Category: Sport News

Burnley winger Anass Zaroury has signed a four-year deal with French Ligue 1 side RC Lens for an unspecified fee.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Anass Zaroury pens deal with RC Lens from Burnley

Burnley winger Anass Zaroury has signed a four-year deal with French Ligue 1 side RC Lens for an unspecified fee.

“After spending two seasons with Burnley FC in England, 23-year-old Anass Zaroury has joined the attacking lineup of Lens. Known for his dribbling skills, excellent game vision, and goal-scoring abilities, the talented Moroccan player has signed with Racing until 2028,” Lens announced on their website.

Zaroury was a key player in Burnley’s championship-winning season, scoring 11 goals in 39 games. He was signed by Vincent Kompany and played in six Premier League matches last season.

He was sent off in his first Premier League game and spent time on loan at Hull City. He made a substitute appearance in Burnley’s first Championship game this season but missed the next game due to illness.

On the International stage

Zaroury was born in Belgium but is of Moroccan descent. He used to play for the Belgium U21s national team but was officially invited to join the Moroccan national team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

He replaced Amine Harit, who got injured one week before the tournament. Zaroury made his international debut for Morocco on 17 November in a friendly match against Georgia.

Liberia's Watanga face an uphill CAF Champions League task
by FSL News

Watanga face an uphill CAF Champions League task

Liberia’s Watanga FC is facing a tough challenge in the CAF Champions League as they prepare to take on their Algerian counterparts in the second leg of the competition on Thursday.

Having suffered a 2-0 defeat to MC Algiers in the first leg at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, Watanga FC must display courage and begin the second leg with determination to score an early goal and make up for the deficit.

Although it will be a difficult task, it is not impossible. However, it will be tough given that the Algerian team will be more confident with a two-goal lead and will likely aim to score early at home to alleviate the pressure.

The return match will be held at the Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida, Algeria, but it will take place without any audience in attendance.

English Championship side Portsmouth has completed the signing of Abdoulaye Kamara from Borussia Dortmund for an undisclosed fee.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea’s Abdoulaye Kamara pens long-term deal with Portsmouth

English Championship side Portsmouth has completed the signing of Abdoulaye Kamara from Borussia Dortmund for an undisclosed fee.

The 19-year-old Guinea-born midfielder has signed a four-year deal on the south coast.

Blues boss John Mousinho said, “He’s an extremely promising young player who arrives with plenty of pedigree, having been at Dortmund and PSG before that. We think he’s ready for Championship football and can really kick-start his career with us, so we’re delighted to have him here.

He’s a powerful and combative midfielder who can handle the ball well – he’s right up there in terms of his athleticism and game understanding. It’s a brave step for Abdoulaye to come over and look to prove himself in England, and I’m excited to start working with him.”

Kamara is a graduate of the Paris Saint-Germain academy and moved up three age groups to appear for their under-19 side.

He made the switch to Dortmund in the summer of 2021 and has featured for the German giants at the under-23 level.

Zimbabwe appoint Michael Nees as new head coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zimbabwe appoint Michael Nees as new head coach

Zimbabwe has appointed Germany’s Michael Nees as the new football coach on Tuesday, following a winless start to World Cup qualifying.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Nees as the new head coach of the Zimbabwe Men’s National Team. The 57-year-old German will lead the Warriors in their quest for success in the AFCON 2025 and FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers,” ZIFA the news on their web space.

Nees previously coached Rwanda and was also the director of coaching for South Africa. His appointment is due to his “deep knowledge of the African football landscape,” said Zimbabwean Football Association interim head Lincoln Mutasa.

The Germans have a big task to revive Zimbabwe’s World Cup hopes. The southern African nation, which has never qualified for the World Cup, is winless after four qualifiers.

The Warriors opened with draws against Rwanda and Nigeria, then lost to Lesotho and South Africa.

“I am a modern and innovative coach who is driven by international challenges. The goal is to qualify for the FIFA World Cup and the African Cup of Nations. I have the expertise to enhance performance and make a difference. I will guide the national team with dedication and professionalism,” said Michael Nees.

Defender Abdul Jarjue Kabia has signed with Belarusian top-flight team Dynamo Brest until the end of 2025.
by FSL News

Sierra Leone defender Abdul Jarju Kabia moves to Belarus

Defender Abdul Jarju Kabia has signed with Belarusian top-flight team Dynamo Brest until the end of 2025.

“Dynamo Brest Football Club proudly announces the signing of Abdul Kabia, the talented central defender of the Sierra Leone national team. Kabia, 23, contract runs until the end of 2025,” the club confirmed on their web space.

Born on January 27, 2001, Kabia honed his skills at the Superstars Academy before joining the Israeli second-division teams Hapoel Ironi Nir and Hapoel Kfar Sava.

With 97 matches and two goals for the former and twenty-five games for the latter, Kabia has been a pivotal defender before his move.

Making his debut for the Sierra Leone national team in late 2023, he has played in three official matches, impressing against Ethiopia, Egypt, and Burkina Faso as part of the African qualification for the World Cup.

Already in training, Kabia set to grace the field in the blue and white uniform, donning the number 30.

