Category: Sport News

Egypt and Morocco will play for the bronze medal in the Men's Olympic Football Tournament in Paris 2024.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

North African duo poised for bronze football medal battle

Egypt and Morocco will play for the bronze medal in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament in Paris 2024.

The match will take place on Thursday at Stade de la Beaujoire as both nations are in search of their first medal in the tournament.

Both teams have performed admirably in the Games. Egypt, coached by Rio 2016 gold medal-winning coach Rogerio Micale, defeated Spain in the first round and then won against Paraguay in a shootout to reach the quarter-finals. They were then narrowly defeated by hosts France in the semi-finals.

During the tournament, Morocco achieved impressive results, including a victory over world champions Argentina and scoring four goals against the USA in the quarter-finals. Nonetheless, they failed to maintain their lead against Spain in the semi-finals.

Both countries are eager to secure a podium finish, joining Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon in representing Africa. It promises to be an exciting and closely contested match.

Olympics history  Egypt

Appearances: 13 (Antwerp 1920, Paris 1924, Amsterdam 1928, Berlin 1936, London 1948, Helsinki 1952, Rome 1960, Toyko 1964, Los Angeles 1984, Barcelona 1992, London 2012, Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024)Best result: Fourth (Amsterdam 1928, Tokyo 1964), semi-final (Paris 2024)

Morocco

Previous participations: 8 (Tokyo 1964, Munich 1972, Los Angeles 1984, Barcelona 1992, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, London 2012, Paris 2024)

Best result: Semi-final (Paris 2024)

During the tournament, Morocco achieved impressive results, including a victory over world champions Argentina
During the tournament, Morocco achieved impressive results, including a victory over world champions Argentina
Mogbewmo Queens in hunt for first win in WAFU women's qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mogbewmo Queens in hunt for first win in WAFU Women’s qualifier

Sierra Leone’s champions, Mogbewmo Queens are seeking their first win in the ongoing CAF WAFU A Women’s Champions League qualifiers, which they must achieve against the table-topping Liberian team, Determine Girls, at the Southern Arena on Thursday.

The host’s hopes of qualification will be in jeopardy if they fail to win, having drawn their first two matches in the ongoing CAF WAFU A Women’s Champions League qualifiers.

Mogbwemo Queens played to a goalless draw in the tournament opener against AS Mandé. Queens were then held to a 2-2 draw by the Senegalese Aigles de la Médina in their second match.

On Monday, Liberia’s Determine Girls secured a notable 3-1 victory over defending champions AS Mandé on matchday three of the WAFU A Women’s Champions League qualifying tournament in Bo, Sierra Leone.

This victory has propelled the 2022 regional champions to the top of the standings under the guidance of coach Patience J. Gwah, creating a significant lead over their main rivals.

On the same matchday, Sierra Leone’s Champions Mogbewmo Queens was held to a 2-2 draw against Senegal’s Aigles de la Médina, who are now on four points after.

The resilient Mogbewmo Queens side is still without a win, but with two matchdays remaining, the competition for the coveted spot in the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League is intensifying.

So far, the tournament has been full of surprises. Determine Girls’ rise to the top is the most notable.

Détermine Girls, the 2022 zonal champions, lead with six points after two wins – Aigles de la Médina and AS Mandé follow with four points each.

Mogbwemo Queens are fourth with two points, while Red Scorpion failed to score in the qualifying tournament for the CAF Women’s Champions League final phase.

Today's matches in CAF WAFU A Women's Champions League qualifiers
Today's matches in CAF WAFU A Women's Champions League qualifiers
Sevilla FC has signed Cameroon-born French midfielder Lucien Agoumé from Inter Milan on a permanent transfer until 2028.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cameroon-born Lucien Agoumé joins Sevilla permanently

Sevilla FC has signed Cameroon-born French midfielder Lucien Agoumé from Inter Milan on a permanent transfer until 2028.

Agoumé, 22, returns to Sevilla after playing 13 matches last season. He is seen as a promising addition to strengthen the squad with his experience in French and Italian leagues.

Before joining Sochaux, Agoumé began his career with Clémenceau Besançon in 2013 and later signed for Racing Besançon during the 2013–14 season. He then transferred to Sochaux in 2014.

Agoumé made his professional debut on 19th October 2018 in a game against Troyes, which Sochaux won 2-1. He became the youngest player to debut for Sochaux.

In 2019, Inter Milan completed the transfer of Agoumé for a total fee of €4.5 million, including add-ons. Agoumé signed a three-year deal with Inter Milan before several loan moves.

