Category: Sport News

Young Africans thrash Burundi's Vital in CAF Champions League
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Young Africans thrash Burundi’s Vital’O in CAF Champions League

Tanzania’s Young Africans put on a stellar performance in continental football on Saturday, beating Burundi’s Vital’O 6-0 in the second leg of their CAF Champions League first-round qualifier in Dar es Salaam.

This victory completed a 10-0 aggregate win, making it the largest margin of victory in the 14 completed ties so far.

Zambian midfielder Clatous Chama played a pivotal role in Vital’O’s defeat, scoring once and providing four assists.

The game started with a 14th-minute penalty converted by Ivorian Pacome Zouzoua after Vital’O was reduced to 10 men. Goals from Clement Mzize, Chama, and Zimbabwean Prince Dube followed before Vital’O lost another player to a red card.

With their opponents down to nine men, Young Africans scored two more goals through Burkina Faso’s Stephane Aziz Ki and Yahya Mudathir.

This resounding victory sets up an exciting East African clash in the final qualifying round, as Young Africans will face Commercial Bank of Ethiopia.

Meanwhile, Raja Casablanca of Morocco demonstrated their strength with a 5-0 win over AS Garde Nationale from Niger, adding to their first-leg lead and securing their spot in the next round.

Ghana's Thomas Partey scores Arsenal's winner at Villa Park
by FSL News

Ghana’s Thomas Partey scores in Arsenal’s win at Villa Park

On Saturday, Ghanaian International Thomas Partey scored in  Arsenal’s win in the Premier League tie against Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Arsenal overcame a tough challenge from Aston Villa to claim a statement victory at Villa Park. The match featured standout performances from both goalkeepers.

Arsenal’s David Raya made a miraculous save in the second half – while Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez made a costly mistake, allowing Thomas Partey to score and give Arsenal a two-goal lead.

Despite a missed opportunity by Ollie Watkins in the first half, the game’s turning point came when Raya made an incredible save to deny Watkins, leading to a goal by substitute Leandro Trossard.

Partey later scored another goal to secure Arsenal’s victory. He guided his side to a brilliant win after his goal to double the Gunners’ lead.

Debutants Stellenbosch and Nsoatreman Impress in CAF Confed Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Debutants Stellenbosch & Nsoatreman Impress in CAF Confed Cup

Debutants Stellenbosch and Nsoatreman were the stand-out teams of the day in Saturday’s first preliminary round and second-leg matches of the CAF Confederation Cup.

South African team Stellenbosch made a strong impression by defeating Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs FC with an aggregate score 8-0.

After winning 3-0 in the first leg, they secured a 5-0 victory at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, with goals from Lehlogonolo Mojela, Langelihle Phili, Andre de Jong, Omega Mdaka, and substitute Mervin Boji. This win sets up an exciting second-round clash with DR Congo’s AS Vita Club.

Ghana’s Nsoatreman FC also made a mark with a 5-0 aggregate victory over Elect Sport, winning 3-0 in the first leg and 2-0 in the return leg. Walid Fuseini and Stephan Diyou were the goal scorers for Nsoatreman.

Racing Club d’Abidjan of Cote d’Ivoire secured their qualification against Morocco’s Union de Touarga after a tense penalty shootout, with Ivorian goalkeeper Ousmane Zombra saving three Moroccan penalties to clinch a 2-1 victory.

Stade Tunisien from Tunisia secured a comfortable 4-0 win over South Sudan’s Jamus, while Benin’s Dadjè also qualified for the next round by defeating Nigeria’s El Kameni Warriors.

The second round is scheduled to begin on September 15, 2024 – and promises to be an exciting phase of the competition, with anticipated clashes including Stellenbosch FC versus AS Vita Club and Nsoatreman potentially facing either Rwanda’s Police FC or Algeria’s CS Constantine.

Nigeria's Alex Iwobi nets winner for Fulham over Leicester
by FSL News

Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi nets Fulham’s winner over Leicester

Alex Iwobi scored the winning goal as Fulham secured their first three points of the 2024/25 season with a 2-1 victory over Leicester City on Saturday.

Fulham got off to a great start with Emile Smith Rowe scoring in the 18th minute, but Leicester managed to equalize before half-time through Wout Faes.

