FIFA.com - News

African six eye Azerbaijan prize

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:59:00 GMT

There were no surprises as Africa’s first round of qualifying for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Azerbaijan 2012 came to a conclusion on Sunday, with six sides now left to fight it out for the three finals slots.

Moyes reserves praise for Pienaar

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 01:39:00 GMT

David Moyes was delighted with Steven Pienaar's first game back as an Everton player, while opposite number Roberto Martinez was equally pleased with new signing Jean Beausejour's performance.

Zambia seek to bridge 16-year gap

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:04:00 GMT

Zambia will look to end a lengthy drought by defeating Sudan on Saturday and taking their place in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations semi-final line-up for the first time since 1996.

South Africa 2010 album makes a splash

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:13:00 GMT

“Listen Up! The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Album” has raised over $2.5m USD for African causes through the worldwide sales of the album and its singles.

Redknapp: Pienaar staying at Spurs

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:17:00 GMT

Harry Redknapp has no intention of letting midfielder Steven Pienaar leave Tottenham Hotspur, despite the South Africa star having made just five starts since joining the club a year ago.

Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire seek end to drought

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 01:41:00 GMT

With the CAF African Cup of Nations set to kick off on 21 January, both Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire have been pegged as hot favourites to win the title in the absence of such heavyweights as Egypt and South Africa.

Redknapp insists Pienaar has future

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:13:00 GMT

Steven Pienaar still has his place at Tottenham Hotspur according to manager Harry Redknapp, saying injuries have been the major factor for the South African international's lack of games.

The Year in Quotes

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:13:00 GMT

Join FIFA.com for our review of the most eye-catching quotes of the last 12 months, featuring the likes of Pele, Mario Balotelli, Cristiano Ronaldo, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola.

Chiefs miss top chance, Santos draw

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 21:10:00 GMT

Kaizer Chiefs missed their chance to move two-points clear at the South African Premiership summit after a 0-0 draw with AmaZulu, while Santos played a more exciting encounter as they saved a 2-2 draw with Jomo Cosmos.

Leaders battle in South Africa, Ghana

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:03:00 GMT

There were dramatic top of the table clashes in South Africa and Ghana, and the chasing teams made up ground in both cases as FIFA.com looks across the action in Africa this weekend.

Zvasiya strike sees Chiefs triumph

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 21:22:00 GMT

Kaizer Chiefs snatched a late 2-1 victory over Free State Stars with Lincoln Zvasiya scoring an incredible long-range goal to move the winners up to third place in the South African Premiership.

Sundowns sink SuperSport for top spot

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 21:54:00 GMT

Mamelodi Sundowns moved to the top of the South African Premiership as they leapfrogged opponents SuperSport United with a 3-1 win, while Santos' poor run continued with a 2-1 loss at home to AmaZulu.

Unlikely Gabon lead trio to London

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:28:00 GMT

Surprise packages Gabon won the CAF U-23 Championship over the weekend to join Morocco and Egypt as African qualifiers for next year's Men’s Olympic Football Tournament.

Pirates banking on Benni

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 07:43:00 GMT

Soweto giants Orlando Pirates - the only South African side to win Africa's elite club competition - are banking on veteran striker Benni McCarthy to trigger a strong challenge for the 2012 CAF Champions League title.

Leaders on course in Algeria, Morocco

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:27:00 GMT

South Africa's pace-setting SuperSport United lost their first match of the season, but leaders in Algeria, Morocco and Ghana fared better over the weekend.

Sweswe nods Chiefs back into title race

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 16:57:00 GMT

Kaizer Chiefs clinched a vital 1-0 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns to move level on points with Free State Stars and Moroka Swallows in third place in the South African Premiership.

Pirates end SuperSport unbeaten run

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 21:54:00 GMT

Orlando Pirates brought SuperSport United back down to earth, ending their unbeaten run with a 3-0 win in the South African Premiership, while Free State Stars stayed in third with a 2-0 success over Santos.

AIDS, a concern for FIFA

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:01:00 GMT

On World Aids Day, FIFA.com looks at how a number of FIFA-supported programme are helping to combat the AIDS/HIV pandemic through football.

Women's round-up: November 2011

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:32:00 GMT

This month's women's football round-up features the latest from Women's EURO 2013 qualifying, Sao Jose's triumph in Brazil and a prestigious award for Japan's Aya Miyama.

Blatter sends condolences after Phumo passing

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:11:00 GMT

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter today wrote to the South African Football Association to express his sadness at the death of former national team coach April Phumo.

Happy birthday to you!

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 08:58:00 GMT

In our regular run down of the week's birthdays, FIFA.com looks ahead to three FIFA World Cup™-winners set to celebrate, in the shape of Fabio Grosso, Aldair and David Villa.

Akide: African women destined for new heights

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 13:29:00 GMT

Nigerian great Mercy Akide, speaking at the recent FIFA/CAF conference on the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011, says Africa’s rapid development in the women’s game will see the continent feature in the last four at Canada 2015.

African rivals reach for London tickets

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 01:28:00 GMT

Qualifying for the London 2012 men’s tournament reaches the final stage in Africa this weekend as eight teams meet in Morocco seeking to maintain their Olympic dreams.

Leopards ease fears, Sundowns win

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:29:00 GMT

Leopards secured a last-minute 1-0 victory over Amazulu, however, are still in danger of the drop, while Sundowns defeated Maritzburg United by the same scoreline.

Pirates sunk with others held goalless

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 21:12:00 GMT

Orlando Pirates were defeated 3-1 by Wits in what was their fourth loss this season, while Free States Stars were frustrated by a goalless draw with Platinum Stars in the South African Premiership.

