Category: Sport News

New Look CAF Super Cup identity revealed
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New Look CAF Super Cup identity revealed

On Wednesday, the Confederation of African Football, CAF, unveiled a new TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup competition logo in anticipation of this year’s event, which is set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 27th.

The new design takes inspiration from the actual trophy, just like the recent update for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. This change reflects CAF’s commitment to enhancing the image of all its competitions as interest in African football grows globally.

Veron Mosengo-Omba, the CAF General Secretary, sees the new look as part of African football’s evolution.

The upcoming tournament features a match between Egyptian clubs Al Ahly SC and Zamalek SC. The tournament coincides with Riyadh Season 2024, known for hosting major sporting events that attract international attention.

Ivorian coach Emerse Faé has announced the 25-man squad to kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Zambia and Chad.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Emerse Faé names Ivory Coast squad to start AFCON qualifier

Ivorian coach Emerse Faé has announced the 25-man squad to kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Zambia and Chad.

The team is scheduled to play against Zambia on September 6 and Chad on September 10. Notably, Amad Diallo is back in the squad, alongside other key players. Additionally, Faé has confirmed a coaching change, with Michaël Fabre replacing Gérard Gnanhouan.

The Ivory Coast will aim to secure their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with this squad. The squad features three goalkeepers: Yahia Fofana (Angers SCO), Mohamed Koné (Charleroi), and Badra Sangaré (Sekhukhune United).

In defence, Faé has chosen nine players, including Emmanuel Agbadou (Reims), Willy Boly (Nottingham), Ousmane Diomandé (Sporting CP), Guéla Doué (RC Strasbourg), Odilon Kossonou, Evan Ndicka (AS Roma), Christopher Operi (Le Havre), Singo Wilfried (AS Monaco), and Sylla Abakar (RC Strasbourg).

The midfield will include Mohamed Diomandé (Rangers), Maho Dorgelès (Nordsjaelland), Franck Kessié (Al Ahli), Ibrahim Sangaré (Nottingham), and Jean Michaël Seri (Al Orobah).

Upfront, the squad sees the return of Amad Diallo (Manchester United), who joins Simon Adingra (Brighton), Diakité Oumar (Reims), Evann Guessand (Nice), Sébastien Haller (Dortmund), Christian Kouamé (Fiorentina), Emmanuel Lath (Middlesbrough), and Bénie Traoré (Bâle).

Josh Koroma scores as Huddersfield bow out of Carabao Cup
by FSL News

Josh Koroma scores as Huddersfield bow out of Carabao Cup

Sierra Leone’s Josh Koroma scored the opening goal. In a surprising Carabao Cup upset, League Two Walsall came from two goals down to defeat 10-man League One high-flyers Huddersfield Town 3-2.

Koroma scored for the visitors with a low shot into the bottom corner from just outside the box in the 16th minute. Huddersfield’s Matty Pearson was sent off just before halftime for a last-man foul on Jack Earing.

Walsall were awarded a penalty in the 50th minute for Jaheim Headley’s push on Ronan Maher, but Huddersfield’s keeper, Chris Maxwell, made a save to deny Nathan Lowe.

However, Lowe redeemed himself by scoring just minutes later from a half-cleared free-kick. He, then equalized by reacting quickly to a loose ball and blasting it past Maxwell, off Josh Gordon’s flick-on from an Albert Adomah cross.

The comeback was completed in the 77th minute when Huddersfield substitute Michal Helik deflected the ball into his own goal while attempting to cut out Liam Gordon’s cross to deflected into his own goal trying to cut out Liam Gordon’s cross.

Nigeria appoint German legend Bruno Labbadia as head coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria appoint German Bruno Labbadia as new head coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has named Bruno Labbadia, a former German international, as the new head coach of the Nigeria national soccer team, the Super Eagles.

Labbadia brings a wealth of experience, having worked with renowned clubs such as Hertha Berlin, VfB Stuttgart, VfL Wolfsburg, Hamburger SV, and Bayer Leverkusen.

