Category: Football Africa

Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh joins Brighton from Newcastle
by FSL News

Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh joins Brighton from Newcastle

Brighton has made an exciting acquisition by signing Yankuba Minteh, a talented winger from Gambia, from Newcastle United for a whopping £30m. He has been signed on a contract until June 2029.

“Now, we will give him the time and support he needs to ensure that he settles in,“ Brighton noted on their website.

Yankuba made the move from Gambia to Europe in 2022, when he joined Danish side Odense BK. Brighton’s technical director, David Weir, expressed his delight in welcoming the young talent to the club.

Minteh has three goals in seven appearances for Gambia. Newcastle extended its best wishes to Yankuba for the future.

Minteh received his first call-up to the Gambia national team on November 4, 2022, and scored his first international goal in a match against Congo.

He also played in the 2023 AFCON and scored his second and third international goals in matches against Seychelles and Gabon, respectively.

Issa Kallon scores winner as Nantong Zhiyun beat Three Towns
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Issa Kallon scores winner as Nantong Zhiyun beat Three Towns

Issa Kallon scored the winning goal as Nantong Zhiyun secured a 2-1 victory over Three Towns in the 17th round of the Chinese Super League at Wuhan Stadium on Saturday.

Izuchukwu Jude Anthony scored the opening goal in the 11th minute, but Kallon secured an 87th-minute winner. Although the visitors pulled one back through Pedro, it was too late for a comeback.

Nantong Zhiyun FC has had a lacklustre season, but this win might ignite their season as they move out of the relegation zone.

It was Kallon’s third season since joining the Chinese Super League club on 9 February 2024 from fellow Chinese Super League club Nantong Zhiyun.

Nantong Zhiyun were stunned by Tianjin Teda in their recent match to play out a 1-1 draw, thwarting their chances of recording their third win of the season.

In that match, they took the lead through Yongtao Lu’s goal in the 45th minute, only to squander their lead in the game’s dying minutes.

Before today, their team had not won in their last eight league matches (L5, D3). They came into this game after losing their previous two matches, with 5-2 defeats against Zhejiang Professional FC and Beijing Guoan FC.

Chelsea has confirmed that Morocco International Hakim Ziyech has completed a permanent transfer to Galatasaray.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech completes Galatasaray’s permanent move

Chelsea has confirmed that Morocco International Hakim Ziyech has completed a permanent transfer to Galatasaray.

Ziyech initially joined the Turkish team on loan last summer but has now left Chelsea permanently.

The winger, 31, spent last season on loan with the Turkish team after a temporary deal with an obligation to make the move permanent was agreed.

The Morocco international made 23 appearances across all competitions, scoring eight goals and assisting another four.

During his time at Stamford Bridge, he scored 14 goals and achieved success in the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.

“We appreciate Hakim’s contributions during his time at Chelsea and wish him the best in the next phase of his career,” Chelsea noted.

FC Augsburg has fortified its attacking lineup with a new acquisition of Congolese international Samuel Essende.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Congolese International Samuel Essende joins FC Augsburg

FC Augsburg has fortified its attacking lineup with a new acquisition of Congolese international Samuel Essende.

The 26-year-old forward, previously with Portuguese first-division relegated team FC Vizela, has signed a contract with FCA until June 30, 2028. The specific details of the transfer remain undisclosed.

Born in Montfermeil, France, Essende received his training at the Paris Saint-Germain academy and demonstrated his prowess by scoring 15 goals in the Portuguese Primeira Liga last season.

Standing at an impressive height of 1.92 meters, the striker has previously represented French clubs SM Caen and Pau FC, as well as Belgian first-division club KAS Eupen.

Essende made his national team debut for the Democratic Republic of Congo in early June during the World Cup qualifier in Senegal.

The striker is excited to join FC Augsburg and compete in the Bundesliga. FCA’s sports director, Marinko Jurendic, praised Samuel as a skilled striker and extended a warm welcome, wishing him success at FCA.

Samuel Essende is excited to join FC Augsburg and compete in the Bundesliga. FCA’s sports director, Marinko Jurendic, praised Samuel as a skilled striker and extended a warm welcome, wishing him success at FCA.

Guinea's Serhou Guirassy is on the verge to join Borussia Dortmund
by FSL News

Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy on the verge of joining Borussia Dortmund

Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, the 28-year-old striker for the national team, has agreed to join Borussia Dortmund.

After being considered by several top clubs, including AC Milan, he has decided to join the German side.

Recent reports have revealed that there is now a complete agreement between Guirassy and Borussia Dortmund.

The club is focused on activating Guirassy’s release clause, which stands at €17.5 million.

Guirassy’s impending transfer to Signal Iduna Park comes after an impressive season in the Bundesliga, where he was the second-highest scorer with 28 goals in just 30 appearances across all competitions this season.

The deal, once finalized, will see Guirassy bolstering Borussia Dortmund’s attacking lineup.

Guirassy, a former youth international for France, chose to play for the Republic of Guinea at senior level.

He debuted for Guinea in a 0–0 friendly against South Africa on March 25, 2022, in Kortrijk, Belgium, and was later named in the Guinean squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Ghana's Jerome Opoku pens permanent deal with Başakşehir
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana’s Jerome Opoku pens permanent deal with Başakşehir

Jerome Opoku, a talented Ghanaian player, has signed a three-year contract with İstanbul Süper Lig club Başakşehir.

This follows his loan from Portuguese club Arouca at the start of the 2023-2024 season.

