20th -27th April 2025: Top Picks in African Sport

This week has been historic for African sports, with everything from exciting football games to historic accomplishments in athletics. This week, let's explore the best picks in African sports and commemorate the continent's notable achievements.

Mamelodi Sundowns and Pyramids FC Set for Historic CAF Champions League Final

Mamelodi Sundowns celebrate their decisive goal against Al Ahly to reach the CAF Champions League final.

In a stunning upset, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa drew 1-1 with Al Ahly in Cairo to guarantee their spot in the CAF Champions League final. Sundowns advanced on the away goals rule with a stoppage-time own goal by Yasser Ibrahim of Al Ahly, their third final appearance and first since 2016.

Meanwhile, Congolese striker Fiston Mayele scored two goals to help Egypt's Pyramids FC defeat the Orlando Pirates 3-2 on Friday. Pyramids is participating in the Champions League final for the first time. The first leg of the two-match final is set for May 24 in Pretoria, and the second leg is set for June 1 in Cairo.

Asisat Oshoala Highlights African Influence in NWSL

Asisat Oshoala

Oshoala joined Bay FC last season, making her the first renowned African player to be signed to the NWSL. Rachael Kundanaji, Temwa Chawinga, Barbra Banda, and others would soon join her, adding Uchenna Kanu and Michelle Alozie, bringing the league's total number of African players to twelve.

Asisat Oshoala, a forward for Bay FC, feels that African players have upped the standard in the NWSL after spending a season in the United States and seeing some exceptional talent from the African continent.

"The African players have actually raised the bar in this league," she told ESPN. "We have a lot of talent that have come here.

"We have Chawinga, Rachael, Barbra, and some other players. What they have been able to do is amazing. I think we proved here that African players are just as good as anybody."

Kenyan Runners Aim for Future Boston Marathon Champions

John Korir 

John Korir came to Hopkinton with the intention of becoming a Boston Marathon champion like his brother. He intended to train a future winner when he left Boylston Street.

Korir stated that the Transcend Talent Academy, which offers an education to talented runners who cannot afford one, will get the prize money from his Boston victory. Together with his brother Wesley, who built a hospital in their home region with the money from his 2012 Boston victory, he has worked with the school in Kenya.

Naija Ratels Upset Delta Queens in NWFL Matchday 12

In an unexpected turn of events, Naija Ratels defeated Delta Queens in Asaba on Matchday 12 of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL). This victory highlights the competitive spirit and emerging skill in Nigerian women's football and keeps Naija Ratels' dreams of qualifying for the Super Six alive.

Thomas Partey Future at Arsenal Remains Uncertain as Berta Steps In

Thomas Partey

The future of Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is still up in the air, but Andrea Berta, the team's newly hired sporting director, might hold the secret to ending the player's contract standoff.

The 31-year-old is nearing the end of what many believe to be his best season since joining Arsenal, but it's unclear what the Gunners star will do next.

With 45 appearances this season, Partey has established himself as a vital part of Mikel Arteta's best team, and his absence against the Parisians will severely hurt their chances of making it to the finals.

Kipyegon Sets Sights on Shattering Elusive Women's Four-Minute Mile Barrier

Faith Kipyegon

Faith Kipyegon, a three-time Olympic 1500-meter winner, will try to set a new record and become the first woman to run a sub-four minute mile.

On June 26, the 31-year-old Kenyan will make an appearance in Paris.

Since Kipyegon is likely to use a crew of rotating pacemakers, as well as cutting-edge trainers and apparel from her sponsor Nike, it won't be accepted as an official record.

Kipyegon would need to cut more than seven seconds off her time to reach the current official women's mile world record of four minutes 7.64 seconds, which she achieved in 2023.