by admin_em8z1e00 | Mar 31, 2025 | Soccer News
Andrew Phiri of Zambia challenged by Sibongiseni Mthethwa of South Africa during the 2023 Hollywood Bets COSAFA Cup semifinal match between South Africa and Zambia at King Zwelithini Stadium, Umlazi on 14 July 2023
Zambian forward Andrew Phiri is understood to have made a strong impression during his assessment with Orlando Pirates, the Siya crew has learnt.
As reported by the Siya crew, the 23-year-old striker has been identified as a potential signing for the Buccaneers, with the club already laying out plans for the upcoming season.
Read – Baloyi Sounds The Alarm: SA’s Growing GK Crisis
Phiri, who currently plies his trade with Maestro United (MUZA FC) in Zambia’s top-tier league, spent last week training with Pirates, where he showcased his attacking prowess. Sources close to the situation confirm that the club has been closely monitoring his performances, assessing whether he fits into their long-term vision.
The talented player has been one of the promising strikers and a standout talent in the Zambian top flight.
His performances at club level have not gone unnoticed, earning him a call-up to Zambia’s COSAFA Cup squad, adding to him having also represented his country at various youth levels.
MUZA FC is understood to be open to a deal, given the positive feedback emerging from the Soweto giants regarding Phiri’s trial.
However, a final decision is expected to be made at the end of the current season, as Pirates carefully evaluate their squad options.
Read: Ntwari Considering Chiefs Exit Amid Growing Interest?
“He is a good player with a potential. He has done well, but there is no rush in making a decision. It’s likely to be made at the end of the season,” said the source.
“The player’s bosses at his club in Zambia are hopeful (of a deal), but they are giving Pirates enough time to decide,” said the source.
According to sources, Pirates’ decision on Phiri could also depend on the future of Angolan international attacker Gilberto who is spending the remainder of the season on loan at Petro de Luanda.
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By Masebe Qina
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Source: https://www.snl24.com/soccerladuma/local/siyagobhoza/zambian-striker-andrew-phiri-impresses-during-orlando-pirates-assessment-20250331
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by admin_em8z1e00 | Mar 31, 2025 | Soccer News
Oman finished in second place and Japan took third place
Final
IR Iran win 8-1 against Oman.
IR Iran became AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup history makers as they became the first team to win four competition titles, after defeating Oman 8-1 in the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup final to also become back-to-back champions.
It took until the final minute of the first period for the opening breakthrough to come in the final, as IR Iran’s Shirmohammadi rose the highest to give the defending champions the advantage in Pattaya.
The Iranians took firm control of the match in the second period as Reza Amiri netted his nation’s second goal of the day after converting from a free-kick. Movahed made it three with an acrobatic strike, before Nazem got his name on the scoresheet, and Mirshekari netted a brace. However, Oman found the back of the Iran net for the first time in the encounter courtesy of Al Bulushi.
Mokhtari put to bed in the third and final period as his brace capped of a delighful display from IR Iran as they successfully defended their AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup title.
3rd Place Play-off
Japan win 3-1 against Saudi Arabia.
Japan clinched a place at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025, after defeating Saudi Arabia 3-1 in the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup 3rd Place Play-off.
It was Oba to get the scoring started in the game as his bicycle kick put Japan in front in the crucial match in the closing moments of the period
Saudi brought themselves back on level terms in the second period as Majed slid home the equaliser from a free-kick, but Japan restored their advantage minutes later as Eguro beat Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Hassan with a fantastic overhead kick.
With only one goal separating the two nations throughout the majority of the third period, it was Ozu Moreira to get his name on the scoresheet for the first time in the match to seal the win for the Japanese side.
Individual awards
Following the conclusion of the competition, IR Iran’s Ali Mirshekari won the ‘MVP’ and ‘Top Scorer’ awards as IR Iran player Seyedmahdi Mirjalili was the ‘Best Goalkeeper’ of the competition.
Results
Final
IR Iran 8-1 Oman
3rd Place Play-off
Saudi Arabia 1-3 Japan
Photos: AFC
Source: https://beachsoccer.com/ir-iran-are-the-afc-beach-soccer-asian-cup-2025-champions
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by admin_em8z1e00 | Mar 31, 2025 | Soccer News
Benni McCarthy, Bafana Bafana’s all-time record goal scorer, has made a bold statement since taking the reins of the Kenya national football team.
