Competitions

Mali suffer opening defeat at Maurice Revello Tournament after narrow loss to Panama

Mali’s under-21 team began their Maurice Revello Tournament campaign with a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Panama on Tuesday at Stade...

Issa Said June 3, 2025

Countries Friendlies

Brahim Diaz withdraws from Morocco squad ahead of Tunisia and Benin friendlies

Morocco’s promising attacking midfielder Brahim Diaz will be sidelined for the upcoming international friendlies against Tunisia and Benin due to...

Issa Said June 3, 2025

Chad

Chad names 25-man squad for friendlies against Kenya ahead of CHAN 2025 preparations

Chad has officially announced its 25-player roster for the upcoming friendly matches against Kenya, scheduled to take place on neutral...

Issa Said June 3, 2025

**Assane Diao Opens Up on Emotional Choice Between Representing Senegal or Spain** Como forward Assane Diao has shed light on the emotional struggle behind his decision to represent Senegal at the international level, despite his extensive involvement with Spain’s youth squads. The 19-year-old, who received his first senior call-up from Senegal in March, has been at the heart of a national allegiance debate due to his dual connections to both countries. Born in Sédhiou, Senegal, Diao moved to Spain at the age of six, growing up within the Spanish football system and representing Spain at youth levels, where he earned 17 caps. In a candid interview with PostUnited, Diao described the decision as one of the most complex he has faced in his young career. “It was a good and important decision, but very complicated to make because I owe a lot to both countries,” he said. “Senegal is my home country, where I have my family, while Spain gave me the opportunity to grow in football and as a person.” Diao, who developed through the youth academies in Spain and recently joined Como in Italy’s Serie A, revealed that the decision came after a long period of reflection and family discussions. While the prospect of playing for Spain had crossed his mind, he ultimately felt a stronger pull toward his roots in Senegal. “After thinking deeply and talking to my family, I realised that Senegal was where my heart was,” he said. “Choosing to play for Senegal felt like the most genuine decision I could make. It’s not just about football—it’s about identity and belonging.” Despite his commitment to Senegal, Diao will be absent from the national team’s upcoming international fixtures due to injury. He will miss the friendly matches scheduled against Ireland and England in the next international break. His absence will be a blow to Senegal, who were eager to integrate the dynamic young attacker into their senior setup following his impressive rise through the ranks in European football. Known for his speed, versatility, and creativity in attack, Diao has quickly become a promising talent in Serie A since his move to Como. While he awaits his debut in competitive fixtures for Senegal, Diao’s declaration of allegiance marks a pivotal point in his career, symbolising both a personal and professional milestone. The decision reflects not only a commitment to his heritage but also a respect for the nation that shaped his formative years. Diao's story highlights the increasingly common dilemma faced by dual-nationality players, particularly those who grow up away from their country of birth. It underlines the emotional weight such choices carry, especially when both nations have played significant roles in a player's life and career. For now, Diao will focus on recovery and his responsibilities with Como, as fans in Senegal await his return to fitness and eventual contribution on the international stage.

Africans Abroad

Senegalese forward Assane Diao opens up on emotional choice between representing Senegal or Spain

Como forward Assane Diao has shed light on the emotional struggle behind his decision to represent Senegal at the international...

Issa Said June 3, 2025

African Coaches

Victor Osimhen tipped for major summer move by Nigeria coach Eric Chelle

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has named several European giants as potential destinations for Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, predicting...

Issa Said June 3, 2025

Africans Born Abroad

French-Ivorian defender Rayan Bamba signs contract extension with Stade Rennais until 2027

Rayan Bamba has committed his future to Stade Rennais, signing a new contract that will keep him at the Ligue...

Issa Said June 3, 2025

Africans Born Abroad

Nigerian-Born Elisha Sowunmi signs first professional contract with West Ham United

Seventeen-year-old forward Elisha Sowunmi has signed his first professional contract with West Ham United, marking a major milestone in the...

Issa Said June 3, 2025

https://africasoccer.com/south-africa-v-tanzania-broos-prioritises-player-performance-ahead-of-friendly-fixtures/

Africans Born Abroad

Franco-Senegalese defender Mamadou Sarr set to join Chelsea ahead of Club World Cup

Chelsea are on the verge of completing the signing of Strasbourg defender Mamadou Sarr, with plans to include the 19-year-old...

Issa Said June 3, 2025

Countries Friendlies

South Africa v Tanzania: Broos prioritises player performance ahead of friendly fixtures

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has emphasised that his primary objective for the upcoming international friendlies against Tanzania and...

Issa Said June 3, 2025

Africans Abroad

Malian midfielder Brahim Konaté joins Zira FK on three-year deal

Malian international Brahim Konaté has signed a contract with Azerbaijani Premier League side Zira FK, following the end of his...

Issa Said June 3, 2025

Africans Abroad

Real Madrid in advanced talks to sign Moroccan starlet Abdellah Ouazane

Real Madrid are in advanced negotiations to sign highly-rated Moroccan teenager Abdellah Ouazane from Ajax Amsterdam, as the Spanish giants...

Issa Said June 3, 2025

Africans Abroad

Egyptian defender Ramy Rabia joins UAE powerhouse Al Ain after Al Ahly exit

Egyptian international Ramy Rabia has completed a move to Al Ain, the UAE’s most decorated football club, following the expiration...

Issa Said June 3, 2025

Africans Abroad

Algerian star Rayan Aït-Nouri set to join Manchester City in early summer transfer move

Manchester City have secured a crucial agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers’ left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri, marking a decisive first move in what...

Issa Said June 3, 2025

Africans Abroad

Senegalese striker Mbaye Niang attracts Serie B interest as Sampdoria exit nears

Mbaye Niang is expected to leave Sampdoria this summer, with several Serie B clubs reportedly lining up to secure the...

Issa Said June 3, 2025

Countries Friendlies

Ferjani Sassi fires warning shot as Tunisia prepare for heated clash with Morocco

Tunisia captain Ferjani Sassi has issued a fiery statement ahead of the highly anticipated North African derby against Morocco, declaring...

Issa Said June 3, 2025

Cabo Verde

Cape Verde and Malaysia set for second friendly clash in Kuala Lumpur

Cape Verde will take on Malaysia once again this Tuesday, 3 June 2025, in an international friendly at the Bukit...

Issa Said June 3, 2025

Inter Milan renew interest in Franco-Ivorian defender Oumar Solet

Africans Born Abroad

Franco-Ivorian defender Oumar Solet attracts Premier League interest after Serie A breakthrough

Oumar Solet’s rapid rise in Serie A has ignited strong interest from several Premier League sides, with the Udinese defender...

Issa Said June 3, 2025

Africans Abroad

Beninese defender David Kiki set for potential exit from Steaua Bucharest amid interest from domestic rival

David Kiki’s time at Steaua Bucharest appears to be drawing to a close, as the Beninese defender finds himself on...

Issa Said June 3, 2025

Africans Abroad

Aston Villa prepare move for Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri

Aston Villa have emerged as a serious contender in the race to sign Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri, with the Premier...

Issa Said June 2, 2025

Africans Abroad

Manchester City pursuit of Aït-Nouri on hold as defender prioritises Algeria duties

Manchester City’s efforts to secure the signature of Wolverhampton Wanderers full-back Rayan Aït-Nouri have hit a temporary pause, with the...

Issa Said June 2, 2025