Month: September 2024

Trevoh Chalobah doubtful for Manchester United clash this weekend
by FSL News

Trevoh Chalobah doubtful for Manchester United clash this weekend

Crystal Palace’s new loan signing from Chelsea, Trevoh Chalobah, will have to wait for his debut due to an injury. This means he won’t be able to play in the upcoming Premier League game against Manchester United.

The team made some new signings on deadline day, including Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah and Chelsea’s Chalobah on loan without an option to buy.

Unfortunately, Chalobah got injured during one of his first training sessions, so he won’t be able to make his debut. Chalobah injured his abdominal muscle during his first training session with the team, and it’s an unusual injury.

He won’t be available for the next game, and it’s uncertain whether he’ll be able to play against Everton the following weekend .

Crystal Palace advanced to the last 16 of the Carabao Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on Tuesday.

Madagascar could host the Gambia at home in October
by FSL News

Madagascar could host Gambia at home in October

Madagascar’s national football team, the Barea, is preparing for their third AFCON 2025 qualifiers match. The Barea Stadium is being renovated to meet international standards recommended by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Presently bottom of Group A after a defeat to Tunisia and a draw against Comoros, back-to-back positive results against Gambia might boost their chances to Morocco AFCON2025.

The State Secretariat for New Cities and Housing (SENVH) is overseeing the work, including replacing the synthetic turf with natural grass. Fans are excited about the improvements as it means the team may finally host Gambia on their home turf.

The return to home turf could be crucial for the Barea’s performance in the qualifiers. They currently have one point from two matches and are winless in Group A. Hosting Gambia at the newly renovated stadium could provide a much-needed morale boost and potentially aid their quest for a first victory in the qualification campaign.

If all goes according to plan, Madagascar’s national team will play their next AFCON 2025 qualifier against Gambia at the refurbished Barea Stadium.

The home advantage, along with the support of passionate Malagasy fans, could be a key factor in changing the team’s trajectory in the tournament.

As the Barea prepare for their crucial match against Gambia, the Malagasy football community remains hopeful that the revamped stadium will mark the beginning of a successful chapter in their AFCON 2025 journey.

The 2022 World Cup Qualifiers–Africa, Madagascar Vs Benin, was the first match played at the Barea Stadium following its renovation in 2021.

Sierra Leone beat Liberia to strengthen qualifying hopes
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone beat Liberia to strengthen qualifying hopes

On Wednesday, Portugal-based attacker Momoh Ibrahim Kamara put on another man-of-the-match performance as Sierra Leone defeated Liberia 3-1 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium.

Kamara scored two goals and was named the Man of the Match for the second time in the 2025 U20 African Cup of Nations qualifiers. Santigie Fornah scored the other goal for the Shooting Stars, while Mohamed Koroma’s own goal was the only one for Liberia.

After a goalless draw with Guinea last Sunday, coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara’s team knew that only a convincing win would boost their momentum for the next match.

Liberia came into today’s game following a victory against Guinea-Bissau but struggled to break through against a determined and resilient Sierra Leone side.

Coach Lamin Kamara in his post-match comments, said, “I appreciated the attitude shown by the boys and we look forward to our next match. We want to win and top the group going into the semi-final.”

Sierra Leone to engage Guinea-Bissau on the 21st another important game in the qualifying race.

Earlier today, Guinea’s U20 team, the Syli Juniors, defeated Guinea Bissau 3-1 in the WAFU A U20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tournament, showing their determination from the start.

On Monday, In Group B, defending champions Senegal opened with a win over Mali. The Senegalese squad, featuring U17 African champions Yaya Diémé and Serigne Fallou Diouf, are looking to defend their title in a tough group that also includes Mauritania and Gambia.

