Harold Moukoudi is expected to start for AEK Athens against LASK on Tuesday evening as the Greek club begin their 2026-27 UEFA Champions League league phase campaign.

The Cameroon international is included in AEK Athens’ probable starting XI and is set to feature at the centre of defence. He is expected to partner Filipe Relvas, with Thomas Strakosha named as the likely goalkeeper.

Lazaros Rota and Pilios are also tipped to start in the defensive line, completing a back four which could provide the platform for AEK Athens in their opening league-phase fixture.

Moukoudi’s expected selection would see him take a prominent role in a side preparing for its first match of the competition’s 2026-27 league phase. The centre-back is one of the players forecast to be trusted from the beginning, with AEK Athens’ provisional team including a mixture of defensive experience and attacking options.

In midfield, Luka Majer, Petros Mantalos, Zini and Gacinovic are among those expected to be named in the starting line-up. Their inclusion would give AEK Athens a four-man midfield group behind the forward players, although the final selection remains subject to the coaching staff’s decisions before kick-off.

Luka Jovic is particularly expected to feature in attack. One further attacking position is still considered open, meaning the club’s final offensive combination could change depending on the staff’s last choices.

The provisional AEK Athens line-up is: Thomas Strakosha; Lazaros Rota, Harold Moukoudi, Filipe Relvas, Pilios; Luka Majer, Petros Mantalos, Zini, Gacinovic; Luka Jovic, Varga.

LASK are also expected to make use of several of their established players for the match. Tobias Lawal is set to start in goal for the Austrian club, while their usual senior options are expected to be involved in defence and midfield.

Robert Zulj is among the leading attacking possibilities for LASK. His inclusion would give the visitors one of their principal offensive options as they prepare to face an AEK Athens side expected to include Moukoudi at the heart of its defence.

The final team selections may still shift before the match, particularly in AEK Athens’ attack. However, Moukoudi is currently expected to retain his place in the starting XI and line up alongside Relvas in central defence, with Strakosha behind them and Rota and Pilios completing the projected back four.

The fixture represents the opening day of the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League league phase for both clubs, with AEK Athens’ anticipated team already pointing to a starting role for the Cameroon defender.

France Football has announced the 10 players shortlisted for the Trophee Kopa 2026, with African football represented by three of the leading young talents in the running: Cote d’Ivoire’s Yan Diomande, Morocco’s Ayyoub Bouaddi and Algeria’s Ibrahim Maza.

The list was revealed on 8 September 2026 and brings together prospects from Africa and Europe for one of the most prestigious individual awards available to young footballers.

Diomande, Bouaddi and Maza are joined by Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Kerim Alajbegovic, Spain’s Pau Cubarsi, Germany’s Lennart Karl, France’s Eli Junior Kroupi, Spain’s Lamine Yamal, Switzerland’s Johan Manzambi and France’s Warren Zaire-Emery.

The 10 nominees reflect the emergence of a new generation of highly regarded players, with three African representatives included among the candidates for the 2026 award.

For Diomande, Bouaddi and Maza, the nomination provides an opportunity to be measured against some of the most prominent young talents in world football. Their inclusion also places African football at the centre of the conversation around this year’s Trophee Kopa.

The three nominees represent Cote d’Ivoire, Morocco and Algeria respectively, giving the continent a strong presence in the final list. They will compete alongside seven European players for the honour of succeeding the most recent winner of the award.

France Football’s announcement leaves the outcome open, with the identity of the 2026 winner still to be decided. The shortlist includes players from a range of national backgrounds, but the central question remains which of the 10 nominees will secure the Trophee Kopa.

The selection is:

- Yan Diomande – Cote d’Ivoire

- Ayyoub Bouaddi – Morocco

- Ibrahim Maza – Algeria

- Kerim Alajbegovic – Bosnia and Herzegovina

- Pau Cubarsi – Spain

- Lennart Karl – Germany

- Eli Junior Kroupi – France

- Lamine Yamal – Spain

- Johan Manzambi – Switzerland

- Warren Zaire-Emery – France

The shortlist contains 10 nominees in total, including three African players: Diomande, Bouaddi and Maza. One of those young talents will ultimately be named the winner of the Trophee Kopa 2026 and become the successor to the last recipient of the award.

Napoli and Arsenal begin their Champions League league-phase campaigns at the Diego Armando Maradona on a night that could set the tone for both teams’ European seasons.

The two sides meet in Naples in one of the opening round’s most prestigious fixtures, with both clubs seeking a winning start to their Champions League campaign. Napoli manager Massimiliano Allegri must deal with a depleted squad, particularly in defence and midfield, while Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta continues to manage problems at the back.

Napoli

Napoli will be without Scott McTominay, Alessandro Buongiorno, Luca Marianucci and Giovane for the visit of Arsenal. Those absences leave Allegri facing selection problems before the club’s first European match of the season.

Alex Meret is expected to start in goal, with Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani, Rafa Marin and Leonardo Spinazzola likely to form the defensive line.

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Kevin De Bruyne and Stanislav Lobotka are the predicted midfield trio. In attack, Matteo Politano and Noa Lang are expected to support Rasmus Højlund as the central striker.

