Category: Football Africa

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Carlos Queiroz reappointed as Black Stars head coach

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has reappointed Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars. On Wednesday, September 2, the GFA announced it had reached an agreement with the experienced Portuguese coach.

Queiroz signed a four-month contract in April, which ended a few weeks ago. The GFA needed to decide on his future before the 2027 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Queiroz also coached Ghana during the recent FIFA World Cup, where the team lost 1-0 to Colombia in the round of 32.

The GFA stated that, after discussions with the GFA and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, it was agreed that Queiroz would start a new coaching role during the upcoming international break.

The GFA believes Queiroz’s experience and knowledge of the Black Stars will help lead the team forward.

More details about his new role and the Black Stars’ schedule will be shared soon, as the GFA and Queiroz focus on building a stronger team for international competitions.

Queiroz will coach the Black Stars in the 2027 AFCON, where they are in Group C with three-time African champions Côte D’Ivoire, The Gambia, and Somalia.

The qualification matches start this month, and the top two teams will advance to the main tournament, hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Ghana hopes to improve after missing the last tournament held in Morocco.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal star Camara’s move from Monaco to Chelsea collapses

Lamine Camara will stay with Monaco after his £47.1m transfer to Chelsea collapsed.

The 22-year-old midfielder completed his medical on Tuesday evening, but the deal fell through just after the transfer window closed at 23:00 BST.

Chelsea’s hopes were high as they had two previous bids rejected, and they anticipated this transfer in light of Enzo Fernandez’s record £125m move to Manchester City.

However, they were taken aback when Monaco informed them that the deal for Camara would not proceed, with no explanation given.

Sources suggest Monaco’s decision was influenced by uncertainties surrounding Folarin Balogun’s move to Everton.

Initially struggling to agree on Camara, Chelsea found a pathway when reports indicated Balogun’s transfer was in jeopardy.

Monaco needed a significant sale and seemed to prefer selling Balogun. Camara played in Monaco’s 2-0 win over Marseille, while Balogun was left out of the matchday squad.

As Balogun’s transfer regained traction, Monaco appeared to backtrack on their willingness to sell Camara.

Midfielder Pape Matar Sarr joins Juventus on a season-long loan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal’s midfielder Pape Matar Sarr joins Juventus on loan

Pape Matar Sarr has officially joined Juventus on loan for the upcoming 2026/27 season from Premier League side Tottenham. The agreement includes an obligation to purchase, contingent upon performance-related conditions, making his move to the Serie A club permanent next summer.

Having been signed from Metz in August 2021, the Senegalese international midfielder made his debut for us in January 2023 and has since made 141 appearances across all competitions.

Notably, Pape provided the assist for what is considered the most significant goal in our recent history, delivering a precise cross that Brennan Johnson converted for the winning goal against Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in 2025.

Capped 42 times for his country, Pape was part of the Senegal squad that triumphed in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and made two appearances in this summer’s World Cup.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Medina United CEO Ceesay Speaks to Sierra Leone Media

Medina United CEO Tijan Masanneh Ceesay, currently in Sierra Leone, expressed his excitement for the upcoming match against Star Sport Academy.

At a press conference at the Southern Arena, Victor Lewis, a senior officer from Star Sport Academy, led the meeting. Ceesay from Medina United was there along with Major Caroline Gomez, who is United’s Safety & Security personnel.

“Star Sport Academy and we have a similar story. We both started six years ago and have played in different divisions before reaching the top level of football in The Gambia. This connection makes our match more than just a game,” Mr Ceesay stated.

Ceesay proudly shared his experience working in media during the 70s and 80s at the Siaka Stevens Stadium. He praised the partnership between Star Sport Academy and the Sierra Leone Football Association and encouraged journalists to share more sports news.

He noted that preparation for this match is challenging since many clubs lack financial independence. However, Medina United is ready, as the team has been training hard.

When discussing the players’ upcoming competition, he remarked, “This is their time to shine. It’s well-known that football plays a crucial role in supporting a stable economy.”

“Our players have been in training camp for the past week, just like their opponents. They faced our junior team yesterday, and our preparation has been top-notch,” he continued.

In response to a question about playing the second leg at home, he stated, “We are a humble organization, but we will step onto the pitch and give it our all with respect. Gambia, much like Sierra Leone, is a nation that loves football, and there’s bound to be excitement at the Independence Stadium. We can’t wait for the game.”

Major Gomez expressed her happiness and felt honoured, sharing her hopes for more success for Medina United while talking to local sports journalists.

The full delegation of Medina United is scheduled to arrive at Lungi International Airport at 7 AM on Wednesday, in preparation for their upcoming appearance in the CAF Champions League preliminary round on September 5th, taking place at the Southern Arena in Bo City.

by Football Sierra Leone

Ivorian youngster Malick Yalcouyé nets in Brighton’s defeat to Chelsea

Ivorian player Malick Yalcouyé scored his first goal for Brighton in a close 4-3 loss to Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.

Yalcouyé started the game and shined for Brighton, scoring in the 35th minute to make the score 3-1.

The 20-year-old midfielder took advantage of a chance in the penalty area and scored a great goal, giving Brighton hope for a comeback.

Chelsea took the lead early in the match. Roméo Lavia scored in the fourth minute, followed by Pedro Neto in the 14th minute, and João Pedro added a third goal in the 32nd minute.

Brighton responded with Yalcouyé’s goal, and then João Pedro scored an own goal in the 63rd minute to bring Brighton closer at 3-2.

Chelsea regained a two-goal lead with a goal from Cole Palmer in the 74th minute. Pascal Groß scored a late goal for Brighton in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

Despite Brighton’s efforts at the end, Chelsea held on to win 4-3. Yalcouyé’s goal was a bright spot for him, marking his impact in the Premier League, even as Brighton left Stamford Bridge without any points.