Category: Sport News

Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf pens West Ham deal
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf pens West Ham deal

West Ham have signed Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague for £19 million. The 20-year-old will join the club’s preseason training camp in Germany this week.

When Slavia Prague claimed the Czech top-flight championship last season, Diouf was instrumental in their victory. Though many clubs wanted him, he selected West Ham because it fit my plan.

“I want to let the West Ham fans know I am here with them very gladly. Diouf told the club’s website, I believe we will have a great season this year.

Everyone wants to come here to play in the Premier League. Everyone, I believe, dreams of this.”

Diouf, who can play at left back or left wingback, was a player the club had been monitoring for some time, said manager Graham Potter.

“I believe he would be a great addition to the team; he is young, hungry, and ambitious.”

At 18, Diouf left Senegal for Norway’s Tromso in February 2023, scoring three goals in 21 games. A year later, he joined Slavia Prague, where he scored on his debut.

Last season, he netted seven goals as Slavia won the championship, conceding only 18 goals in 35 games. Diouf made his Senegal debut in a Nations Cup qualifier against Burundi in September 2024 and participated in a friendly win over England in June.

Kenya assures readiness for African Nations Championship
by FSL News

Kenya assures readiness for African Nations Championship

According to CAF Online, Kenyan officials have performed security checks at important locations in anticipation of the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), proving the country’s preparedness to hold the event.

With the tournament set to kick off on August 3, Kenya is co-hosting alongside Tanzania and Uganda. Kipchumba Murkomen, the Cabinet Secretary for Internal Security, was part of a team that reviewed the Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium, both of which will host matches during the event.

The Kenyan government is committed to ensuring the safety of teams, fans, and officials during the tournament. Murkomen stated, “We want to assure Africa and the world that Kenya is fully prepared to host CHAN 2024 in a secure and welcoming environment.”

He added, “Comprehensive security protocols are in place from our airports to our stadiums to guarantee the smooth operation of the tournament.”

After inspecting Nyayo, Kasarani, and the training facilities, he expressed confidence in the country’s level of readiness. “Kenya is not just ready; we’re also determined to provide a memorable CHAN experience,” he mentioned.

Moreover, the nation has announced visa-free entry for all African nations during the tournament, making it easier for football fans from across the continent to attend.

Right-back Osman Kakay joins FC Kosice in Slovakia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Right-back Osman Kakay joins FC Kosice in Slovakia

Slovak First League club FC Košice has signed Sierra Leone defender Osman Kakay on a free transfer until May 2027.

In two preseason games for League One team Blackpool against Accrington Stanley and AFC Fylde, the former QPR player showed up. He has formally become part of his new team in Nike League Central Europe.

“We needed to strengthen the right side, and we managed to get Osman Kakay, who is a very honest and experienced footballer. He has hard work, discipline and footballing ability. He proved it at Queens Park Rangers and also at Boavista Porto. He is exactly the type of footballer that we are missing, and I am convinced that a very high-quality player is coming to us,” said FC Košice sports director Marek Sapara regarding the new reinforcement.

As his new team will be playing in the UEFA Conference League, this move offers a fantastic chance for the defender to revive his career.

Košice came in fifth place last season and qualified for the semifinals of the Slovak First Football League playoff for a European spot, but FK Železiarne Podbrezová defeated them in a penalty shootout.

Košice was given a place in the UEFA Conference League, nevertheless since FC Dunajská Streda was eliminated due to common ownership with another team competing in the Conference League.

Sierra Leone international Kakay developed his skills in the QPR academy and gained experience through loan spells with Livingston, Chesterfield, and Partick Thistle.

He made 113 appearances for QPR, contributing two assists from his defensive role. QPR announced he would leave the team after his contract expires on May 6, 2024. He joined Primeira Liga club Boavista on a free transfer this year and has made nine appearances so far.

Winger Josh Koroma returns to League One side Leyton Orient
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Winger Josh Koroma returns to League One side Leyton Orient

Sierra Leone International Josh Koroma has agreed a three-year deal with English League One team Leyton Orient, where he developed his young career.

Having graduated from the Orient Academy, Koroma was on the National League championship team in 2019 and expressed his joy about coming back.

For me, this club is unique; I want to go back to the Championship and doing so with Leyton Orient would be amazing. Wear the shirt once more; I want to succeed here.

