Mouloudia host Enugu Rangers on Friday at 19:00 in the decisive second leg of their second-round preliminary tie in the CAF Champions League.

The Algerian side have a difficult task after losing the first meeting 2-0 in Nigeria. They will need a stronger performance at home to overturn the deficit and secure their place in the next round.

No broadcaster has been announced for the match in France. In Algeria, however, the game will be shown live on terrestrial channel TV1 and could also be available on beIN Sports MENA.

Cote d’Ivoire and Niger will contest the UFOA-B U17 final on Friday, 23 October 2026, with the regional title at stake after both teams secured qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) U17.

The final will take place at 19:30 at the 4-Aout Stadium in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

The Elephanteaux are aiming to retain the trophy after winning the previous edition, while the Mena U17 are seeking to complete their campaign with a regional championship.

Both sides reached the final by winning their respective semi-finals, which also confirmed their places at the CAN U17 2027 finals. Their meeting in Ouagadougou will therefore determine the champion of the UFOA-B qualifying tournament, rather than qualification for the continental competition.

The teams are familiar with one another after drawing 1-1 in the group stage. Friday’s match gives Cote d’Ivoire and Niger another opportunity to settle the contest, this time with the trophy as the prize.

Twenty African countries will take part in a FIFA World Cup for the first time when the inaugural U-15 tournament is held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 24 to 29 October 2026.

The Comoros, Gabon, Madagascar, Mauritania, Chad and Central African Republic are among the 20 CAF national teams preparing to make their first appearance at a FIFA World Cup, across all age groups and both sexes.

Botswana, Djibouti, Eswatini, Guinea-Bissau, Lesotho, Liberia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Sao Tome-et-Principe and Zimbabwe complete the list.

The figures represent 20 of the 54 associations that belong to the Confederation of African Football. Across the 189 countries involved in the tournament, 78 will be appearing at a FIFA World Cup for the first time.

Libya and Eritrea are the only CAF members not taking part in the competition.

Several of Africa’s established football nations will also be represented. Algeria, led by Karim Ziani, Morocco under Karim Meftal, Cameroon with Franck Cedric Onana, Cote d’Ivoire with Gnamin Souh Kouame Matiriel, Senegal under Ousmane Diop and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, represented by Zico Tumba, are all due to compete.

New format for the U-15 World Cup

The tournament will feature 32 groups, labelled A to AF, and is expected to involve more than 1,000 matches. It is open to players born in 2011 and 2012.

Unlike the traditional FIFA World Cup format, teams will begin with a three-day qualification phase before moving into a final stage divided into six divisions. This structure is designed to give every participant several international fixtures rather than allowing teams to be eliminated at an early stage.

The winner of Division A will be crowned champion of the first edition.

Matches will be played eight-a-side on pitches adapted for the age group. Games will consist of two 20-minute halves, with unlimited substitutions permitted.

The format is intended to place the emphasis on player development and enjoyment of the game rather than results alone. Alongside the matches, the programme will include educational activities, meetings with football legends and awareness campaigns.

FIFA has described the event as a festival open to all invited member associations.

The FIFA Council announced the creation of U-15 events for boys and girls in December 2025. Following the first men’s tournament in 2026, a separate competition for girls will be staged in 2027, with annual editions for both categories planned from 2028.

Abdellah Ouazane’s superb late goal for Ajax Amsterdam has revived questions over how much football the 17-year-old should be given by Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi.

The attacking midfielder came off the bench to score in the 90th minute and three seconds of Ajax Amsterdam’s 2-0 Conference League victory over Atalanta Bergamo on Thursday.

Ouazane collected the ball on the right side of the penalty area before beating Raoul Bellanova. He then fired a powerful effort from a tight angle which struck the post before finishing under the crossbar.

The goal was the latest display of the teenager’s considerable potential and is likely to increase the scrutiny on his involvement when Morocco meet again for their November camp.

Ouazane made his first appearance for the senior national team during the October international break, but played only 15 minutes in the 2-0 win over Gabon.

He described that first experience with the national side as a “dream”.

However, he remained an unused substitute against Lesotho and was not brought on during the friendly against Mali. That approach frustrated some Morocco supporters, who were eager to see more of one of the country’s most highly rated young players.

