Category: Sport News

CAF reveals new stunning Women's AFCON trophy
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF reveals new stunning Women’s AFCON trophy

Highlighting the development of women’s football in Africa, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled a new trophy for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2024.

With the opening game between hosts Morocco and Zambia at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, the 12-team tournament is scheduled to start on Saturday, July 5, 2025.

Inspired by the Men’s Africa Cup of Nations trophy, the new TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations trophy represents perfection, unity, and equality. CAF showed their backing for women’s football by unveiling the trophy at a Casablanca, Morocco, event with TotalEnergies.

Each petal in the lovely floral pattern of the trophy stands for a national team in the tournament. This design stands for the development and empowerment of women’s football across Africa. Emphasising the continent’s pride, the central golden sphere has a map of Africa.

Matte gold and brilliant silver compose the trophy. Supporting women’s football in all 54 member nations, it has a gold ring with the CAF logo. Highlighting the significance of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in African sports, the trophy’s base is a white marble pedestal with gold stripes.

Millions of young women all across Africa will be motivated by this trophy to dream big and reach their objectives on the global stage as the upcoming generation of African stars prepares for the 2024 Morocco event.

(CAF) has unveiled a new trophy for the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024.
(CAF) has unveiled a new trophy for the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024.
Defender Abraham Kanu signs new Reading deal
by FSL News

Defender Abraham Kanu signs new Reading deal

Young defender Abraham Kanu has officially signed a fresh one-year contract, thereby confirming his commitment to the Royals.

Kanu was rewarded following a significant season in which he made 16 appearances for the First Team during the 2024/25 season.

At only 19, Kanu showed his club-level potential and won global acclaim representing the Sierra Leone Under-20 team at this summer’s Africa Cup of Nations.

His outstanding performances helped the team to make their way to the Quarter Finals, when they came up against Morocco in a tough match and narrowly lost.

Kanu’s performance in this elite tournament highlights his development and holds forth an amazing future for both him and the Royals.

He was part of the Sierra Leone U20 African Cup of Nations side, where he played against South Africa.

Sierra Leone's native Jaze Kabia happy with Grimsby Town move
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone native Jaze Kabia happy with Grimsby Town move

Following signing for English League Two team Grimsby Town on a two-year contract from Truro City, Sierra Leonean native Jaze Kabia is happy.

Following a highly contested National League South season that ended with Truro City winning the title on the final day, the 24-year-old forward joins the Mariners in North East Lincolnshire.

Kabia signed with Truro and in 44 games scored 17 goals and delivered 11 assists to make a big difference last summer. He is now a member of David Artell’s team.

“Absolutely buzzing to be at this massive club. Looking forward to the journey ahead, Mariners @officialgtfc,” Kabia noted on X.

Originally from Ireland, Kabia rose through the ranks at Cobh Ramblers and made his senior debut there. Later on he moved to Shelbourne, where he scored on his first appearance and helped the team win the League of Ireland First Division crown.

Kabia moved to Scotland at the age of 22 and got Premiership experience with Livingston. His debut came against Celtic, and he gained priceless game time through various loan spells.

“We have a bright, young player who we believe has a great chance to make a major impact in league football,” said David Artell of his fresh recruit. Last season, he was involved in a successful endeavour; he is aware of the means to advance.

We look forward to him joining the team and hope he will score several goals for us.

https://twitter.com/bittar32/status/1940660007093391809

Forward Kamaldeen Sulemana pens Atalanta deal from Southampton
by FSL News

Forward Kamaldeen Sulemana pens Atalanta deal from Southampton

Forward Kamaldeen Sulemana has moved from Southampton to Italian side Atalanta for a price that could reach £18 million.

For a club-record £22 million, the 23-year-old was acquired in 2023 and made 74 appearances for the Saints. At Atalanta, Sulemana meets his former Southampton coach, Ivan Juric.

On transfer deadline day in February 2023, the Ghana international moved to Southampton from the French team Rennes. In two and a half years spent on the south coast, he had four goals and seven assists.

Southampton has also traded forward Paul Onuachu, who was acquired under then-manager Nathan Jones in the same transfer window as Sulemana.

The newly renovated Burkina Faso's August 4th Stadium
by Football Sierra Leone

CAF green light Burkina Faso’s August 4th Stadium

After years under suspension, the Confederation of African Football, CAF, has let the August 4 Stadium in Ouagadougou once again host international events.

A significant milestone is being celebrated by Burkinabè football as the Stallions, the national team of Burkina Faso, could be ready to play at home once again.

Due to inadequate amenities, CAF banned the stadium in March 2021. But following extensive rehabilitation by the national football federation (FBF) and the Burkinabè government, the stadium now satisfies CAF’s stringent requirements.

Praising Burkina Faso’s attempts to renovate the August 4 Stadium, Samson Adamu, CAF’s Director of Tournaments and Events, signalled a fresh start for the Stallions.

After three years playing their home games overseas, they will come back to a newly refurbished stadium in September, which should spark an emotional and historical atmosphere with local fan support.

The stadium has become a symbol of national pride, and this reopening shows Burkina Faso’s rising ambition in African football.

As the nation gets ready to greet the Stallions back home, enthusiasm is rising.

The newly renovated Burkina Faso's August 4th Stadium
The newly renovated Burkina Faso's August 4th Stadium
CAF green light Burkina Faso's August 4th Stadium after four-year ban
CAF green light Burkina Faso's August 4th Stadium after four-year ban
Women's AFCON teams arrive in Morocco in style ahead of kickoff
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Women’s AFCON teams arrive in style ahead of kickoff

Top women’s football teams from Africa, including Zambia, South Africa, and Nigeria, arrived in Morocco ahead of TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). set to start from July 5–26, 2025, to compete.  Among the first to arrive were South Africa, the reigning champions.

