Category: Football Africa

Gabonese Yannis M'bemba joins Dordrecht to strengthen defense
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Gabonese Yannis M’bemba joins Dordrecht to strengthen defence

Yannis M’bemba, a French-Gabonese player, has joined the Dutch Eerste Divisie club Dordrecht to strengthen the team’s defence.

He is transferring from FC Nantes in France and will not require a transfer fee. The 1.94-meter-tall centerback has signed a two-year contract with an option for a third year at the Krommedijk.

During his time at Nantes, he played two matches in Ligue 1 and mostly featured for the club’s second team. M’bemba made his international debut earlier this year in the Gabon vs. DR Congo match.

Having trained with Dordtenaren for several weeks, M’bemba has already played in several practice matches.

General Director Hans de Zeeuw expressed his satisfaction with M’bemba’s decision to join FC Dordrecht, noting, “Yannis is a very complete defender who can play in both centre positions.

In addition to his height, he is also very comfortable on the ball. We are delighted that Yannis chose to join us!”

Morocco advance to last eight as Group B winners
by FSL News

Morocco advance to last eight as Group B winners

In their final Group B match of the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 at the Stade de Nice, the North African powerhouse Morocco put on a dominant performance, securing a resounding 3-0 victory over Iraq.

The game saw an early lead for Morocco when Amir Richardson found the back of the net in the 19th minute.

Shortly thereafter, Rahimi furthered the lead with a goal nine minutes later. Abde Ezzalouli then sealed the win with a goal in the 36th minute, showcasing Morocco’s skill and determination.

This impressive win marked Morocco’s second triumph in Group B, following their initial victory over Argentina and a narrow 2-1 defeat to Ukraine.

Morocco 3-0 Iraq – Goals Morocco scorers: Richardson (19), Rahimi (28), Ezzalzouli (36)

Elsewhere, The USA is on its way to the knockout round of the Olympics for the first time since Sydney 2000 after defeating Guinea 3-0 in Saint-Etienne to secure second place in Group A.

The West African team is returning home after failing to win any matches in this year’s men’s football Olympic games.

Djordje Mihailovic scored a brilliant right-footed free-kick into the top-left corner of the net in the 14th minute, giving the Americans a 1-0 lead. The lead was doubled in the 31st minute when Paredes finished off a well-weighted ball from Paxton Aaronson to make it 2-0.

Paredes sealed the victory with a powerful left-footed finish in the 75th minute, securing the three points.

USA 3-0 Guinea  – Goals USA scorers: Mihailovic (14), Paredes (31, 75)

Next at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024

Quarter-finals | Friday, 2 August

Quarter-final – Morocco v USA

Quarter-final – Japan v Spain

Quarter-final – Egypt v Paraguay –

Quarter-final – France v Argentina

Egypt advance to Olympics football quarter finals undefeated
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt advance to men’s Olympic quarter-finals undefeated

Egypt’s national football team, winners of Group C, stayed undefeated after their first three matches in the group stage. They beat Spain 2-1 on Tuesday and made it to the Paris 2024 Olympics quarter-finals.

The North Africans advanced to the knockout phase as Group C winners – They scored just before halftime when Zizo passed to Ibrahim Adel, who scored from the edge of the area.

Zizo scored again just after the hour mark, taking advantage of a loose back pass. Samu Omorodion got one goal back for Spain in the final minute of normal time, but it was too little too late.

The Pharaohs’ triumph over Spain secured their place in the quarter-finals. The Dominican Republic and Uzbekistan have been eliminated from the tournament.

Egypt will likely face Paraguay, Mali, or Israel in the quarter-finals, while Spain is expected to face Japan in their next match as they continue in their pursuit for the gold medal.

Spain 1-2 Egypt Goals Egypt scorer: Adel (42, 62) Spain scorer: Omorodion (90)

Mogbwemo Queens set for Champions League AS Mandé test
by FSL News

Mogbwemo Queens set for AS Mandé opening qualifying test

Sierra Leone’s league champions, Mogbwemo Queens, are eagerly gearing up to kick off their CAF Women’s Championship Qualifiers.

They recently won their second league title and have turned their focus on their upcoming match against Association Sportive de Mandé in the Champions League opener at the Southern Arena in Bo City.

The Mandekas ladies will be a great opening contest for the Sierra Leone Champions. The tournament will take place from Tuesday, August 1st to Sunday, August 11th, 2024 in Sierra Leone.

Teams from WAFU Zone “A” will compete at the Southern Arena, with all eyes on Mogbwemo Queens, the champions of the Sierra Leone Women’s Premier League 2023/24.

Mogbwemo Queens will face tough competition from teams such as Association Sportive de Mandé from Mali, Determined Girls from Liberia, Aigles de la Médina from Senegal, and Red Scorpion from the Gambia.