At only 17, in April 2016, he made his senior debut for Orient and scored a hat-trick in a 40 victory over Newport County. Contributing to the National League championship for the team and earning a transfer to Huddersfield Town, he played 39 games and scored 11 goals in the 2018–19 season.

Richie Wellens, head coach of Orient, said he was thrilled to welcome Josh back as he comes in as a more seasoned player, ready to reach his prime. Having loan stints at Rotherham United and Portsmouth, Koroma had 35 goals from over 150 games for Huddersfield.

Director of Football Martin Ling lauded Josh’s ability and dedication, noting his choice to refuse greater offers to come back to Leyton Orient.

Congolese defender Tuanzebe sues former club Manchester United
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Congolese defender Tuanzebe sues former club Manchester United

Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe is suing the club for suspected negligent medical advice.

Last week, the 27-year-old, who signed for Burnley earlier this month, brought a High Court lawsuit against United.

Regarded as a high-value claim, exceeding £1 million, it refers to an incident in July 2022 involving an unidentified injury.

Before he was sent to Stoke in January 2023, where he played only five games, Tuanzebe was out for 195 days in his last season at the club.

Having entered the club at the age of eight, he made his debut in 2017 and played 37 times for them before quitting in the summer of 2023, joining Ipswich as a free agent in September.

At every level, the Bunia-born served as United’s captain. In the 2021 Europa League final defeat by Villarreal, where he scored in the shootout as they lost 1110 on penalties, he made his last appearance for the club.

While he also spent time in Napoli in 2022, the ex-England Under-21 international, now representing DR Congo, had three loan spells at Aston Villa.

When BBC Sport asked, Tuanzebe’s attorneys, Simons Muirhead Burton and United both refused to reply.

South Africa's unbeaten in Women's Cup of Nations Group stages
by Football Sierra Leone

South Africa unbeaten in Women’s Cup of Nations Group stage

Having won the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa defeated Mali 4–0 to finish first in Group C and move on to the knockout stage.

Starting flawlessly, Banyana Banyana quickly assumed their power. Five minutes in, Lebohang Ramalepe set the tone for what would turn out to be a long day for the Malian defence with a composed right-footed finish into the upper right corner.

South Africa increased their advantage in the 32nd minute when Refiloe Jane whipped a remarkable free kick into the upper left corner, leaving Mali goalie Fatoumata Karentao stranded.

South Africa demonstrated their aggressive approach and midfield control in the first half with two goals.

In the second half, their enthusiasm held. With a sharp left-foot shot in the 61st minute following a nice feed from Karabo Dhlamini, Hildah Magaia scored her third goal. Ronnel Donnelly contributed yet another goal in the 79th minute after a perfect setup from Nonhlanhla Mthandi.

Mali was at times threatened with actions from Saratou Traoré, Aïssata Traoré, and Fatou Dembele, but South Africa’s strong defence and Andile Dlamini’s critical saves kept them from scoring.

South Africa’s strength was evident in their score, their organisational structure, inventiveness, and continuous strain.

South Africa advances boldly into the knockout rounds as they seek continental triumph by coming first in Group C.

South Africa's unbeaten in Women's Cup of Nations Group stages
South Africa's unbeaten in Women's Cup of Nations Group stages
Ghana thrash Tanzania to reach WAFCON quarter-finals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana thrash Tanzania to reach WAFCON quarter-finals

After defeating Tanzania 4–1, the Black Queens of Ghana put in an amazing second-half performance on Monday night to guarantee their spot in the knockout rounds of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Cup of Nations Morocco 2024.

In the 12th minute, Princella Adubea finished from the middle of the box to give Ghana a well-deserved early advantage.

When Stumai Athumani took advantage of a headed assist from Enekia Lunyamila, Tanzania reacted powerfully and equalised just before halftime, making the score 1–1 as the teams entered the break.

Ghana came out with new energy in the second half and reclaimed the lead in the 63rd minute with a penalty quietly converted by Alice Kusi following Princess Marfo’s area foul.

In the 87th minute, Evelyn Badu scored from close range after a setpiece, extending Ghana’s lead to 3–1. Moments later, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah capped off a quick counterattack, sealing the victory at 4–1 in stoppage time.

Despite a brave effort, the Tanzanian team couldn’t match Ghana’s strength in the final moments. With this win, the Black Queens showcased their resilience as they advanced to the knockout rounds.