This appointment precedes the Super Eagles’ upcoming qualifying campaign for the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations. Labbadia is expected to bring valuable and impactful expertise to the role.

This decision comes after the departure of the previous coach, Finidi George. Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, the General Secretary of the NFF, has confirmed that the NFF Executive Committee has approved the recommendation of its Technical and Development sub-committee to appoint Mr. Labbadia.

Labbadia’s esteemed standing in German football positions him perfectly to tackle the challenge of revitalizing the team’s performance and meeting the expectations of Nigeria’s passionate football community.

The 57-year-old had a successful playing career with several Bundesliga giants, including Bayern Munich. Labbadia holds a UEFA Pro License and is determined to lead the Super Eagles to success in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

His immediate objectives involve assembling a highly competitive team from a talented pool of players and pursuing continental and global achievements with determination and focus.

The Italian Serie B team Cosenza Calcio has signed Sierra Leone-born Mohamed Sanhoh on loan from VfB Stuttgart in Germany.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Italian Serie B team Cosenza Calcio sign Mohamed Sankoh

The Italian Serie B team Cosenza Calcio has signed Sierra Leone-born Mohamed Sanhoh on loan from VfB Stuttgart in Germany.

VfB Stuttgart officially confirmed the news of Sankoh’s loan move to Italy’s Serie B.

Sankoh spent the last two seasons on loan in the Netherlands, first with Vitesse Arnhem and then Heracles Almelo. After scoring six goals in 28 appearances for Heracles last season, Sankoh played 81 minutes in VfB U21s’ opening third-division game against F.C. Hansa Rostock, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

The Dutch youth international’s third consecutive loan from his parent club in Swabia was announced yesterday.

VfB sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth’s official statement suggested that Sankoh’s German side had not given up on the youngster.

Wohlgemuth emphasized the importance of more playing time for the young prospect.

Italian Serie B team Cosenza Calcio sign Mohamed Sankoh
Italian Serie B team Cosenza Calcio sign Mohamed Sankoh
Stade de Rennais sign Senegalese defender Mikayil Faye
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Stade de Rennais sign Senegalese defender Mikayil Faye

Senegal international Mikayil Faye, an up-and-coming 20-year-old defender, has completed an exciting transfer from Spanish giants FC Barcelona to French club Stade de Rennais.

This transfer marks a significant step in his promising career. Faye, who previously impressed while playing for Barca’s reserve team in the Primera Federación, has now joined Rennes on a permanent deal.

Reportedly, Stade Rennais F.C. will pay an initial fee of €10.3 million for Faye, and the deal includes a €25 million buy-back clause for Barcelona. Additionally, a 30% sell-on clause has also been included in the agreement, emphasizing the high potential seen in Faye by both clubs.

In an official statement, Rennes expressed their enthusiasm about the transfer, highlighting Faye as “the great Senegalese hope of the 2004 generation.” The central defender has agreed to a contract of four seasons with the French club, signifying a long-term commitment to his new team.

Faye’s football journey began at the Diambars academy, and his talent was further showcased when he reached the round of 16 of the 2019 FIFA Under-17 World Cup with Senegal U17.

His remarkable progress led to an impactful senior debut for Senegal, where he scored in a friendly match against Gabon on 22 March 2024. This transfer to Stade Rennais F.C. marks an exciting new chapter in Faye’s promising career.

AS FAR Rabat and Algeria's CR Bélouizdad progress in CAF Champions League
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

AS FAR & CR Bélouizdad progress in CAF Champions League

Morocco’s AS FAR Rabat turned around a 2-1 deficit from the first leg against Nigeria’s Remo Stars, winning 2-0 in the second leg in Rabat.

Goals from Joël Beya and Zouhzouh secured their spot in the second preliminary round.

Algeria’s CR Bélouizdad continued their good form with a 1-0 win over AC Léopards of Congo. They will now face Burkina Faso’s AS Douanes in the next round.

