Latest news with #Diabate
The National
11-06-2025
- Sport
- The National
Celtic 'in race' to sign winger available on a free transfer
The winger most recently plied his trade for Lausanne in the Swiss top flight. Diabate's contract with the club expires this summer, meaning he is available on a free transfer. Read more: And according to africafoot, Celtic are 'in the race' to sign the 29-year-old, although Paris FC, who were recently promoted to Ligue 1, have begun efforts to bring the player to the French capital. Diabate played 40 times for Lausanne last season, scoring eight goals and assisting nine. He predominantly operates on the left wing, but the Mali international, who has played 12 times for his country, can also turn out on the right and through the middle. The attacker spent time at Leicester City when Brendan Rodgers was at the club, although he never actually made an appearance for the Foxes under the Celtic manager's watch. The Scottish Premiership champions have been linked with a raft of wingers over the past 24 hours, including Nilson Angulo of Anderlecht, Royal Antwerp's Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Sondre Orjasaeter, who plays for Sarpsborg in Norway. Celtic are also interested in a move for Josh Doig, according to talkSport. The left-back made his senior Scotland debut on Monday evening as the national team defeated Liechtenstein by four goals to nil.
CAF
29-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Côte d'Ivoire braced for tough U-17 World Cup test, says Diabate
Published: Thursday, 29 May 2025 Côte d'Ivoire U-17 head coach Bassiriki Diabate has admitted his side faces a daunting challenge at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 after being drawn into what he described as a 'difficult group.' The Elephants will compete in Group F alongside Mexico, Korea Republic, and Switzerland — a trio of teams representing three different continents and styles of play. 'This draw placed us in a rather difficult group,' said Diabate following the draw in Doha on 25 May. 'We have Mexico from the Americas, Switzerland from Europe, and Korea Republic from Asia. It's quite a diverse group with some very strong teams, which will make this competition quite challenging for us.' The 2025 tournament will mark Côte d'Ivoire's return to the global U-17 stage, with the expanded 48-team format offering a bigger platform for African youth talent. But for Diabate and his technical team, the blend of football cultures in their group means preparation must be precise. 'Our players must be ready to face different football philosophies in a very short space of time,' Diabate added. 'It's a big learning opportunity, but also a massive test of tactical adaptability and mental strength.' The Elephants qualified for the global finals through a strong performance at the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year. They are now tasked with making their mark against some of the game's best youth sides in Qatar. Mexico are traditionally strong at youth level, having won the U-17 World Cup twice (2005, 2011), while Korea Republic bring technical discipline and intensity. Switzerland, known for producing highly organized and physically robust sides, round off the group. Despite the challenges ahead, Diabate remains optimistic that Côte d'Ivoire can rise to the occasion. 'Our objective is to compete, grow, and show that Ivorian football has a bright future,' he said. 'We are not just going to participate — we aim to compete at the highest level.' The Elephants will open their campaign in Group F when the tournament begins on 3 November in Qatar. All eyes will be on how this young Ivorian side navigates one of the most intriguing groups in the expanded global showpiece.
