Category: Sport News

Birmingham City, Hull City, and Sierra Leone defender Curtis Davies has announced his retirement from football.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Former Villa, Leicester City and Sierra Leone defender retires

Birmingham City, Hull City, and Sierra Leone defender Curtis Davies has announced his retirement from football.

Davies, 39, who began his career at Wimbledon, made 686 first-team career appearances, including three for England U21, and has finally hung up his boots.

In October 2023, at age 38, Davies was called up to the Sierra Leone national team squad for their friendly matches against Benin and Somalia.

On 5 June 2024, Davies scored his first Sierra Leone international goal in a 2–1 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification win against Djibouti.

“The day has finally come… After much deliberation over the last few months, I have decided to retire from football. Growing up as a kid, I simply wanted to be a footballer.

So, to have been able to play and score at Wembley, play in the Premier League, and represent both England U21 and Sierra Leone during my 23 years truly was a dream come true.

There have been plenty of ups and maybe even more downs, but all combined it made my journey a very special one.” Davies announced his retirement on Twitter.

In 2005, Davies joined West Bromwich Albion, where he made 35 starts and scored two goals in his first season with Albion, which ended with the club being relegated to the Championship.

In July 2006, he signed a new four-year contract and was appointed captain permanently, having captained the team on several occasions during the previous season to become the club’s second-youngest captain of all time.

Davies had spells at Aston Villa, Leicester City, Hull City, and Cheltenham Town.

Watanga FC confirm week-long training camp in Sierra Leone
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Watanga FC confirm week-long training camp in Sierra Leone

Liberia’s topflight side Watanga F has officially announced its upcoming training camp in Sierra Leone, setting the stage for an exciting and pivotal pre-season endeavour.

The team is poised to engage in a friendly match against the formidable Bo Rangers, champions of Sierra Leone, at the illustrious Southern Arena in August.

This event will mark the centrepiece of a comprehensive week-long training camp, showcasing the team’s commitment to rigorous preparation and competitive excellence.

Departing for Bo, Sierra Leone, on Friday, August 2nd, Watanga FC eagerly anticipates a series of international club friendlies, including a potential doubleheader against Bo Rangers.

The Liberian side might also face East End Lions Football Club and Tornado FC.

As the team gears up for the high-stakes CAF Champions League’s first-leg preliminary against MC Algiers this month, this immersive and dynamic training camp is primed to fortify Watanga FC’s readiness and unity for the challenges ahead.

Senegal striker Ismaïla Sarr is Crystal Palace's latest acquisition
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal striker Ismaïla Sarr is Crystal Palace’s latest acquisition

Crystal Palace has signed Senegal’s forward Ismaïla Sarr on a five-year deal, making him the club’s third summer transfer window signing.

The 26-year-old forward has extensive experience in English football, playing for Watford and Marseille. He also played in France for Metz and Rennes.

Ismaïla Sarr has 64 appearances for the Senegal national team, scoring 13 goals. He won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021. He received Goal of the Season awards in the Football League and the Europa League.

Crystal Palace’s management has expressed belief in Sarr’s abilities. Manager Oliver Glasner highlighted Sarr’s successes and expressed confidence in his potential contribution to the squad.

Sarr expressed delight in joining Crystal Palace and his commitment to making a valuable contribution. Crystal Palace extends a warm welcome to Ismaïla Sarr and best wishes for his upcoming career with the team.

Nigeria and Zambia end Women's Olympic Football adventure
by FSL News

Nigeria and Zambia end Women’s Olympic Football adventure

The Super Falcons and Zambia Queens suffered defeats on the final day of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, as they were beaten by Japan and Germany, respectively.

Nigeria lost 3-1 to Japan in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, Paris 2024. This was their third loss in a row. Despite the support of the fans, the Super Falcons couldn’t find their rhythm, and Japan took advantage of their weaknesses.

Riko Ueki passed the ball to Maika Hamano for an easy goal to break the tie. Mina Tanaka scored the second goal after Ueki’s powerful header hit the crossbar.

Nigeria got a glimmer of hope when Jennifer Echegini cleverly passed with Christy Ucheibe and scored from outside the box. However, Japan sealed a morale-boosting 3-1 victory with a fantastic free-kick from Kitagawa.

