Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Debutants Stellenbosch and Nsoatreman Impress in CAF Confed Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Debutants Stellenbosch & Nsoatreman Impress in CAF Confed Cup

Debutants Stellenbosch and Nsoatreman were the stand-out teams of the day in Saturday’s first preliminary round and second-leg matches of the CAF Confederation Cup.

South African team Stellenbosch made a strong impression by defeating Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs FC with an aggregate score 8-0.

After winning 3-0 in the first leg, they secured a 5-0 victory at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, with goals from Lehlogonolo Mojela, Langelihle Phili, Andre de Jong, Omega Mdaka, and substitute Mervin Boji. This win sets up an exciting second-round clash with DR Congo’s AS Vita Club.

Ghana’s Nsoatreman FC also made a mark with a 5-0 aggregate victory over Elect Sport, winning 3-0 in the first leg and 2-0 in the return leg. Walid Fuseini and Stephan Diyou were the goal scorers for Nsoatreman.

Racing Club d’Abidjan of Cote d’Ivoire secured their qualification against Morocco’s Union de Touarga after a tense penalty shootout, with Ivorian goalkeeper Ousmane Zombra saving three Moroccan penalties to clinch a 2-1 victory.

Stade Tunisien from Tunisia secured a comfortable 4-0 win over South Sudan’s Jamus, while Benin’s Dadjè also qualified for the next round by defeating Nigeria’s El Kameni Warriors.

The second round is scheduled to begin on September 15, 2024 – and promises to be an exciting phase of the competition, with anticipated clashes including Stellenbosch FC versus AS Vita Club and Nsoatreman potentially facing either Rwanda’s Police FC or Algeria’s CS Constantine.

The 2024/25 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League season will commence this weekend with seven matches featuring top clubs.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kenya Premier League to start with thrilling encounters

The 2024/25 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League season will commence this weekend with seven matches featuring top clubs.

Some notable matchups include Tusker FC against Sofapaka, Posta Rangers versus Bandari, and KCB taking on Kariobangi Sharks.

These matches will set the pace for an exciting start to the new season and be crucial for the newly promoted sides as they aim to make their mark in the league.

One of the highlight matches of the opening weekend will see a former employee facing off against his immediate former employer in a bid to secure three crucial points.

The first four matches are scheduled for Saturday, August 24, 2024, with the remaining three matches to be played on Sunday, August 25, 2024.

Tusker FC, who finished second behind champions Gor Mahia last season, will open their campaign against 2009 Kenyan Premier League champions Sofapaka at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

The match, kicking off at 4 pm, will see Robert Matano face his former side, now under the guidance of interim coach Charles Okere. The Brewers, who parted ways with Matano after last season, will be looking to upset Sofapaka and begin their title challenge.

Opening Week One fixtures

Saturday, August 24, 2024

Posta Rangers vs Bandari (Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, 1 pm)

KCB vs Kariobangi Sharks (Police Sacco Stadium, 1 pm)

Bidco United vs Shabana (Thika Stadium, 3 pm)

Tusker FC vs Sofapaka (Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, 4 pm)

Sunday, August 25, 2024

Ulinzi Stars vs Murang’a Seal (Ulinzi Sports Complex, 3 pm)

Mathare United vs AFC Leopards (Dandora Stadium, 3 pm)

Mara Sugar vs Kakamega Homeboyz (Awendo Green Stadium, 3 pm)

Ghana's Jordan Ayew's move to Leicester is imminent
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana’s Jordan Ayew’s move to Leicester is imminent

Leicester City has reportedly reached an agreement with Crystal Palace to acquire the services of Ghana’s attacker Jordan Ayew.

Ayew is set to link up with Fatawu Issahaku as Leicester City in a deal valued at an initial £5 million with an additional £3 million in potential add-ons, which will see the 32-year-old Ghanaian international potentially joining the newly promoted club.

After starting 30 Premier League matches for Palace last season, Ayew is on the verge of undergoing a medical evaluation before finalizing the move.

Jordan Ayew’s journey to Crystal Palace began with a loan move from Swansea City in the summer of 2018, which was later made permanent. During his time with the South London club, Ayew made 211 appearances and found the back of the net 23 times.

His career began at Ligue 1 club Marseille before a successful spell at Lorient, where he scored 13 goals during the 2014-15 season before transferring to Aston Villa. Following a season-and-a-half at Villa, he joined his elder brother Andre at Swansea.

