Category: Football Africa

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini blasts Africa's best player Lookman
by FSL News

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini unhappy with Africa’s best player Lookman

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini commented on striker Ademola Lookman’s performance following the team’s 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League, resulting in a 5-2 aggregate loss.

Lookman scored early in the second half, but he was unable to convert his second chance after a penalty attempt was saved by Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

Gasperini expressed concerns about Lookman’s ability as a penalty taker, stating he is “one of the least effective” he has seen. He suggested that offensive midfielder Charles De Ketelaere or striker Mateo Retegui should have taken the penalty instead.

“Lookman was not intended to take that penalty; he has a notably poor record in both games and training. He seized the opportunity after scoring, but I did not find that decision appropriate,” Gasperini noted.

He also addressed the conduct of Atalanta captain Rafael Tolói, who received a red card for an incident with Maxim De Cuyper. “This was an unfortunate occurrence, and we must maintain composure at all times,” he emphasized.

Atalanta, currently third in Serie A, became the second Italian team to exit the Champions League, following AC Milan, who lost 2-1 on aggregate to Feyenoord.

Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban to Warriors of Zimbabwe v Benin
by Football Sierra Leone

Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban to host Warriors of Zimbabwe v Benin  

Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has not met its goals after announcing that the Moses Mabhida Stadium will host the national team’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Benin.

As a result, ZIFA confirmed that coach Michael Nees’ team will play against the Cheetahs at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on March 20. They hope to secure their first win in Group C of the qualifiers for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States in 2026.

ZIFA’s new president, Nqobile Magwizi, had promised that the National Sports Stadium would be the home venue for the Warriors’ matches this year. However, the Harare stadium is still being renovated to meet FIFA’s requirements. This includes adding electronic turnstiles, bucket seats, standard changing rooms, and electronic screens.

Since the FIFA ban on ZIFA was lifted in July 2023, Zimbabwe has had to play its international matches outside the country. The team has used venues in Malawi, South Africa, and Uganda.

ZIFA stated, “The Zimbabwe Senior Men’s National Team, the Warriors, will play their Matchday 5, Group C, FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Benin at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa.”

The organization added, “ZIFA had originally planned to hold this match in Polokwane, but after it was allocated to Bafana Bafana in January, we had to look for other venues.”

Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned Adel Amrouche's CAF suspension
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Court of Arbitration for Sport overturns Adel Amrouche’s CAF suspension

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has removed the suspension that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) placed on Algerian coach Adel Amrouche during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

At the time, Amrouche coached Tanzania and made public claims against the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) during the tournament in Côte d’Ivoire. His comments followed Tanzania’s 3-0 loss to Morocco, where he criticized Morocco’s influence on CAF’s decisions.

“The Moroccan Federation is a strong power in African football. In our last match against Morocco, they forced us to play in the evening when we wanted to play in the early afternoon,” Amrouche said. He also stated, “Morocco currently controls African football. They choose the referees, and we are just spectators,” the 55-year-old coach added.

After his remarks, CAF suspended Amrouche for eight matches, and the Tanzanian Football Federation fired him. This decision caused controversy, with many people questioning whether the punishment was too harsh.

More than a year later, CAS ruled in favor of Amrouche, cancelling the suspension and awarding him $3,336.45 in compensation from CAF.

This ruling is a big win for the Algerian coach, who feels relieved to have his reputation restored. The decision helps him close a difficult chapter in his career, allowing him to move on without the weight of the suspension.

For Amrouche, this ruling is not just about the money; it is also about regaining his place in the football world.

Ivory Coast forward Amad Diallo out for the rest of the season
by FSL News

Ivory Coast forward Amad Diallo out for the rest of the season with ankle injury

Ivory Coast and Manchester United forward Amad Diallo will miss the rest of the season because of ankle ligament damage, according to Manchester United’s manager Ruben Amorim.

The 22-year-old player from Ivory Coast posted on Instagram on Saturday to confirm his injury.

“I’m extremely disappointed to write this message at such an important time in the season,” Diallo said.

“Unfortunately, I will be out for some time due to this injury. I will come back stronger than ever! Now it’s time to support the boys from the sidelines. There is still a lot to play for.”

After Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Tottenham, Amorim said, “Amad is definitely out for the rest of the season.

“Amad was alone when he got injured. He was making a tackle, and his foot got stuck in the grass. Some players felt unwell during training too, so it’s been a tough situation. Sometimes, everything seems to go wrong, but we need to face this challenge and focus on the next game. That’s all we can do.”

Diallo has been a standout player for United this season, scoring six goals in his last 14 games.

https://twitter.com/Amaddiallo_19/status/1890827336171335967

Chinese side Chengdu Rongcheng unveil Sierra Leone winger Issa Kallon
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Chinese side Chengdu Rongcheng unveil Sierra Leone winger Issa Kallon

Chinese Super League last season’s third-place side Chengdu Rongcheng has unveiled Sierra Leone winger Issa Kallon.

Kallon confirmed that he has reached an agreement for a two-year contract with Chengdu Rongcheng and is prepared for the upcoming Chinese Super League campaign.

The 29-year-old, who joined Shanghai Port from the Dutch club Cambuur in 2022, is embarking on a new chapter in his career after departing Nantong Zhiyun.

The Chinse Super League is set to kick start this week as Chengdu Rongcheng open its campaign against Wuhan Three Towns on Saturday.

The Sierra Leone International recorded seven goals and eight assists in 45 appearances for Shanghai Port when they won the title before moving to join Nantong Zhiyun in 2024, scoring five goals & two assists in 22 matches.

He scored on his debut for Nantong Zhiyun in the Chinese Super League opening game of the 2024/2025 season. Nantong Zhiyun played away from Tianjin Jinmen Tiger, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw in March last year.

