Author: FSL News

* Established in 2014 © 2021 FSL MediaFootball Sierra Leone - all you need to know about the game in Sierra Leone and Sierra Leonean footballers at home and abroad.Founded by Alie Ahmed Bittar in 2014, Bittar is one of the leading journalists from Sierra Leone with over 25 years covering football.The award-winning website also covers football from across the continent.We aim to continue pursuing up-to-date reports for our readers in Sierra Leone and across the globe.FSL Media is always informative, accurate and consistent. Make Football Sierra Leone Your daily news feed.Follow our social media pages on Twitter @football_sierra, Instagram, Linkedin and Facebook. Permission to use our content is granted subject to crediting our website as the source.Contact: Managing Editor Alie Ahmed Bittar - Email: bittar@footballsierraleone.net - Tel: +44 (0) 7861141119
Nigeria's Akor Adams joins Sevilla from Montpellier
by FSL News

Nigeria’s Akor Adams joins Sevilla from Montpellier

On Monday, Akor Adams, aged 24, officially signed with Sevilla in a transfer deal valued at approximately €7 million, as reported by L’Équipe.

The Nigerian striker has departed from Montpellier HSC and has entered into a contract with the La Liga club that extends until 2029.

Adams’ transfer occurs during a challenging time for Montpellier, which is currently positioned second-from-bottom in Ligue 1 with 15 points, putting the club at risk of relegation to Ligue 2.

They trail behind Stade Rennais, who occupy the relegation playoff position by two points, and are three points adrift of AS Saint-Étienne, which holds a guaranteed place in the top flight for the upcoming season.

Furthermore, this exit comes amidst speculation regarding Téji Savanier’s potential departure. Savanier, who was the club’s leading goalscorer last season with 11 goals, has attracted interest from the Saudi Arabian club Al-Taawoun.

Montpellier has recently achieved victories in their last two league matches, equalling the number of wins they secured in the first 17 matches of the current domestic campaign.

In these recent encounters, Adams did not participate, as Jordanian forward Musa Al-Taamari excelled, scoring a brace in the 2-1 victory over AS Monaco.

Adams joined Montpellier in August 2023 from Lillestrøm, where he had an outstanding season, netting 15 goals in 15 appearances in the 2023 Norwegian top-flight season.

Egyptian Omar Marmoush was pleased with his Premier League debut
by FSL News

Egyptian Omar Marmoush was pleased with his Premier League debut

Egyptian international Omar Marmoush made an “amazing” debut for Manchester City after they won 3-1 against Chelsea in the Premier League. (Photo Credit Man City)

Marmoush joined the team just two days ago and started the game at the Etihad Stadium. Chelsea took the lead early with a goal from Noni Madueke in the third minute.

Josko Gvardiol equalized for City before halftime. In the second half, Erling Haaland and Phil Foden scored to give City the win.

Marmoush played 74 minutes before Kevin De Bruyne replaced him. He showed good skills during the game, having a goal disallowed for offside and demonstrating confidence with the ball.

“Yeah, it was an amazing debut,” Marmoush said after the match. “I’m really happy to be here. The debut was really nice. We won the game, and the atmosphere was crazy. I’m so happy to be part of this.”

He added, “I hope to keep playing well. This is just the beginning, and I look forward to more wins.” Marmoush also thanked the City fans for their great support and mentioned fellow new signing Abdukodir Khusanov’s debut.

Read Related – Omar Marmoush proud as first Egyptian player to join Manchester City
Dango Ouattara becomes first from Burkina Faso to score Premier League hat-trick
by FSL News

Dango Ouattara becomes first Burkina Faso player to score Premier League hat-trick

Burkina Faso International Dango Ouattara’s impressive performance made him the first player from the West African nation to score a hat-trick in the Premier League. On Saturday, he led Bournemouth to a 5-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the Vitality Stadium.

This win boosts Bournemouth’s hopes for a top-four finish and a spot in the Champions League. It marks Forest’s first loss since December.

