African Football Fever Hits The Continent As 2024/25 CAF Inter-Club Season Kicks Off

By Muzammil Dalha Yola

This weekend, football fields across Africa will come alive as the 2024/25 CAF interclub season commences, featuring the preliminary rounds of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

The first legs of the preliminary rounds will take place from Friday to Sunday, with the return legs scheduled for August 23-25. The qualifiers will then advance to the second round, with the first leg matches taking place between September 13-15 and the return legs from September 20-22.

Title holders Al Ahly SC (Egypt), Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), and Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) are among the top-ranked clubs exempt from the first preliminary round of the Champions League. Similarly, the 12 highest-ranked clubs in the CAF Confederation Cup, including holders Zamalek SC, will also bypass the first preliminary round.

One of the most anticipated fixtures in the Champions League is the clash between Remo Stars and AS FAR of Morocco, a rematch of their encounter two seasons ago in the Confederation Cup. Other exciting matches include Young Africans (Tanzania) vs. Vital'O FC (Burundi), Pyramids FC (Egypt) vs. JKU SC (Zanzibar), and Orlando Pirates FC (South Africa) vs. Disciples FC (Madagascar).

In the CAF Confederation Cup, Zesco United (Zambia) faces off against Dynamos FC (Zimbabwe) in what promises to be an electrifying encounter. Other notable matches include UTS (Morocco) vs. RS Abidjan (Cote d'Ivoire) and Nsoatreman FC (Ghana) vs. TP Elect Sport (Chad).

Comments

FASTE Emerges Overall Winner of ADUSTECH 12th Inter-Faculties Sports Competition

By Muzammil Dalha Yola The 12th edition of the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil (ADUSTECH) Inter-Faculties Sports Competition came to a close on Thursday, August 7, 2025, with a thrilling football final between the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Science and Technology Education (FASTE) at the University's football pitch. The match was highly contested, with FASTE emerging victorious, winning 1-0 against the Faculty of Engineering. The Faculty of Science secured the 3rd position in football, showcasing their skills and determination throughout the tournament. The overall winner of the competition was FASTE, which accumulated an impressive 19 gold, 5 silver, and 5 bronze medals, totaling 29 medals. This outstanding performance solidified their position as the top faculty in the competition. The Faculty of Earth and Environmental Services (FAEES) came in second, with 4 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze medals, totaling 18 medals. The Faculty of Agricultu...

Shehu Jinjiri: A Tactical Genius And Visionary Football Coach

By Muzammil Dalha Yola Shehu Jinjiri is a name that is synonymous with football excellence in Nigeria. A young and ambitious coach from Kano State, Jinjiri has made a name for himself in the football world with his impressive credentials and achievements. With a career spanning over two decades, Jinjiri has established himself as a top-notch coach with a passion for developing young talents and promoting football in Nigeria. Born on April 14, 1979, in Kano State, Jinjiri's educational background is a testament to his dedication to learning and personal development. He attended Rinda Tozo Primary School in Gaya, where he obtained his Primary School Leaving Certificate in 1991. He then proceeded to Zawan Comprehensive Secondary School in Jos, where he obtained his Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) in 1996. Jinjiri furthered his education at Science Secondary School in D/Tofa, Kano State, where he obtained his National Examination Certificate (NECO). He also attended Bay...

Wikki Tourists Fans' Treatment of Coach Abdu Maikaba and His True Value

By Aminu Maikaba Coach Abdu Maikaba has spent several seasons leading Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi, steering the club through both difficult moments and historic successes. Despite this, his relationship with a section of the fan base has often been marked by contradiction and unfair treatment. When results do not go Wikki's way, especially after losses or disappointing draws, some fans respond with harsh criticism, insults, and calls for his dismissal, often blaming him alone for poor performances. These reactions, while driven by passion, frequently cross the line into disrespect, ignoring the broader realities of football and collective responsibility. Matches such as the recent draw with Nasarawa United triggered public criticism of his tactics in fan discussions, particularly on social media. However, when the team wins or performs well, Maikaba rarely receives the same level of vocal praise. Recognition is often directed at players, while the coach's role in planning, stru...

SportsZone.NG

Search This Blog