Morocco edge Tanzania to reach CHAN semi-finals

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania 

Morocco ended Tanzania’s fairytale run at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 with a narrow 1-0 victory in Dar es Salaam on Friday, sealing their place in the semi-finals for the third time in tournament history.

In front of a packed Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, the Atlas Lions drew on their experience to silence the roaring home crowd.

Striker Oussama Lamlaoui provided the decisive strike midway through the second half, pouncing from close range after Youssef Belammari’s clever assist.

Until Lamlaoui’s 65th-minute breakthrough, the contest had been an evenly matched tactical battle.

Tanzania, buoyed by their unbeaten group campaign, pressed high and created openings through Clement Mzize and Feisal Salum, but found Morocco goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar in commanding form.

Morocco, who had looked threatening through Lamlaoui earlier in the first half, gradually imposed their tempo.

The breakthrough came when Belammari darted into the area and squared for Lamlaoui, who tucked his finish beyond Yakoub Suleiman to net his third goal of the tournament.

The Taifa Stars refused to wilt, pushing forward with renewed urgency. Mzize went close with a header from Mohamed Hussein’s cross, while substitute Nassor Saadun blasted over in the dying minutes.

With the clock ticking into stoppage time, the noise inside Benjamin Mkapa Stadium rose to fever pitch, but Morocco’s defence, marshalled by Mohamed Moufid and Mehdi Mchakhchekh, held firm under relentless pressure.

Tanzania’s dream of becoming the first CHAN debutants since Madagascar in 2022 to reach the semi-finals was dashed, but their campaign will be remembered as their finest yet at the continental stage.

For Morocco, it was another reminder of their pedigree. The two-time champions managed the game with composure despite the absence of key defenders Bouchaib El Arsi, Marouane El Ouedni, and Abdelhak Assal.

Coach Tarik Sektioui will be encouraged by the way his side absorbed pressure and took their chance when it mattered most.

It also marked Morocco’s seventh consecutive victory in the knockout stages of CHAN since 2014, underlining their status as one of the tournament’s most consistent forces.

Co-hosts Tanzania can take heart from a campaign that broke barriers.

Having topped Group B and reached the quarter-finals for the first time, Hamad Suleiman’s side showed organisation, spirit, and resilience.

Their defensive record — just two goals conceded across five matches — matched the best in the tournament, and the fervent home support in Dar es Salaam highlighted the nation’s growing love for the game.

Morocco will now prepare for a semi-final showdown, aiming to emulate their title-winning runs of 2018 and 2020.

For Tanzania, the journey ends, but their campaign has set a benchmark for future generations and lifted belief in East African football.

Kenya finds new mass graves near Shakahola cult site

NAIROBI,  Kenya 

In a grim echo of a national tragedy, Kenyan authorities have exhumed five corpses from shallow graves just two kilometers from the site where over 400 followers of a doomsday cult perished two years ago. 

The discovery has sent shockwaves through the coastal region and raised alarming questions about the persistent influence of extremist religious teachings.

The operation, which began this week in the Kwa Binzaro area of Kilifi County, was conducted by a grim-faced team of homicide detectives, forensic specialists, and pathologists.

Government pathologist Dr. Richard Njoroge reported on Thursday that alongside the five bodies, investigators recovered ten scattered human body parts from nearby thickets.

The exhumation process is set to resume on Friday amid fears the death toll will rise.

“The exercise is ongoing, and we are treating this with the utmost seriousness,” Dr. Njoroge stated.

The scope of the potential tragedy is only beginning to emerge. Authorities have identified 27 additional suspected mass graves in the vicinity, heightening concerns that many more victims may be buried in the area. Investigations into the cause of death are now underway.

The discovery is chillingly close to the Shakahola forest, the site of one of Kenya's worst modern cult-related disasters. In 2023, the exhumation of over 400 bodies from shallow graves revealed the horrific extent of pastor Paul Mackenzie’s influence.

He had instructed his followers at the Good News International Church to starve themselves and their children to death in order to “meet Jesus.”

Mackenzie was arrested and charged with murder. He remains in custody awaiting trial.

