Category: Sport News

Samuel Chukwueze nets brace in Fulham's defeat to Manchester City

Samuel Chukwueze nets brace in Fulham’s defeat to Manchester City

Fulham's thrilling comeback ended in heartbreak with a 4-5 defeat to Manchester City at Craven Cottage in Tuesday's Premier League action

City took an early lead with goals from Erling Haaland, Tijjani Reijnders, and Phil Foden. Emile Smith Rowe pulled one back with a header just before halftime.

Despite another goal from Foden and an own goal by Sander Berge putting City ahead, Fulham fought back. Alex Iwobi scored, followed by Samuel Chukwueze’s brace, marking his first goals for the club. A late chance for Josh King to equalise was cleared off the line.

Manager Marco Silva made key adjustments, reinstating Saša Lukić and Smith Rowe after the win against Tottenham. Fulham had opportunities early on but fell behind after two quick City goals. Yet, Smith Rowe’s stoppage-time header brought renewed hope.

In the second half, City’s lead was restored with another goal from Foden, but Fulham persisted. Iwobi’s stunning goal and Chukwueze’s swift volley brought the score to 4-5.

With eight minutes of added time, a dramatic equalizer was tantalizingly close, but King’s effort was heartbreakingly cleared, denying Fulham a remarkable comeback.

Ghanaian defender Maxwell Woledzi MLS side Nashville

Ghanaian defender Maxwell Woledzi joins MLS side Nashville

Maxwell Woledzi, 24, the defedner, who was instrumental in Fredrikstad FK's 2024 Norwegian Cup win, helping the team secure a spot in the Eliteserien. He was named to the league's Team of the Year and Fredrikstad FK’s Player of the Year in 2025.

In 2018, Woledzi founded the Maxwell Woledzi Foundation and launched The Hijab Project in his hometown of Nima, Ghana, to empower young people, especially girls, in soccer.

On December 2, 2025, Nashville SC announced Woledzi’s signing from Fredrikstad FK for the 2026 season, with an option to extend through 2029. “Maxwell is a fantastic player and a great leader,” said Nashville SC President Mike Jacobs.

Since joining Fredrikstad FK in 2023, Woledzi has made 88 appearances, including 29 league matches in the 2024 season. Before Fredrikstad, he developed at FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark from 2019 to 2022, playing 33 First Team matches, and later played for Vitória Guimarães SC B in Portugal.

Woledzi began his journey at the Right to Dream Academy in Ghana at age 14, which has helped young talent grow both on and off the pitch.

Shocking Cameroon AFCON squad news, no keeper Andre Onana

Shocking Cameroon AFCON squad news, no keeper Andre Onana

Andre Onana has been excluded from Cameroon's squad for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco, following the dismissal of head coach Marc Brys amidst claims of "subterfuge."

Just days after being re-elected as president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot), Samuel Eto’o and his executive team announced Brys’s exit in a dramatic statement.

The statement details a long list of accusations against Brys, including allegations of “professional failure” and claims that he incited players to oppose Fecafoot’s authority.

The Belgian coach, who was appointed by Cameroon’s sports ministry in April 2024—a decision Eto’o aimed to overturn—also faces accusations of “collaborating with unknown individuals” within Fecafoot.

Furthermore, he is criticised for missing important meetings, withholding training schedules, damaging relationships with sponsors, delaying his squad announcements, and avoiding his responsibility to hold press conferences.

Stepping in for Brys is one of his assistants, David Pagou, a seasoned Cameroonian coach with experience managing several teams in the country’s top league.

However, Pagou’s 28-man squad for the upcoming Afcon in Morocco, set to kick off on December 21, notably lacks several key players. Among those missing are goalkeeper Onana, team captain Vincent Aboubakar, Napoli midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, who is sidelined due to injury and defender Michael Ngadeu.

While Anguissa’s absence is understood, no explanations have been provided for the exclusion of the other players.

Striker Daniel Kanu takes his Walsall tally to seven in League Two

Striker Daniel Kanu takes his Walsall tally to seven in League Two

Bromley took an early lead after 18 minutes when Mitch Pinnock capitalised on a poor pass from Priestley Farquharson, finding Ben Krauhaus. Krauhaus made no mistake, firing a low shot into the net from 12 yards.

Walsall nearly equalised shortly after, but Ravens midfielder Ashley Charles made a fantastic block to prevent Jamille Matt from scoring just inches from the goal line.