Bristol Rovers midfielder Kamil Conteh back in Sierra Leone squad
by FSL News

Kamil Conteh’s Bristol Rovers wrap up preseason with defeat

On Saturday, Bristol Rovers faced a 2-0 defeat against Cardiff City in their final pre-season match ahead of the new English League One campaign.

Sierra Leone’s Kamil Conteh entered the game in the 65th minute at the Memorial Stadium. The goals for Cardiff came from Aaron Ramsey in the 28th minute and Joe Ralls in the second half.

Despite some opportunities for Rovers, they could not find the back of the net, and Cardiff’s early goals secured their victory.

Kamil Conteh and Bristol Rovers will commence their 2024/25 Sky Bet League One campaign with a match against Northampton Town on Saturday, 10th August.

Bristol Rovers 0-2 Cardiff City

Pre-season fixture, The Memorial Stadium, Saturday, 3 August, 2024

Bristol Rovers: Griffiths, Senior (Hunt 64), Moore, Wilson, Mola, Bilongo, Conteh (Lindsay 64), Ward (Garrett 64), Hutchinson (McCormick 64), Sinclair (Shaw 74), Omochere (Thomas 64)

Subs not used: Hall, Taylor, Forbes.

Cardiff City: Horvath, Siopis, Goutas, Ralls, Ramsey, O’Dowda, Chambers, Willock, Meite, Tanner, Ng

Subs: Alnwick, Dennis, Gbadehan, Hanga, Bagan, King, Colwill, Conte, Davies, Giles, Ashford

Goals: Ramsey 28, Ralls 56,

Attendance: 3251 (1,446 away)

African champions Al Ahly have confirmed a contract extension for veteran Egyptian international midfielder Amr El Solia until summer 2025
by FSL News

Egyptian midfielder Amr El Solia pens new Al Ahly deal

African champions Al Ahly have confirmed a contract extension for veteran Egyptian international midfielder Amr El Solia until summer 2025.

His previous contract with Al Ahly was set to expire at the end of this month, and he had been linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia and Libya.

However, the Egyptian champions have announced that they have handed El Solia, 34, a contract extension for another season.

The club released a statement confirming the renewal: “Amir Tawfik, CEO of Al-Ahly Football Company and Contracting Manager, announced the renewal of Al-Ahly player Amr El-Sulaya’s contract for one season. He said that the player signed the contracts and completed all necessary procedures in this regard.”

El Solia is the first player to score in three CAF Champions League Finals, achieving this feat in the 2018, 2020, and 2021 finals.

He has 52 caps and one goal for Egypt, and he also featured in the 2021 AFCON final match against Senegal and the 2021 CAF Champions League Final against Kaizer Chiefs.

Augustus Kargbo nets in Cesena's Coppa Italia triumph
by FSL News

Augustus Kargbo nets in Cesena’s Coppa Italia triumph

Sierra Leone International Augustus Kargbo scored for Cesena in their 3-1 victory over Padova in the preliminary round of the Coppa Italia.

Kargbo’s Cesena team has progressed to round 32 and will face Hellas Verona in the first round at the “Bentegodi” Stadium in Verona.

Cesena took the lead after 10 minutes with Kargbo’s goal. Cristian Shpendi scored five minutes before the end of regular time, and Francesconi completed the win.

In other matches, Carrarese defeated Catania 2-1 and then challenged Cagliari, while Mantova secured a 2-1 victory away against Torres. Additionally, Avellino won 3-1 against Juve Stabia.

The first round of matches will take place from Friday, August 9, to Monday, August 12. These are all one-off matches, which will be settled after 90 minutes or through a penalty shoot-out.

Coppa Italia First Round fixtures

Friday, Aug 9

Sassuolo-Cittadella

Udinese-Avellino

Genoa-Reggiana

Monza-Sud Tirol

Saturday, Aug 10

Cremonese-Bari

Verona-Cesena

Empoli-Catania

Napoli-Modena

Sunday, Aug 11

Brescia-Venezia

Parma-Palermo

Sampdoria-Como

Torino-Cosenza

Monday, Aug 12

Frosinone-Pisa

Lecce-Mantova

Salernitana–Spezia

Cagliari-Carrarese

Morocco, Egypt to compete for bronze at Men's Olympic Football Tournament
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco and Egypt to compete for Olympic bronze medal

On Thursday, an epic battle for the bronze medal in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament is expected as Morocco takes on Egypt in the North African derby – both sides’ best chance to make history.

On Monday, both teams from North Africa were knocked out after tough semi-final matches in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament. Spain came from behind to beat resilient Morocco, while Egypt faced a similar defeat in the second semi-final.

Morocco’s quest for Olympic gold ended in a 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament semi-final.

