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.

Egypt clinch historic Olympic Games semi-final berth
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt clinch historic Olympic Games semi-final berth

At the Paris 2024 Games, Egypt made history by reaching the Olympic football semi-finals for the first time. They achieved this by beating Paraguay 5-4 in a tense penalty shootout.

The match was tied at halftime, but Paraguay scored first. However, Egypt managed to equalize with a late goal before winning in the penalty shootout. This means that Africa will have two teams in the semi-finals, with Egypt joining Morocco.

This success shows the growing strength of African football on the world stage. Egypt will now face tournament hosts France in the semi-final.

The Egyptian team is looking forward to this challenge and hopes to go even further in their quest for Olympic gold.

Egypt’s journey has captured the imagination of football fans worldwide, and the semi-final against France promises to be an exciting match.

Paris 2024 Olympics Fixtures | 05 August 2024

16h00 GMT | Morocco vs Spain

19h00 GMT | France vs Egypt

FC Kallon will kick start their highly anticipated Coal City International Cup opener against the formidable Remo Stars on August 2, which marks match day 2 in Enugu City, Nigeria.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s FC Kallon set for Remo Stars Coal City Opener

FC Kallon will kick start their highly anticipated pre-season Coal City International Cup opener against the formidable Remo Stars on August 2, which marks match day 2 in Enugu City, Nigeria.

The Coal City Cup is a yearly international football tournament held at The Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, Nigeria. The first 11-day edition of the competition will take place from August 1-11, 2024. The Rangers International Football Club of Enugu will be the host team.

In 2024, the competition will feature four teams from the NPFL, including Kallon, and one other team from outside the country.

Head coach Mohamed Kallon has carefully selected his 23-man squad to represent the club and Sierra Leone on the international stage.

Eager to claim victory in their first match against Kano Pillars, Kallon FC is ready to start an exciting journey.

They will face Rangers on August 4 and then play against Remo Stars on August 5 to conclude the first round of matches.

In the tournament opener, Rangers International of Enugu defeated Enyimba on Thursday.

Agu Kenechukwu’s left-footed shot inside the box in the 51st minute turned out to be the match-winner for the reigning NPFL champions.

Sierra Leone's FC Kallon Set for Remo Stars Coal City Opener
Sierra Leone's FC Kallon Set for Remo Stars Coal City Opener
Senegal striker Ismaïla Sarr is Crystal Palace's latest acquisition
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal striker Ismaïla Sarr is Crystal Palace’s latest acquisition

Crystal Palace has signed Senegal’s forward Ismaïla Sarr on a five-year deal, making him the club’s third summer transfer window signing.

The 26-year-old forward has extensive experience in English football, playing for Watford and Marseille. He also played in France for Metz and Rennes.

Ismaïla Sarr has 64 appearances for the Senegal national team, scoring 13 goals. He won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021. He received Goal of the Season awards in the Football League and the Europa League.

Crystal Palace’s management has expressed belief in Sarr’s abilities. Manager Oliver Glasner highlighted Sarr’s successes and expressed confidence in his potential contribution to the squad.

Sarr expressed delight in joining Crystal Palace and his commitment to making a valuable contribution. Crystal Palace extends a warm welcome to Ismaïla Sarr and best wishes for his upcoming career with the team.

Nigeria and Zambia end Women's Olympic Football adventure
by FSL News

Nigeria and Zambia end Women’s Olympic Football adventure

The Super Falcons and Zambia Queens suffered defeats on the final day of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, as they were beaten by Japan and Germany, respectively.

Nigeria lost 3-1 to Japan in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, Paris 2024. This was their third loss in a row. Despite the support of the fans, the Super Falcons couldn’t find their rhythm, and Japan took advantage of their weaknesses.

Riko Ueki passed the ball to Maika Hamano for an easy goal to break the tie. Mina Tanaka scored the second goal after Ueki’s powerful header hit the crossbar.

Nigeria got a glimmer of hope when Jennifer Echegini cleverly passed with Christy Ucheibe and scored from outside the box. However, Japan sealed a morale-boosting 3-1 victory with a fantastic free-kick from Kitagawa.

Japan 3-1 Nigeria – Goals Japan scorers: Hamano (22), Tanaka (32), Kitagawa (45+5) Nigeria scorers: Echegini (42)

In Group B, Zambia’s team captained by Barbara Banda, scored six goals and conceded thirteen in the three games, resulting in their elimination from the tournament.