With twenty minutes left, Alex Iwobi scored, putting Fulham back in the lead and ultimately securing the crucial goal for the win.

Manager Marco Silva stuck with the same starting XI as the previous match, a narrow loss at Old Trafford last week. Ryan Sessegnon, a fan favourite, replaced Josh King on the bench.

The Nigeria International joined Fulham On 1st September 2023 from Everton for an undisclosed fee, on a contract until the summer of 2028.

Jordan Ayew ready for Leicester's Premier League challenge
by FSL News

Jordan Ayew ready for Leicester’s Premier League challenge

Leicester City’s new acquisition from Crystal Palace, Jordan Ayew, has signed a two-year deal and is eager to take on a fresh challenge. (Photo Credit LCFC)

He brings with him a wealth of experience from his time in the Premier League and Ligue 1, as well as from playing internationally for Ghana.

“I’m very happy and pleased to be here – I’m proud,” the 32-year-old stated in his first interview at LCFC. “It happened quickly, but the most important thing for me is that I’m here and ready to start.

“In life, you always need a change and new energy. I decided to come to Leicester because I think it’s a big club, first of all. I want to thank the Club, the Manager, the CEO, the Chairman, and everyone because they fought hard to bring me to this Football Club.

“I think it’s a big opportunity for me to show what I can do. I want to demonstrate that I can help everyone and add my experience and quality to make the team better – hopefully, it will work.”

The 2024/25 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League season will commence this weekend with seven matches featuring top clubs.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kenya Premier League to start with thrilling encounters

The 2024/25 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League season will commence this weekend with seven matches featuring top clubs.

Some notable matchups include Tusker FC against Sofapaka, Posta Rangers versus Bandari, and KCB taking on Kariobangi Sharks.

These matches will set the pace for an exciting start to the new season and be crucial for the newly promoted sides as they aim to make their mark in the league.

One of the highlight matches of the opening weekend will see a former employee facing off against his immediate former employer in a bid to secure three crucial points.

The first four matches are scheduled for Saturday, August 24, 2024, with the remaining three matches to be played on Sunday, August 25, 2024.

Tusker FC, who finished second behind champions Gor Mahia last season, will open their campaign against 2009 Kenyan Premier League champions Sofapaka at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

The match, kicking off at 4 pm, will see Robert Matano face his former side, now under the guidance of interim coach Charles Okere. The Brewers, who parted ways with Matano after last season, will be looking to upset Sofapaka and begin their title challenge.

Opening Week One fixtures

Saturday, August 24, 2024

Posta Rangers vs Bandari (Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, 1 pm)

KCB vs Kariobangi Sharks (Police Sacco Stadium, 1 pm)

Bidco United vs Shabana (Thika Stadium, 3 pm)

Tusker FC vs Sofapaka (Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, 4 pm)

Sunday, August 25, 2024

Ulinzi Stars vs Murang’a Seal (Ulinzi Sports Complex, 3 pm)

Mathare United vs AFC Leopards (Dandora Stadium, 3 pm)

Mara Sugar vs Kakamega Homeboyz (Awendo Green Stadium, 3 pm)

Edo Queens secure CAF Women's Champions League spot
by FSL News

Edo Queens secure CAF Women’s Champions League spot

The Nigerian demonstrated their dominance as they clinched the championship title in the WAFU B CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers with a remarkable 3-0 victory over Benin’s Ainonvi FC in the final match held on Friday.

The Nigerian champions exhibited exceptional skills as they secured their spot in the upcoming CAF Women’s Champions League with three remarkable goals in the first half at the Stade de La Paix de Bouaké.

Suliat Abideen’s superb goal just before halftime showcased their early midfield control and breakthrough against Benin’s defence.

Edo Queens further solidified their lead in the 59th minute with an outstanding goal by Emem Essien, who has undoubtedly been one of the standout players throughout the tournament.

Essien’s impressive solo effort demonstrated her remarkable skill and composure as she easily outmanoeuvred Benin’s goalkeeper from close range.

In the 76th minute, Ainonvi FC’s Elizabeth Ukandu accidentally redirected the ball into her team’s net, sealing the victory for Edo Queens.

