Author: Football Sierra Leone

Moroccan forward Zakaria Aboukhlal pens move to Torino
by Football Sierra Leone

Moroccan forward Zakaria Aboukhlal pens move to Torino

Morocco national team forward Zakaria Aboukhlal has transferred to Italy’s Serie A side Torino on a four-year contract and aims to improve Torino’s attack, which struggled last season.

Torino announced the signing of Aboukhlal, 25, on Tuesday after bringing him in from Toulouse, a club in France, for €8.5 million.

They finished 11th in the 2024-25 Serie A season, scoring only 39 goals in 38 matches. Aboukhlal, who started his career at PSV, is a versatile forward known for his ability to play on either wing. His best season was in 2022-23, where he scored 10 goals and provided 5 assists in 37 matches for Toulouse.

He is skilled, quick, and strong on the ball, which gives Torino manager Marco Baroni several options to boost the team’s offense. Aboukhlal will compete for playing time with players like Ché Adams, Antonio Sanabria, and returning Colombian Duván Zapata. His versatility can help complement the team’s other goal scorers.

Before the season starts, Torino will play friendly matches against AS Monaco and Valencia. They will begin their season with a Coppa Italia game against Serie B club Modena on August 18.

Super Falcons of Nigeria fight back from two goals down to WAFCON 2024 holders
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigeria fight back from two goals down to WAFCON 2024 holders

Nigeria won their tenth TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title by defeating Morocco 3-2 in a dramatic comeback.

The match took place at the Stade Olympique in Rabat. Trailing 2-0 at halftime, Nigeria’s Super Falcons rallied in the second half, with goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and a late winner by Joe Echegini.

Morocco initially took the lead with goals from Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaâ Mssoudy before Nigeria’s comeback, sparked by a penalty awarded after a VAR review for a handball by Nouhaila Benzina.

Momentum shifted to Nigeria when Okoro provided a key pass to Ijamilusi in the 71st minute, who equalised with a left-footed shot.

The Super Falcons secured their victory just before extra time, as Esther Okoronkwo assisted Joe Echegini, who scored in the 88th minute. Despite late pressure from Morocco, Nigeria held strong during stoppage time.

This win marked Nigeria’s 10th African championship in 13 editions, reinforcing their dominance in African women’s football and sending a clear message that they remain the team to beat.

Ghana beat South Africa on penalties to clinch WAFCON bronze
by Football Sierra Leone

Ghana beat South Africa on penalties to clinch WAFCON bronze

In a thrilling penalty shootout, Ghana demonstrated remarkable composure to overcome South Africa and secure the bronze medal in Casablanca on Friday evening at the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Following a tense 11 draw in regulation time, the Black Queens won 43 in the shootout at Stade Larbi Zaouli. This game provided a fitting conclusion to a feud defined by tightly fought fights at WAFCON.

Ghana not only avenged their 20 defeat in the group stage but also repeated their bronze medal achievement from 2016 against the same team. Through Nonhlanhla Mthandi, South Africa took the lead right before halftime, whose goal showed off a fantastic first half.

But after the break, Ghana woke and tied in the 68th minute as a result of a defensive blunder that caused Andile Dlamini, the goalkeeper for South Africa, to score.

Late in regulation, both sides had opportunities to win it; Evelyn Badu of Ghana hit the crossbar, and South Africa’s Linda Motlhalo forced a critical save from Ghana’s Cynthia Konlan.

The game went to penalties with the score tied, where Konlan came out as the hero with crucial saves against Hildah Magaia and Sibulele Holweni. Confidently converted their penalties were Ghana’s Alice Kusi, Josephine Bonsu, Jennifer Cudjoe, and Nancy Amoh.

Though Jermaine Seoposenwe and Linda Motlhalo found the net for South Africa, they fell short, leaving Morocco empty-handed after their dismal exit.

Having started as underdogs and finished with evidence of their comeback, Kim Björkegren’s Black Queens had a great comeback in this tournament. Meanwhile, South Africa’s loss hurts as they try to rebuild with a younger team for the following cycle.

Ghana’s players and staff celebrated as the final whistle blew, pride reclaimed and revenge exquisitely delivered.

