Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Madueke hails Trevoh Chalobah's 'leadership' after Man of the Match performance
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Noni Madueke hails Trevoh Chalobah’s ‘leadership’ after top performance

Sierra Leone-born Trevoh Chalobah was named Man of the Match after his impressive performance upon his return to the London side Chelsea.

Chelsea were level at half-time during their 3-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League. However, they managed to recover in the second half to secure all three points.

This win allowed them to climb back into the top four of the league, with returning central defender Trevoh Chalobah playing a pivotal role. His teammate, Noni Madueke, praised the 25-year-old for his outstanding performance.

Madueke described Chalobah’s display as “unbelievable” in the match on Monday. The victory for Enzo Maresca’s men was significant, especially for Chalobah, who had spent the first half of the season on loan at Crystal Palace.

“He did an amazing job,” Adarabioyo told Sky Sports post-match. “He did everything flawlessly from a tactical point of view, so I am very happy for him.”

At one point, it seemed that he had no future with the current manager, who had trimmed the squad at Stamford Bridge upon his arrival.

Ivorian giant outfit Asec Mimosas pick quarter-final ticket
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivorian giant outfit Asec Mimosas pick quarter-final ticket

From Group C, ASEC Mimosas reached the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals with a 4-0 win over Orapa United, with Celestine Ecua scoring twice. USM Alger topped Group C by defeating ASC Jaraaf 2-0, thanks to late goals from Ismail Belkacemi and Saadi Redouani.

In Group B, Renaissance Berkane made a strong statement by beating Stellenbosch 5-0 in their last group match. Berkane’s performance featured two goals from Pape Bassène and early strikes from Omar Lamlioui and Youssef Mehri, securing them a total of 14 points as group winners.

Lamlioui scored first just seven minutes in, followed by Mehri eight minutes later. In the second half, Bassène added two goals, and Youssef Zoughdi completed the rout.

Despite this loss, Stellenbosch advanced to the quarter-finals as runners-up with nine points. They succeeded thanks to Deportivo Luanda-Sul’s 1-0 victory over Stade Malien.

These results marked a significant achievement for Stellenbosch in their first continental tournament, though they will need to improve before the knockout stages.

MC Alger secure CAF Champions League spot after draw with Young Africans
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

MC Alger secure quarterfinal spot after draw with Young Africans

In Group A, MC Alger advanced to the CAF Champions League quarter-finals after a goalless draw against Young Africans in Tanzania on Saturday. The Algerian side needed just a point to join Al Hilal, finishing second in Group A with nine points.

The result ended Young Africans’ hopes of progressing, as they finished third with eight points.

Meanwhile, TP Mazembe, despite a strong 4-0 win over Al Hilal in Kinshasa, ended in last place. Jean Diouf, Ibrahima Keita, Mercy Ngembe, and Souleymane Chaibou scored for TP Mazembe. Al Hilal had already secured the top spot in Group A with 10 points.

In Group C, Orlando Pirates topped the standings without losing any matches, defeating Al Ahly 2-1 in Cairo. After Rely Poli Mofokeng’s opener, Hussein Al-Shahat equalized for Al Ahly, but Chigofatso Mabasa scored the winner for Orlando Pirates. They finished with 14 points, while Al Ahly came second with 10 points.

Orlando Pirates edge Al-Ahly in the CAF Champions League
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Orlando Pirates edge Al-Ahly in CAF Champions League to reach next phase

Orlando Pirates have finished at the top of their CAF Champions League Group C without losing any matches. They secured this by beating the champions Al Ahly 2-1 at the Cairo International Stadium on Saturday evening.

The match between Al Ahly and Orlando Pirates concluded the sixth and final round of the group stage of the African Champions League.

Orlando Pirates’ first goal was scored by Rely Poli Mofokeng in the 53rd minute, followed by an equalizer from Al-Ahly’s Hussein Al-Shahat in the 69th minute.

In the 84th minute, Chigofatso Mabasa netted the second goal for Orlando Pirates. With this victory, Orlando Pirates topped the group standings with a total of 14 points as they progressed to the quarter-finals, while Al-Ahly finished in second place with 10 points.

Ivorian descent Romain Esse speaks after joining Crystal Palace
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivorian descent Romain Esse speaks after joining Crystal Palace

Ivorian descent Romain Esse has spoken for the first time since completing a club record £14.5 million transfer from Millwall to join South London rivals Crystal Palace.

The Lambeth-born winger was officially announced as a Palace player on Saturday morning, signing a five-and-a-half-year deal at Selhurst Park.

Esse, who made 66 appearances for Millwall after progressing through their youth system, will be eligible to play for Palace in their Premier League fixture next weekend against Brentford.

Eagles sporting director Dougie Freedman is known for discovering top young talent in the Championship, with notable successes including Adam Wharton, Michael Olise, and Eberechi Eze. Olise, who plays in the same position as Esse, left for Bayern Munich in the summer for £50 million.

“I’m very much looking forward to it – I’m really excited,” Esse told PalaceTV. “It’s a great project and opportunity – I can’t wait to get started. It’s been a long process, but I’m just happy it’s finally done. The club is heading in a fantastic direction.

“The next step in my development is very important. I believe this is the best place for me. I can’t wait to start playing under the manager.

“This is the perfect environment for opportunities and to elevate my game to the next level to advance my career. I’m eager to play in the Premier League, and most importantly, for Crystal Palace.”

International

On 22 March 2023, Esse debuted for England U18 in a 2-1 victory over Croatia in Medulin. Then, on 6 September 2023, he made his debut for England U19 during a 1-0 loss to Germany in Oliva.