Japan 3-1 Nigeria – Goals Japan scorers: Hamano (22), Tanaka (32), Kitagawa (45+5) Nigeria scorers: Echegini (42)

In Group B, Zambia’s team captained by Barbara Banda, scored six goals and conceded thirteen in the three games, resulting in their elimination from the tournament.

Germany and the US both qualified for the next stage after Germany’s win over Zambia. Lea Schuller scored a great solo goal in the first half, followed by Klara Buhl’s goal in the second half.

Barbra Banda scored for Zambia, but Germany secured the win with another goal from Schuller and a late goal from Elissa Sens.

Zambia 1-4 Germany – Goals Zambia scorer: Banda (49) Germany scorers: Schuller (10, 61), Buhl (47), Sens (90+7)

Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho joins Spanish side Sevilla
by FSL News

Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho joins Spanish side Sevilla

Spanish side Sevilla FC has officially confirmed the signing of Nigerian international and former Leicester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho.

Iheanacho’s contract with Leicester City ended in June after seven years with the club. “Kelechi Iheanacho (Imo, Nigeria, 03/10/1996) is now a new Sevilla FC player, the fifth signing for this 24/25 season after Ejuke, Peque, Saúl and Sambi.

He has signed for two seasons, with the option for one more, arriving on a free transfer after his time at Leicester City,” the Spanish side noted about the Nigerian International.

Iheanacho played in just half of Leicester’s 46 Championship matches last term, starting 10, with Jamie Vardy as the first-choice starting striker.

The move to Sevilla aims to replace Youssef En-Nesyri after the Moroccan striker joined Fenerbahce earlier this month. Iheanacho is Sevilla’s second striker signing of the summer transfer window after Peque, a former Spain youth international, joined from Racing Santander.

Iheanacho joined Leicester City in 2017 after spending time on loan in their youth academy. For the Premier League champions in 2015/16, he played 232 matches, scoring 61 goals and providing 34 assists until the last campaign 23/24.

The new Sevilla striker has also played 19 European competition matches, with 7 games in the Champions League, 11 in the UEFA Europa League, and one in the Conference League. To date, Iheanacho has played 55 matches and scored 19 goals with the senior team. His greatest achievement came in 2017 with the U-17 World Championship win.

Yayah Kallon joins Serie B Salernitana on loan from Hellas Verona
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Yayah Kallon joins Serie B Salernitana on loan from Hellas Verona

Sierra Leone’s Yayah Kallon has sealed a season-long loan transfer from Hellas Verona to Serie B outfit Salernitana.

During his loan spell at Bari last season, Kallon made 14 appearances and scored two goals. He is hopeful to continue performing well on the field.

In 2018, Kallon made a significant move by signing for the Italian Serie D side, Savona. This opportunity came after he had undergone a trial with Virtus Entella in the Serie C.

Fast forward to 22nd May 2021 and Kallon had his debut for Genoa in a thrilling 1-0 Serie A victory against Cagliari.

Then, on 13th August 2021, Kallon showcased his skills by scoring his first goal for Genoa in a spectacular 3-2 win over Perugia in the Coppa Italia.

Moving on to 26th August 2022, Kallon seized another exciting opportunity by joining Hellas Verona on loan, which included an option to buy and a conditional obligation to buy.

This move was followed by a loan to Bari, adding further experience to his journey.

Yayah Kallon unveiled by new Italian side U.S. Salernitana 1919
Yayah Kallon unveiled by new Italian side U.S. Salernitana 1919
Gabonese Yannis M'bemba joins Dordrecht to strengthen defense
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Gabonese Yannis M’bemba joins Dordrecht to strengthen defence

Yannis M’bemba, a French-Gabonese player, has joined the Dutch Eerste Divisie club Dordrecht to strengthen the team’s defence.

He is transferring from FC Nantes in France and will not require a transfer fee. The 1.94-meter-tall centerback has signed a two-year contract with an option for a third year at the Krommedijk.

During his time at Nantes, he played two matches in Ligue 1 and mostly featured for the club’s second team. M’bemba made his international debut earlier this year in the Gabon vs. DR Congo match.

Having trained with Dordtenaren for several weeks, M’bemba has already played in several practice matches.

General Director Hans de Zeeuw expressed his satisfaction with M’bemba’s decision to join FC Dordrecht, noting, “Yannis is a very complete defender who can play in both centre positions.

