ALG : USMA – CRB, une 10e couronne pour l’honneur

Le CR Belouizdad affronte, cet après-midi (jeudi), à 17h, l’USM Alger dans une finale de Coupe d’Algérie aux allures de revanche historique. chickenroadslot.lat

Sur la pelouse du stade Nelson-Mandela, les Rouge et Blanc visent un dixième trophée pour marquer leur hégémonie et offrir une fin d’année mémorable à leurs supporters. Cette affiche prestigieuse dans l’enceinte moderne de Baraki représente bien plus qu’un simple trophée pour le Chabab. C’est l’opportunité de panser les plaies d’une campagne marquée par la perte du titre de champion au profit du MCA et une élimination douloureuse en demi-finale de la Coupe de la CAF face au Zamalek. Galvanisés par leur qualification héroïque obtenue à Constantine contre le CSC, les Belouizdadis abordent ce rendez- vous de 17h avec une confiance retrouvée et une soif de victoire inextinguible.

L’esprit de revanche comme moteur
Le souvenir de la finale perdue la saison dernière contre ce même adversaire reste gravé dans les mémoires au sein du club de Laâqiba. Cette année, le contexte a changé et la détermination semble avoir décuplé dans les rangs des Rouge et Blanc. Les joueurs ne jurent que par la victoire pour effacer le goût amer de l’échec passé et surtout pour valider cette dixième Coupe d’Algérie qui leur tient tant à cœur. Le groupe a conscience qu’un succès cet après-midi permettrait de sauver une saison qui a failli basculer dans le doute, transformant ainsi une année de transition en une année de sacre.

Une mobilisation générale des instances
Le président Bahloul n’a pas ménagé ses efforts ces derniers jours pour sensibiliser l’ensemble de l’effectif sur l’importance cruciale de ce derby algérois. Les causeries se sont multipliées pour rappeler que le prestige du CRB est en jeu. De son côté, le staff technique intérimaire a mis l’accent sur la discipline tactique et la gestion émotionnelle de l’événement. L’objectif est de pousser les joueurs à mettre les bouchées doubles pour réaliser un match plein au stade Nelson Mandela, sans temps faible, afin de dominer une formation de l’USMA qui connaît parfaitement les rouages de ces grands rendez-vous.

Stabilité technique et ajustement forcé Concernant l’aspect purement sportif, la tendance est à la continuité. Le staff ne compte pas bouleverser une équipe qui a donné satisfaction lors de la demi- finale mémorable à Constantine. Le onze de départ devrait rester inchangé à une exception près. L’ailier Abdennour Belhocini souffre d’une lésion aux ischio-jambiers et demeure très incertain pour le coup d’envoi de 17h. Si son forfait se confirme, une solution de rechange a déjà été travaillée durant la semaine pour maintenir l’équilibre de l’animation offensive. Les regards seront tournés vers Benguit et le buteur Ben Hamouda pour porter le danger dans le camp adverse.

Le retour de la ferveur partagée
Cette finale marque également un tournant dans l’organisation des tribunes. Pour la première fois depuis le début de la saison, les deux galeries seront présentes en masse dans les gradins de Nelson Mandela. La levée de l’interdiction de déplacement pour les supporters visiteurs lors de cette finale promet une ambiance électrique et colorée. Les fans du Chabab se préparent à faire vibrer les rues de Belouizdad et à soutenir leurs favoris durant toute la rencontre. Ce face-à-face entre les deux galeries de la capitale rajoute une dimension symbolique forte à cette quête de trophée. Le CRB se présente donc devant son destin à 17h avec la ferme intention de marquer l’histoire. Entre la gestion des blessures et la ferveur populaire, les coéquipiers de Ben Hamouda possèdent toutes les cartes pour ramener la coupe à la maison.

La gloire attend celui qui saura maîtriser ses nerfs sur la pelouse de Baraki.
– MOHAMED R.

