Category: Sport News

New Villarreal's acquisition Nicolas Pepe joins training
by FSL News

New Villarreal’s acquisition Nicolas Pepe joins training

Ivorian International Nicolas Pepe, a former Arsenal player, has joined Villarreal training after signing a two-year deal with the La Liga club.

The Spanish side posted Pepe’s first training session on Monday as they prepared for the new Spanish campaign.

Despite high expectations when he first joined Arsenal, Pepe struggled to meet the hype. After a year with Trabzonspor in Turkey, he joined Villarreal on a two-year contract as a free agent.

Before leaving Arsenal, the 29-year-old scored 27 goals in 112 appearances over four years.

Villarreal, which finished eighth in the league last season, hopes Pepe can regain the form that made him one of Europe’s best-attacking players at Lille.

The versatile winger’s goal-scoring ability and knack for creating chances could be valuable for the Spanish club.

The transfer has been officially confirmed, and fans are eager to see Pepe shine in La Liga.

Algerian powerhouse CR Belouizdad has formally confirmed the acquisition of South African international Khanyisa Mayo.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Khanyisa Mayo completes move to Algerian side CR Belouizdad

Algerian powerhouse CR Belouizdad has formally confirmed the acquisition of South African international Khanyisa Mayo on a three-year deal. 

Mayo, a proficient left-footed forward, has made the transition from South African Premiership club Cape Town City to the esteemed Algerian champions permanently.

Notably, Mayo’s contributions of 10 goals and one assist in 28 matches significantly contributed to Cape Town City’s fifth-place finish in the 2023/24 season.

The 25-year-old has committed to a three-year contract with Belouizdad. Mayo’s outstanding performance previously earned him the 2022/23 DStv Premiership Golden Boot award for registering 12 goals in 27 matches for Cape Town City.

Moreover, he has represented the South African national team, Bafana Bafana, on seven occasions.

Of strategic significance, Belouizdad is positioned to participate in the CAF Champions League and is scheduled to face AC Leopards of Congo-Brazzaville in the upcoming first preliminary round.

Tyrese Fornah's Derby wrap up preseason with Valladolid win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tyrese Fornah’s Derby wrap up preseason with Valladolid win

On Saturday, Tyrese Fornah’s Derby County ended their pre-season with a 2-1 victory against Real Valladolid at Pride Park Stadium

The Sierra Leone International played a part in their win over the Spanish side on Saturday. Fornah, 24, was introduced in the 65th minute as the Rams held on to their win.

David Ozoh and Kane Wilson scored two quick goals in the second half to cancel Raul Moro’s first-half strike for the visitors.

Valladolid took the lead after 36 minutes when Raul Moro’s shot deflected low and beyond Vickers’ reach.

The second half began with four changes for the Rams as Barkhuizen, Eiran Cashin, Callum Elder and Ryan Nyambe were substituted with Dajaune Brown, Sonny Bradley, Craig Forsyth, and Wilson.

The match provided important playing time for Derby ahead of the start of the Sky Bet Championship against Blackburn on Friday, 9th August at 8 pm.

The Team

Derby County: Vickers (GK), Nyambe (Wilson 46), Nelson, Cashin (Bradley 46), Elder (Forsyth 46), Ozoh (Washington 74), Goudmijn (Yates 65), Osborn (Thompson 65), Barkhuizen (Brown 46), Jackson (Fornah 65), Mendez-Laing (Collins 65).

On The Bench: Luthra (GK), Adams.

Determine Girls, AS Mandé  register wins in CL qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Determine Girls, AS Mandé register wins in CL qualifiers

On Saturday, the WAFU A CAF Women Champions League qualifying tournament continues with thrilling matches at the Southern Arena Bo City.

The Determine Girls from Liberia secured a 2-1 victory over the Red Scorpion from Gambia, with goals from MBassey Darboe and Bintou Sylla, despite a late goal by Kaddy Jatta.

Meanwhile, the reigning champion AS Mandé from Mali triumphed 2-0 over the Aigles de la Médina from Senegal, with goals from Fatoumata Diarra and Yasso Oriata Konaté.

These intense matches showcased the skill and determination of the competing teams, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.

Fatoumata Diarra opened the scoring in the 63rd, and Yasso Oriata Konaté sealed the fate of this suspenseful encounter by doubling the lead in the 90th + 4.

AS Mandé have four points, Determine Girls and Aigles de la Médina have three points, Sierra Leone’s Champions Mogbwemo Queens have one point, and Red Scorpions have no points so far.

The Determine Girls from Liberia secured a 2-1 victory over the Red Scorpion from Gambia
The Determine Girls from Liberia secured a 2-1 victory over the Red Scorpion from Gambia
The reigning champion AS Mandé from Mali triumphed 2-0 over the Aigles de la Médina from Senegal
The reigning champion AS Mandé from Mali triumphed 2-0 over the Aigles de la Médina from Senegal
Malian midfielder Issouf Sissokho departs Bordeaux
by FSL News

Malian midfielder Issouf Sissokho departs Bordeaux

Issouf Sissokho has confirmed his departure from Girondins de Bordeaux, signalling the conclusion of his stint with the club.

The Malian midfielder, who joined the club in 2020 and turned professional in 2021, shared a heartfelt message on Saturday, August 3, 2024.

He is set to embark on a new chapter in Israel, where he is expected to join Maccabi Tel Aviv. Sissokho expressed his deep appreciation and affection for the club, its staff, former players, and supporters, likening them to family. He reflected on his time at Bordeaux and the circumstances that led to his departure in his farewell message.

Sissokho, 22, hoped that he would not have to part ways with the club when he left for the Olympic Games, but unfortunately, that became the reality. He conveyed his best wishes to the club and left the possibility of a return open.

The midfielder’s departure from Bordeaux follows the team’s relegation to National 2, prompting many players, including Sissokho, to seek new opportunities.

During his time at Bordeaux, he made 65 appearances and scored 2 goals. Despite the challenges, Sissokho is grateful for his time at Bordeaux and looks ahead to the future with optimism.