In addition to his height, he is also very comfortable on the ball. We are delighted that Yannis chose to join us!”

Morocco advance to last eight as Group B winners
by FSL News

Morocco advance to last eight as Group B winners

In their final Group B match of the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 at the Stade de Nice, the North African powerhouse Morocco put on a dominant performance, securing a resounding 3-0 victory over Iraq.

The game saw an early lead for Morocco when Amir Richardson found the back of the net in the 19th minute.

Shortly thereafter, Rahimi furthered the lead with a goal nine minutes later. Abde Ezzalouli then sealed the win with a goal in the 36th minute, showcasing Morocco’s skill and determination.

This impressive win marked Morocco’s second triumph in Group B, following their initial victory over Argentina and a narrow 2-1 defeat to Ukraine.

Morocco 3-0 Iraq – Goals Morocco scorers: Richardson (19), Rahimi (28), Ezzalzouli (36)

Elsewhere, The USA is on its way to the knockout round of the Olympics for the first time since Sydney 2000 after defeating Guinea 3-0 in Saint-Etienne to secure second place in Group A.

The West African team is returning home after failing to win any matches in this year’s men’s football Olympic games.

Djordje Mihailovic scored a brilliant right-footed free-kick into the top-left corner of the net in the 14th minute, giving the Americans a 1-0 lead. The lead was doubled in the 31st minute when Paredes finished off a well-weighted ball from Paxton Aaronson to make it 2-0.

Paredes sealed the victory with a powerful left-footed finish in the 75th minute, securing the three points.

USA 3-0 Guinea  – Goals USA scorers: Mihailovic (14), Paredes (31, 75)

Next at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024

Quarter-finals | Friday, 2 August

Quarter-final – Morocco v USA

Quarter-final – Japan v Spain

Quarter-final – Egypt v Paraguay –

Quarter-final – France v Argentina

Egypt advance to Olympics football quarter finals undefeated
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt advance to men’s Olympic quarter-finals undefeated

Egypt’s national football team, winners of Group C, stayed undefeated after their first three matches in the group stage. They beat Spain 2-1 on Tuesday and made it to the Paris 2024 Olympics quarter-finals.

The North Africans advanced to the knockout phase as Group C winners – They scored just before halftime when Zizo passed to Ibrahim Adel, who scored from the edge of the area.

Zizo scored again just after the hour mark, taking advantage of a loose back pass. Samu Omorodion got one goal back for Spain in the final minute of normal time, but it was too little too late.

The Pharaohs’ triumph over Spain secured their place in the quarter-finals. The Dominican Republic and Uzbekistan have been eliminated from the tournament.

Egypt will likely face Paraguay, Mali, or Israel in the quarter-finals, while Spain is expected to face Japan in their next match as they continue in their pursuit for the gold medal.

Spain 1-2 Egypt Goals Egypt scorer: Adel (42, 62) Spain scorer: Omorodion (90)

Mogbwemo Queens set for Champions League AS Mandé test
by FSL News

Mogbwemo Queens set for AS Mandé opening qualifying test

Sierra Leone’s league champions, Mogbwemo Queens, are eagerly gearing up to kick off their CAF Women’s Championship Qualifiers.

They recently won their second league title and have turned their focus on their upcoming match against Association Sportive de Mandé in the Champions League opener at the Southern Arena in Bo City.

The Mandekas ladies will be a great opening contest for the Sierra Leone Champions. The tournament will take place from Tuesday, August 1st to Sunday, August 11th, 2024 in Sierra Leone.

Teams from WAFU Zone “A” will compete at the Southern Arena, with all eyes on Mogbwemo Queens, the champions of the Sierra Leone Women’s Premier League 2023/24.

Mogbwemo Queens will face tough competition from teams such as Association Sportive de Mandé from Mali, Determined Girls from Liberia, Aigles de la Médina from Senegal, and Red Scorpion from the Gambia.

Adama Paulina Suma has named a squad of 25 women, who will be competing in the qualifiers. The tournament promises a thrilling and passionate display of women’s football, as teams compete for victory in what will undoubtedly be an unforgettable event.

Adama Paulina Suma has named a squad of 25 women, who will be competing in the qualifiers.
Adama Paulina Suma has named a squad of 25 women, who will be competing in the qualifiers.