Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

English Championship side Portsmouth has completed the signing of Abdoulaye Kamara from Borussia Dortmund for an undisclosed fee.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea’s Abdoulaye Kamara pens long-term deal with Portsmouth

English Championship side Portsmouth has completed the signing of Abdoulaye Kamara from Borussia Dortmund for an undisclosed fee.

The 19-year-old Guinea-born midfielder has signed a four-year deal on the south coast.

Blues boss John Mousinho said, “He’s an extremely promising young player who arrives with plenty of pedigree, having been at Dortmund and PSG before that. We think he’s ready for Championship football and can really kick-start his career with us, so we’re delighted to have him here.

He’s a powerful and combative midfielder who can handle the ball well – he’s right up there in terms of his athleticism and game understanding. It’s a brave step for Abdoulaye to come over and look to prove himself in England, and I’m excited to start working with him.”

Kamara is a graduate of the Paris Saint-Germain academy and moved up three age groups to appear for their under-19 side.

He made the switch to Dortmund in the summer of 2021 and has featured for the German giants at the under-23 level.

Zimbabwe appoint Michael Nees as new head coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zimbabwe appoint Michael Nees as new head coach

Zimbabwe has appointed Germany’s Michael Nees as the new football coach on Tuesday, following a winless start to World Cup qualifying.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Nees as the new head coach of the Zimbabwe Men’s National Team. The 57-year-old German will lead the Warriors in their quest for success in the AFCON 2025 and FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers,” ZIFA the news on their web space.

Nees previously coached Rwanda and was also the director of coaching for South Africa. His appointment is due to his “deep knowledge of the African football landscape,” said Zimbabwean Football Association interim head Lincoln Mutasa.

The Germans have a big task to revive Zimbabwe’s World Cup hopes. The southern African nation, which has never qualified for the World Cup, is winless after four qualifiers.

The Warriors opened with draws against Rwanda and Nigeria, then lost to Lesotho and South Africa.

“I am a modern and innovative coach who is driven by international challenges. The goal is to qualify for the FIFA World Cup and the African Cup of Nations. I have the expertise to enhance performance and make a difference. I will guide the national team with dedication and professionalism,” said Michael Nees.

Emmanuel Samadia features in USL Championship Team of The Week
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Emmanuel Samadia features in USL Team of The Week

Emmanuel Samadia has earned his spot on this week’s USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 24 because of his impressive recent performances.

In a match against Las Vegas, he played a key role in Hartford’s 2-1 comeback win by setting up a goal and contributing to the team’s victory.

Samadia earned his second Team of the Week selection after providing an assist in Hartford’s win against Las Vegas Lights FC and delivering a strong defensive performance with two interceptions, four clearances, and nine recoveries. Additionally, he won 3 of 4 tackles and 6 of 7 duels.

The Sierra Leone international was excellent in the attacking third on Saturday night, contributing to a goal apiece in Hartford’s 2-1 comeback victory over Las Vegas at Trinity Health Stadium.

Samadia connected with teammate, Dieng to bring Hartford level in the 25th minute, as the Sierra Leonean midfielder looped a quality cross into the box that was perfectly headed into the upper left corner by Dieng.

In the second half, Ngalina’s determined effort secured his team’s lead with a clinical finish. His goal, along with Dieng’s, led to a comeback win, ending Las Vegas’ 11-match undefeated streak.

Samadia earned his second Team of the Week selection
Samadia earned his second Team of the Week selection
Nicholas Opoku makes Kasimpasa's debut in draw
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nicholas Opoku makes Kasimpasa’s debut against Hatayspor

Ghanaian defender Nicholas Opoku, 27, made his debut for his new club in the Turkish Super Lig, Kasimpasa SK, as they drew 1-1 against Hatayspor on Monday.

Opoku, who joined the club on a free transfer after leaving French club Amiens SC, played for 82 minutes in his first game.

During his time at Amiens, he appeared in 102 matches across all competitions, demonstrating strong defensive skills in 23 games in Ligue 2 last season.

Opoku’s football journey began in Ghana with Berekum Chelsea. After impressing at Tunisian side Club Africain, he signed with them in 2017. Opoku then moved to Udinese in Italy in July 2018.

On the international stage, Opoku has represented Ghana 18 times since his debut in 2017. He brings solid tackling, aerial ability, and a composed presence on the field to the Black Stars’ setup.

Striker Patson Daka to miss Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Patson Daka to miss Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone qualifiers

Zambia will have to do without Patson Daka in next month African Cup of Nations qualifiers after Leicester City’s injury update on Patson Daka, the 2017 African Youth Player of the Year.

Daka, the Zambia international, was forced off the field during a recent friendly against RC Lens due to an injury, which will sideline him for an extended period, as confirmed on the club’s website.

The 25-year-old will be absent from the upcoming English Premier League opener against Tottenham Hotspur, and there are concerns about his availability for Zambia’s 2025 AFCON qualifiers next month.

Manager Steve Cooper expressed his disappointment, stating, “Patson [Daka] is not great news. He sustained a serious ankle injury in the game against Lens last week and will be out of action for several months.

The striker underwent an operation on Friday. It’s a setback for both club and country as he was showing promise during pre-season.

Daka, known as Zambia’s key player with 21 goals in 48 matches for Chipolopolo, faces a challenging recovery period, with important matches against Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone on the horizon next month.