Category: Football Africa

African champions Al Ahly have confirmed a contract extension for veteran Egyptian international midfielder Amr El Solia until summer 2025
by FSL News

Egyptian midfielder Amr El Solia pens new Al Ahly deal

African champions Al Ahly have confirmed a contract extension for veteran Egyptian international midfielder Amr El Solia until summer 2025.

His previous contract with Al Ahly was set to expire at the end of this month, and he had been linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia and Libya.

However, the Egyptian champions have announced that they have handed El Solia, 34, a contract extension for another season.

The club released a statement confirming the renewal: “Amir Tawfik, CEO of Al-Ahly Football Company and Contracting Manager, announced the renewal of Al-Ahly player Amr El-Sulaya’s contract for one season. He said that the player signed the contracts and completed all necessary procedures in this regard.”

El Solia is the first player to score in three CAF Champions League Finals, achieving this feat in the 2018, 2020, and 2021 finals.

He has 52 caps and one goal for Egypt, and he also featured in the 2021 AFCON final match against Senegal and the 2021 CAF Champions League Final against Kaizer Chiefs.

Augustus Kargbo nets in Cesena's Coppa Italia triumph
by FSL News

Augustus Kargbo nets in Cesena’s Coppa Italia triumph

Sierra Leone International Augustus Kargbo scored for Cesena in their 3-1 victory over Padova in the preliminary round of the Coppa Italia.

Kargbo’s Cesena team has progressed to round 32 and will face Hellas Verona in the first round at the “Bentegodi” Stadium in Verona.

Cesena took the lead after 10 minutes with Kargbo’s goal. Cristian Shpendi scored five minutes before the end of regular time, and Francesconi completed the win.

In other matches, Carrarese defeated Catania 2-1 and then challenged Cagliari, while Mantova secured a 2-1 victory away against Torres. Additionally, Avellino won 3-1 against Juve Stabia.

The first round of matches will take place from Friday, August 9, to Monday, August 12. These are all one-off matches, which will be settled after 90 minutes or through a penalty shoot-out.

Coppa Italia First Round fixtures

Friday, Aug 9

Sassuolo-Cittadella

Udinese-Avellino

Genoa-Reggiana

Monza-Sud Tirol

Saturday, Aug 10

Cremonese-Bari

Verona-Cesena

Empoli-Catania

Napoli-Modena

Sunday, Aug 11

Brescia-Venezia

Parma-Palermo

Sampdoria-Como

Torino-Cosenza

Monday, Aug 12

Frosinone-Pisa

Lecce-Mantova

Salernitana–Spezia

Cagliari-Carrarese

Morocco, Egypt to compete for bronze at Men's Olympic Football Tournament
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco and Egypt to compete for Olympic bronze medal

On Thursday, an epic battle for the bronze medal in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament is expected as Morocco takes on Egypt in the North African derby – both sides’ best chance to make history.

On Monday, both teams from North Africa were knocked out after tough semi-final matches in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament. Spain came from behind to beat resilient Morocco, while Egypt faced a similar defeat in the second semi-final.

Morocco’s quest for Olympic gold ended in a 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament semi-final.

Despite a strong start and a lead from top scorer Soufiane Rahimi, Spain’s comeback dashed Moroccan hopes. They will now compete for the bronze medal.

Elsewhere, Egypt’s hopes for Olympic football success ended in sadness as they lost 3-1 to a strong France team in the semi-final at the Stade de Lyon.

Despite a goal from Mahmoud Saber, France’s late surge in extra time sealed the victory. The team now looks to the bronze medal match as a chance to make history with Egypt’s first Olympic football medal.

The turning point came just two minutes into the additional period when Omar Fayed received his marching orders for a rash challenge, leaving Egypt to battle with ten men.

France will face Spain in the men’s Olympic Football Tournament gold medal match.

