ALG : M’Bolhi, l’oublié et … Merbah, le repêché ?

Le poste de gardien de but de la sélection nationale continue à alimenter les discussions et les inquiétudes à un peu plus d’un mois du coup d’envoi de la Coupe du monde 2026. Jeudi dernier, lors de la finale de la Coupe d’Algérie, le sujet a été évoqué dans les travées du stade Nelson-Mandela de Baraki, d’autant que le sélectionneur national, Vladimir Petkovic, était présent, lui et les membres de son staff. Certains s’étaient empressés d’annoncer, quelques jours avant la finale qui opposa l’USM Alger au CR Belouizdad, que le coach national serait également présent pour… superviser, en particulier, Oussama Benbot ! extract-html.com

Quelle trouvaille ! Comme si ce gardien n’était pas connu du staff technique de la sélection, ni n’avait fait partie de l’effectif des Verts durant un bon moment pour être (re)découvert de nouveau. Bref ! Lors de cette finale, des bribes d’informations ont circulé concernant deux sujets. Il s’agit de Raïs Ouahab M’Bolhi, qui a gardé les cages algériennes durant 13 années (un record absolu), et Gaya Merbah, le gardien de la JS Kabylie. Pour le premier, il aurait pu être impliqué, depuis son départ de la sélection, comme conseiller, compte tenu de sa longue expérience, de son vécu et de ses connaissances du métier. Il demeure une personne-ressource pour apporter sa plus-value au niveau de la sélection.

Pour le second, Gaya Merbah, on a chuchoté avec insistance sa très possible convocation pour le prochain stage des Verts en prévision de la Coupe du monde. Le gardien de la JS Kabylie serait suivi depuis un bon moment dans une totale discrétion afin de parer aux défections que rencontre la sélection en ce moment crucial de la saison, où Anthony Mandréa est déjà hors course et où des inquiétudes planent toujours sur le retour ou non de Luca Zidane. Ce dernier s’étant fait opérer il y a si peu, quand bien même il a rassuré tout le monde sur sa santé et sur son éventuel retour avant l’événement planétaire. On ne peut donc que lui souhaiter un prompt rétablissement.
– MALIK MOHAMED

L’article ALG : M’Bolhi, l’oublié et … Merbah, le repêché ? est apparu en premier sur Foot Afrique.

Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote credited to the squad’s growth, grit and collective belief for their superb U20 Rugby Championship success, with them sealing a first ever title in Gqeberha over the weekend.

In the third edition of the competition, with the previous two being won by the New Zealand U20s, the Junior Boks powered to an incredible title with a game to spare, after thumping wins over Argentina U20s and Australia U20s proved to be enough.

The 56-17 thrashing of the Aussies on Sunday moved the Junior Boks onto 10 points, which is out of reach of Argentina U20s and New Zealand U20s, who both sit on four points, after the Argentinians pulled off an upset 25-17 win over the double defending champs earlier in the day.

Final round

The final round this coming Saturday will see the Junior Boks up against New Zealand, while Argentina and Australia will face off, with the trophy already confirmed to stay in South Africa.

“There was a huge improvement. I think the whole squad showed what it means to play for South Africa. We showed grit and I’m super proud of everyone,” said Foote about this years showing.

“Our preparation was excellent, and the leadership from (captain) Riley (Norton) and the senior guys was really good. From how we felt a year ago on this same night (when they lost to Australia U20s), there was a lot of motivation going into this game.”

In the match the Junior Boks struggled in the first half, but were able to take a 28-12 lead into the halftime break due to an ill-disciplined first 40 minutes from Australia who conceded three yellow card and two penalty tries.

But the teams ‘bomb squad’ played a crucial role in the second half as they ran in another four tries, while conceding just one, to power to a massive win, which Foote praised after the replacements underperformed a week earlier in their 48-21 win over Argentina.

“By their own admission, they wanted to fix last week, and I thought they did that today. Our discipline has also been excellent, we haven’t had a card in this competition yet, which is massive,” added Foote.

Perfect stage

Once again, the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium proved an ideal stage, with an enthusiastic home crowd of 9 576 driving the Junior Boks forward, with Foote describing the stadium atmosphere as amazing.

“The noise, the entertainment, the support – it’s brilliant. Every visiting team has said what a pleasure it is to play in Gqeberha,” said Foote.

Meanwhile Norton echoed those sentiments, placing emphasis on character, connection, and shared responsibility within the group.

“For us it’s about character and care. The off-field connection has been unbelievable, and that carries onto the field. We’ve got an awesome group of guys who are willing to sacrifice for each other,” said Norton.

“It means a lot playing at home. You feel the crowd, and it pushes you to give more for the guy next to you.”

Despite having already secured the championship, Norton was quick to stress that standards will not drop ahead of their final fixture against New Zealand U20 and cautioned his team to prepare well for the final encounter next week.

“If you take your foot off the gas, a team like New Zealand will punish you. We want to finish this tournament properly and keep improving.”

Head coach Kevin Foote was delighted following the Junior Springboks’ 56-17 drubbing of Australia to wrap up the U20 Rugby Championship title with a game to spare.

In a ruthless display at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, the Junior Boks combined power and precision to underline their dominance in the competition.

“There was a huge improvement,” said Foote.

“I think the whole squad showed what it means to play for South Africa. We showed grit and I’m super proud of everyone.”