Bournemouth has extended their unbeaten streak in the Premier League to 11 games and is just one point off the top four. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest is now nine points behind leaders Liverpool.

The Burkinabe scored three of his four shots on target and has significantly stepped up for Bournemouth, especially with strikers Evanilson and Enes Ünal injured.

This season, Ouattara has 10 goal involvements (six goals, four assists) for Bournemouth, surpassing his total from his first two seasons combined (two goals, five assists).

Ouattara is in his third season at AFC Bournemouth, where he was the first signing under Bill Foley in January 2023. He plays mostly as a left-back and scored a memorable late winning goal against Tottenham in a 3-2 match.

Ouattara, born in February 2002 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, started with Majestic FC and joined FC Lorient in 2020, initially playing for their reserve team.

He made 25 appearances and scored his first goal in April 2022. His strong performance earned him a spot on the Burkina Faso national team, where he scored a key goal in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

In the 2022/23 season, he was vital for Lorient, scoring six goals in 18 matches before joining Bournemouth in January 2023, despite interest from other teams.

Ivorian star Wilfried Zaha set for Charlotte FC MLS debut
by FSL News

Ivorian star Wilfried Zaha set for Charlotte debut in friendly

Wilfried Zaha could make his appearance with new outfit Charlotte FC after joining on loan from Turkish champions Galatasaray.

Charlotte will face Nashville SC today in a friendly match as they prepare for the upcoming MLS season. Zaha may join the squad for his first appearance in new colours at the Oxbridge Academy.

Zaha will play for Charlotte until January 2026, with an option to extend the loan until June 2026. The firmer Crystal Palace attacker will occupy a Designated Player spot and international roster slot on the Club’s 2025 roster.

The Ivory Coast international played 10 seasons in the Premier League with Crystal Palace, Manchester United and Cardiff City, where the forward scored a total of 68 goals in 305 appearances.

For the past six months, Zaha was on loan at Olympique Lyonnais in France, where he made six appearances but did not score or assist.

“Wilfried is a world-class player who has shown his skills as a top goal scorer and creator of chances. His performances in the Premier League and on the international stage speak for themselves, and we believe he can make an immediate impact in MLS,” said Zoran Krneta, the general manager of Charlotte.

“He adds versatility to our attack and brings that extra magic that can help us win more games. We are excited to welcome a player of Wilfried’s talent and experience to our team.”

Zaha changed his national team to Ivory Coast before the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Gabon. He debuted in a friendly against Sweden in January 2017, where he provided an assist. Since then, he has earned 33 caps, scoring four goals and providing six assists.

Belouizdad's Noufel Khacef goal ends Al Ahly unbeaten record
by FSL News

Belouizdad’s Noufel Khacef goal ends Al Ahly’s unbeaten record

Algerian club Belouizdad achieved a notable 1-0 victory over Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly in a highly competitive CAF Champions League match held at the 5 July Stadium in Algiers on Friday night.

The decisive goal came from Noufel Khacef in the first minute of stoppage time, marking the end of Al Ahly’s impressive 27-match unbeaten streak in the competition.

This victory represents Belouizdad’s first win against the Egyptian champions in their six encounters, significantly enhancing their prospects in the group stage.

The match commenced with both teams demonstrating caution as they sought to establish control over the midfield. Al Ahly had an early opportunity when Yahya Attiat Allah’s free-kick narrowly missed its target.

Belouizdad believed they had taken the lead in the 14th minute, with Khanyisa Mayo finding the net, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside.

In the second half, the hosts elevated their level of play, creating multiple scoring opportunities that tested Al Ahly’s defensive resolve. The introduction of substitute Islam Slimani infused new energy into Belouizdad’s performance, culminating in a well-deserved goal in the waning moments of the match.

Khacef capitalized on a rebound following an initial save by Mohamed El-Shennawy, eliciting an enthusiastic response from the home crowd.

