How many points will guarantee CAF qualification for Kaizer Chiefs?

Despite a slight wobble in recent matches, Kaizer Chiefs are close to securing CAF Confederation Cup qualification.

Kaizer Chiefs close in on CAF Confederation Cup qualification

After a 1-1 draw with Sundowns on Wednesday, Chiefs know that five more points will guarantee third place in the Betway Premiership this term. Next up is a trip to Sekhukhune on Sunday, 10 May, kickoff at 17:30. The match will air on DStv channel 202. Three points here would put them within touching distance of CAF Confederation Cup qualification. Midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu misses the match through suspension after his booking against Sundowns.

Minor drop-off shouldn’t cost Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs clocked up five consecutive wins between 15 March and 15 April to put them in a strong position. Since then, they’ve only picked up three points from a possible 12, losing to Siwelele and registering stalemates with Polokwane, Orlando Pirates and Sundowns. Five more points in their last three matches would give them an unassailable lead over fourth-placed AmaZulu. afnews.co.za

Draw with Sundowns does Orlando Pirates a favour

Chiefs took points off Sundowns on Wednesday, leaving the title race on a knife-edge. The Brazilians might ultimately see it as a point gained rather than two dropped after they came from a goal behind to battle for a point despite playing over 25 minutes with ten men.

Aston Villa a renversé Nottingham Forest en s’imposant 4-0, tandis que Fribourg a fait le même coup en battant Sporting club de Braga 3-1. Après leur victoire ce soir en demi-finale retour de la Ligue Europa, les deux équipes se retrouveront prochainement en finale. Battu 1-0 lors du match aller, Aston Villa a complètement renversé Nottingham Forest à Villa Park avec une démonstration offensive conclue sur un succès 4-0. Les hommes d’Unai Emery ont rapidement pris le contrôle de la rencontre grâce à Ollie Watkins, buteur à la 36e minute sur une passe d’Emiliano Buendía. Une seconde mi-temps à sens unique pour Aston Villa Au retour des vestiaires, Buendía a lui-même doublé la mise sur penalty à la 58e minute avant que John McGinn ne fasse exploser Villa Park avec un doublé express aux 77e et 80e minutes. Le club de Birmingham s’impose ainsi 4-1 sur l’ensemble des deux matchs et retrouve une finale européenne après une campagne impressionnante. Fribourg réussit un gros coup Dans l’autre demi-finale, Fribourg a également réalisé un exploit face au Sporting Braga. Après une défaite 2-1 au Portugal à l’aller, le club allemand devait absolument s’imposer à domicile pour espérer atteindre la finale. Mission accomplie avec une victoire convaincante 3-1. Lukas Kübler a lancé les siens dès la 19e minute avant que Junior Adamu Manzambi ne donne davantage d’espoir aux Allemands à la 41e minute. Kübler s’est ensuite offert un doublé à la 72e minute pour permettre à Fribourg de prendre le large. Braga a réduit l’écart grâce à Pau Víctor à la 79e minute, mais cela n’a pas suffi pour empêcher l’élimination du club portugais. Une finale Aston Villa – Fribourg Avec une victoire 4-3 au score cumulé, Fribourg décroche ainsi son billet pour la finale de la Ligue Europa. Le club allemand tentera désormais de créer l’exploit face à Aston Villa, impressionnant de maîtrise et d’efficacité offensive lors de cette demi-finale retour.

L’article Ligue Europa : Aston Villa défiera Fribourg en finale est apparu en premier sur AfricaFootUnited.

Former Senegal defender Lamine Sané has discussed the injury of captain Kalidou Koulibaly insisting the African champions have players capable of replacing him ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

While Al Hilal is in the final sprint to secure the Saudi Pro League title (two points behind Al Nassr) and the King of Champions Cup this Friday against Al-Kholood, Koulibaly will be unable to help his teammates.

Sidelined with a thigh injury since April 8, the African champion is not in the squad for the King of Champions Cup final this Friday. His long absence is a worry for Senegal, who will participate in the World Cup.