The Dynamo Brest newcomer was born on January 27, 2001 (23 years old). He is a product of the Superstars Academy,
The Dynamo Brest newcomer was born on January 27, 2001 (23 years old). He is a product of the Superstars Academy,
Emmanuel Samadia features in USL Championship Team of The Week
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Emmanuel Samadia features in USL Team of The Week

Emmanuel Samadia has earned his spot on this week’s USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 24 because of his impressive recent performances.

In a match against Las Vegas, he played a key role in Hartford’s 2-1 comeback win by setting up a goal and contributing to the team’s victory.

Samadia earned his second Team of the Week selection after providing an assist in Hartford’s win against Las Vegas Lights FC and delivering a strong defensive performance with two interceptions, four clearances, and nine recoveries. Additionally, he won 3 of 4 tackles and 6 of 7 duels.

The Sierra Leone international was excellent in the attacking third on Saturday night, contributing to a goal apiece in Hartford’s 2-1 comeback victory over Las Vegas at Trinity Health Stadium.

Samadia connected with teammate, Dieng to bring Hartford level in the 25th minute, as the Sierra Leonean midfielder looped a quality cross into the box that was perfectly headed into the upper left corner by Dieng.

In the second half, Ngalina’s determined effort secured his team’s lead with a clinical finish. His goal, along with Dieng’s, led to a comeback win, ending Las Vegas’ 11-match undefeated streak.

Samadia earned his second Team of the Week selection
Samadia earned his second Team of the Week selection
Swedish Superettan side Sandvikens sing Jay Tee Kamara
by FSL News

Swedish Superettan side Sandvikens sign Jay Tee Kamara

Sierra Leonean attacker Jay Tee Kamara has signed for the Swedish Superettan side Sandvikens IF. “The 22-year-old came from Ljungskile and has joined us after a week of trials,” Sanvikens IF announced.

Kamara, who is the latest addition to Sanvikens IF, expressed his excitement about joining the club.

Previously, he played for Ljungskile SK in Ettan Södra for a season and a half. He has also played professional soccer in the United States and represented Sierra Leone at the youth level.

“Following a successful trial period, Jay Tee has signed an agreement with the club that extends over the rest of the season, with an option for further extension.”

Jay Tee feels at home in the club and comfortable with the team due to the presence of several African players who speak the same language.

He is impressed by Sandvikens IF’s playing style and describes it as reminiscent of Barcelona’s style of play in 2011-2012.

The former Columbus Crew 2 excels in dribbling, goal-scoring, and overall performance. Coach Eldar Abdulic praised Jay Tee’s abilities, emphasizing his proficiency in one-on-one situations, his strong left foot, and his contribution to the team’s dynamics from an advanced position on the right side of the field.

Broos names prelim Bafana squad for AFCON qualifiers
by FSL News

Broos names prelim Bafana squad for AFCON qualifiers

Bafana Bafana’s head coach, Hugo Broos, has recently unveiled a preliminary squad comprising 38 members for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Uganda and South Sudan.

The team to commence their AFCON journey by facing Uganda at the Orlando Stadium on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 6 pm. Subsequently, they will proceed to play their second match in the group against South Sudan on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.

Following the preliminary squad announcement, the final 23-member squad will be unveiled in the coming days. Broos’ Bafana squad includes 11 Mamelodi Sundowns players, with Sipho Chaine and Van Duivenbooden being the only uncapped players.

Nicholas Opoku makes Kasimpasa's debut in draw
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nicholas Opoku makes Kasimpasa’s debut against Hatayspor

Ghanaian defender Nicholas Opoku, 27, made his debut for his new club in the Turkish Super Lig, Kasimpasa SK, as they drew 1-1 against Hatayspor on Monday.

Opoku, who joined the club on a free transfer after leaving French club Amiens SC, played for 82 minutes in his first game.

During his time at Amiens, he appeared in 102 matches across all competitions, demonstrating strong defensive skills in 23 games in Ligue 2 last season.

Opoku’s football journey began in Ghana with Berekum Chelsea. After impressing at Tunisian side Club Africain, he signed with them in 2017. Opoku then moved to Udinese in Italy in July 2018.

On the international stage, Opoku has represented Ghana 18 times since his debut in 2017. He brings solid tackling, aerial ability, and a composed presence on the field to the Black Stars’ setup.

Striker Patson Daka to miss Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Patson Daka to miss Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone qualifiers

Zambia will have to do without Patson Daka in next month African Cup of Nations qualifiers after Leicester City’s injury update on Patson Daka, the 2017 African Youth Player of the Year.

Daka, the Zambia international, was forced off the field during a recent friendly against RC Lens due to an injury, which will sideline him for an extended period, as confirmed on the club’s website.

The 25-year-old will be absent from the upcoming English Premier League opener against Tottenham Hotspur, and there are concerns about his availability for Zambia’s 2025 AFCON qualifiers next month.

Manager Steve Cooper expressed his disappointment, stating, “Patson [Daka] is not great news. He sustained a serious ankle injury in the game against Lens last week and will be out of action for several months.

The striker underwent an operation on Friday. It’s a setback for both club and country as he was showing promise during pre-season.

Daka, known as Zambia’s key player with 21 goals in 48 matches for Chipolopolo, faces a challenging recovery period, with important matches against Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone on the horizon next month.