Category: Sport News

International friendlies: Morocco, Cameroon and the Gambia all register wins
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

International friendlies: Morocco, Cameroon and the Gambia register wins

On Friday, African national teams were busy testing their prowess during the June FIFA window. While some top teams played in Europe, several matches between African teams took place in Morocco.

In Morocco, Cameroon, Niger, Burundi, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic all won their matches. In Marrakech, Cameroon beat Uganda 3-0.

Cameroon scored through set pieces. Flavien Boyomo and Jean Batoum scored their first goals for the team with headers from corner kicks. Patrick Soko also scored his first goal for the national team, assisted by captain Vincent Aboubakar.

Earlier, Gambia beat Equatorial Guinea 2-1 in Marrakech, with both goals from Adama Sidibeh. Gambia will face Uganda next, while Equatorial Guinea will play Cameroon on Monday in Morocco.

In Casablanca, Niger faced Gabon in an exciting match that ended 4-3 in favor of Niger. Youssouf Oumarou and Oumar Sako each scored, and Daniel Sosah added two goals. Jim Allevinah, Andre Biyogho Poko, and Guelor Kanga scored for Gabon.

In Mohammedia, Burkina Faso bounced back from a recent loss to defeat Zimbabwe 2-0. New signing Stephane Aziz Ki scored first in the 22nd minute, followed by Cyriaque Irie, who scored just before halftime.

Burundi achieved a 1-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau in Casablanca, with Bienvenue Kanakimana scoring the only goal from a cross.

In another match, the Central African Republic came from behind to defeat Mauritania. Hemeya Tanjy scored a penalty for Mauritania, but Gabriel Oualengbe equalized, and Paul Guinari scored the winner in stoppage time.

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Algerian defender Rayan Ait-Nouri in Pep Guardiola's radar to join Man City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Algerian defender Rayan Ait-Nouri in Pep Guardiola’s radar to join Man City

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola wants to sign Rayan Ait-Nouri to fix the team’s left-back position. There is currently no agreement for the 23-year-old Algerian player, but sources believe the deal will go through.

Ait-Nouri is in Algeria’s squad for friendly matches against Rwanda on June 5 and Sweden on June 10. City needs to complete the transfer before June 10 for Ait-Nouri to play in the group stage of the Club World Cup.

City has not had a dedicated left-back since Benjamin Mendy left in August 2021. Players like Oleksandr Zinchenko, Joao Cancelo, and Josko Gvardiol have filled in for that role.

Last season, young player Nico O’Reilly also played as a left-back, including in the FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace. Guardiola hopes to address this need this summer, and Ait-Nouri from Wolves is his top choice.

Rayan Ait-Nouri is in his fifth season with Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) and had his best performance under manager Gary O’Neil in 2023/24. He was initially signed on loan from Angers in 2020, scoring on his debut against Crystal Palace, which led to a permanent transfer.

Sierra Leone attacker Mustapha Bundu ready for new adventure
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone attacker Mustapha Bundu ready for new adventure

Mustapha Bundu will leave Plymouth Argyle this summer. His agent told Plymouth Live that clubs in England and Germany are interested in signing him.

The 28-year-old is now a free agent at the end of June after turning down a new contract. Following the team’s relegation from the Championship, he decided to look for new opportunities.

Bundu was Argyle’s second-top scorer last season, scoring 11 goals in all competitions. He netted six goals in the last ten games and also provided seven assists.

John Sivebaek, Bundu’s agent and a former Manchester United and Denmark defender, explained the situation. He said, “Mustapha has enjoyed his time at Plymouth. However, he does not want to play in League One; he wants to aim higher. I have informed Plymouth about this.”

Bundu joined Argyle from Belgian club Anderlecht in the summer transfer window of 2023, signing a two-year contract. He made 70 appearances for the first team, starting 39 games and scoring 14 goals.

Sivebaek added, “This decision is not about Plymouth. Mustapha has been happy there. The problem is the relegation to League One, and he has bigger ambitions. I hope everyone understands his choice.”