The new graves, found a mere 1.5 miles from this epicenter of death, suggest a disturbing continuation or emulation of the same extremist ideology.

In connection with the recent discoveries, police have apprehended eleven individuals believed to be former followers of Paul Mackenzie.

They have not yet been formally charged as investigations continue. Their arrests indicate authorities are probing possible links to Mackenzie’s network, though the exact nature of the new group and its beliefs is still unclear.

This development suggests that despite the massive public outcry and ongoing trial of a major cult leader, dangerous teachings continue to lure followers to their deaths in the same region.

The tragedy has once again cast a harsh spotlight on the regulation of religious groups in Kenya.

The country, with a deeply religious population, is home to thousands of churches, including several influential mega-churches.

Scrutiny has grown over alleged cult-like behaviors within some groups, including practices that isolate followers, prevent them from seeking medical care, or deny children an education.

The repeated discovery of mass graves in Kilifi County points to a persistent and deadly undercurrent within the nation’s religious landscape.

It raises urgent questions for authorities and citizens alike about how to protect vulnerable citizens from manipulation and extreme doctrines without infringing on religious freedom.

As the exhumations continue on Friday, a nation watches, hoping to find answers but fearing what else the shallow soil of coastal Kenya may reveal.

Kenya’s CHAN dream shattered as Madagascar triumph on penalties

NAIROBI,  Kenya 

Kenya’s dream run at their debut TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) ended in heartbreak on Friday as Madagascar held their nerve in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to reach the semi-finals.

The Harambee Stars, roared on by a partisan Kasarani crowd, were bidding to reach their first continental semi-final in 38 years.

But after a tense 1-1 draw across 120 minutes, Madagascar prevailed 4-3 on spot-kicks, with Toky Rakotondraibe converting the decisive penalty after Alphonce Omija missed for the hosts.

The night began with hope for Kenya, and it was centre-back Alphonce Omija who provided it.

Just three minutes into the second half, the towering defender rose highest to meet Boniface Muchiri’s delivery and steered a precise header into the bottom corner.

It was a goal that sent Kasarani into delirium and appeared to put Benni McCarthy’s men on course for history.

Moments later, Ryan Ogam thought he had doubled the lead, but VAR intervened to chalk off the strike for a foul in the build-up. That decision proved pivotal.

Madagascar regrouped and, in the 66th minute, found their route back. A Lewis Bandi handball handed Fenohasina Razafimaro the chance from the spot, and he calmly beat Byrne Omondi to level matters.

Omija, who had given Kenya the lead, would later miss his kick in the decisive penalty sequence, underlining the cruel symmetry of football at tournament level.

With the game locked at 1-1 after extra time, the contest went to penalties.

Kenya initially matched their opponents, with Siraj Mohammed and Daniel Sakari scoring confidently. Sylvester Owino also found the net.

But pressure told as Mike Kibwage’s effort was saved by Madagascar keeper Michel Ramandimbisoa.

When Omija then dragged his attempt wide, Madagascar seized the moment.

Toky Rakotondraibe stepped up and drove his kick low past Omondi, sparking celebrations from the Malagasy players and bench.

For Kenya, it was a bitter conclusion to what had been a historic tournament.

The Harambee Stars had arrived unbeaten from the group stage, topping a pool that included former champions Morocco and DR Congo.

Coach Benni McCarthy, who had urged his players to remain calm before the quarter-final, will reflect on a campaign that delivered pride, defensive resilience, and hope for the future.

Kenya conceded just twice in five matches but struggled to score freely, a factor that ultimately cost them at this stage.

For Madagascar, their fairytale journey continues. After a bronze-medal finish at CHAN 2022, the Barea have again shown their composure on the big stage.

Romuald Felix Rakotondrabe’s side, who topped a group featuring Morocco and DR Congo, demonstrated once more their ability to dig deep under pressure.

Their goalkeeper Ramandimbisoa, already one of the tournament’s standout performers, further enhanced his reputation with two crucial penalty saves.

Madagascar now advance to the semi-finals, maintaining their reputation as giant-killers on the African stage.

