Month: September 2024

Egypt's Al-Masry edged Al Hilal in the CAF Confederation Cup campaign
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt’s Al-Masry suffer CAF Confed defeat to Al Hilal

Egyptian Premier League side Masry began their CAF Confederation Cup journey with a narrow 3-2 loss to hosts Al Hilal of Libya in the first leg of the second preliminary round on Sunday.

Striker Salah Mohsen scored just a minute before halftime, latching onto a precise assist from winger Abdel-Rehim Daghmoum to control the ball in the area and slot it home.

Midfielder Mohammed Al-Shiteewi levelled the score for Al Hilal five minutes before the break with a powerful strike from outside the box. Mohsen put Masry back in the lead in the 63rd minute with a well-placed shot in the box.

In the 68th minute, Al-Hilal’s captain, Faisal El Badri, scored the equalizer with a header from a sharp cross outside the area. Ten minutes before the final whistle, Al-Shiteewi secured the victory for Al Hilal with a close-range header.

Despite Masry coach Ali Maher making three substitutions, Al Hilal’s defence held firm, securing a 3-2 victory. The return leg is scheduled for next week in Port Said.

Sundowns and Al Ahly record first-leg CAF Champions League wins
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sundowns and Al Ahly record first-leg CAF Champions League wins

Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns recorded heavy victories in their CAF Champions League second round first-leg preliminary matches, and Orlando Pirates also did well when they travelled to Botswana.

Sundowns were supposed to play Mbabane Swallows away, but they ended up winning 4-0 against the Eswatini side at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Saturday.

Because Swallows couldn’t host the match at an international standard stadium, Sundowns took full advantage of playing at one of their home grounds, and Lucas Ribeiro (2), Mosa Lebusa, and Iqraam Rayners all scored in Atteridgeville.

In another match, current CAF Champions League title holders Al Ahly won 3-0 against Gor Mahia at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.

Ramy Rabia scored in the 14th minute, and Percy Tau sealed the scoreline with goals in the 15th and 74th minutes.

The second leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round will begin on Friday, September 20th.

Saturday's CAF Champions League Second Round first-leg results
Saturday's CAF Champions League Second Round first-leg results
Sierra Leone and Guinea share opening points in WAFU U20
by FSL News

Sierra Leone and Guinea share opening points in WAFU U20

On Sunday, Sierra Leone’s under-20 team held Guinea to a goalless draw in their Group A clash in their WAFU A U-20 AFCON Qualifier at the SKD Stadium.

The Shooting Stars dominated the first half, creating several promising opportunities, but could not take the lead. Despite their efforts, Guinea’s resilient team held firm.

In the second half, Guinea stepped up their game, with both teams displaying tactical discipline and tenacity.

Head Coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara praised his team’s performance in the post-match press conference, acknowledging their challenge in their next match against Liberia.

The Shooting Stars skipper, Momoh I. Kamara, was awarded the Man of the Match for outstanding performance.

Sierra Leone’s next game is against Liberia, who secured a 1-0 victory over Guinea Bissau earlier, placing them at the top of the group.

Meanwhile, Guinea Bissau will face Guinea in their upcoming match – with both matches scheduled for Wednesday, September 18th.

A win for Sierra Leone on Wednesday would significantly boost their chances of advancing in the tournament.

WAFU A U20 AFCON Qualifiers Liberia 2024
WAFU A U20 AFCON Qualifiers Liberia 2024
Victor Osimhen makes debut as Galatasaray thrash Çaykur Rizespor
by @football_sierra

Victor Osimhen makes debut as Galatasaray thrash Rizespor

On Saturday, Nigerian International Victor Osimhen made his debut in the fifth week of the Trendyol Super League as Galatasaray hosted Çaykur Rizespor at the RAMS Park.

The Cimbom won the match 5-0, with goals scored by Davinson Sanchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Gabriel Sara, Dries Mertens and Barış Alper Yılmaz.

Galatasaray, who have played one less match in the league, have won four out of four and increased their points to 12 while scoring 14 and conceding three goals.

Rizespor, who have four points, have conceded a combined ten goals against Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe.

The striker post-match, “I am very happy to be here. This is my first time in this city. We met with our fans. I am happy that we won by such a big margin in my first match. We want to continue like this and win every match.”

 

Sierra Leone's Issa Kallon nets in Nantong Zhiyun defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Issa Kallon nets in Nantong defeat

On Saturday, Issa Kallon, the talented attacking midfielder from Sierra Leone, showcased his skill once again by scoring his fourth goal of the Chinese Super League campaign.

Unfortunately, his impressive performance was not enough to secure a win for Nantong Zhiyun, as they suffered a 3-2 defeat at the Changchun Sports Center Stadium.

Kallon, who has made seven appearances since joining the club, found the back of the net in the 36th minute, levelling the scoreline after Sérgio De Oliveira Junior opened the scoring for the home side.

Zilei Jiang then put Nantong Zhiyun ahead in the 42nd minute, ending the first half with a 2-1 lead.

After the break, Changchun Yatai piled on the pressure and equalised in the 80th minute through Robert Berić. Yuda Tian’s last-gasp goal then secured the victory for the home team.

This defeat means Nantong Zhiyun remains at the bottom of the Chinese Super League, with no wins in their last seven games.

In the day’s other matches, Wang Qiuming’s goal gave Tianjin a 1-0 win over Henan and Cangzhou Mighty Lions defeated Meizhou Hakka 2-1. 