Ghana’s Samartex won 1-0 at home, completing a 2-0 aggregate victory over Cameroon’s Victoria United. Isaac Afful’s early goal set up a second-round clash with Raja Casablanca.

In other results, Cote d’Ivoire champions San Pedro won 1-0 against Sierra Leone’s BO Rangers, and Congo’s AS Maniema Union defeated Zimbabwe’s Ngezi Platinum on penalties.

Togo’s ASKO Kara progressed with a 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea’s Deportivo Mongomo. FC Nouadhibou of Mauritania, participants in last season’s group stage, were eliminated on away goals by Guinea’s Milo FC.

The second preliminary round matches are scheduled from September 13 to 15 for the first legs and September 23 to 25 for the return fixtures.

Sierra Leone's Abdulai Juma Bah joins Real Valladolid on loan
by FSL News

Sierra Leone’s Juma Bah joins Real Valladolid on loan

Real Valladolid has officially announced the acquisition of young Sierra Leonean talent Abdulai Juma Bah.

“The promising 18-year-old centre-back, who previously received a call-up to the Sierra Leone senior team, will be joining Real Valladolid’s reserve team on loan from AIK Freetong,” the Spanish side noted.

This move comes after Real Valladolid and AIK Freetown successfully negotiated the transfer of Bah’s rights from Freetown, Sierra Leone.

“Standing at an impressive height of 195 centimetres, Bah’s signing is expected to fortify Real Valladolid Promesas’ defence as he embarks on a crucial stage in his career,” Real Valladolid on their new defender.

Before this, Bah underwent training at the esteemed Freetown Giant Academy and commenced his professional journey with AIK Freetown in the 2021/22 season.

Additionally, he gained valuable experience by being loaned to Freetonians SLIFA, a prominent team in the Sierra Leone Premier League his homeland, for the following two seasons.

This development signifies a significant milestone for Bah’s career trajectory.

Ivorian side San Pedro edge Bo Rangers to progress
by FSL News

Ivorian side San Pedro edge out Bo Rangers to progress

Ivorian team San Pedro advanced with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Bo Rangers FC in the first-round preliminary of the CAF Champions League on Sunday Sunday, August 25, 2024, at the Laurent Pokou Stadium.

In a nail-biting match, San Pedro secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bo Rangers FC of Sierra Leone.

A disappointing first leg 1-1 home draw for Bo Rangers at the Southern Arena last Saturday was crucial for the Ivorians.

Sunday’s decisive goal in the first round of the second leg was scored by Mouhamadou Karamoko in the 80th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Bo Rangers.

Neither team was clinical in the first hour until Mouhamed Karamoko’s only goal for the home side. Bo Rangers, under Head Coach John Keister, rued missed opportunities that could have changed the outcome in their favour.

Keister recognized similarities between this match and their previous encounter, acknowledging their failure to convert scoring chances had proven costly.

Rangers’ key moment was when Suffian Kalokoh missed a prime opportunity to alter the result.

Sunday's CAF Champions League Result at the Laurent Pokou Stadium
Sunday's CAF Champions League Result at the Laurent Pokou Stadium
Senegal's Jaraaf ease past Lions in CAF Confed preliminary
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal’s Jaraaf ease past Lions in CAF Confed preliminary

On Sunday, Senegal’s Jaraaf Dakar secured their spot in the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup with a 3-0 victory over Sierra Leone’s East End Lions.

The “Green and Whites” delivered a strong performance, with Souleymane Cissé netting a hat-trick, including a goal just 46 seconds into the match at the Stade Lat-Dior in Thies, Senegal.

A dominant 4-0 aggregate victory earned them a match against Cote d’Ivoire’s Racing Club d’Abidjan in the next round in September.

In another match, Togo’s ASCK managed to win 2-0 against Niger’s AS FAN after a challenging first-leg draw.

This victory set up an exciting matchup with Ivorians ASEC Mimosas for the “Kozah Drivers.”

Sunday's CAF Confederation Cup results
Sunday's CAF Confederation Cup results