Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkina Faso's Dango Ouattara's nets debut goal for Brentford
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkina Faso’s Dango Ouattara nets debut goal for Brentford

Burkina Faso’s Dango Ouattara scored on his debut for Brentford a their 1-0 victory over Aston Villa in their first home match of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

The 23-year-old’s 12th-minute finish was the difference as Keith Andrews’ team celebrated their first win at Gtech Community Stadium. Ouattara started just a week after signing, alongside Jordan Henderson, who also made his full debut.

In a tribute to former club chair Dan Tana, the Bees observed a minute’s applause before kick-off, wearing black armbands.

Damsgaard had the first chance of the match early on, but his effort went wide. Brentford took the lead through Ouattara, who scored after a rebound from an initial save by Emiliano Martínez.

Brentford’s Kayode made significant contributions with long throws, leading to a blocked attempt by Henderson. Aston Villa’s first chances came from set-pieces, with Schade and Kelleher making key saves. Damsgaard’s volley was ruled out by VAR for a foul.

Late in the first half, Ollie Watkins’ shot was also blocked, and Kayode’s challenge prevented Villa from equalizing early in the second half. Onana’s shot was blocked after Watkins set him up, and Thiago missed the chance to extend the lead with a wide shot in the final minutes.

In the second half, Kayode again played a crucial role, blocking a shot from Onana after a setup from Watkins. Thiago had another opportunity to score but also shot wide in the closing moments.

Morocco advance after win over Tanzania in CHAN quarter-final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco advance after win over Tanzania in CHAN quarter-final

Morocco defeated Tanzania 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024, ending Tanzania’s remarkable tournament run.

The match, held at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, saw Oussama Lamlaoui score the sole goal in the 65th minute, assisted by Youssef Belammari.

The game was tightly contested, with Tanzania creating chances through Clement Mzize and Feisal Salum, but Morocco’s goalkeeper, El Mehdi Al Harrar, made crucial saves. As the match progressed, Morocco began to take control, with Lamlaoui being a constant threat.

Despite trailing, Tanzania continued to press for an equalizer, with Mzize nearly scoring with a header and substitute Nassor Saadun missing a late opportunity. Morocco’s defense, led by Mohamed Moufid and Mehdi Mchakhchekh, held firm to secure the win.

This victory marks Morocco’s seventh consecutive win in CHAN knockout rounds since 2014. Though their tournament ends at this stage, Tanzania can take pride in their achievement of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time, boasting the best defensive record and showcasing the potential of East African football.

Morocco now looks forward to the semi-finals in pursuit of their third title.

Madagascar stun co-hosts Kenya in penalty shootout
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Madagascar stun co-hosts Kenya in penalty shootout

Co-hosts Kenya of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), was shocked on Thursday as their team, the Harambee Stars, lost to Madagascar in a penalty shootout during the opening quarterfinal at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.

Madagascar came back from a goal down to equalize, sending Kenya home after defender Alphonce Omija missed his penalty kick. As a result, they advanced to the CHAN semis after wining 4-3 on penalties at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi on August 22, 2025.

Madagascar defended strongly against a fierce Kenyan attack in the first half, with goalkeeper Michel “Toldo” Ramandimbisoa making crucial saves. In the second half, Kenya took the lead when Boniface Muchiri’s free kick was headed in by Alphonce Omija in the 48th minute.

Madagascar quickly equalized with a penalty converted by Fenohasina Razafimaro after a handball by Kenya’s Lewis Esambe Bandi.

The match remained tied despite chances from both teams, leading to extra time, where Kenya struggled to break through Madagascar’s defense.

After no changes in score during extra time, the match went to penalties. Madagascar will face the winner of the Sudan-Algeria match in the semifinals at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Meanwhile, Tanzania will compete against Morocco in another quarterfinal on Thursday.

Brøndby IF and Vaasan Palloseura in talks over loan deal for young keeper Wurie Jalloh
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Brøndby IF and Vaasan Palloseura in talks over loan deal for young keeper Wurie Jalloh

On Friday, the Finnish media MTV Urheilu reported that Brøndby’s young goalkeeper Mamadou Jalloh will be loaned to Vaasan Palloseura in the top division in Finland, accordng to 3Point.DK

Mamadou Jalloh has risen through the ranks in Brøndby Masterclass, where he has most recently been a central figure in the U19 team.

The loan agreement with the Finnish club is valid for the rest of the season and with an option for a 12-month extension.

The agreement has not yet been officially confirmed by any party. This move aims to help him gain more experience, building on his impressive performances for the Sierra Leone U20 Cup of Nations team.

Vaasan Palloseura, known as VPS, is a football club from Vaasa, Finland. The team plays in the top league of Finnish football called Veikkausliiga. Jussi Nuorela is the club’s manager. VPS holds its home matches at Hietalahti.

Egyptian winger Frank Aziz pens deal with Portuguese side
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egyptian winger Frank Aziz pens deal with Portuguese side

Frank Aziz has signed with the U23 team of Estoril Praia after being recognised as a leading talent in the MLS NEXT youth league.

The American-Egyptian winger, whose full name is Frank Fady Victor Nemr Aziz, has joined the Portuguese club on a four-year contract that lasts until June 2029. He will don the number 88 jersey.

Arriving in Portugal from Strikers FC, a club based in Southern California that participates in the MLS NEXT youth league, he honed his skills and attracted the interest of Estoril’s scouts.

Aziz is adept at playing on either wing and is naturally two-footed; he is approximately 1.73m tall and is known for his speed and adaptability in the attacking role.

Frank Aziz expressed his excitement upon joining Estoril Praia, stating, “I am thankful to have signed with a top-level team in Portugal and am ready to give my all.”

Born in Egypt, Aziz lived there until age seven before moving to the U.S., where he developed his talents. He holds dual citizenship, making him eligible for the Egyptian national team in the future.