Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hull City sign Moroccan midfielder de Reda Laalaoui
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hull City sign Moroccan midfielder Reda Laalaoui

The English club signed the 20-year-old player to a four-year contract, with an option for one more year. They reached the agreement on Thursday, June 12, 2025, for an undisclosed fee.

Laalaoui is recognized for his strong capabilities in both defensive and offensive play. He is regarded as one of the most promising young talents in Moroccan football.

His endurance, physical attributes, and technical abilities set him apart. His skill has attracted attention beyond the borders of Morocco.

Upon signing for the Tigers, Laalaoui said: “I am really happy to join Hull City. It is a historic club in England and I am looking forward to helping the team and making the supporters happy.

“It’s a well-known team in England and one of my dreams was to play in England. As you know, it’s one of the best leagues in the world and I am here to improve myself and it’s important for my development.

I always work hard for the team and I play with a lot of grit. I always play to win and I am here to win.

I am looking forward to seeing the fans at the MKM Stadium and I will do my best to make them happy.”

Laalaoui showcased impressive performance with the Moroccan junior national team during the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, which took place from April 27 to May 18, 2025.

This season, he participated in 23 matches for his club, FUS Rabat, in the Moroccan league (Botola Pro), netting 4 goals and assisting 3 times.

Ex-Sierra Leone defender earns UEFA A Coaching License
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-Sierra Leone defender Steven Caulker earns UEFA A Coaching License

Former Sierra Leone defender Steven Caulker has taken a notable step forward in his coaching career by earning a UEFA A Coaching License.

The ex-Liverpool and Tottenham player, who captained the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone before International retirement, successfully earned his UEFA A Coaching License eighteen months after securing his B License.

Having completed his UEFA A badge with the English FA, Caulker is now focused on his coaching journey. He expressed his excitement about applying his knowledge on the football field.

“I am really proud to announce that I have obtained my UEFA A Coaching License. It has been a great 12 months of learning with an excellent group of individuals. Now, I am even more excited to begin my coaching journey and put all my learning into practice,” he stated.

Caulker, who played a key role for Sierra Leone during the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon, is transitioning from his playing career to coaching. He believes this path is the future for him and aspires to become a manager someday, with a desire to coach the Sierra Leone national team and promote an attractive style of football among young Sierra Leonean players.

The UEFA A License is the most advanced practical coaching certification available, building upon the technical and tactical knowledge covered in the UEFA B License.

This certification emphasises the development of individual players within units, as well as enhancing understanding of modern game trends, strategies, tactics, systems of play, and the principles of the England DNA.

Senegal's Lions of Teranga overcome England at the Forest Ground
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal’s Lions of Teranga overcome England at the Forest Ground

England faced their first defeat against an African team, losing 3-1 to Senegal in an international friendly at the City Ground.

Thomas Tuchel sought a strong response following England’s uninspired 1-0 victory over Andorra on Saturday. However, they were deservedly beaten in Nottingham.

Senegal, initially trailing after Harry Kane’s early goal against the run of play, managed to turn the match around.

Ismaila Sarr capitalized on Kyle Walker’s slow reaction to equalize just before half-time. Shortly after the hour mark, Habib Diarra slipped away from Morgan Gibbs-White and found space in the right channel, scoring by putting the ball between Dean Henderson’s legs.

England had chances to score, with Edouard Mendy making great saves against Gibbs-White and Bukayo Saka. A goal by substitute Jude Bellingham got called back because of a handball by Levi Colwill, which caused some debate late in the match.

The final result happened when Noni Madueke’s bad free-kick in stoppage time let Senegal counterattack.

They moved quickly, with Youssouf Sabaly scoring calmly past Henderson to secure this historic win. England left the field to a chorus of boos.

New Cambridge United two-year deal for Sullay Kaikai
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New Cambridge United two-year deal for Sullay Kaikai

Cambridge United has announced that Sullay Kaikai has officially signed a new two-year contract with the club.

The 29-year-old winger, who has made an impressive 102 appearances for the U’s, has agreed to terms that will keep him with the team until 2027.

Originally a loan in 2014 with Crystal Palace, he rejoined United in 2023 after stints elsewhere with NEC Brada, Blackpool, Wycombe Wanderers and MK Dons.

