Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

New MK Dons deal for Kinshasa-born Jonathan Leko
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New MK Dons deal for Kinshasa-born Jonathan Leko

MK Dons has announced that winger Jonathan Leko has penned a new contract to remain at Stadium MK.

Since joining the club in 2022, Leko has made 55 appearances and has contributed to 12 goals across League One, League Two, and the EFL Trophy.

He is known for his speed and has already had memorable moments, including two goals against Wrexham in the current season.

Leko is well-liked for his personality and sense of humor. After facing a serious injury while on loan at Burton Albion in 2024, he worked hard to regain his fitness and returned to play in March during a victory against Cheltenham.

Head Coach Paul Warne expressed his excitement about having Leko on the team, noting his talent and competitive nature. Sporting Director Liam Sweeting also highlighted Leko’s potential under Warne’s leadership and praised the medical team’s efforts in helping him recover. Everyone at MK Dons congratulates Jonathan on his new deal.

 EFL League Two Milton Keynes Dons.

Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to host CHAN opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to host CHAN opener

Tanzania is set to host the opening match of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), with the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam chosen as the venue for the tournament’s kickoff on 2 August 2025.

The tournament will run from 2 to 30 August 2025 and will feature national teams composed solely of players from their domestic leagues.

This edition marks the first time CHAN returns to East Africa since Rwanda hosted it in 2016. CAF also confirmed that Uganda’s Mandela Stadium in Kampala will be the site for the third-place match, while the final is set to take place at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya, on 30 August.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) made this announcement after consultations with the three East African co-hosts—Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—who are collaboratively organizing the event for the first time.

This rotation of the tournament among the three countries is a key part of CAF’s strategy to foster regional cooperation and infrastructure development, while also giving fans across East Africa direct access to high-level continental competition.

With Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda all eager to make a strong impression as both hosts and participants, the 2024 CHAN is poised to offer not only top-tier football but also a showcase of East Africa’s organizational prowess on the continental stage.

Defender Osman Turay pens Bayer 04 Leverkusen from FC Schalke 04
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Defender Osman Turay pens Bayer 04 Leverkusen deal from FC Schalke 04

Bayer Leverkusen has made an exciting addition to their A-Junior team by signing 17-year-old left-back Osman Turay from FC Schalke 04. This talented young player is set to enhance the squad under the guidance of coach Sergi Runge.

The German U-17 international joins Leverkusen free of charge, making it a savvy move as the club aims to bolster its status in youth football.

Sporting director Simon Rolfes expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Osman Turay’s ambitions match perfectly with our objectives. We are committed to elevating our standing in youth football and reinstating Bayer 04 as a premier destination in German football.”

Football director Kim Falkenberg also commended Turay’s remarkable abilities, saying, “Osman has emerged as one of the standout players in his age group. We’re excited that he has chosen to continue his promising path with Bayer 04 Leverkusen.”

Turay is already acquainted with some of his new teammates. As the vice-captain of the German U-17 national team, he has played alongside Leverkusen’s Jeremiah Mensah, Nebe Domnic, and Ben Hawighorst. The four were last on the field together during a starting lineup against Portugal, where they faced a narrow 1-2 defeat, leading to Germany’s early exit from the European Championship in Albania.

In May, Turay faced Leverkusen while representing Schalke in the quarter-finals of the German A-Junior Championship. In a thrilling match, Leverkusen clinched victory 3-2 in a penalty shootout, ultimately making their way to the finals, where they just fell short, losing 4-5 to 1. FC Köln.

Ivorian defender Willy Boly signs Nottingham Forest deal extension
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivorian defender Willy Boly signs Nottingham Forest deal extension

Nottingham Forest has announced a one-year extension for Ivorian defender Willy Boly, which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2026.

The Ivorian defender has made 45 appearances for the Reds since joining from Wolves in 2022, quickly becoming an essential part of Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad.

As a key member of the leadership group, Boly adds a wealth of experience to the team, having played in nine matches across all competitions last season.

He was part of the Ivory Coast squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last year and has experience competing in European tournaments, having played for Porto in the Champions League and for SC Braga and Wolves in the Europa League.

