Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kumba Brima set for UEFA Champions League tie against FC Flora
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kumba Brima set for UEFA Champions League tie against FC Flora

Sierra Leone international Kumba Zainab Brima is set to compete in the UEFA Women’s Champions League with FC Riga’s women’s team. They will face FC Flora in the semi-finals of Group I today in Luxembourg at 14:00 Estonian time.

Brima, who has been a key player since joining Riga’s ladies, has a valuable opportunity to showcase her skills on the big stage. The second semi-final of the tournament features Racing FC Union Luxembourg against AEK Athens at 20:00.

The winners will advance to the final, while the losers will compete for third place, with only the tournament champion qualifying for the UEFA Women’s Champions League proper.

FC Flora midfielder Karola Purgats expressed confidence despite prior travel issues, emphasizing the team’s strong desire to win. She noted a previous loss to Riga FC but remains focused on the semi-final.

Coach Ljubov Maksimova highlighted the effective collaboration with head coach Aleksandra Ševoldajeva, who brings international experience and strategic insights.

The team is focusing on game situations and improving confidence. FC Flora has 18 players available, but Kristina Tullus and Eva-Maria Niidu are unlikely to participate due to injuries.

Getafe CF sign Moroccan defender Abdelkabir Abqar until 2028
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Getafe CF sign Moroccan defender Abdelkabir Abqar until 2028

Moroccan central defender Abdelkabir Abqar has agreed a three-year deal, ending June 30, 2028 with Getafe CF.

Having left Deportivo Alavés, where he made 29 La Liga appearances last season, the 25-year-old was a free agent. Trained at the Mohammed VI Academy, Abqar signed with Alavés in 2017 and was elevated to the first team in 2022.

Hoping to draw on Abqar’s knowledge and abilities, Getafe wants to improve its defense for the 2025-2026 season.

Abqar’s signing marks a fresh start in his career as he also aims to establish himself on the Moroccan national team.

“Getafe CF has reached an agreement with Moroccan centre-back Abdel Abqar to join the club for the next three seasons , until June 30, 2028. 

At 26, Abqar is a full international for his country and arrives at Getafe on a free transfer after spending the last five seasons with Deportivo Alavés, with whom he rose to the top flight of Spanish football and where he has played 56 matches over the last two seasons,” the Spanish announced.

Gambian international Alieu Fadera joins Sassuolo on loan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Gambian international Alieu Fadera joins Sassuolo on loan

Looking for more regular playing time in the 2025-26 season, Gambian international Alieu Fadera has completed his  loan transfer to US Sassuolo.

23-year-old Fadera is leaving Como for Sassuolo looking for a new beginning in Serie A. Starting his career at Real de Banjul, the Gambian international had a strong season at Como, playing 28 games, but lost his starting position in February after receiving a red card.

Starting in Slovakia with Pohronie, where he scored 5 goals and added 4 assists in the 2020/21 campaign, his path in European football began there. He next played in Belgium for Zulte Waregem and KRC Genk.

Ten appearances in qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and 2026 FIFA World Cup make Feder ten times valuable player for the Gambia national team. Preparing for the Coppa Italia game against Catanzaro on August 15, he is now with Sassuolo for preseason training.

Morocco first to touch down in Kenya ahead of CHAN 2024
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco first to touch down in Kenya ahead of CHAN 2024

Ahead of the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, Morocco has arrived.

Landing in Nairobi, the team is eager to get ready for the competition hoping to be the first to lift the CHAN championship three times.

At 4:00 am local time on Monday morning, the Atlas Lions arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi to be greeted by a vibrant East African welcome highlighting energetic traditional dancers and music. 

Hoping to create history as the first team to secure the CHAN trophy for the third time, the North African giants are quickly getting set as they prepare for their first match.

“We are excited to be here and ready for CHAN,” stated AS FAR defender Marouane Louadni, who added that Nairobi is already great and that the weather is amazing. We cannot wait for a successful competition.

On Saturday, August 2 marks the start of the competition for national league players only, highlighting regional ability. Other Groups Soon after Morocco are scheduled to arrive.

On Sunday they start their Angola campaign. Two-time winners Morocco is in Group A with Kenya, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia, and is widely regarded as a clear frontrunner.

Mustapha Bundu's Hannover beat Cagliari in a test Friendly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mustapha Bundu’s Hannover beat Cagliari in a friendly

In their last test before the new season, Mustpah Bundu’s Hannover 96 defeated Italian Serie A club Cagliari Calcio 2-0 at the Heinz von Heiden Arena. The Sierra Leone International played for 760 minutes of the contest.

Hannover 96 will kick-start their Bundesliga 2 campaign against Kaiserslautern on August 3rd at their Heinz von Heiden-Arena at 12:30 pm.

Bundu was Hannover 96’s tenth summer signing: Attacker Mustapha Bundu joins the Maschsee on a free transfer from English second division club Plymouth Argyle.

He arrived with a 16-goal assist in the Championship last season. The Sierra Leone international signs a three-year contract until June 30, 2028.