Category: Sport News

Right-back Osman Kakay joins FC Kosice in Slovakia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Right-back Osman Kakay joins FC Kosice in Slovakia

Slovak First League club FC Košice has signed Sierra Leone defender Osman Kakay on a free transfer until May 2027.

In two preseason games for League One team Blackpool against Accrington Stanley and AFC Fylde, the former QPR player showed up. He has formally become part of his new team in Nike League Central Europe.

“We needed to strengthen the right side, and we managed to get Osman Kakay, who is a very honest and experienced footballer. He has hard work, discipline and footballing ability. He proved it at Queens Park Rangers and also at Boavista Porto. He is exactly the type of footballer that we are missing, and I am convinced that a very high-quality player is coming to us,” said FC Košice sports director Marek Sapara regarding the new reinforcement.

As his new team will be playing in the UEFA Conference League, this move offers a fantastic chance for the defender to revive his career.

Košice came in fifth place last season and qualified for the semifinals of the Slovak First Football League playoff for a European spot, but FK Železiarne Podbrezová defeated them in a penalty shootout.

Košice was given a place in the UEFA Conference League, nevertheless since FC Dunajská Streda was eliminated due to common ownership with another team competing in the Conference League.

Sierra Leone international Kakay developed his skills in the QPR academy and gained experience through loan spells with Livingston, Chesterfield, and Partick Thistle.

He made 113 appearances for QPR, contributing two assists from his defensive role. QPR announced he would leave the team after his contract expires on May 6, 2024. He joined Primeira Liga club Boavista on a free transfer this year and has made nine appearances so far.

Winger Josh Koroma returns to League One side Leyton Orient
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Winger Josh Koroma returns to League One side Leyton Orient

Sierra Leone International Josh Koroma has agreed a three-year deal with English League One team Leyton Orient, where he developed his young career.

Having graduated from the Orient Academy, Koroma was on the National League championship team in 2019 and expressed his joy about coming back.

For me, this club is unique; I want to go back to the Championship and doing so with Leyton Orient would be amazing. Wear the shirt once more; I want to succeed here.

At only 17, in April 2016, he made his senior debut for Orient and scored a hat-trick in a 40 victory over Newport County. Contributing to the National League championship for the team and earning a transfer to Huddersfield Town, he played 39 games and scored 11 goals in the 2018–19 season.

Richie Wellens, head coach of Orient, said he was thrilled to welcome Josh back as he comes in as a more seasoned player, ready to reach his prime. Having loan stints at Rotherham United and Portsmouth, Koroma had 35 goals from over 150 games for Huddersfield.

Director of Football Martin Ling lauded Josh’s ability and dedication, noting his choice to refuse greater offers to come back to Leyton Orient.

Congolese defender Tuanzebe sues former club Manchester United
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Congolese defender Tuanzebe sues former club Manchester United

Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe is suing the club for suspected negligent medical advice.

Last week, the 27-year-old, who signed for Burnley earlier this month, brought a High Court lawsuit against United.

Regarded as a high-value claim, exceeding £1 million, it refers to an incident in July 2022 involving an unidentified injury.

Before he was sent to Stoke in January 2023, where he played only five games, Tuanzebe was out for 195 days in his last season at the club.

Having entered the club at the age of eight, he made his debut in 2017 and played 37 times for them before quitting in the summer of 2023, joining Ipswich as a free agent in September.

At every level, the Bunia-born served as United’s captain. In the 2021 Europa League final defeat by Villarreal, where he scored in the shootout as they lost 1110 on penalties, he made his last appearance for the club.

While he also spent time in Napoli in 2022, the ex-England Under-21 international, now representing DR Congo, had three loan spells at Aston Villa.

When BBC Sport asked, Tuanzebe’s attorneys, Simons Muirhead Burton and United both refused to reply.

South Africa's unbeaten in Women's Cup of Nations Group stages
by Football Sierra Leone

South Africa unbeaten in Women’s Cup of Nations Group stage

Having won the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa defeated Mali 4–0 to finish first in Group C and move on to the knockout stage.

Starting flawlessly, Banyana Banyana quickly assumed their power. Five minutes in, Lebohang Ramalepe set the tone for what would turn out to be a long day for the Malian defence with a composed right-footed finish into the upper right corner.

South Africa increased their advantage in the 32nd minute when Refiloe Jane whipped a remarkable free kick into the upper left corner, leaving Mali goalie Fatoumata Karentao stranded.

South Africa demonstrated their aggressive approach and midfield control in the first half with two goals.

In the second half, their enthusiasm held. With a sharp left-foot shot in the 61st minute following a nice feed from Karabo Dhlamini, Hildah Magaia scored her third goal. Ronnel Donnelly contributed yet another goal in the 79th minute after a perfect setup from Nonhlanhla Mthandi.

Mali was at times threatened with actions from Saratou Traoré, Aïssata Traoré, and Fatou Dembele, but South Africa’s strong defence and Andile Dlamini’s critical saves kept them from scoring.

South Africa’s strength was evident in their score, their organisational structure, inventiveness, and continuous strain.

South Africa advances boldly into the knockout rounds as they seek continental triumph by coming first in Group C.

South Africa's unbeaten in Women's Cup of Nations Group stages
South Africa's unbeaten in Women's Cup of Nations Group stages
Ghana thrash Tanzania to reach WAFCON quarter-finals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana thrash Tanzania to reach WAFCON quarter-finals

After defeating Tanzania 4–1, the Black Queens of Ghana put in an amazing second-half performance on Monday night to guarantee their spot in the knockout rounds of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Cup of Nations Morocco 2024.

In the 12th minute, Princella Adubea finished from the middle of the box to give Ghana a well-deserved early advantage.

When Stumai Athumani took advantage of a headed assist from Enekia Lunyamila, Tanzania reacted powerfully and equalised just before halftime, making the score 1–1 as the teams entered the break.

Ghana came out with new energy in the second half and reclaimed the lead in the 63rd minute with a penalty quietly converted by Alice Kusi following Princess Marfo’s area foul.

In the 87th minute, Evelyn Badu scored from close range after a setpiece, extending Ghana’s lead to 3–1. Moments later, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah capped off a quick counterattack, sealing the victory at 4–1 in stoppage time.

Despite a brave effort, the Tanzanian team couldn’t match Ghana’s strength in the final moments. With this win, the Black Queens showcased their resilience as they advanced to the knockout rounds.