Adama Paulina Suma has named a squad of 25 women, who will be competing in the qualifiers. The tournament promises a thrilling and passionate display of women’s football, as teams compete for victory in what will undoubtedly be an unforgettable event.

Adama Paulina Suma has named a squad of 25 women, who will be competing in the qualifiers.
Adama Paulina Suma has named a squad of 25 women, who will be competing in the qualifiers.
Marseille confirm Ivorian-born Ismaël Koné's arrival to Ligue 1
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Marseille unveil Ivorian-born Ismaël Koné

Canadian international Ismael Kone, who was born in Ivory Coast, has been unveiled by Marseille. His arrival was announced by the French Ligue 1 side on Tuesday.

The midfielder, who has earned 22 caps for his country, transferred to Watford from CF Montreal halfway through the 2022/23 season. During his time with the Hornets, the 22-year-old made 63 appearances in all competitions and scored four goals.

On 28th June 2024, Ligue 1 club Olympique Marseille announced the permanent signing of Koné for a reported transfer fee of £15m, including add-ons.

In June 2023, Kone was called up to the Canadian national team for the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League Finals. He scored a goal in the second leg of the quarterfinals against Jamaica.

Additionally, in June 2024, Kone was named to Canada’s squad for the 2024 Copa América. He scored an impressive overhead kick to level the score in the third-place match against Uruguay, 22 minutes into the game.

First win for Egypt as Guinea & Mali suffer defeats at the Olympics
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

First win for Egypt as Guinea & Mali suffer defeats at the Olympics

A hard-fought 1-0 victory for Egypt against Uzbekistan. Egypt aims to advance to the Men’s Olympic football quarter-finals if they can avoid defeat against Group C leaders Spain in their upcoming match on Tuesday.

Uzbekistan 0-1 Egypt – Egypt scorer: Koka (11)

Uzbekistan was the first country to be eliminated from the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament after a narrow defeat against Egypt. Egypt scored the only goal of the game in lucky circumstances when the ball deflected off Ahmed Koka and into the net. Egypt now only needs one point against Spain to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.

Guinea lost 1-0 to France in Paris 2024 their second defeat in opening two matches. Kiliann Sildillia’s second-half header secured the win for the host team. Despite the win, France must wait for confirmation as one of the quarter-final qualifiers, as their six-point haul can still be matched by Group A rivals, the USA and New Zealand.

In Group A – France 1-0 Guinea – France scorer: Sildillia (75)

In Group B, Morocco, after their thrilling win over Argentina, lost 2-1 to a ten-man Ukraine team. Ukraine grabbed a late victory over Morocco when substitute Ihor Krasnopir scored in the eighth minute of added time.

Ruslan Rotan’s team took the lead when Maksym Braharu played a low ball that Dmytro Kryskiv converted from close range. Morocco equalized after the break when Volodymyr Saliuk fouled Soufiane Rahimi, resulting in a penalty that the No. 9 converted and Saliuk receiving a red card after a VAR check.

The game seemed headed for a draw before Oleh Fedor’s pass allowed Krasnopir to secure an unlikely victory for Ukraine.

Ukraine 2-1 Morocco Ukraine scorers: Kryskiv (22), Krasnopir (90+8) Morocco scorer: Rahimi Pen (64)

Japan’s team secured a spot in the quarter-finals at Paris 2024 with a narrow win over Mali at Stade de Bordeaux. They scored the winning goal in the 82nd minute, and Mali missed a penalty in added time.

Group D Japan 1-0 Mali Japan scorer: Yamamoto (82)

Guinea and Egypt have important Olympic football matches
by FSL News

Guinea and Egypt face important Olympic football matches

Guinea lost 2-1 to New Zealand in their first match. Now they will play against France in the Men’s Olympic football tournament on Saturday.

If Guinea avoids losing or winning their first match of the competition, they improve their chance to move on to the next stage.

On the other hand, France wants to win their second match and make a good start to the Games. The last time they did that was in Montreal in 1976 when they beat Mexico and Guatemala 4-0.

Guinea has only played one European team at the Olympics which was France. France won 3-1 in Mexico City in 1968.

“The game against New Zealand, which we lost 2-1, is now in the past. We need to be good in all areas of the game, and this will be tough against France. We have to be realistic, defend well, work together, and take our chances when they come. Each of us needs to do better than before and give more.” – Algassime Bah, Guinea forward.

Group A France v Guinea Stade de Nice Kick-off: 21:00

In Group C, Uzbekistan is aiming to secure their first win at the Games as they make their debut in the tournament. Egypt, following their goalless draw against the Dominican Republic, a win will strengthen their chances of advancing to the knockout stage with a win against Uzbekistan. The Pharaohs have lost just one of their last six group-stage matches.

