Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

International friendlies: Morocco, Cameroon and the Gambia all register wins
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

International friendlies: Morocco, Cameroon and the Gambia register wins

On Friday, African national teams were busy testing their prowess during the June FIFA window. While some top teams played in Europe, several matches between African teams took place in Morocco.

In Morocco, Cameroon, Niger, Burundi, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic all won their matches. In Marrakech, Cameroon beat Uganda 3-0.

Cameroon scored through set pieces. Flavien Boyomo and Jean Batoum scored their first goals for the team with headers from corner kicks. Patrick Soko also scored his first goal for the national team, assisted by captain Vincent Aboubakar.

Earlier, Gambia beat Equatorial Guinea 2-1 in Marrakech, with both goals from Adama Sidibeh. Gambia will face Uganda next, while Equatorial Guinea will play Cameroon on Monday in Morocco.

In Casablanca, Niger faced Gabon in an exciting match that ended 4-3 in favor of Niger. Youssouf Oumarou and Oumar Sako each scored, and Daniel Sosah added two goals. Jim Allevinah, Andre Biyogho Poko, and Guelor Kanga scored for Gabon.

In Mohammedia, Burkina Faso bounced back from a recent loss to defeat Zimbabwe 2-0. New signing Stephane Aziz Ki scored first in the 22nd minute, followed by Cyriaque Irie, who scored just before halftime.

Burundi achieved a 1-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau in Casablanca, with Bienvenue Kanakimana scoring the only goal from a cross.

In another match, the Central African Republic came from behind to defeat Mauritania. Hemeya Tanjy scored a penalty for Mauritania, but Gabriel Oualengbe equalized, and Paul Guinari scored the winner in stoppage time.

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Algerian defender Rayan Ait-Nouri in Pep Guardiola's radar to join Man City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Algerian defender Rayan Ait-Nouri in Pep Guardiola’s radar to join Man City

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola wants to sign Rayan Ait-Nouri to fix the team’s left-back position. There is currently no agreement for the 23-year-old Algerian player, but sources believe the deal will go through.

Ait-Nouri is in Algeria’s squad for friendly matches against Rwanda on June 5 and Sweden on June 10. City needs to complete the transfer before June 10 for Ait-Nouri to play in the group stage of the Club World Cup.

City has not had a dedicated left-back since Benjamin Mendy left in August 2021. Players like Oleksandr Zinchenko, Joao Cancelo, and Josko Gvardiol have filled in for that role.

Last season, young player Nico O’Reilly also played as a left-back, including in the FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace. Guardiola hopes to address this need this summer, and Ait-Nouri from Wolves is his top choice.

Rayan Ait-Nouri is in his fifth season with Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) and had his best performance under manager Gary O’Neil in 2023/24. He was initially signed on loan from Angers in 2020, scoring on his debut against Crystal Palace, which led to a permanent transfer.

Sierra Leone attacker Mustapha Bundu ready for new adventure
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone attacker Mustapha Bundu ready for new adventure

Mustapha Bundu will leave Plymouth Argyle this summer. His agent told Plymouth Live that clubs in England and Germany are interested in signing him.

The 28-year-old is now a free agent at the end of June after turning down a new contract. Following the team’s relegation from the Championship, he decided to look for new opportunities.

Bundu was Argyle’s second-top scorer last season, scoring 11 goals in all competitions. He netted six goals in the last ten games and also provided seven assists.

John Sivebaek, Bundu’s agent and a former Manchester United and Denmark defender, explained the situation. He said, “Mustapha has enjoyed his time at Plymouth. However, he does not want to play in League One; he wants to aim higher. I have informed Plymouth about this.”

Bundu joined Argyle from Belgian club Anderlecht in the summer transfer window of 2023, signing a two-year contract. He made 70 appearances for the first team, starting 39 games and scoring 14 goals.

Sivebaek added, “This decision is not about Plymouth. Mustapha has been happy there. The problem is the relegation to League One, and he has bigger ambitions. I hope everyone understands his choice.”

Sierra Leone International Kallum Cesay pens Salford City deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone International Kallum Cesay pens Salford City deal

Salford City have confirmed the signing of Sierra Leone international versatile midfielder Kallum Cesay from National League side Wealdstone for an undisclosed fee.

The 22-year-old joined Wealdstone in February 2024 and played a pivotal role in helping the club maintain its position in The National League, scoring six goals in 37 league appearances during the past season. He earned a reputation at the club for his high energy and strong work ethic.

Before joining Wealdstone, Cesay spent his early career at Tottenham Hotspur and made four international appearances for Sierra Leone, scoring twice for the national team.

Kallum has signed a two-year deal with The Ammies and is eagerly anticipating his first match at The Peninsula Stadium. He expressed his excitement, saying, “I am very happy to be here, and my first impressions are excellent. I’m eager to get started now; I’ve watched a couple of games and I like the way they play, so I want to get going.

“Promotion is the goal, but we will see how the season unfolds. I have no doubts; we have some really good players, so we should be alright. I am looking forward to playing in front of the Salford fans, and I just need to deliver for them—no excuses, no exceptions.”

Midfielder Kamil Conteh attracting attention from English clubs
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Midfielder Kamil Conteh attracting attention from English clubs

Recent reports have indicated that Derby County has made a bid for Bristol Rovers’ midfielder Kamil Conteh. However, according to journalist Dan Hargreaves, this information is incorrect. Despite this, the Sierra Leone international is still sought after by several English clubs.

Bristol Rovers have not received any bids for Conteh so far, but many clubs are likely to show interest in him this summer.

It may be difficult for Bristol Rovers to keep him after being relegated to League Two.

Kamil Conteh has emerged as a prominent prospect, capturing the attention of several top English clubs. All eyes are on Conteh as summer unfolds to see where he will play next season.

On March 17, 2022, Conteh received his first call-up to the Sierra Leone national team for friendlies against Togo, Liberia, and Congo.

A week later, he earned his first cap during a 3–0 defeat to Togo, playing the full 90 minutes. Since then, he has earned nine caps for the West African nation.