Category: Football Africa

Douala-born Christian Michel Kofane signs for Bayer Leverkusen

Douala-born Christian Michel Kofane signs for Bayer Leverkusen

Confirming the move on Friday, Bayer 04 Leverkusen has signed 18-year-old striker Christian Michel Kofane from Albacete.

Hailing from Douala, Cameroon, Kofane is the most recent young African talent to join the German team following an impressive season in Spain’s La Liga 2.

Kofane began with Albacete’s junior team and was promoted to the senior team in January. Two minutes into his professional debut in a 22 draw against Racing Santander on January 11, he scored.

He was then often the first-choice striker for Albacete and played in every match he could. With eight goals over 20 games in the second half of the 2024–25 season, he helped the team finish 10th in La Liga 2.

With the physical characteristics of a contemporary striker, Kofane shows good reflexes and composure on the field. It will be intriguing to observe how Leverkusen nurtures him and whether they will retain him or send him out on loan for the 2025–26 season.

Ghana's Mohammed Kudus delighted after joining Tottenham

Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus delighted after joining Tottenham

Mohammed Kudus, an international from Ghana, has said he is happy following his move from West Ham United to Tottenham Hotspur for an alleged £54.5 million.

A long-term contract has brought Spurs’ 24-year-old midfielder. Kudus contributed eight goals in the Premier League last year. He is currently the highest Ghanaian player ever in terms of cost.

As Tottenham begins a fresh era under coach Thomas Frank, he is the fifth player to arrive this summer.

Along with centre-backs Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai, Kudus follows Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso, who both signed permanently after loan stints.

Kudus said he was eager to join the club. He stated, “I have always wanted to play at the highest level.” This is a significant event; I am glad to be here and look forward to beginning. He was drawn to Spurs by the possibility of collaborating with Frank. The most significant factors I travelled here, Kudus pointed out, are the project and how the manager views my growth.

Kudus scored 19 goals and assisted 13 more in 80 games for West Ham after transferring from Ajax in 2023. He has shown up 65 times in the Premier League and has contributed 25 goals. With 42 appearances for Ghana, he scored 12 goals as an international player.

Sunderland sign Ivorian star player Simon Adingra

Sunderland sign Ivorian star player Simon Adingra

Sunderland FC has formally revealed the permanent transfer of brilliant winger Simon Adingra from Brighton and Hove Albion.

The 23-year-old global from the Ivory Coast has made the transfer for a reported £21 million, agreeing to a five-year deal at the Stadium of Light.

Originally from FC Nordsjælland, a Danish club renowned for nurturing young talent, Adingra first joined Brighton in 2022. While on loan at Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in the 202223 season, he gained priceless experience that helped them to campaign noticeably.

He appeared in 29 games last season in the Premier League, displaying his ability by scoring two goals and giving two assists to his teammates.

Looking to have a big influence in the English Football League, Adingra’s career is at a thrilling fresh start with this move to Sunderland.

DR Congo's  Noah Sadiki pens Sunderland's long-term deal

DR Congo’s Noah Sadiki pens Sunderland’s long-term deal

Sunderland has confirmed their new acquisition DR Congo International Noah Sadiki on a five-year deal at the Stadium of Light and becomes the third summer sigings ahead of the Premier League season.

Having been instrumental in their historic 2024–25 Belgian championship win, the adaptable midfielder arrives on Wearside from Royale Union SaintGilloise for an unknown sum.

Before joining Union SG in 2023, the 20-year-old already has 140 senior appearances under his belt and represented R.S.C. Anderlecht.

 

He stated: “I am grateful to everyone for their welcome in Sunderland. Though this Club is large, talking to the people persuaded me. They discussed their belief in my role, the history, and their wish for construction.

I’ll add duels, forward runs, track back, and passion. First and foremost, I seek victory; hence, I carry this wish everywhere I walk onto the field. My team is now this one, and I am very satisfied with my choice.

Born in Brussels, Sadiki joined Anderlecht at six and climbed through the RSCA levels before Head Coach Vincent Kompany noticed him and chose him for two friendly games in October 2021 and January 2022.

Featuring 12 times in the Jupiler Pro League during the 202223 season and five times in the UEFA Conference League, he also played for RSCA Futures, Anderlecht’s second team, in the Challenger Pro League, Belgium’s second division.

Banda nets twice as Zambia beat Senegal in five-goal thriller

Banda nets twice as Zambia beat Senegal in five-goal thriller

With a 3-2 victory over Senegal in Group A on Wednesday at Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia, Zambia made a strong statement in their quest for the title at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The game was exciting, full of action, strong shots, and instances of personal brilliance. Having twice encountered a tough Senegalese squad, the Copper Queens showed their resolve to grab all three points.

Following a lacklustre 2-2 draw with hosts Morocco in their opening, Zambia understood they needed this victory, and they produced. Scoring just five minutes in, with star player Nguenar Ndiaye finding the net thanks to a pass from Méta Kandé, Senegal surprised them.

Zambia responded quickly, with Captain Barbra Banda equalising in the 12th minute after a pass from Racheal Kundananji. They took the lead just six minutes into the second half when Kundananji scored in the 51st minute 

Banda’s brace came in the 73rd minute, widening Zambia’s lead. Senegal had a chance to come back when Ndiaye scored from a penalty in the 80th minute, narrowing the lead to 3-2.

In extra time, Senegal pressured with corners and attempts, but Zambia’s goalkeeper, Ng’ambo Musole, made crucial saves to secure the victory. With this win, Zambia sits on four points in Group A as they aim for their final group match, demonstrating their intent to be title contenders.

Racheal Kundananji named Woman of the Match
Racheal Kundananji named Woman of the Match