Category: Football Africa

Senegal's Jaraaf ease past Lions in CAF Confed preliminary
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal’s Jaraaf ease past Lions in CAF Confed preliminary

On Sunday, Senegal’s Jaraaf Dakar secured their spot in the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup with a 3-0 victory over Sierra Leone’s East End Lions.

The “Green and Whites” delivered a strong performance, with Souleymane Cissé netting a hat-trick, including a goal just 46 seconds into the match at the Stade Lat-Dior in Thies, Senegal.

A dominant 4-0 aggregate victory earned them a match against Cote d’Ivoire’s Racing Club d’Abidjan in the next round in September.

In another match, Togo’s ASCK managed to win 2-0 against Niger’s AS FAN after a challenging first-leg draw.

This victory set up an exciting matchup with Ivorians ASEC Mimosas for the “Kozah Drivers.”

Sunday's CAF Confederation Cup results
Sunday's CAF Confederation Cup results
Young Africans thrash Burundi's Vital in CAF Champions League
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Young Africans thrash Burundi’s Vital’O in CAF Champions League

Tanzania’s Young Africans put on a stellar performance in continental football on Saturday, beating Burundi’s Vital’O 6-0 in the second leg of their CAF Champions League first-round qualifier in Dar es Salaam.

This victory completed a 10-0 aggregate win, making it the largest margin of victory in the 14 completed ties so far.

Zambian midfielder Clatous Chama played a pivotal role in Vital’O’s defeat, scoring once and providing four assists.

The game started with a 14th-minute penalty converted by Ivorian Pacome Zouzoua after Vital’O was reduced to 10 men. Goals from Clement Mzize, Chama, and Zimbabwean Prince Dube followed before Vital’O lost another player to a red card.

With their opponents down to nine men, Young Africans scored two more goals through Burkina Faso’s Stephane Aziz Ki and Yahya Mudathir.

This resounding victory sets up an exciting East African clash in the final qualifying round, as Young Africans will face Commercial Bank of Ethiopia.

Meanwhile, Raja Casablanca of Morocco demonstrated their strength with a 5-0 win over AS Garde Nationale from Niger, adding to their first-leg lead and securing their spot in the next round.

Nigeria's Alex Iwobi nets winner for Fulham over Leicester
by FSL News

Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi nets Fulham’s winner over Leicester

Alex Iwobi scored the winning goal as Fulham secured their first three points of the 2024/25 season with a 2-1 victory over Leicester City on Saturday.

Fulham got off to a great start with Emile Smith Rowe scoring in the 18th minute, but Leicester managed to equalize before half-time through Wout Faes.

With twenty minutes left, Alex Iwobi scored, putting Fulham back in the lead and ultimately securing the crucial goal for the win.

Manager Marco Silva stuck with the same starting XI as the previous match, a narrow loss at Old Trafford last week. Ryan Sessegnon, a fan favourite, replaced Josh King on the bench.

The Nigeria International joined Fulham On 1st September 2023 from Everton for an undisclosed fee, on a contract until the summer of 2028.

Jordan Ayew ready for Leicester's Premier League challenge
by FSL News

Jordan Ayew ready for Leicester’s Premier League challenge

Leicester City’s new acquisition from Crystal Palace, Jordan Ayew, has signed a two-year deal and is eager to take on a fresh challenge. (Photo Credit LCFC)

He brings with him a wealth of experience from his time in the Premier League and Ligue 1, as well as from playing internationally for Ghana.

“I’m very happy and pleased to be here – I’m proud,” the 32-year-old stated in his first interview at LCFC. “It happened quickly, but the most important thing for me is that I’m here and ready to start.

“In life, you always need a change and new energy. I decided to come to Leicester because I think it’s a big club, first of all. I want to thank the Club, the Manager, the CEO, the Chairman, and everyone because they fought hard to bring me to this Football Club.

“I think it’s a big opportunity for me to show what I can do. I want to demonstrate that I can help everyone and add my experience and quality to make the team better – hopefully, it will work.”

The 2024/25 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League season will commence this weekend with seven matches featuring top clubs.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kenya Premier League to start with thrilling encounters

The 2024/25 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League season will commence this weekend with seven matches featuring top clubs.

Some notable matchups include Tusker FC against Sofapaka, Posta Rangers versus Bandari, and KCB taking on Kariobangi Sharks.

These matches will set the pace for an exciting start to the new season and be crucial for the newly promoted sides as they aim to make their mark in the league.

One of the highlight matches of the opening weekend will see a former employee facing off against his immediate former employer in a bid to secure three crucial points.

The first four matches are scheduled for Saturday, August 24, 2024, with the remaining three matches to be played on Sunday, August 25, 2024.

Tusker FC, who finished second behind champions Gor Mahia last season, will open their campaign against 2009 Kenyan Premier League champions Sofapaka at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

The match, kicking off at 4 pm, will see Robert Matano face his former side, now under the guidance of interim coach Charles Okere. The Brewers, who parted ways with Matano after last season, will be looking to upset Sofapaka and begin their title challenge.

