Category: Football Africa

Chinese side Chengdu Rongcheng unveil Sierra Leone winger Issa Kallon
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Chinese side Chengdu Rongcheng unveil Sierra Leone winger Issa Kallon

Chinese Super League last season’s third-place side Chengdu Rongcheng has unveiled Sierra Leone winger Issa Kallon.

Kallon confirmed that he has reached an agreement for a two-year contract with Chengdu Rongcheng and is prepared for the upcoming Chinese Super League campaign.

The 29-year-old, who joined Shanghai Port from the Dutch club Cambuur in 2022, is embarking on a new chapter in his career after departing Nantong Zhiyun.

The Chinse Super League is set to kick start this week as Chengdu Rongcheng open its campaign against Wuhan Three Towns on Saturday.

The Sierra Leone International recorded seven goals and eight assists in 45 appearances for Shanghai Port when they won the title before moving to join Nantong Zhiyun in 2024, scoring five goals & two assists in 22 matches.

He scored on his debut for Nantong Zhiyun in the Chinese Super League opening game of the 2024/2025 season. Nantong Zhiyun played away from Tianjin Jinmen Tiger, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw in March last year.

He equalizer for Nantong Zhiyun in the 67th minute. He received a pass and slotted the ball at the bottom right of the net.

Kallon had joined Nantong Zhiyun after winning the title of last season with Shanghai Port. 

He started his football career as a youth exponent from FC Utrecht and made his Eredivisie debut on 24th August 2014 in a 1-2 away win against Feyenoord on 24 August 2014 in a 1–2 away win against Feyenoord.

Burkinabé winger Dango Ouattara records his ninth goal of the season
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkinabé winger Dango Ouattara records his ninth goal of the season

Burkinabé winger Dango Ouattara recorded his night of the Premier League season as Bournemouth reached another significant milestone in their commendable 2024/25 campaign by completing their first league double over local rivals Southampton on Saturday.

Dango Ouattara, who previously scored in the 3-1 victory against Southampton at the Vitality Stadium in September, initiated the scoring with a glancing header in the 14th minute.

Barely two minutes later, the passionate away supporters witnessed a second goal as Ryan Christie expertly placed a remarkable 25-yard shot beyond former Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

Although Kamaldeen Sulemana managed to reduce the deficit in the 72nd minute, Marcus Tavernier, who came off the bench, concluded the match with an impressive strike seven minutes before the final whistle.

This victory has elevated Andoni Iraola’s team to fifth place in the league standings and has further extended their club-record unbeaten streak in away Premier League matches to seven.

During this impressive run, they have secured victories against Wolves, Ipswich, Manchester United, and Newcastle, in addition to drawing with Fulham and Chelsea.

Egypt's Omar Marmoush nets first City's hat-trick as climb back into top four
by FSL News

Egypt’s Omar Marmoush nets first hat-trick as City climb back into top four

Omar Marmoush significantly impacted Manchester City’s recent match against Newcastle, scoring a first-half hat-trick that helped secure a 4-0 victory. This win allowed City to ascend back into the Premier League’s top four.

Marmoush, an Egyptian forward who was acquired for £59 million from Eintracht Frankfurt last month, displayed exceptional skill by netting his first two goals within a brief five-minute span and completing his hat-trick before halftime.

James McAtee further contributed to the scoreline by volleying home City’s fourth goal from close range. This victory marked a strong response from Pep Guardiola’s side following their midweek Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, representing their largest home league win.

In parallel, Arsenal achieved a 2-0 victory over Leicester City, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring two crucial goals in the 81st and 87th minutes. Despite their efforts, Leicester remains in the bottom three of the league, having fought diligently for their first clean sheet in 21 games across all competitions.

Additionally, Calvin Bassey’s first goal of the season secured Fulham’s 2-1 win at home against Nottingham Forest. Forest striker Chris Wood equalized just before halftime with his 18th league goal after Emile Smith Rowe initially put Fulham ahead. Bassey then secured the victory by scoring the decisive goal shortly after the hour mark.

Zimbabwean Kalisto Pasuwa named as new Malawi coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zimbabwean Kalisto Pasuwa named as new Malawi coach

Zimbabwean football coach Kalisto Pasuwa has been named the head coach of Malawi’s men’s football team.

Pasuwa, known as “Manabundu,” has signed a two-year contract and will lead The Flames until 2027. He took over on an interim basis in November last year before his official appointment.

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) announced, “We have unveiled Kalisto Pasuwa as the new head coach of the Malawi Men’s Senior National Team for two years.”

Pasuwa previously had success as the head coach of Nyasa Big Bullets, a top team in Malawi. He won four straight league titles and several other trophies before leaving the club in December 2024.

Gambia’s Yankuba Minteh’s brace helps Brighton stun Chelsea
by Football Sierra Leone

Gambia’s Yankuba Minteh’s brace helps Brighton stun Chelsea

Gambian International scored his fifth goal of the Premier League season with two goals against Chelsea on Friday night at the American Express Stadium. This helped Brighton win 3-0.

Kaoru Mitoma started the scoring with a fantastic goal, and Yankuba Minteh added two more goals. This victory ended Brighton’s two-game losing streak.

Mitoma’s great opener and Minteh’s double led Brighton to a strong win over a weak Chelsea team. Head coach Enzo Maresca faced a tough night.

Maresca disappointed fans by downplaying the importance of the FA Cup after their earlier loss to Brighton. This recent loss will not help his image among fans at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca had to play without a recognized striker, which showed in the game. Chelsea did not have a single shot on target in the league for the first time since September 2021. Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku took turns playing as a false nine but could not make an impact.

“Tonight was the worst performance since I arrived, but we are still in the race to finish in the top four,” Maresca said to Sky Sports after the match. He added, “I always feel pressure, not just now.”