Appointed as the Harambee Stars’ head coach earlier this month, McCarthy is determined to turn the Kenyan side into a formidable force on the international stage. Although Kenya is yet to register a win under McCarthy’s leadership, the coach remains optimistic that the best is yet to come.
Since McCarthy’s arrival, Kenya has played two FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, with mixed results. The team earned a 3-3 draw against Gambia but was narrowly defeated 2-1 by Gabon. Despite the lack of victories, McCarthy is confident that with time and the right approach, the Harambee Stars can turn things around and achieve greater success in the future.
Read: Mokoena Suspension Saga Brings Unwanted Dejavu For Khune
Reflecting on his early days with the team, McCarthy explained that he has had to adapt quickly, focusing heavily on the World Cup qualifiers from the outset.
“I haven’t watched many local games because I came in and immediately had to focus on the World Cup qualifiers. I had to rely a lot on the coaches who are there. But now, we have time between now and August. I will move around the country to try and see as many players as possible,” McCarthy told CAF online.
His plan is clear: to cast a wide net and identify the best talent Kenya has to offer. He intends to travel throughout the country to assess local players, and in doing so, he hopes to build a more cohesive and competitive squad.
“I am also hoping that we can organise small camps in between with some selected players so that we get to build a team early enough,” McCarthy added.
One of McCarthy’s key goals is to build a strong Harambee Stars team that will be competitive on the international stage. “We have to put up a very strong Harambee Stars side because we are hosting this tournament, and we can’t be there just to participate,” he said. “We have to work to get out of the group stages and into the knockout rounds, and that means we need to get a very strong team.”
McCarthy’s ambitions are aligned with his belief that Kenya’s potential is vast, and with the right guidance and preparation, the country can emerge as a competitive force in African football. His focus on developing a solid team structure, both locally and internationally, is seen as a long-term project, with the upcoming months crucial for his plans.
Read: Riveiro’s Cryptic Message Raises Questions On Pirates Future
Source: https://www.snl24.com/soccerladuma/local/sa-players-abroad/benni-mccarthy-the-best-is-yet-to-come-harambee-stars-kenya-20250331
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by admin_em8z1e00 | Mar 31, 2025 | Soccer News
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – MARCH 28: Miguel De Azevedo Cardoso, Head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns during the Nedbank Cup, quarter final match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United at Lucas Moripe Stadium on March 28, 2025 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images)
Mamelodi Sundowns secured a 1-0 victory against Sekhukhune United in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals on Friday evening, but many spectators were scratching their heads regarding a few of the refereeing decisions.
Ultimately, Bafana Bafana star Jayden Adams scored a dramatic, late, decisive goal in the 119th minute. While the win progressed the Brazilians to the semi-finals of the cup, the match raised questions around officiating—specifically why Sundowns made six substitutions instead of the usual five, and whether Peter Shalulile’s disallowed goal was offside.
READ: Jali’s Future: Career Changing Decision
Six Substitutions
Former referee Victor Hlungwani clarified the confusion surrounding Sundowns’ use of six substitutes, explaining that it is permitted under FIFA’s laws during cup matches that go into extra time.
Speaking exclusively to Soccer Laduma, Hlungwane stated, “It’s true many people were confused when Sundowns used six substitutes instead of the normal five that we are used to. If it’s a cup competition and it goes to extra-time the law allows a team to use six substitutes. Even if you didn’t make any changes during the 90 minutes you can still use all the six substitutes in extra-time. There is nothing wrong with that. The law says you can make six substitutions in a cup competition that goes to extra-time and that’s what Sundowns did. It’s good to know that Soccer Laduma educates people and you can educate them about this as well,” Hlungwani told the Siya crew.
The Disallowed Shalulile Goal
Discussing Shalulile’s disallowed goal during added time, Hlungwani suggested that the Sundowns striker appeared to be onside.
“From where we were watching the game he looked onside. There was no offside from there but now we have to draw the line and see what really happens. You know different people draw lines differently and make different conclusions but the lines will tell us whether he was on or offside. But it didn’t look like offside at all,” Hlungwani concluded.
READ: Lorch, Mailula & Wydad’s Club World Cup Ambition
Semi-final Matchups Set
With the hard-fought victory, Sundowns will now host Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals. The other semi-final will see defending champions Orlando Pirates take on Marumo Gallants. Both matches are scheduled for the weekend of April 12-13 in the afternoons.