Asamoah joy, Uche brothers lift Nigeria

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 22:58:00 GMT

Derek Asamoah made his recall to the Ghana squad count, scoring the winner in a 2-1 friendly win over Gabon, while Kalu Uche and brother Ikechukwu secured a 2-0 win for Nigeria over Zambia.

Mphela salvages draw with Ivorians

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 19:10:00 GMT

Katlego Mphela scored an equalising goal to earn South Africa a 1-1 draw in their international friendly with Côte d'Ivoire, who took the lead courtesy of an own goal from Siboniso Gaxa.

Which stadium would you love to visit?

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 06:24:00 GMT

Are you captivated by the Camp Nou or is the San Siro your sacred ground? Share your favourite stadium with us!

Pirates, Santos edge into semi-finals

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 21:15:00 GMT

Orlando Pirates clinched a 2-1 edge over rivals Moroka Swallows with Benni McCarthy's brace proving the difference in their League Cup quarter-final, while Santos beat Platinum Stars on penalties.

Pienaar recalled for South Africa friendlies

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:46:00 GMT

South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane has recalled Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Steven Pienaar for two international friendlies against Côte d’Ivoire and Zimbabwe.

Maritzburg draw sees Chiefs lose ground

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 22:42:00 GMT

Kaizer Chiefs are four points adrift of leaders SuperSport United after a goalless draw with Maritzburg United in the South African Premiership.

Noses in front for old favourites

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 18:28:00 GMT

Not only have Al Ahly and Zamalek risen to the top in Egypt, but Ghana's most successful duo and a familiar face in South Africa have carved out early domestic leads.

Women's roundup: October 2011

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:09:00 GMT

FIFA.com wraps up all the action in the world of women's football from the month of October, with special attention paid to a power shift in Africa and a return to form for Canada's national team.

Happy birthday to you!

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 09:26:00 GMT

In our regular Sunday feature, FIFA.com presents you with some of the biggest names from Planet Football who will be celebrating their birthdays over the coming week.

Workshop aids Football For Hope movement

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:36:00 GMT

The annual Football for Hope Centres’ Workshop has been taking place in Cape Town, South Africa, with emphasis on the monitoring and evaluation of the Centres.

Ramzy: Egypt are among the favourites

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:22:00 GMT

Legendary Egypt centre-back Hany Ramzy spoke with FIFA.com about coaching his country's U-23 side, their preparations for the final round of African qualifiers for London 2012, and their opponents in Group B.

Mbesuma clinches Golden Arrows win

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 21:27:00 GMT

Collins Mbesuma scored the solitary goal to help Golden Arrows earn a surprise 1-0 victory over SuperSport United in the South Africa League Cup.

Women's duo make history in Africa

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 06:35:00 GMT

Cameroon dramatically beat continental queens Nigeria on penalties at the weekend to join fellow debutants South Africa in qualifying for London 2012.

Big wins for SuperSport, Libolo

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:59:00 GMT

SuperSport United jumped to the top of the table in South Africa with an emphatic 7-0 victory, while Recreativo Libolo beat their closest rival to take command of the Angola Girabola.

NMMU celebrates student success

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:02:00 GMT

The fifth edition of the FIFA/CIES Programme was inaugurated at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabethand diplomas were awarded to the 20 students who successfully completed the fouth edition of the sports management curriculum.

Expectations thrown in African whirlwind

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 01:26:00 GMT

Nigeria and South Africa will join Egypt and Cameroon on the outside of the continental championship as they both stumbled at home, while the likes of Niger and Libya confirmed unlikely spots in the finals.

Eight qualify but big boys are denied

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 19:59:00 GMT

A dramatic day of 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifying action ended with elimination for Nigeria and South Africa, while Angola, Ghana and Tunisia were among those who ensured themselves a place at the tournament.

All to play for on Africa’s final weekend

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:42:00 GMT

Qualifying for the 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations concludes this weekend with big guns Nigeria and South Africa needing to make up ground to reach the finals, and a host of outsiders aiming to make a bit of history.

Arrows fire Middendrop despite victory

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:31:00 GMT

Golden Arrows have caused a stir by firing coach Ernst Middendrop following a surprise win against South African big-boys Kaizer Chiefs, but had been on thin ice having only one win prior to the result.

Women’s round-up: September 2011

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 07:58:00 GMT

Trophies in England and Korea Republic, goalscoring glory for Abby Wambach and qualification for London 2012 all feature in FIFA.com’s latest women’s football review.

The Azzurri Club Challenge

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 05:07:00 GMT

On 11 October we are giving away an Italy National Team jersey signed by several Azzurri FIFA World Cup™ winners.

SuperSport stay top as Chiefs lose

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:50:00 GMT

SuperSport United held on to their lead atop the South African Premiership table as they drew 1-1 with Moroka Swallows, while Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates dropped their respective matches.

Stadiums legacy boosting South Africa

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:27:00 GMT

Derided as 'white elephants' by their critics, the impressive stadiums built last year's FIFA World Cup continue to pay dividends for South Africa, as FIFA.com reveals.

Last-gasp Sundowns sink Celtic

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 21:02:00 GMT

Mozambican Elias Pelembe scored a last-gasp goal to secure a 2-1 win over Bloemfontein Celtic and lift Mamelodi Sundowns to the top of the South African Premiership standings.

SuperSport are back, Kenya to the wire

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 17:28:00 GMT

After a slump last season, SuperSport are back at the top of the table in South Africa in the early going, while Kenya and Angola's leagues head down the stretch with races too close to call.