African Champions Egypt use failure to qualify for the World Cup to motivate the team ahead of the Nations Cup qualifiers.

Four African Union peacekeepers are killed as a mortar hits Somalia's presidential palace, officials say.

There is controversy in Nigeria about the identity of a man police rescued from kidnappers believing he was the son of the country’s first prime minister.

Sierra Leone's top striker Mohamed Kallon has pulled out of his country's squad for their opening 2012 qualifier with Egypt.

Has Zuma lost his ability to charm poor South Africans?

Two Russian pilots are kidnapped in Sudan's war-torn Darfur region, state media reports, as a US aid worker held for more than 100 days is freed.

South Africa's President Jacob Zuma instructs ministers to return to the negotiating table to end a crippling public sector strike.

Algeria's JS Kabylie draw 1-1 with Egypt's Al Ahly to earn semi-final spot in the African Champions league.

But it floods in Niger, in sound and images

Rwanda says it will reconsider its UN commitments - including peacekeeping contributions - if a draft report is published accusing its troops of possible genocidal acts.

Former Spain coach Javier Clemente signs a two-year contract to take charge of Cameroon's Indomitable Lions.

The exiled Madagascan president is sentenced to life in prison with hard labour for ordering a killing last year.

Andrey Arshavin grabs the winner for Arsenal as they show the steel needed to overcome a committed Blackburn.

Is Algeria on the cusp of a shopping centre revolution?

AC Milan youngster Rodney Strasser believes he is ready to make his debut for Sierra Leone against Egypt next weekend.

A Somali man pleads guilty to piracy-related charges in the US, saying he attacked a US warship believing it was a merchant vessel.

The International Criminal Court lodges a report with the UN about a trip to Kenya by Sudan's president, who it wants to try for alleged war crimes.

Blackburn Rovers sign former Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari on a one-year deal.

From hitching lifts to climbing trees this week

As many as 30 children are reportedly dead in northern Nigeria from lead poisoning caused by illegal gold-miners.