Month: January 2025

New Prize Money for CAF African Nations Championship winner
by Football Sierra Leone

New Prize Money for CAF African Nations Championship winner

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced new and increased prize money for the winner of the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) in 2024, to be held in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, which has been increased by 75% to USD 3.5 million.

The total prize money for the tournament has also been raised to USD 10.4 million, reflecting a 32% increase.

President Dr Patrice Motsepe stated, “We are excited about the upcoming CHAN in 2024 and are committed to enhancing the prestige of this important competition. The increase in prize money underscores our dedication to developing African football.”

The CHAN will commence on Saturday, February 1, 2025, with the final scheduled for Friday, February 28, 2025.

Seventeen countries have already qualified: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Morocco, Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania, Niger, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo, Sudan, Zambia, Angola, and Madagascar. Two more countries will qualify based on the remaining matches.

Meanwhile, the draw for the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 will take place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday, 15 January 2025, at 20:00 local time (17:00 GMT / 19:00 Cairo time).

Nigeria appoint Ex-Mali coach Éric Sékou Chelle as New Super Eagles coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-Mali coach Éric Sékou Chelle appointed as New Super Eagles coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has named Éric Chelle as the new head coach of Nigeria’s senior men’s football team, the Super Eagles. He is the third coach to take over since José Peseiro resigned in March 2024.

The NFF announced Chelle’s appointment on Tuesday, following a video statement from President Ibrahim Gusau that hinted at the news.

“The NFF Executive Committee has approved the Technical and Development Sub-Committee’s recommendation to appoint Mr. Éric Sékou Chelle as Head Coach of the Super Eagles,” the NFF said.

During a meeting in Abuja on January 2, 2025, the committee recommended Chelle for the job. The Executive Committee approved this recommendation on January 7.

Chelle has played five times for Mali’s national team and has coached clubs like GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran. He was the head coach of Mali’s national team from 2022 until he was dismissed on June 13, 2024.

A highlight of Chelle’s time with Mali was their quarterfinal performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Although they lost to the eventual champions, Côte d’Ivoire, their fluid and attacking style of play received praise.

Sierra Leone head coach Amidu Karim faces contract saga
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone head coach Amidu Karim faces contract saga

The National Sports Authority (NSA), in consultation with the Ministry of Sports, has communicated that they have formally “terminated” the contract of Leone Stars head coach Amidu Karim and his backroom staff. (Photo Credit Kemokai Sportgraphy) 

This pronouncement was communicated through an official letter to the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA). Additionally, the NSA has requested that the SLFA appoint a new coaching staff, according to the country’s football body, SLFA.

It remains unclear – what will happen if the SLFA insists on retaining Karim as head coach. Meanwhile, this medium has approached a senior executive official of the NSA for comment, but there has been no response at the time of writing.

Karim was appointed by the SLFA in a deal from October 3, 2023, to October 15, 2025, covering both the ongoing qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. But, the paymasters are the NSA, the body set up by government legislation to regulate and develop sport in Sierra Leone.

The National Sports Authority (NSA), which has been handling the salaries of the national team coaches through the government Finance Ministry, has cited Leone Stars’ poor performances as a primary reason for their termination.

It is common in most African countries for the government to issue the pay cheque to the head coach. But with World Cup qualifiers ahead, Sierra Leone has just two months to resolve the matter.

During the AFON 2025 qualifiers, the Leone Stars conceded ten goals while only managing to score five, marking yet another unsuccessful attempt to qualify for this year’s premier continental football event in Morocco.

Amidu Karim and his team were brought on board in October 2023 to guide the Leone Stars through the African Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers and the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. However, the West African team struggled to secure the vital victories needed for advancement.

Karim, who had previously served as an assistant coach for six years before taking on the head coaching role, had a mixed record in his time in charge. He notably led the team to a memorable victory against the reigning African champions, Ivory Coast, with a late goal from Amadou Bakayoko in the Liberian capital.

