Category: Sport News

Issa Kallon confirms move to Chinese Super League side Chengdu Rongcheng
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Issa Kallon confirms move to Chinese Super League side Chengdu Rongcheng

Chinese Super League last season’s third-place side, Chengdu Rongcheng, set to announce the signing of Sierra Leone winger Issa Kallon.

The player has confirmed that they have reached an agreement for a two-year contract with Chengdu Rongcheng.

Issa Kallon, 29, who joined Shanghai Port from Dutch side Cambuur in 2022, has been handed a new chapter in his career after leaving Nantong Zhiyun.

The Sierra Leone International recorded seven goals and eight assists in 45 appearances for Shanghai Port when they won the title before moving to join Nantong Zhiyun in 2024, scoring five goals & two assists in 22 matches

He scored on his debut for Nantong Zhiyun in the Chinese Super League opening game of the 2024/2025 season. Nantong Zhiyun played away from Tianjin Jinmen Tiger, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw in March last year.

He equalizer for Nantong Zhiyun in the 67th minute. He received a pass and slotted the ball at the bottom right of the net.

Kallon had joined Nantong Zhiyun after winning the title of last season with Shanghai Port. 

He started his football career as a youth exponent from FC Utrecht and made his Eredivisie debut on 24th August 2014 in a 1-2 away win against Feyenoord on 24 August 2014 in a 1–2 away win against Feyenoord.

Cesena's asking price €1.2m for Augustus Kargbo to Blackburn
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cesena’s asking price €1.2m for Augustus Kargbo to Blackburn

Blackburn Rovers must increase their offer to get more chance of signing Sierra Leone striker Augustus Kargbo from Italian Serie B side Cesena. Il Resto del Carlino reported that Blackburn is a strong option for Kargbo, with talks happening between the clubs.

However, Blackburn is under pressure to improve their initial offer. Cesena wants €1.2 million for Kargbo, but Blackburn’s first offer is lower. There is concern that Kargbo might stay with Cesena until the end of the season.

It seems that Cesena will not accept a lower fee, so Blackburn needs to raise their offer. At the same time, Cesena has backed off from looking for a replacement player, Flavio Russo from Sassuolo.

A deal for Udinese’s Damian Pizarro is also considered unlikely, which suggests Kargbo may remain with the club.

Blackburn must act quickly if they still wish to sign Kargbo. On August 26, 2023, Kargbo signed a three-year contract with Cesena.

Nigeria's Akor Adams joins Sevilla from Montpellier
by FSL News

Nigeria’s Akor Adams joins Sevilla from Montpellier

On Monday, Akor Adams, aged 24, officially signed with Sevilla in a transfer deal valued at approximately €7 million, as reported by L’Équipe.

The Nigerian striker has departed from Montpellier HSC and has entered into a contract with the La Liga club that extends until 2029.

Adams’ transfer occurs during a challenging time for Montpellier, which is currently positioned second-from-bottom in Ligue 1 with 15 points, putting the club at risk of relegation to Ligue 2.

They trail behind Stade Rennais, who occupy the relegation playoff position by two points, and are three points adrift of AS Saint-Étienne, which holds a guaranteed place in the top flight for the upcoming season.

Furthermore, this exit comes amidst speculation regarding Téji Savanier’s potential departure. Savanier, who was the club’s leading goalscorer last season with 11 goals, has attracted interest from the Saudi Arabian club Al-Taawoun.

Montpellier has recently achieved victories in their last two league matches, equalling the number of wins they secured in the first 17 matches of the current domestic campaign.

In these recent encounters, Adams did not participate, as Jordanian forward Musa Al-Taamari excelled, scoring a brace in the 2-1 victory over AS Monaco.

Adams joined Montpellier in August 2023 from Lillestrøm, where he had an outstanding season, netting 15 goals in 15 appearances in the 2023 Norwegian top-flight season.

Intriguing group stage matches as AFCON 2025 draw confirmed
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Intriguing group stage matches as AFCON 2025 draw confirmed

Holders Ivory Coast will face Cameroon in Group F of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Morocco. They will also compete against Gabon, led by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Mozambique.

The tournament will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, with the opening match featuring hosts Morocco against Comoros.

The teams are divided into six groups of four. The tournament will run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, across six host cities and nine stadiums in Morocco.

As the host nation, Morocco will lead Group A, facing strong contenders Mali, Zambia, and Comoros. In Group B, record seven-time champions Egypt will meet South Africa, Angola, and last year’s bronze medallists Zimbabwe.

Group C features Nigeria against Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania—who will co-host the AFCON in 2027. Defending champions Senegal are in Group D, competing against the Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin, and Botswana.

