EPL: Ngolo Kante Heads To The Bridge

Highly sought-after French midfield prodigy, Ngolo Kante, has agreed to a five-year deal to join Antonio Conte’s revolution at Stamford Bridge.

The 25-year-old France international enjoyed a spectacular 2015/16 season at the King Power stadium to draw the attention of Europe’s elite.

The former Caen defensive midfielder, however, traded his comfort at the reigning English champions for a new challenge at the London outfit to mark a remarkable 12-month turn around.

Chelsea edged out a number of clubs seeking the signature of the dimunitive hard tackler ahead of the new season.

His arrival, in part, could pave way for the departure of lanky midfielder, Nemanjia Matic, who endured a torrid time last season.

A reported 36 million Euros deal has been agreed between the sides and is expected to be finalised within the next 48 hours.

Kante registered 40 appearances for the Foxes in their strange surge to the championship.

 

EPL: Ngolo Kante Heads To The Bridge

EURO 2016: Injured Joe Ledley Makes Wales Final Squad

Wales have confirmed their 23-man squad for the European Championships, with Joe Ledley included in the squad despite breaking his leg this month.

Manager Chris Coleman, who was recently rewarded with a two-year extension by the Welsh FA, has worked wonders in charge of the national team.

Coleman guided his country to the Euro 2016 finals during the group stages over the last 18 months, which in turn will be Wales’ first finals since the 1958 World Cup.

Coleman has lost just one of his last 11 qualifiers and he will be hoping to carry that sort of form into the Championships next month.

A big boost ahead of the tournament is the return of Ledley, although it is not believed the Crystal Palace midfielder will start the opening game or two.

The 29-year-old, remarkably, missed the FA Cup final loss against Manchester United after breaking his leg on the 7 May.

Adam Matthews, Paul Dummett, Emyr Huws and Wes Burns are the ones who have been cut from Coleman’s training camp group, whilst three players withdrew with injury.

Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale, who won the Champions League on Saturday night, linked up with the squad on Tuesday and is included as expected.

 

Wales’ 23-man Squad For Euro 2016:

Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey, Danny Ward, Owain Fon Williams.

Defenders: Chris Gunter, James Chester, Ashley Williams, Ben Davies, Neil Taylor, James Collins, Jazz Richards.

Midfielders: Joe Allen, Joe Ledley, Aaron Ramsey, Andy King, David Edwards, Jonny Williams, David Vaughan, George Williams.

Forwards: Gareth Bale, Hal Robson-Kanu, Sam Vokes, Simon Church, David Cotterill.

EURO 2016: Injured Joe Ledley Makes Wales Final Squad

Bikes To Be Scanned For "Mechanical Doping" At Tour De France And Olympics

Bikes will be tested at the Tour de France and Olympics to try to find hidden motors and stop ‘mechanical doping’, cycling’s governing body says.

The UCI says up to 12,000 bikes will be tested this year using a new scanning system introduced in January.

Belgium’s Femke van den Driessche was banned for six years last month in the first proven case of mechanical doping.

“If you use this method of cheating, we will catch you,” UCI president Brian Cookson said.

The UCI believes that its new system of magnetic resonance scanning, which detects motors, magnets and batteries, is more effective than using heat-seeking cameras.

UCI technical manager Mark Barfield says riders who switch bikes mid-race could be targeted.

Demonstrating its testing technology on Tuesday, the UCI says the one hidden motor found – in Van den Driessche’s bike at the Cyclo-cross World Championships in Belgium in January – was at the first event where magnetic resonance scans were used.

Van den Driessche, the former European Under-23 champion, has denied suggestions she deliberately cheated, saying the bike was not hers.

UCI regulations, which were recently strengthened, state a rider is given a minimum suspension of six months and a fine of up to 200,000 Swiss francs (£141,000) for an offence of “technological fraud”, while coaches, mechanics and other officials could also be sanctioned.

