Category: Sport News

Nigerian defedner Ola Aina doubtful for Forest v Arsenal Premier League tie
by FSL News

Nigerian defender Ola Aina doubtful for Forest weekend Premier League tie

Nottingham Forest is facing more problems as defender Ola Aina might miss Saturday's match against Arsenal due to an injury he sustained while playing for Nigeria.

Aina played in both of Nigeria’s recent World Cup qualifying matches. The Super Eagles won 1-0 against Rwanda and drew 1-1 with South Africa.

Aina had to leave the game early against South Africa after getting hurt in a challenge. He was substituted in the 10th minute for Bright Osayi-Samuel.

Reports say Aina has a hamstring injury, but he was able to walk off the pitch after the game. Forest also made headlines this week by parting ways with manager Nuno Espírito Santo. They have appointed former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou as his replacement.

Postecoglou will have a difficult start, facing Arsenal in his first game, especially if Aina is unable to play.

Currently, Forest is 10th in the Premier League with one win, one draw, and one loss this season.

Arsenal has two wins and one loss in their first three league games and will aim to get back to winning ways on Saturday.

Cameroon's André Onana’s Manchester United exit is imminent
by Football Sierra Leone

Cameroon’s André Onana’s Manchester United exit is imminent  

André Onana’s tenure at Manchester United seems to be coming to an end after conflicts with manager Ruben Amorim reached a critical point.

According to English outlets, the relationship between the Cameroonian goalkeeper and the Portuguese coach has deteriorated in recent weeks, resulting in them no longer speaking to each other.

Amorim has reportedly criticised Onana’s professionalism, particularly his choice to participate in a local match in Cameroon during his vacation on a pitch deemed hazardous.

Reports indicate that Onana is close to finalising a transfer to Turkish side Trabzonspor, with his departure regarded as nearly certain.

Tension grew between Onana and Amorim before the international break, with Amorim accusing Onana of lacking commitment in training. Relegated to the bench, Onana was never seen as part of the coach’s long-term plans. The situation worsened after Onana’s mistakes in Manchester United’s surprising cup loss to Grimsby.

These errors reinforced Amorim’s belief that the goalkeeper could no longer be trusted at the highest level. Additional criticism was directed at Onana’s performances for the Cameroon national team.

His recent performance in the loss against Cape Verde faced significant scrutiny, with some observers blaming him for the outcome. These challenges have reinforced Amorim’s belief that the player’s departure is essential for restoring balance within the squad.

Now, with Trabzonspor looking to make a move, his time at Old Trafford appears set to conclude sooner rather than later.

Senegal leapfrog DR Congo after comeback win in Group B
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegal leapfrog DR Congo after comeback win in Group B

In Group B, Senegal staged a thrilling comeback in Kinshasa and moved ahead of DR Congo with goals from Pape Gueye 39’, Nicolas Jackson 53’, and Pape Sarr 87’

DR Congo jumped to a two-goal lead with Bakambu’s goal and Wissa’s follow-up. Senegal responded with a goal from Pape Gueye, narrowing the gap before halftime.

They levelled the score when Jackson scored from a rebound and took the lead with Pape Sarr’s goal late in the match.

Senegal now tops the group ahead of their upcoming matches against South Sudan and Mauritania. DR Congo needs to regroup quickly for their matches against Togo and Sudan to keep their hopes alive.

DR Congo 2–3 Senegal – Scorers: Cédric Bakambu 26’, Yoane Wissa 33’ (DRC); Pape Gueye 39’, Nicolas Jackson 53’, Pape Sarr 87’ (Senegal)

Elsewhere, matchday 8 of Africa’s qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 brought exciting moments and important outcomes.

Cape Verde won 1-0 against Cameroon, putting them at the top of their group. In Johannesburg, South Africa, and Nigeria played to a 1-1 draw in a close match. Egypt and Burkina Faso ended in a 0-0 tie, while Togo celebrated their first victory by beating Sudan 1-0.

In a tightly contested match, South Africa and Nigeria settled for a 1-1 draw. South Africa took the lead with an own goal from Troost-Ekong, but Nigeria responded just before halftime with a goal by Bassey.

In the second half, both teams created chances, with Nigeria looking more dangerous on counterattacks. The draw keeps South Africa well-positioned for automatic qualification, while Nigeria needs to win their remaining matches to stay in contention.

In Group A, Egypt missed a chance to secure qualification, playing to a goalless draw against Burkina Faso. An early injury to Omar Marmoush hampered their attack, and despite Salah having a goal ruled out for offside, they couldn’t break through a solid Burkina Faso defence. With two matches left, the group’s outcome remains up in the air.