Group E includes Algeria, the 2019 champions, who will take on Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan. In Group F, Côte d’Ivoire will face rivals Cameroon, along with Gabon and Mozambique, as they aim for back-to-back titles.

The top two teams from each group and four of the best third-placed teams will advance to the Round of 16.

The draw captivated viewers in over 90 countries and featured African football legends Serge Aurier, Aliou Cissé, Joseph Yobo, and Mustapha Hadji. This marks Morocco’s first time hosting the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON since 1988.

TOTAL ENERGIES CAF AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS, MOROCCO 2025 

  • GROUP A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros
  • GROUP B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
  • GROUP C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
  • GROUP D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
  • GROUP E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
  • GROUP F: Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
Sierra Leone International Augustine Williams pens Pittsburgh Riverhounds deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone International Augustine Williams pens Pittsburgh Riverhounds deal

Pittsburgh Riverhounds have confirmed the signing of Sierra Leone International Augustine Williams, a former USL Championship All-League forward, for the 2025 season.

Williams, 27, comes with MLS experience and 76 regular-season goals, ranking fifth in the league’s history since 2010 and second among active players. His contract needs approval from USL and U.S. Soccer and includes a team option for 2026.

“I’m excited to join the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and meet my new teammates,” Williams told the club website. “I can’t wait to help the team win the USL Championship and bring a trophy to Pittsburgh.”

“Signing Augi is significant for our club. It shows owner Tuffy Shallenberger’s commitment to our growth and soccer in Western Pennsylvania,” said Riverhounds head coach Bob Lilley. “Augie is a skilled striker who fits our system well and will improve his teammates.”

Williams began his career with Portland Timbers 2 in 2016 and scored his first goal for the MLS team in 2017. After three years in Portland, he joined Los Angeles Galaxy II, scoring 13 goals during the 2020 season. He later played for the Charleston Battery, where he scored a career-high 16 goals and reached the 2023 USL Championship Final. In 2024, he had a third consecutive season with double-digit goals while playing for Indy Eleven.

From Freetown, Sierra Leone, Williams has made seven appearances for his national team, with his first match in an African Cup of Nations qualifying win over Benin on June 15, 2021. He was part of the AFCON squad in 2022 after Sierra Leone qualified for the first time in almost three decades in Cameroon 2021 Cup of Nations. 

Sierra Leone's Juma Bah officially sealed RC Lens loan move from Manchester City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Juma Bah officially sealed RC Lens loan move from Manchester City

Sierra Leone’s defensive prospect Juma Bah has officially Joined RC Lens from English giants Manchester City until June 2025.

City confirmed the news via their website that Bah has joined French Ligue 1 side on loan until the end of the season, having completed his registration with the club.

Lens Pierre Dréossi – General Manager: “We are delighted to welcome Juma Bah to Racing. At just 18 years old, Juma has recently established himself as one of the most promising players in La Liga. His move to Manchester City so early in his career confirms his immense potential.

With significant athletic abilities and a strong understanding of the game, Juma already exhibits a well-developed skill set. Our recruitment unit has been monitoring him for several months, and his loan to Artois reflects the sporting management’s desire to strengthen the team with a fast and physically strong defender. These qualities align perfectly with the playing style of Will Still’s team. Welcome to Sang et Or, Juma!”

A symbol of his progress and potential, Juma Bah has been scrutinized by several European giants in recent weeks. He then signed with the English club Manchester City before being loaned to RC Lens.

Juma Bah joined Real Valladolid in 2024, and the coaching staff promptly promoted him from the youth academy to the reserve team. After just one game with the reserves, he made his first-team debut in a 0-0 draw against Real Sociedad.

Since then, he has played 14 matches for the team, starting in 11 of them. This new opportunity will undoubtedly aid the young defender in his development and hopefully help him make his way into Manchester City’s first team. Bah’s new height is considered one of the most significant breakthroughs in the history of Spanish football.

The draw for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 is scheduled for Monday night, 27 January 2025.
by Football Sierra Leone

AFCON 2025 draw is scheduled for today in Morocco

The draw for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 is scheduled for Monday night, 27 January 2025.

According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the highly anticipated event will be watched by millions across over 90 countries in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and North and South America.

The ceremony will occur at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat, Morocco, beginning at 6:00 PM local time.

Leading international broadcasters, including CAF’s key partners like beIN Sports (covering the MENA region, Europe, America, and the South Pacific), Canal+, SABC, Azam Media, AfroSport, Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation, SNRT, DAZN, and others, will also air the event live

Additionally, the draw will be accessible on Free-to-Air platforms in 46 African countries, ensuring all 24 participating teams and fans across the continent can tune in.