Despite a late effort by Al Ahly, which included the introduction of Percy Tau and Mahmoud ‘Kahraba’, they were unable to secure an equalizer.

Following this defeat, Al Ahly remains at the top of Group C with seven points, while Belouizdad ascends to second place with six points, surpassing Orlando Pirates, who have a game in hand.

This outcome not only concludes Al Ahly’s unbeaten streak but also sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the group stage, with all teams still vying for qualification.

Morocco's Hakim Ziyech regrets joining Turkish side Galatasaray
by FSL News

Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech regrets joining Turkish side Galatasaray

Moroccan International Hakim Ziyech has expressed his frustration over joining the Turkish side Galatasaray. Head coach Okan Buruk has confirmed that the former Chelsea winger will leave the club in the next transfer window.

On 28 June 2024, Ziyech, who signed for Galatasaray permanently, has voiced his frustration with Buruk and the club.

This season has been difficult for Ziyech, who has only started three games. He has expressed a desire to leave

“Galatasaray is over for me. I don’t want to play here anymore. I’m leaving in January,” Ziyech said. “I’ve never worked with a coach of such a low level. I don’t care if joining Galatasaray was a mistake. I want to be left alone, no matter what happens. I regret coming here.”

Buruk responded, “I talked with Ziyech. He told us he is unhappy with his playing time and will talk to other teams when the transfer window opens. He is not happy because he isn’t playing, and he is likely to leave the club.”

Clubs in Ligue 1, like Rennes, and several Premier League teams are interested in Ziyech. However, his salary demands might make it harder to negotiate a transfer as the January window approaches.

A source close to the club has indicated that Galatasaray will not request a transfer fee for Hakim Ziyech, who has started looking for a team through his agent.

Liberia and Senegal share spoils as Côte d'Ivoire beat Burkina Faso
by FSL News

Liberia and Senegal share spoils as Côte d’Ivoire beat Burkina Faso

On Sunday, defending champions Senegal drew 1-1 with Liberia in Monrovia in the first leg of the final round of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 qualifiers.

Seydina Mbaye scored first for Senegal, but Bility equalized late. The return leg will be in Dakar, where Senegal hopes to capitalize on home advantage.

With the first leg of the qualifiers over, the focus shifts to the second leg starting on December 25. Teams will compete for spots in CHAN 2024, held in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in February.

In another match, Côte d’Ivoire won 2-0 against Burkina Faso, with Oumar Konaté scoring both goals.

Sudan beat Ethiopia 2-0 away, and Mauritania narrowly defeated Mali 1-0.

South Sudan triumphed over Rwanda 3-2, with Malish Mandela and Ezibon scoring, while Rwanda’s goals from Muhire and Didier kept them in the running.

Nigeria and Ghana ended in a 0-0 draw. The second leg next week will be crucial for both teams’ qualification hopes.

TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024 Qualifiers Results:

Saturday, 21 December 2024

  • Lesotho 0-2 Angola
  • Equatorial Guinea 0-0 Congo
  • Mozambique 0-3 Zambia
  • Eswatini 0-2 Madagascar
  • Chad 1-1 DR Congo

 

Sunday, 22 December 2024 | Times in GMT

  • 13:00: South Sudan 3-2Rwanda
  • 14:00: Central African Republic vs Cameroon
  • 14:00: Ethiopia 0-2 Sudan
  • 16:00: Ghana 0-0 Nigeria
  • 16:00: Cote d’Ivoire 2-0 Burkina Faso
  • 16:00: Liberia 1-1 Senegal
  • 16:00: Togo 1-1 Niger
  • 17:00: Mauritania 1-0 Mali
Angola, Madagascar and Zambia secure wins in CHAN first-leg qualifiers
by FSL News

Angola, Madagascar and Zambia secure wins in CHAN first-leg qualifiers

The first leg of the second-round qualifiers for CHAN 2024 has produced challenging results for host nations across the continent.