Napoli’s predicted XI is:

Goalkeeper: Alex Meret

Defenders: Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani, Rafa Marin, Leonardo Spinazzola

Midfielders: Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Kevin De Bruyne, Stanislav Lobotka

Forwards: Matteo Politano, Rasmus Højlund, Noa Lang

Arsenal

Arsenal also have concerns in defence ahead of their trip to Italy. William Saliba remains sidelined for an extended period, while Cristhian Mosquera is still considered doubtful.

There was, however, encouraging news for Arteta at the weekend, when Jurrien Timber returned to training. His involvement offers Arsenal hope that he could be included in the travelling squad, although his availability for the match remains to be confirmed.

David Raya is expected to start in goal. The predicted back four consists of Ben White, Ezri Konsa, Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori.

Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice and Bruno Guimaraes are forecast to line up in midfield, with Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Christos Tzolis forming the attacking unit.

Arsenal’s predicted XI is:

Goalkeeper: David Raya

Defenders: Ben White, Ezri Konsa, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori

Midfielders: Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, Bruno Guimaraes

Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Christos Tzolis

The match will be Napoli’s first fixture of the Champions League league phase against Arsenal. Betting operator 1xbet lists Napoli at odds of 5.00 to win, with a draw priced at 3.75 and an Arsenal victory at 1.70.

Borussia Dortmund face Villarreal at Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday, with the UEFA Champions League first-round fixture starting at 19:00 GMT, which is 19:00 local time in Burkina Faso.

The match will be broadcast live on Canal+, with coverage available in particular through CANAL+ LIVE 4. Subscribers looking to watch the game online can also use the myCANAL Afrique streaming service.

The fixture brings together two sides known by distinctive yellow-themed nicknames: Borussia Dortmund’s “Yellow Wall” and Villarreal’s “Yellow Submarine”. Supporters will be able to follow the meeting live through the listed Canal+ television service or, for eligible subscribers, via the digital platform.

For viewers in Burkina Faso, the scheduled start time is 19:00 GMT on Tuesday. The game will take place at Signal Iduna Park, Borussia Dortmund’s home stadium, as both clubs begin their UEFA Champions League campaigns.

Canal+ viewers should look for the match on CANAL+ LIVE 4, while myCANAL Afrique provides the streaming option for subscribers who want to watch online. The availability of both services means the Dortmund-Villarreal encounter can be followed either through the television broadcast or digitally.

The fixture is therefore set to offer a meeting between Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal in the opening round of the competition. Dortmund will host the Spanish club at Signal Iduna Park, with the “Yellow Wall” facing Villarreal’s “Yellow Submarine”.

The match’s broadcast arrangements are centred on Canal+. CANAL+ LIVE 4 is the designated channel for the live television coverage, while myCANAL Afrique is the online route for subscribers. Fans can use the option available to them to watch the game as it happens.

Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 GMT on Tuesday, with Signal Iduna Park providing the setting for the first-day UEFA Champions League contest. The encounter will be available to Canal+ audiences and to myCANAL Afrique subscribers watching through streaming.

Borussia Dortmund’s meeting with Villarreal is the only fixture covered here, and the viewing information remains the same across both formats: Canal+, particularly CANAL+ LIVE 4, for television, and myCANAL Afrique for online access. The game begins at 19:00 GMT in Burkina Faso and will take place at Signal Iduna Park.

Supporters seeking live coverage can consequently watch the Dortmund-Villarreal game on Canal+ or stream it on myCANAL Afrique if they are subscribers. The UEFA Champions League match will see the “Yellow Wall” and the “Yellow Submarine” meet in Dortmund on Tuesday evening.

Benin have announced their starting line-up for a decisive second round of Group A matches at the Women’s U20 World Cup, with the Amazones U20 preparing to face Argentina.

Captain Yasminath Djibril will lead the midfield, while Larissa Saizonou starts in goal as Benin take on an Argentina side regarded as a formidable attacking threat.

The Benin line-up features a defensive pairing of Nailatou Sadikou and Jocelyne Thetchri, with Romaine Gandonou, Hosane Soukou and Germaine Honfo selected as the team’s attacking trio.

Benin’s selection reflects a balanced set-up, with Saizonou positioned behind a back four of Mistourath Seibou, Sadikou, Thetchri and Assanatou Alassane.

Estelle Vidinhouede and Hermionne Lokossou will support captain Djibril in midfield, while Gandonou, Soukou and Honfo will provide the attacking threat.

The Amazones U20 are aiming to secure a significant result in the tournament as they face Argentina in this important Group A fixture. The match represents the second decisive stage of the group campaign for Benin.

The confirmed Benin team is:

Benin U20: Larissa Saizonou (1); Mistourath Seibou (2), Nailatou Sadikou (20), Jocelyne Thetchri (4), Assanatou Alassane (5); Estelle Vidinhouede (17), Hermionne Lokossou (6), Yasminath Djibril (10, captain); Romaine Gandonou (7), Hosane Soukou (14), Germaine Honfo (19).

Saizonou will be responsible for protecting Benin’s goal, with Seibou, Sadikou, Thetchri and Alassane forming the defensive line in front of her.

Further forward, Vidinhouede and Lokossou have been named alongside Djibril in midfield. Djibril’s role as captain places her at the centre of Benin’s efforts to control the game against Argentina.

Gandonou, Soukou and Honfo complete the starting XI, giving the Benin side a three-player forward line for the contest.

The squad has been selected within a tactical organisation described as well established, with Benin relying on defensive solidity and an energetic attack as they pursue a major result at the Women’s U20 World Cup.

