Kim Lars Björkegren, has been appointed new Head Coach of the Senior National Female team, the Black Queens. He replaces erstwhile Coach, Nora Hauptle, whose contract with the GFA expired at the end of December 2024. The contract length is 2 years.
He has experience in coaching in Sweden and other countries. His successes include his winning the Cyprus top Women’s league with Apollon Ladies as well as the Damallsvenskan (Swedish Women’s top league) with Linkopings FC.
Beijing BG Phoenix in the Chinese Super League and has worked as Technical Director of Manila Digger FC of the Philippines.
Most recently, Kim was the coach of Racing Louisville in the NWSL
He will be assisted by Coaches Charles Sampson and Anita Wiredu.
Nassamu Yakubu has been appointed as the Goalkeepers Coach.
South Africa advanced in diabolical circumstances and will face Nigeria in the next round
Gabon 🇬🇦 1-12 South Africa 🇿🇦 Mabelane x2 Khoza X4 Nzuza x3 Simamane x3
Gabon entered to field only 10 players for this 1st leg as the rest of their other players for not meet the age restrictions rule of the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers
The match was called off after only the 1st half. Gabon had 6 players available to play and according to FIFA the match was suspended.
Sierra Leone and Central Africa Republic played out a tight goalless draw as the two teams head to Cameroun for the return match
A second half strike from Amila Akkaouche earned Algeria the advantage in the return leg.
Goals from Olivia Makika 31 and Marry Kabunga 55 gave RD Congo a 2-0 advantage over Niger who contained the host for the most part limiting opportunities for the host.
Côte D’ivoire took a early lead through Esther Kouame before a 90th minute equaliser from Coumba Sangouthé levelled the tie, the host missed opportunies coming back to haunt them in their debut In the under 17 category.
Cameroun recorded a emphatic victory as Ange Tazanou fired a hattrick and emerging starlet Tiwa Lys scoring a penalty and being involved in all 5 goals. Dominating from the start Egypt found themselves overpowered despite making a couple of opportunities there was no way back in the game.
N’Guessan Nadege scored a 90th minute winner as ASEC maintained there 100 percent winning start to the season. Atletico D’Abidjan defeated defending champions 4-1. Stella earned a narrow 2-1 win over Glory AFAN crushed Koria 6-0.
Mariama Sambu hat-trick proved the difference for RAM Kamara FC as they moved to the top of the standings extending their impressive unbeaten start, following a 7-0 victory over VEM Buck. Salamatu Kamara also scored twice with two assists. FC Kallon came from behind to draw with Patricia Humu as champions Mogbewmo defeated bottom team Ascentonians 3-1
Aja Jabang scored a late winner for Berewuleng to send them to the top of the table in Gambia. Red Scorpion rebounded from the loss to Berewuleng defeating Koita 3-0. TMT was held by Police to a 1-1 draw.
JF Khroub moved to 21pts defeating ASE Bejaia 5-1 as FC Bejaia earned a crucial 3pts in the relegation battle defeating Setif 1-0.
FC Masar moved level points with Al Alhy after the withdrawal of Al Masry after only 8 minutes of the match. Modern Sport claimed 6pts over the weekend with a pair of 4-0 victories Samuel Oluwagbemi of Nigeria on target in both games.
Sam Nelly moved to the top of the standings in Pool A defeating UMSA 3-2 in a 5 goal shoot out. Aïnonvi defeated CEFoS 3-0. Naja game against ASSABA was postponed.
Top Girls remained invincible at the top of the table in Burundi recording a 9th win defeating Inyange 2-0 opening a 8 point advantage over Buja Queens who were held to a goalless draw against Intwarikazi.
Etincelles and USFA remain locked at the top of the table both recording emphatic victories USPA defeating Djelgodji 5-2 and Etincelles defeating ASO 4-0
AS Bambey took over at the top of the table defeating Dakar SC 2-1. Champions Aigles Dames were frustrated to a goalless draw by Amazone.
Elizabeth Akinyi’s goal on the stroke of half time kept Kibera top of the league as they settled for a 1-1 draw with Mombasa. Reigning champions breathe tightly behind downing Trinity 3-0. Kisped upset Vihiga Queens Lilian Adera Odaa striking the match winner.