Despite a strong start and a lead from top scorer Soufiane Rahimi, Spain’s comeback dashed Moroccan hopes. They will now compete for the bronze medal.

Elsewhere, Egypt’s hopes for Olympic football success ended in sadness as they lost 3-1 to a strong France team in the semi-final at the Stade de Lyon.

Despite a goal from Mahmoud Saber, France’s late surge in extra time sealed the victory. The team now looks to the bronze medal match as a chance to make history with Egypt’s first Olympic football medal.

The turning point came just two minutes into the additional period when Omar Fayed received his marching orders for a rash challenge, leaving Egypt to battle with ten men.

France will face Spain in the men’s Olympic Football Tournament gold medal match.

Next at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament

Bronze medal match | Thursday, 8 August

17:00 | Egypt v Morocco (all kick-offs in local time)

Gold medal match | Friday, 9 August

18:00 | France v Spain

Liberia's Determine Girls secured a notable 3-1 victory over defending champions AS Mandé on matchday three in Bo, Sierra Leone.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Determine Girls go top of WAFU A Women’s qualifier

On Monday, Liberia’s Determine Girls secured a notable 3-1 victory over defending champions AS Mandé on matchday three of the WAFU A Women’s Champions League qualifying tournament in Bo, Sierra Leone.

This victory has propelled the 2022 regional champions to the top of the standings under the guidance of coach Patience J. Gwah, creating a significant lead over their main rivals.

On the same matchday, Sierra Leone’s Champions Mogbewmo Queens was held to a 2-2 draw against Senegal’s Aigles de la Médina, who are now on four points after.

The resilient Mogbewmo Queens side are still without a win but with two matchdays remaining, the competition for the coveted spot in the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League is intensifying.

So far, the tournament has been full of surprises. Determine Girls’ rise to the top is the most notable. Their upcoming match against AS Mandé is very important for the qualification battle.

The upcoming match between Red Scorpion and Mogbewmo Queens will be closely watched, as the latter has shown its ability to compete with the top teams in the tournament.

All attention is on Bo to see which team will secure the crucial qualification spot for the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Matchday 3 Results (5 August)

  • Mogbewmo Queens 2-2 Aigles de la Médina
  • Determine Girls 3-1 AS Mandé

Current Standings

  1. Determine Girls – 6 pts
  2. AS Mandé – 4 pts
  3. Aigles de la Médina – 4 pts
  4. Mogbewmo Queens – 2 pts
  5. Red Scorpion – 0 pts

Upcoming Fixtures (8 August)

  • Red Scorpion vs Mogbewmo Queens
  • AS Mandé vs Determine Girls
  • Aigles de la Médina (bye)
New Villarreal's acquisition Nicolas Pepe joins training
by FSL News

New Villarreal’s acquisition Nicolas Pepe joins training

Ivorian International Nicolas Pepe, a former Arsenal player, has joined Villarreal training after signing a two-year deal with the La Liga club.

The Spanish side posted Pepe’s first training session on Monday as they prepared for the new Spanish campaign.

Despite high expectations when he first joined Arsenal, Pepe struggled to meet the hype. After a year with Trabzonspor in Turkey, he joined Villarreal on a two-year contract as a free agent.

Before leaving Arsenal, the 29-year-old scored 27 goals in 112 appearances over four years.

Villarreal, which finished eighth in the league last season, hopes Pepe can regain the form that made him one of Europe’s best-attacking players at Lille.

The versatile winger’s goal-scoring ability and knack for creating chances could be valuable for the Spanish club.

The transfer has been officially confirmed, and fans are eager to see Pepe shine in La Liga.

Algerian powerhouse CR Belouizdad has formally confirmed the acquisition of South African international Khanyisa Mayo.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Khanyisa Mayo completes move to Algerian side CR Belouizdad

Algerian powerhouse CR Belouizdad has formally confirmed the acquisition of South African international Khanyisa Mayo on a three-year deal. 

Mayo, a proficient left-footed forward, has made the transition from South African Premiership club Cape Town City to the esteemed Algerian champions permanently.

Notably, Mayo’s contributions of 10 goals and one assist in 28 matches significantly contributed to Cape Town City’s fifth-place finish in the 2023/24 season.

The 25-year-old has committed to a three-year contract with Belouizdad. Mayo’s outstanding performance previously earned him the 2022/23 DStv Premiership Golden Boot award for registering 12 goals in 27 matches for Cape Town City.

Moreover, he has represented the South African national team, Bafana Bafana, on seven occasions.

Of strategic significance, Belouizdad is positioned to participate in the CAF Champions League and is scheduled to face AC Leopards of Congo-Brazzaville in the upcoming first preliminary round.