Football
Iloilo-Guimaras U16, Olongapo-Zambales U19 sweep PFF Nationals group stage
Match Day 4 of the 2026 PFF U16-U19 National Boys’ Championships delivered the tournament’s most lopsided result yet, a dramatic late winner, and a clutch five-goal performance that reshuffled the U19 standings, as both competitions approach their most decisive moments.
Iloilo-Guimaras RFA stamped its dominance on the U16 Championship with a historic win, while the U19 National Qualifiers saw Olongapo City-Zambales FA (OCZFA) complete a perfect sweep and Laguna RFA surge into the National Finals.
IGRFA delivered the statement of the tournament on Saturday, dismantling Zamboanga del Norte-Dipolog RFA (ZANDIRFA), 11-1, to conclude its group stage campaign in emphatic fashion and book a place in the semifinals of the inaugural PFF U16 National Boys’ Championship.
Gab Belluga set the tone with an early brace that signaled IGRFA’s intent from the opening minutes, and the floodgates never closed. The result stands as the most lopsided of the tournament so far and reinforces a clear message throughout Match Days 1 to 4 — Iloilo-Guimaras is in a class of its own in Group A.
The National Capital Region Football Association kept its semifinal hopes alive with a composed 2-0 win over Misamis Occidental-Ozamiz FA, with both goals coming in the second half after a disciplined defensive display from MOOFA made the opening period a tough affair.
Midfielder Zac Mitchell of Muntinlupa City served as the creative engine behind NCRFA’s buildup and was rewarded with the Player of the Match award. NCRFA now faces a straightforward task heading into the final group stage day: avoid a defeat by 17 goals or more against ZANDIRFA to secure the second semifinal spot in Group A — a scenario firmly within its control.
Group B produced contrasting results but arrived at the same outcome — a three-way race to the wire.
Host Negros Occidental RFA continued its impressive run with a dominant 7-1 demolition of Iligan-Lanao RFA, with Zack Anthony Betia of San Carlos City leading the charge with a brace that set the tone early and earned him Player of the Match honors. With nine points, NORFA sits atop Group B and needs just one more win to confirm a semifinal berth.
However, OCZFA refused to go quietly. In the day’s most dramatic U16 result, OCZFA edged Camiguin-Misamis Oriental RFA (CMORFA), 2-1, behind a late winner from red-haired forward Miel Vander Daguman — a goal that sent the OCZFA faithful in the bleachers into raptures and kept its semifinal hopes alive.
Daguman spoke with infectious joy and maturity after the match. “When I went for the goal, I was full of confidence because I could hear their shouts,” he said, crediting the crowd’s energy for pushing him forward.
He also reflected on the team spirit that carried OCZFA through the pressure. “We were talking to each other at halftime and during the game that we should stay calm — that win or lose, we are still one team, we are still OCZFA.”
OCZFA and Golden Davao RFA are now level on points in second place in Group B, while CMORFA remains in contention for a top-two finish. NORFA versus OCZFA looms as a thriller in the next set of fixtures, while GODARFA and CMORFA will battle for survival to close out the elimination round.
(C) PFF
In the U19 National Qualifiers, OCZFA capped a historic group stage campaign with a 2-1 win over Province of Bohol RFA (PBRFA), courtesy of a decisive brace from Kurt Ivan Venturina.
With 12 points from four wins, OCZFA completed a perfect sweep of Group B and will advance to the National Championships alongside Cebu RFA, NORFA, IGRFA, and NCRFA — a field that promises fierce competition at the national stage.
The Group A story of the day was Laguna RFA’s stunning 5-1 rout of ZANDIRFA, which vaulted the side into second place and secured the group’s second National Finals berth alongside South Cotabato-Sarangani-General Santos RFA and OCZFA. Five different scorers delivered for Laguna in a performance that Player of the Match Zachary Chu described as a collective effort.
“From our previous game we were able to build the possession up more, and the chemistry between the team just became way better,” he said. “We were down 1-0 at the start, and with the courage of the team we were able to fight back.”
Chu also reflected on the added motivation of performing in front of national team scouts.
“This tournament and the scouts — it motivates me to work harder for myself, but most importantly to help the team win. The goal is not just my goal, but a team effort’s goal.”