Ebolowa moved to the top in Cameroun winning the battle of the last two champions a tightly thought contest was edged by the reigning queens of Cameroun overcoming Lekie 1-0. Amazone FAP moved to third spot a emphatic display over a inform Ita Mbong running out 4-1 winners.
Zesco Ndola edged Zanaco 1-0 courtesy of a Penelope Mulubwa 28th minute effort their lead was extended to 14pts as Red Arrows and Indeni battled out a goalless draw. Green Buffaloes saw new frustration as the grip on the title fades as they were held by Nkwazi to a 0-0 draw.
CBE took a firm grip on their title defense defeating Mechal and Addis Ababa as they continue their catch up games from their participation in the CAF Women’s Champions League. They now hold a 5 pt advantage over Hawassa and can extend to 8 when they face Arbraminch on the 16th
Ampem Darkoa remain firmly in control of the Northern section with Nancy Amoh sealing a 2-0 win over Tamale. NWSL bound Stella Nyamekye scored a brace as Dreamz swept aside Sung Shining 5-1. Fosu moved level with Northern as Rachael Ankamaa scored a dramatic late winner to defeat Savannah 1-0. Northern suffered a defeat as Supreme fought back to win 2-1 Ruth Ayayee scoring the match winner. The South sector remains very tight Police being held by Faith to a 0-0 draw, Hasaacas edges Halifax 1-0, Epiphany eased to a 3-1 win over Soccer as Jónína fell to the Army Sarah Kulible scoring a 87th minute winner.
Canada Soccer confirmed Casey Stoney as their new coach of the Women’s national soccer team.
Kevin Blue the CEO stated We are thrilled to welcome Casey Stoney as Head Coach of the Women’s National Team. Casey’s track record of successful leadership, her values and strength of character, and her lifelong dedication to the advancement of women’s football make her the right person to lead our national team into its next chapter.”
Casey Stoney said. I am honoured to join Canada Soccer as the Head Coach of the Women’s National Team. Canada has a proud tradition in women’s football, and I am excited to work with such a talented group of players. Together with the federation’s new leadership, we will strive to build on past successes and continue to grow the sport in Canada on and off the field. I look forward to the journey ahead and to engaging with the incredible passion of Canadian soccer fans.”
Stoney will begin her tenure with a three-match series in February at the Pinatar Cup in Spain.
Eight reinforcements for Corinthians who lost big stars Jhennifer, Gabi Portilho and Yasmim.
Vic Albuquerque, Jhonson Duda Sampaio renew
Dayane Rodriguez Venezuela international, from Guárico, Venezuela. Born in 2001, she began her career with a team from the region, then played for 3B in Amazônia and Iranduba, in Minas Gerais. Between 2021 and 2023, she played for Atlético-MG, moving to Grêmio in 2024.
Juliete is back at Corinthians after a stint of 119 games, 13 goals and ten titles. Among her achievements are the 2019 and 2021 Libertadores, the 2020, 2021 and 2022 Brazilian Championships, the 2019, 2020 and 2021 Paulista Championships, as well as the 2022 Super Cup and the 2022 Copa Paulista.
Andressa Alves is a declared Corinthians fan. The athlete was playing for Houston Dash in the United States, the same team as former Braba Tarciane. In 24 games played during the year, the attacking midfielder scored one goal and one assist. After starting her career in Brazil, she played in European football for Montpellier in France, Barcelona in Spain, and Roma in Italy. Andressa Alves also has three World Cups and two Olympics under her belt with the Brasilian Women’s National team.
From Rio Quente, in Goiás, Leticia Teles began her career at Aliança-GO. She then played for Goiás, Tiradentes-PI and Minas Brasília before arriving at Red Bull Bragantino in 2023. For the team from the interior of São Paulo, she played 28 games and scored four goals in 2024.
Ariel spent two seasons with São Paulo, arriving in 2023 after being a standout in the campaign that gave Red Bull Bragantino the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A2 title in 2021. For her former club, she had some notable moments in 2024, being responsible for scoring the rival’s only goal in the final of the Campeonato Brasileiro, against Corinthians itself.
