Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Charlton Athletic attacker Daniel Kanu joins Notts County on loan

Charlton Athletic forward Daniel Kanu has joined us on a season-long loan. The 21-year-old arrives after a strong 2025-26 season with Walsall, where he was named Young Player of the Season in Sky Bet League Two.

Richard Montague, our Director of Football, said, “Daniel’s skills complement our forwards well. He is a natural scorer who uses his speed effectively and works hard when we don’t have the ball. We believe he is a great fit for us and we’re excited he chose Notts to continue his development.”

Kanu joined Charlton’s academy at age 11 and signed his first professional contract in 2022 after a successful season with their Under 18s. He later impressed in League One and had a loan spell with Southend before joining Walsall last summer.

He finished as Walsall’s top scorer with 18 goals in 44 matches and won multiple awards, including League Two Young Player of the Season.

Kanu has six caps for the Sierra Leone national team, where he played alongside fellow loanee Hindolo Mustapha, and scored his first international goal in a friendly against Azerbaijan in March.

Deportivo Alaves debut goal for Kumba Zainab Brima
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Deportivo Alaves debut goal for Kumba Zainab Brima

Kumba Zainab Brima scored her first goal for the Deportivo Alaves women’s team during a 2-0 win over Valencia on Sunday. This was in their first match of Liga F.

The match took place at the Medizorroza Stadium, where Alaves showcased their skills and determination throughout the game.

Brima’s goal in the 22-minute was pivotal in securing the win, and her performance contributed significantly to the team’s overall success.

The victory not only highlights Alaves’ strength on the field but also marks an exciting moment in Brima’s career as she continues to develop her impact within the squad.

Read Related Kumba Brima joins Spanish side Deportivo Alavés Gloriosas:

Egypt International Emam Ashour extends Al Ahly's contract
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt International Emam Ashour extends Al Ahly’s contract

Al Ahly SC has confirmed that midfielder Emam Ashour has signed a contract extension, keeping him with the team until 2030. This agreement comes after both sides reached a final decision.

In an official statement, Al Ahly announced that Ashour’s new contract adds four more seasons to his time with the club. This means he will stay for two extra seasons beyond his current contract.

The contract extension was finalised during a meeting between Emam Ashour and Essam Serag El-Din, the club’s head of contracts. Essam took care of all the necessary paperwork and financial details, working with Wael Gomaa, the director of football.

The club noted that Ashour expressed his appreciation for the Al Ahly fans in the meeting. He also shared his goal of continuing his career with the team and achieving more success in the coming years.

Ashour has been an important player for Al Ahly since joining, and extending his contract helps keep the team strong.

Race heats up as Caf invites bids for three AFCON finals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ethiopia submits bid to host 2028 Cup of Nations

Ethiopia has officially applied to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon). The Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) believes this government-backed proposal shows the country’s readiness for Africa’s biggest football event.

Ethiopia has hosted Afcon three times (1962, 1968, and 1976), but its football facilities are less developed than those in other African nations.

Currently, only the Bahir Dar Stadium is approved for use by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). A new stadium in Addis Ababa is set to open soon, but it is uncertain if Ethiopia has enough suitable venues for a 24-team tournament.

Many existing facilities do not meet FIFA or CAF standards. Ethiopia played its home World Cup qualifiers for 2026 at neutral sites in Morocco and Rwanda, although it hosted some matches in Dire Dawa earlier this year.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe mentioned that there are exciting bids for the 2028, 2032, and 2036 Afcons. Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe have submitted a joint bid for the 2028 finals. Reports suggest that Morocco, which will host the 2025 edition, is focusing on co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup instead.

Ethiopia won the Afcon title in 1962 but has qualified only three times since, with their last appearance in 2021. They recently advanced in the qualifiers for next year’s Afcon and will compete in Group J with Senegal, Mozambique, and Sudan.

Some critics question Ethiopia’s readiness to host Afcon. While the Bahir Dar Stadium is approved, the new stadium in Addis Ababa and other facilities need improvements.

Hosting the tournament will require good training spaces, accommodations, urban transport, and security. Although Addis Ababa is relatively safe, parts of Ethiopia face issues with conflict and unrest. Addressing security and infrastructure concerns is vital for a successful bid to host Afcon 2028.

Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba joins Manchester United
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba joins Manchester United

Manchester United has signed Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton for £70 million, paying an initial £65 million with an extra £5 million in add-ons. Brighton included a sell-on clause in the deal.

United strengthened their midfield after signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans this summer. Baleba signed a five-year contract with an option for a sixth year. He expressed his excitement, stating, “It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams.”

Baleba’s move follows United’s 2-0 defeat to Hull City in the Premier League opener. He is currently sidelined with an ankle injury from pre-season training and has made 112 appearances for Brighton, scoring four goals.

In a farewell video, Baleba thanked Brighton fans, saying, “Last season was hard. I will be looking for your result every week for the rest of my life.”

This transfer raises United’s summer spending to £153 million as they prepare for the Champions League. Baleba brings strength and experience to the midfield, addressing the team’s need for more physicality and power. His defensive capabilities and speed could significantly impact the team’s performance this season.