The South African team, Banyana Banyana, arrived in Casablanca on Wednesday following a 24-hour journey from Johannesburg that included a stop in Ghana.

They settled in and promptly started training despite travel delays. “It was a long and exhausting trip, but we have arrived and settled in,” said head coach Dr. Desiree Ellis. We were able to hold our first training session. Being here and getting started for the major tournament is really exciting.

Along with Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania, South Africa is in Group C. On July 7 Ghana is their first opponent; on July 11 Tanzania and on July 14 Mali follow. Oujda’s Honneur Stadium will host all matches.

In Mohammédia, meanwhile, Zambia’s Copper Queens (In photo) arrived in style as they get ready with local and foreign players, Coach Nora Häuptle is guiding high-intensity workouts at the Lanoria Club.

On 5 July, Zambia will face Morocco in the opening match at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. They will also compete against Senegal and DR Congo on 9 and 12 July, respectively, in Mohammédia.

Morocco is currently preparing by training in Rabat and will play a friendly against Tanzania on Saturday. In Group A, they are joined by Zambia, Senegal, and DR Congo. Senegal has just arrived in Morocco for the tournament.

Group B features Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana. Excitement is building for this major women’s football competition as top talent gathers in Morocco next week.

Ghana's Semenyo extends Bournemouth contract until 2030
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana’s Semenyo extends Bournemouth contract until 2030

Ghanaian International Antoine Semenyo has extended his Bournemouth deal that will keep him at Vitality Stadium through the summer of 2030.

The 25-year-old Ghanaian forward originally signed a long-term contract with the team 12 months ago after joining from Bristol City in January 2023.

He has made 89 appearances and scored 22 goals since joining, 13 of which came during Bournemouth’s stellar 2024–25 campaign, which saw them finish ninth in the Premier League.

Semenyo stated, “I’m really happy to have signed ahead of returning for pre-season, and I’ve grown so much at the club, both on and off the pitch.” “I have nothing but praise for everyone at the club, from the supporters to the employees and my teammates. It’s an amazing location.

Semenyo had been linked with interest from Manchester United, Liverpool, and Tottenham this summer, so his new contract is a significant boost for manager Andoni Iraola, especially after Milos Kerkez moved to Anfield and Dean Huijsen joined Real Madrid.

With Dean Huijsen joining Real Madrid and Milos Kerkez moving to Anfield, Semenyo’s new contract is a huge boost for manager Andoni Iraola, who had been linked to interest from Manchester United, Liverpool, and Tottenham this summer.

DR Congo's striker Kabongo Tshimanga pens Crawley Town deal
by FSL News

DR Congo’s Kabongo Tshimanga pens Crawley Town deal

After being released by League One team Peterborough United, DR Congo striker Kabongo Tshimanga has inked a two-year deal with Crawley Town Football Club.

Tshimanga has demonstrated his ability as a goalscorer by enjoying fruitful runs with sides like Boreham Wood and Chesterfield. Last season, he scored 13 goals in an amazing loan season at Swindon Town.

For four straight seasons during his time at Oxford City, Boreham Wood, and Chesterfield, Tshimanga, 26, was chosen for the Team of the Year. Among his many personal accolades are Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year at several teams.

Having previously represented England C, his best year was in 2018–19 at Oxford City, where he scored an amazing 37 goals in all contests. Before relocating to Peterborough in January 2023, Tshimanga had scored 74 goals over 141 outings. With Crawley Town, he would want to recover his scoring ability.

Kabby could play in Friday’s friendly against Hearts; he is presently training with the team in Spain.

Dr Abdulai refutes news of Kallon's Leone Stars ultimatum
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Dr Abdulai refutes news of Kallon’s Leone Stars ultimatum

A report on an ultimatum given by Leone Stars head coach Mohamed Kallon regarding his pay have been refuted by Dr. Emmanuel Safa Abdulai, Executive Director of the National Sports Authority.

Coach Kallon has demanded a $20,000 monthly salary or else he would quit, according to the Tribune Times.

“The Kallon contractual negotiation is ongoing. He has not given any ultimatums, we are discussing the final details of his contract. Yes, I am in the middle of the negotiations and figures are floated here and there, however there has never been an ultimatum,” the Luawa FC owner responded.

It is now clear that the negotiations and contractual agreement are still pending since the former Inter Milan striker was appointed as head coach. Kallon began his tenure with a 3-1 victory over Guinea-Bissau but subsequently lost to Egypt in March this year during the ongoing World Cup qualifiers.

Senegal international Habib Diarra on Sunderland's' Radar
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegal international Habib Diarra on Sunderland’s’ Radar

Senegal international Habib Diarra is about to close a transfer to recently promoted English Premier League team Sunderland. Following a strong four-season tenure, he is expected to leave French Ligue 1 team RC Strasbourg.

Because of his strong performances with Strasbourg over the past three seasons, the midfielder attracted notice from many clubs across Europe. Negotiations broke down a few days ago even though Diarra was close to joining Leeds United.

Additionally intrigued in him was Spanish La Liga club Atlético Madrid, but according to Italian writer Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland is about to grab Diarra in a €35.5 million deal.

After a difficult eight-year absence, Sunderland is rejoining the Premier League. Diarr is known to head coach Régis Le Bris from their association in Lorient, France. Diarra will add fresh energy and tactical dynamism to Sunderland’s midfield.

Although Diarra played for France at several junior levels, Senegal welcomed his senior debut in 2024.