Day: May 10, 2026

Kallum Cesay scores as Salford City win the first leg of their playoff tie at Grimsby
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kallum Cesay nets as Salford City win first leg of semi-final tie at Grimsby

Sierra Leone International Kallumm Cesay scored as Salford City came from behind to beat Grimsby Town 2-1, taking an advantage into the second leg at the Peninsula Stadium on Friday night.

Grimsby scored quickly, with Reece Staunton netting just 34 seconds in. However, Salford equalised within three minutes when Kallum Cesay scored with a low shot past Jackson Smith.

Salford took the lead late in the first half when Ade Oluwo headed in a corner from Luke Garbutt. After a slow start, the match became exciting when Staunton scored for Grimsby. Salford quickly responded, with Dan Udoh assisting Cesay, who found the net.

Salford pushed forward, creating chances, while Grimsby threatened with headers and shots that were blocked or saved.

In the final minutes of the first half, Salford took the lead for the first time this season against Grimsby, with Oluwo heading in from a corner delivered by Nmai.

The second half had fewer chances, with a free kick from Staunton going straight to Matty Young. Grimsby had a late chance to equalise, but Green’s shot was also saved.

USM Alger clinch first leg CAF Confederation Cup final win over Zamalek
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

USM Alger clinch first leg CAF Confederation Cup final win over Zamalek

USM Alger won 1-0 against Zamalek in the first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final in Algiers on Saturday night.

Ahmed Khaldi scored a penalty in the 98th minute, just after Zamalek thought they had taken the lead.  As a result, the win gives USM Alger an advantage ahead of the return leg in Cairo.

Zamalek needs to win by at least two goals in the second leg to claim the title. For most of the match, both teams struggled to find the back of the net. Zamalek played cautiously and nearly scored early, while USM Alger controlled possession but faced a strong defence.

In the second half, USM Alger pushed harder, but Zamalek remained organised. Zamalek’s Al-Dabbagh had a goal disallowed for a foul, and Slimane made several saves.

In a dramatic turn, Zamalek’s Bezerra appeared to score, but VAR ruled out the goal for a handball. Zamalek went down to ten men after Bentayg was sent off. Khaldi then scored the penalty to secure the win.

This victory gives USM Alger hope for success in the final, but the return leg in Cairo on May 16 remains open for both teams.