BBC

Bikes To Be Scanned For "Mechanical Doping" At Tour De France And Olympics

Tennis: Czech Republic To Face France In Fed Cup Final

The Czech Republic will take on France in the Fed Cup final after both teams came through decisive doubles contests to win their semi-finals.

France’s Caroline Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic saw off surprise semi-finalists the Netherlands in Trelaze.

Karolina Pliskova and Lucie Hradecka gave the Czechs victory over Switzerland in Lucerne.

The Czech Republic will try to win the Fed Cup for the fifth time in six years in November’s final.

Kiki Bertens beat Mladenovic in singles to put the Dutch 2-1 up against France, and within sight of another huge shock after they beat Russia in Moscow in the quarter-finals.

However, Garcia then beat 257th-ranked Arantxa Rus in straight sets, before teaming up with Mladenovic to battle past Bertens and Richel Hogenkamp 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the doubles.“It’s difficult to get so close to your goal and then lose, it’s hard to take,” said Dutch captain Paul Haarhuis.

Viktorija Golubic, ranked 129th in the world, had kept Switzerland in touch with the Czechs thanks to two singles wins, but she and Martina Hingis went down 6-2, 6-2 to Pliskova and Hradecka in the decider.

“It was sensational the way they played,” said Czech captain Petr Pala.

“The key was the depth of our team today. It gave me more opportunities to make the doubles team. It is a great feeling for the camp. The sprit is there, everybody wants to win the cup.”

The final will take place in France, with the venue yet to be decided, on 12-13 November.

Credit: BBC

Tennis: Czech Republic To Face France In Fed Cup Final

Benzima Confirms France Snub

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has confirmed, that he will not be part of the French squad for Euro 2016.

Benzema met with manager of the French national team, Didier Deschamps and Noël Le Graët, President of the French Federation, in Paris on Wednesday, to decide whether or not he should be selected for the Euro 2016 squad in the wake of a sex tape blackmail scandal that has caused huge controversy in recent months.

The scandal concerns the alleged attempt by a friend of Benzema to blackmail his French teammate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape.

Benzema was formally investigated as a result, but his lawyer claims he was not party to any blackmail attempt.

Following the meeting, the Real Madrid Stars posted a message on Twitter, thanking those who supported him and confirming he would not be part of the squad for the tournament which takes place in France this summer.

Benzema last played for France against Armenia in October; he was left out of the squad for friendlies against Holland and Russia last month.

Benzima Confirms France Snub

Emmanuel Ntim’s Red Card Proves Costly For Valenciennes

Ghana Youth international Emmanuel Ntim, was sent off for his French side Valienciennes in their 2-0 defeat at Nimes.

The France based, centre back received his marching off order less than two minutes into their game at Nimes after misjudging tackle.

The 20 year old talented defender, joined the Ligue II side at the start of the 2015/16 European season, after a stellar performance with Sellas Tetteh’s Satellites in New Zealand.

The Right To Dream Academy graduate, has enjoyed a fine run of league actions in the senior team in recent times, since his promotion from the reserves side midway through the season.

The Valienciennes utility back has already 15 appearances across the season for both the senior and reserves team but look set to miss the next two fixtures in the France second tier league.

Ntim will miss the home clash with Clemont and the juicy trp to Ajaccio, who are just separated by four points on the standing.

Emmanuel Ntim’s Red Card Proves Costly For Valenciennes

Emmanuel Ntim Suffers Defeat In French Ligue II

Ghana Youth international Emmanuel Ntim suffered a home reverse on his return to the first team action of Valiencienne against Brest.

The 20 year old centre back was reinstated into the starting XI for the host but a late strike from Joseph Monrose deepened the relegation fears of the French Ligue II side.

Ntim has been sparing used by the senior side of the second tier side as he continues to develop with the reserves side in the Valiencienne II.

The France based defended extended his fine run of form with the reserves to the senior side and look to have done enough to confirm his place in the first team duties of the struggling second tier side.