Argentina’s attacking quality will provide the test for Saizonou and the Benin defence, while the Amazones U20 will look to their front three to make the most of their opportunities.

With the group campaign at a decisive stage, Benin will begin the match with Djibril wearing the captain’s armband and leading the side from midfield.

Real Madrid face Inter Milan at Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday evening in a high-profile opening fixture of the Champions League league phase, with a number of absences and fitness doubts expected to shape the teams selected by Jose Mourinho and Cristian Chivu.

Mourinho’s side will be without several players because of suspensions and injuries. Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva are suspended, while Eder Militao, Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy and Raul Asencio have been ruled unavailable.

Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick have all returned to training, but remain doubts for the match. Endrick is nevertheless expected to start among the substitutes rather than in the starting XI.

The latest projections suggest Thibaut Courtois will be in goal for Real Madrid. Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rudiger and Ibrahima Konate are expected to form the defensive line, with Denzel Dumfries and Marc Cucurella operating in the wide positions.

Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde are likely to form the central midfield partnership. At the other end of the pitch, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior are expected to lead the attack.

Brahim Diaz and Yan Diomande could complete the attacking line, depending on the system and positioning chosen by Mourinho.

Inter’s expected team

Chivu has a less depleted squad at his disposal, although Federico Dimarco will miss the game because of a knee injury. New signing Djed Spence is still working his way back to full fitness and is also not expected to start.

Josep Martinez is set to take his place in goal, while Alessandro Bastoni, Yann Bisseck and Manuel Akanji could make up the three-man defence.

In midfield, Carlos Augusto, Hakan Calhanoglu, Nicolo Barella and Andy Diouf are among those expected to feature. Chivu may adjust the team’s shape according to the system he selects, with Luis Henrique also included in the projected line-up.

Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram are expected to continue as Inter’s attacking partnership.

Lautaro Martinez heads into the match with renewed confidence after scoring twice in Inter’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Napoli last Saturday.

Real Madrid’s projected line-up is: Thibaut Courtois; Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rudiger, Ibrahima Konate; Denzel Dumfries, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Marc Cucurella; Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Junior; Kylian Mbappe.

Inter Milan’s projected line-up is: Josep Martinez; Yann Bisseck, Manuel Akanji, Alessandro Bastoni; Andy Diouf, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Carlos Augusto; Luis Henrique; Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram.

Yaya Toure will take charge of Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League for the first time on Wednesday when his side visit two-time defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, marking the latest stage of a carefully planned move into management.

Toure is no stranger to European football’s biggest club competition. The former Ivory Coast midfielder made 70 Champions League appearances, the seventh-highest total among African players, and won the trophy with FC Barcelona in 2009.

However, his match at the Parc des Princes will represent a significant first: managing a team from the touchline in the competition he once helped to win as a player.

The 42-year-old has taken a measured approach to his coaching career rather than relying on his reputation to secure a major job immediately. During his playing days, he worked with a number of highly influential managers.

Frank Rijkaard gave him his opportunity at FC Barcelona, while Pep Guardiola exposed him to the demanding principles of positional play. At Manchester City, Roberto Mancini gave Toure greater attacking responsibility and helped unlock another side of his game. Manuel Pellegrini then oversaw the most prolific season of his career.

Despite those experiences, Toure has identified Rijkaard as the coach who influenced him most.

« C’est probablement lui qui m’a le plus influence », he said when he was presented by Slovan Bratislava.

A four-time African Footballer of the Year, Toure began his coaching career in 2021 as an assistant at Olimpik Donetsk in Ukraine before taking a similar role at Akhmat Grozny in Russia. He later worked with Tottenham’s Under-16s and joined Carl Hoefkens at Standard de Liege.

« Je dois avancer etape par etape. Je suis dans un processus d’apprentissage », he said at the time.

His development then brought him back together with Mancini as an assistant with the Saudi Arabia national team. That experience preceded his first senior role as a head coach at Slovan Bratislava.

A historic start in Slovakia

Slovan appointed Toure as their head coach this summer, giving him his first major opportunity to lead a club. He quickly set out an ambitious vision for how he wants the team to play.

« Nous voulons pratiquer un football dominant et agressif. C’est notre plan clair. »

Toure has also stressed the importance of intensity, hard work and the improvement of individual players.

« Les joueurs doivent etre les stars. Je veux les pousser jusqu’a leurs limites », he said after arriving in Bratislava.

His approach draws on the lessons learned from his former managers, although he has made clear that he does not intend simply to copy any of them.

Toure has already made history in the role by becoming the first African coach to guide a club into the main phase of the Champions League. Slovan secured their place in the league phase by eliminating Celje.

The start of his tenure has not been without difficulties, however, with two recent league defeats underlining that his education as a head coach is still continuing.

The challenge at PSG will be considerably greater. Toure’s desire for Slovan to dominate and play aggressively is likely to be tested by a significant difference in resources and experience, particularly against a team that has won the Champions League in each of the past two seasons.

Wednesday’s match will not determine the success of Toure’s managerial career. It will, nevertheless, offer a clear measure of the journey he has taken: from one of Africa’s greatest players, through a series of assistant and youth-team roles, to a first major European night as the man in charge.

Rather than seeking the spotlight immediately after retiring, Toure chose to learn the profession step by step. At the Parc des Princes, he will begin to discover what his coaching identity can achieve on the biggest stage of all.

