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.
Who are the favorites: Senegal, Nigeria, and Egypt?
Well, the writing is on the wall; Nigeria, Egypt and Senegal are undoubtedly top favorites to claim the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations title. But what makes them the teams to beat, what do they have up their sleeves?
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.
Al Ahly: The road to continental dominance
Formed as a small institution to unite Egypt’s high school students fighting colonialism in the early 20th century, Al Ahly has become a global movement. The African Club of The Century have an astounding total of 128 trophies, which inevitably makes them the most successful football club in the world.
Egypt's talented Ramadan Sobhi faces an uphill task back to the limelight
After an impressive start to his professional career with record CAF Champions League winners, Ah Ahly, Sobhi found himself in the English Premier League. First with Stoke City and now with Huddersfield Town until he had to return where it all started in a loan move. What does the future hold for the 22-year-old?
"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.
FT's 10 Best Moments of 2018: #1 The global reign of the Egyptian King
Looking back on the year, 2018 and the Legend of Mo Salah have now become synonymous. The Egyptian took the Premier League by storm, and is showing zero signs of slowing down, as he continues to spearhead maybe the most balanced team in the country in Klopp’s Liverpool. Here’s to more of the same in 2019!
Are Africans peaking in the English Premier League?
The African football stars all over the world in premium leagues such as the Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A and quite recently the Chinese Super League, have been usually, a part of the pack. It however seems like they are starting to lead the pack as far as the English Premier League is concerned.
10 Africans unsettled in the English Premier League: #6 Mo Elneny
The January transfer window is a few weekends away. In our anticipation and excitement of possible moves, we have taken to lay down 10 “unsettled” African stars in the English top flight, the Premier League. Arsenal’s Egyptian midfielder is also on the ten-man list.
What’s happening with Mo Elneny at Arsenal?
The Egyptian international has moved further down the pecking order at Arsenal in recent years reducing his appearance in mainly cup ties such as the Europa League and Carabao Cup. Having reached the ‘prime’ footballing age, should he still settle or perhaps consider moving on?
Liverpool's FAB 3 predatory reign is just getting started
Barcelona’s MSN came, saw and conquered. So did Real Madrid’s BBC with Bale, Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo. PSG’s MEN with Mbappe, Edinson Cavani and Neymar were priced to be the next looters capable of bringing the 2018/19 UCL trophy to Paris. But did Liverpool’s win over PSG on Tuesday twist the plot? The FAB 3 with its African roots in Mane and Salah really mean business.
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.
Mo Salah: The conundrums of the Egyptian's "King" status
FIFA Best Footballer of the world finalist, 2017 CAF Player of the Year, 2017/18 EPL Top Goal Scorerç Liverpool’s player of the season and many other countless award winner, Mohamed Salah is involved in a less than ideal relationship with local Egyptian officials.
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.
Liverpool making the right noises – Thanks to the Africans
Man City are looking like they may be EPL runaway leaders once more. But last campaign’s UEFA Champions League finalists, Liverpool are looking quite sharp with their African talent on fleek
FT English Premier League Preview: Can Salah replicate his form from last season?
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates scoring the first goal with Roberto Firmino during the Quarter Final Second Leg match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium on April 10, 2018 in Manchester, England.
FT English Premier League Preview: How will Aubameyang fair during a full EPL season?
Pierre Aubameyang will look to continue his excellent form with Arsenal FC this season.