Ouazane’s performance in Europe has therefore added to the debate over whether he should be given a greater role in the national team. But there are also reasons for caution.

Despite his ability, the midfielder has yet to establish himself as a regular starter for Ajax Amsterdam. He has made nine Eredivisie appearances this season, but has been named in the starting line-up for only two of them.

His limited involvement with Morocco also came during his first senior international gathering. Even gifted players need time to adapt to the demands of a manager, understand the team’s expectations and compete for a place with established players who have already proved themselves.

Ouazane’s goal underlined his quality, but does not necessarily mean the existing pecking order should be changed immediately. At 17, he still has significant time to develop and establish himself at both club and international level.

Morocco, Algeria, Cameroon and Malawi will each receive $2.5m (£1.87m; about €2.15m) from FIFA to prepare for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The funding forms part of a major increase in financial support for all 32 participating nations. It is the same preparation allowance given to each of the 48 teams competing at the 2026 men’s World Cup, and will be made available to the qualified associations before next December.

The tournament will take place in Brazil from 24 June to 25 July 2027, with the announcement made by FIFA on Thursday, eight months before the competition begins.

For the four African representatives, the preparation allocations amount to a combined $10m. The money is separate from the participation and performance bonuses for the tournament itself, with full details of those payments due to be confirmed in December.

FIFA’s Bureau of the Council also approved higher minimum guaranteed payments for players, increased compensation for clubs and improved team facilities and services. The participating women’s teams are expected to receive conditions equivalent to those provided for the men at the 2026 World Cup.

The scale of the preparation funding is highlighted by a comparison with the recent Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The Confederation of African Football increased the competition’s total prize fund by 67% in July, taking it from $3.475m to $5.8m. Cameroon, who won the tournament, received $2m, while losing finalists Malawi collected $750,000.

Algeria, who finished third, were awarded $500,000, while fourth-placed Morocco received slightly less.

That means FIFA’s $2.5m preparation payment alone is $500,000 more than the amount awarded to Cameroon for winning the continental title.

The new funding represents a significant increase in resources for the four qualified associations, but attention will now turn to how the money is used.

Alongside preparations for the World Cup, the challenge will be to convert the additional funds into long-term investment in women’s football across Africa.

Barcelona host Real Madrid in the 10th jornada of La Liga on 25 October 2026, with kick-off at 20:00 GMT, in a Clasico between two sides whose attacking form has dominated the build-up.

Nasser Eddy, a consultant for NCI Sport and presenter of the European Champions League on Nostalgie radio, has backed Barcelona to win, with a 1.65 price from 1xBet.

Barcelona’s outstanding start was halted in midweek when they lost 4-2 to Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes. That defeat ended a run of 11 consecutive victories in all competitions and exposed the defensive weakness which has continued to affect Hansi Flick’s side.

The Catalans have kept only four clean sheets in 12 official matches this season but have scored 50 goals, including at least five in six games. They have averaged 20 shots per match during October and have won the corner count in each of their past four matches, including against Paris Saint-Germain.

Lamine Yamal has scored in each of Barcelona’s past two games and is one of the main attractions of the contest. His side have won all nine of their La Liga matches this season.

Real Madrid finding consistency

Real Madrid have won their past four matches after an uneven opening to the campaign, which included league defeats by Real Betis and Atletico de Madrid. Jose Mourinho’s team have scored four goals in each of their past three games, although they have managed only three clean sheets in 12 official matches since August.

Vinicius Jr is suspended in the league, but Yan Diomande is in strong form after scoring a spectacular goal in Wednesday’s 4-1 Champions League victory over Leipzig. He has contributed decisively in each of Real Madrid’s past three matches.

Kylian Mbappe has scored four times in three games over the past week, between 14 and 21 October. Real Madrid have scored 50% of their goals in the final 10 minutes of their past three matches and have averaged exactly 15 shots in their last four outings.

The two clubs have met 264 times, with Barcelona winning 106, Real Madrid 107 and 51 ending in draws. Barcelona, however, have won six of the last seven meetings in all competitions. Real Madrid’s only victory in that sequence came in last season’s league meeting at Santiago Bernabeu, a 2-1 success. Their last Liga win at Camp Nou was on 28 October 2023.