Timur Kapadze, the coach of Uzbekistan, stated, “Our focus has already turned to the next match, and we will analyze how we can improve. Hopefully, we can build on the positive things we did against Spain. We fight with our hands, but we will prepare as well as we can.”

Uzbekistan v Egypt – Stade de la Beaujoire Kick-off: 17:00
Morocco and Mali eye Olympic football tournament knockout phase
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco and Mali eye Olympic football knockout phase

A victory for Morocco and Mali would place them in a favourable position in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament at Paris 2024 on Saturday.

Group B – Morocco could advance to the knockout stages by defeating Ukraine on Saturday at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, following their dramatic victory over Argentina. Kick-off at 17:00. – Ukraine v Morocco.

Valentyn Rubchynskyi scored Ukraine’s first-ever goal in the last tournament, in their 2-1 loss to Iraq. Morocco has never defeated a European team in 11 previous attempts at the Games.

“I watched highlights of the Argentina vs. Morocco game, and both teams are outstanding and very dangerous. We will try to analyze the mistakes they made in the previous game and use that knowledge to our advantage on the pitch.” – Maksym Talovierov, Ukraine defender.

Group D – West African team Mali could put themselves in a strong position with a win over Japan at the Stade de following their 1-1 draw with Israel.

Japan’s 5-0 victory over Paraguay last time out was their biggest win at the Olympics. Mali are undefeated in normal time at the Games. Their only defeat to date came in extra time against Italy in the quarter-finals of Athens 2004.

“We did well to win our first match but that counts for nothing if we lose the next one. We’re preparing now as well as we can for this next match (against Mail),” Shota Fujio, Japan forward.

Japan v Mali – Stade de Bordeaux Kick-off: 21:00
Africa's representatives have crucial encounters today in Paris for Match Day Two of the football tournament.
Africa's representatives have crucial encounters today in Paris for Match Day Two of the football tournament.
Opening defeat for Nigeria and Zambia at the Olympics
by FSL News

Opening defeat for Nigeria and Zambia at the Olympics

USA 3-0 Zambia – Goals: Rodman (17), Swanson (24, 25)

In the women’s football event at the Paris Olympics, the teams representing Africa, namely Nigeria and Zambia, both experienced defeat in their respective opening matches on Thursday.

Emma Hayes’ USA team in Paris showed they are determined to win a fifth gold medal. They played exceptionally well against Zambia winning 3-0.

Trinity Rodman scored their first goal after 17 minutes. Mallory Swanson then scored two goals quickly.

Zambia’s chances were further diminished when Pauline Zulu was sent off for a foul just before half-time. This allowed the USA to win comfortably.

What they said…

“Players have been in major tournaments before and we know that confidence is key. So to start like this propels us on to the next game.”Lindsay Horan, USA captain

Nigeria 0-1 Brazil – Goals: Nunes (37)

In the Paris 2024 competition, Brazil commenced their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over Nigeria. The South American team gained an advantage when Marta, shortly after having a goal disallowed due to offside, executed an exquisite reverse pass to Gabi Nunes who, with two touches, spectacularly propelled the ball into the net. Despite an attempt by Marta to hit the post in the latter half, Brazil adeptly maintained their position to clinch a victory, securing all three points.

What they said…

“I’m really happy with this game. It was tough, but our team is amazing. We worked hard to play well, and I’m pleased to have scored and helped the team. Now, it’s time to rest and enjoy this moment.” – Gabi Nunes, Brazil’s goal scorer.

“Brazil is well-prepared. Arthur is doing an excellent job, and we saw today how strong our group is. Nigeria is a tough team, but we deserved to win. Our team is united and always ready to compete for the first place.” – Lorena, Brazil’s goalkeeper.

Next at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024
Sunday, 28 July

17:00 | New Zealand v Colombia

17:00 | Brazil v Japan

19:00 | Australia v Zambia

19:00 | Spain v Nigeria

21:00 | France v Canada

21:00 | USA v Germany

Nigerian native David Ozoh joins Derby County
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigerian native David Ozoh joins Derby County

David Ozoh, a 19-year-old central midfielder hailing from Nigerian parents, has joined the Rams on a season-long loan from a Premier League side Crystal Palace to gain valuable match experience.

He is an England youth international and featured 12 times for the Eagles last season, with nine of those appearances in the Premier League.

Ozoh is the sixth summer signing for manager Paul Warne, following the arrivals of Ben Osborn, Kayden Jackson, Jerry Yates, Kenzo Goudmijn, and Ebou Adams.

Ozoh was born in Valencia, Spain, to Nigerian parents. He joined Crystal Palace’s Academy at eight years old, signed professional terms in August 2022, and made his senior debut in January 2023 at the age of 17, becoming the club’s youngest-ever Premier League player.

He made 11 senior appearances in the 2023/24 season and represented England at Under-18 level on five occasions.