He equalizer for Nantong Zhiyun in the 67th minute. He received a pass and slotted the ball at the bottom right of the net.

Kallon had joined Nantong Zhiyun after winning the title of last season with Shanghai Port. 

He started his football career as a youth exponent from FC Utrecht and made his Eredivisie debut on 24th August 2014 in a 1-2 away win against Feyenoord on 24 August 2014 in a 1–2 away win against Feyenoord.

Burkinabé winger Dango Ouattara records his ninth goal of the season
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkinabé winger Dango Ouattara records his ninth goal of the season

Burkinabé winger Dango Ouattara recorded his night of the Premier League season as Bournemouth reached another significant milestone in their commendable 2024/25 campaign by completing their first league double over local rivals Southampton on Saturday.

Dango Ouattara, who previously scored in the 3-1 victory against Southampton at the Vitality Stadium in September, initiated the scoring with a glancing header in the 14th minute.

Barely two minutes later, the passionate away supporters witnessed a second goal as Ryan Christie expertly placed a remarkable 25-yard shot beyond former Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

Although Kamaldeen Sulemana managed to reduce the deficit in the 72nd minute, Marcus Tavernier, who came off the bench, concluded the match with an impressive strike seven minutes before the final whistle.

This victory has elevated Andoni Iraola’s team to fifth place in the league standings and has further extended their club-record unbeaten streak in away Premier League matches to seven.

During this impressive run, they have secured victories against Wolves, Ipswich, Manchester United, and Newcastle, in addition to drawing with Fulham and Chelsea.

Egypt's Omar Marmoush nets first City's hat-trick as climb back into top four
by FSL News

Egypt’s Omar Marmoush nets first hat-trick as City climb back into top four

Omar Marmoush significantly impacted Manchester City’s recent match against Newcastle, scoring a first-half hat-trick that helped secure a 4-0 victory. This win allowed City to ascend back into the Premier League’s top four.

Marmoush, an Egyptian forward who was acquired for £59 million from Eintracht Frankfurt last month, displayed exceptional skill by netting his first two goals within a brief five-minute span and completing his hat-trick before halftime.

James McAtee further contributed to the scoreline by volleying home City’s fourth goal from close range. This victory marked a strong response from Pep Guardiola’s side following their midweek Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, representing their largest home league win.

In parallel, Arsenal achieved a 2-0 victory over Leicester City, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring two crucial goals in the 81st and 87th minutes. Despite their efforts, Leicester remains in the bottom three of the league, having fought diligently for their first clean sheet in 21 games across all competitions.

Additionally, Calvin Bassey’s first goal of the season secured Fulham’s 2-1 win at home against Nottingham Forest. Forest striker Chris Wood equalized just before halftime with his 18th league goal after Emile Smith Rowe initially put Fulham ahead. Bassey then secured the victory by scoring the decisive goal shortly after the hour mark.

Zimbabwean Kalisto Pasuwa named as new Malawi coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zimbabwean Kalisto Pasuwa named as new Malawi coach

Zimbabwean football coach Kalisto Pasuwa has been named the head coach of Malawi’s men’s football team.

Pasuwa, known as “Manabundu,” has signed a two-year contract and will lead The Flames until 2027. He took over on an interim basis in November last year before his official appointment.

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) announced, “We have unveiled Kalisto Pasuwa as the new head coach of the Malawi Men’s Senior National Team for two years.”

Pasuwa previously had success as the head coach of Nyasa Big Bullets, a top team in Malawi. He won four straight league titles and several other trophies before leaving the club in December 2024.

Gambia’s Yankuba Minteh’s brace helps Brighton stun Chelsea
by Football Sierra Leone

Gambia’s Yankuba Minteh’s brace helps Brighton stun Chelsea

Gambian International scored his fifth goal of the Premier League season with two goals against Chelsea on Friday night at the American Express Stadium. This helped Brighton win 3-0.

Kaoru Mitoma started the scoring with a fantastic goal, and Yankuba Minteh added two more goals. This victory ended Brighton’s two-game losing streak.

Mitoma’s great opener and Minteh’s double led Brighton to a strong win over a weak Chelsea team. Head coach Enzo Maresca faced a tough night.

Maresca disappointed fans by downplaying the importance of the FA Cup after their earlier loss to Brighton. This recent loss will not help his image among fans at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca had to play without a recognized striker, which showed in the game. Chelsea did not have a single shot on target in the league for the first time since September 2021. Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku took turns playing as a false nine but could not make an impact.

“Tonight was the worst performance since I arrived, but we are still in the race to finish in the top four,” Maresca said to Sky Sports after the match. He added, “I always feel pressure, not just now.”

https://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/medical-update-kamil-conteh
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bristol Rovers medical update on midfielder Kamil Conteh

Bristol Rovers has provided an update on Sierra Leone international Kamil Conteh following a diagnosis of bone infection.

The midfielder has been unavailable for the Gas since playing in the Sky Bet League One match against Exeter City on Boxing Day due to a minor knee injury.

“After developing an unusual swelling in his foot, the 22-year-old underwent several tests and was diagnosed with a bone infection. It is unknown how Kamil picked up the infection,” the club noted.

That the infection was diagnosed early meant Kamil was able to receive quick and effective treatment, avoiding potential long-term problems.

We are pleased to share that Kamil is now back at The Quarters Training Facility after a short recovery period, working closely with the Club’s medical team to ensure his strength and conditioning rehabilitation is completed in the safest manner possible.

While the Club is unable to put a timeframe on Kamil’s return to action, all at Bristol Rovers look forward to seeing him back in the blue-and-white quarters as soon as he receives the all-clear to do so.