Júlíana Passari a 24-year-old midfielder is from Matão, in the northern interior of the state of São Paulo, and was discovered by Ferroviária. She played for the last six seasons for Palmeiras, which announced her departure last week. For the rival, she played 37 games, scoring three goals.
Thaís Regina was signed for free from Flamengo. During her two seasons at Flamengo, Thaís Regina played 49 matches and scored one goal. Before joining the Rio de Janeiro club, the defender played for São Paulo, where she played for four years and played 107 matches, scoring 10
Letícia Monteiro, midfielder is, so far, the only signing in the current transfer window in which the club had to make a purchase to acquire the economic rights. Internacional announced that it kept 15% of the player’s economic rights. She was elected the revelation of the 2024 Brasileirão in ESPN’s Bola de Prata awards. In the competition, Letícia scored six goals and played a decisive role in Internacional’s comeback. Letícia’s time at Internacional began in the second half of 2023, initially on loan, and lasted until the end of 2024. During this period, the young player played 41 games, scored 16 goals and appeared in the Brazilian national team on a few occasions.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Kemelli, Lelê, Nicole Ramos and Rillary
Full-backs: Juliete*, Leticia Santos, Paulinha and Tamires
Attackers: Ariel Godoi*, Carol Nogueira, Ellen, Eudimilla, Gisela Robledo, Jaqueline and Jhonson
Corinthians held initial talks with Marta as they try to tempt the global star to the club. However the situation is delecate with finance a major issue given her salary. The club continue to work on how to make a possible deal reality. Another sticking point is Orlando Pride bid to retain the player. The idea behind the scenes is to submit a new proposal to Marta.
League leading scorer, 16 years old Tywa Lys brace lead Lekie to a fifth successive win over Vision Sport to remain top in the Guinness Super League. Last seasons top scorer Flora Kameni bagged a double in a dominant performance from the reigning champions as they defeated Amazone FAP 5-1. Sipinyuy Adelpha scored a decisive winner as Ita Mbong moved into third spot. Awa got their first points of the season Mispa Liliane Ebenye scoring the winner to defeat Cyclone 1-0.
Top Scorers.
Tiwa Lys 7
Kíki Meva 3
Flora Kameni 3
Adelpha Sipyinyu 3
Louise Wehiong 3
Salamatu Kamara scored the only goal as Ram Kay ended Mogbewmo Queens 24 match win streak. A Kumba Brima brace helped FC Kallon defeat Rising Queens 3-1 to go to the top of the standings after round 3. Kadiatu Bangaru scored the decisive goal as Police beat Patricia Humu 3-1.
Modern Sport defeated Ittihad Alexandria 5-0 Ousha scored a hattrick to join Charity Reuben on 14 goals in the Egyptian Women’s Premier League.
Captain Kumba Kassama scored both goals as ten women Berewuleng defeated Champions Red Scorpions 2-0 in the clash of the weekend in Gambia’s Women’s Division 1.
Kassama scored in both halves as Rebecca Mendy was sent off following a second yellow.
TMT move to the top of the table as they defeated Brikama 4-1
AS Bambey moved to the top of the table in Senegal as they earned a narrow 1-0 win over JOG. Kaolack upset Dakar SC 1-0 to move level points with Aigles and Dakar SC.
Etincelles moved to the top of the table on goal difference with a 8-0 thrashing of ASSECK. Comfort Yeboah was on target for USFA who also remain unbeaten on 12pts with a 4-0 win over ASO. Djelgodji dropped points being held by Hirondelles.
ASFAR dominated the heavyweight clash defeating SC Casablanca 2-0 Friday. Sanaa Mssoudy 9 and Chaymaa Mourtaji 28 struck the decisive goals. RS Berkane eased to a 4-0 win over CRAH to remain 2pts behind the leaders ahead of the midweek showdown between the two. FUS moved to fourth with a 20-0 win over struggling SCCM. HST continues a impressive season with a 2-1 win over ARAFF. PFAM earned another valuable point as they drew with a battling RCAZ.
Hawassa defeated Diredawa 3-0 to reach the half way stage of the season as leaders however CBE are just one point adrift and have 4 games in hand having missed the start of the season due to CAF Women’s Champions League participation. Mechal 24 and Sidaama 23 round the top 4.