Opoku previously showcased his skill by leading Fulham U23s and gaining valuable experience during loan spells at Accrington Stanley, Plymouth Argyle, and Vejle Boldklub.

His dedication and versatility make him a valuable addition to the Başakşehir family.

Opoku, who was born in England and is of Ghanaian descent, made his debut for the Ghana national team on 18 October 2023 in a friendly match against the United States national team, which ended in a loss.

Denis Odoi joins Belgian Pro League team Royal Antwerp
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Denis Odoi joins Belgian Pro League team Royal Antwerp

Belgian team Royal Antwerp has added an experienced Ghanaian player, Denis Odoi (36), to their squad.

Odoi has joined the club on a free transfer from Club Brugge and has signed a two-year contract.

Born in Leuven, Belgium, Odoi is known for his versatility and is expected to bring valuable experience to RAFC’s young dressing room.

He started playing football at the age of five and has had a successful career. Last season, Odoi played 39 games in all competitions, including Brugge’s run to the UEFA Europa Conference League semifinals. He scored three goals in the past season.

Odoi’s international journey saw him switch to represent Ghana in 2022, and he debuted in a 0–0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Nigeria on 25 March 2022.

In November 2022, Odoi was named in the Black Stars of Ghana squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Sierra Leone champions to join by Mogbwemo Queens FC by other WAFU-A Zone nations to compete
by FSL News

WAFU to Inspect facilities ahead of Women’s CL Qualifiers

Executive members of the West Africa Football Union have safely arrived in Freetown, Sierra Leone. They are preparing to inspect Southern Arena Stadium for the upcoming CAF Women’s Champions League Qualifiers.

Sierra Leone champions  Mogbwemo Queens FC will be join by other WAFU-A Zone Women’s Champions to compete in this year’s qualifiers, which will be held in from August 2 to 11 at the Southern Arena in Bo City.

In preparation, WAFU Zone-A Executive Director Mapathe Gaye from Senegal and Finance Officer Balamin Ceesay from The Gambia are in Sierra Leone for a facilities inspection.

The SLFA team warmly welcomed the Wafu delegates at the Home Suites Hotel in Freetown. Acting General Secretary Mohamed Benson, Head of Finance Ibrahim Bah, Director of Competitions Sorie Ibrahim Sesay, and a cross-section of the Local Organizing Committee met the delegates as they planned for a successful tournament.

Acting General Secretary Mohamed Benson, stated, “We are committed to hosting a fantastic tournament that will showcase the talent of our women footballers and the capacity of Sierra Leone to host significant regional sporting events.”

Facility inspection is crucial to ensure that all venues and amenities meet the high standards for this international competition. The tournament will feature the top female football clubs for a week of competitive matches.

The SLFA team warmly welcomed the Wafu delegates at the Home Suites Hotel in Freetown. Acting General Secretary Mohamed Benson, Head of Finance Ibrahim Bah, Director of Competitions Sorie Ibrahim Sesay, and a cross-section of the Local Organizing Committee met the delegates as they planned for a successful tournament.
The SLFA team warmly welcomed the Wafu delegates at the Home Suites Hotel in Freetown. Acting General Secretary Mohamed Benson, Head of Finance Ibrahim Bah, Director of Competitions Sorie Ibrahim Sesay, and a cross-section of the Local Organizing Committee met the delegates as they planned for a successful tournament.
Debutant Kenya, Nigeria & Zambia face tricky U17 draw
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Debutant Kenya, Nigeria & Zambia face tricky U17 draw

The draw for the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup took place on Saturday. Nigeria, Kenya, and Zambia have learned who they will be competing against in the group stage of the tournament.

Nigeria, a regular participant, will be in Group A with the host countries Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and New Zealand. They hope to perform better than before in the competition.

Kenya, making their debut in the tournament, drawn in a challenging Group C, where they will play against North Korea, Mexico, and England. Despite being newcomers, the Kenyan team is eager to make their mark on the global stage.

Kenya will begin their campaign against England on Thursday, October 17, 2024, marking their debut in the competition.

Zambia, the third African team, is placed in Group D and will face 2014 champions Japan, Poland, and Brazil. They face a tough challenge to progress from this group.

This tournament is a great opportunity for the African teams to showcase their talent and contribute to the growing influence of women’s football on the continent.

The competition begins on 16 October and ends with the final on 3 November in Santo Domingo.

This will be the last time the competition features 16 nations, as the 2025 tournament in Morocco will include 24 teams.

Bulgarian club Botev Plovdiv counts on new acquisition Anthony Ujah
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bulgaria’s Plovdiv counts on new acquisition Anthony Ujah

Bulgarian club Botev Plovdiv believes their new signing, Anthony Ujah, will bring experience and goals for the 2024 First League season.

The team’s sporting director, Arthur Platek, is confident that Ujah will perform at a high level and provide valuable experience for the team.

Botev (Plovdiv) is excited to welcome Anthony Ujah, a Nigerian striker with experience in the Bundesliga and Second Bundesliga. The team’s sporting director, Artur Platek, is confident that Ujah’s goal-scoring ability and experience will help the team improve. Ujah chose to join Botev Plovdiv instead of renewing his contract with German Bundesliga II team Eintracht Braunschweig.

Platek stated that Ujah, along with Ivelin Popov, will help guide the younger players and share their knowledge of what is needed to succeed in top European championships.

The Nigerian striker is the fourth new addition to the team after Alexa Marash, Alain Koroshets and Hans Christian Bernat .