However, the team was unable to secure wins against Chad, resulting in consecutive draws that hindered their chances of qualifying for Morocco 2025.

At present, Sierra Leone is in fourth place in Group A of the World Cup 2026 campaign, with five points from one win, one loss, and two draws. Their next crucial matches are set against Guinea-Bissau and Egypt in March 2025.

Werder Bremen sign  Burkina Faso international defender Issa Kabore on loan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkina Faso international defender Issa Kabore happy to join Werder Bremen

Burkina Faso international defender Issa Kabore was pleased after he joined German side Werder Bremen on loan from Manchester City until the end of the season. The 23-year-old previously played on loan at Benfica.

“I’m excited about my new challenge at Werder,” said Kabore. “I want to help the team build on a strong start this season and get to know the club and the city.”

Head coach Ole Werner is pleased with the signing. “Issa is a skilled player who is strong and fast. His arrival gives us more options in our play, and we believe he will fit well with our team.”

Kabore started his career at Rahimo FC in Burkina Faso, joined KV Mechelen in Belgium in 2019, and moved to Manchester City in 2021. He has had loan spells at Marseille, Luton Town, and Benfica. Kabore has over 40 caps for his national team, and he has played in Ligue 1, the Belgian Jupiler Pro League, and the Premier League.

“Issa is an exciting player with experience in various leagues,” said Peter Niemeyer, Werder’s head of professional football. “With Deman’s transfer and Agu’s injury, we are glad to sign Issa quickly.”

Kabore joined Man City in 2020 from Belgian side KV Mechelen and was sent back on loan to them for the same season.

Berkane through to CAF Confederation Cup knockout stage
by Football Sierra Leone

Berkane through to CAF Confederation Cup knockout stage

The CAF Confederation Cup Matchday 4 had exciting games over the weekend. RS Berkane became the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals as teams compete for spots in the knockout stages. With only two matches left, the competition is heating up.

  • Group A: Constantine Leads, Simba Close Behind

CS Constantine dominated with a 4-0 win over Angola’s Bravos do Maquis. Miloud Rebiai and Tosin Omoyele scored early goals, while Abdennour Belhocini and Dadi El Hocine Mouaki added two late goals. Simba SC also won, beating CS Sfaxien 1-0 with a goal from Jean Ahoua. Both teams now have nine points. Bravos are in third place with six points, while Sfaxien remains winless and out of contention.

  • Group B: Berkane Qualifies, Stellenbosch Revives Hopes

RS Berkane qualified for the knockout stages by beating Stade Malien 1-0, keeping their perfect record. Stellenbosch FC boosted their chances with a 2-0 win over CD Lunda Sul, thanks to two goals from Andre de Jong. Berkane leads Group B with 12 points, followed by Stellenbosch with six. Stade Malien has four points, and Lunda Sul has one point.

  • Group C: Close Competition

USM Alger held the top spot in their group after drawing 1-1 with ASEC Mimosas in Abidjan. USM Alger has eight points, while Mimosas and Jaraaf each have five points after Jaraaf’s 1-0 win over Orapa United, who sit at the bottom with two points.

  • Group D: Enyimba Excels, Zamalek Struggles

Enyimba amazed fans in Aba with a strong 4-1 victory over Mozambique’s Black Bulls, led by two goals from Joseph Atule. On the other hand, Zamalek could only manage a goalless draw against Al Masry. Zamalek leads with eight points, Al Masry has five points, and both Enyimba and Black Bulls have four points.