In the day’s other U19 fixtures, MOOFA claimed its first win of the qualifiers with a 4-0 shutout of Mount Apo RFA, with Kit Ivan Quilalang and Christian Rey Gapol — the Player of the Match — each scoring a brace.
In Group B, Cordillera Administrative Region FA (CARFA) earned its first points of the competition with a 5-2 win over Butuan-Agusan del Norte FA, powered by a Cyrus Sabala masterclass that kept its National Finals hopes alive.
Heading into the final match day, one National Finals slot remains open in Group A, with ZANDIRFA needing at least a draw against SOCSARGEN to hold on, while MOOFA can still sneak through with a win and a ZANDIRFA loss.
In Group B, three teams — PBRFA, CARFA, and Davao South RFA — remain in contention for the two remaining spots, guaranteeing a dramatic conclusion to the qualifiers.
The 2026 PFF U16-U19 National Boys’ Championships continues in Negros Occidental with the final group stage matches, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable conclusion to the elimination round.
The post Iloilo-Guimaras U16, Olongapo-Zambales U19 sweep PFF Nationals group stage appeared first on Tiebreaker Times.
Nigerian football has reached its “worst time” in history, according to former Super Eagles captain Segun Odegbami, who has called for fundamental changes across the country’s football system.
- Odegbami made the remarks in an interview with BBC Sport Africa, where he highlighted concerns ranging from the national teams and domestic league to grassroots development, administration and football infrastructure.
His assessment comes as the Super Eagles prepare to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo.
Nigerian football crisis
Odegbami believes the challenges facing Nigerian football extend beyond the recent struggles of the Super Eagles and reflect wider problems within the country’s football structure.
Nigeria missed out on the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups, while the country’s women’s and age-grade national teams, as well as clubs competing in continental competitions, have also experienced setbacks in recent years.
“It has never been this bad in our entire history,” Odegbami told BBC Sport Africa.
The former striker, who was part of Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team, also expressed concern about the financial health of the domestic game.
“Our local league is not bringing in money. Something is definitely wrong,” he said.
Nigerian football and leadership
Odegbami also questioned the leadership and administration of Nigerian football, arguing that the problems cannot be addressed simply by changing individuals in positions of authority.
His comments come amid significant developments within the Nigeria Football Federation, with the federation facing discussions over governance and proposed reforms involving the National Sports Commission, FIFA and CAF.
The NFF election scheduled for September 27 has also been suspended as the reform process continues.
For Odegbami, the country needs a football structure capable of addressing problems across every level of the game.
“The pilots are not guiding us well,” he said.
Nigerian football needs a clear pathway
Another major concern raised by Odegbami is the lack of a consistent long-term philosophy for developing Nigerian football.
He questioned the country’s approach to coaching, talent identification and player development, while also pointing to the weakening link between grassroots football, academies, clubs and the national teams.
According to the former international, Nigeria must rebuild the pathway through which young players are identified, developed and eventually integrated into professional football.
That pathway has historically played a major role in producing players who have gone on to make significant contributions to Nigerian and international football.
Nigerian football and fading infrastructure
Odegbami also drew attention to the deterioration of football infrastructure across the country.
He referenced the National Stadium in Lagos, the former Liberty Stadium in Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna and UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar as venues that once played important roles in Nigerian football.
He described the damage to the country’s football heritage as “irreparable”.
While the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo has become a regular home venue for the Super Eagles, Odegbami argued that Nigeria once had a wider network of facilities that played a more significant role in the development and promotion of the game.
Nigerian football at a crossroads
The former Super Eagles captain’s comments come at a significant period for Nigerian football, with the national team beginning another AFCON qualifying campaign while discussions over reforms to the administration and development of the sport continue.
Odegbami believes the challenge extends beyond whether the Super Eagles qualify for another major tournament.
He believes Nigeria needs to rebuild the entire football ecosystem, from grassroots development and academies to professional clubs, national teams, administration and infrastructure.
The post Odegbami: Nigerian football has hit rock bottom appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.
Football
AFCON 2027 PAMOJA QUALIFIERS: Wissa, Mbemba on target as DR Congo see off Equatorial Guinea
Chancel Mbemba and Yoane Wissa were on target as Democratic Repubic of Congo made a comfortable start to the 2027 AFCON qualification journey.
