Eritrea national football team secured a 2-0 victory over Eswatini national football team in the first leg of the AFCON 2027 preliminary round qualifiers at Stade d'Honneur on 25 March. The 12 teams in the preliminary round are the lowest-ranked sides according to the FIFA Rankings at the time of the draw in January and are competing over two legs to secure a spot in the group stage.  Eritrea now heads into the return leg at Somhlolo National Stadium on 31 March with a strong advantage, while Eswatini will look to overturn the deficit on home soil.

Azam FC Cruise Past El Merriekh SC to Reach CAF Confederation Cup Second Round Tanzania – Tanzanian side Azam FC booked their place in the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup with a commanding 2-0 victory over El Merriekh SC Bentiu on Sunday evening, sealing a 4-0 aggregate win in the preliminary round. Goals from Yoro and Nassor ensured a comfortable second-leg result in front of their home fans, as Azam controlled proceedings from start to finish. For El Merriekh SC , it was a tough continental debut, with the South Sudanese club bowing out at the first hurdle of their inaugural CAF confederation cup. Azam will now turn their attention to the next round as they look to make a deep run in this season’s tournament.

Al Hilal SC Advance to CAF Champions League Second Round with Narrow Win Over Jamus Al Hilal SC of Sudan advanced to the second round of the CAF Champions League after edging South Sudan’s Jamus SC 1–0 in the return leg of the first round, played at the Aman Stadium in Zanzibar on Sunday evening. Jean-Claude scored the decisive goal, capitalizing on a rebound after Jamus goalkeeper Michael Marko parried a cross from the right flank. With this result, the Blue Wave secure progression with a 1–0 aggregate victory, following a goalless draw in the first leg held in Juba. 📸 Caption: Jean-Claude celebrates after scoring the lone goal that sent Al Hilal SC of Sudan into the second round of the CAF Champions League. The Sudanese giants defeated Jamus SC of South Sudan 1–0 in Zanzibar to win the tie on aggregate.

Jamus SC Depart for Zanzibar Ahead of CAF Champions League Second Leg By Emmanuel Patrick Laku | Sports Hunter South Sudan News The delegation of Jamus SC has departed Juba aboard a private Kush Air flight en route to Zanzibar, where they will face Al Hilal SC Omdurman in the second leg of the CAF Champions League first preliminary round . The crucial return fixture is scheduled for Sunday, 28th September 2025 , at the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar. The South Sudanese side will be looking to build on their historic 0-0 draw in the first leg, played at the Juba National Stadium. Jamus SC carries the hopes of a nation as they aim to make history and advance to the next round of Africa’s premier club competition.

Azam Strike Twice to Silence Merriekh in Juba By Emmanuel Patrick Laku | Sports Hunter South Sudan El Merriekh SC Bentiu made their debut in the CAF Confederation Cup on Saturday, 20th September 2025, but suffered a 2-0 defeat to Tanzanian side Azam FC at the Juba National Stadium. Goals from Faisal Saloum and Gifty Kitambala gave the visitors control of the match, as El Merriekh struggled to break down a well-organized Azam defense. Despite passionate support from the home crowd, the South Sudanese side was unable to capitalize on their chances. The defeat marks El Merriekh Bentiu’s first-ever home loss in a CAF competition. Their previous home match was during their debut in the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League preliminary round, where they recorded a historic 1-0 victory against Kenyan giants Gor Mahia. Now, El Merriekh face a tough challenge in the return leg in Tanzania, where Azam FC will look to build on their strong first-leg performance and secure progression to the next r...

Jamus SC Hold Al Hilal Omdurman to Historic CAF Champions League Draw in Juba By Emmanuel Patrick Laku | Sports Hunter South Sudan News Jamus SC of South Sudan forced Sudanese giants Al Hilal Omdurman to a historic 0-0 draw at the Juba National Stadium on Sunday evening, 21st September 2025, in the first leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round. The match marked Jamus SC’s debut in the continental competition—and they rose to the occasion with a disciplined and determined performance in front of a packed home crowd. Despite being heavy underdogs, the South Sudanese side held their own against one of Africa’s most storied clubs. Al Hilal, multiple-time CAF Champions League campaigners, struggled to break down Jamus' compact defense and were limited to few clear chances throughout the 90 minutes. The result is the first-ever draw for Al Hilal against a South Sudanese club in any official CAF competition. The return leg will take place in Zanzibar, where Al Hilal are cu...

Al Hilal SC Departs Juba for Zanzibar Ahead of CAF Champions League Return Leg By Emmanuel Patrick Laku | Sports Hunter South Sudan News Al Hilal SC of Sudan departed Juba early this morning en route to Zanzibar, where they are set to host Jamus SC Juba in the return leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round. The Sudanese giants were held to a goalless draw by the South Sudanese side in a tense first-leg encounter played at Juba National Stadium over the weekend. The 0–0 result marks the first time Al Hilal has been held by a South Sudanese club in any CAF competition. With qualification to the second preliminary round on the line, the Omdurman-based outfit—popularly known as the "Blue Wave"—must secure victory against the resilient debutants from Juba. The decisive second leg will be played at the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar, a neutral venue that Al Hilal is using as their temporary home due to ongoing security challenges back in Sudan. Jamus SC, who impressed w...

