Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghanaian defender pens deal with Scottish side Dunfermline Athletic
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghanaian defender pens deal with Scottish side Dunfermline Athletic

Dunfermline Athletic has officially acquired the services of defender Nurudeen Abdulai from Medeama Sporting Club, a team in the Ghanaian Premier League.

The Scottish Championship side is pleased with Abdulai, a 21-year-old central defender, who has signed a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

He brings a commendable record of 75 appearances in the Ghanaian Premier League, as well as seven appearances in the CAF Champions League, highlighting his experience with the Mauve and Yellow.

The player is expected to integrate with his new teammates promptly and will be eligible for selection in the upcoming match against Arbroath following the international break.

Currently, Dunfermline Athletic occupies the fifth position in the Scottish Championship table, having earned five points from four matches in the current campaign.

Mo Salah, Omar Marmoush and Osama Faisal named to Egypt squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mo Salah, Omar Marmoush named for Egypt’s World Cup qualifiers

Egypt’s coach Hossam Hassan has announced his squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and Burkina Faso.

Leading the attacking lineup is Mohamed Salah, accompanied by Mostafa Mohamed, Osama Faisal and Omar Marmoush. The goalkeeping unit is comprised of Mohamed El Shenawy, Mostafa Shobeir, Mohamed Sobhy, and Abdelaziz El Balouti.

The team includes some fresh talent as well as the return of a few familiar faces. Notably, Amr El Gazzar, a defender from the National Bank of Egypt, receives his first call-up to the national team.

Additionally, Pyramids midfielder Mohannad Lasheen is back after a hiatus following the Africa Cup of Nations, and Al Ahly’s Marwan Attia rejoins the squad after his recovery from a hernia.

Currently, Egypt sits at the top of Group A with 16 points, holding a five-point advantage over Burkina Faso in second place. They remain strong favourites to advance to the final qualifying rounds.

Here’s the complete roster for Egypt:

Goalkeepers:
– Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly)
– Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly)
– Mohamed Sobhy (Zamalek)
– Abdelaziz El Balouty (National Bank)

Defenders:

– Rami Rabia (Al Ain, UAE)
– Khaled Sobhi (Al Masry)
– Amr El Gazzar (National Bank)
– Hossam Abdelmaguid (Zamalek)
– Mohamed Rabia (ZED)
– Mohamed Hany (Al Ahly)
– Ahmed Eid (Al Masry)
– Mohamed Hamdy (Pyramids)
– Ahmed Nabil “Koka” (Al Ahly)

Midfielders:

– Hamdi Fathi (Al Wakrah, Qatar)
– Nabil Emad (Zamalek)
– Marwan Attia (Al Ahly)
– Mahmoud Sabrer (ZED)
– Mohannad Lasheen (Pyramids)
– Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” (Al Ahly)
– Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” (Al Ahly)
– Omar Marmoush (Manchester City)
– Ibrahim Adel (Al Jazira, UAE)

Forwards:
– Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
– Mostafa Mohamed (Nantes)
– Osama Faisal (National Bank)


Fixtures:

September 5: Egypt vs Ethiopia (Cairo International Stadium)

September 10: Burkina Faso vs Egypt

Juma Bah's Nice suffer a second French Ligue 1 defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Juma Bah’s Nice suffer second French Ligue 1 defeat

With a respectable 3-1 triumph against Nice, Le Havre AC got its first points of the season, therefore highlighting its dedication at home.

The Ciel Marine showed efficiency and tenacity after a hard defeat to RC Lens, with Fodé Doucouré scoring the opening goal in the 13th minute after a fantastic assist from Issa Soumaré.

In the photograph, Sierra Leone’s Juma Bah was on show as he played the full throttle of the contest, but his side suffered their second defeat in their French Ligue 1 games.

Since coming on loan from Manchester City, Bah, 19, has made his debut for his side. Doucouré’s hard work after Nice levelled the score early in the second half resulted in Rassoul Ndiaye scoring to reinstate the home team’s lead in the 61st minute, presenting unrelenting will.

Strategic substitutions by Coach Didier Digard created more possibilities as HAC kept pressing. The victory was sealed in stoppage time when Issa Soumaré found the net, much to the delight of the home crowd.

HAC kept composure with great performances from their defence, especially captain Sangante, despite Nice’s efforts to equalise.

As HAC gets ready to meet Strasbourg in two weeks, the victory lifts morale and guarantees more thrilling contests to come.

Morocco overcome Madagascar to clinch third CHAN title
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco overcome Madagascar to clinch third CHAN title

Morocco clinched their third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title in six years by defeating Madagascar 3-2 in the 2024 final held on August 30, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya.

Star striker Oussama Lamlioui scored twice, including a breathtaking 40-yard strike, solidifying Morocco’s status as the most successful team in CHAN history.

Madagascar took an early lead in the ninth minute with Calvin Felicite Manohantzua’s goal, but Morocco equalized through Youssef Mehri in the 27th minute.

Oussama Lamlioui then scored to give Morocco a 2-1 lead at halftime.

After the recess, Toky Rakotondraibe levelled again for Madagascar, but Lamlioui’s second goal sealed the victory for Morocco.

Despite the loss, Madagascar’s silver medal marked a historic achievement.  Lamlioui earned the Golden Boot with six goals, while Mohammed Hrimat was named Player of the Tournament. Senegal’s Marc Diouf received the Fair Play Award and the Golden Glove.

Morocco clinched their third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title in six years by defeating Madagascar 3-2 in the 2024 final held on August 30, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya.
Morocco clinched their third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title in six years by defeating Madagascar 3-2 in the 2024 final held on August 30, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya.
Arsenal's winger Ismeal Kabia joins Shrewsbury Town on loan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Arsenal’s winger Ismeal Kabia joins Shrewsbury Town on loan

English League Two side Shrewsbury Town has confirmed the borrowing of powerful Sierra Leone’s native Ismeal Kabia from Arsenal. The winger first joining the Gunners at under-11s, the 19-year-old made his Premier League big professional debut last month.

Born in the Netherlands, Ismeal is a quick forward who can play on either the right or left; he is also qualified to represent Sierra Leone at international level.

For Town during the 2025/26 season, Kabia will wear the number 20 shirt.

Earlier today, the boy sat down to talk with the Shrewsbury Town media staff about his transfer.

With Arsenal, Ismeal made 22 appearances in all competitions for our academy last season and his impressive form with our age group teams saw him involved with the first team throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

The versatile winger featured as an unused substitute 13 times in the Premier League and Champions League, as well as earning himself a first-team debut in our 5-1 win against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup third round at Emirates Stadium.