Category: Football Africa

Egyptian winger Frank Aziz pens deal with Portuguese side
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egyptian winger Frank Aziz pens deal with Portuguese side

Frank Aziz has signed with the U23 team of Estoril Praia after being recognised as a leading talent in the MLS NEXT youth league.

The American-Egyptian winger, whose full name is Frank Fady Victor Nemr Aziz, has joined the Portuguese club on a four-year contract that lasts until June 2029. He will don the number 88 jersey.

Arriving in Portugal from Strikers FC, a club based in Southern California that participates in the MLS NEXT youth league, he honed his skills and attracted the interest of Estoril’s scouts.

Aziz is adept at playing on either wing and is naturally two-footed; he is approximately 1.73m tall and is known for his speed and adaptability in the attacking role.

Frank Aziz expressed his excitement upon joining Estoril Praia, stating, “I am thankful to have signed with a top-level team in Portugal and am ready to give my all.”

Born in Egypt, Aziz lived there until age seven before moving to the U.S., where he developed his talents. He holds dual citizenship, making him eligible for the Egyptian national team in the future.

Ethiopia's Mesay Teferi names 26 for Egypt and Sierra Leone
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ethiopia’s Mesay Teferi names 26 for Egypt and Sierra Leone

In readiness for the next World Cup qualifying games against Egypt and Sierra Leone, Ethiopia’s national football team coach, Mesay Teferi, has revealed the call-up of 26 players.

Since Ethiopia has had difficulty holding home games due to poor stadium amenities, the squad will play its home qualifiers in neutral sites like Morocco; therefore, these matches will be vital.

The squad will be aiming to secure valuable points as they face Group A leaders Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium on September 4th, followed by a match against Sierra Leone on September 8th.

Currently, Ethiopia is in fourth place in its group with six points, trailing Sierra Leone by two points.

They drew with Sierra Leone in the qualfiers opener at the Ben M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium, El Jadida but suffered a 2-0 to defeat at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca in March 2025 to Egypt in their fist meeting.

The upcoming matches represent a significant opportunity for Ethiopia to improve their standing in the qualifiers.

Ethiopia's Mesay Teferi names 26-man squad for Egypt and Sierra Leone
Ethiopia's Mesay Teferi names 26-man squad for Egypt and Sierra Leone
Ivorian Eric Bailly agrees with the Spanish La Liga side Real Oviedo
by Football Sierra Leone

Ivorian Eric Bailly agrees with the Spanish La Liga side Real Oviedo

On Monday, Real Oviedo confirmed that they are hiring Ivorian Éric Bailly on a two-year deal expiring in June 2027. The 31-year-old central defender joined the club on a free transfer upon the completion of his Villarreal agreement.

Bailly’s move to Real Oviedo comes after a failed endeavour to join the Saudi Premier League, the Al Najma Sports Club. Having made twelve appearances during the 2024–25 season, his Villarreal contract was terminated, and he became free.

Beginning at Espanyol, Bailly has played for a few European teams, including Villarreal and subsequently Manchester United, over his career.

He had his longest stint at Manchester United and served on loan at French Ligue 1 team Olympique de Marseille (OM) before joining Turkish club Besiktas. The seasoned defender returned to Villarreal subsequently.

Having 49 international caps for the Ivory Coast, Bailly’s most recent showing was a loss against Sierra Leone during the qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in October 2024.

East Africa CHAN co-hosts reach quarter-finals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

East Africa CHAN co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda reach quarter-finals

Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda have all reached the quarterfinals for the first time in a CAF competition, thereby enjoying their home advantage and the ambition that comes with it in East Africa.

Excited supporters all over the continent, this accomplishment, cohosts of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN)

With three countries co-hosting the competition for the first time and all three having advanced to the final eight, CHAN this year is historic.

Uganda had never advanced beyond the group stage in prior competitions; Tanzania had tripped twice; Kenya was making its first appearance.

With strong home support, though, they have built fresh legacies together.

First in Group A, Kenya, tournament newcomers, shocked everyone. Their crucial moment came at Kasarani Stadium when Ryan Ogam scored a goal in the 75th minute, resulting in a 10 victory over Zambia.

That victory moved Kenya to 10 points overall, ahead of Morocco, the 2020 champions. Their powerful defence and efficient scoring drew huge crowds, fostering an electrifying environment. In Nairobi for their quarterfinal on Friday, Kenya will play Madagascar—a game projected to be competitive.

Ten points allowed Tanzania to top Group B, winning three of four games. The quarterfinal match against Morocco is planned for Dar es Salaam.

Having struggled in earlier competitions, Uganda made a breakthrough by making the quarterfinals for the first time. After a critical 33 draw against South Africa, they came in first in Group C.

Cohosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, this year’s CHAN is historically unique and has generated great local enthusiasm. All three host countries still have chances in the tournament; therefore, bright quarterfinal games are expected.

Quarter-Final Fixtures

Friday, 22 August 2025

  • 17:00 – Kenya v Madagascar (Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, Nairobi)
  • 20:00 – Tanzania v Morocco (Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam)

Saturday, 23 August 2025

  • 17:00 – Winners Group D v Algeria (Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar)
  • 20:00 – Uganda v Runners-up Group D (Mandela National Stadium, Kampala)
Suspect arrested after alleged racially abuse Ghanaian Antoine Semenyo
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Suspect arrested after alleged ‘racially abused’ Ghanaian Antoine Semenyo

A man was removed from Anfield after he reportedly racially abused Bournemouth player Antoine Semenyo during the first Premier League game of the season against Liverpool.

The Ghanaian International claimed that a spectator made unacceptable remarks in the 29th minute of the match, leading to the man being ejected.

Merseyside Police confirmed that they arrested a 47-year-old man from Liverpool on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. He is in custody and will be questioned.

Semenyo, who scored two goals in the match, expressed that the overwhelming support reminded him why he loves football. He wrote, “Last night at Anfield will stay with me forever… Football showed its best side when it mattered most … we keep moving forward, together.”

Following an incident, an anti-discrimination message was read, and police visited the referee’s room. The man involved was identified and removed from the ground, with an investigation underway.

Chief Inspector Kev Chatterton emphasised that Merseyside Police will not tolerate hate crime and urged reporting any racism. A Liverpool spokesperson condemned racism, stating it has no place in society or football.

Despite Bournemouth’s efforts, including Semenyo’s two goals in the second half, Liverpool won 4-2. Bournemouth captain Adam Smith condemned the incident and praised Semenyo’s character while expressing his anger over the situation.