Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Turkish side Ankara Keciorengucu unveil Steven Caulker
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Steven Caulker makes debut in Keçiörengücü’s opening draw

Sierra Leone captain Steven Caulker played his first game for his Turkish team Keçiörengücü on Friday in the season’s opener, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Keçiörengücü, who played away against Sakaryaspor in the first week of the Trendyol 1st League 2024-2025 season, left the field with a 1-1 draw.

New acquisition Caulker played the full throttle of the game – his first 90-minute of action since February.

Striker Aliou Traore scored the visitor’s opener, but his goal was cancelled in the 56th minute through Emre Demir’s leveller.

In July 2024, Caulker returned to Turkey after signing a one-year deal with TFF First League club Keçiörengücü, with the option of a further one-year extension.

Keciorengucu’s next league action is against Bandirmaspor on Saturday, August 17, in front of the home fans.

Fornah's Derby suffer opening Championship defeat at Ewood Park
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Fornah’s Derby suffer opening Championship defeat at Ewood Park

Blackburn Rovers secured a strong 4-2 victory over Derby County, with goals from Sammie Szmodics, Andreas Weimann, and Yuki Ohashi.

A first-half strike from Blackburn attacker Tyrhys Dolan was equalized by Curtis Nelson’s header in the second half, followed by rapid goals from Andi Weimann and Sammie Szmodics, giving the hosts a two-goal advantage.

Weimann, playing against his former club, scored with his second touch after coming on as a substitute, and Szmodics continued his scoring form from last season when he was the division’s top scorer.

Japanese forward Ohashi added a fourth goal, and Kane Wilson scored a consolation goal for Derby.

Sierra Leone’s Tyrese Fornah was an 86-minute substitute replacing David Ozoh Derby’s new signing.

Post-match reaction – Blackburn boss John Eustace told BBC Radio Lancashire:

“We’ve had seven weeks of work in pre-season and there’s been good things and also bad things that we’ve had to put right.

“It’s only the start – there’s so much hard work ahead of us, but it was pleasing to see that performance today.

“I thought every player that was on that pitch was outstanding. But there’s a lot more hard work ahead.”

Derby boss Paul Warne told BBC Radio Derby:

At 1-1, I honestly thought we would go on and win the match. We got punished for our mistakes, and it’s a quick lesson for us. You can’t go away from home and concede four goals and expect to come away with anything.

I was pleased with large parts of our play, but not with the final score. In the second half, we gave it our all, scored a goal, and I believed we could win. We were on top, and I made the mistake of probably not making my substitutions quickly enough. I think the turning point was when they made changes and brought on fresh legs – outstanding fresh legs.legs.”

Derby will face Chesterfield at Pride Park Stadium in Round One of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday at 7:45 pm.

Ex-QPR striker Hamzad Kargbo elated to join Newport County
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-QPR striker Hamzad Kargbo elated to join Newport County

English League Two side Newport County has added former Queens Park Rangers striker Hamzad Kargbo to their team after a successful trial. Kargbo, a 6’4″ centre forward, is the Exiles’ 13th summer recruit.

Newport’s League Two campaign starts on Saturday away to Cheltenham Town. Kargbo, 22, has been on trial with Newport for much of the close season, playing in friendlies against Pontypridd United, Kidderminster Harriers, Bristol Rovers, and Hereford.

Kargbo expressed his excitement about joining the team, stating, “As soon as I first came here I could feel it in my heart that it was a place I wanted to be and here I am.”

He mentioned that it’s never easy coming in as a trialist, but he felt welcomed right away and is looking forward to working hard throughout pre-season to show what he can bring to the squad.

Kargbo has been with QPR since 12 years old and has been a regular in the Rangers’ under-23s during the last two seasons. He has also had loan spells at Vanarama National League sides Southend United and Oxford City.

Rahimi Soufiane helps Morocco thrash Egypt to win bronze
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Rahimi Soufiane helps Morocco thrash Egypt to win bronze

Morocco clinched their first-ever Olympic medal in men’s football with an emphatic 6-0 victory over Egypt in the bronze medal match at Paris 2024 on Thursday.

Led by the remarkable Soufiane Rahimi, the Moroccan team delivered a stunning performance, completely outclassing the Egyptian side at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes.

Rahimi, the tournament’s top scorer, extended his remarkable goal tally to eight, becoming the first player in Olympic football history to score in six consecutive matches.

Morocco took an early lead with a beautiful goal from Abde Ezzalzouli in the 23rd minute, followed by a goal from Rahimi just three minutes later.

The relentless Moroccan onslaught continued in the second half, with Bilal El Khannouss scoring a third goal in the 51st minute and Rahimi netting his second just after the hour mark to make it 4-0.