‘You can’t control injuries’

“We have players capable of filling his absence and Senegal has what it takes to compete in the World Cup,” Sane told the Agence de Presse Sénégalaise.

“We mustn’t be afraid, that’s football. You can’t control injuries. If Kalidou Koulibaly doesn’t come, it will be a huge disappointment. He’s the captain, he’s the key player for the national team.”

Sane added: “There are plenty of Senegalese players around the world. If the coach makes choices and Kalidou is unavailable, there will be replacements.

“It’s like when Kalidou Koulibaly joined the team; he replaced some players. I have faith in the coach and the team. I think they will achieve great things.”

Senegal to face France in opener

Senegal have been drawn in Group I alongside France, Norway, and Iran. They will open their campaign against France on June 16.

The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, and will be jointly hosted by sixteen cities—eleven in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada.

The tournament will be the first FIFA World Cup to be hosted by three nations, and the first to include 48 teams, an expansion from 32.

NEC FC goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo says winning the April Real Stars Sports Award has only fueled his hunger to achieve more as he continues to shine between the posts for the Lugogo-based side.

Congratulations to our Mr safe hands @SebwalunyoH wins the Fortebet Real Stars Monthly Award for the month of April

6 clean sheets in April
2 goals.
Big-game hero #Diehards pic.twitter.com/cITjSmlQGF

— NEC FC (@Nec_Fc) May 5, 2026

The shot-stopper, who has enjoyed a remarkable run this season, expressed gratitude after being recognized for his outstanding performances in April, insisting the accolade is more of a motivation than a reason to feel satisfied.

“I thank God because it’s not easy to be recognized among many people,” Ssebwalunyo said. “I don’t carry so much pride with the award, but instead a lot of motivation to keep pushing harder and achieve even better things ahead.”

Ssebwalunyo makes impact on both ends of pitch

Ssebwalunyo has been one of NEC’s standout performers, registering five clean sheets during the month against URA FC, Mbarara City, Maroons FC, Express FC and BUL FC. Beyond his goalkeeping heroics, he also grabbed headlines after confidently converting two penalties against URA and Mbarara City.

Let’s end the day with Hannington Ssebwalunyo added time winner.#StarTimesUPL | #FUFATvUpdates pic.twitter.com/K4JSkrwtQs

— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) April 10, 2026

Speaking about the courage required to take spot-kicks as a goalkeeper, the custodian credited mental strength and trust from the technical team.

“It needs leadership, boldness and a strong mentality because such moments can decide results,” he explained. “If coaches trust you with that responsibility, then you thank God for giving you the confidence to step up.”

The goalkeeper also reflected on his rise to prominence after beginning the campaign as second choice before eventually taking over following the departure of veteran goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan.

According to Ssebwalunyo, Ochan played a major role in shaping his mentality and development.

“He motivated and encouraged me a lot. He has always been one of my role models from his days at KCCA and Victoria University. The moments we shared helped me grow.”

NEC endured a difficult start to the season but gradually transformed into one of the league’s most consistent sides. Ssebwalunyo believes unity, concentration and mental toughness have been central to the turnaround.

“We had to stay focused and become mentally stronger in everything we were doing,” he noted. “Football brings wins, losses and draws, but what matters most is paying attention to small details and continuing to improve together as a team.”

Milton Karisa fails to beat Hannington Ssebwalunyo.#StanbicUgandaCup | #NECVIP pic.twitter.com/HUQh5t7BOm

— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) April 3, 2026

The goalkeeper has now gone 11 matches without conceding and was quick to applaud the collective effort behind the impressive defensive record.

“It requires a lot of work from everyone. I credit the coaches, the discipline in the team and the effort from all the players because defending is teamwork.”

NEC FC will next face Kitara FC away from home on Saturday, with Ssebwalunyo remaining calm and focused ahead of the encounter.

“It’s just like any other game. They are in good form and performing well, but the better team on the day will win. Football has to win.”