Day: April 20, 2024

Striker Idris Kanu helps Barnet thrash Kidderminster at the Hive
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Idris Kanu helps Barnet thrash Kidderminster

On Saturday, Barnet secured a comfortable 4-1 win over Kidderminster, during which Sierra Leone International Idris Kanu accounted for one of the goals at the Hive.

It was his seventh of the season as the victory also confirmed the team’s 2nd place finish in the National League, which means they will have the advantage of playing at home in the upcoming play-off semi-final next weekend.

Barnet ended their regular season fixtures with a convincing win against the already-relegated Kidderminster as they prepared for the playoffs. 

In the 33rd minute, Danny Collinge scored the match’s first goal with a header, which was assisted by a corner. This was Collinge’s ninth goal of the season. 

Barnet continued to create chances and in the 44th minute, Nicke Kabamba scored the second goal of the match, his 29th of the season. 

Luke Freeman added to the scoreline in the 47th minute, making it 3-0 for Barnet. 

Kidderminster managed to pull one back in the 60th minute through Charlie Weston. Idris Kanu sealed the three points at The Hive with a beautiful goal, marking the end of the regular season.

https://twitter.com/bittar32/status/1781778929868562698

Emmanuel Samadia's Harford Athletic suffer US Open Cup defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Emmanuel Samadia’s Harford Athletic suffer US Open Cup defeat

Hartford Athletic lost 3-2 to New York City II in the Third Round of the U.S. Open Cup after coming back from a 1-0 deficit and losing a one-goal lead in stoppage time. 

Sierra Leone International Emmanuel Samadia made his first start for the club playing 120 minutes in their defeat in the US Open Cup on Tuesday.

Hartford controlled possession and attacking play throughout the first half, but New York broke through to score in the 63rd minute. 

Hartford equalized in the 79th minute, but the score remained tied at the end of regulation, sending the match into extra time. 

The Green and Blue took the first punch in the additional period, but NYCFCII found the back of the net twice to win the game.

Hartford Athletic signed Sierra Leonean international Emmanuel Samadia for the 2024 season, pending league approval in November 2023. 

Previously, Samadia played for Hapoel Umm al-Fahm and Hapoel Rishon leZion in Liga Leumit, scoring two goals and making ten assists in 89 appearances from 2020-2023. He also helped his team win the Liga Leumit Toto Cup in January 2023.

On Saturday, they’ll return to their USL Championship schedule against San Antonio FC.