Africa’s football diary: Boutera shines for Algeria as Ugwu weighs move abroad

At 10:51, Karim Boutera made a telling contribution as Algeria’s youth side drew with South Africa in Johannesburg, providing the assist for Ben Ahmed Kohili’s equaliser. The result came after the Bafana Bafana had taken the lead in a closely contested friendly on Monday evening.

Boutera, who plays for Degerfors FK, started the match and was making his first appearance for Algeria. Speaking to Maghreb-Foot after the final whistle, the 21-year-old expressed his satisfaction at being involved and helping the Fennecs recover from behind.

When discussing the decisive pass, Boutera highlighted both the accuracy of his delivery and Kohili’s finish. The forward, formerly of Angers, was described as having come close to scoring twice during the contest.

At 10:30, Middlesbrough were reported to be considering moves for Aribim Pepple and Floyd Samba as manager Kim Hellberg’s side targets promotion to the Premier League.

According to Football League World, the Championship club is monitoring Plymouth striker Pepple as it looks to strengthen its attack. The 23-year-old, who is of Nigerian origin, has established himself among the leading players in League One.

Middlesbrough are also keeping track of 17-year-old Manchester City prospect Floyd Samba. The teenager is the son of former DR Congo international Christopher Samba and has attracted significant interest from the club’s hierarchy.

A move for Pepple from Plymouth remains possible if Middlesbrough can put forward a financially acceptable offer. The club’s interest in Samba is being assessed alongside that of the Nigerian-born striker.

At 10:18, Precious Ugwu was linked with a possible departure from FC Volendam, with clubs in Scotland and Switzerland reportedly interested in the defender.

The Scottish Sun says Heart of Midlothian and Servette FC have shown concrete interest in the Netherlands-born Nigeria player. Ugwu currently plays for FC Volendam in the Dutch second tier after developing at the Ajax Amsterdam academy.

The 20-year-old is known for his ability to carry the ball out from defence and his aggression in challenges. Discussions are considering a potential transfer during the winter 2026 window or in summer 2027.

At 09:45, Kerala Blasters were reported to have secured the signing of Momo Yansane, according to ISL & I-League.

The 29-year-old centre-forward is set to add to the Indian club’s attacking options for the coming season. Yansane, a Guinea international, scored 8 goals in 26 appearances during the 2025/26 campaign.

Those matches came across the Armenian league, the Cypriot top flight and domestic cup competitions, while he represented Pyunik Erevan.