Category: Sport News

Patson Daka nets in Leicester's impressive victory over West Ham
by FSL News

Patson Daka nets in Leicester’s impressive victory over West Ham

Zambia International Patson Daka scored as Ruud van Nistelrooy won his first game as Leicester City manager, leading the team to a 3-1 victory over West Ham at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday.

Jamie Vardy scored a goal just 98 seconds into Ruud van Nistelrooy’s first game before Bilal El Khannouss and Patson Daka also scored, securing the win for Leicester City.

With this victory, Leicester moved up to 15th place in the Premier League, two points behind West Ham.

They did face some pressure during the game and relied on goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, who made several excellent saves to keep the other team from scoring.

Daka came on in the second half to replace veteran striker Jamie Vardy, who started strong for Leicester with an early goal, and El Khannous added a second goal.

Daka finished the match with a goal similar to van Nistelrooy’s style. This was Daka’s first goal of the season. He has played three times since returning from injury.

Before Tuesday’s win, Leicester City had only two league wins this season.

Deadly stampede in Guinea resulted in the deaths of at least 56 people
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Deadly stampede in Guinea resulted in deaths of at least 56 people

A controversial refereeing decision led to violence and a stampede at a soccer match in Guinea, resulting in at least 56 deaths and many injuries.

The incident occurred on Sunday December 1st 2024 during the final match in N’Zerekore. Chaos erupted after a player was sent off, causing fans to rush onto the field and attack the officials’ stand. Security forces intervened.

“Frustration with referee calls led to stone-throwing by fans, causing the deadly stampede,” a government statement said.

The government confirmed 56 deaths and many injuries, calling it a “tragic event,” and promised an investigation.

Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah condemned the violence and urged calm to help hospital services assist the injured. Videos on social media showed chaos outside the stadium, with many bodies on the ground. Hospitals were overwhelmed with casualties.

These events have become common in Guinea, often seen as supporting junta leader Mamady Doumbouya’s future presidential campaign. The junta took power in September 2021 by removing President Alpha Conde.

The National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC), a leading opposition group, condemned the tragedy, blaming the junta for the loss of innocent lives. They called for peaceful action against the regime by December 31, 2024.

Al Ahly set for Orlando Pirates' CAF Champions League cracker
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Al Ahly set for Orlando Pirates’ CAF Champions League cracker

Egyptian side Al Ahly set for their trip to South Africa this weekend for the African Champions League, where they will face Orlando Pirates in an important group C match in Soweto’s Orlando stadium on Saturday.

The last time Al Ahly came to South Africa was last year, when Mamelodi Sundowns defeated them twice: 5-2 in the Champions League group stage and again in the African Football League.

South African clubs have a good record against Al Ahly. The Pirates have beaten them thrice, including notable victories in Egypt in 2013 and 2015. However, in crucial matches, South African teams have often lost.

In 2001, Sundowns played Al Ahly in the Champions League final but lost 3-0 despite a strong performance. The Pirates also faced Al Ahly in the 2013 final, where a defensive mistake allowed Al Ahly to score, and the Pirates could not recover.

Al Ahly beat Kaizer Chiefs in the 2021 final, winning 3-0 after the Chiefs had a player sent off just before halftime. Known for their resilience, Al Ahly often overcomes challenges and qualifies for the quarterfinals. They are difficult to beat when they aim for the title, winning four titles in the last five Champions League campaigns.

Sierra Leone's Juma Bah on Manchester City's Radar
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Juma Bah on Manchester City’s Radar

Manchester City and other English clubs want to sign Sierra Leone-born defender Juma Bah, a rising star, as Pep Guardiola works to improve his defence.

The 18-year-old defender has impressed while on loan at Real Valladolid after moving from AIK Freetong, a team in Sierra Leone.

He started with the Juvenil División de Honor and quickly moved up to the Promesas team, where he made a successful debut in September.

However, the 6’5” player earned a spot on the first team, playing 855 minutes in eleven appearances.

Among centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues, Bah ranks in the 95th percentile for clearances, averaging 5.63 per game, and in the 98th percentile for aerial duels won, averaging 3.81 per game.

Read related News New Real Valladolid defender back Bah headline Spanish News.

Ghanaian side Asante Kotoko announced Baba Yara's return.
by FSL News

Ghanaian side Asante Kotoko announced Baba Yara’s return

Asante Kotoko, a prominent football club in Ghana, has officially announced its return to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for the remainder of the season.

The team, recognized as the 24-time champions of the Ghana Premier League, had been utilizing the Len Clay Sports Stadium while Baba Yara underwent renovation.

Asante Kotoko has a distinguished history, having claimed the CAF Champions League title on two occasions and being honoured as the African Club of the Century by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS).

In a recent statement, the club expressed, “We are pleased to announce our return to Baba Yara Stadium for our remaining home matches of the season.

This decision follows an official communication from the National Sports Authority confirming the completion of maintenance work at our historic venue.”

Currently, Asante Kotoko occupies the seventh position in the Ghana Premier League standings, trailing the leaders, Bibiani Gold Stars, by five points, with 22 matches left in the season.

Sierra Leone plummet eight places in latest FIFA ranking
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone plummet eight places in latest FIFA ranking

Sierra Leone has seen a significant drop in the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday, following their unsuccessful attempt to qualify for the Morocco 2025 AFCON tournament next year.