With more fixtures anticipated due to European qualification, Boly’s presence on and off the pitch will be crucial in helping the team adapt to the demanding schedule.

Boly has signed a new contract with the club, expressing his happiness and eagerness to continue with the team and its supportive fans. He aims to build on last season’s success.

Chief Football Officer Ross Wilson praised Boly as a valuable and experienced Premier League player who has significantly contributed to the team’s achievements. Wilson highlighted Boly’s professionalism, leadership qualities, and ability to connect with teammates.

Liberian native Christian Saydee departs Portsmouth to join Wigan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Liberian native Christian Saydee departs Portsmouth to join Wigan

Portsmouth has confirmed that Liberian decent Christian Saydee has left Pompey to join League One side Wigan for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old forward, who joined from Bournemouth in summer 2023, scored seven goals in 73 appearances and helped the team win the third tier title, returning Championship football to Fratton Park after 12 years.

Manager John Mousinho said, “Christian was a valued member of our squad and will be missed by staff, players, and fans for his key contributions.”

“However, we believe he deserves the opportunity for more regular playing time, and we didn’t want to hold him back from that. We thank him for everything he achieved while wearing a Pompey shirt and wish him the very best in this next chapter of his career.”

Saydee rose through the Cherries academy before making his way to Fratton Park. He netted his first goal in a League Cup match against Peterborough, and his first league goal for Pompey was particularly significant, as it secured a crucial win over promotion contenders Oxford at Fratton Park.

In the last season, Saydee found the net three times: he scored twice in a draw against Middlesbrough and added another goal in the draw with Hull on the season’s final day.

Wydad Casablanca suffer opening Club World Cup defeat to City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Wydad Casablanca suffer opening Club World Cup defeat to City

On Wednesday, one of Africa’s representatives, Wydad Athletic Club – WAC started their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a 2-0 defeat to defending champions Manchester City in Philadelphia.

In a recent match, Phil Foden scored the opening goal for Manchester City in the second minute, followed by a second goal from Jeremy Doku in the 42nd minute.

Morocco’s Nordin Amrabat showcased his versatility, contributing effectively on both defense and offense. Wydad Casablanca had a significant opportunity to equalize in the 31st minute when Thembinkosi Lorch lost his balance in the penalty area.

Although Wydad Casablanca displayed some hesitancy in the first half, they maintained a resilient defense, with goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid making crucial interventions.

Despite their challenges, the supporters passionately rallied behind the team with chants of “ole, ole, ole… Wydad, Wydad.”

Phil Foden expressed satisfaction with securing three points, while Wydad’s Meijers Bart acknowledged the positive start in the tournament and conveyed pride in being part of the team.

Moroccan side Wydad AC to face a tricky contest against Man City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Moroccan side Wydad AC to face a tricky contest against Man City

Wydad AC will begin their FIFA Club World Cup journey on Wednesday, facing off against the English football club Manchester City. The match will take place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Wydad earned their place in this prestigious tournament by being crowned CAF Champions League winners, marking their third title at the end of the 2021/22 season.

Similarly, Manchester City qualified as previous winners of the UEFA Champions League, having claimed their first European title in the 2022/23 season.

Wydad finished third in the Botola Pro 1 league this season, 16 points behind champions RSB Berkane. This poor performance resulted in the departure of their head coach, Rhulani Mokwena, after just one season.

Now under the leadership of Amine Benhachem, the Moroccan club is gearing up to take on City in what promises to be an uphill battle.

“It’s going to be a tough match—there’s no denying that,” Benhachem stated in the lead-up to the game. “But we believe we can compete. We have our style of play, and we’ll give it our best shot.”

Manchester City’s squad for the tournament includes new signings Rayan Aït-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, and Marcus Bettinelli. These additions enhance manager Pep Guardiola’s options, offering both defensive stability and attacking flair.

Having won the last edition of the Club World Cup, City is eager to assert their dominance in the competition’s revamped format.

Congo reinstated to African Nations Championship (CHAN)
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Congo reinstated to African Nations Championship (CHAN)

Congo has been reinstated in the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after a successful appeal to the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This decision comes just weeks before the tournament starts on August 2.