Yamal and Diomande, both pacy and technically gifted wingers, each scored an outstanding European goal this week, although their teams had contrasting results.

The suggested bets are Barcelona to win at 1.65, an exact 3-2 score at 13, Yamal to score at 1.77 and Mbappe at 1.92. Barcelona are also priced at 1.35 to win the corner count. Other selections include Real Madrid to score the fifth goal at 5.1 and more than 32.5 total shots on target at 1.8.

Odds may change.

Montpellier Herault midfielder Theo Chennahi has signed a new contract keeping him at the club until 2030, while Stade de Reims forward Arone Gadou has agreed an extension through 2029.

Chennahi, 21, came through the Montpellier academy and has now secured his future with the club after a rapid rise into the first team. The Franco-Algerian midfielder signed his first professional contract at the end of May 2025 before agreeing an initial extension on 13 January.

He made four appearances for Montpellier’s senior side during the 2024/25 season. In the following campaign, Chennahi became an important part of Zoumana Camara’s team, playing 32 matches in Ligue 2.

His performances earned him the supporters’ award for Montpellier’s player of the season, further underlining his growing importance to the club.

Gadou has also been rewarded with a new deal after making an early impact for Stade de Reims. The Franco-Ivorian forward has extended his contract until 2029, with the option of an additional season, according to Le Parisien.

The 16 October victory over Dijon was a landmark occasion for Gadou, who scored his first professional goal in Stade de Reims’ 4-2 win at the Stade Auguste-Delaune.

The young striker has featured six times as a substitute in Ligue 2 this season and recorded a personal best for playing time in the latest round of matches.

Gadou’s progress has come as Stade de Reims have made a positive start to the campaign. The club currently sit third in the Ligue 2 table.

MC Alger must produce a major turnaround against Enugu Rangers on Friday if they are to reach the group stage of the CAF Champions League.

The Algerian side will host the Nigerian club at the Ali-Ammar stadium in Douera at 19:00 GMT, having lost the first leg 2-0.

MC Alger need to win by three clear goals to overturn the deficit and secure qualification.

Their task is made more difficult by the absence of captain Ayoub Abdellaoui, who is injured, and defender Oussama Benhaoua, who is suspended. The omissions mean the home side's manager will have to field a reshaped team for the decisive second leg.

Enugu Rangers are expected to rely on a compact defensive structure and quick counter-attacks as they seek to protect their advantage and claim their place in the next stage.

The tie has revived memories of a famous meeting between the two clubs in 1976. MC Alger overturned a 2-0 first-leg defeat against the same opponents by winning 3-0 in Algiers.

Half a century later, supporters in the Algerian capital are hoping their team can repeat that historic result and complete another memorable comeback.

On Friday, 23 October 2026, the second preliminary-round return legs in the CAF Confederation Cup will determine which clubs progress towards the group stage, with three decisive fixtures scheduled.

Each tie remains finely balanced after the opening matches, leaving the teams with little margin for error as they attempt to secure qualification. The evening’s headline fixture sees Raja Club Athletic host El-Kanemi Warriors after an entertaining 2-2 draw in the first leg.

Kaizer Chiefs FC will begin their match against Red Arrows FC needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit. The Zambian side take the advantage into the return meeting, which is the first of Friday’s three matches.

CD Primeiro de Agosto also hold a narrow lead, having won 2-1 away to DC Virunga in the first leg. They will now look to protect that advantage at home and complete their progress to the next stage.

Raja Club Athletic and El-Kanemi Warriors are level after a four-goal first meeting, meaning the Casablanca side must find a way past their opponents to claim a place in the group stage.

Friday’s fixtures – all times GMT

16:00 – Kaizer Chiefs FC v Red Arrows FC

First leg: Red Arrows FC won 1-0

19:00 – CD Primeiro de Agosto v DC Virunga

First leg: CD Primeiro de Agosto won 2-1

20:00 – Raja Club Athletic v El-Kanemi Warriors

First leg: 2-2 draw

The CAF Champions League reaches a crucial stage on Friday, 23 October 2026, as the second legs of the second preliminary round determine which clubs move closer to the competition’s group stage.