On Saturday, December 21st, five matches took place, with three visiting teams securing victories. However, DR Congo and Congo did not achieve wins. Lesotho hosted Angola in Durban, South Africa, where Angola celebrated a convincing 2-0 victory.

Equatorial Guinea faced Congo at home but struggled to secure a win, settling for a goalless draw despite having control of possession. In a Southern African derby, Zambia triumphed over Mozambique with a 3-0 scoreline, while Eswatini was outperformed by Madagascar, suffering a 2-0 loss in Mbabane.

Two-time champions DR Congo managed to earn a 1-1 draw against Chad in an away match as they seek to reclaim their title after previous wins in 2009 and 2016.

The qualifiers continue on Sunday, leading to the second and final round from December 25 to 29, where the final 19 qualified nations, including hosts Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, will be determined.

The TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship 2024 will be held from February 1 to February 24, 2025.

TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024 Qualifiers Results:

Saturday, 21 December 2024

  • Lesotho 0-2 Angola
  • Equatorial Guinea 0-0 Congo
  • Mozambique 0-3 Zambia
  • Eswatini 0-2 Madagascar
  • Chad 1-1 DR Congo

Sunday, 22 December 2024 | Times in GMT

  • 13:00: South Sudan vs Rwanda
  • 14:00: Central African Republic vs Cameroon
  • 14:00: Ethiopia vs Sudan
  • 16:00: Ghana vs Nigeria
  • 16:00: Cote d’Ivoire vs Burkina Faso
  • 16:00: Liberia vs Senegal
  • 16:00: Togo vs Niger
  • 17:00: Mauritania vs Mali
Nantes: Nigeria's Moses Simon set for ankle surgery
by FSL News

Nantes: Nigeria’s Moses Simon set for ankle surgery

Nantes head coach Antoine Kombouare has confirmed that Moses Simon is scheduled to undergo surgery in the coming days to address a persistent ankle issue.

The Nigeria international has been unavailable for the last two months of the 2023-24 season due to a fractured fibula. It continues to experience residual pain from that injury in the current season.

Recently, Simon had the plate and screws removed from his ankle and fibula, but he remains in discomfort. As a result, the club has determined that surgery is the most appropriate course of action.

As Ligue 1 is currently in its winter break, Nantes will next compete on January 4 when they travel to Lille. They will also face Drancy in the Coupe de France on December 21.

Kombouare will proceed without the 29-year-old winger, who has significantly contributed with four goals and five assists in 14 league appearances this season.

“Moses has had the plate and screws removed from his ankle and fibula due to the considerable pain he has been experiencing recently,” Kombouare stated, as reported by Ouest-France. “We are utilizing this short break to facilitate this necessary operation for him. Following the procedure, he will have two weeks to recover before he can safely rejoin the team.”

Guinea take CHAN first-leg advantage with win over Guinea-Bissau
by FSL News

Guinea take CHAN’s first-leg advantage with win over Guinea Bissau

On Friday, Guinea’s home team, Syli National, won against Guinea-Bissau with a score of 4-1 in the first leg of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers. The match took place at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium.

Kabinet Kouyate scored the first goal for the team in the 26th minute. However, just before halftime, Wilquine Bidane equalized for Guinea Bissau. 

In the second half, Mohamed Bangoura scored Guinea’s second goal, followed by midfielder Ousmane Drame, who added the third goal before Mohamed Bangoura completed his brace in the 80th minute.

Guinea-Bissau will host Guinea for the second leg of the match on Saturday, December 28.

The championship is scheduled from February 1 to February 24, 2025. Since the CHAN features only domestic league players, this event provides emerging talents with a platform to showcase their skills.

TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship Previous Winners:

  • 2009 – DR Congo
  • 2011 – Tunisia
  • 2014 – Libya
  • 2016 – DR Congo
  • 2018 – Morocco
  • 2020 – Morocco
  • 2022 – Senegal