Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cameroon's Bryan Mbeumo heading to Manchester United
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cameroon’s Bryan Mbeumo heading to Manchester United

Brentford has accepted Manchester United’s £65 million offer for Bryan Mbeumo. Before Ruben Amorim’s team departs for their preseason tour on Tuesday, the Cameroon international might undergo a medical checkup with the club.

Following the summer acquisitions of forward Matheus Cunha and left-back Diego Leon, the 25-year-old winger is expected to be United’s third signing.

Originally bid £55 million at the beginning of June, United made a further bid of £62.5 million after that month; neither of which was accepted.

The most recent bid Brentford has accepted has an initial £65 million that might rise to £70 million with £5 million in possible extras. From Troyes in 2019, Mbeumo will be the most costly transfer Brentford has ever made.

With one goal for France at the U17, U20, and U21 levels, Mbeumo won ten caps. Following a London meeting with Samuel Eto’o in August 2022, Mbeumo proclaimed his senior international allegiance to the Cameroon national team.

With three appearances coming during Cameroon’s 2022 World Cup campaign before the team’s group stage exit, he made nine appearances and scored one goal during the 2022–23 season.

Having featured in three of Cameroon’s four 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying games and scoring one goal, injury disqualified Mbeumo from the ultimate competition.

Nigeria Super falcons thrash Copper Queens to reach WAFCON semis
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ruthless Super Falcons thrash Copper Queens to reach WAFCON semis

On July 18, 2025, the Nigeria Super Falcons won their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarterfinal with an impressive 5-0 win over Zambia.

The Copper Queens were anticipated to put up a tough fight against the seasoned nine-time champions, but they were overwhelmed by an impressive display marked by sharp finishing.

The West Africans seized control early on, with centre-back Osinachi Ohale finding himself unmarked during a second-minute free-kick, allowing him to head the ball past Petronella Musole.

Osinachi Ohale scored the first goal only two minutes into the game. Esther Okoronkwo scored a second in the 33rd minute, followed by Chinwendu Ihezuo’s goal just before halftime, bringing the score to 30, and Nigeria continued to dominate.

Tosin Demehin scored a free kick for a fourth goal in the 69th minute in the second half, and Nigeria guaranteed their win with a fifth goal in stoppage time.

Though Zambia tried many times, including attempts from their star player, Barbra Banda, they could not score, and Nigeria’s defence ensured a clean sheet. Coach Justin Madugu made critical replacements in the second half to sustain momentum, bringing in Asisat Oshoala among others. This game dashed Zambia’s dreams of winning their first WAFCON title.

Nigeria's Falcons set for cracker against Zambia's Copper Queens
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria’s Falcons set for cracker against Zambia’s Copper Queens

As they face Zambia in the quarterfinals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Nigeria will carry on their quest for the continental crown this Friday. At Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, the game is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. GMT.

With seven points from their three games, the Super Falcons controlled Group B. Starting their effort with a 3-0 victory over Tunisia, they next squeezed a narrow 1-0 win against Botswana. With a scoreless draw against Algeria, Nigeria earned first place in their group.

Having won nine titles since the tournament adopted a tournament format in 1998, Nigeria is the most decorated team in the history of the competition. They were dethroned in 2022 when South Africa took the title in Morocco, though.

Although Zambia tied Nigeria’s points total, she lost the first position to hosts Morocco based on goal differential and finished second in Group A. Opening their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Morocco, the Copper Queens beat Senegal 3-2 and finished the group phase with a 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The third-place playoff of the last edition, also conducted in Morocco, was when these two teams met at WAFCON last. Emerging victorious in that game, the Copper Queens took the bronze medal with 1-0.

Nigeria vs Zambia set for WAFCON Quarterfinal
Nigeria vs Zambia set for WAFCON Quarterfinal
Right-back Osman Kakay joins FC Kosice in Slovakia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Right-back Osman Kakay joins FC Kosice in Slovakia

Slovak First League club FC Košice has signed Sierra Leone defender Osman Kakay on a free transfer until May 2027.

In two preseason games for League One team Blackpool against Accrington Stanley and AFC Fylde, the former QPR player showed up. He has formally become part of his new team in Nike League Central Europe.

