Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

After a hard-fought triumph, Sudanese side Al Hilal go top of Group C lead
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

After a hard-fought triumph, Sudan’s Al Hilal go top of Group C

On Friday night, Al-Hilal astonished South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns with a 2-1 victory in Kigali to claim Group C in the CAF Champions League, thereby ending a long wait for a victory over their prestigious rivals.

Performed at the Amahoro Stadium, the Matchday 4 match swung on moments of ruthlessness from the Sudanese side, who capitalised on Sundowns’ errors to climb to the top of the table at the halfway stage of the group phase.

Deep into first-half stoppage time, Al-Hilal struck first after referee Mahmoud Nagy gave a penalty following a costly error by veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango.

Mohammed Abdel Rahman, an international forward, stepped forward and held his nerves to send Onyango the wrong way, enabling the Sudanese champions a well-deserved halftime lead.

Al-momentum stayed with them after the restart, doubling four minutes into the second half.

Jean Claude Girumugisha grabbed a loose ball on the perimeter of the field and fired a low shot beyond Onyango, a finish highlighting Sundowns’ increasing uneasiness and their opponents’ sharpness.

Sundowns reacted by speeding their pace and found a lifeline just beyond the hour mark.

With a composed finish from inside the penalty area, Brazilian replacement Arthur Sales reduced the gap and inspired the South Africans, creating a nervous final half-hour.

Sundowns could not find an equaliser despite ongoing pressure.

Defending with discipline and resilience, Al-Hilal slowed the game at key times and guarded their slim lead to guarantee a statement triumph on neutral soil.

The outcome moves Al-Hilal eight points and alone atop Group C, putting them in a good place going into the critical phase of the tournament.

While Sundowns remain second with five points and will need a great response in the return games to reaffirm their eligibility.

TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Matchday 4 fixtures – (All times GMT)

Group C Result - Friday,  30 January — Al Hilal (SUD) 2-1 Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA)
Group B - Saturday, 31 January
13:00 — Young Africans SC (TAN) vs Al Ahly SC (EGY)
19:00 — AS FAR Rabat (MAR) vs JS Kabylie (ALG)

Group A - Sunday, 1 February
16:00 — Pyramids FC (EGY) vs RS Berkane (MAR)
16:00 — Rivers United (NGA) vs Power Dynamos (ZAM)

Group D - Saturday, 31 January
16:00 — Petro Atlético (ANG) vs Stade Malien (MLI)
Sunday, 1 February
13:00 — Simba SC (TAN) vs Espérance de Tunis (TUN)

Group C - Sunday, 1 February
19:00 — MC Alger (ALG) vs St Éloi Lupopo (DRC)
Callum Cesay's Salford City visit Tranmere Rovers in Sky Bet League Two
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kallum Cesay’s Salford City visit Tranmere Rovers in Sky Bet League Two

Saturday afternoon, when Salford City visits Tranmere Rovers in Sky Bet League Two (KO 15:00 GMT), they will be hoping to get back on track.

Karl Robinson’s side heads into the match following their home loss to Chesterfield on Tuesday night. Even so, there were definitely advantages to be gained from the performance; the Ammies forced Zach Hemming into two superb first-half saves.

Ryan Graydon hit the woodwork in the second half and registered fourteen more shots on the Chesterfield goal before a late deflected shot in stoppage time dealt Salford’s first loss in ten contests.

The Stats between the two sides

Tranmere have lately dropped their last two EFL meetings with Salford (both in 2025 – 0-2 in February and 1-3 in September), but they only lost one of their first nine (W4 D4).

Following their 3-1 triumph at home earlier this season, Salford will be aiming to complete an EFL league double over Tranmere for the first time.

While Tranmere have not lost four in a row since January–February 2020, when they were in League One (a run of five), they have lost each of their last three home league games.

Having won their last three away league matches, Salford City last won four in a row in the same season in September/October 2022.

Sullay Kaikai's Cambridge United pushing for automatic promotion
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sullay Kaikai’s Cambridge United pushing for automatic promotion

Following their most recent triumph over Shrewsbury Town, Sierra Leone International Sullay Kaikai and his Cambridge United are vying for an automatic promotional spot.

