Ian Williams

With Mohamed Salah’s move from Liverpool to Trabzonspor ending his dominance as the Premier League’s leading African star, several players are identified as potential successors. Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo is the leading candidate after joining Manchester City for £65 million, while Egypt’s Omar Marmoush, Cameroon’s Bryan Mbeumo and Senegal’s Ismaïla Sarr are also prominent contenders. Mohammed Kudus, Iliman Ndiaye, Yoane Wissa and Benjamin Fredrick could make a greater impact, while younger newcomers such as Zadok Yohanna, Bazoumana Traoré, Caleb Yirenkyi and Ayyoub Bouaddi are presented as longer-term possibilities. Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen could also fill the void if he finally moves to England.

The integrated schedule of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games is helping African para-athletes gain visibility and challenge negative attitudes toward disability. Athletes from Uganda, Mauritius and Ghana say sporting success has increased public support, government funding, accessibility initiatives and opportunities for young people with disabilities. The Games feature a record 47 para events, while athletes including Uganda’s Husnah Kukundakwe and Mauritius’s Noemie Alphonse aim to build on previous breakthroughs. Nigeria’s strong para-powerlifting performance further underlines the importance of para-sport to African medal prospects.

Senegal suffered a dramatic 3–2 defeat to Belgium in the 2026 World Cup after conceding a controversial late penalty, echoing frustrations from their disputed CAN 2025 final. Despite strong performances and a two‑goal lead, defensive errors and a VAR-confirmed foul shifted the match. The loss intensified criticism of coach Pape Thiaw, prompted midfielder Pape Gueye to pause his international career, and revived tensions over previous refereeing decisions still under appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Senegal’s World Cup elimination against Belgium mirrored their controversial Afcon final loss, with another late VAR-assisted penalty contributing to their defeat. Despite leading 2-0 through goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr, Senegal conceded three late goals, including a 125th-minute winner by Youri Tielemans. Coach Pape Thiaw faced criticism for tactical changes, while goalkeeper Mory Diaw was faulted for mistakes. The match revived memories of the overturned Afcon title and ongoing appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The result deepened frustration among players and fans, leaving Senegal devastated by another dramatic and contentious exit.