In the second half, Walsall’s goalkeeper Myles Roberts denied Bromley a second goal, saving Idris Odutayo’s powerful shot from 30 yards out, while Michael Cheek saw his follow-up effort ruled offside.

Walsall finally levelled the score in the 65th minute when Kanu expertly controlled a knockdown from Aden Flint following a free-kick and squeezed the ball home from close range.

They took the lead in the 80th minute when Farquharson nodded a deep cross back across the goal, allowing Ryan Finnigan to loop a header into the far corner of the net.

Walsall sealed the win deep into stoppage time when Albert Adomah broke forward and squared the ball for an unmarked Courtney Clarke, who steered it home with ease.

Debutants Nairobi United fell to a second defeat in CAF Confederation Cup

Debutants Nairobi United fell to a second defeat in the CAF Confederation Cup

Nairobi United suffered their second consecutive defeat in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, losing 1–0 to DR Congo’s AS Maniema at Kasarani, who remain at the top of Group B.

The only goal of the match was scored in the 67th minute by Jaency Mboma Kinda, who converted a low cross from Chadoma Ozome at the near post. This rare moment of clarity in a cautious game ensured Maniema’s strong defensive record in the group remained intact.

Before the goal, scoring chances were limited, but Maniema gained momentum after halftime with a double substitution that energised their midfield and right flank.

Nairobi responded with three substitutions in the 69th minute, but the Congolese side managed the game’s final moments well. Nairobi’s frustration showed when Kevin Otiende received a yellow card in the 71st minute, followed by Mboma Kinda being cautioned in the 80th. Maniema also made a late substitution and held on with disciplined defending.

This victory puts Maniema on six points from two matches, tied with Wydad AC at the top of the standings on goal difference (Wydad 4:0, Maniema 3:0). Nairobi remains at the bottom, without any points or goals, while Azam is in third place.

AL-Hilal slip in CAF Champions League after draw with St Éloi Lupopo

Al-Hilal slip in CAF Champions League after draw with St Éloi Lupopo

Congolese side St Éloi Lupopo came from behind late in the match to draw 1–1 against Al-Hilal Omdurman in Lubumbashi on Sunday, a result that keeps Group C tightly contested after two matchdays of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

The Sudanese champions took the lead early, scoring on 12 minutes when Abdelraziq Omer found the net from close range, capitalising on Al-Hilal’s quick start.

Lupopo struggled to respond, and their mounting frustration was evident when captain Issama Mpeko was shown a yellow card before halftime. Changes made by St Éloi Lupopo at the break brought urgency and better control for the Congolese side.

As Al-Hilal found themselves increasingly pinned back, Petrus Aprocious received a yellow card due to the growing pressure. Lupopo finally equalised in the 79th minute when Ramos Kashala slotted in after the ball deflected nicely in the box.

Although Al-Hilal still posed a threat on counterattacks late in the game, two players from the visiting side received yellow cards as the Sudanese side fought hard to secure a point. Lupopo substitute Mika Miche also saw a booking in stoppage time as tensions rose, yet neither team managed to score again.

This draw came after MC Alger and Mamelodi Sundowns played to a scoreless draw in Algiers on Friday. Sundowns currently top Group C on goal difference with four points, tied with Al-Hilal. MC Alger is in third place with two points, while Lupopo sits in fourth with one point after two matches.

Both teams will return to continental action in January, with Lupopo looking to convert their improved second-half performance into their first group victory, while Al-Hilal aims to maintain their unbeaten record.

Burkina Faso attacker Dango Ouattara nets in Brentford win over Burnley

Burkina Faso attacker Dango Ouattara nets in Brentford win over Burnley

Burkina Faso attacker Dango Ouattara scored as Brentford moved up to eighth place in the Premier League after defeating Burnley 3-1. The game featured three late goals, all scored within 11 minutes.

Igor Thiago scored two late goals as Brentford secured the victory at the Gtech Community Stadium. After missing a crucial penalty against Brighton last week, Thiago was once again in the spotlight during an exciting finish to Saturday’s match.

The first half was uneventful, but five minutes into the second half, Thiago had a goal disallowed for offside. He broke the deadlock in the 81st minute with a penalty after Dango Ouattara was fouled by Axel Tuanzebe.