The 24 teams qualified for the tournament, including hosts Morocco, defending champions Côte d’Ivoire, and other strong contenders Algeria, Egypt, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Tunisia.

However, the draw is bittersweet for Ghana, a four-time AFCON champion. The Black Stars failed to qualify for the 2025 edition, missing the opportunity to vie for their fifth title.

This marks a major disappointment for a nation with such a rich legacy in African football. The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 is set to kick off on 21 December 2025 and will conclude on 18 January 2026.

Key Details

  • Host Nation: Morocco
  • Host City: Rabat
  • Date: Monday, 27 January 2025
  • Time: 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT / 20:00 Cairo time)
  • Venue: Mohammed V National Theatre, a historic and cultural landmark in the heart of Rabat.
  • Edition: 35th
  • Competition Dates: 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026
Egyptian Omar Marmoush was pleased with his Premier League debut
by FSL News

Egyptian Omar Marmoush was pleased with his Premier League debut

Egyptian international Omar Marmoush made an “amazing” debut for Manchester City after they won 3-1 against Chelsea in the Premier League. (Photo Credit Man City)

Marmoush joined the team just two days ago and started the game at the Etihad Stadium. Chelsea took the lead early with a goal from Noni Madueke in the third minute.

Josko Gvardiol equalized for City before halftime. In the second half, Erling Haaland and Phil Foden scored to give City the win.

Marmoush played 74 minutes before Kevin De Bruyne replaced him. He showed good skills during the game, having a goal disallowed for offside and demonstrating confidence with the ball.

“Yeah, it was an amazing debut,” Marmoush said after the match. “I’m really happy to be here. The debut was really nice. We won the game, and the atmosphere was crazy. I’m so happy to be part of this.”

He added, “I hope to keep playing well. This is just the beginning, and I look forward to more wins.” Marmoush also thanked the City fans for their great support and mentioned fellow new signing Abdukodir Khusanov’s debut.

Read Related – Omar Marmoush proud as first Egyptian player to join Manchester City
Dango Ouattara becomes first from Burkina Faso to score Premier League hat-trick
by FSL News

Dango Ouattara becomes first Burkina Faso player to score Premier League hat-trick

Burkina Faso International Dango Ouattara’s impressive performance made him the first player from the West African nation to score a hat-trick in the Premier League. On Saturday, he led Bournemouth to a 5-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the Vitality Stadium.

This win boosts Bournemouth’s hopes for a top-four finish and a spot in the Champions League. It marks Forest’s first loss since December.

Bournemouth has extended their unbeaten streak in the Premier League to 11 games and is just one point off the top four. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest is now nine points behind leaders Liverpool.

The Burkinabe scored three of his four shots on target and has significantly stepped up for Bournemouth, especially with strikers Evanilson and Enes Ünal injured.

This season, Ouattara has 10 goal involvements (six goals, four assists) for Bournemouth, surpassing his total from his first two seasons combined (two goals, five assists).

Ouattara is in his third season at AFC Bournemouth, where he was the first signing under Bill Foley in January 2023. He plays mostly as a left-back and scored a memorable late winning goal against Tottenham in a 3-2 match.

Ouattara, born in February 2002 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, started with Majestic FC and joined FC Lorient in 2020, initially playing for their reserve team.

He made 25 appearances and scored his first goal in April 2022. His strong performance earned him a spot on the Burkina Faso national team, where he scored a key goal in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

In the 2022/23 season, he was vital for Lorient, scoring six goals in 18 matches before joining Bournemouth in January 2023, despite interest from other teams.

Guinea's defender Saïdou Sow joins Nantes on a loan deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea’s defender Saïdou Sow joins Nantes on a loan deal

Ligue 1 side Nantes has signed Saïdou Sow, a Guinean international player, from Strasbourg on loan for six months. There is no option to buy him at the end of the loan.

Saïdou Sow was born on July 4, 2002, in Conakry, Guinea. He joined AS Saint-Étienne as a youth player in 2016 at the age of 14, where he played 57 matches.

In the summer of 2023, he signed a five-year contract with RC Strasbourg and has played 25 matches there. He has made a total of 50 appearances in Ligue 1.

On October 10, 2020, he played his first match for the Guinean national team under coach Didier Six. He has since earned 25 caps and scored one goal.

Saïdou Sow will wear number 24 for FC Nantes. He is 1.87 meters tall and is known for his strength in duels, especially in the air. He will be a valuable addition to the team.