Jordan Ayew is set to continue his career in the Championship after reaching a verbal agreement with Sheffield United, according to Footy-Africa. The 34-year-old Ghana captain has been a free agent since leaving Leicester and is now waiting for the English club to create room in its registered squad before the move can be formally completed.

Ayew chose Sheffield United after rejecting approaches from the Cypriot league last week. Africafoot had previously reported exclusively on those offers. The forward’s preference was to remain in a more demanding competition, and the opportunity to stay in the Championship has now provided him with a route back into English football.

The agreement with Sheffield United follows the breakdown of several other possible moves within the division. Talks between Ayew and Blackburn Rovers failed to produce an agreement, while Burnley ended its interest after signing Jamie Vardy.

Sheffield United moved quickly when the opportunity to sign the Ghana international became available. The club approached Ayew late on Monday and reached a verbal agreement with him soon afterwards. However, the transfer cannot yet be officially announced because the Blades must first resolve an issue involving their squad registration.

Under the Championship’s squad rules, Sheffield United must have room within its registered group of 25 players for the season. The club’s management therefore needs to release one member of its current squad before Ayew can be officially registered.

His contract will be signed and validated only after that departure has taken place. Until then, the agreement remains subject to the necessary administrative step, despite the understanding already reached between the player and Sheffield United.

The timing comes as Blackburn Rovers prepare to face Sheffield United in the sixth round of the English Championship. The match will take place shortly, meaning Ayew’s proposed new club could face one of the sides that had previously been involved in discussions with the former Leicester forward.

The betting company 1xbet has listed Blackburn Rovers at odds of 2.95 to win that fixture. A draw is priced at 3.40, while Sheffield United are offered at 2.28 to take victory.

Ayew’s immediate future consequently depends not on another negotiation with Sheffield United, but on the club freeing a place in its 25-man squad. Once that condition is met, the verbal agreement reached on Monday can proceed to a formal signing and the registration of the Ghana captain.

Club Brugge will host Aston Villa at the Jan Breydel Stadium on Tuesday, with kick-off scheduled for 16:45 in a highly anticipated UEFA Champions League encounter.

The Belgian side will hope home advantage can help them produce a major result against one of the Premier League’s leading clubs. With the support of their own supporters behind them, Club Brugge approach the match with the ambition of making a strong statement on the European stage.

The Jan Breydel Stadium is expected to provide a powerful setting for the occasion, with the home crowd eager to see their team challenge Aston Villa from the opening minutes. For Club Brugge, the fixture also brings back particularly positive memories of playing this competition at home.

In their previous confrontation in the UEFA Champions League at the Jan Breydel Stadium, the Gazelles secured a 1-0 victory. That result offers encouragement before another demanding test, while the Belgian players will look to draw on the same collective defensive strength and intensity.

Club Brugge’s challenge will be to reproduce that level of organisation against an Aston Villa side determined to take control of the game. The hosts intend to use the atmosphere inside the stadium to unsettle their visitors early and make the match difficult from the outset.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, travel to Belgium with a clear objective: impose their tempo and return home with all three points. Unai Emery’s team have a squad capable of competing at the highest level of European football, but they will be aware that the trip carries its own dangers.

The Villans will need to manage the occasion carefully if they are to avoid being caught by a Club Brugge side energised by its home support. Aston Villa’s quality gives them the status of a formidable opponent, yet the Belgian club will see the match as an opportunity to challenge a prominent Premier League team.

That balance between Aston Villa’s European ambitions and Club Brugge’s confidence at the Jan Breydel Stadium gives the fixture its appeal. The hosts will seek to repeat the solidity that brought them a 1-0 home win in their previous Champions League confrontation at the venue, while the visitors will aim to make their greater experience and squad strength count.

With both teams approaching the match with clear ambitions, Tuesday’s meeting promises a compelling contest in Bruges. Club Brugge will rely on the energy of the Gazelles and their supporters, while Aston Villa and Unai Emery will attempt to dictate the rhythm and secure the three points.

With only a few hours to go before Borussia Dortmund face Villarreal, the two sides are preparing for another European contest at Signal Iduna Park.

Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 GMT on Tuesday, with both clubs expected to make significant use of their recognised attacking options. Dortmund are set to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, while Villarreal are expected to adopt a 4-4-2 system.

Dortmund’s proposed team would see Gregor Kobel start in goal behind a three-man defence of El Chadaille Bitshiabu Gadou, Nico Anton and Svensson. Julian Ryerson and Jobe Bellingham are expected to operate as the wide players in midfield, with Joey Veerman and Karetsas completing the central area.

In attack, Ethan Nwaneri and Maximilian Beier could play behind Serhou Guirassy, who is expected to lead the line.

Dortmund will be without Nico Schlotterbeck and Ramy Bensebaini, who are suspended for the match. Sadio Mane, Konstantinos Konstantelias and Emre Can are also reported to be unavailable because of injuries.

Villarreal are expected to respond with a back four in front of Peter Gulacsi. The defensive line could consist of Santiago Mourino, Juan Foyth? Wait source says Costa, Veiga, Romero, and Foyth absent. Need not identify first name. Use names exactly. "Mourino, Costa, Veiga and Romero." Midfield is expected to feature Nicolas Pepe, Santi Comesana, Pape Gueye and Tajon Buchanan.

