Category: African News

Our African football page passionately on all continental topics of all National and International football news, Identifying football heroes on our continent.

Ivorian Eric Bailly agrees with the Spanish La Liga side Real Oviedo
by Football Sierra Leone

Ivorian Eric Bailly agrees with the Spanish La Liga side Real Oviedo

On Monday, Real Oviedo confirmed that they are hiring Ivorian Éric Bailly on a two-year deal expiring in June 2027. The 31-year-old central defender joined the club on a free transfer upon the completion of his Villarreal agreement.

Bailly’s move to Real Oviedo comes after a failed endeavour to join the Saudi Premier League, the Al Najma Sports Club. Having made twelve appearances during the 2024–25 season, his Villarreal contract was terminated, and he became free.

Beginning at Espanyol, Bailly has played for a few European teams, including Villarreal and subsequently Manchester United, over his career.

He had his longest stint at Manchester United and served on loan at French Ligue 1 team Olympique de Marseille (OM) before joining Turkish club Besiktas. The seasoned defender returned to Villarreal subsequently.

Having 49 international caps for the Ivory Coast, Bailly’s most recent showing was a loss against Sierra Leone during the qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in October 2024.

Suspect arrested after alleged racially abuse Ghanaian Antoine Semenyo
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Suspect arrested after alleged ‘racially abused’ Ghanaian Antoine Semenyo

A man was removed from Anfield after he reportedly racially abused Bournemouth player Antoine Semenyo during the first Premier League game of the season against Liverpool.

The Ghanaian International claimed that a spectator made unacceptable remarks in the 29th minute of the match, leading to the man being ejected.

Merseyside Police confirmed that they arrested a 47-year-old man from Liverpool on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. He is in custody and will be questioned.

Semenyo, who scored two goals in the match, expressed that the overwhelming support reminded him why he loves football. He wrote, “Last night at Anfield will stay with me forever… Football showed its best side when it mattered most … we keep moving forward, together.”

Following an incident, an anti-discrimination message was read, and police visited the referee’s room. The man involved was identified and removed from the ground, with an investigation underway.

Chief Inspector Kev Chatterton emphasised that Merseyside Police will not tolerate hate crime and urged reporting any racism. A Liverpool spokesperson condemned racism, stating it has no place in society or football.

Despite Bournemouth’s efforts, including Semenyo’s two goals in the second half, Liverpool won 4-2. Bournemouth captain Adam Smith condemned the incident and praised Semenyo’s character while expressing his anger over the situation.

Kenya coach Benni McCarthy wants strong finish against Zambia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kenya coach Benni McCarthy wants strong finish against Zambia

Kenya’s national team head coach, Benni McCarthy, has expressed his determination to conclude their group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) with a victory against Zambia at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.

Although the team has already secured a spot in the knockout stages, the South African legend emphasised that the Harambee Stars are aiming for a win against Chipolopolo to ensure they finish at the top of Group A.

“The game against Zambia is crucial. Many people believed we were in the ‘group of death’ and predicted we would finish with zero points, but here we are, at the top,” McCarthy explained to the media ahead of the match.

“So, this is a must-win game for us in order to claim the top position in the table. We want to make a statement with this victory, demonstrating that our good results in the previous matches were not due to luck.”

When asked if he plans to rotate his squad for the game, McCarthy replied, “I have great confidence in the players and their quality, so I try to give everyone a chance to get some playing time. However, it can be challenging, especially after playing two games with red cards.

It makes it extremely difficult to provide everyone with an opportunity to play, but we try to rotate the squad as much as we can so that every player can contribute. Ultimately, they earn their spots based on their performances in training sessions.”

Nonetheless, a win for the Harambee Stars against Zambia would not only secure first place in Group A but also keep their unbeaten streak alive as they advance to the quarterfinals.

Madagascar progress from Group B after win over Burkina Faso
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Madagascar progress from Group B after win over Burkina Faso

Madagascar advanced out of Group B in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after securing a second-place finish, joining group winners and co-hosts Tanzania.

In a “dead rubber” game, Tanzania played to a 0-0 draw against the Central African Republic, who finished at the bottom of the group. Meanwhile, the Barea of Madagascar edged past Burkina Faso with a 2-1 victory, allowing them to surpass Mauritania on goal differential.

