Author: Ousmane Tandja

Journalist

Senegal women’s football team faces Tunisia in la28 olympic qualifiers

Ousmane Tandja

The Senegalese women’s national football team is set to face Tunisia in a two-legged playoff for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics (LA28) qualification, with matches scheduled for October 2026. The draw for the African Women’s Olympic Football Qualification Tournament was held on April 29, outlining a comprehensive competition running from June 1, 2026, to December 4, 2027. This qualifying phase consists of five knockout rounds played in a home-and-away format. The initial round will feature the six lowest-ranked teams in the FIFA standings: Sudan vs Comoros, South Sudan vs Madagascar,…

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Niger strengthens healthcare with new integrated health centers in Maradi and Tessaoua

Ousmane Tandja

Niger’s Maradi region is enhancing its healthcare network with the inauguration of three new type II Integrated Health Centers (CSI). These facilities, located in Maradi and Tessaoua, represent a major leap forward in expanding access to essential medical services for urban and peri-urban populations. Transforming healthcare access in Maradi and Tessaoua The Maradi region, often referred to as Niger’s economic hub, is undergoing a significant transformation in its healthcare infrastructure. Through the Integrated Urban Development and Multisectoral Resilience Project (PIDUREM), three new type II Integrated Health Centers (CSI) are being…

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Senegalese referee selected for caf u17 2025 preparation stage

Ousmane Tandja

The African Football Confederation (CAF) has announced the list of referees selected for the preparatory stage ahead of the upcoming U17 Africa Cup of Nations, a crucial step before the final list of officials for the tournament in Morocco from 13 May to 2 June is revealed. For this phase, Senegal will be represented by a single referee: El Hadj Amadou Sy. Following this preparatory stage, the CAF will finalize the list of referees officiating at the U17 CAN in Morocco. Granted FIFA international referee status in 2019, El Hadj…

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South Africa: Kemi Seba remains in detention as extradition looms

Ousmane Tandja

Franco-Béninois activist Kemi Seba continues to be held in detention after a South African court ruled on April 29 to deny his release, dismissing arguments presented by his defense team. The decision comes amid mounting pressure, including the invalidation of a diplomatic passport claim and the weight of two international arrest warrants issued by Bénin. This development underscores the legal rigor prevailing over activist posturing, with the case adjourned until May 11. A decisive legal stance The presiding judge in Pretoria firmly rejected the possibility of bail for Kemi Seba,…

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Examining the impact of Russian security forces on Mali and the Sahel

Ousmane Tandja

How Russia’s security involvement is reshaping the Sahel landscape As Moscow strengthens its military ties across the Sahel, its effectiveness in protecting Mali is coming under intense investigation. Following a series of intense offensives by insurgent groups against the Malian Armed Forces, the nation’s military leader, Assimi Goita, recently announced that the government remains in command. He noted that Russian tactical units provided vital aerial assistance to block rebels from seizing strategic sites, including the seat of power in Bamako. Nevertheless, stability in this West African territory remains precarious. The…

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Paris Saint-Germain edge out Bayern Munich in a historic nine-goal thriller

Ousmane Tandja

In a display worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster, Paris Saint-Germain secured a narrow advantage for the Champions League final by defeating Bayern Munich 5-4. This encounter is destined to be remembered as a classic in the tournament’s history. There are evenings when football transcends sport, evolving into a chaotic masterpiece. This Tuesday at the Parc des Princes, PSG and Bayern Munich didn’t just compete in a semi-final first leg; they engaged in an epic offensive duel where defending seemed optional compared to the brilliance of the forwards. The Kvaratskhelia and…

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Mali football coach tom saintfiet steps down amid crisis

Ousmane Tandja

Coach Tom Saintfiet has officially stepped down from his role as head coach of Mali’s national football team, ending his tenure in April 2026 after nearly two years in charge. The Belgian tactician, who took charge in August 2024, announced his departure amid escalating political tensions and security challenges in the country. In a heartfelt statement shared on Facebook, Saintfiet reflected on his experience, expressing pride in his work despite difficult circumstances. “Today marks the end of my mission as head coach of Mali’s senior national team. I leave with…

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Mali thanks its belgian coach after world cup failure

Ousmane Tandja

Mali thanks outgoing Belgian coach after World Cup 2026 qualification setback The Mali national football team has made a formal change in its coaching staff. The Mali Football Federation (Femafoot) announced the departure of Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet, ending his tenure on Tuesday evening. The 53-year-old tactician, who took charge in August 2024, failed to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and saw his team eliminated in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by Senegal. The newly elected president of Femafoot, Mahazou Cisset, took to…

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New fifa rules ahead of 2026 world cup after controversial Senegal-Maroc can final

Ousmane Tandja

New FIFA rules ahead of 2026 World Cup after controversial Senegal-Maroc CAN final As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, global football’s governing body is tightening its regulatory framework to curb extreme disputes on the pitch. This move follows a turbulent 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco, which saw players leave the field mid-match, sparking widespread debate. The 18 January 2025 showdown in Rabat ended in controversy after Senegal’s players walked off following a disputed penalty awarded to Morocco and a disallowed goal for the Lions…

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Can 2025 title dispute reaches tas as Morocco faces deadline

Ousmane Tandja

The legal saga surrounding the CAN 2025 title has taken a fresh turn, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) imposing a critical deadline on the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). The sole arbitrator has set May 7, 2026 as the final date for Morocco to submit its defense brief in response to Senegal’s appeal. This looming deadline ratchets up pressure on the FRMF and signals another pivotal chapter in a high-stakes dispute that has gripped African football for weeks. Morocco given until may 2026 to defend CAN 2025…

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Morocco’s unwavering support for Mali amidst escalating regional tensions

Ousmane Tandja

Rabat recently reiterated its steadfast support for Mali before the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC), unequivocally condemning the synchronized terrorist and separatist assaults that rocked the West African nation last Saturday. During the AU PSC session focused on Mali’s evolving situation, the Moroccan delegation expressed its strongest condemnation of the “terrorist and separatist attacks targeting civilian and military zones.” The delegation extended profound sympathy and sincere condolences to the victims’ families and the Malian populace. Morocco’s representatives reaffirmed the Kingdom’s full backing for Malian sovereignty, security, stability,…

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Senegal’s kalidou koulibaly injury concerns world cup hopes

Ousmane Tandja

The prolonged absence of Kalidou Koulibaly, Senegal’s esteemed defender and captain for Al-Hilal, due to a persistent thigh injury, is raising significant alarm with the FIFA World Cup less than two months away. Across Senegal, a growing sense of unease surrounds the unavailability of their pivotal central defender and national team captain, Kalidou Koulibaly. The 34-year-old, boasting an impressive 102 caps and 2 goals, has not featured for his Saudi Pro League club, Al-Hilal, since April 8th. Sustaining a thigh injury during a training session, the former Napoli star’s return…

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