Georges Mikautadze and Gerard Moreno are tipped to form Villarreal’s attacking partnership. The Spanish side have one reported absentee, with Foyth the only player listed as unavailable.

The predicted line-ups are:

Borussia Dortmund (3-4-2-1): Kobel; Gadou, Anton, Svensson; Ryerson, Bellingham, Veerman, Karetsas; Nwaneri, Beier; Guirassy.

Villarreal (4-4-2): Gulacsi; Mourino, Costa, Veiga, Romero; Pepe, Comesana, Gueye, Buchanan; Mikautadze, Moreno.

The match at Signal Iduna Park will provide another European test for both teams, with Dortmund’s defensive absences and Villarreal’s single reported omission shaping the expected selections. The final teams will be confirmed before the 19:00 GMT start on Tuesday.

Patrick Vieira is expected to introduce several new faces when he names his first Senegal squad on Friday, with Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye unavailable for the opening Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers.

Senegal begin their campaign against Mozambique at the Stade Leopold-Sedar-Senghor in Dakar on 25 September before travelling to Ethiopia four days later. Sarr and Ndiaye will miss both fixtures after being suspended by CAF for their conduct towards the referee during the most recent Africa Cup of Nations final.

The pair could return for Senegal’s friendly against Comoros in Marseille on 4 October, although Vieira may decide to leave them out after a turbulent transfer window. The new manager’s first squad is expected to provide an early indication of his plans to inject fresh talent into the Lions following their disappointing World Cup campaign, which ended in the round of 16.

Vieira is understood to favour a gradual renewal of the Senegal team rather than a complete overhaul. Several players pushing for their first senior call-up could benefit from that approach.

Sadibou Sane is among those expected to receive his first invitation to the senior squad. The 22-year-old central defender moved from FC Metz to AS Monaco during the summer in a deal reported to be worth about 10 million euros and has quickly established himself with the club.

His strength in one-on-one challenges, aerial ability and composure when playing out from defence have attracted attention. Sane was part of the Senegal side that won the 2023 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, although he played only a limited role during the tournament. He now appears ready to take the next step in his international career.

Lamine Sy could also be included for the first time. The AJ Auxerre right-back had already been monitored by the previous Senegal coaching staff and was named among the reserves before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

His possible selection would address a shortage on the right side of defence. Ilay Camara is recovering from a foot injury, Antoine Mendy has suffered a cruciate ligament rupture and Krepin Diatta is currently without a club. Sy, 24, has been playing regularly in Ligue 1 and offers a natural option at wing-back or full-back, with the potential to provide greater defensive security.

Nobel Mendy is expected to return to the Senegal squad after making his senior debut in March. The 22-year-old, who now plays for Hull City, can operate at centre-back or on the left side of defence.

There had been concern after Mendy suffered a fitness problem at the end of August, but the former Betis player has since returned to action. His inclusion would give Vieira more defensive flexibility while helping to reduce the team’s reliance on its established senior players.

The first squad is therefore unlikely to represent a full-scale revolution. Instead, Vieira appears set to combine Senegal’s experienced core with players who are beginning to make an impression at club level. Sane, Sy and Mendy could become the first beneficiaries of the new manager’s attempt to begin a new cycle.

The setting for Vieira’s opening home match will also mark a return to the past. Senegal will face Mozambique at the Stade Leopold-Sedar-Senghor, a historic venue the Lions have not used in recent years.

By Naim Beneddra

AEK Athens and LASK begin their UEFA Champions League league-phase campaigns on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, with the match scheduled to kick off at 18:45 in Athens 16:45 GMT. Viewers will be able to follow the game through a number of official broadcasters, although availability will depend on their country and television package.

The fixture is being shown across several territories, with the rights divided between different UEFA partners. In sub-Saharan Africa, the competition is distributed by CANAL+, SuperSport and New World TV. The availability of AEK Athens v LASK may therefore vary from one country to another and according to the broadcaster’s package.

UEFA lists CANAL+, SuperSport and New World TV as official partners for the Champions League in the region. Supporters are advised to check the listings for their local service before kick-off to confirm whether the match is included.

In a number of English-speaking countries, including South Africa and Nigeria, SuperSport holds the relevant broadcasting rights. The group also provides digital coverage of the UEFA Champions League through its online platforms, subject to the rights available in each market.

In Greece, where the match is taking place, UEFA Champions League coverage is held by Cosmote TV and AlterEgo. Greek viewers should consult those broadcasters’ schedules for the live transmission of the game.

The match is also being shown in Austria, where Sky Austria is among the broadcasters carrying the competition. That is particularly relevant to supporters following LASK, whose domestic market is Austria.

In France, AEK Athens v LASK is scheduled to be broadcast on CANAL+ Sport. The match is also available to stream through myCANAL, in line with the published programming for the opening matchday.

Subscribers to the relevant services can watch the fixture online via the digital platforms operated by CANAL+, SuperSport or Sky. However, streaming access is governed by territorial rights, meaning that the availability of the live feed, and the platform providing it, can differ depending on the viewer’s location and subscription.

The UEFA Champions League’s broadcast arrangements are set on a market-by-market basis. UEFA recommends that fans consult its list of official partners to identify the authorised broadcaster in their territory.

