Category: Sport News

Ex-Super Eagles defender Taye Taiwo inducted into Marseille Hall of Fame
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-Nigeria defender Taye Taiwo inducted into Marseille Hall of Fame

The former Super Eagles defender, Taye Taiwo, has been given a special recognition by the French Ligue 1 team Olympique Marseille. He’s now a part of their esteemed Club of Legends.

Taiwo, who played for Marseille from 2005 to 2011, made a significant impact during his six-year tenure, scoring 25 goals and providing 23 assists in 271 appearances. He was a key member of the team that won the Ligue 1 title, the League Cup, and the French Super Cup.

At 39 years old, the Nigerian international, who also had stints at AC Milan and QPR, retired from professional football in 2019 and has been residing in France since then. Marseille’s Club of Legends serves as a hall of fame, recognizing players who have made notable contributions to the club’s history.

With this induction, Taiwo joins an elite group of players, including Samir Nasri, Lorik Cana, and Mamadou Niang. His recognition is a testament to his outstanding achievements and contributions to the club. Taiwo is one of only four Nigerians to have played for Marseille, alongside Wilson Oruma, Joseph Yobo, and Victor Agali.

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Tunisian defender Mathlouthi surgery on anterior cruciate ligament was successful
by Football Sierra Leone

Tunisian defender Mathlouthi surgery on anterior cruciate ligament was successful

Zamalek defender Hamza Mathlouthi had successful surgery in Germany to fix a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the team announced on Wednesday.

The Tunisian international injured his right knee on January 23 during a Premier League match against Modern Sport FC, which Zamalek lost 1-0. He was diagnosed with the injury the following day.

“Mathlouthi had successful ACL surgery in Germany and is doing well,” said Mohamed Osama, the team doctor. “He will start his rehabilitation program soon,” he added. Mathlouthi’s injury is a big loss for the White Knights, as they will be missing one of their key defenders for a long time.

Since joining Zamalek in 2020 from CS Sfaxien in Tunisia, the 32-year-old has scored five goals in 152 games. He played 13 times this season before the injury.

Currently, Zamalek SC is in third place in the Egyptian League with 20 points from 11 games, four points behind the leaders, Pyramids FC.

CAF confirm dates for Inter-Club quarterfinals draw
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF confirm dates for Inter-Club quarterfinals draw

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed when and where the quarter-final fixtures for the 2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup will be decided.

The draw is set to take place on Thursday, February 20, 2025, in Doha, Qatar, in collaboration with beIN Sports. During this event, CAF will determine the quarter-final pairings for both competitions.

The CAF Confederation Cup draw is scheduled for 14:00 GMT (16:00 Cairo time), with the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League draw following at 15:00 GMT (17:00 Cairo time).

Both tournaments will feature quarter-finals played over two legs. The first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League is slated for April 1-2 and April 8-9. The quarter-final matches for the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup will occur on April 2 and April 9, 2025.

The reigning champions will be part of both draws: Al Ahly SC for the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and Zamalek SC for the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup.

TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Quarter-Final Stage Qualified Teams:

Al Ahly SC (Egypt), Al Hilal (Sudan), AS FAR (Morocco), Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), Mamelodi Sundowns,  Orlando Pirates (South Africa), Pyramids (Egypt), MC Alger (Algeria).

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Quarter-Final Stage Qualified Teams:

Zamalek SC (Egypt), Asec Mimosas (Cote d’Ivoire), Al Masry (Egypt), CS Constantine (Algeria), RS Berkane (Morocco),  Simba SC (Tanzania), Stellenbosch FC (South Africa), USM Alger (Algeria).

For more on the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, visit www.cafonline.com

Ivorian striker Emmanuel Latte Lath move to Atlanta United completed
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivorian striker Emmanuel Latte Lath move to Atlanta United completed

Middlesbrough has formally announced the transfer of striker Emmanuel Latte Lath to Atlanta United for a fee of £22.5 million.

The Major League Soccer side confirmed that the contract for the Ivory Coast international is through the 2028 MLS season with an option for 2029.

This transaction represents a record sum received by Middlesbrough and is noted as the highest fee ever paid in Major League Soccer (MLS) history, successfully completed just prior to the transfer deadline on Monday.

Emmanuel Latte Lath, a 26-year-old international from Ivory Coast, has made a significant impact at Middlesbrough since joining from Swiss club St. Gallen in August 2023, scoring 27 goals in 59 Championship appearances.

His standout season was 2023-24, where he netted 16 goals and two in the EFL Cup. In April, he scored eight goals in six games, earning Player of the Month honors. He ranks among the top six center forwards in several categories since the start of last season.

Midfielder Yayah Kallon signs for Serie C club Casertana on loan
by FSL News

Midfielder Yayah Kallon signs for Serie C club Casertana on loan

Casertana officially announced the loan signing of Sierra Leone’s Yayah, following the approval of Hellas Verona, the club that currently holds his registration rights.

Kallon, 23, began his football journey in Italy at Savona, where he quickly showcased his talent. His skills earned him a move to Genoa’s Primavera team, where he continued to develop as a player.

In January 2024, Kallon was loaned to Bari, where he had the opportunity to gain further experience. Last summer, he joined Salernitana, and during the first part of the current season, he appeared in 11 matches in the second division.

His impressive performances caught the attention of scouts, and in the summer of 2022, Kallon was signed by Hellas Verona. He made an instant impact at Verona by scoring his first Serie A goal on his debut against Empoli, showcasing his potential on one of the top stages of Italian football.

On May 22, 2021, he made a significant step in his career by debuting in Serie A with Genoa in a match against Cagliari, marking a milestone achievement for the young athlete.

Just a few months later, on August 13, he scored his first professional goal in the Coppa Italia, helping his team secure a victory against Perugia.

Midfielder Yayah Kallon signs for Serie C club Casertana on loan
Midfielder Yayah Kallon signs for Serie C club Casertana on loan