Day: June 7, 2024

Abu Kamara makes England U20 debut in win over Sweden
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Abu Kamara makes England U20 debut in win over Sweden

Norwich City FC striker Abu Kamara made his England men’s U20 debut in Croatia as they defeated Sweden 2-1 at Stadion ŠRC Sesvete on Friday.

Kamara played 66 minutes before being replaced by Millwall winger Romain Esse.

In their first game this month, Ben Futcher’s team secured a 2-1 victory with goals from Will Alves and Dane Scarlett.

Alves scored early, and Scarlett added another goal just before the hour mark. Sweden scored a late goal, but England held on for the win.

England: 1 Jed Ward (Bristol Rovers), 2 Kellen Fisher (Norwich City), 5 Ben Nelson (Leicester City), 7 Abu Kamara (Norwich City), 8 Jobe Bellingham (Sunderland), 9 Dane Scarlett (Tottenham Hotspur) ©, 10 George Earthy (West Ham United), 14 Kaelan Casey (West Ham United), 16 Noel Buck (New England Revolution), 18 William Alves (Leicester City), 23 Ben Christie (Aston Villa)

Substitutes: 4 Samuel Braybrooke (Leicester City) for Buck 50, 17 Martial Godo (Fulham) for Alves 50, 6 Charlie Hughes (Wigan Athletic) for Bellingham 55, 15 Bradley Hills (Norwich City) for Nelson 55, 3 Archie Brown (K.A.A. Gent) for Casey 55, 21 Alex Matos (Chelsea) for Chrisene 55, 20 Romain Esse (Millwall) for Fisher 65, 19 Bailey-Tye Cadamarteri (Sheffield Wednesday) for Earthy 65, 12 Roman Dixon (Everton) for Scarlett 65, 11 Benico Baker-Boaiter (Brighton & Hove Albion) for Kamara 65

Substitutes not used: 13 Tommy Simkin (Stoke City), 22 Tommy Setford (Ajax), 23 Ben Cisse (West Bromwich Albion)

Interim head coach: Ben Futcher

Goals: William Alves 11, Dane Scarlett 59

Sierra Leone FA reacts to office closure after High Court order
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone FA reacts to office closure after High Court order

On Friday, a significant development unfolded for the Sierra Leone Football Association as their administrative office was ordered to be sealed by the High Court. This action is likely to have a substantial impact on the operations and activities of the association.

The football body revealed that law enforcement, acting on the High Court’s instructions, closed their office, leaving their staff unable to access the premises.

SLFA’s President Thomas Daddy Brima, currently with the Sierra Leone national team for World Cup qualifiers, has assured that the issue would be resolved swiftly and called on staff to respect court orders.

This follows a case involving allegations of match-fixing against former Internationals Ibrahim Koroma and Samuel Barley.

In 2014, both players were implicated in a match-fixing scandal resulting in their indefinite suspensions, along with 13 others. Solicitors to the claimants are unavailable for comments.

Meanwhile, Sierra Leone will face Burkina Faso on match day four, scheduled for Monday. All team activities will be outside the country, but the Secretariat’s functions will remain critical.

Winning at the Stade du 26 Mars would significantly enhance the Leone Stars’ chances of earning their first-ever World Cup appearance.

"The win will give us confidence," said Osman Kakay
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

“The win will give us confidence,” said Osman Kakay

Sierra Leone’s right back, Osman Kakay, is thrilled with the Leone Stars’ 2-1 victory over Djibouti and sees it as a powerful motivation for their crucial match against Burkina Faso in Mali on Monday. (Photo Credit SLFA)

Kakay led coach Karim’s side to a well-deserved win against Djibouti on match-day three of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Morocco.

Securing a second win at the Stade du 26 Mars would significantly enhance the Leone Stars’ chances of earning their first-ever World Cup appearance.

“It was our first win in the group, a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey to qualify for the global tournament. We are delighted to have secured our first win in the group.

The team performed well, and while no game is easy, our main objective was to secure the result, which will boost our confidence for Monday,” Kakay shared.

Following their departure from Morocco, the team is focused on diligently preparing for the upcoming match against Burkina Faso in Bamako, Mali on Monday.”

After three matches in the group stage, Egypt leads with 9 points, Guinea-Bissau has 5 points after drawing with Ethiopia, Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone have 4 points each, and Ethiopia is on 2. In contrast, Djibouti has yet to earn a point.

Wednesday – 10 June 2024

  • Burkina Faso v Sierra Leone (Group A) | 1900 | Bamako, Mali
Trezeguet's brace helps Egypt maintain lead as Guinea secure win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Trezeguet’s brace helps Egypt maintain lead as Guinea stun Algeria

Trezeguet’s brace secured Egypt’s flawless start in the quest for 2026 Fifa World Cup qualification with a 2-1 triumph over Burkina Faso, while Guinea stunned Algeria on their home turf.

Egypt 2 – 1 Burkina Faso Group A

The Pharaohs had an excellent start in Cairo, with Mahmoud Trézéguet scoring two early goals in the first 10 minutes. Lassina Traoré got a consolation goal for the Stallions, but it wasn’t enough as the Egyptians held on for the win. This victory secured their third win in as many matches and maintained their position at the top of Group A.

Algeria 1 – 2 Guinea Group G

Stylishly, Guinea revived their FIFA World Cup ambitions with a crucial 2-1 away victory at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers against Algeria. Mortaye Sylla scored in the 50th minute and Aguibou Camara found the net in the 63rd minute, securing a stunning victory for Guinea against the former African champions on their home turf.

Mali 1 – 2 Ghana Group I

In a thrilling comeback, Jordan Ayew found the net in injury time, leading Ghana to a crucial 2-1 victory over Mali.

In the 58th minute, Kamory Doumbia put Mali ahead, but Ernest Nuamah and Jordan Ayew scored to secure a comeback win for Ghana in Bamako.

In other fixtures, Senegal, missing Sadio Mane due to injury, achieved a 1-1 draw against DR Congo in Diamniadio, marking Aliou Cisse’s 100th game in charge of the Teranga Lions.

Furthermore, Benin, Libya, Malawi, and Sudan claimed victories and former Fulham assistant coach Luis Boa Morte commenced his tenure in charge of Guinea-Bissau with a goalless draw against Ethiopia.

All participating countries will have another match before the middle of next week, as the African World Cup qualifying takes a break until March next year.

The continent has secured nine places at the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. All group winners will earn a spot in the tournament.

On Monday, Egypt will head to Guinea Bissau, determined to extend their victorious run in the qualifiers.

  • Thursday’s African World Cup qualifying results
  • Egypt 2-1 Burkina Faso (Group A)
  • Guinea-Bissau 0-0 Ethiopia (Group A)
  • Senegal 1-1 DR Congo (Group B)
  • Mauritania 0-2 Sudan (Group B)
  • Benin 1-0 Rwanda (Group C)
  • Libya 2-1 Mauritius (Group D)
  • Algeria 1-2 Guinea (Group G)
  • Malawi 3-1 Sao Tome e Príncipe (Group H)
  • Mali 1-2 Ghana (Group I)