Next at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament

Bronze medal match | Thursday, 8 August

17:00 | Egypt v Morocco (all kick-offs in local time)

Gold medal match | Friday, 9 August

18:00 | France v Spain

Liberia's Determine Girls secured a notable 3-1 victory over defending champions AS Mandé on matchday three in Bo, Sierra Leone.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Determine Girls go top of WAFU A Women’s qualifier

On Monday, Liberia’s Determine Girls secured a notable 3-1 victory over defending champions AS Mandé on matchday three of the WAFU A Women’s Champions League qualifying tournament in Bo, Sierra Leone.

This victory has propelled the 2022 regional champions to the top of the standings under the guidance of coach Patience J. Gwah, creating a significant lead over their main rivals.

On the same matchday, Sierra Leone’s Champions Mogbewmo Queens was held to a 2-2 draw against Senegal’s Aigles de la Médina, who are now on four points after.

The resilient Mogbewmo Queens side are still without a win but with two matchdays remaining, the competition for the coveted spot in the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League is intensifying.

So far, the tournament has been full of surprises. Determine Girls’ rise to the top is the most notable. Their upcoming match against AS Mandé is very important for the qualification battle.

The upcoming match between Red Scorpion and Mogbewmo Queens will be closely watched, as the latter has shown its ability to compete with the top teams in the tournament.

All attention is on Bo to see which team will secure the crucial qualification spot for the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Matchday 3 Results (5 August)

  • Mogbewmo Queens 2-2 Aigles de la Médina
  • Determine Girls 3-1 AS Mandé

Current Standings

  1. Determine Girls – 6 pts
  2. AS Mandé – 4 pts
  3. Aigles de la Médina – 4 pts
  4. Mogbewmo Queens – 2 pts
  5. Red Scorpion – 0 pts

Upcoming Fixtures (8 August)

  • Red Scorpion vs Mogbewmo Queens
  • AS Mandé vs Determine Girls
  • Aigles de la Médina (bye)
New Villarreal's acquisition Nicolas Pepe joins training
by FSL News

New Villarreal’s acquisition Nicolas Pepe joins training

Ivorian International Nicolas Pepe, a former Arsenal player, has joined Villarreal training after signing a two-year deal with the La Liga club.

The Spanish side posted Pepe’s first training session on Monday as they prepared for the new Spanish campaign.

Despite high expectations when he first joined Arsenal, Pepe struggled to meet the hype. After a year with Trabzonspor in Turkey, he joined Villarreal on a two-year contract as a free agent.

Before leaving Arsenal, the 29-year-old scored 27 goals in 112 appearances over four years.

Villarreal, which finished eighth in the league last season, hopes Pepe can regain the form that made him one of Europe’s best-attacking players at Lille.

The versatile winger’s goal-scoring ability and knack for creating chances could be valuable for the Spanish club.

The transfer has been officially confirmed, and fans are eager to see Pepe shine in La Liga.

Algerian powerhouse CR Belouizdad has formally confirmed the acquisition of South African international Khanyisa Mayo.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Khanyisa Mayo completes move to Algerian side CR Belouizdad

Algerian powerhouse CR Belouizdad has formally confirmed the acquisition of South African international Khanyisa Mayo on a three-year deal. 

Mayo, a proficient left-footed forward, has made the transition from South African Premiership club Cape Town City to the esteemed Algerian champions permanently.

Notably, Mayo’s contributions of 10 goals and one assist in 28 matches significantly contributed to Cape Town City’s fifth-place finish in the 2023/24 season.

The 25-year-old has committed to a three-year contract with Belouizdad. Mayo’s outstanding performance previously earned him the 2022/23 DStv Premiership Golden Boot award for registering 12 goals in 27 matches for Cape Town City.

Moreover, he has represented the South African national team, Bafana Bafana, on seven occasions.

Of strategic significance, Belouizdad is positioned to participate in the CAF Champions League and is scheduled to face AC Leopards of Congo-Brazzaville in the upcoming first preliminary round.

Malian midfielder Issouf Sissokho departs Bordeaux
by FSL News

Malian midfielder Issouf Sissokho departs Bordeaux

Issouf Sissokho has confirmed his departure from Girondins de Bordeaux, signalling the conclusion of his stint with the club.