They face Oldham Athletic on Saturday at Boundary Park as they chase automatic promotion. However, they’ll find things difficult against the host.

Stats - Oldham Athletic versus Cambridge United

After their September 1-0 victory, Oldham are hoping to complete the double over Cambridge for the first time in the Football League since 1999–00.

Cambridge have won only one of their previous eight Football League (D3 L4) contests against Oldham, albeit it was on their most recent visit to Boundary Park in March 2021 (4-2).

Having lost two of their first three at Boundary Park this season (D1), Oldham have lost just one of their past ten home league games (W4 D5).

Cambridge has won the last two of their unbeaten six away league games (W3 D3). In April 2022, they last won three consecutive away from home.

Kaikai's Cambridge last encounter

Ben Knight’s late penalty earned Cambridge a League Two victory over Shrewsbury. Kaikai was part of the starting team that beat Town 1-0 at Cledara Abbey Stadium.

Until Luca Hoole handled Ben Purrington’s cross in the last minute of regulation, the game seemed set to finish goalless.

With five minutes of extra game play left, Knight sent Shrews’ goalie Matthew Cox the wrong way from the spot.

Six minutes into the game, when debutant stopper Cox flew out to stop Sullay Kaikai from scoring off a brilliant pass by Louis Appere, the best opportunity of the match to that point had come.

Shrewsbury’s only opportunity came after 55 minutes when Tom Sang’s corner found Josh Ruffels, who could only shoot wide of the post.

Twelve minutes from time, Knight got another opportunity for Cambridge when Shayne Lavery, a replacement, drew him back.

Cox saved easily, but his poor effort lacked power once more. There was still time for him to net his side’s amazing winner to catapult the U’s into the top three for the first time all season.

AFCON Final Chaos: Senegal's coach Pape Thiaw banned
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

AFCON Final Chaos: Senegal’s coach Pape Thiaw banned

Following the chaos during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco this month, Senegal's coach, Pape Thiaw, has been suspended for official CAF matches

CAF said he had behaved unfairly and had brought the game into disrepute, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) fined Thiaw a $100,000 (£72,000).

When Senegal’s players left the field after Morocco was given a stoppage-time penalty, the last on 18 January in Rabat, which Senegal went on to win 1-0, fell into disarray.

Thiaw told his players to leave the field, still furious from the referee’s judgment moments before, to blow for a foul on Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi before Ismaila Sarr headed in.

About 17 minutes before Senegal forward Sadio Mane persuaded his team-mates to get back onto the field, the game was stopped. Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy stopped Brahim Diaz’s Panenka penalty, and referee Jean-Jacques Ndala then quickly whistled for full-time.

In the fourth minute of extra time, Pape Gueye scored the game-winning goal to give Senegal a second Afcon victory in five years.

For unseemly behaviour toward the referee, Senegal forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Sarr were given two-match bans, while the Senegal Football Federation (FSF) was fined a total of $615,000 (£444,000).

Forward Ismael Saibari of Morocco was given a three-match ban and $100,000 (£72,000) was ordered; defender Hakimi was given a two-match ban, with one game suspended for 12 months.

Caf’s disciplinary committee rejected a Moroccan football association (FRMF) bid to have the game outcome reversed after Senegal players exited the field.

The penalties for Thiaw and the four other players apply only to Caf contests and will not affect preparations for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Fines for fan behaviour and towel scuffles


The FSF was fined $600,000 (£434,000) for breaches of Caf’s disciplinary code, with half of that sum relating to the unsporting conduct of Senegal players and technical staff, while the other $300,000 was for the improper conduct of its supporters.

Several Teranga Lions fans were involved in angry confrontations with security staff after the penalty award, with some trying to enter the pitch.

A further $15,000 ($11,000) fine was imposed after Thiaw’s side received five bookings during the final.

