Day: January 21, 2024

Morocco held by DR Congo in Cup of Nations encounter
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco held by DR Congo in Cup of Nations encounter 

On Sunday, Les Léopards of DR Congo halted Atlas Lion’s perfect start following their 1-1 draw at the Stade Laurent Pokou in their Matchday two Africa Cup of Nations.

PSG’s defender Achraf Hakimi had given the Atlas Lions an early lead, but DR Congo rallied their equaliser through Silas Katompa Mvumpa.

Morocco came into the tie searching for their second win and took the lead just six minutes when Hakimi rifled home after being found up by Hakim Ziyech.

DR Congo was handed a lifeline when VAR awarded a penalty after a Moroccan handball in the box on 42 minutes. However, Cedric Bakambu squandered the golden opportunity to equalise.

The Leopards finally drew parity in the 76th-minutes when Silas Katompa Mvumpa converted Elia Meschack’s assist.

Despite the draw, Morocco remains top on four points, DR Congo second on two, and all still to play for in Group F.

Morocco faces Zambia next, while DR Congo tackles Tanzania in their final pool matches on Wednesday.

DR Congo striker Silas Katompa Mvumpa, who came to the Leopard’s rescue, expressed frustration in his post-match interview.

“There was room at the end for us to get all three points. We saw the Moroccans were tired and had opportunities,” Mvumpa, who was Man of the Match, told reporters.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 African News.

Ibrahim Turay scores brace in Rangers triumphs over Luawa
by David Lebbie

Ibrahim Turay scores brace in Rangers triumph over Luawa

Ibrahim Turay (IB Computer) scored twice in either half of the game as Bo Rangers extended their lead in the ongoing Leone Rock Premier League.

The reigning champions and league leaders defeated Luawa FC 3-1 at the Southern Arena on Saturday evening. Ibrahim Turay’s close-range finish gave Rangers the lead in the six-yard box through Abu Komeh’s assist before halftime.

After the recess, Amadu Mansaray doubled the home side’s advantage from a counterattack before Ibrahim Turay fired home his brace and the Rangers third of the day.

Luawa pulled back one as Mohamed Kargbo scored from the spot after they were awarded a penalty for handball by Lamin Kargbo. 

The coaching staff of Bo Rangers were in a joyous mood after winning on home ground following two weeks away from action. 

Speaking to Football Sierra Leone, Sebastian Bowles Luawa FC head Coach said, “I’m pretty ok with the effort of the boys today this is the third match in seven days lots of travelling and it’s been a hard way for us.”

He revealed, “The lack of concentration at the beginning of the second half caused them two goals- if not, the match should have ended 1-1. I am a little bit disappointed in the lack of concentration.

“Congratulations to Bo Rangers – a wonderful team and good stadium -not many teams will take a point away from Bo.”

Rangers have won two and drawn one of their last three matches (WDW) and are 1st on the log with 26 points, whilst Luawa won one and two defeats LWL) and 5th with 20 points.

Elsewhere in the league, newcomers Kholifa Star were defeated at home by Wilberforce Strikers Santawaj Bangura (60) and John Kargbo(73) scored the goals, Whilst Kabba Timbo’s goal secured a victory for Lamboi FC over Ports Authority.

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Guinea's win over Gambia delights Coach Kaba Diawara
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea’s win over Gambia delights Coach Kaba Diawara

Guinea coach Kaba Diawara was delighted after his side came out with a 1-0 victory over the Gambia on Friday’s match day two Group C encounter.

The Syli national took a pivotal step towards reaching the Cup of Nations 2023 last sixteen through Mohamed Bayo’s only goal.

“This victory is payback for that previous loss, which was so hard to take,” Diawara told reporters. Winning is more important because it shows we’ve improved over two years and worked hard to get better.”

The former Guinea international felt the performance highlighted their progress despite first-half struggles.

“What didn’t go well early on was our lack of efficiency, but after changes, things improved,” analysed Diawara.

“Creating chances is the hard part, now we just need to finish them off, and that will come in time.”

Gambia head coach Tom Saintfiet, on the other hand, remains optimistic. “In the first half Guinea were stronger but in the second period we raised our level more,” the Belgian stated.

“We can still qualify with three points in our next game,” Saintfiet noted of the Scorpions boss.

Guinea still has an uphill task against already-qualified Senegal in Tuesday’s West African derby. The Gambia must defeat Cameroon and see if they will be one of the best losers to make the last 16.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 African News.

Striker Abu Kamara helps Portsmouth win over Fleetwood
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Abu Kamara helps Portsmouth win over Fleetwood

Abu Kamara’s goal proved enough for Portsmouth as they see off struggling Sky Bet League One side 1-0 thanks to Kamara’s 25th-minute strike.

Sierra Leone native Abu Kamara scored midway through the first half after beating two men before firing the ball home as Pompey bounced back to winning ways.

The hard-fought 1-0 win on the Fylde coast ensured Pompey kept their position at the summit.

The forward, on loan from Norwich, turned Josh Earl and ran unchallenged at the heart of the defence before curling a fine finish beyond Jay Lynch.

Kamara, 20. Since his loan move has scored seven goals in twenty-nine appearances.

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