Sierra Leone International Kallum Cesay pens Salford City deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone International Kallum Cesay pens Salford City deal

Salford City have confirmed the signing of Sierra Leone international versatile midfielder Kallum Cesay from National League side Wealdstone for an undisclosed fee.

The 22-year-old joined Wealdstone in February 2024 and played a pivotal role in helping the club maintain its position in The National League, scoring six goals in 37 league appearances during the past season. He earned a reputation at the club for his high energy and strong work ethic.

Before joining Wealdstone, Cesay spent his early career at Tottenham Hotspur and made four international appearances for Sierra Leone, scoring twice for the national team.

Kallum has signed a two-year deal with The Ammies and is eagerly anticipating his first match at The Peninsula Stadium. He expressed his excitement, saying, “I am very happy to be here, and my first impressions are excellent. I’m eager to get started now; I’ve watched a couple of games and I like the way they play, so I want to get going.

“Promotion is the goal, but we will see how the season unfolds. I have no doubts; we have some really good players, so we should be alright. I am looking forward to playing in front of the Salford fans, and I just need to deliver for them—no excuses, no exceptions.”

Uganda's Cranes set for International friendly doubleheader
by FSL News

Uganda’s Cranes set for International friendly doubleheader

Uganda Cranes have finished selecting their squad in Marrakech, Morocco against Cameroon on Friday, June 6, and the Gambia on Monday, June 9—as the Cranes prepare for upcoming competitive matches.

Bobosi Byaruhanga, Elio Capradossi, Jordan Obita, Allan Oyirwoth, Isaac Muleme, and Elvis Bwomono have joined the team, increasing the total number of players to 27.

Striker Steven Mukwala will not be joining the team due to a minor injury he sustained while playing for Simba SC in Tanzania.

Wigan Athletic defender Toby Sibbick was the first of the eight foreign-based players to arrive at the training camp. With Mukwala’s injury, there are now seven foreign players available.

The team will hold its second training session this evening in Marrakech, with all players expected to participate.

Full Uganda Cranes Squad in Marrakech:

Goalkeepers

Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows, South Africa)

Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces, Ethiopia)

Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC, Uganda)

Hannington Sebwalunyo (NEC FC, Uganda)

Defenders

Elvis Bwomono (St Mirren, Scotland)

Nico Wadada (Vipers SC, Uganda)

Elio Capradossi (AS Cittadella, Italy)

Arnold Odong (SC Villa, Uganda)

Toby Sibbick (Wigan Athletic, England)

Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda)

Jordan Obita (Hibernian FC, Scotland)

Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Žižkov, Czech Republic)

Midfielders

Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots, USA)

Kenneth Semakula (Club Africain, Tunisia)

Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution, USA)

Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC, Uganda)

Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC, Uganda)

Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda)

Travis Mutyaba (Bordeaux, France)

Forwards

Dennis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda)

Hakim Kiwanuka (APR FC, Rwanda)

Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, North Macedonia)

Usama Arafat (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa, Uganda)

Ivan Ahimbisibwe (URA FC, Uganda)

Mohammad Shaban

Nigerian midfielder Onuche Ogbelu pens new Espérance deal
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigerian midfielder Onuche Ogbelu pens new Espérance deal

Tunisian club Espérance Sportive de Tunis has extended Nigerian midfielder Onuche Ogbelu’s contract.

The 22-year-old’s old contract was set to end in 2026, but now he will stay with the club until June 2028. This extension shows the club’s strong belief in him as a promising young player for the upcoming season.

Ogbelu is a key player in Espérance’s midfield. Since joining from Nigeria’s Fosla Academy in September 2023, he has made 53 appearances. He has also helped the team win two Tunisian Ligue 1 titles, one Tunisian Cup, and one Tunisian Super Cup.

His most memorable moment came when he scored the winning goal with a powerful shot from outside the box in the Tunisian Cup final against Club Sportif de la Médina de Tunis. This performance established him as a big-game player.

Espérance acted quickly to secure his future due to growing interest from other clubs in Africa and Europe.

