Sundowns chasing elusive second TotalEnergies CAF Champions League title
Masandawana buoyed by recent African Football League title
The club is aiming to dominate the continent after doing so domestically
Since lifting their first-ever TotalEnergies CAF Champions League title in 2016, Mamelodi Sundowns have seen the title slip away at every attempt.
The South Africans, who lifted the inaugural African Football League (AFL) last season, are again within touching distance of Africa’s most prized club football possession. However, they have to face reigning Tanzanian champions Young Africans in a two-legged Quarter-Finals fixture on 30 March (Away) and 05 April (Home).
Masandawana, as the South African champions are affectionately known, have dominated the domestic scene in the last six seasons and are well on course to lifting a record-extending seventh consecutive league title.
While enjoying great success at home, the club from the nation’s capital has, for the past few seasons, set its eyes on continental success. With the recent confidence of the African Football League, they will be looking at finally winning their second African crown.
Brief History:
Mamelodi Sundowns was formed in 1970 and played its home matches in Pretoria, the nation’s capital, at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The club is known for its attractive style of play, which has resulted in it being dubbed “The Brazilians.”
Achievements
Mamelodi Sundowns have won the league title a record 13 times. They have also won four league cups and six FA Cup titles, along with four Top 8 trophies.
Continental Achievements
They lifted the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League title in 2016 en route to lifting the TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup in the same season. They are also champions of the inaugural African Football League.
Sundowns were also voted African Club of the Year at the CAF Awards 2016.
Head Coach – Rulani Mokwena
At just 37, Mokwena is one of the brightest young coaches on the continent. He has established himself as one of the most tactically sound coaches. His ambition and innovative approach to coaching have resulted in great success for the club, and he hopes to be the youngest coach to lift Africa’s most coveted club football title.
Key Player – Ronwen Williams
Voted the best goalkeeper at the recently concluded TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, Ronwen Williams is Mokwena’s trusted man in between the sticks. In addition to his acrobatic saves, Williams is essential in Sundowns’ build-ups with his ability to play with both feet and link with the defense.
The Rock leaves Cody Rhodes bloody in a parking lot attack
In a stunning Raw moment, The Rock annihilated Cody Rhodes with a ruthless attack in the parking lot. Plus, CM Punk returned to engage in a war of words with World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins and Drew McIntyre.
The Rock made a surprise visit to Raw to leave Cody Rhodes shocked with a secret ahead of WrestleMania Saturday.
Ricochet def. JD McDonagh
Moments after “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio got himself ejected from ringside, Ricochet hit the Shooting Star Press on a standing JD McDonagh to extend his winning streak and hand The Judgment Day another tough loss.
CM Punk returned to engage in a war of words with Seth “Freakin” Rollins and declared his intention to be on commentary for the World Heavyweight Title Match at WrestleMania.
FULL SEGMENT – CM Punk roasts The Rock, Rollins, and McIntyre
Driven by his interactions with World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins and No. 1 Contender Drew McIntyre, the returning CM Punk says he will do the impossible and make them look interesting at WrestleMania. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more. #WWERAW.
Candice LeRae def. Ivy Nile
Candice LeRae to Indi Hartwell: “Like it or leave it”: Raw Exclusive, March 25, 2024
Candice LeRae disagrees with Indi Hartwell and tells her she can find another partner if she doesn’t like The Poison Pixie’s behavior. Atch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India, and more.
#DIY vs. The New Day ended in a no-contest with a Judgment Day attack
Before a winner could be decided in a match pitting Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa against Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, The Judgment Day unleashed an attack on The New Day, #DIY, The Miz, and R-Truth en route to the Six-Pack Ladder Match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania.
Andrade def. iovanni Vinci
Andrade looked to impress The Judgment Day by emerging victorious in a showdown againstGiovanni Vinciwith the Message.
Awesome Truth vows to take The Judgment Day’s prized possession: Raw exclusives, March 25, 2024
Although R-Truth is confused, Awesome Truth focuses on taking the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles from The Judgment Day in the Six-Pack Ladder Match at WrestleMania—match WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India, and more.
“Dirty” Dom’s disruption allowed Becky Lynch to take down Rhea Ripley
“Big” Bronson Reed def Sami Zayn
Intercontinental Champion Gunther distracted Sami Zayn, paving the way for “Big” Bronson Reed to hit the Tsunami and deal a tough loss to The Ring General’s No. 1 Contender.