Emmanuel Ntim rose to prominence with impressive performances for Sellas Tetteh’s side at the 2015 FIFA U20 World Youth Championship in New Zealand.

The 20 year old then earned a dream move to the French side where he has since pocketed 12 appearances across the season including the reserve side.

The intelligent defender is tipped to blossom into one of the finest for the national team after showing early signs of stardom with the satellites.

Valenciennes could find themselves one place above the relegation zone if Nimes manages a point away to Dijon on Sunday.

Emmanuel Ntim Suffers Defeat In French Ligue II

Waris Shakes Off Injury To Exhibit Another Impressive Performance

Black Stars forward Abdul Majeed Waris made an instant return for Lorient in the French Ligue I after an injury scare in their heavy cup win over Gazelic in midweek.

The red hot striker was subbed with 17 minutes to play as a precaution after a picking a knock in the latter stages of the second half, but made an instant return to the starting XI of Sylvian Ripoli’s charges in a 0-0 stalemate at Stade Amand Cesare away to Bastia.

The 24 year old forward lasted the full throttle to hand Avrant Grant an injury boost ahead of the Black Stars opening qualifier against Mozambique later this month.

Majeed Waris has made himself one of the untouchables in the starting XI for Lorient with an impressive 9 goals in 18 matches since his summer arrival from Trabzonspor from Turkey.

The quick footed forward raked in three goals in his last three fixtures including a crucial winner away to Troyes.

The Black Stars have been rocked by injury woes ahead of the Mozambique showdown that includes Captain Asamoah Gyan, Mubarack and the crocked Kwadwo Asamoah who recently returned from an injury spell on the treatment table.

Ghana opens her 2017 AFCON qualifiers with a home fixture at the Accra Sports stadium on March 24, 2016 and exactly 3:30pm.

Waris Shakes Off Injury To Exhibit Another Impressive Performance

Warris Maintains Form As Lorient Progress In Coup De France

France based Majeed Waris maintained his red hot form for FC Lorient as they booked a placed in the semi final of the Coup De France.

The rampant attacker starred for his rejuvenated Ligue I, side in an easy win over Gazelec to book a semi final spot on Wednesday night.

The Black Stars forward headed into the fixture on the back drop of three goals in two games but resorted to creativity upfront with crucial roles in the opening two goals for FC Lorient before leaving the pitch with 12 minutes to go.

The returning forward, who was demoted to the reserves side three weeks ago continue to prove his doubters wrong with another classy display at home to the second tier side in fully deserved 3-0 thumping of the league cup.

Jimmy Cabot came on as a late replacement for Waris, who has since racked in 9 odd goals in his opening 18 fixtures across all competition.

Majeed Waris and his Lorient team mates head to Bastia for the weekend’s Ligue I fixture ahead of the semi final pairing on Friday.

Warris Maintains Form As Lorient Progress In Coup De France

Majeed Waris Bags Ninth Goal of For Lorient

France based Ghana international Majeed Waris scored the only goal of the game for Lorient in a vital away win at Troyes.

The 25 year old forward followed up his brace against Giungamp with another sumptuous finish to earn three vital away points for his French Ligue I side on Saturday.

The attacker pocketed his ninth goal of the season for the mid table side to confirm his indispensable nature to the Ligue I side after returning from his demotion to the reserves side

Head coach of Lorient, Sylvian Ripoli, demoted his Ghanaian forward to the bench for an altercation between the sides but has been proven wrong in the last two matches since his return.

Waris made it three goals in two games to drag Lorient into the top ten and nine adrift of the relegation zone.

The nomadic forward has since managed an impressive nine strikes in 17 appearances for Lorient since arriving from Trabsonspor midway through the season.

Majeed Waris Bags Ninth Goal of For Lorient

Majeed Waris Brace Halts Poor Run Of Results For Lorient In France

Ghanaian striker Abdul Majeed Waris capped his return to the senior side of FC Lorient with a sensational brace to steer his Ligue I side further away from the drop.

