Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

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.”

Ghana's Mohammed Kudus delighted after joining Tottenham
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus delighted after joining Tottenham

Mohammed Kudus, an international from Ghana, has said he is happy following his move from West Ham United to Tottenham Hotspur for an alleged £54.5 million.

A long-term contract has brought Spurs’ 24-year-old midfielder. Kudus contributed eight goals in the Premier League last year. He is currently the highest Ghanaian player ever in terms of cost.

As Tottenham begins a fresh era under coach Thomas Frank, he is the fifth player to arrive this summer.

Along with centre-backs Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai, Kudus follows Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso, who both signed permanently after loan stints.

Kudus said he was eager to join the club. He stated, “I have always wanted to play at the highest level.” This is a significant event; I am glad to be here and look forward to beginning. He was drawn to Spurs by the possibility of collaborating with Frank. The most significant factors I travelled here, Kudus pointed out, are the project and how the manager views my growth.

Kudus scored 19 goals and assisted 13 more in 80 games for West Ham after transferring from Ajax in 2023. He has shown up 65 times in the Premier League and has contributed 25 goals. With 42 appearances for Ghana, he scored 12 goals as an international player.

Sunderland sign Ivorian star player Simon Adingra
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sunderland sign Ivorian star player Simon Adingra

Sunderland FC has formally revealed the permanent transfer of brilliant winger Simon Adingra from Brighton and Hove Albion.

The 23-year-old global from the Ivory Coast has made the transfer for a reported £21 million, agreeing to a five-year deal at the Stadium of Light.

Originally from FC Nordsjælland, a Danish club renowned for nurturing young talent, Adingra first joined Brighton in 2022. While on loan at Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in the 202223 season, he gained priceless experience that helped them to campaign noticeably.

He appeared in 29 games last season in the Premier League, displaying his ability by scoring two goals and giving two assists to his teammates.

Looking to have a big influence in the English Football League, Adingra’s career is at a thrilling fresh start with this move to Sunderland.

DR Congo's  Noah Sadiki pens Sunderland's long-term deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

DR Congo’s Noah Sadiki pens Sunderland’s long-term deal

Sunderland has confirmed their new acquisition DR Congo International Noah Sadiki on a five-year deal at the Stadium of Light and becomes the third summer sigings ahead of the Premier League season.

Having been instrumental in their historic 2024–25 Belgian championship win, the adaptable midfielder arrives on Wearside from Royale Union SaintGilloise for an unknown sum.

Before joining Union SG in 2023, the 20-year-old already has 140 senior appearances under his belt and represented R.S.C. Anderlecht.

 

He stated: “I am grateful to everyone for their welcome in Sunderland. Though this Club is large, talking to the people persuaded me. They discussed their belief in my role, the history, and their wish for construction.

I’ll add duels, forward runs, track back, and passion. First and foremost, I seek victory; hence, I carry this wish everywhere I walk onto the field. My team is now this one, and I am very satisfied with my choice.

Born in Brussels, Sadiki joined Anderlecht at six and climbed through the RSCA levels before Head Coach Vincent Kompany noticed him and chose him for two friendly games in October 2021 and January 2022.

Featuring 12 times in the Jupiler Pro League during the 202223 season and five times in the UEFA Conference League, he also played for RSCA Futures, Anderlecht’s second team, in the Challenger Pro League, Belgium’s second division.