Senegal took an early lead through Sabir Layousse Samb, but Morocco quickly responded. After a tense 1-1 draw, the Atlas Lions triumphed 5-3 on penalties to book their place in the CHAN final. The match at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala saw Senegal strike first in the 16th minute, only for Bougrine to level for Morocco in the 23rd. The thrilling encounter remained deadlocked until the dramatic penalty shootout, where Morocco held their nerve to defeat the defending champions. With this victory, Morocco now eyes a third CHAN crown when they face Madagascar in the final at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nairobi.  The Atlas Lions previously won back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2020.

By Emmanuel Patrick Laku – Sports Hunter South Sudan South Sudan women’s league champions Yei Joint Stars FC will kick off their CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers 2025 campaign in Group C against JKU Princess FC of Zanzibar. The match is set for 8th September 2025 at 16:00 at the Ulinzi Complex, Nairobi. The Super Queens will then face former CECAFA champions JKT Queens (Tanzania) in the Group C decider on 11th September at 16:00, also at the Ulinzi Complex. The draw for the zonal qualifiers was conducted on Tuesday afternoon at SuperSport Studio in Nairobi, Kenya. The qualifiers will run from 4th to 16th September 2025, with matches hosted at Nyayo Stadium and Ulinzi Stadium. The winner of Group C will face the winner of Group A—comprising Kenya Police Bullets, Denden SC, and Kampala Queens—in the semi-finals at the Ulinzi Complex on 14th September at 16:00. The best second-placed team will meet the winner of Group B in the other semi-final at Ulinzi Complex at 12:3...

By Emmanuel Patrick Laku – Sports Hunter South Sudan South Sudan women’s league champions Yei Joint Stars have been drawn in Group C of the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers, joining former champions JKT Queens of Tanzania and JKU Princess FC of Zanzibar. The draw, held on Tuesday afternoon at SuperSport Studio in Nairobi, Kenya, was conducted by Yusuf Mossi, CECAFA Competitions Manager, with assistance from Harambee Starlets’ Esse Mbeyu Akida and Kerubo Momanyi, Football Kenya Federation member overseeing women’s football. Coach Simon Peter’s Super Queens, currently camping in Uganda, will be targeting a spot in the semi-finals. The top team from each group, along with the best second-placed team, will progress to the knockout stage. The CECAFA Zonal winners will earn the right to represent the region at the CAF Women’s Champions League 2025. Group Draw: Group A: Kenya Police Bullets, Denden SC, Kampala Queens Group B: CBE FC, Top Girls Academy FC, Rayon Spo...

  Omdurman, Sudan — Al Hilal SC Sudan have confirmed that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar City, Tanzania as the venue for their return leg in the first preliminary round of the CAF Champions League against Jamus FC of South Sudan. Official Statement The club announced the confirmation via their official Facebook page on Monday, noting that the match is scheduled for 7:00 PM on September 28.  The Zanzibar Football Association formally welcomed the request after Al Hilal reached out to host the game at Amaan Stadium. Stadium Overview Constructed in 1970 with support from the Chinese government, Amaan Stadium is Zanzibar’s flagship sports venue.  It hosts football matches, national celebrations, and political events.  The stadium has undergone renovations including a FIFA-approved hybrid grass pitch, modern lighting, a tartan running track, smooth entry turnstiles, training pitches, a basketball court, an indoor aren...

The Moroccan home–based national team has touched down in Kampala, Uganda, ahead of a blockbuster semifinal clash at the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) against defending champions Senegal. The Atlas Lions’ delegation departed Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Sunday evening and were warmly received in Kampala, where focus now shifts to their crucial last–four encounter. The semifinal will be staged at the iconic Mandela National Stadium on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, with kickoff set for 8:30 p.m. local time (6:30 p.m. Moroccan time). Both sides are eyeing a spot in the final, setting up what promises to be a thrilling battle under the Kampala night sky.

Aman Stadium, Tanzania – Saturday, 23rd August 2025 Sudan sealed a place in the semi-finals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) after edging Algeria 4-2 on penalties, following a tense 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time at the Aman Stadium in Tanzania. After a goalless first half in which both sides squandered several clear opportunities, the deadlock was finally broken just three minutes after the restart. Sudan’s Ayoub Ghezala gave the Falcons of Jediane the lead in the 48th minute when Algeria’s attempted goal-line clearance deflected off him and rolled into the back of the net. The Desert Foxes fought back strongly, and in the 73rd minute Soufiane Bayazid leveled matters, tapping home from close range after winning an aerial duel with the Sudanese goalkeeper. The equalizer forced the match into extra time, which also ended without further goals. The drama then unfolded in the penalty shootout. Mehdi Merghem missed Algeria’s third spot kick, while Sudan’s Yase...

