Category: Sport News

Marseille confirm Ivorian-born Ismaël Koné's arrival to Ligue 1
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Marseille unveil Ivorian-born Ismaël Koné

Canadian international Ismael Kone, who was born in Ivory Coast, has been unveiled by Marseille. His arrival was announced by the French Ligue 1 side on Tuesday.

The midfielder, who has earned 22 caps for his country, transferred to Watford from CF Montreal halfway through the 2022/23 season. During his time with the Hornets, the 22-year-old made 63 appearances in all competitions and scored four goals.

On 28th June 2024, Ligue 1 club Olympique Marseille announced the permanent signing of Koné for a reported transfer fee of £15m, including add-ons.

In June 2023, Kone was called up to the Canadian national team for the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League Finals. He scored a goal in the second leg of the quarterfinals against Jamaica.

Additionally, in June 2024, Kone was named to Canada’s squad for the 2024 Copa América. He scored an impressive overhead kick to level the score in the third-place match against Uruguay, 22 minutes into the game.

Turkish side Ankara Keciorengucu unveil Steven Caulker
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Turkish side Ankara Keciorengucu unveil Steven Caulker

Sierra Leone captain Steven Caulker has been unveiled after signing a one-year deal with the Turkish second-tier side Ankara Keciorengucu of the TFF First League, with an option for another year.

In a recent post, Caulker expressed his happiness at finally getting an opportunity after struggling to find a club following a year away from playing.

In December last year, Caulker, a former defender for Tottenham and Liverpool, had to cut short a player/coach deal with Spanish club FC Malaga City due to work permit issues.

Ankara Keçiörengücü Sports Club, located in the Keçiören district of Ankara, competes in the TFF First League.

Caulker joined Alanyaspor in the Turkish Süper Lig on January 15, 2019, and later signed with Fenerbahçe in June 2021, spending the 2021–22 season on loan at Gaziantep.

In August 2022, Caulker joined Fatih Karagümrük but left in December 2022. In January 2023, he joined Wigan Athletic.

Aged 32, Caulker represented Sierra Leone in AFCON 2021 and plans to continue supporting the national side in the World Cup and 2025 AFCON qualifiers.

Emergency Appeals Committee reverse Freetown City's judgement
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Intriguing twist in Sierra Leone Premier League relegation battle

Freetown City and Wilberforce Strikers have been granted a replay by the Premier League Emergency Appeals Committee, overturning the previous decision.

However, no date was mentioned to replay the remaining minutes of June’s 30th top-tier football contest, which was later abandoned due to chaos.

The issue began on June 30, the second-to-last day of the league. A disputed penalty was awarded to Wilberforce Strikers in the 52nd minute while FCFC was leading 1-0. This resulted in the match being stopped and eventually called off by the referee.

A replay win for Freetown City will mean Real Republicans are relegated from the Sierra Leone top-tier men’s football league.

The previous Ruling – On July 19, 2024, the Disciplinary Committee awarded three points and two goals to Wilberforce Strikers, claiming that FCFC fans, officials, and players had behaved improperly. FCFC denies this claim.

A recap of the Emergency Appeals Committee’s decision

The Emergency Appeals Committee’s report states that the remaining minutes of the match between Freetown City Football Club and Wilberforce Strikers should be played according to Rule 23.2 to Rule 23.2.8 of the SLFA Premier League Rules and Regulations 2023.

The report recommends lifting the fine imposed on Abdul K. Turay, the captain of Freetown City Football Club. The Committee did not find evidence supporting the claim that he assaulted the referee, besides the referee’s report.

New Premier League Emergency Appeals Committee ruling in full in case between Freetown City and Wilberforce Strikers
Zambia and Nigeria face women's football Olympics setbacks
by FSL News

Zambia and Nigeria face Olympic football setbacks

In the Paris 2024 Women’s Olympic Games football competition, both Zambia and Nigeria’s teams faced second defeats, making their paths to the quarter-finals more challenging.

Zambia lost 6-5 to Australia despite Barbra Banda’s three goals. Nigeria was defeated 1-0 by Spain. With two losses from two matches, both African teams face a tough battle to qualify for the quarter-finals.

In a dramatic match at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, Australia beat Zambia 6-5 after being down 5-2.

Zambia will play its final match against Germany on Friday at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Etienne.

Group B – Australia 6-5 Zambia

Goals Australia: Kennedy (7), Raso (35), Muscle own goal (58), Catley (65, 78), Heyman (90) Zambia: Banda (1, 33, 45+2), Kundananji (21, 56)

In Group C – Spain, the world champions, secured a late victory against Nigeria in Nantes. La Roja thought they had scored ten minutes into the second half when Salma Paralluelo scored from a Teresa Abelleira cross, but the goal was disallowed after a review.

