Category: Sport News

Belouizdad coach Abdelkader Amrani wants better performance against Al Ahly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Belouizdad coach Abdelkader Amrani wants better performance against Al Ahly

Belouizdad coach Abdelkader Amrani knows that strong defence and focus are crucial as his team prepares for an important match against Al Ahly in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

With their fans supporting them at the July 5 Stadium, Belouizdad aims to overcome the challenge from the group leaders and revive their hopes in the CAF Champions League.

The Algerian side set for a must-win situation this Friday. They need to win to keep their hopes of qualifying alive after a tough 6-1 loss in Cairo. The team is determined to change their luck at the July 5 Stadium in Algiers.

At the press conference on Thursday, Amrani said it is vital to prevent goals against them. He emphasized that winning is the only option to stay in the race for qualification.

“We must play well and focus on keeping a clean sheet,” Amrani said. “Our fate is in our hands, and we must win this match.”

Looking back at the last loss, he admitted that poor focus hurt the team. He encouraged his players to rise to the challenge. “The last performance was disappointing, but these things happen in football. We must believe in ourselves and be ready to show a stronger side.”

Amrani also talked about recent issues with veteran striker Islam Slimani, stating that the problem is now resolved. “As a coach, I make decisions for the team, and not everyone will agree. I spoke with Slimani, and we are back on the same page. His experience is valuable for the team.”

Striker Aymen Mahyous echoed the message of unity and determination, highlighting how important Friday’s match is for their future. “We want to improve our reputation by beating Al Ahly and getting three points,” Mahyous stated. “This game is vital for our chances of qualifying.”

New Wealdstone contract for Sierra Leone's Kallum Cesay
by Football Sierra Leone

New Wealdstone contract for Sierra Leone’s Kallum Cesay

Wealdstone has confirmed a new contract extension for Sierra Leone International Kallum Cesay until summer 2026.

The English side announced on Thursday that they are pleased to reveal Kallum Cesay has signed a new contract with Wealdstone, which will run until the end of the 2025/26 season.

“In the first half of the first half of the 2024/25 season, Cesay shone as a right-sided midfielder under manager Matt Taylor, earning the Supporters’ Player of the Month award for November.

“Kallum is fully deserving of his new contract,” said Matt Taylor. “His performance level has improved and he’s now delivering on a consistent basis. He now needs to show the same energy, commitment and desire for the rest of the season and continue to be a large part of team.”

Since joining the club in February 2024, 22-year-old Cesay has made an impressive impact. Initially playing as a right-back, he was key in helping the Stones secure their place in the National League during the final games of the 2023/24 season.

Noteworthy moments include a stellar display in the 1-0 FA Cup first-round victory at Grimsby Town, where he set up the winner with a clever flick to Alex Reid. He followed this up with his first goal of the season in a 2-0 win against Rochdale.

Although the Stones faced a 2-0 defeat in the FA Cup Second Round, Cesay stood out as the best player on the pitch, earning the Man of the Match award in this televised fixture.

Congo defender Christ Makosso signs for Luton Town
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Congo defender Christ Makosso signs for Luton Town

Luton Town has Congo centre-back Christ Makosso as their new signing from Belgian club RWD Molenbeek for an undisclosed fee – but the length of his contract with Luton has not been disclosed.

The 20-year-old, who has already won three caps for his native Congo, arrives at Kenilworth Road for an undisclosed fee from Belgian second-division outfit RWD Molenbeek.

Makosso started his European career with the French club Sochaux before moving to Molenbeek in January.

“Christ is a young and athletic defender who has impressed us, and we believe he has a bright future,” said Luton manager Rob Edwards. “We will need to be patient as he develops, but he is an exciting addition to our team.”

At the end of 2024, Luton finished 19th in the Championship, just four points above the relegation zone.

“I’m really excited to join Luton. I’ve heard many positive stories about the club and its amazing fans,” Makosso said.

Morocco's Hakim Ziyech regrets joining Turkish side Galatasaray
by FSL News

Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech regrets joining Turkish side Galatasaray

Moroccan International Hakim Ziyech has expressed his frustration over joining the Turkish side Galatasaray. Head coach Okan Buruk has confirmed that the former Chelsea winger will leave the club in the next transfer window.

On 28 June 2024, Ziyech, who signed for Galatasaray permanently, has voiced his frustration with Buruk and the club.

This season has been difficult for Ziyech, who has only started three games. He has expressed a desire to leave

“Galatasaray is over for me. I don’t want to play here anymore. I’m leaving in January,” Ziyech said. “I’ve never worked with a coach of such a low level. I don’t care if joining Galatasaray was a mistake. I want to be left alone, no matter what happens. I regret coming here.”

Buruk responded, “I talked with Ziyech. He told us he is unhappy with his playing time and will talk to other teams when the transfer window opens. He is not happy because he isn’t playing, and he is likely to leave the club.”

Clubs in Ligue 1, like Rennes, and several Premier League teams are interested in Ziyech. However, his salary demands might make it harder to negotiate a transfer as the January window approaches.

A source close to the club has indicated that Galatasaray will not request a transfer fee for Hakim Ziyech, who has started looking for a team through his agent.

Trevoh Chalobah scores as Crystal Palace beat Southampton in bottom table clash
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Trevoh Chalobah scores as Crystal Palace beat Southampton in bottom table clash

Trevoh Chalobah and Eberechi Eze helped Crystal Palace beat Southampton after returning from a goal down. This win puts Palace six points clear of the relegation zone.

Southampton scored first in the 14th minute. Kyle Walker-Peters crossed the ball, and Adam Armstrong assisted Tyler Dibling, who tapped it in from close range.

Crystal Palace equalized 16 minutes later. Trevoh Chalobah headed in a corner taken by Will Hughes for his third Palace goal.

Southampton players thought Jean-Philippe Mateta had fouled goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale during the play, but the goal was approved by VAR.

Eze then scored a great goal early in the second half, securing the win for Palace.

Munoz missed a big chance in the first half when he failed to score from inside the six-yard box after getting a cross from Tyrick Mitchell. Ismaila Sarr also had a good chance, but his shot was saved by Ramsdale. Jefferson Lerma’s acrobatic volley from the corner was also saved.

After tying the game, Palace played better. Their dominance paid off when Munoz’s cross was deflected to Eze, who scored by shooting into the bottom corner.

This win moved Crystal Palace to 15th place, six points ahead of Leicester City in 18th. They have lost only one of their last eight Premier League matches.

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