Burnley equalised just four minutes later with a penalty from Zian Flemming after Jaidon Anthony was fouled. However, Thiago quickly regained the lead for Brentford with another goal after a cross from Jordan Henderson, just 72 seconds later.

In stoppage time, Ouattara secured the win with a goal past Martin Dubravka. Thiago’s performance has been exceptional, reaching 11 goals this season, second only to Erling Haaland, and setting a record for the fewest matches played for a Brentford player to achieve this milestone.

With this victory, Brentford has now won three home games in a row for the first time since December 2024, scoring three goals in each match and temporarily rising to eighth in the league table.

Attacker Mustapha Bundu nets first Bundesliga 2 goal

Attacker Mustapha Bundu nets first Bundesliga 2 goal

Sierra Leone player Mustapha Bundu scored his first goal of the season in Bundesliga II. His team, Hannover, won 3-0 against Karlsruhe on Friday.

The first half ended without any goals, but after halftime, the Reds quickly took control of the game with two quick goals. Key moments included Benedikt Pichler’s comeback goal and Mustapha Bundu’s first goal of the season.

Goals:- 1-0 (68th minute): Aseko runs down the wing and passes to Chakroun, who places the ball perfectly into the bottom right corner of Bernat’s net.

2-0 (70th minute): Aseko pushes past several KSC defenders. Despite pressure, the on-loan Bayern Munich player plays a through ball to Pichler, who chips it over Bernat into the net.

3-0 (77th minute): Neubauer steals the ball and passes to Bundu, who is unmarked. Bundu stays calm in front of Bernat and scores, marking his first goal in the Reds’ jersey!

The highlight of the game: Benedikt Pichler made a fantastic comeback after a long injury. He scored just four minutes after returning to play following a knee injury.

The statistics of the game: Just two minutes separated the goals by Chakroun and Pichler, which helped secure a comfortable home win over KSC.

What’s next: In a week, the team will play again. They will start matchday 15 on Friday at 6:30 p.m., away at the LVM-Preußenstadion. Head coach Christian Titz is eager to lead the team to another victory.

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to co-host Africa Nations Championship

CAF named 2025 Cup of Nations Match Officials

The Confédération of African Football (CAF) has revealed the lineup of Match Officials who will oversee the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, scheduled to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

This edition of Africa’s premier football tournament features a total of 73 seasoned officials, including 28 referees, 31 assistant referees, and 14 VAR officials.

The chosen officials represent all corners of the continent and include some of the most experienced referees who have officiated in several key CAF competitions in recent years.

All appointed match officials are expected to arrive in Morocco on December 15, 2025, for an intensive preparatory course leading up to the tournament.

This program, organised by CAF’s Referees Department, will encompass physical, technical, and theoretical evaluations aimed at ensuring peak performance throughout the event.

This meticulous selection of highly qualified match officials highlights CAF’s steadfast commitment to excellence in officiating, maintaining the integrity of the competition, and continually raising the technical standards in African football.

The full list of match officials appointed for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 – here!

Keeper Mamadou Jalloh extends VPS loan deal until 2026 from Brøndby

Keeper Mamadou Jalloh extends VPS loan deal from Brøndby until 2026

Sierra Leone International Mamadou Jalloh, who has been strengthening VPS's goalkeeping since the end of August, will continue as the team's goalkeeper next season.

VPS and Brøndby IF have reached an agreement on the loan of the young Danish goalkeeper. Sports director Tommi Pikkarainen mentioned that the process was challenging, but the effort proved worthwhile.

“Madu demonstrated in the latter part of the season what an excellent young goalkeeper he is. Negotiations weren’t easy, but both parties worked hard to make it happen. In the end, we found common ground, which is fortunate for everyone involved,” said VPS Sports director Tommi Pikkarainen.

Jalloh himself is excited about the successful agreement. “I am really happy that the deal was completed. I’ve wanted to return to the club since the end of last season, and it feels great to officially be a VPS player again.”

The 18-year-old goalkeeper is also very grateful for the trust he has received at Raida. “Last season, I learned a lot in a short period of time. I felt like I was improving with every training session and match while working with the VPS coaching staff. The club believed in me from the start, and I want to repay that trust in the coming season.”

Jalloh’s goals for next season align with those of his teammates. He is aiming for a top-six finish. “I want to compete in every match and help Vepsu return to the top half of the Veikkausliiga. My personal goal is to play as much as possible and improve every time I step on the field.”