Category: Sport News

Midfielder Thomas Partey facing two additional rape charges
by Football Sierra Leone

Ghana’s Thomas Partey is facing two additional rape charges

Former Arsenal footballer, Thomas Partey has been hit with two new charges of rape involving a different alleged victim.

This development adds to his existing situation, as the 32-year-old had already pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape connected to two women, along with one count of sexual assault related to a third woman. In total, Partey now faces accusations of sexual offences against four women.

The latest charges pertain to incidents that allegedly took place in 2020, first reported to authorities last August. These allegations stem from a new investigation by the Metropolitan Police. Partey is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on March 13 for an initial hearing regarding these new counts.

After entering his not guilty pleas to the initial five charges, Partey was granted conditional bail by Southwark Crown Court in September. The allegations against him have been linked to events occurring between 2021 and 2022, during his time with Arsenal. Notably, he was charged just four days after his contract with the club expired at the end of June. The investigation that led to these charges began in February 2022, following the first report of rape.

A trial is scheduled to begin under a High Court judge on November 2 of this year. Since leaving the Premier League, Partey has signed with Spanish football club Villarreal on a one-year deal, with the announcement coming after he had been charged with rape.

Partey, who joined Arsenal for £45.3 million from Atletico Madrid in October 2020, made 130 Premier League appearances for the team under manager Mikel Arteta. His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, has consistently maintained that he “denies all the charges against him” and looks forward to “the chance to finally clear his name.”

Ghana's Antoine Semenyo takes tally to five since arriving Manchester City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana’s Antoine Semenyo takes tally to five since arriving at Manchester City

The Ghanaian International has recored five goals in his last games since joining Manchester City.

Ghana’s Antoine Semenyo made a significant impact once again as Manchester City cruised to a 3-0 victory over Fulham at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday in the English Premier League.

After struggling to break through during the first twenty minutes, Semenyo opened the scoring with a sharp finish, capitalising on Fulham’s failure to clear a cross into the box.

Just six minutes later, City doubled their lead. Nico O’Reilly picked up a loose ball in midfield and set up Semenyo on the left flank. The former Bournemouth player then returned the favor, finding O’Reilly, who made no mistake putting the ball past Fulham keeper Bernd Leno.

The Sky Blues showcased their efficiency, with Phil Foden assisting star striker Erling Haaland to secure a dominant first-half performance, which all but sealed the three points for the title challengers. With this win, City now sits just three points behind league leaders Arsenal, who are set to play against Brentford on Thursday.

Semenyo’s impressive form at Manchester City continues, as he now boasts 3 goals in his first 5 Premier League matches for the club. Overall, he has scored 5 goals and provided 2 assists in 8 appearances since joining in January.

The team is now gearing up for a FA Cup match this Saturday at home against League Two side Salford.

Attacker Idriss Kanu nets for Barnet in triumph over Walsall
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Attacker Idriss Kanu nets for Barnet in triumph over Walsall

Barnet comfortably triumphed over a struggling Walsall at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium, as Idriss Kanu from Sierra Leone found the net in their 3-1 win.

This defeat dealt a significant blow to the home team’s aspirations for promotion in League Two. With Adam Senior and Idris Kanu scoring either side of half-time, the Bees readily popped the ball around their static hosts.

Daniel Kanu jumped on a slip to offer the Saddlers hope, but Kabongo Tshimanga closed the victory for Barnet as home supporters called for manager Mat Sadler to leave.

In the 26th minute, Myles Roberts clawed a swirling shot away from the top corner, but the Barnet left-back would not be denied three minutes before halftime, thudding an attempt within the near post from a pass from fellow full-back Kane Smith.

At half-time, Sadler made four modifications, including his whole midfield, but the one-way traffic persisted as Idris Kanu struck the upper bar with a floated cross.

Barnet scored a well-crafted second after 54 minutes, Anthony Hartigan releasing Ryan Glover to cross for Tshimanga, with Idris Kanu slamming in the rebound following Roberts’ point-blank save.

Mason Hancock’s high, hanging cross was deflected, deceiving Barnet goalie Cieran Slicker and allowing Walsall’s and Sierra Leone’s Daniel Kanu to score into an empty net in the 64th minute.

But three minutes later, Tshimanga removed all uncertainty by tapping in Idris Kanu’s cut-back from the left.

Sullay Kaikai's brace helps Cambridge United in promotion chase
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sullay Kaikai’s brace helps Cambridge United in promotion chase

Sierra Leone international Sullay Kaikai shone for his team, scoring two second-half goals following a first-half opener from Shane McLoughlin, as Cambridge secured a well-deserved 3-0 victory at Crawley.

The win also means they are well within distance for the automatic promotion spots in League Two. This triumph marked Cambridge’s seventh win in their last eight matches, leaving Crawley five points above the relegation zone.

Crawley’s striker, Danilo Orsi, nearly gave his side an early lead with a low shot just 59 seconds into the game, but it was expertly blocked by goalkeeper Jake Eastwood. Harry McKirdy then headed an Orsi cross wide, and just before halftime, unmarked midfielder McLoughlin found the net, slotting in a cross from James Gibbons at the back post, putting Cambridge ahead.

Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu could have doubled the advantage shortly after the break, but he shot straight at keeper Jacob Chapman. Crawley defender Josh Flint came close with a header from a Kellan Gordon cross, which sailed just wide, while substitute Dominic Ball also missed a chance at the other end.

Kaikai effectively sealed the match for Cambridge 15 minutes before the final whistle, finishing off a swift counterattack by tucking in Shayne Lavery’s assist from close range, much to the delight of the travelling fans.

He later added a third goal in the dying moments of stoppage time, wrapping up a straightforward victory for his team.

Pyramids, Stade Malien pick CAF Champions League quarter-final spots
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pyramids, Stade Malien pick CAF Champions League quarter-final spots

Pyramids FC secured top spot in Group A of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League with a commanding 4–1 win over Rivers United.

After trailing 1–0 at halftime due to Stephen Manu’s long-range strike, Pyramids turned the game around in the second half.

Mostafa Fathi equalised in the 53rd minute, and Marwan Hamdi converted a penalty in the 77th minute to give them the lead. Late goals from substitute Awda Al-Fakhoury and Nasser Maher sealed the victory.

Pyramids advance to the quarter-finals with 13 points, while Rivers United are eliminated.

In Group D, Stade Malien earned a 1–0 win against Esperance de Tunis, securing their spot in the quarter-finals.

Koro Kouyali’s goal in the 54th minute proved decisive as Stade Malien’s sturdy defence held firm against Esperance’s attempts to equalise.

Mamelodi Sundowns faced Saint Éloi Lupopo in Group C, where they were held to a 1–1 draw. Enock Moila scored for Lupopo early on, and despite Sundowns dominating possession, they failed to find a winning goal, leaving the group open as they seek qualification.