Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

New Look CAF Super Cup identity revealed
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New Look CAF Super Cup identity revealed

On Wednesday, the Confederation of African Football, CAF, unveiled a new TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup competition logo in anticipation of this year’s event, which is set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 27th.

The new design takes inspiration from the actual trophy, just like the recent update for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. This change reflects CAF’s commitment to enhancing the image of all its competitions as interest in African football grows globally.

Veron Mosengo-Omba, the CAF General Secretary, sees the new look as part of African football’s evolution.

The upcoming tournament features a match between Egyptian clubs Al Ahly SC and Zamalek SC. The tournament coincides with Riyadh Season 2024, known for hosting major sporting events that attract international attention.

Ivorian coach Emerse Faé has announced the 25-man squad to kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Zambia and Chad.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Emerse Faé names Ivory Coast squad to start AFCON qualifier

Ivorian coach Emerse Faé has announced the 25-man squad to kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Zambia and Chad.

The team is scheduled to play against Zambia on September 6 and Chad on September 10. Notably, Amad Diallo is back in the squad, alongside other key players. Additionally, Faé has confirmed a coaching change, with Michaël Fabre replacing Gérard Gnanhouan.

The Ivory Coast will aim to secure their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with this squad. The squad features three goalkeepers: Yahia Fofana (Angers SCO), Mohamed Koné (Charleroi), and Badra Sangaré (Sekhukhune United).

In defence, Faé has chosen nine players, including Emmanuel Agbadou (Reims), Willy Boly (Nottingham), Ousmane Diomandé (Sporting CP), Guéla Doué (RC Strasbourg), Odilon Kossonou, Evan Ndicka (AS Roma), Christopher Operi (Le Havre), Singo Wilfried (AS Monaco), and Sylla Abakar (RC Strasbourg).

The midfield will include Mohamed Diomandé (Rangers), Maho Dorgelès (Nordsjaelland), Franck Kessié (Al Ahli), Ibrahim Sangaré (Nottingham), and Jean Michaël Seri (Al Orobah).

Upfront, the squad sees the return of Amad Diallo (Manchester United), who joins Simon Adingra (Brighton), Diakité Oumar (Reims), Evann Guessand (Nice), Sébastien Haller (Dortmund), Christian Kouamé (Fiorentina), Emmanuel Lath (Middlesbrough), and Bénie Traoré (Bâle).

Nigeria appoint German legend Bruno Labbadia as head coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria appoint German Bruno Labbadia as new head coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has named Bruno Labbadia, a former German international, as the new head coach of the Nigeria national soccer team, the Super Eagles.

Labbadia brings a wealth of experience, having worked with renowned clubs such as Hertha Berlin, VfB Stuttgart, VfL Wolfsburg, Hamburger SV, and Bayer Leverkusen.

This appointment precedes the Super Eagles’ upcoming qualifying campaign for the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations. Labbadia is expected to bring valuable and impactful expertise to the role.

This decision comes after the departure of the previous coach, Finidi George. Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, the General Secretary of the NFF, has confirmed that the NFF Executive Committee has approved the recommendation of its Technical and Development sub-committee to appoint Mr. Labbadia.

Labbadia’s esteemed standing in German football positions him perfectly to tackle the challenge of revitalizing the team’s performance and meeting the expectations of Nigeria’s passionate football community.

The 57-year-old had a successful playing career with several Bundesliga giants, including Bayern Munich. Labbadia holds a UEFA Pro License and is determined to lead the Super Eagles to success in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

His immediate objectives involve assembling a highly competitive team from a talented pool of players and pursuing continental and global achievements with determination and focus.

The Italian Serie B team Cosenza Calcio has signed Sierra Leone-born Mohamed Sanhoh on loan from VfB Stuttgart in Germany.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Italian Serie B team Cosenza Calcio sign Mohamed Sankoh

The Italian Serie B team Cosenza Calcio has signed Sierra Leone-born Mohamed Sanhoh on loan from VfB Stuttgart in Germany.

VfB Stuttgart officially confirmed the news of Sankoh’s loan move to Italy’s Serie B.

Sankoh spent the last two seasons on loan in the Netherlands, first with Vitesse Arnhem and then Heracles Almelo. After scoring six goals in 28 appearances for Heracles last season, Sankoh played 81 minutes in VfB U21s’ opening third-division game against F.C. Hansa Rostock, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

The Dutch youth international’s third consecutive loan from his parent club in Swabia was announced yesterday.

VfB sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth’s official statement suggested that Sankoh’s German side had not given up on the youngster.

Wohlgemuth emphasized the importance of more playing time for the young prospect.

