Month: January 2025

Ivorian descent Romain Esse speaks after joining Crystal Palace
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivorian descent Romain Esse speaks after joining Crystal Palace

Ivorian descent Romain Esse has spoken for the first time since completing a club record £14.5 million transfer from Millwall to join South London rivals Crystal Palace.

The Lambeth-born winger was officially announced as a Palace player on Saturday morning, signing a five-and-a-half-year deal at Selhurst Park.

Esse, who made 66 appearances for Millwall after progressing through their youth system, will be eligible to play for Palace in their Premier League fixture next weekend against Brentford.

Eagles sporting director Dougie Freedman is known for discovering top young talent in the Championship, with notable successes including Adam Wharton, Michael Olise, and Eberechi Eze. Olise, who plays in the same position as Esse, left for Bayern Munich in the summer for £50 million.

“I’m very much looking forward to it – I’m really excited,” Esse told PalaceTV. “It’s a great project and opportunity – I can’t wait to get started. It’s been a long process, but I’m just happy it’s finally done. The club is heading in a fantastic direction.

“The next step in my development is very important. I believe this is the best place for me. I can’t wait to start playing under the manager.

“This is the perfect environment for opportunities and to elevate my game to the next level to advance my career. I’m eager to play in the Premier League, and most importantly, for Crystal Palace.”

International

On 22 March 2023, Esse debuted for England U18 in a 2-1 victory over Croatia in Medulin. Then, on 6 September 2023, he made his debut for England U19 during a 1-0 loss to Germany in Oliva.

Alhassan Crespo Kamara set for a return to Superettan football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alhassan Crespo Kamara set for a return to Superettan football

Alhassan Kamara, who unexpectedly retired from professional football due to warnings about the risk of ending up in a wheelchair, has begun training with Swedish Superettan club Varbergs BoIS, and a contract is expected to be finalized soon, Football Sierra Leone understands.

Four years after he announced his retirement, the former AIK striker looks certain to continue in the second-highest level of Swedish football.

After suffering an injury early in the 2014 season, Kamara scored his first goal on August 9 against Mjällby AIF. He went on to score 14 goals in the last 12 games of the season, despite often being substituted in the second half.

Notably, he played the full 90 minutes in only 7 out of 19 games. Kamara, 31, began his career with FC Kallon and joined Bodens BK, competing in Division 1 Norra, on July 29, 2011.

During his five-month loan at Boden, he scored five goals in 10 games. He then signed a contract with AIK on October 5, 2011. In the first half of the 2012 season, he made 11 appearances for AIK. After the summer, he was loaned out to Örebro SK, where he scored four goals in eight appearances.

On January 24, 2013, it was announced that he would again be loaned to Örebro SK for the remainder of the 2013 season. After that season, Örebro SK opted to purchase him from AIK, where he had struggled to make an impact, failing to score in 14 league appearances.

On September 2, 2018, the Greek Super League club Panetolikos officially announced the signing of Sierra Leonean international Alhassan Kamara Crespo until the end of the 2019-20 season.

The striker was released from Häcken after two successful seasons in the Swedish Allsvenskan. After a stint with IFK Värnamo, Kamara announced his retirement from football on September 23, 2021, following several years of issues related to a knee injury.

Alhassan Crespo Kamara trains with Varbergs Bois
Alhassan Crespo Kamara trains with Varbergs Bois
Sierra Leone U17 girls set for Central African Republic qualifying decider
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone U17 girls set for Central African Republic qualifying decider

The Sierra Leone U17 girls’ team will compete against the Central African Republic in the second leg of the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifiers for Morocco on Saturday, January 18, at the Multi-Purpose Japoma Stadium in Cameroon.

Coach Fatmata Turay’s squad has arrived safely and is preparing for what promises to be an exciting match, following a goalless draw in their first encounter in Sierra Leone. The team is in high spirits and ready to represent Sierra Leone with pride. They completed their first training session on Thursday in preparation for this crucial game.

The winner of this match will advance to face another formidable opponent in the second round, meeting the winner of the match between Guinea and Togo.

The 2025 African U-17 Women’s World Cup qualification represents the 10th edition of this tournament, which is open to players born on or after January 1, 2008. The four winners from the third round will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

On Saturday, Sierra Leone U17 Girls played to a goalless draw at the Southern Arena in the first leg of the CAF World Cup qualifier
On Saturday, Sierra Leone U17 Girls played to a goalless draw at the Southern Arena in the first leg of the CAF World Cup qualifier
Amad Diallo's dramatic hat-trick saves Manchester United
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Amad Diallo’s dramatic hat-trick saves Manchester United

The Ivorian international Amad Diallo scored a late hat-trick that left Southampton regretting missed opportunities, as an impressive performance from the Saints ultimately went unrewarded at Old Trafford losing 3-1 defeat.

