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.

Ademola Lookman nets as Atalanta reach the Europa League final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ademola Lookman nets as Atalanta reach Europa League final

Ademola Lookman was on target as Atalanta secured their spot in the Europa League final with a 4-1 aggregate victory over Marseille at the Gewiss Stadium.

Atalanta, managed by Gian Piero Gasperini, is set to face Bayer Leverkusen, led by Xabi Alonso, in the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on May 22nd.

This will be Atalanta’s first final in European competition.

Nigeria International Ademola Lookman scored the first goal for Atalanta in the 30th minute with a deflected strike that went past Marseille’s goalkeeper Pau Lopez and landed in the bottom corner.

Matteo Ruggeri extended Atalanta’s lead at the start of the second half with a right-footed drive into the top corner. El Bilal Toure scored the final goal of the match in injury time with the last kick of the game.

Atalanta had several missed chances to score in the first half, even though they eliminated Liverpool in the previous round.

Ilaix Moriba scored the winning goal from a penalty in the first half. 
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea beat Indonesia to seal Paris 2024 Olympics spot

On Thursday, Guinea secured their place in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament with a 1-0 win against Indonesia in a play-off match. 

Sixteen teams will compete in the men’s tournament from July 24 to 9 August 2024.

Moriba Kourouma scored the winning goal from a penalty in the first half.

Although Indonesia fought back, Guinea’s defence held firm, and they secured their historic place in the Olympic Age.

During the game, Algassime Bah was fouled by Indonesia’s Witan Sulaeman, leading to a penalty. 

The African team will be making their second appearance in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament, having previously competed in 1968.

Guinea is in Group A of the 16-team summer event, along with hosts France, USA, and New Zealand. 

Reaction

“We’re qualified, so we’re rewriting history with these young ones. They’ve earned it. This will be the second time that Guinea has taken part in the Olympic Games. We’re going there to try and go as far as possible.” Kaba Diawara, Guinea coach.

Brighton's Carlos Baleba set to boost Cameroon squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Brighton’s Carlos Baleba set to boost Cameroon squad

Cameroon’s national football team, the “Indomitable Lions,” is set to add Carlos Baleba to its squad after his recent agreement to represent the team.

Football Sierra Leone understands that the announcement of the squad will provide insight into Brys’s vision for Cameroon’s footballing future.

Baleba is one of Africa’s most promising talents and has emerged as an exceptional midfielder since his transfer to Brighton from Lille last summer.

Baleba, 20, joined Albion in August 2023 from Lille, signing a five-year contract.

Baleba’s absence from Cameroon’s squad during the last Africa Cup of Nations caused controversy, but he has now agreed to play for the team.

Head coach Marc Brys is expected to be named Brighton’s player for the World Cup 2026 upcoming matches against Cape Verde and Angola.Africa’s 

Sébastien Haller eyes in UEFA Champions League final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivorian Sébastien Haller could join Uefa Champions League elite

 
The 2023/24 UEFA Champions League final will take place at London’s historic Wembley Stadium. This is the 69th season of Europe’s elite club competition and the 32nd since it was renamed the UEFA Champions League.
 
 
 
 
 
Sierra Leone FA Cup final abandoned as rival fans clash
by FSL News

Sierra Leone FA Cup final abandoned as rival fans clash

On Saturday, at the newly renovated Port Loko field, the Sierra Leone FA Cup final was marred by unruly fan behaviour, leading to chaos and the match being abandoned. 

The Bo Rangers, the defending champions and East End Lions were set to compete in this year’s FA Cup tournament. However, even before the game could commence, fans from both sides started fighting. Law enforcement officials had to intervene by using tear gas to restore order.

The violence began while the FA President, Thomas Brima, was delivering his pre-match speech. Stones were thrown from one side of the stadium to the other. It was unclear who started it, but the police had to intervene to quell the violence. Fortunately, the FA President was unharmed.

Despite fans’ disturbance, the FA Cup final was allowed to proceed until it was halted midway through the second half due to a stone that hit East End Lions player Abdul Nymekye, causing injury. The score was 0-0 at the time. But before the incident, the referee disallowed Bo Rangers’ goal for offside, accumulating more fans’ dissatisfaction.

The Sierra Leone Football Association asks for calm and patience as they await match officials’ reports ahead of the pending Investigation. 

The National Sports Authority has condemned all forms of violence in sports and urges authorities to investigate the violent incident during the final. 

‘Sports should unite people, not incite violence. The game should be won on the pitch, not through violent means. Therefore, the SLFA should find a neutral venue to conclude this year’s FA Cup.’