Champions CF Akbou had a bye week which US Biskra took advantage of with a 89th minute winner defeating CEA Setif 1-0. Afak Relizane moved to within 3pts with a 11-2 demolition of Oran Center
In Côte D’ivoire ASEC remain top with a 5-0 defeat of AFAN. N’Guessan Nadege again in great scoring form with another double.
Top scorer with 65 goals in 18 games Tendai Sani shone for Nyassa Big Bullets who finished top of the Goshen FAM Women’s Football Southern Region League with 50 points following a 13-0 victory over 11 Stars at Mpira Stadium this afternoon.
Press Statement (For Immediate Release) Football Association of Zambia Football House, Lusaka
4th January 2025
FAZ APPOINTS HAUPTLE AS NEW COPPER QUEENS COACH
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has appointed Swiss national Nora Hauptle as Copper Queens coach on a three year deal. FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga says Hauptle had been hired to consolidate on the gains made in the women’s game.
“We are excited to announce the appointment of Nora Hauptle as the new Zambia Women National Team coach. We have every reason to believe that she has the pedigree and profile that will take us to the next level,” says Kamanga. “Her duty is to consolidate on the gains made in our women’s game in the last few years that has seen us win bronze at the WAFCON, qualify to a maiden FIFA World Cup in 2023 and back-to-back Olympic qualifications.”
The former Swiss defender is expected to be unveiled soon.
The new Copper Queens coach had a distinguished career as a defender in Europe and represented Switzerland at international level before retiring in 2009.
She took up coaching and notably drilled SC Sand in the German Frauen-Bundesliga, in 2020, where she was, at the time, the only female coach in the league. Hauptle left SC Sand in 2021 before being appointed Black Queens coach in 2022. Kamanga says Hauptle’s predecessor Bruce Mwape will be re-assigned in a different capacity in the developmental teams. “We also wish to thank Bruce Mwape for the work done since his appointment in 2018 which has seen the team qualify to the World Cup and two Olympics (Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024). He remains a core member of our wider technical development program as we secured a CAF Pro License course for him as part of our collaboration with the Royal Morocco Federation. He will become the second Zambian coach to undertake the CAF Pro License after Wedson Nyirenda,” he says.
The Copper Queens have already qualified for the 2024 WAFCON (to be played in July 2025) that takes place in Morocco.
For and on behalf of: FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA Sydney Mungala COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Nora Häuptle’s record with Ghana’s Black Queens since 2023:
Few changes among the favorites Tigres bring in Pedro Martínez as their new coach. Jhennifer moves from Corinthians to add fire power in attack. Daníela Espinosa returns to America, Alice Soto is recruited by reigning champions Rayadas. Daníela Calderón moves to Chivas á solid player. Pachuca drafted in Mariana Cadena.
ASFAR produced a strong performance to defeat Championship rival SC Casablanca 2-0. Dominating the early proceedings Sanaa Mssoudy fired ASFAR ahead on 9 minutes. Continung to control the game Chaymaa Mourtaji was alert on a rebounded effort to double the reigning champions advantage. SC Casablanca came close on 32 minutes a powerful header from Nora Boukar was tipped over the bar a excellent save from Khadija Er-Rmichi. The second half ASFAR continued to control the game giving SC Casablanca little opportunity to get back into the game. With the victory ASFAR move on to 34 points, 2 clear of RSB whom they meet on Wednesday Jan 8 and 5 clear of SC Casablanca.
Despite a dominant performance CRAH frustrated RS Berkane before a quickfire double shortly before half time swung the game. Douae Gsiba 42 and Salimata Diarra 45 pounced from close range to give Berkane a 2-0 advantage. Nora Mouadni made it 3-0 on 54 minutes to ensure second placed Berkane the points ahead of the showdown with ASFAR midweek. Anissa Belkasmi added a stoppage time penalty for a comfortable 4-0 victory.
Shamusa Najuma bagged a brace as Kampala Queens reign at the top of the table at the half way stage, sending a big message to defending champions Kawempe Muslim in a crushing 4-1 victory.