Matchday 4 Results

Group A

  • Constantine 4-0 Bravos do Maquis
  • Simba 1-0 CS Sfaxien

Group B

  • Berkane 1-0 Stade Malien
  • Stellenbosch 2-0 CD Lunda Sul

Group C

  • USM Alger 1-1 ASEC Mimosas
  • Jaraaf 1-0 Orapa United

Group D

  • Enyimba 4-1 Black Bulls
  • Zamalek 0-0 Al Masry

Group Standings

Group A:

  1. Constantine – 9 pts
  2. Simba – 9 pts
  3. Bravos do Maquis – 6 pts
  4. CS Sfaxien – 0 pts

Group B:

  1. Berkane – 12 pts
  2. Stellenbosch – 6 pts
  3. Stade Malien – 4 pts
  4. CD Lunda Sul – 1 pt

Group C:

  1. USM Alger – 8 pts
  2. ASEC Mimosas – 5 pts
  3. Jaraaf – 5 pts
  4. Orapa United – 2 pts

Group D:

  1. Zamalek – 8 pts
  2. Al Masry – 5 pts
  3. Enyimba – 4 pts
  4. Black Bulls – 4 pts
CAF Champions League, Al Hilal through to the knockout stage
by Football Sierra Leone

CAF Champions League, Al Hilal through to the knockout stage

Al Hilal of Sudan became the first team to advance to the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League knockout stage. Here are some round-up of weekend group matches.

  • Group A

Al-Hilal Omdurman became the first team to reach the knockout stage. They earned this by drawing 1-1 with MC Alger. Young Africans boosted their chances for the quarter-finals with a 3-1 comeback win over TP Mazembe in Dar es Salaam.

Although Mazembe initially took the lead with a penalty from Alioune Faty, Clement Mzize scored two goals, and Aziz Ki added another in the second half. This win was crucial for the Tanzanian champions.

Al-Hilal now has 10 points, five points ahead of second-placed MC Alger. They are guaranteed a spot in the quarter-finals for the first time since 2015.

  • Group B  

FAR Rabat secured first place in Group B with a 2-0 victory over Maniema Union. Khalid Aït Ouarkhane and El Amine Zouhzouh scored the goals. In Casablanca, Raja won 1-0 against Mamelodi Sundowns in a match that had three red cards. Benaissa Benamar scored the winning goal for Raja. FAR Rabat leads the group with eight points, followed by Sundowns with five, Raja with four, and Maniema Union with three.

  • Group C

Orlando Pirates took the top spot in Group C with a strong 3-0 win against Stade d’Abidjan. Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Deon Hotto scored the goals. CR Belouizdad ended Al Ahly’s unbeaten run with a late 1-0 victory in Algiers. This win moved them to second place with six points, just two points behind the Pirates.

  • Group D

In Photo, Pyramids won 2-1 against Esperance in Cairo, tying them at the top of the group. Meanwhile, Sagrada Esperança beat Djoliba 1-0, keeping their chances for the knockout stage alive. Both Pyramids and Esperance have seven points, while Sagrada is close behind with five points.

Clinical Orlando Pirates ease past Stade d’Abidjan to top Group C
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Clinical Orlando Pirates ease past Stade d’Abidjan to top Group C

Orlando Pirates defeated Stade d’Abidjan 3-0 at Orlando Stadium, moving to the top of Group C in the CAF Champions League at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

The first goal came in the 22nd minute when Mohau Nkota set up Relebohile Mofokeng for an easy score. Just five minutes into the second half, Maswanganyi doubled the lead.

Deon Hotto added a third goal in the final minutes. Despite some attempts from Stade d’Abidjan, the Pirates maintained control and secured a vital win, putting them one point ahead of Al Ahly and two points behind CR Belouizdad, with two games left.

Elsewhere, Raja Casablanca won 1-0 against Mamelodi Sundowns in a tough match that saw three players receive red cards. This victory keeps Raja’s hopes alive for qualifying in Group B of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

The match took place at Stade Larbi Zaouli. Benaissa Benamar scored the only goal in the 45th minute after a corner kick from Youssef Belammari.

Even after losing Marouane Zila to a second yellow card in the 80th minute, Raja’s defence remained strong despite being down to 10 players.

Nac Breda, NEC Nijmegen present Loan Opportunities for PSV Talent Isaac Babadi
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nac Breda, NEC Nijmegen present Loan Opportunities for PSV Talent Isaac Babadi

Dutch top-tier side PSV Eindhoven reportedly prepared to permit 19-year-old midfielder Isaac Babadi to leave on loan this month.