Where a live television or streaming broadcast is not accessible, the UEFA website will provide live events and statistics from the match. That service offers supporters an alternative way to follow the action and key data as AEK Athens and LASK start their league-phase campaigns.

The UEFA Champions League returns to Athens on Tuesday, with AEK Athens hosting LASK at the AEK Arena in the opening matchday of the league phase.

The fixture marks a significant occasion for both clubs. AEK Athens are returning to Europe’s leading club competition for the first time in seven seasons, while LASK are appearing in the main phase of the Champions League for the first time in their history.

For AEK Athens, this will be the sixth Champions League final-stage appearance in the club’s history. Their most recent campaign came in the 2018-19 season, when they lost all six of their matches against Bayern Munich, Ajax and Benfica.

Their overall record in the group or league phase is modest. AEK Athens have won only two of their 30 matches at that stage of the competition. Both victories came during the 2006-07 season, when they defeated Lille and AC Milan by 1-0.

However, the Greek club enters this campaign in far stronger form. AEK Athens secured their place in the league phase by beating Levski Sofia 4-0 in the second leg of their qualifying tie, having drawn the first meeting. They kept clean sheets in both matches.

The club have also built an encouraging European record in recent seasons. AEK Athens have lost only three of their past 19 continental matches, recording 11 wins and five draws during that run.

LASK, meanwhile, reached the league phase after producing one of the most dramatic comebacks of the qualifying rounds. The Austrian side were beaten 3-0 by Celtic in the first leg of their play-off, but overturned the deficit in the return match with a 5-1 victory after extra time.

That result ended an 11-match run without a win in European competition and secured LASK’s first appearance in the main phase of the Champions League.

Their away record in Europe remains a concern, however. LASK have failed to win any of their past 11 continental matches on the road, losing 10 and drawing one.

The teams have never previously met. LASK have also yet to face a Greek club in European competition.

LASK arrive in Athens as Austrian champions and holders of the Austrian Cup, giving them strong domestic credentials despite their difficult European away form. AEK Athens, though, can draw on home advantage and greater experience of major Champions League nights.

The two sides will be seeking a strong start to a league phase consisting of eight matchdays. For both clubs, victory would provide an immediate boost in a historic campaign and give them an early platform from which to challenge for progress in the competition.

Real Madrid and Inter Milan meet on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, in one of the headline fixtures of the opening round of the UEFA Champions League league phase, with official broadcasters offering live coverage and streaming options in different regions.

The match will begin at 21:00 local time in Spain, which is 19:00 GMT. Supporters of both clubs will be able to watch the game through a number of authorised broadcasters, although the available service will depend on the country.

In sub-Saharan Africa, UEFA Champions League coverage is provided by CANAL+, SuperSport and New World TV, with the exact broadcaster varying between territories. CANAL+ subscribers can also use the platform’s streaming services to follow the meeting between Real Madrid and Inter Milan.

For English-speaking countries in Africa, including Nigeria and South Africa, the match will be shown by SuperSport. SuperSport has listed the fixture on SuperSport Football Plus and SuperSport Maximo 1.

In France, the game will be broadcast on CANAL+ FOOT. Subscribers will also be able to stream it through CANAL+ Live and myCANAL.

Broadcast arrangements are different elsewhere in Europe, where rights are held by local providers. In Germany, for example, UEFA lists DAZN and Amazon Prime among the broadcasters carrying the UEFA Champions League.

The official UEFA broadcaster listings provide the relevant information for each country. Viewers should check the list for their territory to confirm which service has the rights to show Real Madrid v Inter Milan.

Those without access to a video broadcaster can still follow the game online through the official UEFA website. UEFA’s match centre will provide live events and statistics during the fixture.

Other platforms, including FotMob, will also offer real-time updates, including the score, team line-ups and the main incidents from the match.

The fixture is part of the first matchday of the new league-phase schedule, making it an early contest between two of European football’s best-known clubs. Real Madrid and Inter Milan’s meeting is therefore among the most prominent matches on the opening night, with coverage presented through different official services according to the viewer’s location.

For supporters planning to watch online, the available streaming route will depend on the broadcaster holding the rights in their country. CANAL+ customers in relevant territories can use the platform’s digital options, while viewers in France can access CANAL+ Live and myCANAL. In Germany, DAZN and Amazon Prime are included in UEFA’s official list of broadcasters.

Where live video is unavailable, the UEFA website and FotMob provide alternatives for following the match as it happens through updates, statistics, line-ups and key events.

Yassine Bounou suffered an undisclosed injury during the warm-up before Al-Hilal’s Saudi Pro League match against Neom, leaving both his club and Morocco uncertain about his availability for the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The Morocco goalkeeper had been named in Al-Hilal’s starting line-up for Monday evening’s fixture, but did not take his place on the pitch after feeling discomfort before kick-off. He returned to the dressing room and was replaced at the last moment by Mohammed Al-Owais.

Al-Hilal have not yet provided a precise diagnosis or indicated how long Bounou might be unavailable. Reports in Moroccan and Saudi media suggest the 35-year-old experienced pain at the back of his thigh, possibly involving his hamstring.

Further medical examinations are required to establish the exact nature of the problem. Until those results are released, it remains unclear whether Bounou was withdrawn as a precaution or has suffered a more significant muscular injury.

The timing is particularly unfortunate for Bounou after an impressive start to the season. He remains a key figure for Al-Hilal and had produced several strong performances in the opening weeks of the campaign.