Germany and the US both qualified for the next stage after Germany’s win over Zambia. Lea Schuller scored a great solo goal in the first half, followed by Klara Buhl’s goal in the second half.

Barbra Banda scored for Zambia, but Germany secured the win with another goal from Schuller and a late goal from Elissa Sens.

Zambia 1-4 Germany – Goals Zambia scorer: Banda (49) Germany scorers: Schuller (10, 61), Buhl (47), Sens (90+7)

Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho joins Spanish side Sevilla
by FSL News

Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho joins Spanish side Sevilla

Spanish side Sevilla FC has officially confirmed the signing of Nigerian international and former Leicester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho.

Iheanacho’s contract with Leicester City ended in June after seven years with the club. “Kelechi Iheanacho (Imo, Nigeria, 03/10/1996) is now a new Sevilla FC player, the fifth signing for this 24/25 season after Ejuke, Peque, Saúl and Sambi.

He has signed for two seasons, with the option for one more, arriving on a free transfer after his time at Leicester City,” the Spanish side noted about the Nigerian International.

Iheanacho played in just half of Leicester’s 46 Championship matches last term, starting 10, with Jamie Vardy as the first-choice starting striker.

The move to Sevilla aims to replace Youssef En-Nesyri after the Moroccan striker joined Fenerbahce earlier this month. Iheanacho is Sevilla’s second striker signing of the summer transfer window after Peque, a former Spain youth international, joined from Racing Santander.

Iheanacho joined Leicester City in 2017 after spending time on loan in their youth academy. For the Premier League champions in 2015/16, he played 232 matches, scoring 61 goals and providing 34 assists until the last campaign 23/24.

The new Sevilla striker has also played 19 European competition matches, with 7 games in the Champions League, 11 in the UEFA Europa League, and one in the Conference League. To date, Iheanacho has played 55 matches and scored 19 goals with the senior team. His greatest achievement came in 2017 with the U-17 World Championship win.

Gabonese Yannis M'bemba joins Dordrecht to strengthen defense
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Gabonese Yannis M’bemba joins Dordrecht to strengthen defence

Yannis M’bemba, a French-Gabonese player, has joined the Dutch Eerste Divisie club Dordrecht to strengthen the team’s defence.

He is transferring from FC Nantes in France and will not require a transfer fee. The 1.94-meter-tall centerback has signed a two-year contract with an option for a third year at the Krommedijk.

During his time at Nantes, he played two matches in Ligue 1 and mostly featured for the club’s second team. M’bemba made his international debut earlier this year in the Gabon vs. DR Congo match.

Having trained with Dordtenaren for several weeks, M’bemba has already played in several practice matches.

General Director Hans de Zeeuw expressed his satisfaction with M’bemba’s decision to join FC Dordrecht, noting, “Yannis is a very complete defender who can play in both centre positions.

In addition to his height, he is also very comfortable on the ball. We are delighted that Yannis chose to join us!”

Morocco advance to last eight as Group B winners
by FSL News

Morocco advance to last eight as Group B winners

In their final Group B match of the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 at the Stade de Nice, the North African powerhouse Morocco put on a dominant performance, securing a resounding 3-0 victory over Iraq.

The game saw an early lead for Morocco when Amir Richardson found the back of the net in the 19th minute.

Shortly thereafter, Rahimi furthered the lead with a goal nine minutes later. Abde Ezzalouli then sealed the win with a goal in the 36th minute, showcasing Morocco’s skill and determination.

This impressive win marked Morocco’s second triumph in Group B, following their initial victory over Argentina and a narrow 2-1 defeat to Ukraine.

Morocco 3-0 Iraq – Goals Morocco scorers: Richardson (19), Rahimi (28), Ezzalzouli (36)

Elsewhere, The USA is on its way to the knockout round of the Olympics for the first time since Sydney 2000 after defeating Guinea 3-0 in Saint-Etienne to secure second place in Group A.

The West African team is returning home after failing to win any matches in this year’s men’s football Olympic games.

Djordje Mihailovic scored a brilliant right-footed free-kick into the top-left corner of the net in the 14th minute, giving the Americans a 1-0 lead. The lead was doubled in the 31st minute when Paredes finished off a well-weighted ball from Paxton Aaronson to make it 2-0.

Paredes sealed the victory with a powerful left-footed finish in the 75th minute, securing the three points.