The WAFU B U20 tournament started from September 15 to 30, 2024, with the two finalists earning a place in the 2025 TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Momoh Ibrahim Kamara with his second Man of the Match award in the ongoing WAFU A U20 AFCON qualifiers
Momoh Ibrahim Kamara with his second Man of the Match award in the ongoing WAFU A U20 AFCON qualifiers
Guinea's Syli Junior register first WAFU U20 win
by @football_sierra

Guinea’s Syli Juniors register first WAFU U20 win

On Wednesday, Guinea’s U20 team, the Syli Juniors, defeated Guinea Bissau 3-1 in the WAFU A U20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tournament, showing their determination from the start.

After the Syli Juniors’ goalless draw against Sierra Leone last Sunday, today’s victory is crucial in their quest to advance to the knockout stages.

They have earned four points, while Liberia has three points and Sierra Leone has one point. Liberia will face Sierra Leone at 4 p.m. GMT today.

In Group B, defending champions Senegal defeated Mali 2-0 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex on Monday.

The Senegalese team, which includes U17 African champions Yaya Diémé and Serigne Fallou Diouf, is aiming to defend their title in a challenging group that also includes Mauritania and Gambia.

The WAFU B U20 tournament will take place from September 15 to 30, 2024, and the two finalists will earn a spot in the 2025 TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

New Real Valladolid centre-back Bah headline Spanish News
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New Real Valladolid defender back Bah headline Spanish News

Sierra Leonean international Abdulai Juma Bah has been making a strong impression at Real Valladolid since joining less than a month ago.

The young center-back, standing at 195 centimetres tall, Bah has proven to be a reliable defender, impressing the coaching staff and players with his physicality and skill in on-field battles.

He started with the Juvenil División de Honor and quickly moved up to the Promesas team, where he made a successful debut last weekend.

Scouts travelled to Africa to observe him live before he was signed, and his defensive prowess and composure on the ball were evident in his debut last weekend.

Real Valladolid fans are eager to see how Abdulai Juma Bah will contribute to Real Valladolid’s success this season, as he has made a promising start and is a player to watch in the upcoming matches.

Read the full article on the Real Valladolid new acquisition

Sierra Leone winger Jonathan Morsay joins Greek's Kalamata
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone winger Jonathan Morsay joins Kalamata in Greece

Sierra Leonean winger Jonathan Morsay, 26, has joined the Greek second-tier team Kalamata FC. Previously, he played for Dinamo București and then signed for AEL Limassoll in the summer of 2023.

Last season, he made 21 league appearances for the Cypriot club, scoring two goals in eleven starts. In June, Morsay parted ways with AEL Limassol over salary cut, despite contracts until the summer of 2025.

“It was not an option. The club had some difficulties with money and many players had to take a pay cut. They (AEL Limassol) have broken with half the position almost, says Morsay.”

However, moving to Kalamata FC has offered him a fresh start to rebuild after the club officially announced on their website that Morsay is ready for the club.

The team resides in the Greek second league. The season has not yet started. Morsay has previously represented clubs such as GIF Sundsvall, IK Brage, Chievo Verona and Panetolikos FC.

The Greek Super League 2 is the second division of professional football in Greece and serves as a feeder league to the top-level Super League.

The league consists of 20 teams divided into two groups and is typically played from September to May.

CAF confirm CHAN Championship 2024 final tournament dates
by @football_sierra

CAF confirm CHAN Championship 2024 tournament dates

After the recent CAF Executive Committee meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe confirmed the dates for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (“CHAN”) final tournament.

Senegal is the current CHAN champion, having defeated hosts Algeria two years ago in Algiers. The competition is for players in their country’s domestic leagues.

The African Nations Championship (“CHAN”) 2024 will take place from February 1 to February 28, 2025. The first round of qualifiers is scheduled for the weekend of October 25-27, 2024.

CAF plans to host CHAN in East Africa and will provide details about the stadiums and other venues for the competition in the future.

Dr Motsepe visited some of the venues in Kenya and emphasized the need for everyone to work together quickly to ensure that all venues and facilities are ready for the competition.