Before the match against Neom, Bounou had kept three clean sheets in the four league games immediately preceding it. Al-Hilal, managed by Simone Inzaghi, suffered their first defeat of the season in his absence, losing 2-0.

Bounou’s importance to Morocco is equally well established. He was again one of the Atlas Lions’ outstanding performers at the 2026 World Cup and has long been regarded as a central part of the national team.

The injury has therefore raised concern in Morocco ahead of the next international break. Mohamed Ouahbi is due to announce his squad soon for the opening two rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Morocco are scheduled to host Gabon in Rabat on 25 September before travelling to South Africa to face Lesotho four days later. Bounou still has more than two weeks in which to recover, but his involvement will depend on the findings of his medical tests.

If he is ruled out, Munir Mohamedi would be the most experienced alternative, although his regular playing time at club level remains a factor to monitor. El Mehdi Benabid could also move up the pecking order.

The question of who will eventually succeed Bounou, and which other goalkeeping options are available to Morocco, has been raised regularly. For now, however, there is no official indication that the situation is serious enough to justify an alarmist conclusion.

Even so, the injury has arrived at an awkward moment, with Morocco preparing for the first gathering of a new cycle and the beginning of their qualifying campaign. Al-Hilal and the Atlas Lions must now wait for the examinations to determine whether Bounou’s absence will be brief or extend into September’s internationals.

The Benin U20 women’s team return to action on Tuesday with a decisive Group A match against Argentina, after opening their campaign with a valuable 2-2 draw against Mexico.

The Amazones U20 secured an important point in their first match and now face an Argentina side seeking a response after suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat by Poland. With both teams facing a significant moment in the group, Benin have a major opportunity to strengthen their hopes of reaching the next round.

Kick-off is scheduled for 13:00 GMT.

The match will be broadcast nationally in Benin on Benin TV, while international viewers can watch it on beIN Sports. The game is expected to attract considerable attention as Benin attempt to build on their encouraging start against Mexico.

The 2-2 draw gave the Benin side a positive opening to the tournament, but their next assignment presents a different challenge against Argentina. The South American team come into the fixture under pressure following their three-goal loss to Poland and will be determined to recover in Group A.

For Benin, the contest represents more than a second group match. A strong result would improve their position in the competition and help them pursue what would be a historic place in the next round. Their draw with Mexico demonstrated their ability to compete at this level, and they will now look to produce another important performance against Argentina.

The Amazones U20 will therefore be aiming to maintain the momentum created by their first appearance in the group. Argentina, meanwhile, must respond after their difficult start against Poland, setting up a crucial encounter for both teams.

Supporters in Benin can follow the national coverage through Benin TV, with beIN Sports providing the international broadcast. The match begins at 13:00 GMT on Tuesday.

Borussia Dortmund will welcome Villarreal to Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday as the UEFA Champions League returns, with the German side facing the club they defeated 4-0 in their previous meeting in the competition.

The match, which begins at 19:00 GMT, brings together Dortmund’s famous “Yellow Wall” and Villarreal’s “Yellow Submarine” in another contest between two teams with a recent European history. Dortmund will be aiming to make a strong start to this new Champions League campaign, while Villarreal will be seeking revenge for their heavy defeat in Germany.

The sides last met in November 2025, when Borussia Dortmund produced a dominant performance at home. They scored four times without reply, with Serhou Guirassy playing a central role by finding the net twice.

That result gives Dortmund the psychological advantage before Tuesday’s fixture. It also adds significance to Villarreal’s return to Signal Iduna Park, where the Spanish club will attempt to respond after being comfortably beaten in the previous encounter.

Dortmund, meanwhile, will look to maintain their authority on home soil against Villarreal. Another victory would allow them to underline their advantage in this particular fixture and provide a positive opening to their latest European campaign.

Despite the attention surrounding the rematch, the overall head-to-head record remains closely balanced. The clubs have met three times in total, with Dortmund winning once, Villarreal winning once and the other match ending in a draw.

The German side have scored six goals across those encounters, compared with four for Villarreal. Those figures reflect the narrow difference between the teams over the longer history of the fixture, although Dortmund’s most recent victory was emphatic.

The meeting at Signal Iduna Park therefore combines the weight of that 4-0 result with a relatively even record between the clubs. Dortmund will hope the support of the “Yellow Wall” can help them reproduce the performance that delivered their previous win, while Villarreal will try to change the pattern established by that November defeat.

With both teams beginning a new Champions League campaign, Tuesday’s game offers Dortmund the chance to confirm their strength at home and Villarreal an immediate opportunity to answer their critics on the European stage.

Mali will make their first appearance at the UFOA A U17 tournament on Tuesday when they face Liberia, with the Aiglons aiming to make a strong start to their campaign.

The Group B programme takes centre stage after the tournament opened on Monday with Senegal beating Mauritania. Mali’s meeting with Liberia is the first match of the day, before Guinea and Guinea-Bissau face one another in the second fixture.

Mali are among the teams competing for a place in the next U17 Africa Cup of Nations. Their opening match gives them an immediate opportunity to set the tone for their tournament, while Liberia will also be looking to begin with a positive result.

The Aiglons follow Senegal’s Lion Cubs into the competition. Senegal played the opening match on Monday, securing victory against Mauritania, and the attention now turns to Mali as Group B gets under way.