Despite opportunities, Ainonvi FC couldn’t breach Edo Queens’ defence, resulting in a clean sheet for Edo Queens.

Edo Queens is the new WAFU B champion, taking over from Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies. They will now be representing the region in the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League.

Enugu Rangers progress to second round CAF Champions League
by FSL News

Enugu Rangers progress to CAF Champions League second round

Enugu Rangers, a Nigerian soccer team, had a tough match in the second leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round in Uyo.

They played against Comoros team US Zilimadjou and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. This result led Enugu Rangers to advance to the next round with a 2-1 scoreline over US Zilimadjou.

The match highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Nigerian clubs in CAF inter-club competitions.

Enugu Rangers struggled to contain their opponents but scored in the 79th minute through Augustine Kenechukwu. However, US Zilimadjou equalized just six minutes later.

Despite the draw, Enugu Rangers progressed to the next round. They will now prepare to face the winner of the match between Saint Louis Suns United of the Seychelles and Sagrada Esperança of Angola in the next round.

Ghana's Jordan Ayew's move to Leicester is imminent
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana’s Jordan Ayew’s move to Leicester is imminent

Leicester City has reportedly reached an agreement with Crystal Palace to acquire the services of Ghana’s attacker Jordan Ayew.

Ayew is set to link up with Fatawu Issahaku as Leicester City in a deal valued at an initial £5 million with an additional £3 million in potential add-ons, which will see the 32-year-old Ghanaian international potentially joining the newly promoted club.

After starting 30 Premier League matches for Palace last season, Ayew is on the verge of undergoing a medical evaluation before finalizing the move.

Jordan Ayew’s journey to Crystal Palace began with a loan move from Swansea City in the summer of 2018, which was later made permanent. During his time with the South London club, Ayew made 211 appearances and found the back of the net 23 times.

His career began at Ligue 1 club Marseille before a successful spell at Lorient, where he scored 13 goals during the 2014-15 season before transferring to Aston Villa. Following a season-and-a-half at Villa, he joined his elder brother Andre at Swansea.

Bo Rangers and Lions embark on Interclub Revival Journeys
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bo Rangers and Lions embark on Interclub Revival Journeys

On Sunday, the 2024 Interclub representatives of Sierra Leone, Bo Rangers and East End Lions, set to take on formidable opponents in continental competitions.

The delegation of Bo Rangers left for Ivory Coast on Thursday for the return leg match against the Ivorian side in the CAF Champions League. Coach John Keister selected a 25-man squad for the match – which is set for Sunday, August 25, 2024, at the Laurent Pokou Stadium.

The objective is to advance to the next stage despite their 1-1 draw at the Southern Arena last Saturday. This upcoming match is crucial as both teams want to be in the second-round preliminary race.

In the first leg, Bo Rangers scored in the 48th minute through Mohamadu Lamin, but they failed to hold onto their lead. The Ivorian team equalized through Issouf Dosso in the 73rd minute, resulting in a draw.

In the Confederation Cup, East End Lions must overturn their first-leg defeat at home against Senegal’s ASC Jaraaf. After an intriguing first hour of the contest at the Southern Arena last Sunday, substitute Papa Souleymane Dione scored Jaraaf’s goal in the 77th minute.

Before their goal, Jaraaf missed a penalty in the first half and hit the woodwork.

The second leg is expected to be a fascinating tie, as Lions the ‘Killers ‘ still believe they can make it to the second-round preliminary.

“Upon arriving in Senegal, the team had their first training session at the Maniang Soumare Stadium in Thies on Thursday. The session focused on tactics, scoring goals, and refining their skills.

With optimism, there’s a high spirit within the squad for a positive outcome on Sunday,” The East End Giants side outlined.

Stade Lat Dior in Senegal is set to host the return fixture on Sunday.

It’s worth noting that since 1989, when Mighty Blackpool reached the quarterfinal stage of the African Cup of Champions Clubs, no Sierra Leonean team has progressed to the group stages of Interclub competitions.

"With optimism, there's a high spirit within the squad for a positive outcome on Sunday," The East End Giants side noted.
"With optimism, there's a high spirit within the squad for a positive outcome on Sunday," The East End Giants side noted.