Morocco and Nigeria set for cracker in Women's Cup of Nations final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco and Zambia reach WAFCON quarter-finals

WAFCON Quarter Finals: Morocco and Zambia Advance After VAR Drama

WAFCON quarter finals drama lit up the group stages as Morocco and Zambia secured their spots in the last eight of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Morocco led Group A following a narrow 1-0 win over Senegal, thanks to a coolly taken penalty by Yasmin Mrabet.

WAFCON quarter finals – VAR Controversy in Morocco vs Senegal

The Rabat clash was tense and intense, with controversy emerging just before half-time. Initially missed by referee Shamirah Nabadda, a VAR review showed Senegal goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye hitting Morocco forward Ibtissam Jraidi in the face. Although many expected a red card, a yellow was shown and a penalty awarded. Mrabet, composed under pressure, slotted it home in stoppage time — her team’s third successful penalty in the group.

With this victory, Morocco’s WAFCON 2024 campaign continues strongly, topping Group A with seven points. Meanwhile, Zambia’s women’s team also booked a place in the WAFCON quarter finals, overcoming DR Congo 1-0, with Racheal Kundananji scoring the decisive goal.

Despite going down to 10 players after Falonne Pambani was sent off, Zambia held their nerve and now await a Group B opponent in the next round. Morocco will face one of the best third-placed teams from Group B or C.

The Olympic Stadium in Rabat was at full capacity, offering an electric atmosphere even though clear goal chances were limited. VAR played a key role again, disallowing a late goal from Ghizlane Chebbak due to offside. In total, seven yellow cards were shown as the physical nature of the contest grew.

While Chebbak and Jraidi missed some key chances, Morocco’s quality across the field made the difference. They remain in Rabat for the quarter-final clash this Friday, while Zambia stay in Mohammedia. Senegal, with only three points, must now hope to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

The WAFCON quarter finals promise high tension, especially with top teams like Morocco and Zambia bringing form, resilience, and controversy to the pitch. With the knockout stage set to begin, all eyes are on who will rise to the occasion.

Nigeria's Super Falcons eye win over Algeria in WAFCON Group B
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigeria’s Super Falcons eye win over Algeria in WAFCON Group B

Nigeria vs Algeria WAFCON- Super Falcons Target 3rd Win

The Nigeria vs Algeria WAFCON showdown kicks off this Sunday at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, with both teams fighting for top spots in Group B of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria vs Algeria WAFCON – Key Battle for Group B Supremacy

The Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s team, are in top form — winning 1-0 over Botswana and 3-0 against Tunisia. With these two strong performances, they sit first in the group and have already secured a place in the knockout stage. Now, they are targeting a 3rd big win to close the group on a high note.

Algeria, however, remain undefeated too. They drew 0-0 with Tunisia and beat Botswana 1-0. Sitting second in the group, the Algerian women’s team can also reach the WAFCON 2024 quarter-finals if they manage to avoid defeat against Nigeria.

The head to head record heavily favors Nigeria, who have beaten Algeria in all four of their previous meetings. Their latest clash was a friendly match in October 2024, where the Super Falcons won 4-1 underlining their dominance in this fixture.

This Group B WAFCON battle is more than just about advancing it’s about momentum, pride, and setting the tone for the knockout stage. With both sides showing defensive strength and attacking promise, Sunday’s WAFCON fixture could be a thrilling decider.

Southampton first professional contract for Sutura Kakay
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Southampton’s first professional contract for Sutura Kakay

Southampton has officially announced that young midfielder Sutura Kakay has joined the club’s Academy on his first professional contract.

The 18-year-old arrived from Sheffield Wednesday and will be part of the Under-21s, with a deal that keeps him at the club until 2027.

Kakay has made impressive progress in recent seasons after joining Wednesday’s youth setup during his scholarship years, having a standout 2024/25 campaign before making the move to the South Coast.

He was a regular player at the Under-18s level and also made a mark with the Under-21s, gaining valuable experience by training with the first team at the Yorkshire club.

“Signing my first professional contract is something I’ve worked hard for all my life, and I’m eager to get started,” Kakay said after his signing.

“With the club’s strong history of nurturing young talent, I believe this is the perfect pathway for me to grow in my career.” Director of Group Talent Strategy, Andy Goldie, added, “Sutura is a fantastic addition to the Under-21s, enhancing the quality and competition in our midfield ranks.

He brings a fresh dynamic to our squad, showcasing real athleticism and vision, especially in transition. These qualities caught the attention of Mariela [Nisotaki] and her team, making him the first Under-21s signing of the summer. We’re excited to support his development over the next two seasons.”