The CAF Appeals Jury accepted Congo’s protest against a previous ruling that disqualified their national team, the Red Devils A’. The Congolese Football Federation (Fecafoot) argued against the initial decision, which came after Equatorial Guinea filed a complaint.

Equatorial Guinea, who lost to Congo in the CHAN play-offs (0-0 in the first leg and 2-1 in the second), claimed that Congo had used an ineligible player, Japhet Mankou, and invalid player licenses. CAF’s Disciplinary Jury initially sided with Equatorial Guinea, awarding both matches to them by default and fining Congo $10,000, last January.

The Appeals Jury has now reversed that ruling, restoring the original match results and confirming Congo’s place in the tournament. As a result, Equatorial Guinea has been disqualified.

This reversal raises questions about the consistency and transparency of CAF’s disciplinary processes. The decision cancels the previous punishment and brings the integrity of the organization’s decisions into question.

Congo will compete in Group D of the CHAN alongside defending champions Senegal, as well as Sudan and Nigeria, making for a tough group stage.

Although the reinstatement comes just in time for final preparations, it adds controversy to the tournament’s lead-up. Critics argue that such last-minute changes weaken CAF’s authority, while supporters see it as fixing earlier mistakes. Despite the turmoil, Congo now has the chance to focus on their performance in a challenging group.

Iqraam Rayners's goal helps Sundowns to win FIFA Club World Cup opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Iqraam Rayners’ goal helps Sundowns to win FIFA Club World Cup opener

Man of the Match, Iqraam Rayners’s only goal got Mamelodi Sundowns three critical points in their FIFA Club World Cup opening against Ulsan HD at the Inter & Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

The match began with Sundowns showing early intent as Arthur Sales took a tight-angle shot, which the goalkeeper saved. Ulsan soon retaliated with a close-range effort that went over the bar.

For 20 minutes, both teams struggled for possession until Rayners shot just wide. He later had a free-kick disallowed but, in the 36th minute, scored following a brilliant pass from Lucas Ribeiro. Teboho Mokoena then took a powerful free-kick that was parried away by the goalkeeper.

In the dying moments of the first half, Ronwen Williams came off his line to intercept a ball that ultimately eluded him. Luckily, Divine Lunga was there to clear the danger. Sundowns went into the break with a 1-0 lead.

In the second half, Ulsan dominated possession and created several scoring opportunities, but Sundowns’ defense held strong. Rayners nearly scored, but a key tackle prevented it. Ulsan pressed for an equalizer, yet Williams made crucial saves.

Bafana Ba Style almost extended their lead, but Ulsan cleared the ball off the line. After a scare when Williams misplayed the ball, Cupido made an important clearance.

As pressure increased, Ulsan sought a late equalizer, while Sundowns focused on maintaining their lead, ultimately becoming the first team in Group F to secure a victory in the tournament.

Espérance de Tunis suffer opening Club World Cup defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Espérance de Tunis suffer opening Club World Cup defeat

Tunisian champions Espérance de Tunis faced a tough start to their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, losing 2-0 to Brazil’s Flamengo on Monday evening at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Giorgian de Arrascaeta scored the first goal in the 17th minute, finishing a cross from Luiz Araújo. Araújo then secured the win with a great goal in the 70th minute.

Flamengo controlled the first half, while Espérance played defensively and struggled to move the ball out of their half. Flamengo’s early dominance led to De Arrascaeta scoring from close range.

Espérance’s coach, Maher Kanzari, made some strategic substitutions at halftime, bringing in attackers Abdramane Konate and Elias Mokwana, which sparked an improvement in their performance. Just three minutes into the second half, left back Mohamed Ben Hamida took the initiative and landed the first shot on target.

Despite their efforts, Espérance struggled to convert opportunities into goals. Their star player, Youcef Belaïli, squandered a promising chance in the 62nd minute when his shot from outside the penalty area sailed high over the bar. Araújo’s goal eight minutes later dashed any remaining hopes of a comeback.

Looking ahead, Espérance will face Los Angeles FC in Nashville, Tennessee, as both teams aim to secure a victory in Group D. Meanwhile, Flamengo is set to clash with Chelsea for the top position in the group.