Fans eagerly await the upcoming fixtures, which promise to deliver high-stakes football as the four remaining sides compete for the coveted Nedbank Cup trophy.
Source: https://www.snl24.com/soccerladuma/local/premiership/mamelodi-sundowns/explained-shaluliles-goal-why-mamelodi-sundowns-made-six-substitutions-against-sekhukhune-united-nedbank-cup-20250331
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by admin_em8z1e00 | Mar 31, 2025 | Soccer News
MC Algiers head coach Khaled Ben Yahia has pleaded with his players to make the most of their upcoming matchup against Orlando Pirates.
The coach of Orlando Pirates’ next CAF Champions League opponents, MC Alger, has stated that they need to win their first-leg matchup against the Buccaneers at all costs.
Check Out: Wydad Planning ‘Big Transfer’ Ahead Of Club World Cup
On Tuesday evening, the North African outfit will welcome the Buccaneers to their home for the first leg of their quarter-final matchup.
It will be the first time they play a South African side in African football’s premier club competition, and it seems their head coach, Khaled Ben Yahia, wants his charges to seize the opportunity to make history by defeating their contemporaries from the Betway Premiership.
According to Competition DZ, the Tunisian tactician issued a rallying cry to his players, urging them to realise the importance of gaining a positive result in the Algerian capital.
He said, “Gentlemen, this match is not like any other. It’s not a simple league match where you can make up for it the following week. It’s a Champions League quarter-final. If you want to make history for Mouloudia, it’s now.”
“Get it into your heads that a draw or a defeat would put us in great difficulty before the return to South Africa. We must win this match, whatever the cost! You must be at 200%, from the first minute to the final whistle. It’s not a question of talent, it’s a question of determination, mental strength, and the will to win.
“We can’t waste our chances! In the Champions League, if we want to go far, we have to be realistic. When an opportunity presents itself, we have to seize it, we have to score!
“There won’t be ten chances, there might be three or four. So, I want every shot, every header, every dangerous situation to be fully exploited. Be killers in front of goal.
“I don’t want to see any player lower their heads, any player back down from a duel. You are warriors; you must fight for every ball, press, win back, and harass the opponent.
Check Out: Messi Humbles Ex-Bafana Star On MLS Return
“I want eleven soldiers on the pitch, ready to give their all for Mouloudia. We must play as if our lives depended on it.”
Source: https://www.snl24.com/soccerladuma/international/african-football/mc-algiers-boss-khaled-ben-yahia-stresses-importance-of-beating-pirates-20250331
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by admin_em8z1e00 | Mar 31, 2025 | Soccer News
Mar 31, 2025, 03:25 AM ET
European football returned after the international break with an action-packed weekend. Somethings didn’t change at all as Robert Lewandowski, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland were among the goals.
Manchester City kept their hopes alive of silverware this season as they reached the semifinals along with Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest. Over at La Liga, Barcelona’s unbeaten streak reached 20 games and it may just be enough to clinch the very close title race.
In Bundesliga, Bayern Munich are cruising as are Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 while Serie A saw both leaders Inter Milan and contenders Napoli keep pace with a 3-point gap.
ESPN’s By The Numbers brings you the best of stats from weekend’s football matches:
FA Cup
7
Manchester City reached their seventh straight FA Cup semifinals, extending the longest streak of any team in the competition’s history.
20
This is Manchester City’s 20th FA Cup semifinals and 8 of these have come under Pep Guardiola, the most by any team since his arrival in 2016-17.
21
Manchester City has conceded the first goal of a match 21 times in all competitions this season. The only Premier League clubs to do so more this season are Leicester City (25), Manchester Utd (22), and Southampton (22).
1
Marcus Rashford scored his first career goal for Aston Villa (10 matches). This is also his first multigoal game since December 2024 vs. Everton in Premier League with Manchester United.
9
Erling Haaland (9) breaks a tie with Bruno Fernandes (8) for most FA Cup goals in the last 3 seasons by players on Premier League clubs.
3
Erling Haaland has failed to convert 3 of his last 6 penalty kicks taken at club level in all competitions (2 of them saved).
3
Crystal Palace reached their third FA Cup semifinal in the last 10 seasons. In that span, only Manchester City (7), Chelsea (6) and Manchester United (5) have more semifinal appearances than Palace
6
Crystal Palace have now won 6 straight road games in all competitions, and all 6 without allowing a goal. For historic context, Palace is having one of the best moments in club history.