L’article ALG : USMA – CRB, une 10e couronne pour l’honneur est apparu en premier sur Foot Afrique.

« Il faut que la France parle de son aide au développement avec une voix plus forte et plus politique », affirme Rémy Rioux, au terme de ses dix ans à la tête de l'AFD, l'Agence française de développement. Dans quelques jours, ce haut-fonctionnaire français va passer le relais à Christophe Lecourtier. Son agence est-elle impactée par la baisse de l'aide publique au développement ? Et que dit le Directeur général sortant de l'AFD à ceux qui l'accusent de soutenir financièrement des pays hostiles à la France ? Rémy Rioux répond aux questions de Christophe Boisbouvier.

Morocco has been confirmed as the host of the 77th FIFA Congress in 2027, a landmark event that will play a decisive role in shaping the future leadership of global football.

Unlike routine gatherings, the 2027 edition will be elective, bringing together FIFA’s member associations to vote for a new president who will succeed Gianni Infantino. Infantino retained his position during the last elective congress held in Kigali in 2023.

Another step in the strong relationship between FIFA and Morocco

Morocco’s selection reflects growing confidence in the country’s influence within the game’s global structure.

This trust was earlier demonstrated when FIFA established its first African regional office in Rabat, positioning the nation as a strategic hub for both African and Arab football development.

Beyond administrative credentials, Morocco’s rise on the pitch has been equally remarkable.

The Atlas Lions are currently ranked 8th in the world, leading both the African continent and the Arab region in the latest FIFA standings.

Recent achievements underline that status. Morocco captured global attention with a historic semi-final finish at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, followed by a bronze medal performance at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

The nation further cemented its dominance by winning the U20 World Cup and lifting the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2025.

Such a sustained run of success has elevated Morocco into an elite bracket of football nations, both competitively and institutionally.

With preparations already underway for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, the upcoming FIFA Congress adds another significant chapter to the country’s growing global football profile.

The curtains came down on the 2026 Muungano Cup with a thrilling finale that not only crowned Simba SC as new champion but also celebrated standout individual performances across the tournament, underlining the quality and competitiveness of this year’s edition.

The competition, which brought together top teams in a festival of football, concluded with Simba SC emerging as champions after a hard fought campaign that saw them edge their traditional rivals Yanga SC, who settled for a second place finish.

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However, beyond the title race, the tournament also served as a platform to recognise exceptional individual brilliance from players and coaches who left their mark throughout the competition.

Muungano Cup champions Simba dominate individual awards

Leading the list of award winners was Simba’s head coach Steve Barker, who was named Coach of the Tournament. His recognition reflects the tactical discipline, consistency, and resilience his side displayed from the early stages to the final.

Barker’s achievement is particularly notable as it marks his first major success since taking charge of the club at the beginning of the season, signaling a promising start to his tenure.

In the players’ categories, young defender Hussein Mbegu was honoured as the Best Young Player of the Tournament. The emerging talent impressed with his composure, energy, and maturity on the ball, suggesting a bright future ahead both for his club and potentially the national team.

Between the posts, goalkeeper Hussein Abel stood out as the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament. His crucial saves at key moments played a significant role in his team’s progress, providing a solid last line of defense throughout the competition.

In attack, Selemani Mwalimu claimed the Top Scorer award after finishing the tournament as the most prolific player in front of goal netting 3. His clinical finishing and ability to deliver in decisive moments made him one of the standout performers and a constant threat to opposing defenses.

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Meanwhile, Simba defender Rushine De Reuck was named the Best Player of the Tournament, a testament to his commanding presence at the back and his overall influence on the team’s success. His leadership and defensive solidity were key factors in shaping the outcome of several matches, including high pressure encounters.

The conclusion of the tournament also highlighted the enduring rivalry between Simba SC and Yanga SC, two giants of Tanzanian football whose competition continues to elevate the standard of the game. With this latest triumph, Simba has now drawn level with Yanga in the number of Muungano Cup titles, with both sides having won the trophy seven times.