“We needed to strengthen the right side, and we managed to get Osman Kakay, who is a very honest and experienced footballer. He has hard work, discipline and footballing ability. He proved it at Queens Park Rangers and also at Boavista Porto. He is exactly the type of footballer that we are missing, and I am convinced that a very high-quality player is coming to us,” said FC Košice sports director Marek Sapara regarding the new reinforcement.

As his new team will be playing in the UEFA Conference League, this move offers a fantastic chance for the defender to revive his career.

Košice came in fifth place last season and qualified for the semifinals of the Slovak First Football League playoff for a European spot, but FK Železiarne Podbrezová defeated them in a penalty shootout.

Košice was given a place in the UEFA Conference League, nevertheless since FC Dunajská Streda was eliminated due to common ownership with another team competing in the Conference League.

Sierra Leone international Kakay developed his skills in the QPR academy and gained experience through loan spells with Livingston, Chesterfield, and Partick Thistle.

He made 113 appearances for QPR, contributing two assists from his defensive role. QPR announced he would leave the team after his contract expires on May 6, 2024. He joined Primeira Liga club Boavista on a free transfer this year and has made nine appearances so far.

Winger Josh Koroma returns to League One side Leyton Orient
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Winger Josh Koroma returns to League One side Leyton Orient

Sierra Leone International Josh Koroma has agreed a three-year deal with English League One team Leyton Orient, where he developed his young career.

Having graduated from the Orient Academy, Koroma was on the National League championship team in 2019 and expressed his joy about coming back.

For me, this club is unique; I want to go back to the Championship and doing so with Leyton Orient would be amazing. Wear the shirt once more; I want to succeed here.

At only 17, in April 2016, he made his senior debut for Orient and scored a hat-trick in a 40 victory over Newport County. Contributing to the National League championship for the team and earning a transfer to Huddersfield Town, he played 39 games and scored 11 goals in the 2018–19 season.

Richie Wellens, head coach of Orient, said he was thrilled to welcome Josh back as he comes in as a more seasoned player, ready to reach his prime. Having loan stints at Rotherham United and Portsmouth, Koroma had 35 goals from over 150 games for Huddersfield.

Director of Football Martin Ling lauded Josh’s ability and dedication, noting his choice to refuse greater offers to come back to Leyton Orient.

Sierra Leone's Osman Kakay on Blackpool's transfer radar
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Osman Kakay on Blackpool’s transfer radar

Blackpool are in talks to sign defender Osman Kakay to bolster their defensive unit and hence improve squad depth and rivalry.

Presently, Kakay has featured in two pre-season matches for the League One side against Accrington Stanley and AFC Fylde.

Having won 26 caps for his country, the Sierra Leone international honed his talents in the QPR academy and acquired priceless experience on loan spells at Livingston, Chesterfield, and Partick Thistle.

Kakay made 113 appearances during his time at QPR, assisting two goals from a defensive position.

While Blackpool considers the possibility of hiring his services, the club is also getting ready for the approaching season under manager Bruce’s skilled direction, with the goal of fighting at the upper levels of the league.

QPR declared on May 6, 2024, that Kakay will be departing the team when his contract expires at the conclusion of the season.

Kakay signed a contract that would expire at the end of the 2024–25 campaign and had nine appearances for Primeira Liga team Boavista on a free transfer this year.

Congolese defender Tuanzebe sues former club Manchester United
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Congolese defender Tuanzebe sues former club Manchester United

Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe is suing the club for suspected negligent medical advice.

Last week, the 27-year-old, who signed for Burnley earlier this month, brought a High Court lawsuit against United.

Regarded as a high-value claim, exceeding £1 million, it refers to an incident in July 2022 involving an unidentified injury.

Before he was sent to Stoke in January 2023, where he played only five games, Tuanzebe was out for 195 days in his last season at the club.

Having entered the club at the age of eight, he made his debut in 2017 and played 37 times for them before quitting in the summer of 2023, joining Ipswich as a free agent in September.

At every level, the Bunia-born served as United’s captain. In the 2021 Europa League final defeat by Villarreal, where he scored in the shootout as they lost 1110 on penalties, he made his last appearance for the club.

While he also spent time in Napoli in 2022, the ex-England Under-21 international, now representing DR Congo, had three loan spells at Aston Villa.

When BBC Sport asked, Tuanzebe’s attorneys, Simons Muirhead Burton and United both refused to reply.