Bronson Reed says he should be heading to WrestleMania: Raw exclusive, March 25, 2024
After saying on WWE Raw Talk last week that he doesn’t want to be the vehicle to someone else’s success, “Big” Bronson Reed says that his win over Sami Zayn has proved that he should be heading to WrestleMania Atch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India, and more.
Jey Uso def Shinsuke Nakamura
During Jey Uso’s match against Shinsuke Nakamura, Jimmy Uso, and Solo Sikoa emerged, and Cody Rhodes and Seth “Freakin” Rollins charged to meet them at ringside Rew McIntyre soon joined the fray and took out The Visionary with his Future Shock DDT Inside the ring, Jey picked up the victory with a DDT, but the fireworks were just getting started.
As the European OG Qualifiers 2024 Entry List is released
Alina HRUSHYNA (UKR)Alina HRUSHYNA (UKR) will return to competition after recovering from her injury. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)
BAKU, Azerbaijan (March 25) — The third continental Olympic qualifiers, European OG Qualifiers, will be held in Baku from April 5 to 7. United World Wrestling Press reports that 36 quotas will be offered for the Paris Olympic Games 2024.
A total of 301 wrestlers are registered for the tournament, with Greco-Roman receiving the most entries at 114. A host of countries are yet to earn their spots for Paris 2024.
The tournament will be live on uww.org and the UWW App using UWW+. The two semifinal winners will earn a Paris quota, and no final or bronze-medal bouts are scheduled.
Hosts Azerbaijan will look to earn as many quotas as possible, including one at 65kg in Freestyle with onus two-time Olympic medalist Haji ALIYEV (AZE). Turan BAYRAMOV (AZE), who missed the quota at the World Championships in dramatic fashion, will try it again.
Abdulrashid SADULAEV (AIN) is back in action after his neck surgery, which forced him to withdraw from his 97kg semifinal against Akhmed TAZHUDINOV (BRN) at the World Championships. Tokyo bronze medalist Artur NAIFONOV (AIN) is also returning to international competition for the first time since the Tokyo Olympics.
In Women’s Wrestling, the 57kg will end in heartbreak for someone as Tokyo silver medalist Iryna KURACHKINA (AIN), Tokyo bronze medalist Evelina NIKOLOVA (BUL), and former European champion Alina HRUSHYNA (UKR) are entered.
Mariya STADNIK (AZE), a four-time Olympic medalist, will look to earn a spot in her fifth Olympic at 50kg.
Atletico Petroleos is carrying the hopes of Angolan football as the only club representing the nation of 34 million people in the current season of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, CAFonline reports.
Founded 44 years ago to grow into the most successful club in the country, Os Tricolores, as the club is affectionately known, is preparing to make its second Quarterfinal appearance when it faces five-time champions TP Mazembe in a double-legged affair on 30 March (away) and 06 April (home).
Petro has yet to go all the way in any CAF Inter-Club competition, but with this being their second appearance in the knockout stages, the Angolan side will be hoping to go all the way this season.
CAFOnline takes a look at some interesting information about the club.
Brief History
Atletico Petroleos, also known as Petro de Luanda or Petro was formed in 1980. It is celebrating 44 years of existence as a club.
Home Ground
The club plays its home matches at the Estadio 11 de Novembro in Luanda, which has a capacity 48 000.
Achievements
They are the current champions of the Angolan Premier League, which has taken their titles to a record 17, with their first title league dating back to 1982.
Petro also won the Angola Cup 14 times and Angola Super Cup 6 times.
Continental Achievements
Petro has yet to taste continental success in any CAF Inter-club competitions. Their best run came in the 2021/22 season when they reached the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League after shocking Mamelodi Sundowns.
Head Coach – Alexandre Santos
Alexandre Santos is a Portugal-born coach appointed by the club in 2021. The 47-year-old coach is in his second appointment as head coach at club level after his first stint with FC Alverca in Portugal.
He has also been head coach of Sporting CP U23 side, preceded by being assistant at SC Braga and other clubs in Portugal.
Key Player – Hugo Marques
Hugo Marques is Petro’s trusted man in between the sticks. The lanky shot-stopper is a crucial figure for coach Santos’ side, and not only through his shot-stopping and acrobatic saves but his leadership and command of his defense affords the club a strong leader on the pitch.