Eventually, Alexia Putellas sealed the victory with a looping free-kick in the 86th minute. Spain’s win ensures their place in the quarter-finals.

Nigeria will play Japan on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at 15:00 GMT. Zambia will take on Germany on the same day

Spain 1-0 Nigeria – Goal: Putellas (86)

First win for Egypt as Guinea & Mali suffer defeats at the Olympics
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

First win for Egypt as Guinea & Mali suffer defeats at the Olympics

A hard-fought 1-0 victory for Egypt against Uzbekistan. Egypt aims to advance to the Men’s Olympic football quarter-finals if they can avoid defeat against Group C leaders Spain in their upcoming match on Tuesday.

Uzbekistan 0-1 Egypt – Egypt scorer: Koka (11)

Uzbekistan was the first country to be eliminated from the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament after a narrow defeat against Egypt. Egypt scored the only goal of the game in lucky circumstances when the ball deflected off Ahmed Koka and into the net. Egypt now only needs one point against Spain to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.

Guinea lost 1-0 to France in Paris 2024 their second defeat in opening two matches. Kiliann Sildillia’s second-half header secured the win for the host team. Despite the win, France must wait for confirmation as one of the quarter-final qualifiers, as their six-point haul can still be matched by Group A rivals, the USA and New Zealand.

In Group A – France 1-0 Guinea – France scorer: Sildillia (75)

In Group B, Morocco, after their thrilling win over Argentina, lost 2-1 to a ten-man Ukraine team. Ukraine grabbed a late victory over Morocco when substitute Ihor Krasnopir scored in the eighth minute of added time.

Ruslan Rotan’s team took the lead when Maksym Braharu played a low ball that Dmytro Kryskiv converted from close range. Morocco equalized after the break when Volodymyr Saliuk fouled Soufiane Rahimi, resulting in a penalty that the No. 9 converted and Saliuk receiving a red card after a VAR check.

The game seemed headed for a draw before Oleh Fedor’s pass allowed Krasnopir to secure an unlikely victory for Ukraine.

Ukraine 2-1 Morocco Ukraine scorers: Kryskiv (22), Krasnopir (90+8) Morocco scorer: Rahimi Pen (64)

Japan’s team secured a spot in the quarter-finals at Paris 2024 with a narrow win over Mali at Stade de Bordeaux. They scored the winning goal in the 82nd minute, and Mali missed a penalty in added time.

Group D Japan 1-0 Mali Japan scorer: Yamamoto (82)

New Japanese J-League challenge striker Amadou Bakayoko
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New Japanese J-League challenge for striker Amadou Bakayoko

Japanese J-League team Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo have confirmed the arrival of a new acquisition, Sierra Leone’s striker Amadou Bakayoko.

“We are pleased to announce that Amadou Bakayoko has joined us on a permanent transfer from Dundee FC (Scotland). He will wear the number 20 jersey. He will undergo a medical examination and is scheduled to sign a formal contract.”

The former Bolton player spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Dundee FC in Scotland. He played a crucial role in Dundee’s run to a top-six finish in the Scottish Premiership after joining on loan from Forest Green.

Bakayoko’s impact as a striker led Dundee manager Tony Docherty to express his desire for the player to stay at Dens Park beyond the summer.

However, Bakayoko became a free agent after being released by Forest Green on July 10. This came after the 28-year-old made 19 appearances for the club since joining in January 2023.

While there were talks of interest from four English clubs, Bakayoko sought a new challenge outside of Europe.

Guinea and Egypt have important Olympic football matches
by FSL News

Guinea and Egypt face important Olympic football matches

Guinea lost 2-1 to New Zealand in their first match. Now they will play against France in the Men’s Olympic football tournament on Saturday.

If Guinea avoids losing or winning their first match of the competition, they improve their chance to move on to the next stage.

On the other hand, France wants to win their second match and make a good start to the Games. The last time they did that was in Montreal in 1976 when they beat Mexico and Guatemala 4-0.

Guinea has only played one European team at the Olympics which was France. France won 3-1 in Mexico City in 1968.

“The game against New Zealand, which we lost 2-1, is now in the past. We need to be good in all areas of the game, and this will be tough against France. We have to be realistic, defend well, work together, and take our chances when they come. Each of us needs to do better than before and give more.” – Algassime Bah, Guinea forward.

Group A France v Guinea Stade de Nice Kick-off: 21:00

In Group C, Uzbekistan is aiming to secure their first win at the Games as they make their debut in the tournament. Egypt, following their goalless draw against the Dominican Republic, a win will strengthen their chances of advancing to the knockout stage with a win against Uzbekistan. The Pharaohs have lost just one of their last six group-stage matches.

