Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Confederation Cup Quarter-final matches confirmed

CAF Confederation Cup Quarter-final matches confirmed

The knockout stages of the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup are ready to begin after the quarter-final draw held by CAF on February 20.

The quarter-finals kick off with a North versus South match as two-time champions Zamalek SC of Egypt defend their title against tournament debutants Stellenbosch FC from South Africa.

Ivorian powerhouse Asec Mimosas, eager to reclaim continental glory, will face two-time champions RS Berkane of Morocco. Berkane has excelled in the group stages, finishing with the best record by collecting 16 points without a loss.

A thrilling Algerian derby is also on the cards, featuring CS Constantine, who are making their first appearance in the knockout stages, taking on a determined USM Alger side that aims to reclaim the title they won in the 2022/23 season.

The final quarter-final will see Egyptian team Al Masry face an in-form Simba SC from Tanzania, who are looking to advance past the last eight for the first time since the 2021/22 season.

The quarter-finals will showcase:

  • QF 1: Stellenbosch FC (RSA) vs Zamalek SC (EGY)  
  • QF 2: Asec Mimosas (CIV) vs RS Berkane (MAR)  
  • QF 3: CS Constantine (ALG) vs USM Alger (ALG)  
  • QF 4: Al Masry (EGY) vs Simba SC (TAN)  

The semi-finals will match the winners of RS Berkane/Asec Mimosas against USM Alger/CS Constantine and Simba SC/Al Masry against Zamalek SC/Stellenbosch FC.

For further details and statistics on the eight remaining clubs, click **HERE**.

Winger Agustus Kargbo speaks after an impressive Blackburn start

Winger Augustus Kargbo speaks after an impressive Blackburn start

Winger Augustus Kargbo shares his thoughts after a strong start with Blackburn. First impressions matter a lot, and Augustus Kargbo has certainly made a notable impact during his first few weeks with the Rovers.

He made his debut as a late substitute against Queens Park Rangers shortly after signing with the club. Since then, Kargbo has demonstrated consistent growth, recording his first goal involvement by assisting Tyrhys Dolan during the 2-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle last weekend.

Kargbo executed an impressive run from the left flank, engaged in a one-two exchange with Makhtar Gueye, and successfully set up Dolan, who capitalized effectively against the Argyle goalkeeper, Conor Hazard.

The 25-year-old, who joined from the Italian club Cesena last month, has quickly become a valued member of the team and a favourite among the supporters. He expressed his enthusiasm about playing in front of the home crowd against Miron Muslic’s squad.

“I was delighted to finally participate in the league before our fans,” Kargbo remarked to Blackburn’s website. “It brings me great joy to assist the team, and I aspire to earn more playing time to contribute meaningfully. I hope to score goals shortly while continuing to support the team.”

“I take great pleasure in providing assists as much as I do in scoring goals. It enhances my confidence and helps us achieve our collective objectives. By delivering assists and scoring goals, we position ourselves to win matches. That remains my focus, and I continually seek to improve my ability to deliver accurate passes and be in the right places to score.”

Kargbo further noted, “Pape and I maintain open communication during training, along with Todd [Cantwell]. This connection enhances our teamwork. During our match against Wolves, Emmanuel [Dennis] and I also collaborated effectively. With Ty’s capabilities, it is evident that he enjoys playing and excels in one-twos, contributing to an impressive goal.”

“I thoroughly enjoyed the one-two with Pape and the decisive pass to Ty. It was a remarkable finish. We are all dedicated players eager to contribute, and I believe a strong connection is already forming among us.”

Osman Kakay trains with new Boavista teammates

Osman Kakay trains with new Boavista teammates

Sierra Leone International Osman Kakay completed his first training session with new Boavista teammates after he joined the club as a free agent. He joined the team last week and is excited to get started.

Boavista suffered a 1-0 defeat to Estrela da Amadora on Friday but the Sierra Leone International was on the stands watching his new teammates.

“I can’t wait to get started and enjoy playing football again.” Boavista is a well-known club, and even though it’s been a long time since I last played, I’ve had the chance to reflect and train I believe now is the right time to return,” Kakay noted.

Meanwhile, Abdoulay Diaby has signed with Boavista until the end of this season.

The 33-year-old forward from Mali has a strong background in European football. He has played for clubs like Lille in France, Sporting in Portugal, Besiktas in Turkey, Getafe in Spain, and Anderlecht in Belgium. Last season, he was with Pendikspor in Turkey, making 28 appearances.

Diaby has also played for the Mali national team, scoring six goals in 24 games.

Osman Kakay was in training with his new Boavista teammates
Osman Kakay was in training with his new Boavista teammates
Discussing tactics with new teammates after joining the Portuguese top-flight side
Discussing tactics with new teammates after joining the Portuguese top-flight side
Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned Adel Amrouche's CAF suspension

Court of Arbitration for Sport overturns Adel Amrouche’s CAF suspension

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has removed the suspension that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) placed on Algerian coach Adel Amrouche during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

At the time, Amrouche coached Tanzania and made public claims against the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) during the tournament in Côte d’Ivoire. His comments followed Tanzania’s 3-0 loss to Morocco, where he criticized Morocco’s influence on CAF’s decisions.

“The Moroccan Federation is a strong power in African football. In our last match against Morocco, they forced us to play in the evening when we wanted to play in the early afternoon,” Amrouche said. He also stated, “Morocco currently controls African football. They choose the referees, and we are just spectators,” the 55-year-old coach added.

After his remarks, CAF suspended Amrouche for eight matches, and the Tanzanian Football Federation fired him. This decision caused controversy, with many people questioning whether the punishment was too harsh.

More than a year later, CAS ruled in favor of Amrouche, cancelling the suspension and awarding him $3,336.45 in compensation from CAF.

This ruling is a big win for the Algerian coach, who feels relieved to have his reputation restored. The decision helps him close a difficult chapter in his career, allowing him to move on without the weight of the suspension.

For Amrouche, this ruling is not just about the money; it is also about regaining his place in the football world.

Chinese side Chengdu Rongcheng unveil Sierra Leone winger Issa Kallon

Chinese side Chengdu Rongcheng unveil Sierra Leone winger Issa Kallon

Chinese Super League last season’s third-place side Chengdu Rongcheng has unveiled Sierra Leone winger Issa Kallon.

Kallon confirmed that he has reached an agreement for a two-year contract with Chengdu Rongcheng and is prepared for the upcoming Chinese Super League campaign.

The 29-year-old, who joined Shanghai Port from the Dutch club Cambuur in 2022, is embarking on a new chapter in his career after departing Nantong Zhiyun.

The Chinse Super League is set to kick start this week as Chengdu Rongcheng open its campaign against Wuhan Three Towns on Saturday.

The Sierra Leone International recorded seven goals and eight assists in 45 appearances for Shanghai Port when they won the title before moving to join Nantong Zhiyun in 2024, scoring five goals & two assists in 22 matches.

He scored on his debut for Nantong Zhiyun in the Chinese Super League opening game of the 2024/2025 season. Nantong Zhiyun played away from Tianjin Jinmen Tiger, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw in March last year.

He equalizer for Nantong Zhiyun in the 67th minute. He received a pass and slotted the ball at the bottom right of the net.

Kallon had joined Nantong Zhiyun after winning the title of last season with Shanghai Port. 

He started his football career as a youth exponent from FC Utrecht and made his Eredivisie debut on 24th August 2014 in a 1-2 away win against Feyenoord on 24 August 2014 in a 1–2 away win against Feyenoord.