LA LIGA
8
Barcelona have won 8 straight La Liga games. This is their longest streak since an 11-game winning run between May-Sept. 2024.
In terms of single-season streaks, the 8-game run is Barcelona’s longest since the 2018-19 season. Their most recent single season winning run of more than 8 games was back in 2015-16 (12 straight). Can they get there again?
13
Barcelona’s first goal was their 13th off set pieces in La Liga this season, which is 2 more than any other club (Villarreal and Athletic, 11 each).
38
Robert Lewandowski has scored 38 goals this season across all competitions, the most of any player in the Top 5 European leagues.
He leads LaLiga with 25 goals this season (3 more than Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé). Only Mohamed Salah (27) has more this season when it comes to Europe’s Top 5 leagues.
Lewandowski’s 38 goals are also his most in a season across all competitions since scoring 50 in 2021-22 with Bayern (his last with the club). He has scored 40+ goals in 7 different seasons, all with Bayern Munich so far.
10
Since turning 35 years old, Robert Lewandowski has scored multiple goals in 10 LaLiga matches. In that span, all other players in that age group have done it only 7 times, combined.
33
Kylian Mbappe has scored 33 goals this season in all competitions, tying Rudd van Nistelrooy in 2006-07 and Cristiano Ronaldo for the second-most goals in a player’s first season for Real Madrid in all competitions.
387
Luka Modric has played his 387th LALIGA game, breaking a tie with former Real Madrid captain Marcelo. He also played his 580th game as Real Madrid player and could become the 9th Real Madrid player with 600+ games in all competitions.
4
Real Madrid are tied for most comeback wins in La Liga this season at 4.
Last season Real Madrid had 7 come-from-behind wins in La Liga, the 2nd most behind Girona’s 8.
521
Antoine Griezmann played his 521st career La Liga game, breaking a tie with Lionel Messi (520) for most games all-time by a non Spanish player.
35, 213
Cesar Azpilicueta scored his first career goal in La Liga. With 35 years, 213 days, he become the oldest Atlético Madrid player to score his first goal in LaLiga and the oldest in overall since Edinson Cavani with Valencia in 2022 (35 years, 243 days).
1.29
Pathé Ciss’ goal at 1 minute, 29 seconds is the fastest goal by Rayo Vallecano in LALIGA since Sergio Camello (1:11) in Dec. 2022 vs Girona.
6
Real Betis are on a 6-game LaLiga winning streak, their longest under Manuel Pellegrini; 6 straight league wins for the first time since March 12 to April 19, 2018 (also 6 wins under Quique Setién).
SERIE A
21
Moise Kean has scored a career-high 21 goals this season in all competitions with Fiorentina since joining in the summer from Juventus.
Incidentally, Keane did not score once in 20 appearances last year with Juventus.
7
Kenan Yildiz scored his seventh career Serie A goal. Since making his debut last season, this is the most by any player under the age of 20.
BUNDESLIGA
33
Harry Kane has scored 33 goals this season in all competitions, the second-most among players in Europe’s Top 5 Leagues (Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski leads).
The 33 goals are also the third-most in a single season in his career.
22
Kane scored his 22nd goal in Bundesliga this season (most this season) and snapped a 5-game streak without a goal, the longest streak since joining the club in the 2023-24 season.
19
Kane has now scored against all 19 clubs he has played against in Bundesliga. Only Miroslav Klose has faced more different Bundesliga teams and scored against them all (28).
7
Maximilian Beier has 7 Bundesliga goals this season. The last Dortmund player 22 years or younger with more goals in a season was a certain Jude Bellingham (8 in 2022-23)
LIGUE 1
38
PSG now have a 38-game unbeaten streak on the road in league play (30 wins, 8 draws), tying the longest run in Europe’s top five leagues, held by AC Milan between 1991 and 1993.
19, 299
Désiré Doué became the second-youngest PSG player (19 years and 299 days) to be involved at least 20 goals in all competitions in the 21st century, behind a certain Kylian Mbappé (18 years and 361 days in December 2017).
RONALDO-MESSI WATCH
4
Lionel Messi scored his 4th goal vs. Philadelphia Union. With Inter Miami, he has scored more goals only against Atlanta United, Nashville and New England (5 goals).
(Information from ESPN’s Global Sports Research contributed to this report.)
Source: https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44473471/lewandowski-top-38-goals-mbappe-equals-ronaldo-33-messi-4-stats
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