Sullay Kaikai stated, “I’m pleased and eager to prolong my Cambridge trip.” Expressing the course the Head Coach and Club have indicated, I am quite eager to assist. There is a sense of hope around the place, and I’m excited about this next chapter at the Club.”

Neil Harris expressed his happiness about Sullay’s contract extension, noting that working with the new sports science team will benefit him. “When he’s fit, defenders in League Two will find him a handful. His performances have been impressive; he adds versatility on the wings and can also play as a striker.”

Morocco Edge Benin in International Friendly contest
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco Edge Benin in International Friendly contest

Ayoub El Kaabi scored a stunning scissor kick in the 47th minute, highlighting Morocco’s dominant first half and energizing at the Stade Foot Fès.

Fezi’s game drew a full house as many local supporters of the national team in a decisive test of their tactical depth and squad rotation gathered.

Morocco won a tough struggle against a tenacious Benin team trying to contain the attacking attacks of the Atlas Lions.

Morocco controlled possession throughout the first half, keeping pressure deep in Benin’s side as they patiently sought for an opening. Just as it looked the sides would enter halftime level, Ayoub El Kaabi produced a moment of magic in the 47th minute, just at the conclusion of stoppage time.

Clinging to a well-placed cross, he delivered a fantastic scissor kick past the goalkeeper, causing the Fez audience to celebrate. Morocco’s domination throughout the half earned this objective a well-deserved payoff that gave the second half momentum.

After the break, Morocco kept pushing for a second goal, but a string of missed opportunities and strong defense by Benin kept the score unchanged, and the game ended with a well deserved 10 win for the home side.

Both teams’ preparations for the approaching Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) include this worldwide friendly.

Ex-Algeria boss Djamel Belmadi returns to Qatar's Al Duhail
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-Algeria boss Djamel Belmadi returns to Qatar’s Al Duhail

Djamel Belmadi has been appointed as the head coach of Al Duhail in the Qatar Stars League. This marks his third tenure at the club after two previous periods.

After leaving his position with the Algerian national team, Belmadi found himself out of work. At 49 years old, he has a deep understanding of the top league in Qatar.

“The management of Al-Dahail Athletic Club has reached an agreement with the manager Jamal Belmadi to return to leading the club’s first team foo

“The management of Al-Dahail Athletic Club has reached an agreement with the manager Jamal Belmadi to return to leading the club’s first team football again starting from next season.

Jamal Belmadi had previously taken the captaincy of the team in two previous events in 2010 to 2012, then took the captaincy again in 2015 to 2018, where with the team he succeeded in winning the Qatar Super League championship in 4 events, the Prince Cup in two occasions, the Qatar Cup once,” the club noted in their statement

During his time with Duhail, formerly known as Lekhwiya SC, from 2010 to 2012 and then again from 2015 to 2018, he celebrated significant success, clinching four league titles, two Emir Cups, and a Qatar Cup.

Belmadi is best known for leading Algeria to win the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. Al Duhail decided to part ways with former coach Christophe Galtier after he did not win the league title. Belmadi now has a chance to restart his coaching career with a club he is familiar with.

A week earlier, Al Duhail also let go of Kenyan star striker Michael Olunga and Moroccan winger Hakim Ziyech.

Aberdeen sign Ghanaian naitive Emmanuel Gyamfi Schalke 04
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Aberdeen sign Ghanaian native Emmanuel Gyamfi from Schalke 04

Emmanuel Gyamfi, a highly rated German youth international, has officially signed with the Dons. The versatile left-back joins on a four-year deal from FC Schalke 04, a team in the Bundesliga 2. The fee for the transfer is undisclosed and is subject to international clearance and visa formalities.

The 20-year-old Emmanuel arrives at Pittodrie after progressing through the esteemed FC Schalke 04 academy, where he was recognised as one of their brightest prospects. “I’m really happy to be here, and so is my family. I am ready to go,” he remarked.

“Now that everything is sorted, I can focus on pre-season, and I am going to work hard before training starts. I will give my best to help the team. I want to show the fans what I can do, as this is a good club, and we all want to achieve even more than we did last season. It was wonderful to see all the fan celebrations after winning the cup. It motivates me to want to do it again, as you can see how much they love Aberdeen.

