NEWS
A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
Winners and Losers from AFCON 19
As planned from the get go, there was only going to be one winner amongst the 24 AFCON 2019 finalists. Champions Algeria are the most obvious one, but who else achieved smaller wins that could set them up for a more successful future and who had a tournament they need to quickly forget.
Is VAR a superhero or a villain in the future of global football?
Even after having a major run out in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, VAR looked all new during the women’s world cup and particularly the Copa America, dishing out some fresh controversies. Even Messi came out a supposed victim of the technology more than once. But what is it really to global football, a friend or a foe?
2019 WWC Review: After all the African teams failed to make it past the Round of 16, What’s next for the game in Africa?
The progress is evident, but we need more. We look back at Africa’s overall performance at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, seek to understand why, explore some of the challenges plaguing women’s football on the continent and suggest a few solutions.
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.
Could any of the African teams shock the world?
In this 2019 edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup; Nigeria, South Africa and Cameroon will be there to show the world what Africa has to offer. In our previous article, we gave an analysis of how each of these teams have been preparing for this grand challenge.
AWCON 2018 Review: The evolvement of Asisat Oshoala and Nigeria
Nigeria bagged their historic 9th Africa Women’s Cup of Nations title early this month in Cameroon. After decades of dominance, we however noticed a change in the state of affairs in the women’s game on the continent, even in the once leading woman.
2019 AFCON: Host nation conundrum, a concerning sight?
We are a few months away from the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, the most promising ever in terms of fierceness of the competition and the talent on show from ABSA Premiership, EPL, Serie A, Bundesliga and many other top leagues. What do we make of the stripped host nation of Cameroon and the pending decision to appoint a new one?
Mali make crucial comeback as Ghana’s Black Queens suffer a shock defeat
The hosts of the 2018 Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana, are in danger of missing out on a semi-final place after being stunned by Mali. And more of the latest 2018 AWCON drama in this article.
FT Dream Team Series: Donnarumma or Andre Onana between the sticks?
Next up on our FT #DreamTeam Series we look between the sticks at young talent in Italy’s Gianluigi Donnaruma and Cameroon’s Andre Onana.
2018 Women's AFCON: 3 Lessons to learn from COSAFA 2018
The 2018 Women’s COSAFA Championship was nothing less of scintillating team performances and a notch higher in terms of overall competition. At this rate, the longing for the 2018 Women’s AFCON will not be easily doused until the day (November 17) arrives.
English Premier League Round Up: Matchday 5
Get up to speed with the thrills and spills of the English Premier League match-day six where all African players were involved.
Five reasons why you should watch the upcoming AFCON 2019
Ever wondered what goes down in other soccer domains around the world other than the acclaimed English Premier League, La Liga, FIFA World Cup only to mention but a few. Here are five reasons why the AFCON will totally rock your world and is one such a tournament you cannot afford to miss.
UEFA Champions League: Five Young Africans To Watch
Put aside Salah, Mane, Keita or Mahrez for a while. We picked up five Africans who are likely to be protagonists in this year’s UEFA Champions League tourney. Can you guess who they are?
What you need to know about the men's AFCON 2019
Are you wondering when and where to catch the AFCON 2019 qualifiers or you want to know the most successful team in the tournament, memories of previous tournaments that will live forever? All of the EPL, Serie A, Bundesliga, La Liga, ABSA and many other leagues’ talented players on show.
France's second World Cup triumph a win for African immigrants everywhere
While the French should be proud of their World Cup triumph, the France’s multinational players haven’t always been received with open arms.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: LW - Percy Tau [Mamelodi Sundowns]
Percy Tau is one of the most promising African players that still plays in Africa. He is definitely one to watch as his consistent performances with Mamelodi Sundowns in the South African PSL continue to garner attention.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: CF - Emmanuel Boateng [Levante]
Emmanuel Boateng of Levante FC is a young, talented, Ghanaian striker that is making a name for himself in La Liga after a standout performance against Barcelona FC.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: RW - Keita Balde [Monaco]
Keita Balde is a talented attacker and has a promising future for his club AS Monaco FC and the Senegal National Team.