African sports are always humming with action; this past week is no exception. The continent continues to shine on the global stage, and even though it lost one of its stars during the week, it is still packed with exciting football moments, including thrilling semifinals and significant athletic milestones.
Check out the top African sports headlines making waves this week.
CAF Slaps $100,000 Fine on President's Club for Violations
FIFA Vice President, Patrice Motsepe
CAF penalised its president's club $100,000 following violent fan altercations during an African Champions League match between two sides that will compete in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
The Confederation of African Football claimed in a disciplinary ruling on Thursday, April 17th, that Mamelodi Sundowns, owned by South African mining billionaire and FIFA vice-president Patrice Motsepe, violated security regulations by holding a match against Esperance of Tunisia on April 1.
According to CAF, Esperance was fined $150,000 for fan misconduct involving altercations in the stands during the quarterfinal first leg match.
IFAF Expands Flag Football Championships to Africa Ahead of LA28
The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) is establishing its first African Flag Football Championships on June 20-21, 2025, in Cairo, Egypt. This effort intends to globalise the sport ahead of its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The competitions will act as a means of qualifying for the IFAF Flag Football World Championships in 2026. Osi Umenyiora, NFL Africa Lead, underlined the need to incorporate Africa in the advancement of international sports.
Botswana Sprinter, Letsile Tebogo Shines at FNB Golden Prix
Botswana Sprinter, Letsile Tebogo
On Saturday, April 12, a lively audience assembled at Gaborone Stadium for the FNB Golden Prix, with all eyes on Letsile Tebogo, the top athlete in Botswana. Tebogo thrilled thousands of spectators by returning with a decisive victory in the 200m after missing the 2024 competition.
Tebogo is one of Africa's best athletes, owing to his incredible speed and consistency, which also suggests that he is prepared for the 2025 World Championships.
NFF Found Negligent in Tragic Death of Nigerian Footballer
Late Football Player, Chineme Martins
Five years ago, a Nigerian football club was found to have been negligent in the death of one of its players during a match.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, April 19th, by the world football players' organisation FIFPRO, the Nigerian Football League and Federation (NFF), the match commissioner was found negligent in Chineme Martins' death by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
In March 2020, Chineme Martins passed away during a league game while playing for Nasarawa United. He was 25 years old.
According to the court's decision, it was "reprehensible" that Martins was permitted to play at Lafia Township Stadium without first completing extensive medical testing and without sufficient medical facilities.
Gabonese Forward, Aaron Boupendza, Dies Suddenly in China at Age 28
Late Gabonese Forward, Aaron Boupendza
The 28-year-old Gabon international, Aaron Boupendza, passed away after apparently falling from a building in China.
The attacker earned 35 caps for the Panthers and represented his nation at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon.
He had left the Romanian team Rapid Bucharest in January to join Hangzhou-based Zhejiang FC in China.
Marathon Stars Chepngetich and Jepchirchir Pull Out of London Race
Marathon Stars Ruth Chepngetich and Peres Jepchirchir
Both defending champion Peres Jepchirchir and world record holder Ruth Chepngetich have withdrawn from the London Marathon.
At the 2024 Chicago Marathon, 30-year-old Chepngetich of Kenya became the first female to finish in under 2 hours and 10 minutes, but she stated she was not prepared for the race the next weekend.
Despite being "very sad to miss the race," Chepngetich expressed her desire to "be back" for the 2026 London Marathon.
Due to an ankle injury, Jepchirchir, a fellow Kenyan who won the London Marathon in a record time of 2 hours 16 minutes 16 seconds, will not be able to compete.
The organisers of Chepngetich and Jepchirchir have declared that their countrywoman Vivian Cheruiyot will fill the void in the first division.
Nigeria Announces Bid to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games
Six additional nations have expressed interest in hosting athletes from the former British colonies, including Nigeria, which has submitted a bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
Katie Sadleir, chief executive of Commonwealth Sport, said she was pleased with how nations wanted to host the Games.
New Zealand is one of two countries considering the 2034 edition, while Canada, India, Nigeria, and two other countries have all openly shown interest in the 2030 centenary Games.
Hakimi Inspires PSG to UCL Semifinals Despite Aston Villa's Valiant Comeback Attempt
On a thrilling night at Villa Park, Aston Villa came close to making a spectacular comeback against Paris St-Germain before losing to them in the Champions League on Tuesday, April 15th.
When Villa fell behind by two goals in the opening half-hour, their dreams of overcoming a 3-1 deficit and advancing to the semi-final were dashed.
PSG took the lead after Achraf Hakimi took advantage of a mistake made by Villa goalie Emiliano Martinez. Nuno Mendes then doubled the French team's lead, meaning Villa needed to score four goals or more.
After thirty-four minutes, Youri Tielemans equalised with a deflected shot, and then a second half of pure drama took place in front of a wild Villa Park.
Before defender Ezri Konsa gave them the lead for the evening following outstanding work by Marcus Rashford, Villa scored twice in two minutes to raise hopes of an incredible comeback. John McGinn scored from 20 yards out after 55 minutes.
And as Villa's confidence increased, PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had to make three vital saves to prevent them from tying the score.
PSG will face either Real Madrid or Arsenal in the semi-final after managing to restore some composure to hold on. Watch the Highlight.
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Top Headlines Making Waves This Week
Apr 13, 2025