Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Debutants Stellenbosch and Nsoatreman Impress in CAF Confed Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Debutants Stellenbosch & Nsoatreman Impress in CAF Confed Cup

Debutants Stellenbosch and Nsoatreman were the stand-out teams of the day in Saturday’s first preliminary round and second-leg matches of the CAF Confederation Cup.

South African team Stellenbosch made a strong impression by defeating Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs FC with an aggregate score 8-0.

After winning 3-0 in the first leg, they secured a 5-0 victory at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, with goals from Lehlogonolo Mojela, Langelihle Phili, Andre de Jong, Omega Mdaka, and substitute Mervin Boji. This win sets up an exciting second-round clash with DR Congo’s AS Vita Club.

Ghana’s Nsoatreman FC also made a mark with a 5-0 aggregate victory over Elect Sport, winning 3-0 in the first leg and 2-0 in the return leg. Walid Fuseini and Stephan Diyou were the goal scorers for Nsoatreman.

Racing Club d’Abidjan of Cote d’Ivoire secured their qualification against Morocco’s Union de Touarga after a tense penalty shootout, with Ivorian goalkeeper Ousmane Zombra saving three Moroccan penalties to clinch a 2-1 victory.

Stade Tunisien from Tunisia secured a comfortable 4-0 win over South Sudan’s Jamus, while Benin’s Dadjè also qualified for the next round by defeating Nigeria’s El Kameni Warriors.

The second round is scheduled to begin on September 15, 2024 – and promises to be an exciting phase of the competition, with anticipated clashes including Stellenbosch FC versus AS Vita Club and Nsoatreman potentially facing either Rwanda’s Police FC or Algeria’s CS Constantine.

The 2024/25 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League season will commence this weekend with seven matches featuring top clubs.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kenya Premier League to start with thrilling encounters

The 2024/25 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League season will commence this weekend with seven matches featuring top clubs.

Some notable matchups include Tusker FC against Sofapaka, Posta Rangers versus Bandari, and KCB taking on Kariobangi Sharks.

These matches will set the pace for an exciting start to the new season and be crucial for the newly promoted sides as they aim to make their mark in the league.

One of the highlight matches of the opening weekend will see a former employee facing off against his immediate former employer in a bid to secure three crucial points.

The first four matches are scheduled for Saturday, August 24, 2024, with the remaining three matches to be played on Sunday, August 25, 2024.

Tusker FC, who finished second behind champions Gor Mahia last season, will open their campaign against 2009 Kenyan Premier League champions Sofapaka at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

The match, kicking off at 4 pm, will see Robert Matano face his former side, now under the guidance of interim coach Charles Okere. The Brewers, who parted ways with Matano after last season, will be looking to upset Sofapaka and begin their title challenge.

Opening Week One fixtures

Saturday, August 24, 2024

Posta Rangers vs Bandari (Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, 1 pm)

KCB vs Kariobangi Sharks (Police Sacco Stadium, 1 pm)

Bidco United vs Shabana (Thika Stadium, 3 pm)

Tusker FC vs Sofapaka (Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, 4 pm)

Sunday, August 25, 2024

Ulinzi Stars vs Murang’a Seal (Ulinzi Sports Complex, 3 pm)

Mathare United vs AFC Leopards (Dandora Stadium, 3 pm)

Mara Sugar vs Kakamega Homeboyz (Awendo Green Stadium, 3 pm)

Ghana's Jordan Ayew's move to Leicester is imminent
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana’s Jordan Ayew’s move to Leicester is imminent

Leicester City has reportedly reached an agreement with Crystal Palace to acquire the services of Ghana’s attacker Jordan Ayew.

Ayew is set to link up with Fatawu Issahaku as Leicester City in a deal valued at an initial £5 million with an additional £3 million in potential add-ons, which will see the 32-year-old Ghanaian international potentially joining the newly promoted club.