The 24 year old attacker pounced on his recall to the senior side with open arms to end a run of one win in the last nine matches for Lorient as they recorded a nervy 4-3 win at home.

The nomadic forward was relegated to the reserves for his indifferent attitude towards his manager before been recalled for the Ligue clash with Guingamp

Yanis Salibur bagged a first half brace for the visitors before Waris drew parity with two predatory goals from the Black Stars attacker.

The former Trabzon attacker halved the deficit for his struggling side on the 39th minute before leveling matters three minutes into the second department of the game.

The home side then capoitalized on their territorial dominance with the fifth goal of the night to put their noses ahead before Jimmy leveled matters for Guingamp minutes to closing.

Rafael Garerira kept the points at home with a late strike on the 90th minute as Lorient moved clear from the drop.

Waris has since managed seven goals from his 16 matches since his return to French football from Turkey.

Majeed Waris Brace Halts Poor Run Of Results For Lorient In France

Kurt Zouma Out For Six Months.

Chelsea defender is expected to be out for approximately six months after tearing his ACL in the Blues one-all stalemate against Manchester United on Sunday at Stamford Bridge.

The Central Republic born French international landed awkwardly when he attempted to head a ball in the air.

He was stretched outof the pitch of play and Chelsea Football Club’s medical team have diagnosed that the 22s-year old sustained an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament during yesterday’s premier league match.

Kurt will undergo surgery in the next 48 hours and is expected to be out for approximately six months.

Kurt Zouma Out For Six Months.

Majeed Waris makes triumphant return for Lorient in France

Black Stars attacker Abdul Majeed Waris made a winning return to Lorient after a spell on the treatment table.

The 24 year old nomadic forward lasted 70 minutes in a 2-0 vintage win over Reims in the French Le Championate.

Waris has been an ever present fixture for Sylvian Ripoll’s men in the top flight league since joining from Turkish side Trabzonspor.

The Ghana international missed Lorient last three fixtures due to a knock on his thigh but was handed a starting berth to Reims on Saturday night on his return from the treatment table.

The Black Stars forward picked up a knock in their 2-2 at home to Rennes and has since been sidelined.

A duplicated brace from Zargo Tuore won the game for Lorient despite the spirited nature of Reims on the night.

Lorient moved into the eleventh slot in the Ligue I after the victory whiles Reims stay rooted to the bottom three with 23 points from 23 matches.

Waris enjoyed a brilliant start to his Lorient career but has since cooled down after registering four goals in the opening few matches.

Majeed Waris makes triumphant return for Lorient in France

Jonathan Mensah crushes out of French Cup

Black Stars defender Jonathan Mensah crushed out of the Coup De France with a home defeat to AS Monaco.

The 25 year old saw full action in the marathon cup tie as Monaco progressed with late goals in extra time.

Jonathan Mensah has been crocked by a recurring injury picked with the national side since the commencement of the 2015/16 season.

Evian Thonon collapsed very late into the tie as Monaco won 1-3 in the last 16 tie of the domestic cup.

The former Udinese centre was reinstated into the starting berth after his surprised substitution in the league match upon his injury return.

The composed defender however churned out impressive display at the back for the Ligue II side despite exiting the tourney in front of their teaming fans.

Ivorian giant striker Lacine Traore opened the scoring for Monaco on the stroke of full time before Morgan Karmin drew parity for the second tier side 3 minutes into the hour mark.

A boggy last 30 minutes failed to separte the sides before late goals in extra time from Mario Pasalic and Helder Costa won the ticket for the 2004 European Champions league finalist.

Mensah was slapped with a four month ban from FIFA after spotting irregularities in his transfer from Udinese to Evian Thonon Gillard.

Jonathan Mensah crushes out of French Cup

Emmanuel Ntim"s defensive resilience snatched Valenciennes vital point.