Striker Abu Kamara makes debut in Hull City defeat
by FSL News

Striker Abu Kamara makes debut in Hull City defeat

Striker Abu Kamara made his debut in Hull City’s 2-0 defeat at home to Sheffield United. The Blades scored in each half with goals from Gustavo Hamer and Sam McCallum.

The Tigers’ head Coach Tim Walter made three changes to the starting XI, including the debut of Abu Kamara and deadline day signing Mohamed Belloumi.

In the game, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi had the first opportunity, but his low left-footed finish missed the target.

Meanwhile, Kamara’s low cross almost resulted in an own goal before he was subbed off.  

Sheffield United took the lead from the resulting corner, as Belloumi lost the ball – and Hamer scored with a low shot. Sam Benjamin McCallum doubled the visitor’s lead as they held on to a 2-0 win.

As a result, Hull City are third from bottom in the English Champions 2024/25 campaign after only five games into the season.

Kamara joined the Tigers from Norwich on deadline day for an undisclosed fee.

Hull City: Pandur, Coyle, Jones, McLoughlin, Giles (Drameh 45′), Burns (Slater 68′), Belloumi (Palmer 68′), Ömür, Mehlem, Kamara (Millar 45′), Bedia

Subs: Simons, Zambrano, Jacob, Racioppi, Burstow.

Sheffield Utd: Cooper, Gilchrist (Seriki 83′), Souttar, Ahmedhodzic, Burrows, Rak-Sakyi (Brooks 62′), Vinicius Souza, Arblaster, Hamer (McCallum 62′), O’Hare (Brewster 62′), Moore (Shackleton 88′)

Subs: Brewster, Davies, Campbell, Norrington-Davies, Peck.

Brentford's Yoane Wissa set to miss DRC AFCON qualifiers next month
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Brentford’s Yoane Wissa set to miss DRC AFCON qualifiers next month

Brentford forward Yoane Wissa suffered an ankle injury against Manchester City and may be sidelined for a couple of months.

The injury could impact DR Congo’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Despite scoring the opening goal in their 2-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, Wissa is not expected to return until November.

Sebastien Desabre’s team (DRC) will play against Tanzania at home and away next month, followed by their final two fixtures in November.

Furthermore, his injury has left a big void in Brentford’s attack following the departure of Ivan Toney and Igor Thiago’s injury.

Brentford’s Coach Thomas Frank expressed frustration but is determined to find a solution.

“Everybody was saying we bought Igor Thiago to replace Ivan [Toney], but we still had Wissa. We bought Igor Thiago to build the squad and provide competition in the squad,” the 50-year-old coach said.

“Wissa had a perfect season last year, and I thought he started the season very well this year, with three goals in four games – that’s a perfect number. He’s just been very important for us, and his absence will leave a hole. But, again, I will find a solution.”

This leaves a big void in Brentford’s attack following the departure of Ivan Toney and Igor Thiago’s injury.

Sudan’s Al Hilal SC earn positive result against San Pedro
by FSL News

Sudan’s Al Hilal SC earn positive result against San Pedro

Sudan’s Al Hilal SC had a crucial 2-2 away draw against FC San Pedro in the first leg of the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League second preliminary round.

Managed by Florent Ibenge, the Al Hilal team fought back from a 2-1 deficit to level the match, giving them a better chance of advancing to the group stage.

The Ivorian team took the lead through Guy Bedi in the 32nd minute, but Mohamed Abdel Raman equalized for Al Hilal after 42 minutes.

San Pedro’s Goudouss Bamba then restored their lead in the 65th minute, but Raman scored his second goal with six minutes left, ensuring Al Hilal’s hopes of progressing to the group stage.

Kenya’s Gor Mahia FC suffered a 3-0 defeat to Egypt’s Al Ahly at Nyayo Stadium. Rami Rabia and Percy Tau scored for Al Ahly in the first 15 minutes, with Tau adding another goal after 74 minutes.

Additionally, Somalia’s Dekedeha FC lost 4-1 to Esperance de Tunis with Yan Sasse and Adepoji Oluwasen scoring for their respective teams.