Mona Tarek and Mia Darden each scored twice as Al Alhy defeated Al Tayaran 8-0 to move 6 pts clear as FC Masar were not in action. Wadi Degla recorded a 8-0 win over El Ghouna while ZED FC put 5 past Palm Hills with Laila Osman striking a hattrick. Fajobi Yetunde Atinuke scored twice as Zamalek beat Ennpi 6-0.
League action took a break for the Coupe D’Algerie, Tissemsilt defeated AR Guelma on penalties as CR Belouizdad also took out top tier opponents.
Just one match at the weekend saw Lillian Mwenda strike a Quintuple as Elite swept aside Nkana 7-0. The game was the last for Pauline Zulu and Comfort Selemani who depart the club. However it was also a game for future starlet Joyce Chama 14yo who made her debut in defence.
With leaders ASEC playing a International tournament with Benin 🇧🇯 Côte D’ivoire 🇨🇮 and Aïnonvi few games took place at the weekend. Africa Sport overcame Glory FC 3-2, AFAN edged JC 1-0, and Ange FC drew with Sekala.
A Kadiatu M Kamara double along with strikes from Fatmata Turay and Sally Jatta saw champions Mogbewmo defeat Kahunla 4-0. Sally Turay scored twice as Malema put 5 past Ascentonians.
Abdul Waheed Bamidele 16 56 and Fatmata Kamara 65 lead Patrícia Humu to a 3-1 win over Vem Buck
Leading Scorers Birkina Faso
Yeboah Confort (USFA) 4
Zongo Gloria (Étincelles ) 3
Doumbia Djeneba ( AS Tigresses ) 2
Zoeyendé Sawadogo (USFA) : 2
USFA and Djelgodji remained 100% after three weeks of action recording 3-0 and 2-0 wins respectively.
Aigles Medina remain top in Senegal on goal difference, Adama Sane scored twice, Korkel and Diokh rounded off the scoring in a 4-0 win over Kumaré. Rokia and Tacko Diabira goals earned Dakar SC a 2-0 win over USPA to remain level points with reigning champions Aigles.
Abigael Houngnibo struck in the 42nd minute to earn Dynamique a 1-0 win over Tambours cutting Naja lead at the top to a point. Naja were held 1-1 by Sam Nelly
In Poule B Léopards remain top despite suffering a 1-0 loss to Élite. Gamia defeated Lionnes 3-0 to move within a point of the Poule lead.
In form Doha El Madani struck another double for ASFAR as they defeated FUS 3-0. Sanaa Mssoudy sealed the victory with a 89th minute strike. RS Berkane and SC Casablanca cancelled each other out in a hard fought tense encounter both move to 29pts. SC Casablanca will face ASFAR in the next round. ARAFF moved to fourth with a 15-0 rout of struggling SCCM. Nadia Lftah scored a hattrick ín WAC’s 6-0 defeat of CSST. Violet Nanjala struck twice for AMLFF who beat RCAZ 3-1, HST recorded a excellent 5-2 win over ITFF. Phoenix earner a valuable point remaining 4pts clear of the relegation drop.
Al Alhy dominated Al Tayaran 8-0 for their 12th success of the season. A spirited effort from Al Tayaran was broken on the stroke of half time when Nadine Ghazi struck the third goal. Al Alhy strolled in the second half adding a further 5 goals.
Zamalek moved to 27pts Fajobi Yetunde with a brace and Alice Ogebe struck as they defeated Ennpi 6-0
ZED FC move on to third with a 5-0 win over Palm Hills. Laila Osman was ZED FC hattrick heroine. Nesma Ferik also added a goal.
Bunda 0-2 Simba
Vivian Corazone
Jentrix Shikangwa
Two quick goals from Vivian Corazone and Jentrix Shikangwa ensured Simba stay top in Tanzania
Alliance 3-1 Ceassia
Noadia x2 Kunihira Margrét
Moga
Alliance move to 3rd in the table with a excellent 3-1 win over Ceasiaa.
Fountain Gate 0-3 JKT
Joyce Lema
Stumai Abdallah
Winifrida Gerald
Starlet Winifrida Gerald rounded off a 3-0 win for second place JKT Queens who remains two points behind leaders Simba
woso world 