By: Emmanuel Patrick Laku : Mandela National Stadium, Kampala – Saturday, 23rd August 2025 Defending champions Senegal marched into the semi-finals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) after edging co-hosts Uganda 1-0 in a tense quarter-final clash at the Mandela National Stadium. Forward Oumar Ba proved to be the difference on the evening, finishing with a precise right-footed strike from close range in the 62nd minute after a brilliant delivery from Libasse Gueye . The well-worked move silenced the home crowd and sealed the victory for the Lions of Teranga. Uganda pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but Senegal’s defensive resilience and tactical discipline ensured the slender lead was preserved until the final whistle. With the victory, Senegal – the reigning champions – booked a semi-final showdown against Morocco on 26th August at the Mandela National Stadium. The West African giants remain firmly on course to defend their crown, while Uganda’s spirited ...

By Emmanuel Patrick Laku – Sports Hunter South Sudan Kasarani Stadium, Kenya – Friday, 22nd August 2025 – Madagascar came from behind to defeat co-host Kenya 4-3 on penalties after full-time and extra-time ended 1-1 in a thrilling CHAN 2024 quarter-final clash at Kasarani Stadium. Kenya took the lead in the 48th minute when Alphonce Omija converted an assist from Boniface Muchiri, just three minutes into the second half. Madagascar’s Fenohasina Razafimaro leveled the scores in the 69th minute from a penalty, sending the game into extra time. Despite opportunities in extra time, neither side scored, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout. Kenya’s Alphonce Omija missed the decisive penalty, marking the third miss for the hosts, and handing Madagascar the win. The victory marks the second consecutive time Madagascar has reached the semi-finals in their last two CHAN participations. Kenya, making their tournament debut, impressed throughout the competition before today’s heartbreaking defe...

By Emmanuel Patrick Laku – Sports Hunter South Sudan Photo Credit: CAF Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – Friday, 22nd August 2025 – Morocco advanced to the semi-finals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) after defeating co-hosts Tanzania 1-0 in a tightly contested quarter-final clash. The decisive moment came in the 65th minute when Oussama Lamlioui scored the lone goal, finishing off an assist from Youssef Belammari. Head coach Tarik Sektioui’s men will now face the winner between Uganda and defending champions Senegal in the last four. The Atlas Lions, who are chasing their third CHAN title, will be looking to extend their dominance in the tournament’s history

By: Emmanuel Patrick Laku - Juba, South Sudan – El Merriekh SC Bentiu will make their first-ever appearance in the CECAFA Kagame Cup 2025, scheduled for September 2–15 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with the draw set for August 26th. The South Sudan Premier League club was nominated by the South Sudan Football Federation (SSFF) after Kator FC turned down an invitation to participate in the tournament.  This development followed CAF’s decision to reject Kator from representing the country in the CAF Confederation Cup. El Merriekh’s involvement in the Kagame Cup is seen as a crucial preparation for their upcoming campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup, where they will represent South Sudan at continental level.  The tournament will give the Bentiu-based side exposure to regional competition and help them build the experience needed for the challenges ahead. The Kagame Cup will bring together 12 teams, including: Singida Black Stars FC (Tanzania), APR FC (Rwanda), Vipers SC (Ugan...

  By: Emmanuel Patrick Laku Juba | August 20, 2025 -  Sports Hunter South Sudan Historic First: Uganda Reaches CHAN Quarterfinals After six consecutive group-stage exits , Uganda’s national team — the Cranes — has finally broken through at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) . For the first time in their CHAN history, Uganda has secured a place in the quarterfinals , marking a momentous shift for a team that has consistently qualified — but never progressed. Byekwaso to FUFA: “We’ve Made History, But We Want More” Following the group-stage finale, Head Coach Morley Byekwaso spoke to the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) about the team’s mindset moving forward. “Our first target was to get out of the group for the first time ever, but now the target has changed,” he told FUFA officials. “We have another game on Saturday, so after the excitement, we are going back to training with new words, new motivation and a new approach.” His words reflect...

By: Emmanuel Patrick Laku | Sports Hunter South Sudan | 19th Aug, 2025 Defending champions Senegal were held to a 0-0 draw by Sudan in their final Group D clash at the CHAN 2024, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Coach Souleymane Diallo’s men advanced to the quarterfinals in second place , finishing behind group leaders Sudan on goal difference. The Teranga Lions and the Falcons of Jeddiane played out a cagey affair, with both sides content to share the spoils as the result secured qualification for each team. The 2011 champions , Senegal, will now look to defend their crown when they take on co-hosts Uganda in a highly anticipated quarterfinal at the Mandela National Stadium on 23rd August 2025.

By Emmanuel Patrick Laku | 19th Aug, 2025 ZANZIBAR – The Falcons of Jediane have made history at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after booking a place in the quarter-finals for the very first time . Sudan held defending champions Senegal to a goalless draw in their final Group D clash, a result that ensured Coach Kwesi Appiah’s men finished top of the group with 5 points , edging Senegal on goal difference. The Falcons of Jeddiane remained unbeaten in the group stage – drawing against Congo (1-1) and Senegal (0-0) , while registering a historic 4-0 thrashing of Nigeria in their second outing. This marks Sudan’s best-ever run in the competition, as they advance to the last eight for the first time in their fourth CHAN appearance (after 2011, 2018, 2022, and now 2024).