This decline is attributed to poor performances in the recent African Cup of Nations match day five and six, where they drew against Chad and suffered a 2-0 defeat to Zambia in Group G as hosts nation.

From 121st to 129th in the global ranking – as a result, the West African nation has plummeted also to 38th on the continent, having conceded ten goals while scoring only five in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.

Africa’s top ten ranked teams include Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Mali, Tunisia and South Africa.

On the global stage, Argentina, captained by Lionel Messi, retains the top position, followed by France in second and Spain in third. England and Brazil hold the fourth and fifth spots, respectively.

These rankings reflect a busy international football calendar, which includes the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, AFCON 2025 matches, and Nations League fixtures.

Meanwhile, Niger made the biggest leap in the rankings, rising nine spots to 122nd globally with a total of 31.23 points.

The next FIFA ranking update is scheduled for December 12, 2024.

La Liga CD Leganés sign Ivorian striker Yan Diomande
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

La Liga CD Leganés sign Ivorian striker Yan Diomande

CD Leganés has signed Yan Diomande, an 18-year-old striker from Ivory Coast, who is known for his speed, skill, and ability to read the game, the club has said.

Diomande developed his talent in Ivory Coast and has shown a lot of potential, which has allowed him to move to European football.

He is expected to join the team at the end of this year or the beginning of 2025, depending on the completion of necessary paperwork.

He joins Leganés on a free transfer, showing the club’s commitment to developing young international players. After signing, Diomande said, “I am very grateful for this opportunity. I want to thank everyone involved in making this happen. I am fully committed and excited to get started.”

Zamalek off to a strong start in Confederation Cup group stage
by FSL News

Zamalek off to a strong start in Confederation Cup group stage

Match Day 01 of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup group stages featured three notable matchups in northern Africa. Defending champions Zamalek SC from Egypt, USM Alger from Algeria, and RS Berkane from Morocco each hosted their opening matches.

Zamalek SC, a two-time champion, secured a solid 2-0 victory over Mozambique’s Black Bulls FC, with goals from Ahmed Abdelhamid and Nabil Emad.  

In Group B, RS Berkane triumphed 2-0 against Angola’s Club Desportivo de Lunda Sul, with Issoufou Dayo scoring both goals.

The final match saw USM Alger deliver a dominating 6-0 win against Orapa United from Botswana, featuring two goals from Ismail Belkacemi and contributions from Saadi Raouani, Wale Alli, Nabil Lamara, and Islam Mrili.  

The TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup will continue with Match Day 02 on Sunday, December 8th.

Vital opening win for Simba in group stage start campaign
by Football Sierra Leone

Simba begins CAF Confederation group campaign with a vital win

Tanzanian team Simba SC began their TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup group stage with a 1-0 win against Angola’s Bravos do Maquis at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday.

Jean Ahoua scored the only goal with a penalty in the first half, putting Simba at the top of Group A. The penalty occurred in the 27th minute after Edmilson from Bravos handled the ball.

Ahoua struck the penalty into the top left corner, out of the goalkeeper’s reach.

The match was intense, with both teams creating chances. Despite pressure from Simba and several close attempts by Steven Mukwala, they could not score again.

In the second half, Bravos sought to equalize, but Emmanuel Edmond had a penalty saved by Simba’s goalkeeper. Bravos missed other chances, and Simba’s Joshua Mutale hit the post in the 66th minute.

Both teams made substitutions, but neither could find the net in the final minutes. Simba’s solid defense held strong, securing an important win.

This victory positions Simba SC at the top of Group A, ahead of the later match between Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien and Algeria’s Constantine. Simba’s win could be crucial for their chances of reaching the knockout stages.

Raja Casablanca suffer defeat to FAR Rabat as Pirates edge Belouizdad
by Football Sierra Leone

Raja Casablanca suffer defeat to FAR Rabat as Pirates edge Belouizdad

FAR Rabat shocked Raja Casablanca with a 2-0 win in a heated Moroccan derby at the Stade Larbi Zaouli during the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League on Tuesday.

Ahmed Hammoudan scored the first goal in the 41st minute after a defensive mistake. Raja missed a chance to equalize when Sabir Bougrine’s penalty shot was saved. Khalid Aït Ouarkhane secured the win in stoppage time after a counterattack.

This victory marked FAR Rabat’s first win over Raja since 2020 and puts them at the top of Group B, while Raja needs to regroup after a tough start.

  • **Orlando Pirates Beat Belouizdad in Algiers**

Orlando Pirates returned to the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League with a 2-1 victory over CR Belouizdad at the Stade 5 Juillet 1962.

Mohau Nkota shone with two first-half goals, scoring in the fifth and 27th minutes. Belouizdad pulled one back with a header from Khanyisa Mayo, but the Pirates’ defense held strong for the win.

This result places Orlando Pirates tied with Al Ahly at the top of Group C, with Al Ahly leading on goal difference.

  • **Esperance Tunis Defeats Djoliba in Tunis**

Esperance Tunis won convincingly, defeating Djoliba 4-0 at the Stade Hammadi Agrebi.

Raed Bouchniba opened the scoring in the fourth minute, followed by a goal from Elias Mokwana. Oussama Bouguerra added a header for a third while Koussay Maacha scored in stoppage time.

Djoliba struggled to keep up with Esperance, who now shares the top spot in Group D with Pyramids FC after strong opening matches.