In a thrilling match at Amaan Stadium, Madagascar took an early lead through Fenohasina Razafimaro’s long-range shot in the 7th minute. Burkina Faso equalized in the 26th minute with a header from Souleymane Sangaré, assisted by Hanaby Sagné.

Madagascar’s goalkeeper, Michel “Toldo” Ramandimbisoa, made key saves to maintain the balance, including a double save from shots by Yves Koutiama and Sagné.

Madagascar regained the lead in the 58th minute with a penalty converted by Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa after a foul on Fenohasina. Despite Burkina Faso’s second-half pressure, Madagascar’s defense held strong.

In another match, the Central African Republic earned their first-ever point at CHAN with a 0-0 draw against Tanzania, who still secured top spot in their group. Both Madagascar and Tanzania face tough quarterfinal challenges next Friday, August 22.

Burkina Faso International Dando Ouattara joins Brentford
by Football Sierra Leone

Burkina Faso International Dango Ouattara joins Brentford

Brentford has signed Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth for a club-record fee. He has signed a five-year contract with an option for an additional year.

The 23-year-old forward had 18 goal contributions in 81 Premier League matches for Bournemouth after joining in January 2023.

Brentford’s head coach, Keith Andrews, said, “We’re really happy to get Dango in. We were surprised he was available, and once we saw he might be possible to sign, we focused on getting him. We like his Premier League experience at such a young age.

He hasn’t found his rhythm yet due to inconsistent playing time. He fits the way we want to play and brings something we needed in our forward line. The fans will enjoy watching him.”

Phil Giles, Brentford’s director of football, stated, “After selling Bryan Mbeumo, we needed to add another attacking player, and we believe Dango is the perfect choice. Despite many changes at the club this summer, we have strong replacements, and Dango showcases that. We also have players like Aaron Hickey, Rico Henry, and Frank Onyeka ready to contribute, and I’m excited to see Dango’s unique skills on the pitch.”

Brentford finished last season in tenth, one place below the Cherries in ninth.

Yan Diomande nets as RB Leipzig beat Sandhausen in Cup win
by Football Sierra Leone

Yan Diomande nets as RB Leipzig beat Sandhausen in Cup win

Scoring on his RB Leipzig debut in Saturday’s DFB Pokal victory against Sandhausen, Yan Diomande immediately made an impact.

The 19-year-old winger, who moved from Spanish team Leganés to the Bundesliga side in a notable transfer, equalized for his new team in only six minutes. The Ivory Coast youth international coolly shot from close range after receiving a pass from Willi Orban inside the area.
 
RB Leipzig conceded another goal in the 18th minute, but Leipzig rallied back in the second half to win 4-2 as Diomande clocked 86 minutes on the field for his official debut.
 
Under German coach Ole Werner, he is expected to become a leading player for the 2025/26 season. Having represented Ivory Coast at the U17 and U23 levels, Yan Diomande is hailed as among the most promising talents to emerge from West Africa.
Antoine Semeyo's net brace in Bournemouth's defeat to Liverpool
by Football Sierra Leone

Antoine Semenyo’s nets brace in Bournemouth’s defeat to Liverpool

Liverpool began their Premier League title defence with a dramatic 4-2 victory over AFC Bournemouth at Anfield as Anooine Semeyo and Mohamed Salah were on the scoresheet.

Despite a strong performance from the Cherries, which included a brace from Antoine Semenyo to equalise at 2-2, late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mo Salah secured the win for Liverpool.

The match started with a moment of silence in memory of Diogo Jota and his brother, followed by goals from Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo that put Liverpool ahead.

Semenyo’s impressive second half brought Bournemouth back into the game, with a stunning long-range shot for his second goal.

However, Chiesa and Salah’s late strikes dashed Bournemouth’s hopes, despite their commendable fightback.

New signings for Bournemouth, including goalkeeper Đorđe Petrović, made their debuts in a match praised for its competitive spirit.

Guinea and Algeria battle in an exciting Group C contest in Kampala
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea and Algeria to battle in an exciting Group C contest in Kampala

On Friday at 17:00 local time, Guinea after two defeats from three matches take on Algeria at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.