Kenya, meanwhile, exit with their heads held high after igniting the nation’s passion in their first CHAN appearance.

The roar of Kasarani may have been silenced, but the Harambee Stars’ showing suggests this is only the beginning of a new chapter in Kenyan football.

Two footballing worlds collide in TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 quarter-final

DAR ES SALAAM,  Tanzania 

When the Taifa Stars step onto the pitch of Dar es Salaam’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, they will not just be facing Morocco — they will be facing history.

Tanzania have already broken new ground by topping Group B at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, but Friday night’s quarter-final will test whether belief, home passion, and tactical discipline can outwit the experience of the two-time champions.

Both coaches — Tanzania’s Hamad Suleiman and Morocco’s Tarik Sektioui — struck confident but contrasting tones in their pre-match press conferences.

What emerged was the promise of a tactical battle, played against the backdrop of roaring fans and continental ambition.”

For Suleiman, this is not a time for timid steps. The Tanzanian coach insisted his players are prepared, both mentally and physically, to match Morocco stride for stride.

“We’ve finished the group stage. We know how to play now. After four matches, we have no problems. Scoring five goals in the group stage is not easy. Everyone is ready for the quarter-final match against Morocco,” he said.

His words revealed a mixture of pragmatism and daring: respect for Morocco’s pedigree but absolute belief in Tanzania’s ability to spring a surprise.

“Our players are physically and mentally prepared to face any team. The match against Morocco will be difficult. We respect them, but we are not afraid. We want to surprise them.”

Suleiman stressed that this game would be as much about strategy as spirit. “We’ve faced many teams in this tournament, and now we must enter with a variety of tactical plans. Sometimes matches are tactical, and tactical plans determine the outcome. It will be an open match against Morocco, and we’ll do our best to win.”

His experience across African competitions, he added, has taught him that football is not about luck. “It’s about determination and how the coach understands the players.”

With Benjamin Mkapa Stadium expected to be packed, Suleiman sees fan support as fuel, not a burden. “In football, fans can give you two things: positive or negative pressure. For us, the presence of our fans gives us motivation and energy to achieve what is required. If we can give them something to make them happy, it is to reach their goal.”

Defender Shomari Kapombe echoed his coach’s words: “On behalf of my teammates, we can say that we have prepared well. We are 100% ready. Morocco is a great football team, and this is an opportunity for us to show our capabilities. We respect this team, but we will not fear it.”

On the other side, Morocco’s coach Tarik Sektioui was equally defiant. He acknowledged Tanzania’s strengths but underlined his team’s ambition: “We know this match is extremely important. It qualifies us for the semi-finals. We will overcome this stage, God willing, and live up to everyone’s expectations in Morocco.”

He admitted his defense will be weakened by the absence of Bouchaib El Arsi, Marouane El Ouedni, and Abdelhak Assal but remained firm: “If there is an opportunity for any player to compensate for the absences, there will be no problem, as long as our team is balanced. Tanzania will try to exploit our weaknesses, but we will also work to limit their strengths.”

For Sektioui, the home crowd is not a threat but an inspiration. “The crowd attendance will give us a boost and enthusiasm to perform better. Football without fans is worth nothing.”

With Tanzania feeding off the energy of a nation and Morocco drawing from years of continental experience, the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium is set to witness a game that could swing either way. As both coaches said in their own words, this will be a match of respect without fear, of tactics intertwined with passion.

Whatever the outcome, it promises to be one of CHAN 2024’s defining nights — a contest of ambition, identity, and national pride.

Israel says it will start talks to free all hostages as cabinet approves Gaza City assault

JERUSALEM,  Israel 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he has instructed negotiations to begin for the release of all remaining hostages and an end to the war in Gaza on terms "acceptable to Israel".

Netanyahu told Israeli troops on Thursday night that his cabinet had also approved plans for a massive assault on Gaza City in the north of the territory, despite widespread international and domestic opposition.

Hamas agreed to a proposal drawn up by Qatari and Egyptian mediators for a 60-day ceasefire on Monday, which according to Qatar would see the release of half of the remaining hostages in Gaza.

