Category: Football Africa

Nigeria Super falcons thrash Copper Queens to reach WAFCON semis
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ruthless Super Falcons thrash Copper Queens to reach WAFCON semis

On July 18, 2025, the Nigeria Super Falcons won their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarterfinal with an impressive 5-0 win over Zambia.

The Copper Queens were anticipated to put up a tough fight against the seasoned nine-time champions, but they were overwhelmed by an impressive display marked by sharp finishing.

The West Africans seized control early on, with centre-back Osinachi Ohale finding himself unmarked during a second-minute free-kick, allowing him to head the ball past Petronella Musole.

Osinachi Ohale scored the first goal only two minutes into the game. Esther Okoronkwo scored a second in the 33rd minute, followed by Chinwendu Ihezuo’s goal just before halftime, bringing the score to 30, and Nigeria continued to dominate.

Tosin Demehin scored a free kick for a fourth goal in the 69th minute in the second half, and Nigeria guaranteed their win with a fifth goal in stoppage time.

Though Zambia tried many times, including attempts from their star player, Barbra Banda, they could not score, and Nigeria’s defence ensured a clean sheet. Coach Justin Madugu made critical replacements in the second half to sustain momentum, bringing in Asisat Oshoala among others. This game dashed Zambia’s dreams of winning their first WAFCON title.

Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf pens West Ham deal
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf pens West Ham deal

West Ham have signed Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague for £19 million. The 20-year-old will join the club’s preseason training camp in Germany this week.

When Slavia Prague claimed the Czech top-flight championship last season, Diouf was instrumental in their victory. Though many clubs wanted him, he selected West Ham because it fit my plan.

“I want to let the West Ham fans know I am here with them very gladly. Diouf told the club’s website, I believe we will have a great season this year.

Everyone wants to come here to play in the Premier League. Everyone, I believe, dreams of this.”

Diouf, who can play at left back or left wingback, was a player the club had been monitoring for some time, said manager Graham Potter.

“I believe he would be a great addition to the team; he is young, hungry, and ambitious.”

At 18, Diouf left Senegal for Norway’s Tromso in February 2023, scoring three goals in 21 games. A year later, he joined Slavia Prague, where he scored on his debut.

Last season, he netted seven goals as Slavia won the championship, conceding only 18 goals in 35 games. Diouf made his Senegal debut in a Nations Cup qualifier against Burundi in September 2024 and participated in a friendly win over England in June.

Sierra Leone's Osman Kakay on Blackpool's transfer radar
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Osman Kakay on Blackpool’s transfer radar

Blackpool are in talks to sign defender Osman Kakay to bolster their defensive unit and hence improve squad depth and rivalry.

Presently, Kakay has featured in two pre-season matches for the League One side against Accrington Stanley and AFC Fylde.

Having won 26 caps for his country, the Sierra Leone international honed his talents in the QPR academy and acquired priceless experience on loan spells at Livingston, Chesterfield, and Partick Thistle.

Kakay made 113 appearances during his time at QPR, assisting two goals from a defensive position.

While Blackpool considers the possibility of hiring his services, the club is also getting ready for the approaching season under manager Bruce’s skilled direction, with the goal of fighting at the upper levels of the league.

QPR declared on May 6, 2024, that Kakay will be departing the team when his contract expires at the conclusion of the season.

Kakay signed a contract that would expire at the end of the 2024–25 campaign and had nine appearances for Primeira Liga team Boavista on a free transfer this year.

Congolese defender Tuanzebe sues former club Manchester United
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Congolese defender Tuanzebe sues former club Manchester United

Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe is suing the club for suspected negligent medical advice.

Last week, the 27-year-old, who signed for Burnley earlier this month, brought a High Court lawsuit against United.

Regarded as a high-value claim, exceeding £1 million, it refers to an incident in July 2022 involving an unidentified injury.

Before he was sent to Stoke in January 2023, where he played only five games, Tuanzebe was out for 195 days in his last season at the club.

Having entered the club at the age of eight, he made his debut in 2017 and played 37 times for them before quitting in the summer of 2023, joining Ipswich as a free agent in September.

At every level, the Bunia-born served as United’s captain. In the 2021 Europa League final defeat by Villarreal, where he scored in the shootout as they lost 1110 on penalties, he made his last appearance for the club.

While he also spent time in Napoli in 2022, the ex-England Under-21 international, now representing DR Congo, had three loan spells at Aston Villa.

When BBC Sport asked, Tuanzebe’s attorneys, Simons Muirhead Burton and United both refused to reply.

South Africa's unbeaten in Women's Cup of Nations Group stages
by Football Sierra Leone

South Africa unbeaten in Women’s Cup of Nations Group stage

Having won the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa defeated Mali 4–0 to finish first in Group C and move on to the knockout stage.

Starting flawlessly, Banyana Banyana quickly assumed their power. Five minutes in, Lebohang Ramalepe set the tone for what would turn out to be a long day for the Malian defence with a composed right-footed finish into the upper right corner.

South Africa increased their advantage in the 32nd minute when Refiloe Jane whipped a remarkable free kick into the upper left corner, leaving Mali goalie Fatoumata Karentao stranded.

South Africa demonstrated their aggressive approach and midfield control in the first half with two goals.

In the second half, their enthusiasm held. With a sharp left-foot shot in the 61st minute following a nice feed from Karabo Dhlamini, Hildah Magaia scored her third goal. Ronnel Donnelly contributed yet another goal in the 79th minute after a perfect setup from Nonhlanhla Mthandi.

Mali was at times threatened with actions from Saratou Traoré, Aïssata Traoré, and Fatou Dembele, but South Africa’s strong defence and Andile Dlamini’s critical saves kept them from scoring.

South Africa’s strength was evident in their score, their organisational structure, inventiveness, and continuous strain.

South Africa advances boldly into the knockout rounds as they seek continental triumph by coming first in Group C.

South Africa's unbeaten in Women's Cup of Nations Group stages
South Africa's unbeaten in Women's Cup of Nations Group stages