This marked Diallo’s first senior hat-trick, and after a long wait at Old Trafford, the visitors seemed on track for their first Premier League away win of the season when Manuel Ugarte’s own goal gave Southampton a deserved lead at halftime 43rd minute.

Kamaldeen Sulemana was outstanding, forcing a series of first-half saves from André Onana, and Southampton continued to press forward after the break.

Manchester United began to apply pressure as the game progressed, eventually levelling the score when Diallo scored his first goal with only eight minutes remaining.

Just when it seemed that Southampton would secure at least a point—something they deserved based on their performance—Diallo struck again with a crucial second goal in the 90th minute before completing his hat-trick in stoppage time.

After the match, Amad Diallo spoke to TNT about his impressive 12-minute hat-trick: “In football, you have to believe. We believed until the end, and we are very happy to win this game. We drew with Arsenal and Liverpool, so the confidence was there. We are very happy.”

When asked where this week ranks for him, after scoring his first senior hat trick and signing a new contract, he said: “Maybe it’s one of the best weeks of my life. I am very happy about this win. This team deserved to win this game.”

Regarding why United took so long to find their rhythm, he explained: “We know we have quality players in this team. Sometimes we need to be more hungry in the final third. Today, we showed in the end that we were the best team. I am so happy for this win because this team deserves it.”

Diallo added, “I am ready to play in any position the manager wants me to. I am prepared to fight for this club. I am delighted to play wherever the manager assigns me and thrilled to have scored a hat-trick.”

CAF Champions League Quarter-finals line up for to wrap up this weekend
by Football Sierra Leone

CAF Champions League Quarter-finals line up to wrap up this weekend

The quarter-finals of this season’s CAF Champions League will be determined this weekend as the premier club competition in Africa concludes its group matches.

This season has been thoroughly engaging, characterized by unexpected outcomes, compelling moments, and a notable number of goals. To date, Al-Hilal SC (Sudan) and five additional clubs have secured their places in the quarter-finals.

These teams include the reigning champions, Al Ahly (Egypt), AS FAR (Morocco), Orlando Pirates (South Africa), Esperance (Tunisia), and Pyramids FC (Egypt).

Two remaining spots will be determined from Groups A and B. Al Ahly and Orlando Pirates have already advanced from Group C while Esperance and Pyramids FC have progressed from Group D.

In Group A, the match between MC Alger (8 points) and Young Africans (7 points) in Dar es Salaam promises to be highly competitive. Young Africans will aim to overcome their previous 2-0 loss to MC Alger in December.

In Group B, Raja Casablanca will compete against the eliminated Maniema Union while also looking toward AS FAR, who will take on Mamelodi Sundowns in Pretoria.

AS FAR aims to finish at the top of Group B, while Sundowns, currently just one point behind, require only a draw to advance. As five clubs have already qualified, there remains an element of pride to compete for in the final round of fixtures.

The Pirates will travel to Cairo to face Al Ahly, who previously held them to a goalless draw in Soweto two weeks ago.

Finally, Al Hilal seeks to recover from their recent home defeat to Young Africans with an away victory against TP Mazembe, who have already exited the competition.

TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Match Day 6 Fixtures: Saturday, 18 January

Group A

  • 13h00 GMT | TP Mazembe v Al Hilal FC
  • 13h00 GMT | Young Africans SC v MC Alger

Group C

  • 16h00 GMT | Stade d’Abidjan v CR Belouizdad
  • 16h00 GMT | Al Ahly SC v Orlando Pirates FC

Group D

  • 19h00 GMT | Esperance v Sagrada Esperança 
  • 19h00 GMT | Pyramids v Djoliba FC

Sunday, 19 January:

Group B

  • 16h00 GMT | Maniema Union v Raja Casablanca
  • 16h00 GMT | Sundowns v AS FAR
Bafana Bafana forward Percy Tau set for Qatar Super Cup debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bafana Bafana forward Percy Tau set for Qatar Super Cup debut

Bafana Bafana forward Percy Tau, who recently completed his first training session with the new club Qatar SC after joining from Al Ahly, is set for his club debut in the Qatari Super on Friday.

Qatar SC will entertain Al-Nasr SC in the UAE for the Qatar Super Cup at the Al-Maktoum Stadium a multi-purpose stadium in Oud Metha, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The experienced Bafana Bafana attacker will feature and look to help his team lift the Qatari Super Cup.

Tau signed a six-month contract as he prepares to help the team stay in the league. If successful, his contract will extend for two additional years.

Currently, Qatar SC is in second-to-last place in the 12-team Qatar Stars League, with 10 points from 12 matches.

Tau’s playing time decreased at Al Ahly, where he made 15 appearances this season, mostly as a substitute, scoring three goals in the CAF Champions League. In total, he made 126 appearances for Al Ahly, scoring 30 goals and winning 11 trophies.

He joined Al Ahly in August 2021 after being recruited by former coach Pitso Mosimane, following a stint with Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League.

