The Japan Times - Struggling African giants Ahly sack Spanish coach Riveiro

Moroccan Walid el Karti scored in each half for CAF Champions League title-holders Pyramids, leaving Ahly 13th in the 21-club championship after five rounds.

In other African football news, South Africa Mohau Nkota makes a dream debut in the Saudi Pro League and Uganda recall 40-year-old goalkeeper Denis Onyango for World Cup qualifiers.

Egypt

Riveiro came to South Africa from Finland in 2022 and won five knockout competitions in three seasons with famed Soweto club Orlando Pirates.

He left the Buccaneers when his contract expired last May and was hired by record 12-time African champions Ahly, where he struggled, winning only one of seven competitive matches.

"I need more time with the players so they can figure out my thoughts," the Spaniard said after the defeat by Pyramids, but his wish was not granted by Ahly chairman and former star Mahmoud el Khatib.

South Africa

Former Orlando Pirates striker Nkota scored after only seven minutes of his debut for Al Ettifaq, who went on to beat Al Kholood 2-1 in the first round.

The 20-year-old starred in the CAF Champions League last season, scoring three times in away victories over Algerian clubs Chabab Belouizdad and Mouloudia Alger.

Nkota has been included in the South Africa squad for World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria on September 5 and 9. Both matches are in Bloemfontein.

Uganda

Uganda have recalled veteran Onyango for World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique on September 5 and Somalia three days later.

Onyango, who has quit playing for South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns, will compete for a starting place with three rivals, Nafian Alionzi, Durban-based Salim Magoola and Joel Mutakubwa.

Both qualifiers are in Kampala and must-wins for the fourth-placed Cranes, who trail leaders Algeria by six points in Group G with four matchdays remaining.

Tanzania

Zambia midfielder Clatous Chama has changed clubs in Tanzania, moving from champions Young Africans to Singida Black Stars, who finished fourth last season.

The 34-year-old has penned a one-year deal as new Argentine coach Miguel Gamondi seeks success on the domestic and African fronts.

Stars aim to challenge Young Africans and biggest rivals Simba in the national league, and eliminate Rayon Sports of Rwanda and Flambeau Centre of Burundi or Al Akhdar of Libya to reach the CAF Confederation Cup group phase.

CHAN

Champions Morocco and third-placed Senegal shared the individual and team awards after the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) concluded in Kenya this weekend.

Moroccan midfielder Mohamed Hrimat won the Golden Ball for best player and teammate Oussama Lamlioui received the Golden Boot for leading scorer with six goals.

Senegal shot-stopper Marc Diouf collected the Golden Glove trophy for best goalkeeper and his team won the Fair Play trophy for having the best disciplinary record.

T.Ikeda--JT