CAF confirm dates for Inter-Club quarterfinals draw
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF confirm dates for Inter-Club quarterfinals draw

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed when and where the quarter-final fixtures for the 2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup will be decided.

The draw is set to take place on Thursday, February 20, 2025, in Doha, Qatar, in collaboration with beIN Sports. During this event, CAF will determine the quarter-final pairings for both competitions.

The CAF Confederation Cup draw is scheduled for 14:00 GMT (16:00 Cairo time), with the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League draw following at 15:00 GMT (17:00 Cairo time).

Both tournaments will feature quarter-finals played over two legs. The first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League is slated for April 1-2 and April 8-9. The quarter-final matches for the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup will occur on April 2 and April 9, 2025.

The reigning champions will be part of both draws: Al Ahly SC for the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and Zamalek SC for the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup.

TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Quarter-Final Stage Qualified Teams:

Al Ahly SC (Egypt), Al Hilal (Sudan), AS FAR (Morocco), Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), Mamelodi Sundowns,  Orlando Pirates (South Africa), Pyramids (Egypt), MC Alger (Algeria).

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Quarter-Final Stage Qualified Teams:

Zamalek SC (Egypt), Asec Mimosas (Cote d’Ivoire), Al Masry (Egypt), CS Constantine (Algeria), RS Berkane (Morocco),  Simba SC (Tanzania), Stellenbosch FC (South Africa), USM Alger (Algeria).

For more on the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, visit www.cafonline.com

Ivorian striker Emmanuel Latte Lath move to Atlanta United completed
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivorian striker Emmanuel Latte Lath move to Atlanta United completed

Middlesbrough has formally announced the transfer of striker Emmanuel Latte Lath to Atlanta United for a fee of £22.5 million.

The Major League Soccer side confirmed that the contract for the Ivory Coast international is through the 2028 MLS season with an option for 2029.

This transaction represents a record sum received by Middlesbrough and is noted as the highest fee ever paid in Major League Soccer (MLS) history, successfully completed just prior to the transfer deadline on Monday.

Emmanuel Latte Lath, a 26-year-old international from Ivory Coast, has made a significant impact at Middlesbrough since joining from Swiss club St. Gallen in August 2023, scoring 27 goals in 59 Championship appearances.

His standout season was 2023-24, where he netted 16 goals and two in the EFL Cup. In April, he scored eight goals in six games, earning Player of the Month honors. He ranks among the top six center forwards in several categories since the start of last season.

Midfielder Yayah Kallon signs for Serie C club Casertana on loan
by FSL News

Midfielder Yayah Kallon signs for Serie C club Casertana on loan

Casertana officially announced the loan signing of Sierra Leone’s Yayah, following the approval of Hellas Verona, the club that currently holds his registration rights.

Kallon, 23, began his football journey in Italy at Savona, where he quickly showcased his talent. His skills earned him a move to Genoa’s Primavera team, where he continued to develop as a player.

In January 2024, Kallon was loaned to Bari, where he had the opportunity to gain further experience. Last summer, he joined Salernitana, and during the first part of the current season, he appeared in 11 matches in the second division.

His impressive performances caught the attention of scouts, and in the summer of 2022, Kallon was signed by Hellas Verona. He made an instant impact at Verona by scoring his first Serie A goal on his debut against Empoli, showcasing his potential on one of the top stages of Italian football.

On May 22, 2021, he made a significant step in his career by debuting in Serie A with Genoa in a match against Cagliari, marking a milestone achievement for the young athlete.

Just a few months later, on August 13, he scored his first professional goal in the Coppa Italia, helping his team secure a victory against Perugia.

Midfielder Yayah Kallon signs for Serie C club Casertana on loan
Midfielder Yayah Kallon signs for Serie C club Casertana on loan
Nigerian striker Emmanuel Dennis joins Blackburn on loan from Forest
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigerian striker Emmanuel Dennis joins Blackburn on loan from Forest

Blackburn Rovers have completed the loan signing of striker Emmanuel Dennis from Nottingham Forest on transfer deadline day.

Dennis, 27, is their third signing of the day, joining Yuri Ribeiro from Braga and Cauley Woodrow from Luton Town.

Dennis began his career with Zorya Luhansk in Ukraine, where he made a strong debut by scoring in a 3-0 victory and gained valuable experience in the Europa League. He later moved to Club Brugge, scoring 19 league goals in 85 appearances.

After a loan spell with FC Cologne, Dennis joined Watford in June 2021, where he netted 10 Premier League goals and made a notable debut against Aston Villa.

His performances attracted Nottingham Forest’s attention, leading to a £20 million transfer in August 2022. He continued to perform well in the Premier League, scoring against teams like Aston Villa and Newcastle United.

Dennis has also had loan spells with Istanbul Basaksehir and his former club, Watford, and has earned eight caps for the Nigerian national team.

Burkina Faso international Nasser Djiga ready for Premier League
by FSL News

Burkina Faso international Nasser Djiga ready for Premier League

Wolverhampton Wanderers has strengthened its defense by signing Burkina Faso international Nasser Djiga on a contract that runs until 2030.

Djiga, 22, joined Wolves from Red Star Belgrade, where he spent 18 months in the Serbian SuperLiga. He began his career at Vitesse FC in Burkina Faso and later moved to FC Basel in Switzerland, winning the Swiss Super League.

Djiga had a loan spell at Nîmes in France before a successful loan at Red Star last season, where he helped the team win the Serbian SuperLiga and the Serbian Cup. He also played in the Champions League against Manchester City.

Wolves’ chairman, Jeff Shi, said, “We’re happy to welcome Nasser. Many worked hard to make this happen, and we are excited to see him become part of the Wolves family. This signing is a great investment for the club. Nasser has huge potential, and we look forward to seeing him develop.”

Sporting director Matt Hobbs added, “We wanted to strengthen our central defense, and Nasser can help the squad now and in the future. He is the quick and aggressive center-back we need, and we’re eager to see him compete for his spot.”