Senegal, Nigeria paired in Group D as CHAN 2024 draw Announced
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegal, Nigeria paired in Group D as CHAN 2024 draw Announced

Senegal, Nigeria and others have learned their opponents for the African Nations Championship (CHAN), set for August 2025 in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The African Football Confederation (CAF) announced the tournament’s postponement but confirmed the draw date this Wednesday in Nairobi.

The 15 qualified teams were placed into three pots based on previous performances, with two additional nations to be decided through ongoing qualifiers.

In the draw, Senegal, the defending champion, is in Group D alongside Congo, Sudan, and Nigeria. Kenya, as hosts and top seeds in Group A, will face Morocco, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, and Zambia.

Group B features Tanzania against Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic. Uganda, the top seed in Group C, will compete against Niger, Guinea, and two yet-to-be-determined teams from the qualifiers.

Two teams will still secure their spots from Algeria, Comoros, Gambia, Malawi, Egypt, South Africa, and Gabon.

The tournament, comprising only domestic league players, highlights local talent—a unique aspect of African football. The draw ceremony was held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) with notable East African football legends assisting.

Defender Trevoh Chalobah returns to parent club Chelsea
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Defender Trevoh Chalobah returns to parent club Chelsea

Premier League side Crystal Palace has confirmed that Chelsea has recalled Sierra Leone-born Trevoh Chalobah from his loan.

Chalobah joined Palace on loan in August and played 14 matches for the club, scoring three goals. His last goal was the opener in our 3-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion last month.

“We thank Trevoh for his hard work and wish him all the best for the future,” Palace noted. The club announced his departure on their official website, and Chalobah thanked Palace on social media.

The 25-year-old will strengthen Chelsea’s squad after injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile reduced head coach Enzo Maresca’s defence options.

During his time at Palace, Chalobah made 14 appearances in all competitions and scored thrice.

Chalobah has been with Chelsea since he was eight. He made his senior debut in August 2021 and has played 80 times for the club, scoring five goals. He also had loan spells at Ipswich Town, Huddersfield Town, and Lorient in France.

Chalobah might play for Chelsea in their next match against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Monday.

https://twitter.com/TrevohChalobah/status/1879601001830969405

Ugandan prospect Allan Oyirwoth pens New England Revolution deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ugandan prospect Allan Oyirwoth pens New England Revolution deal

New England Revolution has officially signed 17-year-old Ugandan football talent Allan Oyirwoth. The promising midfielder, known for his skills in Uganda, joins the team with high expectations as he embarks on his first international adventure.

The contract will officially begin on Oyirwoth’s 18th birthday, January 23, 2025, and will last until the end of the 2028 MLS season, with a club option for one additional year in 2029.

He has already made an impact on the national stage, representing Uganda’s senior team.

Described as a “virtuoso,” Oyirwoth’s exceptional talent has captured the attention of scouts and fans alike. Although adapting to Major League Soccer presents challenges, the Revolution is optimistic about his potential to succeed and grow within the team.

His signing has created excitement among fans, who look forward to seeing him bring creativity to the midfield. Oyirwoth’s move not only marks a significant milestone for his career but also serves as inspiration for future Ugandan footballers.

As he steps into the spotlight, both the Revolution and Ugandan supporters will be watching closely, hoping for his success in representing Ugandan football on a global stage.

The 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifiers for Morocco start on Saturday, January 11 as the young women from Sierra Leone will try to move to the next stage. Coach Fatmata Turay's team will play against the Central African Republic in the first round of the U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. The match will take place at Southern Arena in Bo City. This double-header against the Central African Republic is an important first step for both teams on their way to the World Cup. The team that wins will go to the second round and face the winner of the match between Guinea and Togo. Head Coach Fatmata Turay has shared her squad for the double-header against the Central African Republic. The 2025 African U-17 Women’s World Cup qualification is the 10th edition of this tournament. Players born on or after January 1, 2008, can join in. The four winners from the third round will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone U-17 Women’s gear up for Central African Republic

The Sierra Leone U17 girls will begin their 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifiers for Morocco on Saturday, January 11, facing the Central African Republic.

Coach Fatmata Turay’s team is set to face the Central African Republic in the first round of the U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. The match will be held at Southern Arena in Bo City. The second leg will take place at the Multi-Purpose Japoma Stadium in Cameroon next Saturday.

This double-header against the Central African Republic is an important first step for both teams on their way to the World Cup. The team that wins will go to the second round and face the winner of the match between Guinea and Togo.

Head Coach Fatmata Turay has shared her squad for the double-header against the Central African Republic.

The 2025 African U-17 Women’s World Cup qualification is the 10th edition of this tournament. Players born on or after January 1, 2008, can join in.

The four winners from the third round will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Sierra Leone U17 Women's Squad confirmation
Sierra Leone U17 Women's Squad confirmation