The first qualification places in the prestigious tournament are at stake after a series of eventful first-leg matches. With no margin for error, the continent’s leading sides must now complete the job or recover from difficult results in the opening encounters.

Mouloudia Club d’Alger face the biggest challenge of the evening after losing 2-0 to Enugu Rangers in the first leg. The Algerian side will have home advantage in the return match but must overturn a two-goal deficit to remain in contention.

The pressure will also be on two South African clubs, although both Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates return home with the advantage of positive first-leg results.

Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a 0-0 draw by Wiliete SC in the opening match and will now look to use home support to secure progress. Orlando Pirates, meanwhile, take a 1-0 lead into their meeting with African Stars and will aim to protect that advantage.

Both South African sides will seek to confirm their status as favourites by completing the job in front of their own supporters.

Friday’s fixtures

All times are in GMT.

- 14:30 – Atletico Petroleos de Luanda v Scottland FC

First leg: Scottland FC won 2-0

- 18:00 – Mamelodi Sundowns v Wiliete SC

First leg: 0-0

- 18:00 – Orlando Pirates v African Stars

First leg: Orlando Pirates won 1-0

- 19:00 – Mouloudia Club d’Alger v Enugu Rangers

First leg: Enugu Rangers won 2-0

Morocco meet Argentina on Friday in their final Group A fixture at the Women’s Under-17 World Cup, with qualification for the last 16 in their own hands.

Youness Rabie’s side are second in the group on three points, level with Argentina but ahead of them on goal difference. A victory or a draw would be enough to send Morocco through to the round of 16.

The match will kick off at 20:00 France time and 18:00 in Morocco at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Sale.

In France, the game will be available to watch for free on FIFA+ via DAZN. In Morocco, beIN Sports will also broadcast the match, although viewers must have a subscription.

Morocco began their campaign with an emphatic 4-0 victory over New Zealand, putting themselves in a strong position before their second Group A match against Germany.

However, they were beaten 4-2 by the European side, having fallen 4-0 behind before mounting a late fightback. Nessma Mouradi scored both Moroccan goals, finding the net in the 64th minute and again in the fifth minute of stoppage time from a penalty.

That result left Morocco needing to avoid defeat against Argentina to keep their tournament alive. Argentina, who are participating in the competition for the first time, have the same number of points but an inferior goal difference.

Morocco therefore take an advantage in experience into the decisive meeting, but they must convert that into a result on the pitch if they are to progress.

The fixture represents the final opportunity for both teams to secure a place in the knockout stage. With the teams level on points, the outcome will determine which side advances from Group A alongside the group’s other contenders.

For Morocco, the route is straightforward: a win would guarantee qualification, while a draw would also be sufficient. Defeat would leave their hopes of reaching the last 16 over.

The game begins at 20:00 in France and 18:00 in Morocco, with the encounter taking place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Sale.

MC Alger must overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Enugu Rangers on Friday to keep their CAF Champions League campaign alive.

The Algerian side will host the Nigerian club in the second-leg tie of the competition’s second preliminary round at Stade Ali La Pointe in Algiers. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 French time and 20:00 in Algeria.

The match will be played in front of supporters after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) rejected Enugu Rangers’ request for the fixture to be held behind closed doors. The Flying Antelopes had made the request following the incidents during the first meeting.

No broadcaster has been announced for viewers in France. In Algeria, the game will be shown on TV1, the terrestrial channel, and may also be available on beIN Sports MENA, although the relevant channel has not yet been confirmed.

Mouloudia facing difficult task

MC Alger were beaten 2-0 in Abeokuta, Nigeria, in a match that ended with both teams reduced to 10 men. To progress, the Mouloudia must win by three clear goals without conceding, or by at least four goals in total.

Oussama Benhaoua, who was sent off in the first leg, is suspended for the return match.

Failure to overturn the deficit would mean MC Alger miss out on the Champions League’s final phase for the first time in three seasons.

There is, however, a precedent for a significant comeback against Enugu Rangers in Algiers. MC Alger previously overturned a two-goal first-leg loss to the same opponents in front of their home supporters, doing so 50 years ago.

