Category: Football Africa

Tanzania's Taifa Stars open CHAN campaign with a win over Burkina Faso
by Football Sierra Leone

Tanzania’s Taifa Stars open CHAN campaign with a win over Burkina Faso

Starting the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) cohost Tanzania with a powerful effort, defeated Burkina Faso 2-0 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday evening.

Just before halftime, Abdul Sopu scored a penalty, giving the Taifa Stars a ten lead. Zimbwe Jr. added a second goal in the 71st minute, helping Tanzania win the game and early lead in fiveteam Group B.

Coach Hemed Morocco’s team had not won their first match in the tournament during the 2009 and 2020 editions, but they started off well in Dar es Salaam. With early goal attempts, Clement Mzize and Feisal Salum both challenged Burkina Faso’s goalkeeper, Ladji Sanou.

With Souleymane Sangare and Papus Ouattara generating possibilities and putting Tanzania’s goalie Yakoub Suleiman under counterattacks to the test, Burkina Faso also had their opportunities.

Just before the break, Tanzania had a golden chance to score when Frank Tologo fouled Mzize in the box.Opening the Tanzanian scoring, Sopu took the penalty and sent Sanou the wrong way.

Tanzania kept applying pressure in the second half, which led to their second goal in the 71st minute. Zimbwe Jr. headed Mudathir Yahya’s cross to raise their advantage to 20.

Burkina Faso pressed forward in the last minutes of the match in search of a comeback.Tertius Bagre and Ouattara both battled to find their composure in important moments, therefore enabling the Taifa Stars to hold on to their advantage and claim victory.

Tanzania’s upcoming challenge is against Mauritania on August 6th, followed by a match with Madagascar on August 9th. They will conclude their group campaign with a game against the Central African Republic on August 16th.

Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda are co-hosting the CHAN finals, which feature 19 nations divided into four groups.

Business mogul Babadi Kamara elected new SLFA's president
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Business mogul Babadi Kamara elected new SLFA’s president

Business mogul and football philanthropist Babadi Kamara has been chosen as the new Sierra Leone FA President following hours of constitutional debates. He was duly elected on Saturday at Port Loko, Lungi’s Gateway Hotel in Sierra Leone.

Given the events that occurred today during the congress, the newly elected President, Kamara, must gather all significant Sierra Leoneans to join him and his group in addressing the current crisis surrounding the country’s football.

As the Sierra Leone Police forcibly ejected SLIFA FC owner Benjamin Gordon Esq from the hall, evidence of a growing crisis inside the football fraternity became clear. With 43 votes, Kamara defeated his nearest competitor, the female aspirant Aminata Bangura, who got 11 votes.

Kamara will be in office for four years, during which he is expected to revolutionise the football scene. With the absence of two representatives leaving the hall, Ethics Committee Chairman Mohamed Bainda declared that a total of 55 votes had been recorded.

Present at the congress were FIFA observers Ahmed Mohamed Mokhtar and Mohamed Khaled Amin Elshawarby from Egypt. Sierra Leone Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Teima, and National Sport and National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai were among the guests.

Alie Badara Tarawallie, the current Mayor of Port Loko, has been voted Vice President 1, while Prince Kai Saquee has been elected Vice President 2. The elected Executive Committee members are Mohamed Sorie Jalloh, Kweku Lisk, and Haja Ramatulai Kamara.

Zimbabwe's defender Isaac Mabaya joins Wigan Athletic
by FSL News

Zimbabwe’s defender Isaac Mabaya joins Wigan Athletic on loan

Defender Isaac Mabaya has joined Wigan Athletic on loan from Liverpool until the finish of the 2025/26 season. Having made his first-team debut for Liverpool last season against Plymouth Argyle, the 20-year-old is a former England youth international.

The Premier League, EFL, and FA must all agree with this loan agreement. Mabaya’s seventh acquisition of the Summer Transfer Window gives Wigan’s defense much-needed depth.