But responding for the first time, Netanyahu has not accepted the deal currently on the table.

Israeli media has cited an Israeli official as saying negotiators will be dispatched for renewed talks once a location has been determined.

In a video statement during a visit with the Gaza division's headquarters in Israel on Thursday night, Netanyahu said he had "instructed to immediately begin negotiations for the release of all our hostages".

"I have come to approve the IDF's (Israel Defense Forces) plans to take control of Gaza City and defeat Hamas," he said.

"These two matters - defeating Hamas and releasing all our hostages - go hand in hand," Netanyahu added, without providing details about what the next stage of talks would entail.

Israeli officials have this week been voicing opposition to a ceasefire deal that would only involve the partial release of hostages.

On Wednesday, Hamas accused Netanyahu of disregarding the mediators' ceasefire proposal and accused him of obstructing an agreement, according to a statement cited by Reuters.

Last Saturday, Netanyahu's office put out a statement saying that Israel would only "agree to a deal on condition that all the hostages are released in one go", and that the conditions for ending the war included the disarming of Hamas, the demilitarisation of Gaza, Israeli control of the Gaza perimeter, and the installation of non-Hamas and non-Palestinian Authority governance.

Israel believes that only 20 of the 50 hostages are still alive after 22 months of war.

Palestinians said there had been heavy bombardment in eastern areas of Gaza City on Thursday, a day after the military said it had taken the first steps in the offensive.

The IDF has warned medical officials and international organisations to prepare for the planned evacuation of Gaza City's entire population of one million residents to shelters in the south before troops move in.

Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry said it rejected "any step that would undermine what remains of the health system". The UN and aid groups have vowed to stay to help those who cannot or choose not to move.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 22/08/2026

 

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 21/08/2025

 

Ghana's president pardons hundreds of prisoners

ACCRA, Ghana 

A statement from Ghana presidency said 787 of those pardoned were first time offenders, while 33 were forgiven on medical grounds.

President John Mahama also commuted the sentences of 87 death row prisoners to life imprisonment. In total, 998 inmates were pardoned.

The decision eases pressure on Ghana's prisons which face overcrowding and capacity constraints.

As of this August, the country's inmate population stood at 14,044, according to the Ghana Prisons Service.

The president was working on a recommendation from the Prisons Service Council, which had initially sought pardon for 1,014 individuals.

To fight overcrowding, Ghanaian lawmakers approved the parole system which allows for inmates meeting certain criteria to be released conditionally.

The introduction of parole was hailed by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as 'a moment of reflection and reimagination for Ghana’s justice system'.

Quarter-final line-up set as CHAN 2024 enters knockout stage

DAR ES SALAAM,  Tanzania 

The TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 has reached its knockout phase, with the quarter-final fixtures confirmed after a dramatic final round of group matches on Tuesday night.

For the first time in CAF history, a major competition is being co-hosted by three nations; Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda and all three will feature in the last eight, ensuring the festival of football continues to attract huge crowds.

The co-hosts’ collective progress has added further weight to the tournament’s “Pamoja” (Swahili for together) theme, as East Africa prepares for another round of capacity stadiums and fervent support.

Kenya’s Harambee Stars have been one of the stories of the tournament, defying expectations in their debut CHAN campaign to finish top of Group A.

Ryan Ogam’s late winner against Zambia sealed a 1-0 victory and confirmed their place at the summit with 10 points. Benni McCarthy’s men conceded only once in four matches, underlining their defensive discipline.

They now remain in Nairobi to face Madagascar on Friday at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani.

With home support behind them and momentum on their side, Kenya have quickly evolved from underdogs to dark horses.

Tanzania’s Taifa Stars also finished top, claiming 10 points from Group B. They impressed with three wins and a draw, showcasing attacking flair and consistency. 

Their only slip came in a dead rubber against the Central African Republic.

They will face Morocco on Friday evening in Dar es Salaam, in what promises to be one of the toughest ties of the round. 

The Atlas Lions, two-time CHAN winners, advanced as runners-up in Group A behind Kenya.

