Category: Sport News

Josh Koroma scores as Huddersfield bow out of Carabao Cup

Josh Koroma scores as Huddersfield bow out of Carabao Cup

Sierra Leone’s Josh Koroma scored the opening goal. In a surprising Carabao Cup upset, League Two Walsall came from two goals down to defeat 10-man League One high-flyers Huddersfield Town 3-2.

Koroma scored for the visitors with a low shot into the bottom corner from just outside the box in the 16th minute. Huddersfield’s Matty Pearson was sent off just before halftime for a last-man foul on Jack Earing.

Walsall were awarded a penalty in the 50th minute for Jaheim Headley’s push on Ronan Maher, but Huddersfield’s keeper, Chris Maxwell, made a save to deny Nathan Lowe.

However, Lowe redeemed himself by scoring just minutes later from a half-cleared free-kick. He, then equalized by reacting quickly to a loose ball and blasting it past Maxwell, off Josh Gordon’s flick-on from an Albert Adomah cross.

The comeback was completed in the 77th minute when Huddersfield substitute Michal Helik deflected the ball into his own goal while attempting to cut out Liam Gordon’s cross to deflected into his own goal trying to cut out Liam Gordon’s cross.

Nigeria appoint German legend Bruno Labbadia as head coach

Nigeria appoint German Bruno Labbadia as new head coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has named Bruno Labbadia, a former German international, as the new head coach of the Nigeria national soccer team, the Super Eagles.

Labbadia brings a wealth of experience, having worked with renowned clubs such as Hertha Berlin, VfB Stuttgart, VfL Wolfsburg, Hamburger SV, and Bayer Leverkusen.

This appointment precedes the Super Eagles’ upcoming qualifying campaign for the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations. Labbadia is expected to bring valuable and impactful expertise to the role.

This decision comes after the departure of the previous coach, Finidi George. Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, the General Secretary of the NFF, has confirmed that the NFF Executive Committee has approved the recommendation of its Technical and Development sub-committee to appoint Mr. Labbadia.

Labbadia’s esteemed standing in German football positions him perfectly to tackle the challenge of revitalizing the team’s performance and meeting the expectations of Nigeria’s passionate football community.

The 57-year-old had a successful playing career with several Bundesliga giants, including Bayern Munich. Labbadia holds a UEFA Pro License and is determined to lead the Super Eagles to success in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

His immediate objectives involve assembling a highly competitive team from a talented pool of players and pursuing continental and global achievements with determination and focus.

The Italian Serie B team Cosenza Calcio has signed Sierra Leone-born Mohamed Sanhoh on loan from VfB Stuttgart in Germany.

Italian Serie B team Cosenza Calcio sign Mohamed Sankoh

The Italian Serie B team Cosenza Calcio has signed Sierra Leone-born Mohamed Sanhoh on loan from VfB Stuttgart in Germany.

VfB Stuttgart officially confirmed the news of Sankoh’s loan move to Italy’s Serie B.

Sankoh spent the last two seasons on loan in the Netherlands, first with Vitesse Arnhem and then Heracles Almelo. After scoring six goals in 28 appearances for Heracles last season, Sankoh played 81 minutes in VfB U21s’ opening third-division game against F.C. Hansa Rostock, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

The Dutch youth international’s third consecutive loan from his parent club in Swabia was announced yesterday.

VfB sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth’s official statement suggested that Sankoh’s German side had not given up on the youngster.

Wohlgemuth emphasized the importance of more playing time for the young prospect.

Italian Serie B team Cosenza Calcio sign Mohamed Sankoh
Italian Serie B team Cosenza Calcio sign Mohamed Sankoh
Stade de Rennais sign Senegalese defender Mikayil Faye

Stade de Rennais sign Senegalese defender Mikayil Faye

Senegal international Mikayil Faye, an up-and-coming 20-year-old defender, has completed an exciting transfer from Spanish giants FC Barcelona to French club Stade de Rennais.

This transfer marks a significant step in his promising career. Faye, who previously impressed while playing for Barca’s reserve team in the Primera Federación, has now joined Rennes on a permanent deal.

Reportedly, Stade Rennais F.C. will pay an initial fee of €10.3 million for Faye, and the deal includes a €25 million buy-back clause for Barcelona. Additionally, a 30% sell-on clause has also been included in the agreement, emphasizing the high potential seen in Faye by both clubs.

In an official statement, Rennes expressed their enthusiasm about the transfer, highlighting Faye as “the great Senegalese hope of the 2004 generation.” The central defender has agreed to a contract of four seasons with the French club, signifying a long-term commitment to his new team.

Faye’s football journey began at the Diambars academy, and his talent was further showcased when he reached the round of 16 of the 2019 FIFA Under-17 World Cup with Senegal U17.

His remarkable progress led to an impactful senior debut for Senegal, where he scored in a friendly match against Gabon on 22 March 2024. This transfer to Stade Rennais F.C. marks an exciting new chapter in Faye’s promising career.

AS FAR Rabat and Algeria's CR Bélouizdad progress in CAF Champions League

AS FAR & CR Bélouizdad progress in CAF Champions League

Morocco’s AS FAR Rabat turned around a 2-1 deficit from the first leg against Nigeria’s Remo Stars, winning 2-0 in the second leg in Rabat.

Goals from Joël Beya and Zouhzouh secured their spot in the second preliminary round.

Algeria’s CR Bélouizdad continued their good form with a 1-0 win over AC Léopards of Congo. They will now face Burkina Faso’s AS Douanes in the next round.

Ghana’s Samartex won 1-0 at home, completing a 2-0 aggregate victory over Cameroon’s Victoria United. Isaac Afful’s early goal set up a second-round clash with Raja Casablanca.

In other results, Cote d’Ivoire champions San Pedro won 1-0 against Sierra Leone’s BO Rangers, and Congo’s AS Maniema Union defeated Zimbabwe’s Ngezi Platinum on penalties.

Togo’s ASKO Kara progressed with a 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea’s Deportivo Mongomo. FC Nouadhibou of Mauritania, participants in last season’s group stage, were eliminated on away goals by Guinea’s Milo FC.

The second preliminary round matches are scheduled from September 13 to 15 for the first legs and September 23 to 25 for the return fixtures.