Meanwhile, the FRMF has been fined $200,000 (£144,000 for the “inappropriate behaviour” of ball boys at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, after repeated attempts to steal the towel of Senegal keeper Mendy from behind his goal.

A sum of $100,000 must be paid after Atlas Lions players and staff invaded the video assistant referee review area and obstructed referee Ndala’s work, and the FRMF has also been fined $15,000 for the use of lasers by its supporters.

Senegalese Federation appears before CAF Disciplinary Jury over AFCON Final chaos
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegalese Federation appears before CAF Disciplinary Jury over AFCON Final chaos

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has formally acknowledged that it appeared before the CAF Disciplinary Jury on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, following events related to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.

The Lions of Teranga held a contentious walk-off protesting a late penalty for Morocco, therefore postponing the end of the final by 14 minutes. Even after coming back to victory, the governing body and FIFA president Gianni Infantino have denounced the deplorable scenes in Rabat.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has formally acknowledged that it appeared before the CAF Disciplinary Jury on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, following events related to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.

The FSF said in a statement to the national and international public that the disciplinary action arises from reports of match officials as well as complaints filed by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation following the AFCON final.

The communique stated that FSF was represented by its Secretary General and received legal counsel from attorney Maître Seydou Diagne.

Additionally, appropriately heard by the disciplinary body and given their defences were Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, together with players Ismaïla Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye.

Under consideration now by the CAF Disciplinary Jury, the case is anticipated to be decided within 48 hours, a deadline fixed by the President of the Jury.

Dakar, January 27, 2026; signed by the FSF General Secretariat. As African football awaits CAF’s judgment on a highly debated AFCON final, a key decision is to be taken.

New adventure for Sierra Leone striker Augustine Williams at Hartford Athletic
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New adventure for Sierra Leone striker Augustine Williams at Hartford Athletic

Hartford Athletic has announced the signing of Sierra Leone International forward Augustine Williams, pending league and federation approval.

Williams is one of the top goal scorers in USL Championship history and is currently the league’s top active scorer, bringing strength and competitiveness to the team.

He joins Hartford after a successful 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, where he helped lead the team to a USL Championship title by scoring nine goals in 34 games. At 28, he ranks second all-time in league history for goals scored.

“Augi is a proven winner and a strong goal scorer. His dedication in training shows he is eager to achieve more,” said Hartford Athletic Head Coach Brendan Burke. “Adding him to a team that performed well last year is a big advantage for us.”

Williams began his career at 19 with Portland Timbers 2, then moved to LA Galaxy II, where he scored 20 goals. He returned to USL Championship in 2021 on loan with San Diego Loyal, scoring six goals in 12 games. He later signed with the Charleston Battery, where his 15-goal, three-assist performance in 2023 helped the team reach its first League Final.

In 2024, he played for Indy Eleven and scored the opening goal in their historic U.S. Open Cup win over MLS’s Atlanta United, marking the first time the club advanced past an MLS team.

Williams has earned seven caps with Sierra Leone and was on the 28-man roster for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. He has received numerous awards, including multiple USL Team of the Week and Player of the Week honors.

With his experience and goal-scoring ability, Augustine Williams is ready to enhance Hartford Athletic’s offence.

Stade Malien beat Petro de Luanda in Bamako to go top of Group D
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Stade Malien beat Petro de Luanda in Bamako to go top of Group D

Stade Malien climbed to the top of Group D in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League with a solid 2–0 win over Petro de Luanda in Bamako on Sunday.

This victory allowed them to take the lead at the halfway point of the tournament.

In the second half, Taddeus Nkeng and captain Mamadou Traoré scored to settle the match, bringing Stade Malien to seven points from three games and creating a two-point lead over the second-place team.

In the first half, both teams played cautiously. Stade Malien was more aggressive, trying to create chances while Petro de Luanda defended deep.

Daouda Coulibaly had the best chance halfway through the first half, but Petro’s goalkeeper, Nuno Marques, quickly blocked the shot to keep the game scoreless.

The match shifted five minutes into the second half when Marques poorly kicked the ball, allowing Traoré to pass to Nkeng, who scored from distance, putting Stade Malien ahead.