Midfielder Kamil Conteh attracting attention from English clubs
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Midfielder Kamil Conteh attracting attention from English clubs

Recent reports have indicated that Derby County has made a bid for Bristol Rovers’ midfielder Kamil Conteh. However, according to journalist Dan Hargreaves, this information is incorrect. Despite this, the Sierra Leone international is still sought after by several English clubs.

Bristol Rovers have not received any bids for Conteh so far, but many clubs are likely to show interest in him this summer.

It may be difficult for Bristol Rovers to keep him after being relegated to League Two.

Kamil Conteh has emerged as a prominent prospect, capturing the attention of several top English clubs. All eyes are on Conteh as summer unfolds to see where he will play next season.

On March 17, 2022, Conteh received his first call-up to the Sierra Leone national team for friendlies against Togo, Liberia, and Congo.

A week later, he earned his first cap during a 3–0 defeat to Togo, playing the full 90 minutes. Since then, he has earned nine caps for the West African nation.

Gambia at work for Equatorial Guinea and Uganda friendlies
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Gambia at work for Equatorial Guinea and Uganda friendlies

Ex-Sierra Leone coach, Johnathan McKinstry‘s Gambia completed their first session ahead of two highly anticipated international friendly matches this month that aim to sharpen his team.

Both matches are set to unfold in the vibrant city of Marrakesh, Morocco, known for its rich culture and warm hospitality.

The Gambia team, known as The Scorpions, will start their test match on June 6, 2025, against Equatorial Guinea, following a challenging match with Uganda on May 9, 2025.

These friendly games are important for the Scorpions. They are preparing for their World Cup qualifier match against Seychelles in September 2025.

The coaching staff aims to improve the team’s fitness, tactics, and teamwork during these matches.

Currently, The Gambia is struggling in the World Cup qualifiers. They are second from the bottom in Group F, with only 5 points from six matches.

The upcoming friendlies will help the team regain confidence and improve their chances in the qualifiers.

Nigeria final list for Russia friendly at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria final list for Russia friendly at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium

The Super Eagles have made several changes to their squad for the upcoming match against Russia in Moscow on Friday June 6, at Moscow’s iconic Luzhniki Stadium.

The match will be the first senior-level encounter between Nigeria and Russia. After winning the 2025 Unity Cup in London against Jamaica in a dramatic penalty shootout, Chelle is now focusing on Nigeria’s next game.

Football Sierra Leone has learned that Brentford youngster Benjamin Fredrick secured his spot on the squad after a strong debut performance for the Super Eagles in the London Unity Cup.  

Additionally, three players from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) have been included in the travelling party: Isaac Saviour from Enugu Rangers and Sodiq Ismail and Sikiru Alimi from Remo Stars.

Originally, Niger Tornadoes midfielder Papa Daniel was the only player from the domestic league selected for the trip to Russia. Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface will also join the squad from Nigeria.

Nigeria final list for Russia friendly at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium on June 6th
Nigeria final list for Russia friendly at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium on June 6th
Tunisia overcomes Burkina Faso in friendly test
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia overcomes Burkina Faso in friendly test

Tunisia defeated Burkina Faso 2-0 in an international friendly match on Monday at Hammadi Agrebi Olympic Stadium, scoring both goals in the final moments.

Edmond Tapsoba’s own goal and Hazem Mastouri’s (Tunisia) right-footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal were enough for the Eagles of Carthage of Tunisia.

Tapsoba’s own goal came in the 60th minute and Mastouri scored the second in the 91st minute as Tunisia emerged victorious.

This friendly match is the first of three practice games for Tunisia in eight days, with upcoming matches against Morocco and Zambia. These games will help the team prepare for key qualifying matches.

In September, the Carthage Eagles will play Liberia again and then face Equatorial Guinea. In October, they will compete against Sao Tome and Principe and have a final match against Namibia.

Tunisia’s recent wins have helped them move up three spots in the FIFA rankings, now sitting at 49th place. These friendly matches will be important in shaping their ranking for the next update in July.