Sierra Leone's Josh Koroma bags brace in Huddersfield triumph over Bolton
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Josh Koroma bags brace in Huddersfield triumph over Bolton

Back from International duty with Sierra Leone, Josh Koroma scored twice as Huddersfield Town returned to winning ways with an impressive 4-0 League One victory over Bolton Wanderers, who have been struggling with confidence.

Ben Wiles and Antony Evans also scored as the Terriers achieved a fourth successive win over Bolton Wanderers for the first time.

Koroma put Michael Duff’s side into a 44th-minute lead with a close-range header from Callum Marshall’s superb cross.

Nathan Baxter prevented Town from doubling their advantage with a point-blank save from Evans’ 51st-minute header.

Koroma was fouled by defender Chris Forino and then scored his fourth campaign goal from the penalty spot.

Bolton’s troubles continued when Wiles curled in a left-footed shot after 68 minutes.

Baxter’s mistake, passing the ball straight to Evans, led to Huddersfield’s fourth and final goal nine minutes later as the visitors moved to third place.

Kazeem Ogunleye’s late goal helps Enugu Rangers' to victory
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kazeem Ogunleye’s late goal helps Enugu Rangers’ to victory

Kazeem Ogunleye’s late goal helped Enugu Rangers win 1-0 against Angola’s Sagrada Esperanca in a CAF Champions League qualifier on Friday.

The 18-year-old striker scored with a well-placed shot from just outside the box, securing the victory in the southeastern Nigerian city of Uyo.

Despite having more possession, Enugu Rangers struggled with passing and finishing in the second-round first leg until Ogunleye’s decisive strike.

Enugu Rangers narrowly advanced to the final qualifying stage after a 2-1 aggregate win over Comoran champions Zilimadjou, with both games played in Nigeria due to the lack of a suitable stadium in the Comoros.

Enugu Rangers will now travel to Angola for the return leg against Sagrada Esperanca in Luanda next weekend, aiming to become the first Nigerian team to win the prestigious African club title since Enyimba’s back-to-back triumphs in 2003 and 2004.

In another match, US Monastir of Tunisia secured a 1-0 first-leg win at home against Algeria’s former champions Mouloudia Alger through Fourat Soltani’s 22nd-minute strike, deflected by Ayoub Ghezala.

This weekend’s CAF Champions League action will continue with nine matches on Saturday and five on Sunday, with defending champions Al Ahly of Egypt playing their first match against Kenya’s Gor Mahia.

It was a bit hectic - striker Abu Kamara on move to Hull City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

It was a bit hectic – striker Abu Kamara on move to Hull City

Striker Abu Kamara has been talking ahead of a possible debut for Hull City against Sheffield United at the MKM Stadium on Friday. The English Championship tie is the first game back after the international break.

“It was a bit hectic when teams came in for me, but when I knew the interest from Hull was there, I was excited by the project. When I spoke to the manager, it made my decision a whole lot easier,” Kamara said about his decision to move to Hull City.

“The international break has allowed me to know the players better, see how they play, understand the formation, and comprehend what the manager wants from me. I felt the break was crucial in me learning the system,” Kamara added about his training.

“I’m really excited for Friday. Sheffield United is a big club. It’s a Yorkshire derby, so I am thrilled to potentially be involved in such a big occasion for my first game,” Kamara expressed his anticipation about potentially making his debut against Sheffield United.

On Transfer deadline day, Hull City signed the 21-year-old Sierra Leonean native Abu Kamara on a four-year deal.

Kamara signed an undisclosed deal at the MKM Stadium, with a club option of a further year from Norwich City.

Hull City have not won their last three games, including a loss to Leeds, while Sheffield Wednesday have not lost in their last three, including a 1-0 win over Watford before the International break.

Nigeria's Enugu Rangers eye positive result against Sagrada
by FSL News

Nigeria’s Enugu Rangers eye positive result against Sagrada

Enugu Rangers defender Ifeanyi Onyebuchi is optimistic about the upcoming CAF Champions League Second Preliminary Round first leg match against G.D. Sagrada Esperanca of Angola.

Onyebuchi acknowledges the tough challenge ahead, considering Sagrada Esperanca’s 4-0 win against St Louis Suns United of Seychelles in the first round.

He expresses confidence in the team’s preparation and their ability to secure victory. The team, under coach Godwin Nosike’s guidance, is intensifying preparations for the encounter.

The players are focused on defending the club’s honour and representing their country effectively. The team fully focussed on the task at hand, aiming for a strong performance that will hopefully secure them a spot in the group stage of the competition.

Rangers have a history of successful encounters with Angolan teams, and they are looking to continue this trend in their upcoming matches.

Young Africans ready for Commercial Bank of Ethiopia challenge
by FSL News

Young Africans ready for CB of Ethiopia challenge

The Tanzania Mainland Premier League champions, Young Africans SC, are in Addis Ababa for their CAF Champions League match against Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE).

The match is scheduled for Saturday at the Abebe Bikila Stadium, with the return leg set for next week at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

The Young Africans’ squad is buoyed by their impressive 10-0 aggregate victory over Vital’O FC in the previous round, which has bolstered their growing confidence as they prepare to face CBE.

Despite challenges, including the absence of Farid Mussa due to injury, the team is in good spirits.

Manager Walter Harrison confirmed that all players, including those returning from international duty, have rejoined the squad, ensuring a strong lineup for the upcoming match.

They are aiming for positive results away from home and are determined to carry their domestic success onto the continental stage.