Category: African News

Our African football page passionately on all continental topics of all National and International football news, Identifying football heroes on our continent.

Senegal striker Ismaïla Sarr is Crystal Palace's latest acquisition
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal striker Ismaïla Sarr is Crystal Palace’s latest acquisition

Crystal Palace has signed Senegal’s forward Ismaïla Sarr on a five-year deal, making him the club’s third summer transfer window signing.

The 26-year-old forward has extensive experience in English football, playing for Watford and Marseille. He also played in France for Metz and Rennes.

Ismaïla Sarr has 64 appearances for the Senegal national team, scoring 13 goals. He won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021. He received Goal of the Season awards in the Football League and the Europa League.

Crystal Palace’s management has expressed belief in Sarr’s abilities. Manager Oliver Glasner highlighted Sarr’s successes and expressed confidence in his potential contribution to the squad.

Sarr expressed delight in joining Crystal Palace and his commitment to making a valuable contribution. Crystal Palace extends a warm welcome to Ismaïla Sarr and best wishes for his upcoming career with the team.

Nigeria and Zambia end Women's Olympic Football adventure
by FSL News

Nigeria and Zambia end Women’s Olympic Football adventure

The Super Falcons and Zambia Queens suffered defeats on the final day of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, as they were beaten by Japan and Germany, respectively.

Nigeria lost 3-1 to Japan in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, Paris 2024. This was their third loss in a row. Despite the support of the fans, the Super Falcons couldn’t find their rhythm, and Japan took advantage of their weaknesses.

Riko Ueki passed the ball to Maika Hamano for an easy goal to break the tie. Mina Tanaka scored the second goal after Ueki’s powerful header hit the crossbar.

Nigeria got a glimmer of hope when Jennifer Echegini cleverly passed with Christy Ucheibe and scored from outside the box. However, Japan sealed a morale-boosting 3-1 victory with a fantastic free-kick from Kitagawa.

Japan 3-1 Nigeria – Goals Japan scorers: Hamano (22), Tanaka (32), Kitagawa (45+5) Nigeria scorers: Echegini (42)

In Group B, Zambia’s team captained by Barbara Banda, scored six goals and conceded thirteen in the three games, resulting in their elimination from the tournament.

Germany and the US both qualified for the next stage after Germany’s win over Zambia. Lea Schuller scored a great solo goal in the first half, followed by Klara Buhl’s goal in the second half.

Barbra Banda scored for Zambia, but Germany secured the win with another goal from Schuller and a late goal from Elissa Sens.

Zambia 1-4 Germany – Goals Zambia scorer: Banda (49) Germany scorers: Schuller (10, 61), Buhl (47), Sens (90+7)

Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho joins Spanish side Sevilla
by FSL News

Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho joins Spanish side Sevilla

Spanish side Sevilla FC has officially confirmed the signing of Nigerian international and former Leicester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho.

Iheanacho’s contract with Leicester City ended in June after seven years with the club. “Kelechi Iheanacho (Imo, Nigeria, 03/10/1996) is now a new Sevilla FC player, the fifth signing for this 24/25 season after Ejuke, Peque, Saúl and Sambi.

He has signed for two seasons, with the option for one more, arriving on a free transfer after his time at Leicester City,” the Spanish side noted about the Nigerian International.

Iheanacho played in just half of Leicester’s 46 Championship matches last term, starting 10, with Jamie Vardy as the first-choice starting striker.

The move to Sevilla aims to replace Youssef En-Nesyri after the Moroccan striker joined Fenerbahce earlier this month. Iheanacho is Sevilla’s second striker signing of the summer transfer window after Peque, a former Spain youth international, joined from Racing Santander.

Iheanacho joined Leicester City in 2017 after spending time on loan in their youth academy. For the Premier League champions in 2015/16, he played 232 matches, scoring 61 goals and providing 34 assists until the last campaign 23/24.

The new Sevilla striker has also played 19 European competition matches, with 7 games in the Champions League, 11 in the UEFA Europa League, and one in the Conference League. To date, Iheanacho has played 55 matches and scored 19 goals with the senior team. His greatest achievement came in 2017 with the U-17 World Championship win.

Gabonese Yannis M'bemba joins Dordrecht to strengthen defense
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Gabonese Yannis M’bemba joins Dordrecht to strengthen defence

Yannis M’bemba, a French-Gabonese player, has joined the Dutch Eerste Divisie club Dordrecht to strengthen the team’s defence.

He is transferring from FC Nantes in France and will not require a transfer fee. The 1.94-meter-tall centerback has signed a two-year contract with an option for a third year at the Krommedijk.

During his time at Nantes, he played two matches in Ligue 1 and mostly featured for the club’s second team. M’bemba made his international debut earlier this year in the Gabon vs. DR Congo match.

Having trained with Dordtenaren for several weeks, M’bemba has already played in several practice matches.

General Director Hans de Zeeuw expressed his satisfaction with M’bemba’s decision to join FC Dordrecht, noting, “Yannis is a very complete defender who can play in both centre positions.

In addition to his height, he is also very comfortable on the ball. We are delighted that Yannis chose to join us!”

Morocco advance to last eight as Group B winners
by FSL News

Morocco advance to last eight as Group B winners

In their final Group B match of the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 at the Stade de Nice, the North African powerhouse Morocco put on a dominant performance, securing a resounding 3-0 victory over Iraq.

The game saw an early lead for Morocco when Amir Richardson found the back of the net in the 19th minute.

Shortly thereafter, Rahimi furthered the lead with a goal nine minutes later. Abde Ezzalouli then sealed the win with a goal in the 36th minute, showcasing Morocco’s skill and determination.

This impressive win marked Morocco’s second triumph in Group B, following their initial victory over Argentina and a narrow 2-1 defeat to Ukraine.

Morocco 3-0 Iraq – Goals Morocco scorers: Richardson (19), Rahimi (28), Ezzalzouli (36)

Elsewhere, The USA is on its way to the knockout round of the Olympics for the first time since Sydney 2000 after defeating Guinea 3-0 in Saint-Etienne to secure second place in Group A.

The West African team is returning home after failing to win any matches in this year’s men’s football Olympic games.

Djordje Mihailovic scored a brilliant right-footed free-kick into the top-left corner of the net in the 14th minute, giving the Americans a 1-0 lead. The lead was doubled in the 31st minute when Paredes finished off a well-weighted ball from Paxton Aaronson to make it 2-0.

Paredes sealed the victory with a powerful left-footed finish in the 75th minute, securing the three points.

USA 3-0 Guinea  – Goals USA scorers: Mihailovic (14), Paredes (31, 75)

Next at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024

Quarter-finals | Friday, 2 August

Quarter-final – Morocco v USA

Quarter-final – Japan v Spain

Quarter-final – Egypt v Paraguay –

Quarter-final – France v Argentina