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.

Mohamed Salah opens Trabzonspor account with a brace

Mohamed Salah opens Trabzonspor account with a brace

Mohamed Salah netted two goals in his initial Turkish Super Lig match for Trabzonspor, nearly securing a hat-trick, as they triumphed over Istanbul Basaksehir.

The 34-year-old forward from Egypt departed Liverpool after nine years, where he tallied 257 goals, on a free transfer this summer.

Initially anticipated to sign with a club in Saudi Arabia, he chose to join the Turkish outfit on a two-year contract, earning £280,000 weekly.

This match marked his third outing for Trabzonspor; he previously came off the bench against Kasimpasa last weekend and started in their Europa League play-off first-leg loss to Ferencvaros.

He found the net for his new team after intercepting a ball from the away goalkeeper, Muhammed Sengezer, before scoring through a deflection off the post.

After Eldor Shomurodov equalized from the penalty spot, Salah reclaimed the lead for his team with a first-time shot from 10 yards.

The seasoned player was issued a yellow card for diving when he fell in the box with 11 minutes remaining.

He believed he had completed his hat-trick in injury time by scoring into an empty net from 45 yards, but was flagged for offside.

Hamburger SV Sign Striker Terem Moffi from OGC Nice in France

Hamburger SV Sign Striker Terem Moffi from OGC Nice in France

Hamburger SV has signed 27-year-old Nigerian centre forward Terem Moffi from OGC Nice, marking their seventh signing this summer.

Claus Costa, the Sporting Director, praised Moffi’s physicality and determination, stating that he is a striker who is hard to control.

Moffi underwent medical exams at the Athleticum training ground in Volkspark last weekend and then signed his contract. He will wear the number 9 jersey for HSV.

“Terem fits perfectly into our team. His signing adds depth and versatility to the center forward position, improving our overall strength. His experience at a high international level will benefit our younger players. We are thrilled to welcome Terem to HSV,” said Kathleen Krüger, the board member for sport.

Costa added, “We believe Terem will bring extra firepower to our game and enhance our squad’s versatility. Our next task is to integrate him quickly so we can start the new Bundesliga season with energy and confidence.”

Terem Igobor Moffi has had an interesting career, playing in six countries before coming to Germany, his seventh. He was born on May 25, 1999, in Calabar, Nigeria, and moved to England at 17 to join the Buckswood Football Academy.

He started his professional career in Lithuania with FK Kauno Zalgiris and FK Riteriai. In January 2020, he joined KV Kortrijk in Belgium, then moved to FC Lorient in the fall of the same year. In early 2023, he signed with OGC Nice and recently spent the latter half of last season on loan at FC Porto. Overall, he has scored 88 goals and made 13 assists in 228 competitive matches.

Moffi has also played for Nigeria’s national team since 2021, making 23 appearances and scoring six goals with two assists. In October 2023, he started alongside his new teammate Jordan Torunarigha.

Moffi said about his transfer, “The coach convinced me during our talks. The location, the great fans, and the club’s direction influenced my decision. Even though HSV has played in the second division for a few years, it is still a well-known club worldwide. When I informed my father about their interest, he immediately recognized the club and was excited. It has been incredible for me, and I’m thrilled to be part of the club’s history.”

He also shared his thoughts on his playing style: “As a striker, I love scoring goals, but I also enjoy working for the team and supporting everyone. Being the new guy feels a bit strange, but I look forward to getting to know everyone and starting our journey together.”

Ghana international Thomas Partey joins Al-Shabab

Ghana international Thomas Partey joins Al-Shabab

Saudi Pro League team Al-Shabab has signed Ghana international Thomas Partey.

Partey, 33, was a free agent this summer after Villarreal chose not to extend his contract. He played 167 games for Arsenal between 2020 and 2025.

Partey is set to go on trial next year after pleading not guilty to seven charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault. These allegations involve four women and relate to incidents between 2020 and 2022.

During the World Cup this summer, Partey was not allowed to enter Canada before Ghana’s first match against Panama due to the ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK.

He wrongly told officials that he had never been arrested or charged with a crime. He played in Ghana’s other three matches in the tournament, but the team lost in the last 32 stage against Colombia.

Al-Shabab, which includes former Burnley captain Josh Brownhill and ex-Wolves winger Daniel Podence, finished 13th last season and lost their first match this season.

Cape Verde Appoints Humberto Bettencourt as New Coach

Cape Verde Appoints Humberto Bettencourt as New Coach

The Cape Verde Football Federation has promoted their long‑time assistant Humberto Bettencourt to head coach, entrusting the 51‑year‑old with guiding the Blue Sharks into their next chapter after a historic FIFA World Cup debut.

Coach Bettencourt succeeds his former boss Bubista, who departed to manage Moroccan side RS Berkane. Having served six years as Bubista’s deputy, Bettencourt was a key architect of Cape Verde’s rise, including their landmark 2026 World Cup campaign where the island nation stunned global audiences.

Cape Verde’s federation opted for continuity, banking on Bettencourt’s tactical familiarity with the squad and philosophy that helped the team hold eventual champions Spain, draw Uruguay, and push Argentina to extra time in the round of 32.

His first major test will be the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with crucial fixtures in September and October, as expectations are higher than ever, since Cape Verde are no longer seen as outsiders but as a resilient force capable of challenging Africa’s elite.

For Bettencourt, the promotion marks a transition from behind‑the‑scenes strategist to the public face of Cape Verdean football, and he’s now tasked with ensuring the World Cup is remembered not as a one‑off triumph, but as the foundation for sustained success on the continental stage.

Ivorian midfielder Abdoul Ouattara is ready for a new challenge with Ipswich Town

Ipswich Town has secured the signing of winger Abdoul Ouattara from French club Strasbourg. The 20-year-old Ivorian international has joined the team on a five-year contract, bringing his talent and flair to the squad.

Town boss Gary O’Neil stated: “Abdoul is a talented young player who offers versatility and is a great addition to our squad. We enjoyed working with him in France and are thrilled to continue at Ipswich.”

Born in Zoukpangbeu, Ivory Coast, Abdoul moved to France at 10 and joined Strasbourg’s youth academy in 2018. He debuted for the first team in a 4-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in October 2024 and became a key player under O’Neil last season, showing his adaptability across various positions.

Ouattara made 45 appearances for Strasbourg in the French top league and was part of the team that reached the UEFA Conference League semi-finals last season.

He said, “I am still young but have had some good experiences already, and I can’t wait to meet the fans and my teammates and get started.”

Since being promoted from the Championship last season, Ipswich has spent £150 million. With the signings of Ouattara and Enciso, they have now made 12 major signings.

Ipswich will start their Premier League campaign at home against Sunderland on August 22.