The Malian midfielder, who joined the club in 2020 and turned professional in 2021, shared a heartfelt message on Saturday, August 3, 2024.

He is set to embark on a new chapter in Israel, where he is expected to join Maccabi Tel Aviv. Sissokho expressed his deep appreciation and affection for the club, its staff, former players, and supporters, likening them to family. He reflected on his time at Bordeaux and the circumstances that led to his departure in his farewell message.

Sissokho, 22, hoped that he would not have to part ways with the club when he left for the Olympic Games, but unfortunately, that became the reality. He conveyed his best wishes to the club and left the possibility of a return open.

The midfielder’s departure from Bordeaux follows the team’s relegation to National 2, prompting many players, including Sissokho, to seek new opportunities.

During his time at Bordeaux, he made 65 appearances and scored 2 goals. Despite the challenges, Sissokho is grateful for his time at Bordeaux and looks ahead to the future with optimism.

Destiny Efosa Egharevba joins AC Renate from Fiorentina
by FSL News

Destiny Efosa Egharevba joins AC Renate from Fiorentina

Italian-born Nigerian forward Destiny Efosa Egharevba, 21, has left Serie A club Fiorentina to join Serie C team AC Renate.

AC Renate announced the move on Friday, August 2. Egharevba signed a two-year contract that runs until June 30, 2026, with a club option for the 2026-2027 season.

Egharevba started his career at Chievo and then joined Fiorentina, where he won the Italian Cup and Italian Super Cup. However, he did not play for the senior team despite receiving four call-ups during the 2021-2022 season.

Egharevba spent the last two seasons in Serie C, playing 37 matches with Vis Pesaro, Fiorenzuola, and Recanatese.

Egharevba can play in multiple positions, including right winger, centre forward, right midfielder, left winger, or second striker. AC Renate will start their season against Pro Patria on August 25, 2024.

Sierra Leone's FC Kallon lost 2-1 to Remo Stars in Nigeria. The game took place during the Coal City Cup pre-season tournament in Enugu.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Opening Coal City defeat for FC Kallon in Nigeria

Sierra Leone’s FC Kallon suffered a 2-1 defeat against Remo Stars in Nigeria during the Coal City Cup pre-season tournament in Enugu.

The match was a brilliant display of skill and unwavering determination. Remo Stars made a stunning comeback, securing a thrilling 2-1 victory.

Both teams created chances, but FC Kallon took the lead in the 40th minute through Hassan Milla Koroma’s clever finish.

In the second half, Remo Stars equalized and then secured a 2-1 victory in the 90+2 minute. Coach Daniel Ogunmodede praised his team’s spirit and determination.

The Coal City Cup provides teams with a platform to prepare for the new season. Remo Stars’ win will be remembered as a highlight of this year’s competition.

Shooting Stars played to a 2-2 draw against host team Coal City.

In the tournament opener, Rangers International of Enugu defeated Enyimba on Thursday.

Agu Kenechukwu’s left-footed shot inside the box in the 51st minute turned out to be the match-winner for the reigning NPFL champions.

Norwich City’s Abu Kamara in Southampton radar
by FSL News

Norwich City’s Abu Kamara in Southampton radar

Southampton wants to sign Norwich City’s Abu Kamara as a winger this summer. According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, officially, the club is getting ready to show their interest in the 20-year-old player.

Both Saints’ manager Russell Martin and assistant Matt Gill are familiar with Kamara from their previous work at Carrow Road. However, Norwich is hesitant to let go of Kamara and plans to include him in Johannes Hoff Thorup’s first-team squad for the Championship this season.

Kamara, an England U20 international, has been consistently present in City’s pre-season matches and is highly regarded by Thorup. He aims to incorporate more young talent into the squad.

Kamara, the child of Sierra Leonean parents, is under contract with Norwich until 2025, with an option to extend for another year. In addition to Southampton, Jupiler sides and Belgian side Anderlecht have also shown interest in him.