The team did not stop there, as Akram Nakach and captain Achraf Hakimi added to the tally with goals of their own, completing the 6-0 victory.

Morocco’s historic bronze medal at the Olympic football tournament marks their first-ever Olympic football accolade, celebrated as a triumph for the team and the entire African continent.

After the match, Rahimi expressed his elation, calling it a dream come true and a historic moment for Moroccan and African football.

At Paris 2024, Morocco secured their first-ever Olympic medal in men's football with a commanding 6-0 win over Egypt in the bronze medal match.
At Paris 2024, Morocco secured their first-ever Olympic medal in men's football with a commanding 6-0 win over Egypt in the bronze medal match.
Egypt and Morocco will play for the bronze medal in the Men's Olympic Football Tournament in Paris 2024.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

North African duo poised for bronze football medal battle

Egypt and Morocco will play for the bronze medal in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament in Paris 2024.

The match will take place on Thursday at Stade de la Beaujoire as both nations are in search of their first medal in the tournament.

Both teams have performed admirably in the Games. Egypt, coached by Rio 2016 gold medal-winning coach Rogerio Micale, defeated Spain in the first round and then won against Paraguay in a shootout to reach the quarter-finals. They were then narrowly defeated by hosts France in the semi-finals.

During the tournament, Morocco achieved impressive results, including a victory over world champions Argentina and scoring four goals against the USA in the quarter-finals. Nonetheless, they failed to maintain their lead against Spain in the semi-finals.

Both countries are eager to secure a podium finish, joining Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon in representing Africa. It promises to be an exciting and closely contested match.

Olympics history  Egypt

Appearances: 13 (Antwerp 1920, Paris 1924, Amsterdam 1928, Berlin 1936, London 1948, Helsinki 1952, Rome 1960, Toyko 1964, Los Angeles 1984, Barcelona 1992, London 2012, Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024)Best result: Fourth (Amsterdam 1928, Tokyo 1964), semi-final (Paris 2024)

Morocco

Previous participations: 8 (Tokyo 1964, Munich 1972, Los Angeles 1984, Barcelona 1992, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, London 2012, Paris 2024)

Best result: Semi-final (Paris 2024)

During the tournament, Morocco achieved impressive results, including a victory over world champions Argentina
During the tournament, Morocco achieved impressive results, including a victory over world champions Argentina
Mogbewmo Queens in hunt for first win in WAFU women's qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mogbewmo Queens in hunt for first win in WAFU Women’s qualifier

Sierra Leone’s champions, Mogbewmo Queens are seeking their first win in the ongoing CAF WAFU A Women’s Champions League qualifiers, which they must achieve against the table-topping Liberian team, Determine Girls, at the Southern Arena on Thursday.

The host’s hopes of qualification will be in jeopardy if they fail to win, having drawn their first two matches in the ongoing CAF WAFU A Women’s Champions League qualifiers.

Mogbwemo Queens played to a goalless draw in the tournament opener against AS Mandé. Queens were then held to a 2-2 draw by the Senegalese Aigles de la Médina in their second match.

On Monday, Liberia’s Determine Girls secured a notable 3-1 victory over defending champions AS Mandé on matchday three of the WAFU A Women’s Champions League qualifying tournament in Bo, Sierra Leone.

This victory has propelled the 2022 regional champions to the top of the standings under the guidance of coach Patience J. Gwah, creating a significant lead over their main rivals.

On the same matchday, Sierra Leone’s Champions Mogbewmo Queens was held to a 2-2 draw against Senegal’s Aigles de la Médina, who are now on four points after.

The resilient Mogbewmo Queens side is still without a win, but with two matchdays remaining, the competition for the coveted spot in the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League is intensifying.

So far, the tournament has been full of surprises. Determine Girls’ rise to the top is the most notable.

Détermine Girls, the 2022 zonal champions, lead with six points after two wins – Aigles de la Médina and AS Mandé follow with four points each.

Mogbwemo Queens are fourth with two points, while Red Scorpion failed to score in the qualifying tournament for the CAF Women’s Champions League final phase.

Today's matches in CAF WAFU A Women's Champions League qualifiers
Today's matches in CAF WAFU A Women's Champions League qualifiers
Sevilla FC has signed Cameroon-born French midfielder Lucien Agoumé from Inter Milan on a permanent transfer until 2028.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cameroon-born Lucien Agoumé joins Sevilla permanently

Sevilla FC has signed Cameroon-born French midfielder Lucien Agoumé from Inter Milan on a permanent transfer until 2028.

Agoumé, 22, returns to Sevilla after playing 13 matches last season. He is seen as a promising addition to strengthen the squad with his experience in French and Italian leagues.