After starting 30 Premier League matches for Palace last season, Ayew is on the verge of undergoing a medical evaluation before finalizing the move.

Jordan Ayew’s journey to Crystal Palace began with a loan move from Swansea City in the summer of 2018, which was later made permanent. During his time with the South London club, Ayew made 211 appearances and found the back of the net 23 times.

His career began at Ligue 1 club Marseille before a successful spell at Lorient, where he scored 13 goals during the 2014-15 season before transferring to Aston Villa. Following a season-and-a-half at Villa, he joined his elder brother Andre at Swansea.

Bo Rangers and Lions embark on Interclub Revival Journeys
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bo Rangers and Lions embark on Interclub Revival Journeys

On Sunday, the 2024 Interclub representatives of Sierra Leone, Bo Rangers and East End Lions, set to take on formidable opponents in continental competitions.

The delegation of Bo Rangers left for Ivory Coast on Thursday for the return leg match against the Ivorian side in the CAF Champions League. Coach John Keister selected a 25-man squad for the match – which is set for Sunday, August 25, 2024, at the Laurent Pokou Stadium.

The objective is to advance to the next stage despite their 1-1 draw at the Southern Arena last Saturday. This upcoming match is crucial as both teams want to be in the second-round preliminary race.

In the first leg, Bo Rangers scored in the 48th minute through Mohamadu Lamin, but they failed to hold onto their lead. The Ivorian team equalized through Issouf Dosso in the 73rd minute, resulting in a draw.

In the Confederation Cup, East End Lions must overturn their first-leg defeat at home against Senegal’s ASC Jaraaf. After an intriguing first hour of the contest at the Southern Arena last Sunday, substitute Papa Souleymane Dione scored Jaraaf’s goal in the 77th minute.

Before their goal, Jaraaf missed a penalty in the first half and hit the woodwork.

The second leg is expected to be a fascinating tie, as Lions the ‘Killers ‘ still believe they can make it to the second-round preliminary.

“Upon arriving in Senegal, the team had their first training session at the Maniang Soumare Stadium in Thies on Thursday. The session focused on tactics, scoring goals, and refining their skills.

With optimism, there’s a high spirit within the squad for a positive outcome on Sunday,” The East End Giants side outlined.

Stade Lat Dior in Senegal is set to host the return fixture on Sunday.

It’s worth noting that since 1989, when Mighty Blackpool reached the quarterfinal stage of the African Cup of Champions Clubs, no Sierra Leonean team has progressed to the group stages of Interclub competitions.

"With optimism, there's a high spirit within the squad for a positive outcome on Sunday," The East End Giants side noted.
"With optimism, there's a high spirit within the squad for a positive outcome on Sunday," The East End Giants side noted.
Burnley winger Anass Zaroury has signed a four-year deal with French Ligue 1 side RC Lens for an unspecified fee.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Anass Zaroury pens deal with RC Lens from Burnley

Burnley winger Anass Zaroury has signed a four-year deal with French Ligue 1 side RC Lens for an unspecified fee.

“After spending two seasons with Burnley FC in England, 23-year-old Anass Zaroury has joined the attacking lineup of Lens. Known for his dribbling skills, excellent game vision, and goal-scoring abilities, the talented Moroccan player has signed with Racing until 2028,” Lens announced on their website.

Zaroury was a key player in Burnley’s championship-winning season, scoring 11 goals in 39 games. He was signed by Vincent Kompany and played in six Premier League matches last season.

He was sent off in his first Premier League game and spent time on loan at Hull City. He made a substitute appearance in Burnley’s first Championship game this season but missed the next game due to illness.

On the International stage

Zaroury was born in Belgium but is of Moroccan descent. He used to play for the Belgium U21s national team but was officially invited to join the Moroccan national team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

He replaced Amine Harit, who got injured one week before the tournament. Zaroury made his international debut for Morocco on 17 November in a friendly match against Georgia.