CM Punk is set to make a must-see return to the red brand when Monday Night Raw descends on the Allstate Arena in his hometown of Chicago.
The Best in the World will appear on Raw for the first time since revealing that he sustained an injury during the Royal Rumble Match and would be forced to miss WrestleMania XL.
What will happen when the outspoken Second City Saint makes his return? Find out next Monday at 8/7 C in the USA.
Jey Uso combats Shinsuke Nakamura
With his WrestleMania match with his brother Jimmy set in stone, “Main Event” Jey Uso will need to make sure he makes it to The Grandest Stage of Them All in one piece.
This may prove difficult as he battles the sinister Shinsuke Nakamura, who looks for his path to WrestleMania.
The last time these two Superstars squared off in 2021, Nakamura walked out the victor when Jey was Roman Reigns’ right-hand man.
A lot has changed in three years, with Jey forging his path after breaking out of The Bloodline.
Can “Main Event” Jey reverse the outcome of his previous match with Nakamura and emerge victorious?
Sami Zayn battles ‘Big’ Bronson Reed
Ahead of his match with Intercontinental Champion Gunther at WrestleMania XL, Sami Zayn must first battle “Big” Bronson Reed.
Zayn faced the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion on last week’s Raw and made an impassioned plea about why he will dethrone The Ring General at The Show of Shows.
Standing in Zayn’s way on The Road to WrestleMania is the massive Aussie Superstar determined to enter the title picture by any means necessary.
Don’t miss this incredible matchup on Monday Night Raw at 8/7 C live on USA!
Ivy Nile takes on the new-look Candice LeRae
Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell are on a winning streak, but it came from underhanded tactics thanks to a personality shift from LeRae.
The Poison Pixie regretted her words toward Alpha Academy’s Maxxine Dupri. Still, she doubled down on her harsh rhetoric during a backstage conversation, prompting Dupri’s friend Ivy Nile to intervene and attack LeRae.
Don’t miss this matchup between two of Raw’s best live on Monday at 8/7 C on USA!
Ricochet looks to get payback on JD McDonagh
On the March 11 edition of Raw, Ricochet and JD McDonagh kicked off a high-stakes Gauntlet Match and captivated the WWE Universe with an incredible battle. After the former won the contest to make his opponent the first Superstar eliminated, however, The Judgment Day made it clear that The Human Highlight Reel had embarrassed them.
One week later, Ricochet also overcame Dominik Mysterio, resulting in a 2-on-1 attack by McDonagh and Mysterio.
Ricochet is out for payback. McDonagh is out to save face. Who will emerge victorious when they once again go one-on-one?
Don’t miss all the explosive action this Monday at 8/7 C on USA.
Andrade takes on the indomitable Ivar
Andrade’s return tour may have just received an all-mighty setback in the form of the bruising Ivar, who looks to bombard his way to the top.
Andrade has remained unbeaten since his return, drawing the interest of The Judgment Day, as “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio looks to recruit Andrade into the faction.
With Judgment Day closely watching this encounter, who will come out on top in this first-time matchup?
Focuses on improving Stadium infrastructure in Rabat, Morocco
Image credit: CAFonline
The investment in football infrastructure in Africa and the building and maintenance of stadiums in the 54 CAF Member Associations has been one of the key strategic focus areas of the CAF Leadership, CAFonline reports.
And, with African football enjoying unprecedented global interest thanks to the world-class TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, CAF is hosting a CAF Stadium Inspectors Workshop at Mohammed VI Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco, with candidates who have been tasked with monitoring the infrastructure across the African Continent.
The workshop was opened by Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) President and CAF Executive Committee Member, Mr Fouzi Lekjaa, underscoring the importance of investing in world-class infrastructure and maintaining the facilities.
It focuses on several areas, including the CAF stadiums regulatory framework, stadium inspection guidelines, natural and artificial pitches, floodlighting assessment, stadium safety and security, and media and TV facilities.
The CAF Stadium Inspectors Workshop is designed to train stadium inspectors whom CAF will appoint to guide African clubs and Member Associations in ensuring that their stadiums meet the required standards for hosting CAF events, as per the CAF Stadium Regulations (edition 2022).
Over the three days, the candidates will participate in various theoretical and practical activities, which will be accompanied by stadium visits with designated CAF Departmental Heads.