Recent reports from Eindhovens Dagblad indicate that five Eredivisie clubs have expressed interest in acquiring Babadi’s services.

The interested clubs include NAC Breda, Heerenveen, NEC Nijmegen, Heracles Almelo, and PEC Zwolle, all of which are eager to secure the young talent.

Isaac Babadi has demonstrated considerable promise, particularly at the beginning of last season, where his outstanding performances at the youth level earned him a regular place on the first team. However, he has recently seen reduced playing time and has primarily participated in matches for Jong PSV.

Both the player and the club have mutually agreed that a loan arrangement is the most beneficial path forward. PSV Eindhoven does not intend to pursue a permanent transfer or include an option to purchase in any loan agreement.

The club remains committed to Babadi’s development, considering him a valuable asset for the future, and believes that regular match experience will significantly contribute to his growth. Given the interest from multiple clubs, it is anticipated that he will find a new destination by the end of the month.

The Sierra Leone native agreed on a four-and-a-half-year contract in March 2024 after impressing the club’s management.

Striker Abu Kamara helps Hull City earn a point in six-goal thriller
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Abu Kamara helps Hull City earn a point in six-goal thriller

Abu Kamara scored twice as struggling Hull City came from behind to earn a point at home against Championship leaders Leeds United in a thrilling six-goal match.

Kamara opened the scoring early, but Ao Tanaka equalized for Leeds right after halftime. Dan James then put Leeds ahead in the 62nd minute, followed by Joel Piroe capitalizing on a mistake by Hull goalkeeper Ivor Pandur, making it 3-1.

Hull kept fighting, and Joao Pedro gave them hope with a goal nine minutes from the end. Kamara completed the comeback in the 89th minute, firing home after a corner was cleared to the edge of the area.

This marked Kamara’s third goal of the season since joining Hull City from Norwich City, showcasing his impact in a game that many did not expect Hull to contest given Leeds’ strong form at the top of the table.

Hull City head coach Ruben Selles told BBC Radio Humberside: “It’s a lesson for all of us for team building and the dressing room over the last 48 hours.

“Abu’s an honest kid and we can all have bad days, and we needed to protect him and we did that and it paid off.

“Sometimes you can misunderstand people – it’s important for the club and the dressing room to be able to support him and show we are strong together.

“We’ve shown we can compete against anyone today.”

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke told BBC Radio Leeds: “Disappointed is probably the right word. In the first half, we were not sharp enough in both boxes and if we are 2% less on it then it’s difficult to win points.

“It was a good reaction in the second half. We were in control at 3-1 and could have scored a fourth, fifth or sixth goal, especially with Daniel James having a one-on-one chance.

“It’s then difficult to accept how we conceded two late goals without them really having a chance in the half, but somehow they were able to score.

“To drive away with one point is heartbreaking and disappointing.”

Mohamed Sankoh returns to join Stuttgart's U21 side in Spain
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mohamed Sankoh returns to join Stuttgart’s U21 side in Spain

Sierra Leone native Mohamed Sankoh has returned to parent club VfB Stuttgart and will join the German side U21 training camp in Spain. The striker joined the Italian Serie B side in Cosenza Calcio in August 2024, where he made nine appearances for the rossoblù.

Before Cosenzo’s move, Sankoh spent the last two seasons on loan in the Netherlands, first with Vitesse Arnhem and then with Heracles Almelo.

“The 21-year-old striker, who joined Serie B club Cosenza Calcio on loan at the end of August 2024, will travel to Spain with VfB’s U21 team for a training camp,” the German side confirmed.

Sports director Christian Gentner: “It is important for young players like ‘Mo’ to play regularly, so the early return is the right decision. ‘Mo’ will travel to the training camp with our U21 team to prepare for the second half of the season in the 3rd division.”

In his previous season, Sankoh scored six goals in 28 appearances for Heracles. He played 81 minutes in VfB U21’s opening third-division match against F.C. Hansa Rostock, which ended in a 1-1 draw.