Preston native Mabaya started at Liverpool when he was six years old. Reaching the U18s at merely 16, he climbed the ranks of the youth team. Training and playing in Asia during Liverpool’s 2022/23 preseason, he impressed with the first team under Jürgen Klopp and grabbed notice.

Mabaya spent most of his time with Liverpool’s senior Academy squad demonstrating his excellent physical ability after signing his first professional contract in summer 2023. Having been on the bench for Liverpool’s Champions League game against PSV Eindhoven recently, he made his professional debut in an FA Cup match against Plymouth Argyle early in 2025.

He will start with Wigan Athletic until the close of the 2025–26 Sky Bet League One campaign. Having formerly played against Lowe’s team in preseason, he hopes to get priceless senior football experience.

“I am happy to be here and cannot wait to begin,” Mabaya said. I think I can contribute something to the team after discussing my expectations with the Head Coach. I find the Gaffer’s approach of play quite appealing; I have had several discussions with him. This is a perfect opportunity for my career to expand. I am anxious to perform in front of the fans because I understand the importance the Club carries. I’m eager to play for the supporters since I have heard how crucial they are and how wonderful the audience is!

Ryan Lowe, head coach, remarked, “I have known Isaac for years.” He feels ready to play even if he has several injuries. Knowing his caliber, I almost signed him when I was at Preston North End. A strong right wingback, he will help our right-side performance. We observed him play for Liverpool U21s and he is fit and enthusiastic to be here. We are delighted to have him and feel he would be a wonderful asset to the team.

Nigerian U20 international Victor Eletu extends AC Milan contract
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigerian U20 international Victor Eletu extends AC Milan contract

AC Milan has confirmed a contract extension for Nigerian U20 international Victor Eletu, therefore guaranteeing the midfielder’s future at the San Siro until at least 2027.

With a two-year extension maintaining him at the club until 2027 and an option for a third year, Eletu agreed to the extension before the 2025-26 season.

The 20-year-old continues to be a highly regarded prospect inside the Milan youth system despite a string of injuries. Italian transfer specialist Gianluca DiMarzio asserts that Eletu is considered essential to AC Milan’s plans. This fresh contract shows their dedication to his recovery and development.

Eletu was a great performer for AC Milan’s Primavera (U19) team before his injuries, where his strong midfield game and leadership qualities were praised.

The contract specifies a clear development path for Eletu as he will be included in the club’s newly created U23 team for the next season, which will be competing in Serie D. His role and new contract with the U23 team offer a clear road ahead for his development.

Though he saw no playing time, Eletu was among the AC Milan squad for one Serie A game and two Europa League matches. On the global scene, he also distinguished himself as a key member of the Flying Eagles squad at the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup.

Everton's move delights Moroccan International Adam Aznou
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Everton’s move delights Moroccan International Adam Aznou

New Everton arrival Adam Aznou has said that a chat with boss David Moyes convinced him to join the team. (Photo Everton)

The Morocco international signed with Everton on Tuesday for a cost of about €9 million, therefore ending his three-year tenure at Bayern Munich.

A graduate of Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy, Aznou relocated to Germany in 2022 and made his first-team debut for Bayern against Union Berlin on November 2, 2024.

Spending the second half of the 202425 season on loan at La Liga team Real Valladolid, the 19-year-old left-back made 13 appearances and gathered priceless experience.

Aznou expressed his anticipation about playing in what he thought to be the finest league in the world and described Everton’s new stadium as “perfect”.

“I’m so happy to be here. I am honoured to be a member of this team. The project they provided me is truly excellent,” the adolescent told evertontv. “I am very eager to get started as the Premier League is the top league in the world.” The stadium is lovely. For our supporters, it generates the perfect ambience. For us, it is ideal.

“Moyes discussed the team with me and how he expects me to help. I decided immediately following our chat. Encouraged by his words, I chose to sign.

Moyes remarked, “We are delighted to bring Adam to Everton. He is a young, gifted player with a great future. Finding left-backs is difficult, and we’re happy to have a young player who we hope will grow while at Everton.