Ghana youth defender Emmanuel Ntim continued his resurgence in the French ligue II as Valenciennes snatched an unlikely point st Auxere.

The 19 year old Black Satellite centre back bagged his eighth appearance of the season in the second tier league in a thrilling 1-1 drawn game away to Auxere.

Emmanuel Ntim formed a pillar at the back for the toothless Satellite team that crushed out at the hands of Mali in New Zealand at the FIFA WYC.

The Valenciennes defensive pillar made a series of timely interventions in a highly impressive 90 minutes performance for the budding centre back.

Emmanuel Ntim denied the home side from a goal bound header as the team headed into the recess logged at 0-0.

French Youth international Pierre Slidja then registered his 5th of the campaign on the 55th minute to mute the home fans in a blistering manner.

The forward broke loose and kept his composure to open the scoring 10 minutes into the second department of the game.

The visitors look set for their 5th win of the campaign until Mahamudou Diaw stole a point for the hone side with 4 minutes remaining.

The gargling Senegalese leveled parity on the 86th minute to push their visitors into further relegation battle. Valenciennes are now two points away from the drop and occupies the 16th slot in the 20 club league.

Emmanuel Ntim"s defensive resilience snatched Valenciennes vital point.

Saddened Jordan Ayew backs injured teammate Amavi to make strong return

Ghana striker Jordan Ayew has backed Aston Villa teammate Jordan Amavi to make a strong return from a serious knee injury.

Amavi has been ruled out for the rest of the season after picking up the injury while on international duty with the France U21 team.

The injury has saddened the entire Villa team who could use the vital contribution of the left-back in their fight against relegation.

But Jordan Ayew who is close to Amavi due to their time in France before joining Aston Villa is confident the defender will overcome this major injury and return strongly.

“It was very sad for him to get the injury – and sad for all of us because we are one big family,” he said.

“To lose him was terrible because of what he’s now got to go through and because he was undoubtedly one of the best players in our team – he’s an excellent left-back.

“It’s sad for him and his family and all of us because we are his close friends.

“I know he has a good mentality and I am sure he will come back stronger. I have no doubts about this.

“He is keeping positive. He has his spirits high. I knew him before he came to Villa.

“Where he comes from in France, they are strong people. He is too.”

Amavi, just like Jordan Ayew, joined Aston Villa in the summer from French club Nice.

Saddened Jordan Ayew backs injured teammate Amavi to make strong return

I am happy to happy to have failed at Marseille, says in-form Aston Villa striker Jordan Ayew

Ghana striker Jordan Ayew says he is happy to have come out as a failure at Olympique Marseille as he begins to display good form at Aston Villa.

The 24-year-old was never really accepted as a regular member of the first team as did his brother, Andre during his time with the French giants.

Jordan, who was promoted to the first team of Marseille in 2009, had to find solace in a loan move to Sochaux before finally severing all ties with the Stade Velodrome outfit in 2014 with a permanent move to Lorient.

The youngest son of Ghana Abedi Pele, was an instant hit at Lorient where he scored 12 goals to attract a move to English club Aston Villa.

And despite enduring a difficult start to life in the Premier League, Jordan Ayew has gradually grown to now become one of the top performers in the English top flight in recent weeks.

Looking back at his time with Marseille, Jordan feels destiny was at play when he failed to make his mark with Les Phoceens.

“Everywhere I have played, I’ve succeeded apart from Marseille,” Ayew told RMC.

“I do not regret it because I believe a lot in destiny. Today, I’m happy.

“What happened at Marseille is over. I do not think I’m a bad boy and I have the qualities.

“In England, I arrived and nobody knew me but it was better that way. My whole family is happy.”

Jordan Ayew’s wonderous goal for Aston Villa in the weekend’s 1-1 draw at Newcastle is still trending on social media.

That goal has come on the back of consistent improved display from the Ghana international in recent weeks.

I am happy to happy to have failed at Marseille, says in-form Aston Villa striker Jordan Ayew