NEWS
A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
Forget the age, Gervinho is hitting top gear
Forget the age, Gervinho is still hitting top gear in Serie A. The Cote de Ivoire international may be enjoying his best return in Europe with 8 goals in 18 matches for Parma.
Africans In The UCL: Aurier the winning wing-back as Hakimi & Dortmund fall to Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur are one-foot into the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals after seeing off Bundesliga leaders, Borussia Dortmund 3-0. Ivory Coast’s Aurier had a game to remember whereas that of Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi was one to forget.
The Ivorian attack can give anyone a run for their money at AFCON 2019
All of Lyon’s Cornet, Crystal Palace’s Zaha and Nicolas Pepe of Lille wear the same national colors, that is the Elephants’ orange. How do you stop that kind of attack, if at all?
10 January Transfers Everyone Wants To See: #1 Nicolas Pepe
Pepé tops our list out of respect. The Ivorian is burning through the French Ligue 1, and has been absolutely clutch for OSC Lille with 4 of his 12 league goals coming after the 75th minute of play.
10 Africans unsettled in the English Premier League: #2 Eric Bailly
The January transfer window is a few weekends away. In our anticipation and excitement of possible moves, we have taken to lay down 10 “unsettled” African stars in the English top flight, the Premier League. Since its Thanksgiving, we are letting out number 1 & 2 at the same time!
Nicolas Pépé - The Ivorian wonder who owned Ligue 1 in September
The 23-year-old Ivorian who scooped the French Ligue 1 Player Of The Month Award. Yes, ahead of Mbappe or Neymar. Find out what makes the LOSC Lille forward tick.
FT African Legends Series: Didier Drogba, the irreplaceable Chelsea legend
We reminisce the career of the former Ivory Coast captain that led Chelsea to their first and only UEFA Champions League trophy, FA cups and Premier League titles. He’s won it all, except for AFCON and FIFA World Cup. A late-bloomer who took Marseille and London by storm as fans watched his progression into a world-class box predator.
2019 AFCON Qualifiers: Zaha leads star studded Elephants against CAR
In the Matchday 3 Qualifiers, Ivory Coast will secure an 8th consecutive qualification if they beat Central African Republic over the two legs. But debutant Geoffrey Kondogbia’s side won’t lay down easy.
FT Late Heroes Series: Cheick Tiote
We remember Cheick Tiote. One tough Ivorian who had drawers full of screamers like the one he scored against Arsenal in the 4-4 Premier League thriller. The legacy of the AFCON winner lives on.
African midfield trio help Fulham secure a point against Watford
Here is our pick of the premier league weekend. Second half changes saw a midfield three with a Togolese, Ivorian and Cameroonian player propel Fulham to a valuable point against Watford.
English Premier League Round Up: Matchday 5
Get up to speed with the thrills and spills of the English Premier League match-day six where all African players were involved.
What has happened to Ivory Coast’s Bailly at United?
Manchester United have had to take in a less than ideal start to the 2018/19 Premier League season. That has been the case of their centre back in Eric Bailly since moving to the Old Trafford. The 2015 AFCON winner achieved a few dreams such as playing in the UEFA Champions League but has hit a rough patch below his potential. Find out why in this feature.
Five reasons why you should watch the upcoming AFCON 2019
Ever wondered what goes down in other soccer domains around the world other than the acclaimed English Premier League, La Liga, FIFA World Cup only to mention but a few. Here are five reasons why the AFCON will totally rock your world and is one such a tournament you cannot afford to miss.
FT Hidden Gems Series: Despite AC Milan's troubles, will Franck Kessie succeed in Italy?
Meet the Ivorian, Franck Kessie. The 21-year old’s life at AC Milan has been far from ideal, but can he still make a major breakthrough in the Serie A and follow the footsteps of the likes of Kwado Asamoah of Ghana?
Gervinho and Yaya Toure: Aging like wine
Former Arsenal forward, Gervinho and the four time African Footballer of the Year, Yaya Toure are the two Ivorian Legends back in the headlines again and warming hearts. Will the AFCON Winners and seasoned FIFA World cup performers deliver for their new clubs?
Do you remember the Ivorian, Gervinho? He’s back in the Italian Serie A
The AFCON winner and former Arsenal and Roma player is back in the Italian Serie A Parma’s books. The same time Ronaldo joined Juventus. Are we in for some serious fun?
Ivory Coast’s Zaha commits to Palace ending months long speculation
Wilfried Zaha will be staying put at Crystal Palace fending off interest from Dortmund, Tottenham and Chelsea after agreeing a new 5 year deal with club.
Yaya Toure says Pep Guardiola 'often has problems with Africans'
Yaya Toure has recently alleged that Pep Guardiola discriminates against African players.