The training will see each candidate tested at the end of the workshop on their knowledge of inspecting and assessing stadium pitch quality, seating capacity, safety and security, lighting, medical, and media & broadcast, amongst other key facilities required for CAF competitions.
In 2022, CAF launched its Club Licensing Online Platform (CLOP), a digital tool designed to help Member Associations digitize their administration and manage stadium inspection processes for continental and domestic competitions.
The candidates will also be trained in using the CLOP Stadium Module, which will be a guiding tool in their respective stadium inspections.
Morocco is preparing to host key CAF Events in the next cycle, including the TotalEnergies CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations (11 – 21 April) and next year’s TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
The country was also recently awarded the hosting rights to the next five editions of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, starting in 2025.
Samoa, Australia, and South Africa capture Paris spots in Alexandria
87kg GR – Bachir Sid Azara (ALG) Image credit: UWW
ALEXANDRIA, Egypt (March 24) — Seven nations shared the 12 Paris Olympics Freestyle quotas on the final day of Alexandria’s African & Oceania OG Qualifiers, Vinay Siwach reports for UWW.
Egypt led the way with four quotas, while Australia and Guinea Bissau won two each. Samoa, Algeria, South Africa, and Nigeria won one each to complete the line-up.
Samoa qualified for the first time in Freestyle as Gaku AKAZAWA (SAM) dominated his bouts to win the quota. Paris will also mark the first Samoan wrestler at the Olympics since Sydney 2000. Akazawa, a former Japanese high school star who moved to Samoa in 2017, defeated Wotna NDOC (GBS) via fall in the first period of the 65kg semifinal.
Georgii OKOROKOV (AUS) also ended an eight-year wait for Australia as he qualified at 65kg after winning the other semifinal. He defeated Manaceu NGONDA (ANG) 10-0.
A little later, Jayden LAWRENCE (AUS) earned a Paris quota at 86kg with a thrilling 4-4 win over Harrison ONOVWIOMOGBOHWO (NGR) in the semifinals.
Onovwiomogbowho scored a takedown, earned another point for Lawrence’s passivity, and added a step out to build a 4-0 lead in the semifinal. Lawrence put all his energy into scoring a takedown in the second period but found it challenging. He ultimately hit a cutback, which caused Onovwiomogbohwo to fall on his back, giving Lawrence four points.
Lawrence kept his 4-4 criteria lead for the final two minutes and earned a Paris 2024 quota.
Tokyo Olympian Fateh BENFERDJALLAH (ALG) joined him as the qualified wrestler for Paris. He defeated Cedric ABOSSOLO (CMR) 7-0 and won the ticket.
South Africa will also be back in the Olympics after 16 years. Nicholas de LANGE (RSA) qualified the country at 97kg after he defeated Mohamed SAADAOUI (TUN)via fall. The former U20 world medalist convincingly won both bouts.
Mostafa ELDERS (EGY) was surprised by Wali KEBIR (ALG), who scored three points on Elders, but the Egyptian never lost his cool and posted an easy 15-3 victory.
Egypt qualified for three more weight classes, 57kg, 74kg, and 125kg, with Amr REDA (EGY) leading from the front. The ever-consistent Reda took 33 seconds after the first period to win the quota after beating Rayanne ESSAIDI (MAR) 11-0. His previous two wins of the day were via falls.
At 125kg, Diaaeldin ABDELMOTTALEB (EGY) survived a scare to beat Modou FAYE (SEN), 3-3, in the semifinals and qualify for the Games. He got a 1-0 lead after Faye was called passive, but no additional points were scored in the first period.
Faye was put on the activity clock again in the second period. This time, he hit a single-leg attack to takedown. Abdelmottaleb was put on the activity clock late and failed to score, giving Faye one more point. With just over a minute left, Faye now led 3-1.
Abdelmottaleb scored a takedown using a go-behind to take a 3-3 criteria lead and defended it for the last 28 seconds to qualify for the Olympics.
Gamal MOHAMED (EGY) did not face any troubles as he won the 57kg place with an easy 8-0 win over KHALIL BARKOUTI (TUN) in the semifinal.
Guinea Bissau captured two of the remaining three spots. Tokyo Olympian Diamantino IUNA FAFE (GBS) won at 57kg, rolling to a 10-0 win over Suraj SINGH (NZL), while 74kg African champion Bacar NDUM (GBS) defeated Oyeinkeperemo BRAVEMAN (NGR), 10-2, in his semifinal.
