Day: July 19, 2024

Ex-International Nibombe Dare is the new Togo head coach
by FSL News

Ex-International Nibombe Dare is the new Togo head coach

The Togolese Football Federation (FTF) has officially announced that Nibombe Dare is the new head coach of the national team, known as the Sparrowhawks.

During a press briefing at the FTF headquarters in Kégué, it was announced that Daré, a former Togolese international player with a UEFA Pro license, will be leading the team in the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers.

“Nibombé Daré, a former international defender for the Hawks, was chosen from a group of Togolese candidates. After a rigorous evaluation, it was finally Daré who was selected to lead the Hawks.

The new coach inherits a team in search of stability and performance. With important deadlines in perspective, including the qualifications for the African Cup of Nations, CAN 2025 and the World Cup 2026, Daré will have the arduous task of forming a solid and coherent group,” FTF noted.

This announcement ends weeks of speculation about who would succeed Paulo Duarte. His first match in charge will be a home game against Liberia in early September.

FTF Secretary General Herve Agbodan told reporters, “This is the official announcement of his appointment. Nibombé Daré will soon be in Lomé to discuss the terms of his contract before his official presentation.”

Equatorial Guinea, Angola, and DRC make progress in Fifa ranking
by FSL News

Equatorial Guinea, Angola and DRC make progress in Fifa ranking

In July’s Fifa ranking, Sierra Leone stayed at 122nd place and 34th in the continent but the focus is on Equatorial Guinea, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The impact on the rankings of certain African teams was due to their limited participation during the concurrent UEFA EURO and Copa América events.

Equatorial Guinea moved up by two places, while Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo each moved up by one place.

Morocco, a top team in African football, didn’t do as well but still did well against tough teams. They dropped from 12th to 14th place in the world, but they are still a strong force in international football.

Senegal’s national team, the Lions of Teranga, also dropped to 19th place in the rankings.

Overall, these changes show the bright and competitive spirit of African football. They also show that African football is getting better and becoming more important globally.

Click the link to see the FIFA ranking of African teams.

Benin International Andreas Hountondji is delighted to join Burnley
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Benin International Andreas Hountondji is delighted to join Burnley

Benin international Andreas Hountondji has expressed his delight at finalizing his transfer to English Championship side Burnley from French Ligue 2 team Caen, signing a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The forward joins Burnley after an impressive loan spell with Rodez in Ligue 2 last season, during which he scored 16 goals in all competitions.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the move to Turf Moor, Hountondji stated, “I am excited to be here and decided due to the strong interest shown by the club.” During his loan spell with Rodez, Hountondji scored 16 times in all competitions. “I am drawn to the club’s commitment to providing opportunities for young players, which influenced my decision to join.

Additionally, I have a deep appreciation for English football,” Hountondji conveyed in a statement on the club’s website. Furthermore, he highlighted the fruitful discussion with the management, stating, “We discussed values, principles, and our playing style, and it strongly resonated with me.”

Born in France to a Beninese father and a French mother, Hountondji holds dual nationalities. He commenced his international career with Benin in June 2023 and has secured eight caps for the Cheetahs, although he has yet to register a goal for the West African side.

Serhou Guirassy completes transfer to Borussia Dortmund from Stuttgart
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea’s striker Serhou Guirassy joins Borussia Dortmund

Stuttgart forward Serhou Guirassy has successfully finalized his transfer to Borussia Dortmund. The Guinea international demonstrated his prowess by scoring 28 goals in the Bundesliga last season.

Guirassy is eager to contribute to Borussia Dortmund and help them win titles. Dortmund’s sporting director praised Guirassy as a strong and versatile addition to the team.

He expressed satisfaction that Guirassy will soon be playing for BVB and scoring goals for the team. The Guinean national striker, born in Arles, France, is joining BVB from VfB Stuttgart until June 2028.

The German side noted, “A few days ago, Guirassy underwent another medical examination by a specialist. This showed that the injury he sustained in an international match at the end of the season would not require surgery. Guirassy will now complete an individual rehabilitation program for a few weeks and, according to the doctors’ assessments, will be fit to play in the summer.”

Serhou Guirassy leaves VfB - The 28-year-old striker has completed a transfer to Borussia Dortmund.
Serhou Guirassy leaves VfB -The 28-year-old striker has completed a transfer to Borussia Dortmund.