Nigeria's Falcons set for cracker against Zambia's Copper Queens
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria’s Falcons set for cracker against Zambia’s Copper Queens

As they face Zambia in the quarterfinals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Nigeria will carry on their quest for the continental crown this Friday. At Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, the game is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. GMT.

With seven points from their three games, the Super Falcons controlled Group B. Starting their effort with a 3-0 victory over Tunisia, they next squeezed a narrow 1-0 win against Botswana. With a scoreless draw against Algeria, Nigeria earned first place in their group.

Having won nine titles since the tournament adopted a tournament format in 1998, Nigeria is the most decorated team in the history of the competition. They were dethroned in 2022 when South Africa took the title in Morocco, though.

Although Zambia tied Nigeria’s points total, she lost the first position to hosts Morocco based on goal differential and finished second in Group A. Opening their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Morocco, the Copper Queens beat Senegal 3-2 and finished the group phase with a 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The third-place playoff of the last edition, also conducted in Morocco, was when these two teams met at WAFCON last. Emerging victorious in that game, the Copper Queens took the bronze medal with 1-0.

Nigeria vs Zambia set for WAFCON Quarterfinal
Nigeria vs Zambia set for WAFCON Quarterfinal
Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf pens West Ham deal
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf pens West Ham deal

West Ham have signed Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague for £19 million. The 20-year-old will join the club’s preseason training camp in Germany this week.

When Slavia Prague claimed the Czech top-flight championship last season, Diouf was instrumental in their victory. Though many clubs wanted him, he selected West Ham because it fit my plan.

“I want to let the West Ham fans know I am here with them very gladly. Diouf told the club’s website, I believe we will have a great season this year.

Everyone wants to come here to play in the Premier League. Everyone, I believe, dreams of this.”

Diouf, who can play at left back or left wingback, was a player the club had been monitoring for some time, said manager Graham Potter.

“I believe he would be a great addition to the team; he is young, hungry, and ambitious.”

At 18, Diouf left Senegal for Norway’s Tromso in February 2023, scoring three goals in 21 games. A year later, he joined Slavia Prague, where he scored on his debut.

Last season, he netted seven goals as Slavia won the championship, conceding only 18 goals in 35 games. Diouf made his Senegal debut in a Nations Cup qualifier against Burundi in September 2024 and participated in a friendly win over England in June.

Kenya assures readiness for African Nations Championship
by FSL News

Kenya assures readiness for African Nations Championship

According to CAF Online, Kenyan officials have performed security checks at important locations in anticipation of the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), proving the country’s preparedness to hold the event.

With the tournament set to kick off on August 3, Kenya is co-hosting alongside Tanzania and Uganda. Kipchumba Murkomen, the Cabinet Secretary for Internal Security, was part of a team that reviewed the Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium, both of which will host matches during the event.

The Kenyan government is committed to ensuring the safety of teams, fans, and officials during the tournament. Murkomen stated, “We want to assure Africa and the world that Kenya is fully prepared to host CHAN 2024 in a secure and welcoming environment.”

He added, “Comprehensive security protocols are in place from our airports to our stadiums to guarantee the smooth operation of the tournament.”

After inspecting Nyayo, Kasarani, and the training facilities, he expressed confidence in the country’s level of readiness. “Kenya is not just ready; we’re also determined to provide a memorable CHAN experience,” he mentioned.

Moreover, the nation has announced visa-free entry for all African nations during the tournament, making it easier for football fans from across the continent to attend.

Right-back Osman Kakay joins FC Kosice in Slovakia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Right-back Osman Kakay joins FC Kosice in Slovakia

Slovak First League club FC Košice has signed Sierra Leone defender Osman Kakay on a free transfer until May 2027.

In two preseason games for League One team Blackpool against Accrington Stanley and AFC Fylde, the former QPR player showed up. He has formally become part of his new team in Nike League Central Europe.

“We needed to strengthen the right side, and we managed to get Osman Kakay, who is a very honest and experienced footballer. He has hard work, discipline and footballing ability. He proved it at Queens Park Rangers and also at Boavista Porto. He is exactly the type of footballer that we are missing, and I am convinced that a very high-quality player is coming to us,” said FC Košice sports director Marek Sapara regarding the new reinforcement.

As his new team will be playing in the UEFA Conference League, this move offers a fantastic chance for the defender to revive his career.

Košice came in fifth place last season and qualified for the semifinals of the Slovak First Football League playoff for a European spot, but FK Železiarne Podbrezová defeated them in a penalty shootout.

Košice was given a place in the UEFA Conference League, nevertheless since FC Dunajská Streda was eliminated due to common ownership with another team competing in the Conference League.

Sierra Leone international Kakay developed his skills in the QPR academy and gained experience through loan spells with Livingston, Chesterfield, and Partick Thistle.

He made 113 appearances for QPR, contributing two assists from his defensive role. QPR announced he would leave the team after his contract expires on May 6, 2024. He joined Primeira Liga club Boavista on a free transfer this year and has made nine appearances so far.

Winger Josh Koroma returns to League One side Leyton Orient
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Winger Josh Koroma returns to League One side Leyton Orient

Sierra Leone International Josh Koroma has agreed a three-year deal with English League One team Leyton Orient, where he developed his young career.

Having graduated from the Orient Academy, Koroma was on the National League championship team in 2019 and expressed his joy about coming back.

For me, this club is unique; I want to go back to the Championship and doing so with Leyton Orient would be amazing. Wear the shirt once more; I want to succeed here.

At only 17, in April 2016, he made his senior debut for Orient and scored a hat-trick in a 40 victory over Newport County. Contributing to the National League championship for the team and earning a transfer to Huddersfield Town, he played 39 games and scored 11 goals in the 2018–19 season.

Richie Wellens, head coach of Orient, said he was thrilled to welcome Josh back as he comes in as a more seasoned player, ready to reach his prime. Having loan stints at Rotherham United and Portsmouth, Koroma had 35 goals from over 150 games for Huddersfield.

Director of Football Martin Ling lauded Josh’s ability and dedication, noting his choice to refuse greater offers to come back to Leyton Orient.