Stade Malien discipline Simba to claim first Group-Stage victory

BAMAKO, Mali 

Stade Malien registered their first win of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group phase, overcoming Tanzania’s Simba SC 2–1 in Bamako. 

The Malian champions delivered a composed and purposeful performance, confirming their intentions in a tightly contested Group D.

Backed by an energetic home crowd, Stade Malien quickly imposed their rhythm on a Simba side slow to settle. 

Their early dominance was rewarded in the 16th minute when Taddeus Nikeng capitalised on a loose ball inside the area to break the deadlock and send the stadium into celebration.

The hosts doubled their advantage just seven minutes later. 

This time, Ismaila Simpara showed excellent composure in the box, finishing clinically to give Stade Malien a deserved 2–0 lead and highlight a commanding opening spell from the Bamako outfit.

Buoyed by last week’s encouraging draw away to ES Tunis (0–0), Stade Malien appeared well on course for a comfortable night. 

However, Simba returned from the interval with renewed intent. The visitors reduced the deficit nine minutes into the second half, injecting suspense into a match that had been fully controlled by the home side.

Despite the momentum swing, Stade Malien demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline.

The closing stages evolved into a controlled exercise in game management, which the hosts navigated confidently until the final whistle.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 01/12/2025

 

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 30/11/2025

 

Three days of mourning begin after Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades

By Tabby Wilson,  TAI PO Hong Kong 

Hong Kong officials have held a moment of silence at the start of a three-day mourning period to remember those killed after the city's deadliest fire in nearly 80 years.

At least 128 people are now known to have died in the fire, which engulfed seven tower blocks on Wednesday. A further 79 were injured and dozens remain unaccounted for.

Eight people have been arrested on suspicion of corruption over the renovation works the blocks had been undergoing. Three others were detained earlier on manslaughter charges.

The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, but officials have said it spread up and between the blocks rapidly because of flammable materials placed on their exterior.

Saturday morning's ceremony was held outside government headquarters, and saw city leader John Lee joined by other Hong Kong officials to observe three minutes of silence.

The flags of China and Hong Kong were flown at half mast.

The government has also set up memorial points across the city, where the public can pay their respects and sign condolence books.

Once the fire started, it spread quickly to seven of the eight towers in Wang Fuk Court, in Hong Kong's northerly suburban Tai Po distric.

It then took more than 2,000 firefighters almost two days to bring the blaze under control.

The cause of the fire remains unclear, though authorities have said that polystyrene placed on the outside of the windows and plastic netting around the scaffolding on the buildings facilitated its spread.

The tower blocks were also covered in bamboo scaffolding, which is commonly used for construction and renovation work in Hong Kong. The fire has sparked a debate on whether it should still be used.

Officials have confirmed that an investigation will be taking place over the next few weeks, with police already gathering evidence from the scene.

The fire has caused anger throughout Hong Kong - which is known for its high-rise buildings - as questions about who should be held accountable grow.

Residents of Wang Fuk Court have reported broken fire alarms and negligence from the company carrying out the renovations on the Wang Fuk Court, while Hong Kong's fire service has said fire alarms in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) said those arrested in the corruption probe on Friday included directors at an engineering company and scaffolding subcontractors.

Hong Kong's Labour and Welfare Secretary, Chris Sun, told reporters that his department had made 16 checks on the works at Wang Fuk Court since July last year.

The housing estate was built in 1983 and had provided 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 residents, according to a 2021 government census.

Tanzania pleads with EU Parliament to reconsider 'aid freeze' linked to election unrest

DAR-ES-SALAAM, Tanzania 

Tanzania’s foreign affairs minister Mahmoud Kombo has pleaded with the European Parliament to consider the country's position on key issues as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties.

His remarks follow the European Parliament’s resolution recommending the suspension of development funding to Tanzania, citing concerns over unrest during last month’s general election.

The European Parliament’s vote to block funding to Tanzania has sparked concern across the country.

The move follows allegations of human rights violations linked to the disputed October 29th general election.

The vote was passed on Thursday, potentially blocking the disbursement of 156 million euros, under the 2025 action plan.

“Colleagues, if we stand for democracy, let us use the tools at our disposal. All EU funds must be stopped immediately. All political prisoners must be released immediately,” said David McAllister, member of the European Parliament.