Bo Rangers and Lions embark on Interclub Revival Journeys
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bo Rangers and Lions embark on Interclub Revival Journeys

On Sunday, the 2024 Interclub representatives of Sierra Leone, Bo Rangers and East End Lions, set to take on formidable opponents in continental competitions.

The delegation of Bo Rangers left for Ivory Coast on Thursday for the return leg match against the Ivorian side in the CAF Champions League. Coach John Keister selected a 25-man squad for the match – which is set for Sunday, August 25, 2024, at the Laurent Pokou Stadium.

The objective is to advance to the next stage despite their 1-1 draw at the Southern Arena last Saturday. This upcoming match is crucial as both teams want to be in the second-round preliminary race.

In the first leg, Bo Rangers scored in the 48th minute through Mohamadu Lamin, but they failed to hold onto their lead. The Ivorian team equalized through Issouf Dosso in the 73rd minute, resulting in a draw.

In the Confederation Cup, East End Lions must overturn their first-leg defeat at home against Senegal’s ASC Jaraaf. After an intriguing first hour of the contest at the Southern Arena last Sunday, substitute Papa Souleymane Dione scored Jaraaf’s goal in the 77th minute.

Before their goal, Jaraaf missed a penalty in the first half and hit the woodwork.

The second leg is expected to be a fascinating tie, as Lions the ‘Killers ‘ still believe they can make it to the second-round preliminary.

“Upon arriving in Senegal, the team had their first training session at the Maniang Soumare Stadium in Thies on Thursday. The session focused on tactics, scoring goals, and refining their skills.

With optimism, there’s a high spirit within the squad for a positive outcome on Sunday,” The East End Giants side outlined.

Stade Lat Dior in Senegal is set to host the return fixture on Sunday.

It’s worth noting that since 1989, when Mighty Blackpool reached the quarterfinal stage of the African Cup of Champions Clubs, no Sierra Leonean team has progressed to the group stages of Interclub competitions.

"With optimism, there's a high spirit within the squad for a positive outcome on Sunday," The East End Giants side noted.
"With optimism, there's a high spirit within the squad for a positive outcome on Sunday," The East End Giants side noted.
Burnley winger Anass Zaroury has signed a four-year deal with French Ligue 1 side RC Lens for an unspecified fee.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Anass Zaroury pens deal with RC Lens from Burnley

Burnley winger Anass Zaroury has signed a four-year deal with French Ligue 1 side RC Lens for an unspecified fee.

“After spending two seasons with Burnley FC in England, 23-year-old Anass Zaroury has joined the attacking lineup of Lens. Known for his dribbling skills, excellent game vision, and goal-scoring abilities, the talented Moroccan player has signed with Racing until 2028,” Lens announced on their website.

Zaroury was a key player in Burnley’s championship-winning season, scoring 11 goals in 39 games. He was signed by Vincent Kompany and played in six Premier League matches last season.

He was sent off in his first Premier League game and spent time on loan at Hull City. He made a substitute appearance in Burnley’s first Championship game this season but missed the next game due to illness.

On the International stage

Zaroury was born in Belgium but is of Moroccan descent. He used to play for the Belgium U21s national team but was officially invited to join the Moroccan national team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

He replaced Amine Harit, who got injured one week before the tournament. Zaroury made his international debut for Morocco on 17 November in a friendly match against Georgia.

English Championship side Portsmouth has completed the signing of Abdoulaye Kamara from Borussia Dortmund for an undisclosed fee.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea’s Abdoulaye Kamara pens long-term deal with Portsmouth

English Championship side Portsmouth has completed the signing of Abdoulaye Kamara from Borussia Dortmund for an undisclosed fee.

The 19-year-old Guinea-born midfielder has signed a four-year deal on the south coast.

Blues boss John Mousinho said, “He’s an extremely promising young player who arrives with plenty of pedigree, having been at Dortmund and PSG before that. We think he’s ready for Championship football and can really kick-start his career with us, so we’re delighted to have him here.

He’s a powerful and combative midfielder who can handle the ball well – he’s right up there in terms of his athleticism and game understanding. It’s a brave step for Abdoulaye to come over and look to prove himself in England, and I’m excited to start working with him.”

Kamara is a graduate of the Paris Saint-Germain academy and moved up three age groups to appear for their under-19 side.

