Category: Sport News

Striker Daniel Kanu joins Walsall on loan from Charlton Athletic

Striker Daniel Kanu joins Walsall on loan from Charlton Athletic

Sierra Leone International Daniel Kanu has joined League Two side Walsall on a season-long loan from Charlton Athletic in the Championship.

Daniel is 20 years old and came up through Charlton’s youth teams. He signed his first professional contract in February 2022 and made his senior debut that same month.

He stood out during the 2023-24 season by scoring three goals in his first four games. Daniel then had a one-month loan at Southend United in the National League, where he had a standout match, scoring four goals in a 5-0 win against Solihull Moors.

After returning to Charlton, he had another successful season, finishing with seven goals in Sky Bet League One. Overall, he has played 71 times for Charlton and has five senior caps for Sierra Leone, earning his first cap just after his 19th birthday.

Daniel is looking forward to his new challenge with us. “I’m really excited to be here and to get going,” he said. “I’ve been in contact with the coach for most of pre-season. They gave me a great presentation, which excited me. They will help me improve and get games, which is what I needed. I just can’t wait to get on the pitch and give my all. I had to wait a bit, but I’m really excited to be here, to get started, and to score some goals.”

Head Coach Mat Sadler is happy to strengthen the team’s attack. “I’m delighted that Charlton chose us as the best place for Daniel’s future. He has had success on loan at Southend and scored goals in League One. He is well-regarded at Charlton, and I have tried to sign him before. I’m glad everything worked out this time.

“We look forward to seeing him play. He is quick, likes to run behind defenses, and has a good eye for goal and finishing. We thank Charlton for their help in making this happen.”

Defender Alie Sesay returns to England to pens Morecambe deal

Defender Alie Sesay returns to England and pens Morecambe deal

Sierra Leone International, Alie Sesay, 31, has returned to England to joined the Mazuma Mobile Stadium. The club said Sesay brings a lot of experience from playing in England, Europe, and Asia.

Sesay departed England eights years ago after spell with Barnet in 2017 – he started his career in the Leicester City Academy, where he got a professional contract and played at youth and reserve levels. He later played for Barnet and Cambridge United.

He has also played in Greece, Sweden, Albania, and Indonesia. He represented Sierra Leone in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Manager Ashvir is excited about Sesay joining the team. He said, “I’m delighted to have Alie. He has played in the EFL and spent the last few years abroad to gain different football experiences.

“He will help us compete and win games in the National League. Alie is a leader and a professional who sets a good example for younger players. Sesay will join the squad as they prepare for the new season.”

Brøndby IF and Vaasan Palloseura in talks over loan deal for young keeper Wurie Jalloh

Brøndby IF and Vaasan Palloseura in talks over loan deal for young keeper Wurie Jalloh

On Friday, the Finnish media MTV Urheilu reported that Brøndby’s young goalkeeper Mamadou Jalloh will be loaned to Vaasan Palloseura in the top division in Finland, accordng to 3Point.DK

Mamadou Jalloh has risen through the ranks in Brøndby Masterclass, where he has most recently been a central figure in the U19 team.

The loan agreement with the Finnish club is valid for the rest of the season and with an option for a 12-month extension.

The agreement has not yet been officially confirmed by any party. This move aims to help him gain more experience, building on his impressive performances for the Sierra Leone U20 Cup of Nations team.

Vaasan Palloseura, known as VPS, is a football club from Vaasa, Finland. The team plays in the top league of Finnish football called Veikkausliiga. Jussi Nuorela is the club’s manager. VPS holds its home matches at Hietalahti.

Co-hosts Tanzania to face an uphill task against Morocco in Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam is set to host a quarterfinal showdown as co-hosts Tanzania take on Morocco at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, one of the most successful teams in the history of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), in a highly anticipated match on Friday.

This encounter will mark the first-ever meeting between Tanzania and Morocco at CHAN, and it will also be Tanzania’s first match against a North African team in the tournament.

Tanzania will be playing their 11th game at CHAN, while Morocco will be their 10th different opponent in the competition.

Morocco has faced East African teams six times, with a record of three wins, two draws, and one loss. Their wins include victories over Uganda (3-0 in 2014, 5-2 in 2020) and Rwanda (4-1 in 2016), along with draws against Rwanda (0-0 in 2020) and Sudan (0-0 in 2018).

In this tournament, their only defeat was a 1-0 loss to Kenya. This match marks Morocco’s first knockout round encounter with an East African team and will be their 21st opponent at CHAN.

Morocco will face a tournament host for the fourth time, having previously beaten Rwanda (4-1 in 2014) and Cameroon (4-0 in 2020), but lost to Kenya this year.

Tanzania has shown strong defence, conceding only one goal—the fewest in the tournament—while Morocco boasts a powerful attack, scoring eight goals, the highest in the competition.

Morocco has an 18.6% shot conversion rate, scoring eight goals from 23 shots on target, while Tanzania has a conversion rate of 10.42%, with five goals from 17 shots. Additionally, Tanzania leads in defence with 45 tackles, compared to Morocco’s 29.

Attacker Idriss Kanu features in Barnet's first win of the season

Attacker Idriss Kanu features in Barnet’s first win of the season

Sierra Leone International Idriss Kanu featured as Barnet secured their first win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Swindon Town, thanks to late goals from Dennis Adineran and Emmanuel Osadebe.

Kanu, 25, was playing for the Bees in his fourth game after the team lost all three of their opening matches this season.

The match began with Barnet facing early pressure but goalkeeper Cieran Slicker made crucial saves.

Despite several scoring opportunities from Barnet, including chances from Callum Stead and Ollie Hawkins, they remained scoreless until the second half.

After making impactful substitutions, Osadebe scored to give Barnet the lead, followed by Adineran’s goal just before the match ended, solidifying their win.

Idris Kanu joined The Bees in September 2022 after transferring from Peterborough United. Kanu began his career in the West Ham United academy before moving to Aldershot Town in 2016.

Following one season, Kanu signed with Peterborough United. The forward appeared in 69 matches for The Posh, including games in the Championship. He subsequently had loan spells at Port Vale, Boreham Wood, and Northampton before making a permanent move to The Bees last season.

Kanu has also represented Sierra Leone at the international level in the national team.