Egypt one win away to reach 2026 World Cup after stalemate in Ouagadougou
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt close in on 2026 World Cup after stalemate in Ouagadougou

Egypt's will have to wait for a place in next World Cup after they played to a goalless draw against Burkina Faso on Tuesday in Ouagadougou during the eighth round of the African qualifiers. (Photo Credit Pouire service photographie)

Now, Egypt will face Djibouti on October 6, hoping to secure its spot in the World Cup. Currently, Egypt leads Group A with 20 points, which is five points ahead of second-placed Burkina Faso.

They need just one point from their next two games to secure a spot in the tournament. Coach Hossam Hassan used a different strategy by setting up a strong defence with five defenders.

Egypt started the game defensively, managing Burkina Faso’s early pressure. Despite the noisy crowd, Egypt defended well and posed a threat on counter-attacks, using the speed of Mohamed Salah and Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan.

The match started with Trezeguet’s long-range shot missing the target six minutes in. Egypt faced a setback when Omar Marmoush was injured, replaced by Osama Faisal.

Burkina Faso threatened with a free kick after twenty minutes, but Egypt’s defence held strong, and Toure shot over the bar from the rebound. Trezeguet’s powerful shot was saved by Koffi, leaving the first half goalless.

In the second half, Egypt played cautiously, allowing Burkina Faso to control possession. Mohamed Salah assisted Trezeguet, but Koffi saved again. Salah had a goal disallowed for offside in the 67th minute.

Dango Ouattara missed a header late in the game, and Coach Hassan made substitutions with five minutes left. Mostafa Mohamed had two chances to score but couldn’t convert.

Sierra Leone edge Ethiopia in Group A World Cup qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone edge Ethiopia in Group A World Cup qualifier

Sierra Leone secured a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia in their Group A World Cup qualifiers, giving themselves a slim possibility of reaching the playoffs.

Momoh I Kamara scored for Sierra Leone in the 37th minute, capitalising on a smart pass from Sallieu Tarawallie. Substitute Alhassah Koroma sealed the victory for the home team in extra time.

Blackburn Rovers attacker Kargbo came close for Sierra Leone with his strike, which hit the crossbar before flying over.

The host enjoyed much possession in the opening exchanges at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium, with Blackburn Rovers winger Augustus Kargbo, Momoh Kamara and skipper Mustapha Bundu being the most dangerous in attack and making life difficult for the Ethiopians.

Under a sunny sky at Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium, the hosts displayed promising moments against their opponents, effectively controlling and moving the ball all around the pitch.

Head coach Mohamed Kallon made five changes to his squad that were held in Guinea-Boissau 1-1 last Thursday, aiming to maximise his squad as the likes of Kei Kamara, Buya Turay, and Alhassan Koroma all named on the bench as Leone Stars settled with a 1-0 lead in the first half.

After the recess, the visitors tried many tactics but couldn’t find the back of the net. Sierra Leone’s Buya Turay nearly scored from a direct free kick, as the ball hit the crossbar and went over.

Alhassan Koroma finally got the second for the Leone Stars in extra time, sending the fans into ecstasy. 

These three vital points are crucial for coach Kallon’s team as they prepare to challenge Burkina Faso and Djibouti in October for the final two matches of the qualifiers.

Egypt is leading Group A with 19 points, followed by Burkina Faso with 14 points and Sierra Leone with 12 points. Guinea-Bissau is in fourth place after their recent 2-0 win over Djibouti, which is at the bottom of the table with only 1 point.

Substitutions

90+3 substitution for Sierra Leone. Mohamed Billoh Kabba comes on for Emmanuel Samadia.

90+3 substitution for Sierra Leone. Musa Kamara comes on for Saidu Fofanah.

76′ Substitution for Ethiopia. Dawa Hotessa comes on for Wogene Gezahegn.

70′ substitution for Sierra Leone. Mohamed Buya Turay comes on for Momoh Kamara.

70′ substitution for Ethiopia. Suleiman Hamid comes on for Bereket Desta.

64′ substitution for Sierra Leone. Alhassan Koroma comes on for Mustapha Bundu.

64′ substitution for Sierra Leone. Comes on for Augustus Kargbo.

46′ substitution for Ethiopia. Ahmed Reshid comes on for Asrat Tonjo.

46′ substitution for Ethiopia. Kenean Markneh comes on for Abdulkerim Worku.

46′ substitution for Ethiopia. Bereket Wolde comes on for Mohammed Abera.

Egypt is leading Group A with 19 point followed by Burkina Faso with 14 points and Sierra Leone with 12 points ahead of next month's doubleheader
Egypt is leading Group A with 19 point followed by Burkina Faso with 14 points and Sierra Leone with 12 points ahead of next month's doubleheader