That victory came on 11 November 1976, when the Algerian club won the second leg of their semi-final after losing 2-0 away from home. Abdenour Bellemou, Abdelwahab Zenir and Abdeslam Bousri scored to reverse the tie in favour of the Vert et Rouge.

MC Alger now need another exceptional home performance if they are to repeat that result and remain in contention for the CAF Champions League.

Johan Manzambi’s impressive start to the season with Aston Villa has reportedly attracted interest from FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The midfielder has made six appearances in all competitions for the English club, scoring three goals and providing two assists. His early impact has highlighted how quickly he has adapted to the demands of English football.

Manzambi’s ability to influence matches and contribute directly to goals has made him a player of interest to several leading European clubs. His performances are being monitored closely as he continues to develop at Aston Villa.

According to Football Insider, Bryan King, a former senior scout at Aston Villa, said FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are among the clubs interested in the midfielder’s profile.

The attention from La Liga’s two biggest clubs reflects the impression Manzambi has made during the opening stages of the campaign. If interest develops into formal approaches, the player could become the subject of competition between several major European sides.

There is currently no indication that a move away from Aston Villa is imminent. Manzambi still has to demonstrate that he can maintain his early form over a longer period, although his start has already created significant opportunities for the future.

Aston Villa hold a strong position

Aston Villa are in a favourable position because Manzambi’s contract runs until 2031. That long-term agreement gives the Birmingham club considerable control over his future and provides room to negotiate should offers arrive.

There is therefore no pressure on Aston Villa to sell quickly. If Manzambi continues to perform at his current level, his value could increase further in the coming months.

A record transfer involving the midfielder could eventually become a possibility at Villa Park, although that would depend on his consistency, his continued progress and whether interested clubs decide to make concrete bids.

Manzambi’s emergence underlines how quickly a player’s profile can rise after a series of influential performances. His five goal contributions in six matches have ensured he is already attracting attention beyond Aston Villa.

The next challenge will be to sustain that level. Aston Villa will want to retain a promising player while continuing his development, while FC Barcelona and Real Madrid must decide whether his potential is strong enough to make him a priority transfer target.

Aston Villa will soon play their eighth-day English league match against Manchester City.

Mahamadou Nagida played a key role in both Stade Rennais goals as they secured a 2-2 draw against Juventus, underlining the Cameroon international’s growing influence in the side.

The left wing-back was a constant threat throughout the match, using his pace and willingness to attack to put pressure on the Italian defence. He repeatedly found space down the flank, delivered dangerous crosses and provided Rennes with an important outlet in possession.

Nagida’s first major contribution came when his cross led to Al Tamari’s goal, allowing Rennes to draw level after conceding early. He continued to pose a threat from there, producing two particularly dangerous volleys. One was saved by Vicario, while the other went narrowly wide of the post.

His involvement did not end with the opening Rennes goal. Nagida was also central to the move that resulted in the penalty converted by Boulaye Dia. His volley was blocked by Douglas Luiz’s hand, giving the French side the opportunity to take the lead in a closely contested game.

Even after half-time, the 90-minute performance maintained the same intensity. He continued to make forward runs and send crosses into the box, including during an opportunity for Thomasson. His contribution was not limited to attacking, however, as he also worked hard when Rennes were without the ball.

The statistics reflected the completeness of Nagida’s display. He touched the ball 66 times and completed 29 of his 35 passes, including two key passes. He delivered two successful crosses from five attempts and completed two of four dribbles.

Defensively, Nagida won five of eight ground duels, made two interceptions and recorded six recoveries. He also made four clearances and seven defensive interventions, figures which demonstrated his commitment in both phases of play.

The performance was another sign of the progress being made by the young Cameroon international. Nagida is gaining confidence with each appearance and increasingly looks capable of establishing himself as an important part of the Rennes system.

His pace, energy and ability to create danger in the final third were particularly evident against Juventus. He also showed the discipline required to contribute defensively when his team were trying to protect their advantage.

Rennes eventually left with a valuable point after recovering from their early setback, turning the game in their favour before Juventus fought back. The result rewarded their resilience, but Nagida’s influence was one of the clearest features of the contest.

