3rd - 9th August 2025: Top Picks in African Sport This Week

Brief Summary

• DR Congo beat Zambia 2-0 to revive their Group A hopes, Kenya drew 1-1 with Angola, South Africa held Algeria to a late 1-1 draw, and Uganda bounced back with a 3-0 win over Guinea.
• D’Tigress claimed their fifth straight FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title by defeating Mali 78-64, earning $100,000 and a three-bedroom flat each, plus a spot at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup.
• Thomas Partey, charged with multiple sexual offences, joined Villarreal after leaving Arsenal; Yoane Wissa returned to Brentford training but still seeks a Newcastle move; Wilfred Ndidi signed with Besiktas; Aston Villa bought Evann Guessand from Nice for up to £30m.

Deep Dive!!

Lagos, Nigeria—The week was eventful for African sports: the CHAN PAMOJA group stage generated thrilling headlines throughout East Africa, Nigeria secured a historic fifth consecutive Women’s AfroBasket title, and the footballers from the continent kept gaining transfers to the top leagues.

The major stories and brief CHAN rundowns for the week's matches you must have missed are included below.

CHAN PAMOJA 2024 (7-8 August)

DR Congo Stuns Zambia to Revive Campaign as Kenya Draws Angola (Group A)

The Democratic Republic of the Congo secured a vital 2-0 triumph against Zambia at the Nyayo National Stadium. Matobo, Kitambala, and Efonge's outstanding performances have strengthened DR Congo's chances of making it to the quarterfinals. In the meantime, Zambia needs to get back together fast to prevent an early exit. 

As a result of Kenya's hard-fought 1-1 draw with Angola, Group A is extremely competitive heading into the next round.

Kutumela's Late Heroics Deny Algeria Second Win, Uganda Thrash Guinea 3-0 (Group C)

South Africa rallied to clinch a 1-1 draw in their Group C match in Kampala on Friday, ending Algeria's run of consecutive wins at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN).

With a resounding victory over Guinea, the Uganda Cranes recover from their defeat in the first encounter.

Get a full update on the CHAN 2024 for the week: CHAN 2024 Group Stage Highlights So Far (2nd - 6th August)

Women’s AfroBasket 2025: Nigeria Make History, Promised $100,000 Each

After winning the FIBA Women's AfroBasket Championship over the weekend in Ivory Coast, Nigeria's national women's basketball team members will each earn a monetary incentive of $100,000 (£75,000).

Additionally, Vice-President Kashim Shettima promised each player a three-bedroom flat at a special reception called D'Tigress, which was organised in honour of the squad.

Nigeria won their seventh AfroBasket championship on Sunday, defeating Mali 78-64. The victory guaranteed them a place in the FIBA Women's World Cup the following year.

Arsenal Star Partey Granted Bail Amid Rape Allegations, Joins Villarreal

Thomas Partey, the former football player for Arsenal, was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He was given conditional bail.

Accused of five charges of rape against two women and sexual assault against a third, the 32-year-old Ghanaian made an appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

The alleged acts occurred between 2021 and 2022 while he was a member of Arsenal, a club in north London.

His contract terminated at the end of June, and he was charged four days after leaving Arsenal. On September 2, he will make his next appearance at the Old Bailey.

After being released from Arsenal, Thomas Partey joined Villarreal in La Liga.

Wissa Returns to Brentford Training Amid Push for Transfer Exit

After fruitful discussions with head coach Keith Andrews, Brentford forward Yoane Wissa has resumed training with the first team, but he is still looking to leave the team.

After two weeks of tense ties between the player and the club, Wissa and Andrews had a conversation on Wednesday morning at the team's training facility.

Wissa has returned to senior training for the first time since he chose to depart Brentford's preseason headquarters in Portugal on July 21 as a result of the negotiations.

The 28-year-old still hopes to sign a contract with Newcastle during the current transfer window, though, since it would provide him the chance to play in the Champions League.

Ndidi Seals Besiktas Switch From Leicester in Midfield Boost

Wilfred Ndidi, a midfielder for Leicester City, has signed a permanent contract with Turkish club Besiktas.

Following eight and a half years at the King Power Stadium, the 28-year-old Nigerian international is leaving.

Prior to the Foxes' second relegation in three years last season, Ndidi helped the team win the FA Cup, Community Shield, and promotion to the Premier League in 2023–24.

He scored 18 goals in 303 games across all competitions for Leicester.

Although the exact amount paid for Ndidi is unknown, it is generally believed to be around £8 million.

Aston Villa Seal £30m Deal for Nice Striker Guessand

Nice striker Evann Guessand has been signed by Aston Villa for £26 million plus £4.3 million in add-ons.

The 24-year-old attacker from Ivory Coast finished fourth in Ligue 1 in France last season with 12 goals and was named player of the season.

The France-born attacker expands Unai Emery's options for scoring at Villa Park, since the Spaniard's side only has Ollie Watkins as a recognised centre forward.

After Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio left at the end of the previous season when their loan periods ended, Emery was eager to bolster his attack.