The second 125kg quota was won by Ashton MUTUWA (NGR), who was involved in a high-scoring about against Justin VAN ZYL (RSA) before winning via fall.
RESULTS
57kg Paris Olympic Qualification Bouts
SF 1: Diamantino IUNA FAFE (GBS) df. Suraj SINGH (NZL), 10-0
SF 2: Gamal MOHAMED (EGY) df. KHALIL BARKOUTI (TUN), 8-0
65kg Paris Olympic Qualification Bouts
SF 1: Georgii OKOROKOVV (AUS) df. Manaceu NGONDA (ANG), 10-0
SF 2: Gaku AKAZAWA (SAM) df. Wotna NDOC (GBS), via fall (4-2)
74kg Paris Olympic Qualification Bouts
SF 1: Amr REDA (EGY) df. Rayanne ESSAIDI (MAR), 11-0
SF 2: Bacar NDUM (GBS) df. Oyeinkeperemo BRAVEMAN (NGR), 10-2
86kg Paris Olympic Qualification Bouts
SF 1: Fateh BENFERDJALLAH (ALG) df. Cedric ABOSSOLO (CMR), 7-0
SF 2: Jayden LAWRENCE (AUS) df. Harrison ONOVWIOMOGBOHWO (NGR), 4-4
97kg Paris Olympic Qualification Bouts
SF 1: Nicolaas DE LANGE (RSA) df. Mohamed SAADAOUI (TUN), via fall (5-2)
SF 2: Mostafa ELDERS (EGY) df. Wali KEBIR (ALG), 15-3
125kg Paris Olympic Qualification Bouts
SF 1: Diaaeldin ABDELMOTTALEB (EGY) df. Modou FAYE (SEN), 3-3
SF 2: Ashton MUTUWA (NGR) df. Justin VAN ZYL (RSA), via fall (16-8)
Simba captain Mohamed Hussein exudes confidence as they prepare to take on one of Africa’s most formidable teams in the quarter-final of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.
The Tanzanian club will face Egyptian giants Al Ahly in what promises to be a thrilling encounter in the last eight of Africa’s flagship club competition.
The eagerly anticipated first leg will take place on Friday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
With preparations underway under the guidance of coach Abdelhak Benchikha, Hussein is optimistic about their chances against the African powerhouse.
Acknowledging their opponent’s stature, Hussein is confident coach Benchikha has the strategy to outwit Al Ahly’s strong side.
“It is true that Al-Ahly is a great team and has a lot of experience in these stages. But Simba has a great coach who knows his opponents well,” states Hussein.
“Abdelhak Benchikha’s methods and commitment will be the key to success.”
Simba is aware of the challenge ahead but remains focused on reaching the semi-finals in the showdown between these two titans of African football.
New Zealand and Algeria earn historic Paris Olympic spots
Tayla FORD (NZL)Tayla FORD (NZL) is the first to qualify for New Zealand for the Olympics in Women’s Wrestling. (Photo: UWW / Amirreza Aliasgari)
ALEXANDRIA, Egypt (March 23) — For a second consecutive day at the African & Oceania OG Qualifiers in Alexandria, Egypt suffered a heartbreak, Vinay Siwach reports to UWW.
On Friday, Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Mohamed ELSAYED (EGY) failed to earn a Paris Olympic spot in Greco-Roman. And today, two-time world medalist Samar HAMZA (EGY) suffered a stunning loss in Women’s Wrestling to miss out on the Paris spot.
Apart from Hamza, the tournament threw a few other surprises as six nations shared the 12 Paris spots, with Nigeria winning the most with four. Algeria, Guam, and Tunisia won two, while Egypt and New Zealand got one each. Algeria and New Zealand qualified for the Olympics for the first time in Women’s Wrestling.
Zaineb SGHAIER (TUN), an African champion at 72kg and Tokyo Olympian, once again earned her qualification at 76kg. Beating Hamza made it even more special.
Six wrestlers were divided into two groups of three each. Samar HAMZA (EGY) topped her group, while Amy YOUIN (CIV) finished second. In the other group, African champion Hannah RUEBEN (NGR) topped the group, and Sghaier was second as she lost to Rueben in the first match.