At his current rate of development, the left wing-back is strengthening his case to become one of the season’s emerging players for Stade Rennais.

Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal produced a determined defensive display as Rennes held Juventus to a 2-2 draw in Turin on Thursday.

The Rennes defender was central to his side’s resistance during a demanding third-round Ligue Europa encounter, helping the Breton club withstand sustained pressure from the Italian side and leave with an encouraging point.

A commanding defensive performance

Juventus attempted to control the tempo and put Rennes under pressure, but Ait Boudlal repeatedly intervened to limit the threat. He was authoritative in challenges, composed when dealing with difficult situations and consistently involved as the home side sought to impose itself.

His figures reflected the scale of his contribution. The defender recorded 18 defensive actions, nine clearances and five interceptions as Rennes dealt with a succession of attacks.

Ait Boudlal also won 11 duels, demonstrating both his physical commitment and his ability to compete effectively against Juventus’ attackers. His aggression remained controlled, while his determination helped Rennes stay in the contest when the pressure intensified.

He was fouled three times, underlining how often he resisted challenges and disrupted opponents attempting to progress. His work gave the rest of the Rennes defence valuable relief during spells when Juventus pushed forward in numbers.

The performance was also consistent with the team’s attitude. Rennes did not give up despite the difficulties they faced, and the collective effort needed to remain competitive was reflected in Ait Boudlal’s contribution.

Late pressure brings a difficult spell

The final stages proved more challenging for the young defender. Juventus increased the pressure during the last 15 minutes as they searched for a decisive goal, and Ait Boudlal found it harder to exert the same control he had shown earlier in the match.

He was booked late on, adding a blemish to an otherwise disciplined display. However, that difficult spell did not overshadow his overall performance. For much of the game, he provided Rennes with defensive stability, physical strength and composure in a high-pressure European fixture.

Rennes had fallen behind early but responded to change the course of the match before Juventus fought back. The visitors remained level through the closing stages and secured a 2-2 draw after an intense contest in which their unity was crucial.

Against a Juventus side determined to dictate proceedings, Ait Boudlal showed he could meet the demands of a major European occasion. His defensive activity, strength in the duels and willingness to withstand pressure were key elements of Rennes’ result, even if the closing stages proved more uncomfortable.

Abde Ezzalzouli’s future at Real Betis could become one of the stories of the next transfer window, with FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain both monitoring the Morocco international.

According to information from Ekrem Konur, the two European heavyweights are following the winger’s progress closely. Any move for the 24-year-old is likely to require a significant financial commitment because of the terms of his contract with Real Betis.

Ezzalzouli has attracted interest through his performances on the wing, where his pace, dribbling and ability to take on defenders have made him an appealing option for clubs looking to strengthen their attack.

Paris Saint-Germain are understood to have already approved the player’s profile, according to exclusive information from Africafoot. The club’s interest is yet to result in a formal offer, however, and there is no indication that either side is close to completing a transfer.

FC Barcelona also remain attentive to the situation. Ezzalzouli previously developed within the club’s system, making their interest an additional factor in a deal that could develop during a future window.

Release clause could shape negotiations

Reports suggest Ezzalzouli’s contract contains a release clause of about 60m euros. That figure would represent a substantial investment for either FC Barcelona or Paris Saint-Germain and could determine whether one of the clubs decides to pursue the player seriously.

The release clause would also give Real Betis a strong position in negotiations. The Spanish club retains control of the situation unless one of Ezzalzouli’s suitors is prepared to meet the reported amount and the player agrees to a move.

Ezzalzouli is under contract with Real Betis until 30 June 2029. His estimated market value is 40m euros, below the reported release clause. During the summer transfer window, he was also wanted by Galatasaray, according to exclusive information from Africafoot.

The winger has sought to play down speculation surrounding his position at Real Betis, saying: “I am happy at Betis!”

For now, the interest from FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain does not mean an official bid is imminent. The player’s eventual departure will depend on whether either club turns its interest into a concrete proposal, as well as the financial conditions attached to the deal.

Ezzalzouli will remain a player to watch as the next transfer window approaches. A decision by FC Barcelona or Paris Saint-Germain to make an offer could quickly turn the reported interest into one of the market’s more significant transfer developments.

