NEWS
A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
12 National Teams that would have shined in 2020
The greatest honor of every soccer player is inarguably to wear their national colors. Women and men of a select 12 teams did it amazingly in 2019 and could be coming for more in 2020.
Who are the underdogs who could shock the world?
Leave aside the obvious; who might the whole of Africa and the world not see coming? We believe they are four other nations who could have a say in determining the destination of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations title.
FT’s 2019 AFCON Stadium Guide
The first cradle of all human civilization, Egypt, has opened its doors to the rest of the world for the 2019 AFCON tourney. Here is what you need to know about the host stadiums and places to visits.
How did Salah take the "next step"?
Premier League title or not, one thing is for certain. Mo Salah is no one-season wonder. The Egyptian pharaoh made the jump to world class territory after winning the Premier League Golden Boot back-to-back. Approaching only his 27th birthday, what looks like a “sky is the limit” career didn’t always look a sure measure.
Aubameyang vs Koulibaly: The fate of the furious
Napoli vs Arsenal in the UEFA Europa League quarter-final will be treated as a final by both sides. Even more interesting will be the Wakanda battle between Aubameyang and Koulibaly. Check out who we think will emerge victorious?
Essam El Hadary, El Maestro
He is not just the oldest player to appear in world cup match, Egypt’s El Hadary is one of the greatest footballers the continent has ever seen. A master in his craft and with loads of silverware to show for it.
U-20 AFCON: Amajita secure an elusive world cup spot
The U-20 African Cup of Nations is almost drawing to a close and South Africans will be delighted to learn that their side has sealed a place at the world cup finals. Nigeria, Senegal and Mali complete the list of Africa’s representatives in the May finals.
Giant slayer & African studded Leicester take aim at Liverpool
With more than 6 African players available for selection in Liverpool and Leicester’s Premier League meeting, we could be treated to an AFCON 2019 ‘warm up match’ away from the continent.
"Hosting AFCON 2019 good for Egyptian Football" - Mo Salah
Egypt’s adoption of the 2019 AFCON hosting rights may spell trouble for the rest of the tournament contestants as Egypt has already built a legacy on their home soil.
Thulani Serero’s Return to the Bafana Squad. Hit or Miss?
Netherlands based, Thulani Serero returns to the South African set up for the crucial 2019 AFCON clash against Nigeria on Saturday. After stirring the camp last time out, does he deserve another chance?
FT Late Heroes Series: Cheick Tiote
We remember Cheick Tiote. One tough Ivorian who had drawers full of screamers like the one he scored against Arsenal in the 4-4 Premier League thriller. The legacy of the AFCON winner lives on.
Nations In Focus Series: DR Congo, the unsung hero of African football
In this series, we explore what makes each footballing nation in Africa unique. First up is the Central African country, DR Congo, two AFCON and eight continental club titles in the form of the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederations Cup. They are quite an “introverted” nation but not on the pitch
FT Hidden Gem Series: Who is Tinotenda Kadewere?
The young Zimbabwe warriors striker is quite just a pin in the haystack of global football right now. But he helped Swedish outfit Djugardens to a an unlikely title, won the COSAFA prize with his nation and got signed by French Ligue 2 side this summer, Le Havre. What we see in him, we have seen in many other younger players that left a mark, he is on the up.
Gervinho and Yaya Toure: Aging like wine
Former Arsenal forward, Gervinho and the four time African Footballer of the Year, Yaya Toure are the two Ivorian Legends back in the headlines again and warming hearts. Will the AFCON Winners and seasoned FIFA World cup performers deliver for their new clubs?
Do you remember the Ivorian, Gervinho? He’s back in the Italian Serie A
The AFCON winner and former Arsenal and Roma player is back in the Italian Serie A Parma’s books. The same time Ronaldo joined Juventus. Are we in for some serious fun?
Women’s African Cup of Nations 2018 is around the corner
A Gabon supporter cheers for his team ahead of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group A football match between Gabon and Burkina Faso at the Stade de l'Amitie Sino-Gabonaise in Libreville on January 18, 2017. / AFP / GABRIEL BOUYS
Ivory Coast: FIF plays down Frank De Boer links to vacant managerial position
Is De Boer next in line for the Ivory Coast job?
Zimbabwe: Outspoken Chiyangwa could leave office soon
Is time running out for President Chiyangwa?