RECAP: Junior Boks crush Aussies to clinch title

Foote credited captain Riley Norton and his leadership group for setting the tone during a high-pressure week.

“Our preparation was excellent, and the leadership from Riley and the senior guys was really good,” Foote explained.

“From how we felt a year ago on this same night, there was a lot of motivation going into this game.”

While physicality remains central to the Junior Bok identity, Foote believes this group has evolved into a more rounded outfit after months of building cohesion.

“Our DNA is physicality, but it’s also skill,” he said. “You see the physicality in breakdown and how we want to play. This team plays with pride.”

Foote also singled out the impact of his bench, challenging them to respond after fading late in their previous outing – a challenge they answered emphatically.

“By their own admission, they wanted to fix last week, and I thought they did that today. Our discipline has also been excellent – we haven’t had a card in this competition yet, which is massive.”

The Junior Boks face New Zealand on Saturday in their final fixture.

Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images

The post Foote hails Junior Boks’ ‘grit and pride’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Le dossier des quinze supporters sénégalais toujours détenus au Maroc depuis la finale de la CAN remportée par les Lions de la Teranga est plus que jamais d’actualité à Dakar. Le Chef de l’État, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, en a parlé devant la presse. Il a défendu l’action de son gouvernement, critiquée dans l’opinion publique, en déclarant : «Ce serait une erreur de penser qu’on n’en a pas assez fait pour nos supporters détenus au Maroc. Ils ont tout mon soutien.» Puis, il a dénoncé la sanction qu’il juge disproportionnée : «Il faut respecter la justice des autres. Mais on sait que leur condamnation est sévère et injuste (…) Ces cas se terminent par des amendes… Là, ça dépasse le cadre sportif.» Le président révèle avoir opté pour une approche conciliante afin de calmer les tensions avec Rabat, mais cette stratégie est restée sans effet. Et malgré moult initiatives (avocat, activation des canaux diplomatiques, médiations diverses, y compris religieuses…), la situation reste bloquée. Malgré les divers obstacles rencontrés, le Sénégal ne baisse pas les bras, il continue à se battre contre cette injustice pour que ses enfants rentrent à la maison en bonne santé.

SOL

L’article SEN : Bassirou Diomaye Faye : «Le dossier des prisonniers dépasse le cadre sportif» est apparu en premier sur Foot Afrique.

The Mozzart Bet Cup quarterfinals wrapped up in style this weekend with defending champions Nairobi United among those teams that failed to progress to the last four of the knockout competition.

This year’s semifinals will be an all-top-flight affair as Tusker FC, Bandari FC, KCB FC, and Kenya Police FC are the four teams still standing, and each had to earn it the hard way.

Police edge out Shabana

Police FC got things underway on Saturday with a narrow but hard-fought 1-0 win over Shabana FC. It wasn’t a flashy performance, but it was effective. The difference came from Abud Omar, who’s beautifully taken free-kick proved enough to separate the sides.

The goal that took us through to the Semis; a 93rd minute dagger.

Ian’s pace, industry and bravery to burst into the area after Servyl wins the first ball.

Ibra links and breaks into the box and by the touch of his shin sends us through. Proper centre forward play.… pic.twitter.com/PuNMXR3RVk

— Tusker FC (@tusker_fc) May 3, 2026

Police had to stay disciplined to see out the result, and they did just that showing the kind of control and composure that wins knockout matches. Omar’s performance rightfully earned him Man of the Match honors.

Bandari dismissed Mfalme FC

If the first match was tight, the second was anything but. Bandari were given a real test by Division One side Mfalme FC in a game that had a bit of everything. The Dockers took the lead, but Mfalme—who have been one of the stories of this year’s competition—refused to go away.

They equalised, fell behind again, and still found a way to respond. By halftime, it was 3-2 in Bandari’s favor, but the match still felt very much alive.

In the end, Bandari showed their quality to pull away and seal a 5-2 victory. Amza Moubarack was the standout performer on the day, delivering a Man of the Match display by scoring four goals hence playing a key role in helping the Dockers overcome a stubborn and spirited Mfalme side.

The Division One outfit may be out, but they’ve certainly left their mark on this year’s competition.

Tusker gun down Ulinzi Stars

Sunday’s action at Ulinzi Complex brought even more drama. The Brewers started brightly and went ahead in the 24th minute through Eric Kapaito. Ulinzi Stars, however, responded just before the break, with Staphord Odhiambo leveling things at 1-1.

| Eric Kapaito’s opener against Ulinzi Stars this afternoon.

Yakeen takes an aim at goal, keeper saves, but Kapa pounces with his predatory skills. #KenyaMilele #GameNiYetu pic.twitter.com/pnIpAelEqK

— Tusker FC (@tusker_fc) May 3, 2026

The game stayed finely balanced for most of the second half, and it looked like it might head into penalties. But deep into stoppage time in the 92nd minute Ibrahim Joshua stepped up. Coming off the bench, he found the back of the net and sent Tusker through in dramatic fashion.

KCB eliminate champions

In the final quarterfinal match, KCB FC quietly got the job done.

Up against defending champions Nairobi United, KCB kept things tight and took their chance when it came, securing a 1-0 win. It wasn’t a high-scoring affair, but in knockout football, results are all that matter and KCB did exactly what they needed to do.

Semifinal fixtures;

• Kenya Police FC vs Bandari FC
• KCB FC vs Tusker FC

The games will be played on May 16–17.