He made the switch to Dortmund in the summer of 2021 and has featured for the German giants at the under-23 level.

Zimbabwe appoint Michael Nees as new head coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zimbabwe appoint Michael Nees as new head coach

Zimbabwe has appointed Germany’s Michael Nees as the new football coach on Tuesday, following a winless start to World Cup qualifying.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Nees as the new head coach of the Zimbabwe Men’s National Team. The 57-year-old German will lead the Warriors in their quest for success in the AFCON 2025 and FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers,” ZIFA the news on their web space.

Nees previously coached Rwanda and was also the director of coaching for South Africa. His appointment is due to his “deep knowledge of the African football landscape,” said Zimbabwean Football Association interim head Lincoln Mutasa.

The Germans have a big task to revive Zimbabwe’s World Cup hopes. The southern African nation, which has never qualified for the World Cup, is winless after four qualifiers.

The Warriors opened with draws against Rwanda and Nigeria, then lost to Lesotho and South Africa.

“I am a modern and innovative coach who is driven by international challenges. The goal is to qualify for the FIFA World Cup and the African Cup of Nations. I have the expertise to enhance performance and make a difference. I will guide the national team with dedication and professionalism,” said Michael Nees.

Emmanuel Samadia features in USL Championship Team of The Week
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Emmanuel Samadia features in USL Team of The Week

Emmanuel Samadia has earned his spot on this week’s USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 24 because of his impressive recent performances.

In a match against Las Vegas, he played a key role in Hartford’s 2-1 comeback win by setting up a goal and contributing to the team’s victory.

Samadia earned his second Team of the Week selection after providing an assist in Hartford’s win against Las Vegas Lights FC and delivering a strong defensive performance with two interceptions, four clearances, and nine recoveries. Additionally, he won 3 of 4 tackles and 6 of 7 duels.

The Sierra Leone international was excellent in the attacking third on Saturday night, contributing to a goal apiece in Hartford’s 2-1 comeback victory over Las Vegas at Trinity Health Stadium.

Samadia connected with teammate, Dieng to bring Hartford level in the 25th minute, as the Sierra Leonean midfielder looped a quality cross into the box that was perfectly headed into the upper left corner by Dieng.

In the second half, Ngalina’s determined effort secured his team’s lead with a clinical finish. His goal, along with Dieng’s, led to a comeback win, ending Las Vegas’ 11-match undefeated streak.

Samadia earned his second Team of the Week selection
Samadia earned his second Team of the Week selection
Nicholas Opoku makes Kasimpasa's debut in draw
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nicholas Opoku makes Kasimpasa’s debut against Hatayspor

Ghanaian defender Nicholas Opoku, 27, made his debut for his new club in the Turkish Super Lig, Kasimpasa SK, as they drew 1-1 against Hatayspor on Monday.

Opoku, who joined the club on a free transfer after leaving French club Amiens SC, played for 82 minutes in his first game.

During his time at Amiens, he appeared in 102 matches across all competitions, demonstrating strong defensive skills in 23 games in Ligue 2 last season.

Opoku’s football journey began in Ghana with Berekum Chelsea. After impressing at Tunisian side Club Africain, he signed with them in 2017. Opoku then moved to Udinese in Italy in July 2018.

On the international stage, Opoku has represented Ghana 18 times since his debut in 2017. He brings solid tackling, aerial ability, and a composed presence on the field to the Black Stars’ setup.

Striker Patson Daka to miss Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Patson Daka to miss Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone qualifiers

Zambia will have to do without Patson Daka in next month African Cup of Nations qualifiers after Leicester City’s injury update on Patson Daka, the 2017 African Youth Player of the Year.

Daka, the Zambia international, was forced off the field during a recent friendly against RC Lens due to an injury, which will sideline him for an extended period, as confirmed on the club’s website.

The 25-year-old will be absent from the upcoming English Premier League opener against Tottenham Hotspur, and there are concerns about his availability for Zambia’s 2025 AFCON qualifiers next month.

Manager Steve Cooper expressed his disappointment, stating, “Patson [Daka] is not great news. He sustained a serious ankle injury in the game against Lens last week and will be out of action for several months.

The striker underwent an operation on Friday. It’s a setback for both club and country as he was showing promise during pre-season.

Daka, known as Zambia’s key player with 21 goals in 48 matches for Chipolopolo, faces a challenging recovery period, with important matches against Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone on the horizon next month.