Eight teams from the West African zone are gathered in Senegal for the tournament. They will attempt to challenge the established order in the region, with Senegal and Mali identified as the sides that have previously set the benchmark.

The competition will continue through the group-stage fixtures before concluding on 20 September. For Mali, the priority is to start the campaign with three points against Liberia, while the day’s other match will see Guinea take on Guinea-Bissau.

Both matches are scheduled to be played on Tuesday, with the opening fixture between Mali and Liberia starting at 16:00. Guinea’s meeting with Guinea-Bissau is due to follow at 19:00.

Tuesday’s UFOA A U17 schedule

16:00 – Mali v Liberia

19:00 – Guinea v Guinea-Bissau

With the official list due to be published within hours, Sadio Mane is reportedly set to be included among the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

The claim, made by British journalist Ben Jacobs, has sparked debate in Senegal and across African football. A place on the shortlist would be a surprise for the 34-year-old Al-Nassr forward, who is now playing outside the European spotlight and appears to have moved beyond the peak of his career.

But while Mane is not regarded as one of the leading contenders, his case is stronger than some critics suggest. Afrik-Foot had already identified him as a possible African nominee, although it placed him well behind the main favourites.

His strongest argument is his contribution to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Mane scored twice and provided three assists in seven matches as Senegal reached the final against Morocco. Senegal won 1-0 after extra time, and Mane was named the tournament’s best player.

That award was subsequently transferred to Morocco by the CAF appeals jury in March, after the result of the final was changed on a forfeit decision. Even so, Mane’s influence during the competition extended beyond his statistics.

During a tense final, the Senegal captain persuaded his team-mates to return to the pitch after their angry departure. His intervention was viewed as an example of leadership and sporting behaviour qualities that form part of the Ballon d’Or criteria alongside individual performances and team trophies.

Mane also enjoyed a productive campaign in Saudi Arabia. He scored 10 goals and supplied six assists in 25 league appearances, helping Al-Nassr win the Saudi Pro League and end the Riyadh club’s seven-year wait for the title.

He scored in the decisive victory over Damac on the final day of the season. Although he has not reproduced the same brilliance he showed during his time at Liverpool, Mane remained an effective and influential player for his club.

There are, however, clear reasons for questioning his inclusion. Senegal’s World Cup campaign ended in the round of 32, while Mane failed to score in four appearances. He did not rediscover the influence he had demonstrated only a few months earlier at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The standard and global exposure of the Saudi Pro League are also likely to count against him when compared with players who excelled in the UEFA Champions League or Europe’s leading domestic competitions. The Ballon d’Or recognises a player’s season rather than their entire career.

The initial list of 30 is drawn up by members of the France Football and L’Equipe editorial teams, alongside former jurors and UEFA ambassadors. It is not yet the final vote conducted by international journalists.

Mane finished second in the 2022 Ballon d’Or voting behind Karim Benzema, and that reputation will inevitably influence perceptions of him. However, describing his possible nomination as a gift would be unfair. He was named the best player at the Africa Cup of Nations and won the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr.

His inclusion would be unexpected, but it would not be an outrageous decision.

Naim Beneddra has followed football since childhood and has worked as a journalist for more than 20 years. He writes, analyses matches and remains passionate about telling the stories of the people who shape the sport. A committed supporter of the Fennecs, he pays particular attention to Algerian football.

Ibrahim Hachoud has outlined the reasons behind his return to USM Khenchela after leaving MC Oran, saying his time with El Hamraoua had been a very positive experience despite the circumstances surrounding his departure.

The Algerian defender discussed the move during an interview with Maghreb-Foot, as he began a new campaign with USM Khenchela. Hachoud confirmed that he had left MC Oran during the summer, although he did not provide further details about the particular circumstances that led to the decision.

His comments offered a positive assessment of his spell at MC Oran. Despite moving on, Hachoud described his time with El Hamraoua favourably, while also explaining his decision to return to USM Khenchela.

The defender is now part of a USM Khenchela squad that is aiming to challenge near the top of the table. The club believes it has assembled a quality squad for the new campaign and will also rely on the experience of manager Bilal Dziri.

That combination of playing personnel and managerial experience is expected to support USM Khenchela’s ambition of securing a high league position. Hachoud’s return forms part of the club’s preparations for the season ahead, with the team seeking to make the most of both its squad and the guidance of Dziri.

Hachoud’s comments were published as part of Africafoot’s live news coverage on 8 September 2026. The football news feed follows developments involving African players, including transfer rumours, confirmed moves, records and other stories connected to the continent’s footballers.

The update focused specifically on Hachoud’s return to USM Khenchela and his explanation of the move from MC Oran. While the defender referred to particular circumstances behind his departure, no further information on those circumstances was given in the report.

His description of his period at MC Oran suggests that the move was not presented as a rejection of the club or of his experience there. Instead, the report places the emphasis on the reasons for beginning a new chapter at USM Khenchela and on the objectives set by his current club.

USM Khenchela’s immediate target is to finish in the upper part of the table. The club’s plans are based on the quality of its squad and the experience of Bilal Dziri, while Hachoud’s return gives the team another experienced defender for the campaign.

For now, the details available centre on the player’s explanation, the positive way in which he views his time with MC Oran and the ambitions of USM Khenchela. Further developments concerning the defender or the club may emerge through Africafoot’s ongoing coverage.