Alice Kusi was named the Woman of the Match after an impressive performance to secure third place.

Ghana beat South Africa on penalties to clinch WAFCON bronze
Ghana beat South Africa on penalties to clinch WAFCON bronze
Coach Benni McCarthy Names Harambee Squad for CHAN Tournament
by Football Sierra Leone

Coach Benni McCarthy Names Harambee Squad for CHAN Tournament

HarambHarambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has announced a 25-man squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to take place from August 2, 2025, in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

The squad includes experienced goalkeepers Faruk Shikhalo, Sebastian Wekesa, and Byrne Omondi. The defense features a mix of seasoned players and young talent, including captain Abud Omar and debutants Swaleh Pamba and Kevin Okumu.

In midfield, notable players include Brian Musa and Alpha Onyango, while the attack will be led by Masoud Juma.

The team will be captained by Abud Omar, with support from Daniel Sakari and Alphonce Omija. McCarthy expressed confidence in the team’s preparations.

Kenya is grouped with DR Congo, Angola, Morocco, and Zambia, beginning their campaign on August 3, 2025, against DR Congo at Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani, aiming to leverage home support for a strong performance in the tournament.

Kenya Listed CHAN 2024 Squad

Goal Keepers

Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Sebastian Wekesa

Defenders

Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Pamba Swaleh, Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Mike Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, Kevin Okumu

Midfielders

Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire

Fowards

Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, Masoud Juma, Austin Odongo, Felix Oluoch

Sierra Leone wingerJonathan Morsay pens Panionios deal until 2027
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone winger Jonathan Morsay pens Panionios deal until 2027

Super League Greece 2 side Panionios has confirmed the signing of Sierra Leone international Jonathan Morsay on a two-year deal that will run until the summer of 2027.

“We are pleased to announce our collaboration with international winger Jonathan Morsay, who has signed a two-year contract with our team.”

The 27-year-old winger began his career at the Swedish club GIF Sundsvall before moving to Italy to play for Chievo Verona.

In 2021, he joined Dinamo București and later that summer moved to Greece to play for Panaitolikos, where he made 56 appearances, scoring three goals and providing two assists in the Super League.

He then played for AEL Limassol in Cyprus, with his most recent stop being Kalamata, where he made 17 appearances, scored five goals, and provided two assists in Super League 2.

Jonathan is also an international player for the Sierra Leone national team, earning seven caps and scoring one goal.

He participated in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, where he scored his first international goal, and has also played in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Ghana beat Algeria on penalties to set date with hosts Morocco
by Football Sierra Leone

Ghana beat Algeria on penalties to set date with hosts Morocco

Following a 0-0 tie after in 120 minutes of play in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana beat Algeria 4-2 in a penalty shootout. This win confirms their place in the semifinals against Morocco.

Saving penalties from Marine Dafeur and Ines Belloumou, goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan was crucial. Evelyn Badu’s ultimate penalty delighted players and supporters.

Ghana were more energetic, and the game was very hotly fought. Stella Nyamekye’s first-half strike was ruled out for offside, and Badu failed a vital opportunity near the end of normal time. The shootout resulted from both sides’ difficulties in generating chances.

Algeria left the competition with no goals against, whereas Ghana hopes to capture their first continental championship following three prior second-place finishes. Tuesday at 19:00 GMT marks the semifinal against Morocco.

Carlisle United sign Ugandan defender Bevis Mugabi to bolster squad
by Football Sierra Leone

Carlisle United sign Ugandan defender Bevis Mugabi to bolster squad

As the club tries to rebuild its team after relegation from the English Football League, Carlisle United Football Club has formally confirmed the purchase of seasoned Ugandan defender Bevis Mugabi on a two-year deal.

After a brief stint at Cypriot side Anorthosis, the 30-year-old player reunites with Brunton Park, having previously spent four years in the Scottish Premiership with Motherwell. Mugabi played 125 times during his time at Fir Park before leaving in the summer of 2023.

Originally from the youth academies of Fulham and Southampton, Mugabi became well-known during his time at Yeovil Town, where he played in the English Football League before relocating north of the border. He has 20 caps for the Uganda national team on the global stage.