Italian Serie B team Cosenza Calcio sign Mohamed Sankoh
Italian Serie B team Cosenza Calcio sign Mohamed Sankoh
Stade de Rennais sign Senegalese defender Mikayil Faye
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Stade de Rennais sign Senegalese defender Mikayil Faye

Senegal international Mikayil Faye, an up-and-coming 20-year-old defender, has completed an exciting transfer from Spanish giants FC Barcelona to French club Stade de Rennais.

This transfer marks a significant step in his promising career. Faye, who previously impressed while playing for Barca’s reserve team in the Primera Federación, has now joined Rennes on a permanent deal.

Reportedly, Stade Rennais F.C. will pay an initial fee of €10.3 million for Faye, and the deal includes a €25 million buy-back clause for Barcelona. Additionally, a 30% sell-on clause has also been included in the agreement, emphasizing the high potential seen in Faye by both clubs.

In an official statement, Rennes expressed their enthusiasm about the transfer, highlighting Faye as “the great Senegalese hope of the 2004 generation.” The central defender has agreed to a contract of four seasons with the French club, signifying a long-term commitment to his new team.

Faye’s football journey began at the Diambars academy, and his talent was further showcased when he reached the round of 16 of the 2019 FIFA Under-17 World Cup with Senegal U17.

His remarkable progress led to an impactful senior debut for Senegal, where he scored in a friendly match against Gabon on 22 March 2024. This transfer to Stade Rennais F.C. marks an exciting new chapter in Faye’s promising career.

AS FAR Rabat and Algeria's CR Bélouizdad progress in CAF Champions League
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

AS FAR & CR Bélouizdad progress in CAF Champions League

Morocco’s AS FAR Rabat turned around a 2-1 deficit from the first leg against Nigeria’s Remo Stars, winning 2-0 in the second leg in Rabat.

Goals from Joël Beya and Zouhzouh secured their spot in the second preliminary round.

Algeria’s CR Bélouizdad continued their good form with a 1-0 win over AC Léopards of Congo. They will now face Burkina Faso’s AS Douanes in the next round.

Ghana’s Samartex won 1-0 at home, completing a 2-0 aggregate victory over Cameroon’s Victoria United. Isaac Afful’s early goal set up a second-round clash with Raja Casablanca.

In other results, Cote d’Ivoire champions San Pedro won 1-0 against Sierra Leone’s BO Rangers, and Congo’s AS Maniema Union defeated Zimbabwe’s Ngezi Platinum on penalties.

Togo’s ASKO Kara progressed with a 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea’s Deportivo Mongomo. FC Nouadhibou of Mauritania, participants in last season’s group stage, were eliminated on away goals by Guinea’s Milo FC.

The second preliminary round matches are scheduled from September 13 to 15 for the first legs and September 23 to 25 for the return fixtures.

Senegal's Jaraaf ease past Lions in CAF Confed preliminary
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal’s Jaraaf ease past Lions in CAF Confed preliminary

On Sunday, Senegal’s Jaraaf Dakar secured their spot in the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup with a 3-0 victory over Sierra Leone’s East End Lions.

The “Green and Whites” delivered a strong performance, with Souleymane Cissé netting a hat-trick, including a goal just 46 seconds into the match at the Stade Lat-Dior in Thies, Senegal.

A dominant 4-0 aggregate victory earned them a match against Cote d’Ivoire’s Racing Club d’Abidjan in the next round in September.

In another match, Togo’s ASCK managed to win 2-0 against Niger’s AS FAN after a challenging first-leg draw.

This victory set up an exciting matchup with Ivorians ASEC Mimosas for the “Kozah Drivers.”

Sunday's CAF Confederation Cup results
Sunday's CAF Confederation Cup results
Young Africans thrash Burundi's Vital in CAF Champions League
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Young Africans thrash Burundi’s Vital’O in CAF Champions League

Tanzania’s Young Africans put on a stellar performance in continental football on Saturday, beating Burundi’s Vital’O 6-0 in the second leg of their CAF Champions League first-round qualifier in Dar es Salaam.

This victory completed a 10-0 aggregate win, making it the largest margin of victory in the 14 completed ties so far.

Zambian midfielder Clatous Chama played a pivotal role in Vital’O’s defeat, scoring once and providing four assists.

The game started with a 14th-minute penalty converted by Ivorian Pacome Zouzoua after Vital’O was reduced to 10 men. Goals from Clement Mzize, Chama, and Zimbabwean Prince Dube followed before Vital’O lost another player to a red card.

With their opponents down to nine men, Young Africans scored two more goals through Burkina Faso’s Stephane Aziz Ki and Yahya Mudathir.

This resounding victory sets up an exciting East African clash in the final qualifying round, as Young Africans will face Commercial Bank of Ethiopia.

Meanwhile, Raja Casablanca of Morocco demonstrated their strength with a 5-0 win over AS Garde Nationale from Niger, adding to their first-leg lead and securing their spot in the next round.

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)