Guinea must win to keep their hopes of advancing in CHAN 2024 alive. In contrast, Algeria can secure their spot in the quarter-finals with a victory, demonstrating their strength in the tournament.

Algeria, led by coach Majid Bougherra, has performed well so far, earning four points from a win against Congo and a draw with South Africa. They sit atop Group C without conceding a goal. Bougherra stated, “Tomorrow, we face Guinea, who still believe in their chances. It will be tough, but we are prepared.”

Guinea started strong with a win over Congo but lost to South Africa. Coach Souleymane Camara is optimistic, saying, “We still have our destiny in our hands. We must fight from start to finish and secure the three points.”

Guinea’s attack needs improvement, and striker Moussa Moïse Camara acknowledged past issues. He stated, “We’ve worked on our efficiency and are ready for Algeria, a strong team.”

Guinea must play aggressively to win, while Algeria aims to maintain their defense. Both teams understand the stakes: win or go home for Guinea, and secure a spot in the last eight for Algeria.

The Kampala crowd anticipates an exciting match filled with drama and crucial moments for Group C.

DRC Congo beat Angola in hunt to reach CHAN quarter-final
by Football Sierra Leone

Congo DR beat Angola in hunt for CHAN quarter-finals spot

DR Congo defeated Angola 2-0 at Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi, securing a crucial match against Morocco for a spot in the quarter-finals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024.

Goals from Jephté Kitambala and substitute Jonathan Mokonzi in the second half provided the victory.

In an earlier match, Morocco triumphed 3-1 over Zambia, setting up a decisive showdown with DR Congo on Sunday. Angola ended their tournament without scoring.

The first half was uneventful, with both teams having chances but failing to score. The second half saw DR Congo take control, with Kitambala scoring in the 58th minute from a free-kick by Âgée Basiala. Mokonzi added a second goal from a corner in the 70th minute.

Despite Angola’s efforts to respond, including near misses and solid saves from their goalkeeper Neblú, they couldn’t find the net. DR Congo’s strong defense, led by Osée Ndombele and Lolendo Mansanga, held firm.

With the upcoming match against Morocco, the stakes are high as both teams vie for a semi-final spot, while Kenya’s match against Zambia will determine the other quarter-finalist.

Nothing gets past him! Efonge earns the TotalEnergies Man of the Match after keeping a clean sheet
Nothing gets past him! Efonge earns the TotalEnergies Man of the Match after keeping a clean sheet
Mauritania and Madagascar record CAF Nations Championship wins
by Football Sierra Leone

Mauritania and Madagascar record CAF Nations Championship wins

At the CAF African Nations Championship at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Wednesday, Madagascar and Mauritania defeated Central African Republic and Burkina Faso, respectively.

Breaking the stalemate in the 84th minute, Madagascar scored late in their meeting with the Central African Republic. The Les Fauves failed to clear a Madagascan corner, with the ball falling to Mamisoa Alexandre Rakotoson at the edge of the area.His attempt diverted on its way to land at the feet of fellow substitute Toky Niaina Rakotondraibe, who made no error from close range.

Nomena Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa completed the last hit in stoppage time to ensure the triumph for his team; the Barea put the outcome beyond doubt.

Elsewhere, Mauritania defeated ten-man Burkina Faso in the second match of the day to get their second victory of the competition.

After a VAR check, Abdoulaye Touré was shown a straight red card for his tackle on Moulaye Ahmed Cheikh Al Khalil, bringing the Stallions down to 10 men in the 41st minute.

Thanks once more to a VAR check, Les Mourabitounes dominated first-half stoppage time as El Mami Tetah was dropped in the box.From the penalty spot, Alassane Diop committed no mistake, moving his team ahead and eventually leading to their victory.

With zero points from their three CHAN games thus far, the Central African Republic have no chance of reaching the quarterfinals.

Three points behind second-place Mauritania, Madagascar are now third in the group; nevertheless, Mauritania have played one more game.

With three points from three games, Burkina Faso is second from bottom. If they want to have any opportunity of moving forward, they must win their next two matches and hope for the other teams in their group to lose.

Results:

Madagascar 2-0 Central African Republic

Mauritania 1-0 Burkina Faso