Carlisle United’s head of recruitment, Martin Foyle, praised the defender’s profile, adding, He has a wealth of experience from Scotland, overseas, and international football; he has a great attitude that will help to raise expectations on and off the field.

Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf pens West Ham deal
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf pens West Ham deal

West Ham have signed Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague for £19 million. The 20-year-old will join the club’s preseason training camp in Germany this week.

When Slavia Prague claimed the Czech top-flight championship last season, Diouf was instrumental in their victory. Though many clubs wanted him, he selected West Ham because it fit my plan.

“I want to let the West Ham fans know I am here with them very gladly. Diouf told the club’s website, I believe we will have a great season this year.

Everyone wants to come here to play in the Premier League. Everyone, I believe, dreams of this.”

Diouf, who can play at left back or left wingback, was a player the club had been monitoring for some time, said manager Graham Potter.

“I believe he would be a great addition to the team; he is young, hungry, and ambitious.”

At 18, Diouf left Senegal for Norway’s Tromso in February 2023, scoring three goals in 21 games. A year later, he joined Slavia Prague, where he scored on his debut.

Last season, he netted seven goals as Slavia won the championship, conceding only 18 goals in 35 games. Diouf made his Senegal debut in a Nations Cup qualifier against Burundi in September 2024 and participated in a friendly win over England in June.

South Africa's unbeaten in Women's Cup of Nations Group stages
by Football Sierra Leone

South Africa unbeaten in Women’s Cup of Nations Group stage

Having won the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa defeated Mali 4–0 to finish first in Group C and move on to the knockout stage.

Starting flawlessly, Banyana Banyana quickly assumed their power. Five minutes in, Lebohang Ramalepe set the tone for what would turn out to be a long day for the Malian defence with a composed right-footed finish into the upper right corner.

South Africa increased their advantage in the 32nd minute when Refiloe Jane whipped a remarkable free kick into the upper left corner, leaving Mali goalie Fatoumata Karentao stranded.

South Africa demonstrated their aggressive approach and midfield control in the first half with two goals.

In the second half, their enthusiasm held. With a sharp left-foot shot in the 61st minute following a nice feed from Karabo Dhlamini, Hildah Magaia scored her third goal. Ronnel Donnelly contributed yet another goal in the 79th minute after a perfect setup from Nonhlanhla Mthandi.

Mali was at times threatened with actions from Saratou Traoré, Aïssata Traoré, and Fatou Dembele, but South Africa’s strong defence and Andile Dlamini’s critical saves kept them from scoring.

South Africa’s strength was evident in their score, their organisational structure, inventiveness, and continuous strain.

South Africa advances boldly into the knockout rounds as they seek continental triumph by coming first in Group C.

South Africa's unbeaten in Women's Cup of Nations Group stages
South Africa's unbeaten in Women's Cup of Nations Group stages
Nigeria's Super Falcons eye win over Algeria in WAFCON Group B
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigeria’s Super Falcons eye win over Algeria in WAFCON Group B

Nigeria vs Algeria WAFCON- Super Falcons Target 3rd Win

The Nigeria vs Algeria WAFCON showdown kicks off this Sunday at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, with both teams fighting for top spots in Group B of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria vs Algeria WAFCON – Key Battle for Group B Supremacy

The Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s team, are in top form — winning 1-0 over Botswana and 3-0 against Tunisia. With these two strong performances, they sit first in the group and have already secured a place in the knockout stage. Now, they are targeting a 3rd big win to close the group on a high note.

Algeria, however, remain undefeated too. They drew 0-0 with Tunisia and beat Botswana 1-0. Sitting second in the group, the Algerian women’s team can also reach the WAFCON 2024 quarter-finals if they manage to avoid defeat against Nigeria.

The head to head record heavily favors Nigeria, who have beaten Algeria in all four of their previous meetings. Their latest clash was a friendly match in October 2024, where the Super Falcons won 4-1 underlining their dominance in this fixture.

This Group B WAFCON battle is more than just about advancing it’s about momentum, pride, and setting the tone for the knockout stage. With both sides showing defensive strength and attacking promise, Sunday’s WAFCON fixture could be a thrilling decider.