Osama Galal, Ahmed Samy

Midfielders: Mahmoud Saber, Mohanad Lasheen, Atef

Forwards: Mostafa Ziko, Nadhir Benbouali, Zalaka

The match represents the second preliminary-round fixture of the CAF Champions League for both teams, with El Merriekh Bentiu seeking to build on its previous success and Pyramids FC aiming to use its greater continental experience to progress.

Odds published by 1xbet list El Merriekh Bentiu at 17.00 to win, with a draw priced at 6.84 and a Pyramids FC victory at 1.09.