Hamza and Sghaier faced each other in the semifinal, and Sghaier was slow to start before hitting a headlock four-pointer, and Hamza could only score two points. In the second period, Sghaier inside-tripped Hamza for two more points. Hamza responded with a four, but Sghaier recovered from the throw and held Hamza on the mat for a pin. While it was not confirmed, Hamza was cautioned for fleeing, adding two more points to Sghaier’s score.
Hamza got a takedown, and on another attempt, Sghaier hit a hip toss and helped Hamza to the mat to secure the fall and earn the Paris spot.
In the other semifinal, Rueben completely blocked Youin to score a 6-0 victory. This was Nigeri’s fifth Paris Olympic quota, as Odunayo ADEKOUROYE (NGR) won one at the World Championships.
Nigeria’s Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Blessing OBORUDUDU (NGR) showed her class at 68kg again, winning the semifinal against Uilau TARKONG (PLW) via fall in just 24 seconds.
Tayla FORD (NZL) ensured that New Zealand will have a representative at the Olympics in Women’s Wrestling for the first time. She won the spot after pinning Samah ABDELLATIF (EGY) in the other semifinal at 68kg.
Nigeria is yet to qualify in the 50kg weight class, as African champion Miesinnei GENESIS (NGR) suffered a 7-5 loss to Nada MOHAMED (EGY) in the semifinal.
The Rio Olympian led 2-2 at the break and scored a stepout at the start of the second period to lead 3-2. But Nada got a step out to earn a 3-3 lead. However, that lead was short-lived, as Genesis answered with a takedown and led 5-3 with 50 seconds left on the clock.
Nada scored a step out with nine seconds remaining, and in a dramatic turn of events, she snapped Genesis, who pointed out that the referee had not blown a whistle to restart. But Nada was awarded the two points, which Genesis challenged but lost.
In another close semifinal, Ibtissem DOUDOU (ALG) got the better of Chahrazed AYACHI (TUN), 9-6, becoming the first Algeria wrestler to qualify the nation in Women’s Wrestling. She led 4-0 using two takedowns before Ayachi scored a reversal and exposure to cut the lead to 4-3.
Doudou had to pay the price for being defensive as Ayachi scored a step out in the second period and later a go-behind to lead 6-4. Soon after, Ayachi became defensive, and Doudou hit a single leg and elevated Ayachi, who fell as Doudou tried making it a double leg. She was awarded four points, giving her an 8-6 lead with 28 seconds left.
Ayachi tried her options but gave up a step out as Doudou celebrated earning a spot in the Olympics, but Ayachi could not control herself as soon as the match ended.
Tunisia’s second quota was 62kg as Siwar BOUSETA (TUN) dominated Mastoura SOUDANI (ALG) in the semifinal. Her 12-1 win ensured that Tunisia continued its African dominance at the weight even after Marwa AMRI’s (TUN) retirement. Amri now coaches the Tunisian team.
The other wrestler to qualify at this weight was African champion Esther KOLAWOLE (NGR), who defeated Angelina RODRIGUES MIRANDA (CPV) 10-0 in just 24 seconds.
Rckaela AQUINO (GUM) after qualifying Guam for the Paris Olympics at 57kg. (Photo: UWW / Amirreza Aliasgari)
Aquino sisters win
The Aquino sisters from Guam, Mia, and Rckaela, earned Paris Olympic spots after winning the semifinals at 53kg and 57kg. Mia has wrestled at the Tokyo Olympians, but Rckaela will compete in her first Olympics.
Both posted contrasting victories in their respective semifinals. Mia pinned Lobna ICHAOUI (TUN) after scoring 11 points, and Rckaela managed a close 4-3 win over Faten HAMAMMI (TUN), who scored all her points in the first period.
Rckaela trailed 3-2 at the break and showed some frantic wrestling in the second period, which did not threaten Hamammi. However, her constant movement tired Hamammi, who gave up a takedown with 20 seconds left. Rckaela needed to defend her 4-3 lead for 10 seconds, which she did, and she won the Paris spot.
African champion Christianah OGUNSANYA (NGR), who rolled to a 10-0 win over Shaimaa MOHAMED (EGY), is qualifying with Mia at 53 kg. At 57kg, Chaimaa AOUISSI (ALG) earned the second spot after beating Natacha NABAINA (CMR) 11-8.