Before joining Sochaux, Agoumé began his career with Clémenceau Besançon in 2013 and later signed for Racing Besançon during the 2013–14 season. He then transferred to Sochaux in 2014.

Agoumé made his professional debut on 19th October 2018 in a game against Troyes, which Sochaux won 2-1. He became the youngest player to debut for Sochaux.

In 2019, Inter Milan completed the transfer of Agoumé for a total fee of €4.5 million, including add-ons. Agoumé signed a three-year deal with Inter Milan before several loan moves.

Morocco, Egypt to compete for bronze at Men's Olympic Football Tournament
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco and Egypt to compete for Olympic bronze medal

On Thursday, an epic battle for the bronze medal in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament is expected as Morocco takes on Egypt in the North African derby – both sides’ best chance to make history.

On Monday, both teams from North Africa were knocked out after tough semi-final matches in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament. Spain came from behind to beat resilient Morocco, while Egypt faced a similar defeat in the second semi-final.

Morocco’s quest for Olympic gold ended in a 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament semi-final.

Despite a strong start and a lead from top scorer Soufiane Rahimi, Spain’s comeback dashed Moroccan hopes. They will now compete for the bronze medal.

Elsewhere, Egypt’s hopes for Olympic football success ended in sadness as they lost 3-1 to a strong France team in the semi-final at the Stade de Lyon.

Despite a goal from Mahmoud Saber, France’s late surge in extra time sealed the victory. The team now looks to the bronze medal match as a chance to make history with Egypt’s first Olympic football medal.

The turning point came just two minutes into the additional period when Omar Fayed received his marching orders for a rash challenge, leaving Egypt to battle with ten men.

France will face Spain in the men’s Olympic Football Tournament gold medal match.

Next at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament

Bronze medal match | Thursday, 8 August

17:00 | Egypt v Morocco (all kick-offs in local time)

Gold medal match | Friday, 9 August

18:00 | France v Spain

Liberia's Determine Girls secured a notable 3-1 victory over defending champions AS Mandé on matchday three in Bo, Sierra Leone.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Determine Girls go top of WAFU A Women’s qualifier

On Monday, Liberia’s Determine Girls secured a notable 3-1 victory over defending champions AS Mandé on matchday three of the WAFU A Women’s Champions League qualifying tournament in Bo, Sierra Leone.

This victory has propelled the 2022 regional champions to the top of the standings under the guidance of coach Patience J. Gwah, creating a significant lead over their main rivals.

On the same matchday, Sierra Leone’s Champions Mogbewmo Queens was held to a 2-2 draw against Senegal’s Aigles de la Médina, who are now on four points after.

The resilient Mogbewmo Queens side are still without a win but with two matchdays remaining, the competition for the coveted spot in the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League is intensifying.

So far, the tournament has been full of surprises. Determine Girls’ rise to the top is the most notable. Their upcoming match against AS Mandé is very important for the qualification battle.

The upcoming match between Red Scorpion and Mogbewmo Queens will be closely watched, as the latter has shown its ability to compete with the top teams in the tournament.

All attention is on Bo to see which team will secure the crucial qualification spot for the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Matchday 3 Results (5 August)

  • Mogbewmo Queens 2-2 Aigles de la Médina
  • Determine Girls 3-1 AS Mandé

Current Standings

  1. Determine Girls – 6 pts
  2. AS Mandé – 4 pts
  3. Aigles de la Médina – 4 pts
  4. Mogbewmo Queens – 2 pts
  5. Red Scorpion – 0 pts

Upcoming Fixtures (8 August)

  • Red Scorpion vs Mogbewmo Queens
  • AS Mandé vs Determine Girls
  • Aigles de la Médina (bye)
Algerian powerhouse CR Belouizdad has formally confirmed the acquisition of South African international Khanyisa Mayo.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Khanyisa Mayo completes move to Algerian side CR Belouizdad

Algerian powerhouse CR Belouizdad has formally confirmed the acquisition of South African international Khanyisa Mayo on a three-year deal. 

Mayo, a proficient left-footed forward, has made the transition from South African Premiership club Cape Town City to the esteemed Algerian champions permanently.

Notably, Mayo’s contributions of 10 goals and one assist in 28 matches significantly contributed to Cape Town City’s fifth-place finish in the 2023/24 season.

The 25-year-old has committed to a three-year contract with Belouizdad. Mayo’s outstanding performance previously earned him the 2022/23 DStv Premiership Golden Boot award for registering 12 goals in 27 matches for Cape Town City.

Moreover, he has represented the South African national team, Bafana Bafana, on seven occasions.

Of strategic significance, Belouizdad is positioned to participate in the CAF Champions League and is scheduled to face AC Leopards of Congo-Brazzaville in the upcoming first preliminary round.