“It’s a dream to play in Europe on that stage. It can be challenging, but we are going to be ready as a team after a strong pre-season.” As an attacking full-back, Gyamfi brings pace, technical ability, and a keen eye for goal to the Aberdeen squad.

After signing his first professional contract with FC Schalke 04 in 2024, he gained senior experience on loan at VVV-Venlo during the 2024-2025 season.

Don’s boss, Jimmy Thelin, commented on the new acquisition, saying, “Emmanuel is a player we’ve monitored for some time. He has the qualities of a modern full-back—dynamic and hardworking. His development at Schalke and his loan spell show his potential, and we believe he will thrive here.”

Nigeria's Super Eagles come from behind to draw with Russia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria’s Super Eagles come from behind to draw with Russia

The Super Eagles arrived in Moscow feeling confident after winning the Unity Cup in west London last week. They were able to secure a 1-1 result even without several key players, such as Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, and Ola Aina.

These absences gave chances to players like Victor Boniface and Christantus Uche, but Tolu Arokodare stood out the most. He has now shown that he deserves to start in the important World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa later this year.

The hosts took the lead just before the half-hour mark through an unfortunate own goal by Semi Ajayi, who redirected Danil Krugovoy’s cross into his own net.

In the 71st minute, Nigeria’s Arokodare seized a moment of carelessness from Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, collecting a poor pass and scoring with a low shot.

Despite facing more Russian attacks, Nigeria held on for a draw, but their overall performance was disappointing.

International friendlies: Morocco, Cameroon and the Gambia all register wins
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

International friendlies: Morocco, Cameroon and the Gambia register wins

On Friday, African national teams were busy testing their prowess during the June FIFA window. While some top teams played in Europe, several matches between African teams took place in Morocco.

In Morocco, Cameroon, Niger, Burundi, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic all won their matches. In Marrakech, Cameroon beat Uganda 3-0.

Cameroon scored through set pieces. Flavien Boyomo and Jean Batoum scored their first goals for the team with headers from corner kicks. Patrick Soko also scored his first goal for the national team, assisted by captain Vincent Aboubakar.

Earlier, Gambia beat Equatorial Guinea 2-1 in Marrakech, with both goals from Adama Sidibeh. Gambia will face Uganda next, while Equatorial Guinea will play Cameroon on Monday in Morocco.

In Casablanca, Niger faced Gabon in an exciting match that ended 4-3 in favor of Niger. Youssouf Oumarou and Oumar Sako each scored, and Daniel Sosah added two goals. Jim Allevinah, Andre Biyogho Poko, and Guelor Kanga scored for Gabon.

In Mohammedia, Burkina Faso bounced back from a recent loss to defeat Zimbabwe 2-0. New signing Stephane Aziz Ki scored first in the 22nd minute, followed by Cyriaque Irie, who scored just before halftime.

Burundi achieved a 1-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau in Casablanca, with Bienvenue Kanakimana scoring the only goal from a cross.

In another match, the Central African Republic came from behind to defeat Mauritania. Hemeya Tanjy scored a penalty for Mauritania, but Gabriel Oualengbe equalized, and Paul Guinari scored the winner in stoppage time.

https://twitter.com/bittar32/status/1931246271198548171

Algerian defender Rayan Ait-Nouri in Pep Guardiola's radar to join Man City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Algerian defender Rayan Ait-Nouri in Pep Guardiola’s radar to join Man City

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola wants to sign Rayan Ait-Nouri to fix the team’s left-back position. There is currently no agreement for the 23-year-old Algerian player, but sources believe the deal will go through.

Ait-Nouri is in Algeria’s squad for friendly matches against Rwanda on June 5 and Sweden on June 10. City needs to complete the transfer before June 10 for Ait-Nouri to play in the group stage of the Club World Cup.

City has not had a dedicated left-back since Benjamin Mendy left in August 2021. Players like Oleksandr Zinchenko, Joao Cancelo, and Josko Gvardiol have filled in for that role.

Last season, young player Nico O’Reilly also played as a left-back, including in the FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace. Guardiola hopes to address this need this summer, and Ait-Nouri from Wolves is his top choice.

Rayan Ait-Nouri is in his fifth season with Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) and had his best performance under manager Gary O’Neil in 2023/24. He was initially signed on loan from Angers in 2020, scoring on his debut against Crystal Palace, which led to a permanent transfer.