RESULTS
50kg Paris Olympic Qualification Bouts
SF 1: Ibtissem DOUDOU (ALG) df. Chahrazed AYACHI (TUN), 9-6
SF 2: Nada MOHAMED (EGY) df. Miesinnei GENESIS (NGR), 7-5
53kg Paris Olympic Qualification Bouts
SF 1: Mia AQUINO (GUM) df. Lobna ICHAOUI (TUN), via fall (11-0)
SF 2: Christianah OGUNSANYA (NGR) df. Shaimaa MOHAMED (EGY), 10-0
57kg Paris Olympic Qualification Bouts
SF 1: Chaimaa AOUISSI (ALG) df. Natacha NABAINA (CMR), 11-8
SF 2: Rckaela AQUINO (GUM) df. Faten HAMMAMI (TUN), 4-3
62kg Paris Olympic Qualification Bouts
SF 1: Siwar BOUSETA (TUN) df. Mastoura SOUDANI (ALG), 12-1
SF 2: Esther KOLAWOLE (NGR) df. Angelina RODRIGUES MIRANDA (CPV), 10-0
68kg Paris Olympic Qualification Bouts
SF1: Tayla FORD (NZL) df. Samah ABDELLATIF (EGY), via fall
SF 2: Blessing OBORUDUDU (NGR) df. Uilau TARKONG (PLW), via fall
76kg Paris Olympic Qualification Bouts
SF 1: Zaineb SGHAIER (TUN) df. Samar HAMZA (EGY), via fall (14-8)
SF 2: Hannah RUEBEN (NGR) df. Amy YOUIN (CIV), 6-0
Kévin Nicaise & Casimir Ninga (Chad coach and captain)
Chad managed a hard-fought 1-0 win over Mauritius on Friday, 22 March, in the opening leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Qualifiers. This was the nation’s first win in five years, as it aims to qualify for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON for the first time in history.
The return leg of the qualifier is scheduled for Mauritius on Tuesday, 26 March.
CAFOnline caught up with Chad coach Kevin Nicaise, and captain Casimir Ninga posted the victory.
Coach, congratulations on the victory. Your team dominated the second period but lacked efficiency in finishing. Does this concern you?
Kévin Nicaise: We faltered a little in the finishing. However, what I remember is that we created a lot of chances. We were solid defensively. In the first half, the match was more balanced. During the second half, we took the upper hand. At the start of the game, the boys were a little stressed about what was at stake. It’s a relatively young group; they don’t all have experience compared to Mauritius. But overall, we are satisfied.
How do you plan on rectifying the lack of finishing?
KN: We are far from perfect, far from being a top team globally. We are in the construction phase. There are still things to work on and improve. It is not overnight that we will be a top team in the world, we are aware of that, however we are working hard with the group and the staff to achieve this goal. The first twenty minutes were not significant. During the second half, we dared to play and placed ourselves higher. Our group has players with a lot of quality, but the occasion stressed them initially, and then they adjusted later. We could have scored a goal a little earlier, which would have relieved everyone, but I am satisfied with my team’s performance.
Captain, what did the coach say to the team during halftime?
Casimir Ninga: During half-time, the coach told us about our missed chances. I knew we had to work harder in front of the goal and that, at some point, it would kick in.
What analysis do you make of this first meeting against Mauritius?
CN: The group has just been formed, and we are still gelling. Our opponents now know our game, and we know theirs. We will now get back to work to fill our gaps.
What will be the key to winning the return match?
CN: We will go to Mauritius to qualify. Our objective is clear. Chad has never been to the AFCON. Many generations have struggled with the accomplishment of this project. Everything comes in its time; we have good hope of getting there.
Coach, what are your team’s good points after this meeting?
KN: The biggest thing is winning. It’s been five years since we last won a match; it’s a relief for everyone. I think it will give me confidence for the future. Then, defensively, we must remain strong. We didn’t concede too many chances. We must take advantage of this victory and quickly refocus because a match awaits us on Tuesday.
Peter-Shalulile-of-Mamelodi-Sundowns-celebrates-goal-during-the-2023-24-CAF-Champions-League-group-match-between-Sundowns-and-TP-Mazembe-at-the-Lucas-Moripe-stadium-Pretoria-CAFonline
Image credit: CAFonline
87kg GR – Bachir Sid Azara (ALG) Image credit: UWW
Rckaela AQUINO (GUM) after qualifying Guam for the Paris Olympics at 57kg. (Photo: UWW / Amirreza Aliasgari)
