by FSL News | 22 Jun, 2019 | African News
The Pharaohs of Egypt narrowly defeat Zimbabwe 1-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations opening game of the tournament in Cairo on Friday.
Mahmoud Trezeguet scored the only goal of the game after 41 minutes into the first half.
The goal was his sixth for his country and his first one in a major tournament with the Pharaohs.
“Victory was our main goal, and we managed to achieve it even if it was by only one goal,” Trezeguet told beIN SPORTS.
“It’s important to improve our performance in the upcoming games to please the Egyptian fans. The title is our goal.”
The victory means Egypt top of Group A ahead of Uganda and DR Congo both sides played on Saturday.
Egypt next AFCON outing is against DR Congo on Wednesday, June 26. They’ll secure a spot in the round of 16 in case they managed to get the win.
This year’s AFCON is the biggest ever with 24 teams and the first to be played in Europe’s summer.
It was a spectacular start, 75,000 fans were inside the Cairo International Stadium.
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by FSL News | 21 Jun, 2019 | African News
Cameroonian referee Sidi Alioum will be in the spotlight on Friday as the centreman for the opening match between host Egypt and Zimbabwe at the Cairo International Stadium.
Alioum, 36, and an Air Force Officer in his native Cameroon will steer affairs of the Group A clash that will open the curtains for the 32nd edition of the flagship continental championship.
He is one of the most experienced referees on the elite panel of match officials having officiated at the last four editions of the Africa Cup of Nations – 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2017. A regular face amongst the knights of the whistle on the continent, Alioum also participated in the FIFA World Cup in Brazil in 2014.
His assistants are compatriot Evarist Menkouande and Senegalese El Hadji Malick Samba. At 46, Menkouande ranks amongst the oldest at the tournament. He has officiated at every edition of the biennial showpiece since 2008, making it seven editions in a row.
On the other hand, Samba, who turns 40 next September, was present at the finals in 2013, 2015 and 2017.
The fourth official is Maguette Ndiaye, also from Senegal.
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by FSL News | 19 Jun, 2019 | African News
Ivory Coast thrashed Zambia 4-1 in Afcon warm-up
Ivory Coast proved too strong in their warm-up test today coming from behind to defeat Zambia 4-1 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Sakala scored in the 14th minute from the spot to give Zambia the lead before Jonathan Kodjia level-scoreline on the half-hour mark.
The Ivorians went ahead through Jean Serri 3 minutes after the restart.
Maxwell Cornet added the third in the 57th minute before substitute former Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony pounced on a goalkeeper error to seal a 4-1 win.
Zambia, the 2012 champions, failed to qualify for this newly expanded Nations Cup but have played in a number of warm-up games.
The Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire are in Group D alongside Morocco, South Africa and Namibia.
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by FSL News | 17 Jun, 2019 | Players Abroad News
Sierra Leone international Michael Lahoud was instrumental as San Antonio FC forced a 1-1 draw against OKC Energy FC at Taft Stadium on Saturday night.
A penalty saved from goalkeeper Matthew Cardone and a late equalizer from midfielder Jack Barmby earned the Alamo City club, its first point on the road of the season.
Lahoud’s Antonio could have opened the scoring in the 8th minute if it wasn’t for the quick feet of Cody Laurendi.
However, hosts Oklahoma City Energy opened the scoring in the 55th minute after midfielder Rafael Garcia converted from the spot to give the Energy the 1-0 lead.
San Antonio FC level the scoreline in the dying moments of the match after Barmby buried a direct kick from distance past goalkeeper Cody Laurendi.
San Antonio FC will return to USL Championship action as they visit Fresno FC at Chukchansi Park next Friday, June 21. They won their last game at home against Reno 1868 3-2.
Since joining San Antonio in January, Lahoud has been a pivotal player making 13 appearances over 1350 minutes on the pitch. They are standing 15th in the USL Championship Western Conference table.
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by FSL News | 17 Jun, 2019 | African News
Turkish club Sivasspor have completed the signing of Malian international goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa.
Free agent Samassa, 29, has signed a two-year deal with the Super Lig side after his contract with French club Troyes came to an end.
The club statement reads: “Sivasspor signed a two-year contract with Mamadou Samassa at our Istanbul office effective from the 2019-2020 season.
“He has played for the Mali national team 14 times. We welcome Mamadou Samassa to Sivas. We wish success under Demir Grup Sivasspor.”
Samassa was born in France and started his youth football with Collinee-Le Gouray, Pef Ploufragan and Guingamp where he also started his senior career in 2009.
Last season he was a regular with Troyes featuring in 37 Ligue 2 matches. He represented France at youth level before switching his allegiance to Mali.
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by FSL News | 16 Jun, 2019 | Players Abroad News
Phoenix Rising FC won its fifth consecutive match in a 3-0 victory over Orange County SC on Saturday night at Casino Arizona Field.
The Sierra Leone defender pictured in the middle kneeling in their celebration, was pleased with the result as the victory means they go top of the Western Conference.
Rising FC took the lead in the sixth minute on a moment of misfortune for Orange County defender Kevin Alston, whose attempt to clear a cross by Mustapha Dumbuya from the right ended up in his own net.
Two more goals from Joey Calistri and Solomon Asante in the 17th and 50th minutes respectively were enough for the host team.
After their victory, Dumbuya confirmed he was pleased to be part of the USL Championship side.
“The team has been playing well, we are getting points so, I am happy to be a part of the side,” he said.
Since joining the USL side, the former Partick Thistle and Falkirk defender has been a pivotal player for the club. He has played in ten matches over 800 minutes.
PHOENIX RISING FC 3-0 ORANGE COUNTY FC
Scoring Summary:
PHX: 6’, 2-Kevin Alston (OG)
PHX: 17’, 21-Joey Calistri (9-Adam Jahn)
PHX: 50’, 20-Solomon Asante
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