USA 3-0 Guinea  – Goals USA scorers: Mihailovic (14), Paredes (31, 75)

Next at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024

Quarter-finals | Friday, 2 August

Quarter-final – Morocco v USA

Quarter-final – Japan v Spain

Quarter-final – Egypt v Paraguay –

Quarter-final – France v Argentina

Egypt advance to Olympics football quarter finals undefeated
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt advance to men’s Olympic quarter-finals undefeated

Egypt’s national football team, winners of Group C, stayed undefeated after their first three matches in the group stage. They beat Spain 2-1 on Tuesday and made it to the Paris 2024 Olympics quarter-finals.

The North Africans advanced to the knockout phase as Group C winners – They scored just before halftime when Zizo passed to Ibrahim Adel, who scored from the edge of the area.

Zizo scored again just after the hour mark, taking advantage of a loose back pass. Samu Omorodion got one goal back for Spain in the final minute of normal time, but it was too little too late.

The Pharaohs’ triumph over Spain secured their place in the quarter-finals. The Dominican Republic and Uzbekistan have been eliminated from the tournament.

Egypt will likely face Paraguay, Mali, or Israel in the quarter-finals, while Spain is expected to face Japan in their next match as they continue in their pursuit for the gold medal.

Spain 1-2 Egypt Goals Egypt scorer: Adel (42, 62) Spain scorer: Omorodion (90)

Marseille confirm Ivorian-born Ismaël Koné's arrival to Ligue 1
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Marseille unveil Ivorian-born Ismaël Koné

Canadian international Ismael Kone, who was born in Ivory Coast, has been unveiled by Marseille. His arrival was announced by the French Ligue 1 side on Tuesday.

The midfielder, who has earned 22 caps for his country, transferred to Watford from CF Montreal halfway through the 2022/23 season. During his time with the Hornets, the 22-year-old made 63 appearances in all competitions and scored four goals.

On 28th June 2024, Ligue 1 club Olympique Marseille announced the permanent signing of Koné for a reported transfer fee of £15m, including add-ons.

In June 2023, Kone was called up to the Canadian national team for the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League Finals. He scored a goal in the second leg of the quarterfinals against Jamaica.

Additionally, in June 2024, Kone was named to Canada’s squad for the 2024 Copa América. He scored an impressive overhead kick to level the score in the third-place match against Uruguay, 22 minutes into the game.

First win for Egypt as Guinea & Mali suffer defeats at the Olympics
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

First win for Egypt as Guinea & Mali suffer defeats at the Olympics

A hard-fought 1-0 victory for Egypt against Uzbekistan. Egypt aims to advance to the Men’s Olympic football quarter-finals if they can avoid defeat against Group C leaders Spain in their upcoming match on Tuesday.

Uzbekistan 0-1 Egypt – Egypt scorer: Koka (11)

Uzbekistan was the first country to be eliminated from the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament after a narrow defeat against Egypt. Egypt scored the only goal of the game in lucky circumstances when the ball deflected off Ahmed Koka and into the net. Egypt now only needs one point against Spain to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.

Guinea lost 1-0 to France in Paris 2024 their second defeat in opening two matches. Kiliann Sildillia’s second-half header secured the win for the host team. Despite the win, France must wait for confirmation as one of the quarter-final qualifiers, as their six-point haul can still be matched by Group A rivals, the USA and New Zealand.

In Group A – France 1-0 Guinea – France scorer: Sildillia (75)

In Group B, Morocco, after their thrilling win over Argentina, lost 2-1 to a ten-man Ukraine team. Ukraine grabbed a late victory over Morocco when substitute Ihor Krasnopir scored in the eighth minute of added time.

Ruslan Rotan’s team took the lead when Maksym Braharu played a low ball that Dmytro Kryskiv converted from close range. Morocco equalized after the break when Volodymyr Saliuk fouled Soufiane Rahimi, resulting in a penalty that the No. 9 converted and Saliuk receiving a red card after a VAR check.

The game seemed headed for a draw before Oleh Fedor’s pass allowed Krasnopir to secure an unlikely victory for Ukraine.

Ukraine 2-1 Morocco Ukraine scorers: Kryskiv (22), Krasnopir (90+8) Morocco scorer: Rahimi Pen (64)

Japan’s team secured a spot in the quarter-finals at Paris 2024 with a narrow win over Mali at Stade de Bordeaux. They scored the winning goal in the 82nd minute, and Mali missed a penalty in added time.

Group D Japan 1-0 Mali Japan scorer: Yamamoto (82)