Manchester City travel to Villa Park on Thursday, 24 October 2026, aiming to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season, while Aston Villa look to extend their recent improvement and address an unconvincing home record. Arthur Wandji, a sports betting expert and Cameroonian journalist, has assessed the match, which is scheduled to kick off at 11:30 GMT.

Manchester City have won all seven of their league matches so far. Enzo Maresca’s side also recorded a 5-1 victory over AEK Athens in midweek, underlining their attacking strength. Erling Haaland is the main threat, having scored eight Premier League goals before this fixture.

City have scored 19 times in seven league games, an average of 2.71 goals per match. Aston Villa, by comparison, have scored seven, averaging one goal per game. The availability of Matheus Nunes, Nico O’Reilly and Mateo Kovacic will be monitored before kick-off.

Unai Emery’s Aston Villa arrive with encouraging recent results. They won 1-0 away at Newcastle in the league and followed that with a 3-1 success against Viking in the Champions League. However, their early-season performances at Villa Park have been less convincing, and they will need to combine defensive discipline with attacking efficiency against an unbeaten City side.

Villa have nevertheless won their past two Premier League meetings with Manchester City. They prevailed 1-0 in October 2025 before recording a 2-1 victory in May 2026. Although City hold the stronger overall historical record, those results show Villa’s ability to trouble their opponents.

Recent form also favours both teams, with Aston Villa recording V/V/V/N/V and Manchester City V/V/D/V/V. City have scored only one of their eight away Premier League goals before half-time, while five of their past six official matches have produced more than 10.5 corners.

Betting angles

The recommended anytime scorer selection is Erling Haaland at 1.66. The Norway striker has eight goals in seven league appearances, including two in the 3-2 win against Ipswich on 17 October. His record against Villa is less impressive: he has scored only once in his past eight meetings with the club since 2022-2023, according to the available statistics.

More than 8.5 corners is priced at 1.45. City’s past five league matches produced 11, 11, 5, 13 and 9 corners, a combined total of 49. The broader trend shows that five of their last six official games went beyond 10.5 corners, although the total will depend on how the match develops.

Other listed selections are Manchester City to win at 1.70, more than 2.5 goals at 1.52 and both teams to score at 1.53.

The suggested correct-score options are 2-3, 2-4 or 3-4 at 8.60. They reflect City’s 19 league goals and Villa’s recent attacking output, including three against Tottenham and six against Fenerbahce, but all require an open game ending in a City victory.

Odds may change.

Oumar Diakite continued his impressive run of form by scoring the only goal as Sturm Graz beat Olympique de Marseille 1-0 in the Europa League on Thursday 22 October.

The 22-year-old Ivory Coast international struck in a tightly contested match in which a single chance was enough to decide the outcome. His finish secured an important victory for the Austrian side on the third matchday of the competition.

The goal came just four days after Diakite had scored a hat-trick in the Austrian league, underlining his growing influence in front of goal.

Decisive once again against Marseille

Diakite has quickly followed up his outstanding domestic performance with another match-winning contribution. Having scored three times against Grazer AK in the Graz derby, he now proved decisive against Olympique de Marseille.

The former Stade de Reims forward gave Sturm Graz the lead and ensured there would be no way back for the visitors. In a game decided by fine margins, his ability to take advantage of a key opportunity made the difference.

The result represents a significant European success for Sturm Graz, while Diakite’s latest goal further enhances his reputation as one of the team’s most effective attacking players.

His performance against Marseille also extends a particularly productive spell. The Ivorian had already scored six league goals before Thursday’s Europa League fixture and had shown clear signs that his confidence was returning.

Hat-trick provided the platform

Diakite’s European breakthrough followed a dominant display in the derby against Grazer AK on Sunday.

He scored in the 41st, 49th and 51st minutes as Sturm Graz completed a convincing 6-1 victory. The three goals came in the space of 10 minutes and played a major part in his side’s emphatic success.

That display suggested the forward was rediscovering his sharpness, and he carried the momentum into the meeting with Marseille four days later.