Ghana thrash Tanzania to reach WAFCON quarter-finals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana thrash Tanzania to reach WAFCON quarter-finals

After defeating Tanzania 4–1, the Black Queens of Ghana put in an amazing second-half performance on Monday night to guarantee their spot in the knockout rounds of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Cup of Nations Morocco 2024.

In the 12th minute, Princella Adubea finished from the middle of the box to give Ghana a well-deserved early advantage.

When Stumai Athumani took advantage of a headed assist from Enekia Lunyamila, Tanzania reacted powerfully and equalised just before halftime, making the score 1–1 as the teams entered the break.

Ghana came out with new energy in the second half and reclaimed the lead in the 63rd minute with a penalty quietly converted by Alice Kusi following Princess Marfo’s area foul.

In the 87th minute, Evelyn Badu scored from close range after a setpiece, extending Ghana’s lead to 3–1. Moments later, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah capped off a quick counterattack, sealing the victory at 4–1 in stoppage time.

Despite a brave effort, the Tanzanian team couldn’t match Ghana’s strength in the final moments. With this win, the Black Queens showcased their resilience as they advanced to the knockout rounds.

Morocco and Nigeria set for cracker in Women's Cup of Nations final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco and Zambia reach WAFCON quarter-finals

WAFCON Quarter Finals: Morocco and Zambia Advance After VAR Drama

WAFCON quarter finals drama lit up the group stages as Morocco and Zambia secured their spots in the last eight of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Morocco led Group A following a narrow 1-0 win over Senegal, thanks to a coolly taken penalty by Yasmin Mrabet.

WAFCON quarter finals – VAR Controversy in Morocco vs Senegal

The Rabat clash was tense and intense, with controversy emerging just before half-time. Initially missed by referee Shamirah Nabadda, a VAR review showed Senegal goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye hitting Morocco forward Ibtissam Jraidi in the face. Although many expected a red card, a yellow was shown and a penalty awarded. Mrabet, composed under pressure, slotted it home in stoppage time — her team’s third successful penalty in the group.

With this victory, Morocco’s WAFCON 2024 campaign continues strongly, topping Group A with seven points. Meanwhile, Zambia’s women’s team also booked a place in the WAFCON quarter finals, overcoming DR Congo 1-0, with Racheal Kundananji scoring the decisive goal.

Despite going down to 10 players after Falonne Pambani was sent off, Zambia held their nerve and now await a Group B opponent in the next round. Morocco will face one of the best third-placed teams from Group B or C.

The Olympic Stadium in Rabat was at full capacity, offering an electric atmosphere even though clear goal chances were limited. VAR played a key role again, disallowing a late goal from Ghizlane Chebbak due to offside. In total, seven yellow cards were shown as the physical nature of the contest grew.

While Chebbak and Jraidi missed some key chances, Morocco’s quality across the field made the difference. They remain in Rabat for the quarter-final clash this Friday, while Zambia stay in Mohammedia. Senegal, with only three points, must now hope to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

The WAFCON quarter finals promise high tension, especially with top teams like Morocco and Zambia bringing form, resilience, and controversy to the pitch. With the knockout stage set to begin, all eyes are on who will rise to the occasion.

Southampton first professional contract for Sutura Kakay
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Southampton’s first professional contract for Sutura Kakay

Southampton has officially announced that young midfielder Sutura Kakay has joined the club’s Academy on his first professional contract.

The 18-year-old arrived from Sheffield Wednesday and will be part of the Under-21s, with a deal that keeps him at the club until 2027.

Kakay has made impressive progress in recent seasons after joining Wednesday’s youth setup during his scholarship years, having a standout 2024/25 campaign before making the move to the South Coast.

He was a regular player at the Under-18s level and also made a mark with the Under-21s, gaining valuable experience by training with the first team at the Yorkshire club.

“Signing my first professional contract is something I’ve worked hard for all my life, and I’m eager to get started,” Kakay said after his signing.

“With the club’s strong history of nurturing young talent, I believe this is the perfect pathway for me to grow in my career.” Director of Group Talent Strategy, Andy Goldie, added, “Sutura is a fantastic addition to the Under-21s, enhancing the quality and competition in our midfield ranks.

He brings a fresh dynamic to our squad, showcasing real athleticism and vision, especially in transition. These qualities caught the attention of Mariela [Nisotaki] and her team, making him the first Under-21s signing of the summer. We’re excited to support his development over the next two seasons.”