Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kenya’s Timothy Ouma joins Charlton Athletic on loan deal

Charlton Athletic has signed Kenya international Timothy Ouma on a season-long loan from Slavia Prague, with an option to make the transfer permanent.

Ouma is the seventh player to join this summer, after Ivan Mesík, Billy Koumetio, Karlan Grant, Danny McNamara, Millenic Alli, and Nathaniel Chalobah.

After his move, Ouma said, “I’m grateful to be here. I’ll give my all to help the team. I’m excited to see the supporters and hear them cheer for us.”

Manager Nathan Jones commented, “We’re thrilled to bring Timothy in. He’s an athletic and skilled midfielder with good experience, and he will add quality to our team.”

Managing Director James Rodwell added, “We’re excited to have Timothy. He fits our plan to improve the squad and brings skill and presence to midfield. We also have the option to make the transfer permanent.”

Ouma started his career with Nairobi City Stars before moving to IF Elfsborg in 2022. He then joined Slavia Prague and spent last season on loan at Lech Poznań, where he won the Ekstraklasa title.

Ouma has played for Kenya 12 times since making his debut in November 2021.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Abu Kamara rejoins Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee

Portsmouth has signed Abu Kamara from Premier League club Hull for an undisclosed fee. The 23-year-old forward has signed a three-year contract, making him the club’s seventh new player this summer.

Kamara has returned to Fratton Park after a successful loan spell there last season, where he was instrumental in the team winning the League One title.

The team’s manager, John Mousinho, expressed his excitement about having Abu back. He mentioned that the club has wanted him to return for a while and that Abu’s previous loan spell showed what he can bring to the team.

Kamara, who previously played for England’s youth teams, came up through Norwich’s academy before joining Pompey on loan in 2023. During his year with Pompey, he scored 10 goals in 52 games, contributing to their promotion.

His performance included scoring two goals in an away game against Shrewsbury and providing 11 assists.

After his loan ended, Kamara returned to Norwich but was then sold to Hull. At Hull, he scored five goals in 40 appearances.

He spent most of the last season on loan at Getafe in Spain’s La Liga, where he played against well-known teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Italian Serie A side Como sign Sierra Leone-born Trevoh Chalobah

The Italian outfit has said it is excited to announce that it has signed England international defender Trevoh Chalobah from Chelsea. The 27-year-old has signed a contract that lasts until 2031.

Chalobah was born in 1999 and joined Chelsea’s academy when he was nine. He moved through the youth system before joining the first team. To gain experience, he went on loan to Ipswich Town, Huddersfield Town, and Lorient before making his Chelsea debut in the 2021 UEFA Super Cup, where he helped the team win the trophy. He also won two FIFA Club World Cups and the UEFA Conference League.

Chalobah played more than 150 games for Chelsea in domestic and European competitions. He is good with the ball, strong, and versatile. He brings experience, leadership, and physicality to the defence.

Chalobah has represented England at various youth levels and made his senior debut in 2025. He was part of the squad that finished third in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Como 1907 Head Coach Cesc Fàbregas said, “Trevoh is an important signing for us. He reflects the ambition we have at this club. He has won at the highest level but is eager to start a new chapter and keep improving. He brings strength, speed, and leadership to our defense, as well as the skills to build from the back. He can elevate the team’s performance, and I’m very happy he chose Como.”

Upon his arrival, Trevoh said, “I’m thrilled to be here at Como. It’s an ambitious project, and working with manager Cesc Fàbregas again is special. I can’t wait to bring my experience to the team, enjoy the fantastic atmosphere at the stadium, and connect with the fans. I will give my best every day to make history together.”

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cameroon book Women’s World Cup 2027 spot after win over Nigeria

Cameroon defeated defending champions Nigeria 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, securing a spot in the semi-finals and qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil 2027.

The match in Casablanca saw Myriam Maéva Nyadjou score the only goal in the 19th minute with a powerful shot from distance. Nigeria tried to equalise quickly, but Gift Monday couldn’t connect with an early chance. They continued to press, with Jennifer Echegini’s effort saved, allowing Cameroon to keep their lead into halftime.

In the second half, Nigeria pushed for a goal, but Cameroon’s goalkeeper, Michaely Bihina, made crucial saves, including stopping a strong header from Uchenna Kanu.

Cameroon nearly doubled their lead from a free-kick, but Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie made another great save. In the final moments, Nigeria’s Esther Okoronkwo shot wide as they sought an equaliser.

Cameroon held on for the win, eliminating the reigning champions and ensuring a new champion will be crowned at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco 2026.

Meanwhile, the four semi-finalists at the 2026 WAFCON will qualify directly for the World Cup, while two additional teams will have another chance through the FIFA inter-confederation play-off tournament.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Arch-rivals Cameroon and Nigeria Clash in WAFCON Quarter-final

Cameroon will face Nigeria for the 14th time in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, a matchup that highlights their longstanding rivalry since the tournament began in 1998.

Nigeria, the most successful team with 10 titles, has won nine of their encounters with Cameroon and two on penalties. Cameroon has one victory and one draw. Their only win came in 2012 when they finished third in the tournament.

This year, Cameroon is making its 13th WAFCON appearance, missing only the last edition in 2025. They have faced Nigeria in every tournament except 2002 and come into this quarterfinal as the underdogs. Coach Valentine Nguele acknowledges Nigeria’s strength but believes in his team’s capabilities.

After topping a challenging Group D with two wins and a draw, Cameroon has shown strong performance with four goals scored and only two conceded.

Nguele aims for her team to play freely against Nigeria. Defender Colette Ndzana, motivated after past losses, urges the team to stay calm and focused.

This is Cameroon’s second WAFCON quarterfinal, hoping to reach their 11th semifinal and secure a spot in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.

The other quarter-final is between Malawi and Ghana. Malawi, the surprise team of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026, will face last edition’s bronze medalists, Ghana, this Sunday in Rabat for a chance to reach the semifinals.