After six failed attempts to progress beyond the group stage, Uganda finally reached the CHAN quarter-finals. 

Their dramatic 3-3 draw with South Africa in Kampala was enough to secure top spot in Group C with seven points. 

Rogers Torach’s stoppage-time penalty sparked jubilant celebrations at the Mandela National Stadium.

Uganda will play Senegal on Saturday night, a clash that is expected to draw one of the tournament’s biggest attendances.

In Zanzibar, Sudan and Senegal played out a tense 0-0 draw that sent both through from Group D. 

Sudan, unbeaten under Kwesi Appiah, topped the pool on goal difference, while champions Senegal settled for second.

Sudan will remain in Zanzibar to meet Algeria on Saturday afternoon, while Senegal head to Kampala for their quarter-final showdown with Uganda.

Quarter-Final Fixtures

Friday, 22 August 2025

* Kenya v Madagascar – 17:00, Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi

* Tanzania v Morocco – 20:00, Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam

Saturday, 23 August 2025

* Sudan v Algeria – 17:00, Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar City

* Uganda v Senegal – 20:00, Mandela National Stadium, Kampala

Sudan hold champions Senegal to seal top spot in CHAN Group D

ZANZIBAR,  Tanzania 

Sudan and Senegal both advanced to the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 after playing out a tense goalless draw at Zanzibar’s Amaan Stadium on Tuesday night. 

The result ensured Sudan topped Group D on goal difference, with holders Senegal progressing in second place.

At the same time, Nigeria defeated Congo 2-0 in Dar es Salaam, but the Super Eagles’ late push was not enough to dislodge the two unbeaten sides.

It was billed as the decisive match of Group D, and it lived up to the occasion, even without goals.

Sudan, rejuvenated under Ghanaian coach Kwesi Appiah, came into the fixture brimming with belief after their 4-0 dismantling of Nigeria.

Senegal, the reigning champions, knew only defeat could eliminate them but were equally determined to secure top spot.

Both sides traded chances in a cagey first half. Senegal’s Pape Badji twice came close — first dragging a shot wide from the edge of the six-yard box before seeing another effort fly off target.

At the other end, Sudan tested goalkeeper Marc Diouf through Abdel Raouf Yagoub, whose strike from distance was well gathered.

The drama reached boiling point in stoppage time of the first half when Sudan appealed for a penalty, only for VAR to rule no infringement, to the relief of Souleymane Diallo’s Senegalese side.

The second half mirrored the first — fast, physical, and fiercely contested.

Sudan’s Musa Hussien had the best opening for the Cranes, shooting over from close range, while Mohamed Tia Asad also missed narrowly after coming off the bench.

Senegal, meanwhile, looked to Libasse Guèye for inspiration, but Sudan’s disciplined backline repelled the danger.

The champions’ frustrations boiled over when Mbaye Yaya Ly was shown a second yellow card deep into stoppage time, leaving Senegal to finish with ten men.

Despite their numerical advantage, Sudan had little time to capitalise, and the game ended with honours even.

The stalemate meant both teams finished level on five points, but Sudan’s superior goal difference (+4 compared to Senegal’s +1) secured them first place.

In Dar es Salaam, Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Congo lifted them to third with three points, while Congo bowed out bottom with two.

For Nigeria, the result was bittersweet. They delivered their best display of the tournament, but their earlier defeats left them short of qualification.

Kwesi Appiah’s tenure has transformed Sudan into one of the competition’s most disciplined and adventurous sides.

The Ghanaian coach promised his team would attack, and though they did not score, Sudan again showed the organisation and resilience that have kept them unbeaten for almost a year.

Captain Fares Abdullah and his side celebrated with their fans at full time, knowing they had made history by reaching the CHAN knockout stages in style.

The draw sets up a tantalising last-eight line-up. Sudan will remain in Zanzibar to face Algeria, while Senegal travel to Kampala to meet hosts Uganda, in what promises to be a fiery clash in front of a packed Mandela National Stadium.

With all three co-hosts — Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda — already through, and defending champions Senegal still in the mix, the quarter-finals are shaping up to be a festival of football with huge crowds expected.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 20/08/2025