Category: Sport News

Edo Queens secure CAF Women's Champions League spot
by FSL News

Edo Queens secure CAF Women’s Champions League spot

The Nigerian demonstrated their dominance as they clinched the championship title in the WAFU B CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers with a remarkable 3-0 victory over Benin’s Ainonvi FC in the final match held on Friday.

The Nigerian champions exhibited exceptional skills as they secured their spot in the upcoming CAF Women’s Champions League with three remarkable goals in the first half at the Stade de La Paix de Bouaké.

Suliat Abideen’s superb goal just before halftime showcased their early midfield control and breakthrough against Benin’s defence.

Edo Queens further solidified their lead in the 59th minute with an outstanding goal by Emem Essien, who has undoubtedly been one of the standout players throughout the tournament.

Essien’s impressive solo effort demonstrated her remarkable skill and composure as she easily outmanoeuvred Benin’s goalkeeper from close range.

In the 76th minute, Ainonvi FC’s Elizabeth Ukandu accidentally redirected the ball into her team’s net, sealing the victory for Edo Queens.

Despite opportunities, Ainonvi FC couldn’t breach Edo Queens’ defence, resulting in a clean sheet for Edo Queens.

Edo Queens is the new WAFU B champion, taking over from Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies. They will now be representing the region in the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League.

Enugu Rangers progress to second round CAF Champions League
by FSL News

Enugu Rangers progress to CAF Champions League second round

Enugu Rangers, a Nigerian soccer team, had a tough match in the second leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round in Uyo.

They played against Comoros team US Zilimadjou and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. This result led Enugu Rangers to advance to the next round with a 2-1 scoreline over US Zilimadjou.

The match highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Nigerian clubs in CAF inter-club competitions.

Enugu Rangers struggled to contain their opponents but scored in the 79th minute through Augustine Kenechukwu. However, US Zilimadjou equalized just six minutes later.

Despite the draw, Enugu Rangers progressed to the next round. They will now prepare to face the winner of the match between Saint Louis Suns United of the Seychelles and Sagrada Esperança of Angola in the next round.

Ghana's Jordan Ayew's move to Leicester is imminent
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana’s Jordan Ayew’s move to Leicester is imminent

Leicester City has reportedly reached an agreement with Crystal Palace to acquire the services of Ghana’s attacker Jordan Ayew.

Ayew is set to link up with Fatawu Issahaku as Leicester City in a deal valued at an initial £5 million with an additional £3 million in potential add-ons, which will see the 32-year-old Ghanaian international potentially joining the newly promoted club.

After starting 30 Premier League matches for Palace last season, Ayew is on the verge of undergoing a medical evaluation before finalizing the move.

Jordan Ayew’s journey to Crystal Palace began with a loan move from Swansea City in the summer of 2018, which was later made permanent. During his time with the South London club, Ayew made 211 appearances and found the back of the net 23 times.

His career began at Ligue 1 club Marseille before a successful spell at Lorient, where he scored 13 goals during the 2014-15 season before transferring to Aston Villa. Following a season-and-a-half at Villa, he joined his elder brother Andre at Swansea.

Bo Rangers and Lions embark on Interclub Revival Journeys
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bo Rangers and Lions embark on Interclub Revival Journeys

On Sunday, the 2024 Interclub representatives of Sierra Leone, Bo Rangers and East End Lions, set to take on formidable opponents in continental competitions.

The delegation of Bo Rangers left for Ivory Coast on Thursday for the return leg match against the Ivorian side in the CAF Champions League. Coach John Keister selected a 25-man squad for the match – which is set for Sunday, August 25, 2024, at the Laurent Pokou Stadium.

The objective is to advance to the next stage despite their 1-1 draw at the Southern Arena last Saturday. This upcoming match is crucial as both teams want to be in the second-round preliminary race.

In the first leg, Bo Rangers scored in the 48th minute through Mohamadu Lamin, but they failed to hold onto their lead. The Ivorian team equalized through Issouf Dosso in the 73rd minute, resulting in a draw.

In the Confederation Cup, East End Lions must overturn their first-leg defeat at home against Senegal’s ASC Jaraaf. After an intriguing first hour of the contest at the Southern Arena last Sunday, substitute Papa Souleymane Dione scored Jaraaf’s goal in the 77th minute.

Before their goal, Jaraaf missed a penalty in the first half and hit the woodwork.

The second leg is expected to be a fascinating tie, as Lions the ‘Killers ‘ still believe they can make it to the second-round preliminary.

“Upon arriving in Senegal, the team had their first training session at the Maniang Soumare Stadium in Thies on Thursday. The session focused on tactics, scoring goals, and refining their skills.

With optimism, there’s a high spirit within the squad for a positive outcome on Sunday,” The East End Giants side outlined.

Stade Lat Dior in Senegal is set to host the return fixture on Sunday.

It’s worth noting that since 1989, when Mighty Blackpool reached the quarterfinal stage of the African Cup of Champions Clubs, no Sierra Leonean team has progressed to the group stages of Interclub competitions.

"With optimism, there's a high spirit within the squad for a positive outcome on Sunday," The East End Giants side noted.
"With optimism, there's a high spirit within the squad for a positive outcome on Sunday," The East End Giants side noted.
Burnley winger Anass Zaroury has signed a four-year deal with French Ligue 1 side RC Lens for an unspecified fee.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Anass Zaroury pens deal with RC Lens from Burnley

Burnley winger Anass Zaroury has signed a four-year deal with French Ligue 1 side RC Lens for an unspecified fee.

“After spending two seasons with Burnley FC in England, 23-year-old Anass Zaroury has joined the attacking lineup of Lens. Known for his dribbling skills, excellent game vision, and goal-scoring abilities, the talented Moroccan player has signed with Racing until 2028,” Lens announced on their website.

Zaroury was a key player in Burnley’s championship-winning season, scoring 11 goals in 39 games. He was signed by Vincent Kompany and played in six Premier League matches last season.

He was sent off in his first Premier League game and spent time on loan at Hull City. He made a substitute appearance in Burnley’s first Championship game this season but missed the next game due to illness.

On the International stage

Zaroury was born in Belgium but is of Moroccan descent. He used to play for the Belgium U21s national team but was officially invited to join the Moroccan national team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

He replaced Amine Harit, who got injured one week before the tournament. Zaroury made his international debut for Morocco on 17 November in a friendly match against Georgia.