The Leopards cruised to a 2-0 win against Equatorial Guinea in the game played on Thursday at Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa.
Captain Mbemba fired DR Congo into an early lead, jumping highest to node home Arthur Masuaku’s delivery from a corner kick.
The visitors looked for a response and had opportunities as the first half progressed, but DR Congo maintained their advantage into the break.
In the 72nd minute, Wan Bissaka made a dashing move inside before finding Wissa who finished from close range to double the hosts advantage.
DR Congo now lead Group E and will face Zimbabwe on Monday next week. Equatorial Guinea on the other hand will seek redemption against Sierra Leone at home.
The post AFCON 2027 PAMOJA QUALIFIERS: Wissa, Mbemba on target as DR Congo see off Equatorial Guinea appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
2026 CECAFA U-20 (AFCON U-20 Qualifiers)
- Gold medal match: Sudan 1 (4) – 1 (3) Tanzania
- Bronze medal match: Uganda 2-0 Burundi
Sudan are the champions of the 2026 CECAFA U-20 championship.
A tense 4-3 post match penalty victory over hosts Tanzania spurred Sudan to their first triumph in this age group competition.
Normal time of the final played at the Uhuru stadium in Dar-es-salaam had ended goal-less before the extra 30 minutes were played.
Omer Hamd headed home Sudan ahead in the 93rd minute.
Abdulnassir Abdallah equalized after 112 minutes to send the game into shoot-outs.
Sudan held their nerves to win the dramatic shoot-out 4-3 and lift the trophy with gold medals.
Tanzania, before their home fans settled for silver. Both countries will represent the CECAFA zone at next year’s AFCON U-20 finals in Ghana.
Meanwhile, Uganda Hippos finished third to take home bronze.
Uganda overcame Burundi 2-0 in the third-place play-off duel.
A goal in each half from Derrick Ssozi and super substitute Ashraf Kyakuwa spurred the Hippos who are coached by Ghanaian Laryea Kingston to the much desired victory before a handful of fans.
The Uganda delegation returns home on Friday afternoon.
Team Line Ups:
Sudan XI: Mustafa Mohamed Elgadal Fahoud (G.K), Osama Ameen Abdalla Manzal, Humaida Ahmed Suliman Gumaa, Monzeer Abdo Khmies Tiya, Mutaz Elfaki Elnour Wali, Samaan Amin Alfeil Koda, Rudwan Yahya Mohamed Ishag, Nagmeldin Abdelrahim Teya Toto, Mazin Fadul Albahli Taowr (Captain), Wail Galal Omer Alnour, Obai Abdalla
Subs: Mohamed Abbas Mohamed Abdalla (G.K), Mohamed Dalmugtaba Yagoub Mahmoud Habeeb, Faiz Ahmed Elseed Elfatih, Ibrahim Samani Ibrahim Anglo, Monzer Sarer, Omer Hamd Ghanim Ahmed, Osman Abaker Ismail Alshaikh, Waheed Shandi Somi Elbadri, Mohamed Del Mojtaba Musab Elbadawee
Head coach: Salaheldin Ahmed Nuoreldin Ahmed (Sudan)
Tanzania XI: Shabani Bakari (G.K), Ismail Ally, Abdallah Mnumba, Shomvi Rajabu, Arafat Masoud (Captain), Kelvin Revokatus, Ahmad Ahmad, Jofrey Malecha, Juma Sagwe, Juma Abushiri, Suleiman Suleiman
Subs: Edison Matete (G.K), Roony Gerry, Abubakar Othman, Faraji Kayanda, Bashiri Salum Kibaila, Farid Mzalendo, Machela Machela, Joseph Jr. Joseph, Abdulnasser Abdallah
Head coach: Mario Rivera Campesino (Spain)
Match officials:
- Referee: Nasser Mahamoud Houssein Mahamoud (Djibouti)
- Assistant Referee 1: Elizabeth Njoroge (Kenya)
- Assistant Referee 2: Ashraf Katerega (Uganda)
- Fourth official: Ephrame Debele Kabeta (Ethiopia)
- Commissioner: Amir Hassan (Somalia)
- General coordinator: Francois Regis Uwayezu (Rwanda)
The post Sudan beat Tanzania to lift 2026 CECAFA U-20 trophy appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
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