On Friday, Tanzania’s foreign affairs minister Mahmoud Kombo met with members of the diplomatic corps, stating that the government has been closely monitoring the European Parliament’s resolutions.

In a press statement, Tanzania’s ambassador in Brussels has been instructed to continue diplomatic consultations with EU institutions and other stakeholders, with the aim of reinforcing cooperation.

Tanzania’s government argues that the EU should listen to the aggrieved party, stating that there are misleading claims being spread to suggest that the government will collapse due to the suspension of aid funds.

Tanzania also admits that the EU’s decision will affect the entire system, including private sectors in Tanzania and Europe, international organizations, and ultimately the citizens who were meant to benefit from the planned projects.

For now, the Tanzanian government maintains that diplomatic engagement will continue, with a focus on protecting the interests of its citizens and strengthening ties with the European Union.

RS Berkane edge United, Al Ahly rescue a point on the road

PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria 

The second matchday of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage delivered high-quality football across the continent, with dramatic late goals and tactical battles shaping the action.

A dramatic finish in RS Berkane overturned a first-half deficit with two stoppage-time goals to claim a crucial away victory.

Rivers United took the lead on  37 minutes, when defender Lamine Mamadou Camara turned the ball into his own net, giving the Nigerian side early momentum.

However, the Moroccan visitors mounted a remarkable late push as Youness El Kaabi drilled in the equaliser from the left side of the box after a set-piece scramble.

Mounir Chouiar completed the turnaround with a composed finish from the heart of the penalty area.

The sensational comeback lifts RS Berkane to the top of Group A.

In Rabat, African giants Al Ahly preserved their position at the summit of Group B after a hard-fought 1–1 draw against AS FAR.

The hosts had an opportunity to take control early when Mohamed Hrimat stepped up for a penalty in the 37th minute, but his effort was superbly saved by Al Ahly goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.

Moments later, Mohcine Bouriga made amends for his teammate by firing FAR into the lead with a powerful strike from close range.

Al Ahly responded with authority in the second half. A precise cross from Mohamed Ben Romdhane found Trézéguet, who nodded home from close range in the 68th minute to secure the equaliser.

With the draw, Al Ahly remain top of Group B, edging Young Africans on goal difference.

In Algiers, MC Alger held former champions Mamelodi Sundowns to a goalless draw in what was an evenly balanced match that sees the South Africans remain top of Group C as the Algerians secure their first point of the group stages.

Yanga dig in for priceless point as Berkane’s stoppage-time heist light up Matchday 2

TIZI OUZOU,  Algeria 

Young Africans earned a disciplined 0-0 draw away to JS Kabylie before RS Berkane stunned Rivers United 2-1 with two goals in added time on a dramatic opening night to Matchday 2 of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage.

In Tizi Ouzou, Group B’s first fixture delivered chances but no breakthrough. Kabylie struck the woodwork through captain Zinedine Belaïd in the first half and thought they had won it late on, only for Lahlou Akrib’s close-range finish to be ruled offside.

Young Africans, organised and stubborn, posed a threat on the counter and forced Mohamed Hadid into sharp saves, but the hosts’ goalkeeper matched everything the Tanzanian champions produced.

The stalemate lifts Yanga to the top of Group B for the moment, while Kabylie sit third ahead of the weekend’s heavyweight meeting between Morocco’s AS FAR and record winners Al Ahly in Rabat.

If Tizi Ouzou was about control, Port Harcourt was pure chaos. Rivers United led Group A leaders RS Berkane at half-time when Senegalese defender Mamadou Lamine Kamara put through his own net on 37 minutes.

The Nigerian side looked set to claim a statement win until nine minutes of added time turned the night on its head.

First, substitute Younes El Kaabi levelled in the 90+7th minute, reacting quickest after sustained pressure to sweep in.

Barely two minutes later, Mounir Chouair completed an extraordinary turnaround, guiding home the winner in the 90+9th minute to silence the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium and keep Berkane perfect.

The victory moves the Moroccan champions to six points from two matches and firm control of Group A.

Rivers United remain without a point after two outings, pending the clash between defending champions Pyramids FC and Power Dynamos.

Matchday 2 continues over the weekend with several ties, but Friday’s contrasting contests showcased both sides of the Champions League: tactical resilience on North African soil and late-game drama under West African floodlights.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 29/11/2025