By scoring in consecutive matches, Diakite has emerged as one of Sturm Graz’s key attacking figures at a crucial stage of the season. His recent performances have offered further evidence of a return to his best level after a more difficult period.

The challenge now is to maintain that consistency in both domestic football and European competition. For the moment, however, his goals have provided Sturm Graz with two important victories and confirmed that his resurgence is gathering pace.

At 19, Joane Gadou is already making an impression at Borussia Dortmund after recording a top speed of 36.55 km/h the third-highest mark in the Bundesliga this season.

The French defender of Ivorian origin is listed at 1.95m, making his acceleration particularly notable. His combination of height, power and pace has marked him out as one of the emerging talents at the German club.

Only two players have posted faster speeds in the league this campaign. Bayern Munich full-back Alphonso Davies leads the standings at 36.70 km/h, while Sheraldo Becker of FSV Mainz 05 is second with a recorded top speed of 36.58 km/h, according to data from Sportschau.

Gadou is therefore just 0.15 km/h behind Davies and 0.03 km/h short of Becker. The narrow margins underline the athletic level required to rank among the fastest players in Germany’s top flight.

For a defender of his stature, the figure is unusual. Tall centre-backs are traditionally valued for their physical presence, aerial ability and strength in one-on-one challenges. Gadou’s pace adds another dimension, allowing him to cover ground quickly, recover his position and deal with threatening runs behind the defensive line.

That ability is increasingly important in a league where teams regularly attack in transition and defenders are often required to protect large areas of space. Gadou’s acceleration could prove especially useful when facing some of the Bundesliga’s quickest forwards.

At 19, the Borussia Dortmund player still has considerable room to develop. His speed gives him an important foundation as he seeks to establish himself more firmly and improve his performances in defensive duels against fast attackers.

His statistics reinforce the unusual profile he brings to the team: a 1.95m defender who can combine physical strength with the explosiveness associated with smaller, attack-minded players. The next challenge will be to maintain that level and turn his athletic potential into consistent performances over time.

Borussia Dortmund will soon play their seventh matchday fixture of the German championship against Eintracht Frankfurt. The betting company 1xbet lists Borussia Dortmund at 1.41 to win, with a draw priced at 4.80 and an Eintracht Frankfurt victory at 5.20.

Cote d’Ivoire will face Niger in the final of the UFOA-B qualifying tournament for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Under-17 on Friday, 23 October 2026, with the trophy to be decided at the Stade du 4-Aout in Ouagadougou.

The Elephanteaux are seeking to retain the title they won in Yamoussoukro in 2025. Although their place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Under-17 is already secured, Cote d’Ivoire want to underline their status as defending champions by finishing the regional tournament with another trophy.

Coach Serge Bougouyou and goalkeeper Tah Behonao both expressed that ambition during the pre-match press conference. The Ivorian squad will now look to complete its campaign at the top of the podium.

Niger will arrive with the same objective after booking its place at the continental tournament with a semi-final victory over Burkina Faso on 20 October. Head coach Issa Mai Dikouma praised his players’ commitment and said he believed they had the ability to go on and win the competition.

“I would like to commend the achievement of these youngsters, who believed in themselves and brought joy to the people of Niger. The final will be a tight contest and our group has the qualities needed to achieve this objective,” he said.

Mai Dikouma has also had to manage limitations surrounding the availability of his squad. Several members of the group are 15 years old, while five players have left the selection to take part in the Under-15 World Cup.

Despite those absences, the Niger coach remains confident that his players can perform in the decisive match.

Midfielder Abdoul Fataou Habibou is also determined to create another significant moment for Niger’s football. The team’s qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations Under-17 has already marked an important achievement, but he wants the campaign to end with the regional title.

“We would like to make history in Niger football once again after qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations. That is why we will go out to win this cup on Friday,” he said.

The final also offers a chance for both sides to settle the outcome of their earlier meeting. Their group-stage match ended in a 1-1 draw, but there can be no repeat of that result in the final: one team must lift the UFOA-B trophy.

Kick-off is scheduled for 16 h at the Stade du 4-Aout in Ouagadougou. Cote d’Ivoire will be attempting to preserve its crown, while Niger will seek to complete its run with a first-place finish.