Opening Week One fixtures

Saturday, August 24, 2024

Posta Rangers vs Bandari (Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, 1 pm)

KCB vs Kariobangi Sharks (Police Sacco Stadium, 1 pm)

Bidco United vs Shabana (Thika Stadium, 3 pm)

Tusker FC vs Sofapaka (Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, 4 pm)

Sunday, August 25, 2024

Ulinzi Stars vs Murang’a Seal (Ulinzi Sports Complex, 3 pm)

Mathare United vs AFC Leopards (Dandora Stadium, 3 pm)

Mara Sugar vs Kakamega Homeboyz (Awendo Green Stadium, 3 pm)

Edo Queens secure CAF Women's Champions League spot
by FSL News

Edo Queens secure CAF Women’s Champions League spot

The Nigerian demonstrated their dominance as they clinched the championship title in the WAFU B CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers with a remarkable 3-0 victory over Benin’s Ainonvi FC in the final match held on Friday.

The Nigerian champions exhibited exceptional skills as they secured their spot in the upcoming CAF Women’s Champions League with three remarkable goals in the first half at the Stade de La Paix de Bouaké.

Suliat Abideen’s superb goal just before halftime showcased their early midfield control and breakthrough against Benin’s defence.

Edo Queens further solidified their lead in the 59th minute with an outstanding goal by Emem Essien, who has undoubtedly been one of the standout players throughout the tournament.

Essien’s impressive solo effort demonstrated her remarkable skill and composure as she easily outmanoeuvred Benin’s goalkeeper from close range.

In the 76th minute, Ainonvi FC’s Elizabeth Ukandu accidentally redirected the ball into her team’s net, sealing the victory for Edo Queens.

Despite opportunities, Ainonvi FC couldn’t breach Edo Queens’ defence, resulting in a clean sheet for Edo Queens.

Edo Queens is the new WAFU B champion, taking over from Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies. They will now be representing the region in the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League.

Enugu Rangers progress to second round CAF Champions League
by FSL News

Enugu Rangers progress to CAF Champions League second round

Enugu Rangers, a Nigerian soccer team, had a tough match in the second leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round in Uyo.

They played against Comoros team US Zilimadjou and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. This result led Enugu Rangers to advance to the next round with a 2-1 scoreline over US Zilimadjou.

The match highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Nigerian clubs in CAF inter-club competitions.

Enugu Rangers struggled to contain their opponents but scored in the 79th minute through Augustine Kenechukwu. However, US Zilimadjou equalized just six minutes later.

Despite the draw, Enugu Rangers progressed to the next round. They will now prepare to face the winner of the match between Saint Louis Suns United of the Seychelles and Sagrada Esperança of Angola in the next round.

Ghana's Jordan Ayew's move to Leicester is imminent
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana’s Jordan Ayew’s move to Leicester is imminent

Leicester City has reportedly reached an agreement with Crystal Palace to acquire the services of Ghana’s attacker Jordan Ayew.

Ayew is set to link up with Fatawu Issahaku as Leicester City in a deal valued at an initial £5 million with an additional £3 million in potential add-ons, which will see the 32-year-old Ghanaian international potentially joining the newly promoted club.

After starting 30 Premier League matches for Palace last season, Ayew is on the verge of undergoing a medical evaluation before finalizing the move.

Jordan Ayew’s journey to Crystal Palace began with a loan move from Swansea City in the summer of 2018, which was later made permanent. During his time with the South London club, Ayew made 211 appearances and found the back of the net 23 times.

His career began at Ligue 1 club Marseille before a successful spell at Lorient, where he scored 13 goals during the 2014-15 season before transferring to Aston Villa. Following a season-and-a-half at Villa, he joined his elder brother Andre at Swansea.

Burnley winger Anass Zaroury has signed a four-year deal with French Ligue 1 side RC Lens for an unspecified fee.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Anass Zaroury pens deal with RC Lens from Burnley

Burnley winger Anass Zaroury has signed a four-year deal with French Ligue 1 side RC Lens for an unspecified fee.

“After spending two seasons with Burnley FC in England, 23-year-old Anass Zaroury has joined the attacking lineup of Lens. Known for his dribbling skills, excellent game vision, and goal-scoring abilities, the talented Moroccan player has signed with Racing until 2028,” Lens announced on their website.

Zaroury was a key player in Burnley’s championship-winning season, scoring 11 goals in 39 games. He was signed by Vincent Kompany and played in six Premier League matches last season.

He was sent off in his first Premier League game and spent time on loan at Hull City. He made a substitute appearance in Burnley’s first Championship game this season but missed the next game due to illness.

On the International stage

Zaroury was born in Belgium but is of Moroccan descent. He used to play for the Belgium U21s national team but was officially invited to join the Moroccan national team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

He replaced Amine Harit, who got injured one week before the tournament. Zaroury made his international debut for Morocco on 17 November in a friendly match against Georgia.

Liberia's Watanga face an uphill CAF Champions League task
by FSL News

Watanga face an uphill CAF Champions League task

Liberia’s Watanga FC is facing a tough challenge in the CAF Champions League as they prepare to take on their Algerian counterparts in the second leg of the competition on Thursday.

Having suffered a 2-0 defeat to MC Algiers in the first leg at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, Watanga FC must display courage and begin the second leg with determination to score an early goal and make up for the deficit.

Although it will be a difficult task, it is not impossible. However, it will be tough given that the Algerian team will be more confident with a two-goal lead and will likely aim to score early at home to alleviate the pressure.

The return match will be held at the Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida, Algeria, but it will take place without any audience in attendance.