Category: African News

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Kenya coach Benni McCarthy wants strong finish against Zambia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kenya coach Benni McCarthy wants strong finish against Zambia

Kenya’s national team head coach, Benni McCarthy, has expressed his determination to conclude their group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) with a victory against Zambia at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.

Although the team has already secured a spot in the knockout stages, the South African legend emphasised that the Harambee Stars are aiming for a win against Chipolopolo to ensure they finish at the top of Group A.

“The game against Zambia is crucial. Many people believed we were in the ‘group of death’ and predicted we would finish with zero points, but here we are, at the top,” McCarthy explained to the media ahead of the match.

“So, this is a must-win game for us in order to claim the top position in the table. We want to make a statement with this victory, demonstrating that our good results in the previous matches were not due to luck.”

When asked if he plans to rotate his squad for the game, McCarthy replied, “I have great confidence in the players and their quality, so I try to give everyone a chance to get some playing time. However, it can be challenging, especially after playing two games with red cards.

It makes it extremely difficult to provide everyone with an opportunity to play, but we try to rotate the squad as much as we can so that every player can contribute. Ultimately, they earn their spots based on their performances in training sessions.”

Nonetheless, a win for the Harambee Stars against Zambia would not only secure first place in Group A but also keep their unbeaten streak alive as they advance to the quarterfinals.

Madagascar progress from Group B after win over Burkina Faso
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Madagascar progress from Group B after win over Burkina Faso

Madagascar advanced out of Group B in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after securing a second-place finish, joining group winners and co-hosts Tanzania.

In a “dead rubber” game, Tanzania played to a 0-0 draw against the Central African Republic, who finished at the bottom of the group. Meanwhile, the Barea of Madagascar edged past Burkina Faso with a 2-1 victory, allowing them to surpass Mauritania on goal differential.

In a thrilling match at Amaan Stadium, Madagascar took an early lead through Fenohasina Razafimaro’s long-range shot in the 7th minute. Burkina Faso equalized in the 26th minute with a header from Souleymane Sangaré, assisted by Hanaby Sagné.

Madagascar’s goalkeeper, Michel “Toldo” Ramandimbisoa, made key saves to maintain the balance, including a double save from shots by Yves Koutiama and Sagné.

Madagascar regained the lead in the 58th minute with a penalty converted by Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa after a foul on Fenohasina. Despite Burkina Faso’s second-half pressure, Madagascar’s defense held strong.

In another match, the Central African Republic earned their first-ever point at CHAN with a 0-0 draw against Tanzania, who still secured top spot in their group. Both Madagascar and Tanzania face tough quarterfinal challenges next Friday, August 22.

Burkina Faso International Dando Ouattara joins Brentford
by Football Sierra Leone

Burkina Faso International Dango Ouattara joins Brentford

Brentford has signed Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth for a club-record fee. He has signed a five-year contract with an option for an additional year.

The 23-year-old forward had 18 goal contributions in 81 Premier League matches for Bournemouth after joining in January 2023.

Brentford’s head coach, Keith Andrews, said, “We’re really happy to get Dango in. We were surprised he was available, and once we saw he might be possible to sign, we focused on getting him. We like his Premier League experience at such a young age.

He hasn’t found his rhythm yet due to inconsistent playing time. He fits the way we want to play and brings something we needed in our forward line. The fans will enjoy watching him.”

Phil Giles, Brentford’s director of football, stated, “After selling Bryan Mbeumo, we needed to add another attacking player, and we believe Dango is the perfect choice. Despite many changes at the club this summer, we have strong replacements, and Dango showcases that. We also have players like Aaron Hickey, Rico Henry, and Frank Onyeka ready to contribute, and I’m excited to see Dango’s unique skills on the pitch.”

Brentford finished last season in tenth, one place below the Cherries in ninth.

Yan Diomande nets as RB Leipzig beat Sandhausen in Cup win
by Football Sierra Leone

Yan Diomande nets as RB Leipzig beat Sandhausen in Cup win

Scoring on his RB Leipzig debut in Saturday’s DFB Pokal victory against Sandhausen, Yan Diomande immediately made an impact.

The 19-year-old winger, who moved from Spanish team Leganés to the Bundesliga side in a notable transfer, equalized for his new team in only six minutes. The Ivory Coast youth international coolly shot from close range after receiving a pass from Willi Orban inside the area.
 
RB Leipzig conceded another goal in the 18th minute, but Leipzig rallied back in the second half to win 4-2 as Diomande clocked 86 minutes on the field for his official debut.
 
Under German coach Ole Werner, he is expected to become a leading player for the 2025/26 season. Having represented Ivory Coast at the U17 and U23 levels, Yan Diomande is hailed as among the most promising talents to emerge from West Africa.
Antoine Semeyo's net brace in Bournemouth's defeat to Liverpool
by Football Sierra Leone

Antoine Semenyo’s nets brace in Bournemouth’s defeat to Liverpool

Liverpool began their Premier League title defence with a dramatic 4-2 victory over AFC Bournemouth at Anfield as Anooine Semeyo and Mohamed Salah were on the scoresheet.

Despite a strong performance from the Cherries, which included a brace from Antoine Semenyo to equalise at 2-2, late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mo Salah secured the win for Liverpool.

The match started with a moment of silence in memory of Diogo Jota and his brother, followed by goals from Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo that put Liverpool ahead.

Semenyo’s impressive second half brought Bournemouth back into the game, with a stunning long-range shot for his second goal.

However, Chiesa and Salah’s late strikes dashed Bournemouth’s hopes, despite their commendable fightback.

New signings for Bournemouth, including goalkeeper Đorđe Petrović, made their debuts in a match praised for its competitive spirit.