Day: August 16, 2025

Madagascar progress from Group B after win over Burkina Faso
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Madagascar progress from Group B after win over Burkina Faso

Madagascar advanced out of Group B in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after securing a second-place finish, joining group winners and co-hosts Tanzania.

In a “dead rubber” game, Tanzania played to a 0-0 draw against the Central African Republic, who finished at the bottom of the group. Meanwhile, the Barea of Madagascar edged past Burkina Faso with a 2-1 victory, allowing them to surpass Mauritania on goal differential.

In a thrilling match at Amaan Stadium, Madagascar took an early lead through Fenohasina Razafimaro’s long-range shot in the 7th minute. Burkina Faso equalized in the 26th minute with a header from Souleymane Sangaré, assisted by Hanaby Sagné.

Madagascar’s goalkeeper, Michel “Toldo” Ramandimbisoa, made key saves to maintain the balance, including a double save from shots by Yves Koutiama and Sagné.

Madagascar regained the lead in the 58th minute with a penalty converted by Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa after a foul on Fenohasina. Despite Burkina Faso’s second-half pressure, Madagascar’s defense held strong.

In another match, the Central African Republic earned their first-ever point at CHAN with a 0-0 draw against Tanzania, who still secured top spot in their group. Both Madagascar and Tanzania face tough quarterfinal challenges next Friday, August 22.

Burkina Faso International Dando Ouattara joins Brentford
by Football Sierra Leone

Burkina Faso International Dango Ouattara joins Brentford

Brentford has signed Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth for a club-record fee. He has signed a five-year contract with an option for an additional year.

The 23-year-old forward had 18 goal contributions in 81 Premier League matches for Bournemouth after joining in January 2023.

Brentford’s head coach, Keith Andrews, said, “We’re really happy to get Dango in. We were surprised he was available, and once we saw he might be possible to sign, we focused on getting him. We like his Premier League experience at such a young age.

He hasn’t found his rhythm yet due to inconsistent playing time. He fits the way we want to play and brings something we needed in our forward line. The fans will enjoy watching him.”

Phil Giles, Brentford’s director of football, stated, “After selling Bryan Mbeumo, we needed to add another attacking player, and we believe Dango is the perfect choice. Despite many changes at the club this summer, we have strong replacements, and Dango showcases that. We also have players like Aaron Hickey, Rico Henry, and Frank Onyeka ready to contribute, and I’m excited to see Dango’s unique skills on the pitch.”

Brentford finished last season in tenth, one place below the Cherries in ninth.

Yan Diomande nets as RB Leipzig beat Sandhausen in Cup win
by Football Sierra Leone

Yan Diomande nets as RB Leipzig beat Sandhausen in Cup win

Scoring on his RB Leipzig debut in Saturday’s DFB Pokal victory against Sandhausen, Yan Diomande immediately made an impact.

The 19-year-old winger, who moved from Spanish team Leganés to the Bundesliga side in a notable transfer, equalized for his new team in only six minutes. The Ivory Coast youth international coolly shot from close range after receiving a pass from Willi Orban inside the area.
 
RB Leipzig conceded another goal in the 18th minute, but Leipzig rallied back in the second half to win 4-2 as Diomande clocked 86 minutes on the field for his official debut.
 
Under German coach Ole Werner, he is expected to become a leading player for the 2025/26 season. Having represented Ivory Coast at the U17 and U23 levels, Yan Diomande is hailed as among the most promising talents to emerge from West Africa.