Category: Football Africa

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.

Sierra Leone's Osman Kakay to Boavista is imminent Sierra Leone international Osman Kakay is set to rejuvenate his career in Portugal with Boavista after parting ways with English Championship club Queens Park Rangers. Read www.footballsierraleone.net #PlayersAbroad #FSLNews #FSLMedia #SierraLeone #Boavista
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Osman Kakay to Boavista is imminent

Sierra Leone international Osman Kakay is set to rejuvenate his career in Portugal with Boavista after parting ways with English Championship club Queens Park Rangers.

Boavista is now free to sign new players following the lifting of FIFA’s transfer ban that had previously prohibited them from registering players for five consecutive transfer windows.

With the arrival of new head coach Lito Vidigal, who has signed a contract valid until the end of the current season, the club is looking to strengthen its squad. Ongoing discussions aim to bring in several key players.

Osman Kakay and midfielder Marco van Ginkel, a 32-year-old Dutch international known for his time with Chelsea, Milan, PSV, and Vitesse, are under consideration. Additionally, Layvin Kurzawa, a 32-year-old left-back and former PSG player, along with Moussa Koné, a 28-year-old Senegalese winger who played last season on loan from LASK Linz at FC DAC 1904 in Slovakia, have already signed with Boavista and will be presented in the coming days.

Tomas Vaclik, a 35-year-old Czech Republic international goalkeeper who won the Europa League with Sevilla, is currently training at Bessa and is expected to be officially confirmed by the club soon. Rúben Ribeiro, the former Chaves winger, is also anticipated to join the squad shortly.

Tunisia name Sami Trabelsi as new Carthage Eagles head coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia name Sami Trabelsi as new Carthage Eagles head coach

The Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) has officially appointed Sami Trabelsi as the new head coach of the Carthage Eagles. The announcement came on Monday, marking Trabelsi’s return to a position he held from 2011 to 2013.

Hamadi Daou and Mohamed Sahli will assist Trabelsi as assistant coaches, replacing Faouzi Benzarti, whose contract was terminated amicably last October.

The coaching staff will also include Wassim Moalla and Aymen Jedidi as physical trainers, Hichem Jaziri as goalkeeper coach, and Helmi Kechaou and Walid Ben Tamansourt as video analysts.

In a statement, the FTF highlighted the importance of the new team members in enhancing performance and strategy.

Trabelsi’s first challenge will be leading the Carthage Eagles in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, starting with matches against Liberia and Malawi in March 2025. With his experience and the new coaching team, Tunisia aims to secure a spot in the tournament.

Abu Kamara's Hull City away to Burnley in the English Championship
by FSL News

Abu Kamara’s Hull City travel to face Burnley in the English Championship

Abu Kamara has not scored since his two goals against Leeds United and will look to change that in the match against Burnley on Wednesday night.

Kamara joined Hull City from Norwich City on the summer deadline day in 2024 and has been important for the team this season.

High flying Burnley unbeaten in their last six league games against Hull City, with two wins and four draws, and they have conceded one goal or fewer in each of those matches.

Hull City has lost 10 of their last 14 away games against Burnley, though their last two visits to Turf Moor ended in 1-1 draws. Burnley has kept nine consecutive clean sheets in the Championship, with no team ever achieving 10 in a row.

Hull City has won their last three away games without conceding, following five straight losses. They have never won four away games in a row while keeping a clean sheet.

In the 2024-25 season, Burnley has scored 37 goals and allowed only 9 in 31 games, averaging 1.48 goals per game, the lowest in Football League history.

Striker Amadou Bakayoko looking forward to new J League 2 campaign
by FSL News

Striker Amadou Bakayoko looking forward to new JLeague 2 campaign

Sierra Leone striker Amadou Bakayoko is excited about the upcoming season in JLeague 2.

On July 28, 2024, Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo announced they signed Bakayoko. He made his debut on August 16 and scored his first goal from a penalty in a 5–3 win over Sagan Tosu. Unfortunately, the team was relegated to JLeague 2 last season.

Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo will start their campaign away against Oita Trinita next Sunday, and Bakayoko is looking forward to it.

He is counting down the days until the season starts again. Bakayoko told FSL News, “I can’t wait for the new season to start.

With the new manager, we have a new style of play that suits me well, and I hope the team has a strong season. Our first game is on February 16, but because of the cold and snowy weather in Sapporo, we will play our first three games in Kumamoto. We will return for our first home game on March 9.

I’m happy with my preseason form, having scored three goals in three games, which is good preparation for the start of the season.”