As the tournament wraps up, attention now shifts to domestic league action, but the impact of the Muungano Cup will linger. It not only provided fans with entertaining football but also showcased emerging talents and reaffirmed the importance of individual excellence within a team sport.

Ultimately, the 2026 Muungano Cup will be remembered not just for its dramatic matches, but also for the players and coaches who distinguished themselves and earned recognition on one of the country’s prominent football stages.

Head coach Steve Barker believes Simba Sports Club’s dramatic victory over arch rivals Young Africans Sports Club in the Muungano Cup final has provided a crucial psychological boost as his side prepares for a decisive NBC Premier League clash on May 3.

Simba clinched the title with a hard fought 1-0 win after extra time at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar, in a match that stretched to 120 minutes and lived up to the intensity expected of the country’s biggest football rivalry.

The two sides are set to meet again in just a few days at the Major General Isamuhyo Stadium, where Simba will be aiming to build on their cup success and reduce the gap in the league standings.

Currently, Simba sit second with 19 matches played, registering twelve wins, six draws and one defeat, while Yanga lead the table with fourteen wins and five draws from the same number of matches, remaining unbeaten. Recent form shows Simba with three wins and two draws in their last five league outings, while Yanga have recorded three wins and two draws.

Reflecting on the final, Barker admitted it was an evenly contested encounter that could have gone either way, underlining the fine margins that define the Kariakoo derby.

“Very tough, obviously. Young Africans are a very good team, so it was a very tight game. It could have gone either way,” Barker said.

He acknowledged that Simba were second best in the opening stages, with Yanga controlling large portions of the first half.

“I thought first half we weren’t really good enough. They were the better team,” he admitted.

The match began cautiously, with both sides prioritizing defensive organization and limiting clear scoring chances. Yanga suffered an early setback when attacking midfielder Anicet Oura was forced off due to a thigh injury, with Selemani Mwalimu coming on as his replacement.

After the break, Simba showed improvement, growing into the game and gradually taking control, although they were unable to find a breakthrough within the 90 minutes.

Barker pointed to the extra time period as the turning point, where his side looked sharper and more dangerous.

“Second half, I thought we improved. When it went to extra time, I thought we controlled the game and looked more threatening than they did,” he explained.

The decisive moment came late in extra time when Clatous Chama was fouled inside the penalty area by Edmund John, prompting the referee to award a spot-kick. Mwalimu calmly converted, sealing the victory and handing Simba the trophy.

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For Barker, the win carries significance beyond silverware, particularly in boosting morale ahead of the demanding league schedule.

“It’s a really big win for the fans of Simba Sports Club. It’s a win for the players they worked really hard. I’m really proud of them,” he said.

He also credited the club’s management, emphasizing that the triumph reflects a collective effort.

“For the management of the club, I think they deserve to have the success of winning a trophy,” he added.

Despite the celebrations, Barker was quick to stress the importance of refocusing on the league, insisting that the team must treat the upcoming derby as a separate challenge.

“I think we’ve just got to separate the two. The cup is a cup and we’ve won that, so it’s different to the league,” he noted.

With a crucial fixture looming, the coach made it clear that preparations would resume immediately.

“We have to enjoy the moment, but tomorrow we’re back on the training ground. We’ve got a very, very big game for us on Sunday,” he said.

Barker remains optimistic that the victory will translate into confidence and belief, key ingredients as Simba seek to close the gap on their rivals.

“Hopefully this can give us belief, can give us confidence. But we’re going to have to play well on Sunday if we want to win,” he cautioned.

He also praised match winner Mwalimu for his impact throughout the tournament, expressing hope that the striker can maintain his scoring form.

“I’m happy for him. He’s a striker, he wants to score goals and he’s done that this whole tournament. Hopefully he can continue,” Barker said.

As Simba shift focus to May 3, the message from their coach is clear: the trophy has lifted spirits, but only consistent performances in the league will define their season.