Timur Kapadze, the coach of Uzbekistan, stated, “Our focus has already turned to the next match, and we will analyze how we can improve. Hopefully, we can build on the positive things we did against Spain. We fight with our hands, but we will prepare as well as we can.”

Uzbekistan v Egypt – Stade de la Beaujoire Kick-off: 17:00
Morocco and Mali eye Olympic football tournament knockout phase
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco and Mali eye Olympic football knockout phase

A victory for Morocco and Mali would place them in a favourable position in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament at Paris 2024 on Saturday.

Group B – Morocco could advance to the knockout stages by defeating Ukraine on Saturday at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, following their dramatic victory over Argentina. Kick-off at 17:00. – Ukraine v Morocco.

Valentyn Rubchynskyi scored Ukraine’s first-ever goal in the last tournament, in their 2-1 loss to Iraq. Morocco has never defeated a European team in 11 previous attempts at the Games.

“I watched highlights of the Argentina vs. Morocco game, and both teams are outstanding and very dangerous. We will try to analyze the mistakes they made in the previous game and use that knowledge to our advantage on the pitch.” – Maksym Talovierov, Ukraine defender.

Group D – West African team Mali could put themselves in a strong position with a win over Japan at the Stade de following their 1-1 draw with Israel.

Japan’s 5-0 victory over Paraguay last time out was their biggest win at the Olympics. Mali are undefeated in normal time at the Games. Their only defeat to date came in extra time against Italy in the quarter-finals of Athens 2004.

“We did well to win our first match but that counts for nothing if we lose the next one. We’re preparing now as well as we can for this next match (against Mail),” Shota Fujio, Japan forward.

Japan v Mali – Stade de Bordeaux Kick-off: 21:00
Africa's representatives have crucial encounters today in Paris for Match Day Two of the football tournament.
Africa's representatives have crucial encounters today in Paris for Match Day Two of the football tournament.
Opening defeat for Nigeria and Zambia at the Olympics
by FSL News

Opening defeat for Nigeria and Zambia at the Olympics

USA 3-0 Zambia – Goals: Rodman (17), Swanson (24, 25)

In the women’s football event at the Paris Olympics, the teams representing Africa, namely Nigeria and Zambia, both experienced defeat in their respective opening matches on Thursday.

Emma Hayes’ USA team in Paris showed they are determined to win a fifth gold medal. They played exceptionally well against Zambia winning 3-0.

Trinity Rodman scored their first goal after 17 minutes. Mallory Swanson then scored two goals quickly.

Zambia’s chances were further diminished when Pauline Zulu was sent off for a foul just before half-time. This allowed the USA to win comfortably.

What they said…

“Players have been in major tournaments before and we know that confidence is key. So to start like this propels us on to the next game.”Lindsay Horan, USA captain

Nigeria 0-1 Brazil – Goals: Nunes (37)

In the Paris 2024 competition, Brazil commenced their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over Nigeria. The South American team gained an advantage when Marta, shortly after having a goal disallowed due to offside, executed an exquisite reverse pass to Gabi Nunes who, with two touches, spectacularly propelled the ball into the net. Despite an attempt by Marta to hit the post in the latter half, Brazil adeptly maintained their position to clinch a victory, securing all three points.

What they said…

“I’m really happy with this game. It was tough, but our team is amazing. We worked hard to play well, and I’m pleased to have scored and helped the team. Now, it’s time to rest and enjoy this moment.” – Gabi Nunes, Brazil’s goal scorer.

“Brazil is well-prepared. Arthur is doing an excellent job, and we saw today how strong our group is. Nigeria is a tough team, but we deserved to win. Our team is united and always ready to compete for the first place.” – Lorena, Brazil’s goalkeeper.

Next at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024
Sunday, 28 July

17:00 | New Zealand v Colombia

17:00 | Brazil v Japan

19:00 | Australia v Zambia

19:00 | Spain v Nigeria

21:00 | France v Canada

21:00 | USA v Germany

Nigerian native David Ozoh joins Derby County
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigerian native David Ozoh joins Derby County

David Ozoh, a 19-year-old central midfielder hailing from Nigerian parents, has joined the Rams on a season-long loan from a Premier League side Crystal Palace to gain valuable match experience.

He is an England youth international and featured 12 times for the Eagles last season, with nine of those appearances in the Premier League.

Ozoh is the sixth summer signing for manager Paul Warne, following the arrivals of Ben Osborn, Kayden Jackson, Jerry Yates, Kenzo Goudmijn, and Ebou Adams.

Ozoh was born in Valencia, Spain, to Nigerian parents. He joined Crystal Palace’s Academy at eight years old, signed professional terms in August 2022, and made his senior debut in January 2023 at the age of 17, becoming the club’s youngest-ever Premier League player.

He made 11 senior appearances in the 2023/24 season and represented England at Under-18 level on five occasions.