Things worsened for Petro as left-back Eddie Afonso slipped while passing from the back, enabling Ousmane “Kalaba” Coulibaly to create an opportunity. Traoré scored again off his cross, making it 2–0.

Petro’s substitute Jó Paciência later missed a big chance in the 75th minute, but Stade Malien maintained their lead to secure the win. This win puts Stade Malien in a strong position in Group D, while Petro de Luanda falls to third place with four points.

In another match in the group, Espérance de Tunis narrowly beat Simba SC 1–0, keeping the qualification race tight before the next games.

Espérance de Tunis edge Simba SC in Group D CAF CL tie
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Espérance de Tunis edge Simba SC in Group D CAF CL tie

Espérance Sportive de Tunis secured a vital 1-0 victory over Simba SC on Saturday at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Radès, during Matchday 3 of Group D in the CAF Champions League group stage.

The match saw Jacques Diarra net the only goal in the 21st minute, earning the “Blood and Gold” three crucial points and putting them at the top of Group D with a total of 5 points.

This marked Espérance’s first win in the group stage, following two earlier draws. Meanwhile, Simba SC continues to struggle, remaining winless and sitting at the bottom of the group with zero points.

The Tunisians dominated play for much of the match and could have extended their lead, but fell short due to a lack of precision in their finishing and some hurried choices in the final moments. Despite a few attempts, Simba SC was unable to penetrate Espérance’s well-organized defense.

Mahmoud Trezeguet nets a brace as Al Ahly top of Group B in CAF CL
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mahmoud Trezeguet nets a brace as Al Ahly go top of Group B in CAF CL

Al Ahly took the lead in Group B of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League after beating Young Africans from Tanzania 2-0 in Alexandria on Friday.

Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet scored both goals, helping Al Ahly maintain their unbeaten record in the group stage.

Young Africans started strong and tested Al Ahly early with shots from Allan Onkell and quick counter-attacks. Al Ahly’s goalkeeper, Mostafa Shobeir, made important saves in the first 15 minutes, while Yasser Ibrahim cleared a threat as Young Africans pressed for control.

Despite having more possession, Al Ahly found it hard to score until stoppage time at the end of the first half. Mohamed Hany crossed the ball from the right, and Trezeguet headed it into the net, slipping it under the Young Africans goalkeeper to give Al Ahly a 1-0 lead.

After halftime, Young Africans pushed for a goal and nearly scored with a low shot, but Shobeir reacted quickly to keep Al Ahly ahead. As the match went on, Al Ahly gained more control and increased their lead in the 75th minute. Trezeguet received the ball in the penalty area, moved it to his right foot, and shot it into the net for his second goal.

Young Africans almost scored late in the game, but Shobeir made another great save. Al Ahly missed chances to score a third goal in the closing minutes.

This win puts Al Ahly at seven points from three matches at the top of Group B, while Young Africans stay in second place with four points as the group heads toward a critical phase.

Mighty Blackpool FC Joins African Club Association (ACA)
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mighty Blackpool Joins African Club Association (ACA)

One of Sierra Leone's most decorated football club's, Mighty Blackpool has announced its membership in the African Club Association (ACA).

This milestone signifies the club’s commitment to excellence and active participation in the African football community.

The ACA promotes improved football standards across Africa. “Joining the ACA aligns with our vision for integrity and innovation,” stated Rodney Michael, Chairman of Mighty Blackpool FC. He encourages other Premier League and Division 1 teams to join as well.

Benefits of ACA Membership: Mighty Blackpool FC will gain:

  • Continental Representation: Influence on football policies and reforms.
    -Capacity Building: Access to training and support for leaders and coaches.
  • Commercial Opportunities: Enhanced visibility for sponsorships and partnerships.

  • Knowledge Exchange: Collaboration with other clubs on governance and youth development.
  •  Advocacy: A strong voice in CAF and FIFA discussions.

Mighty Blackpool’s ACA membership represents a commitment to modern management, financial transparency, and youth development, aiming to elevate Sierra Leonean football on the African stage.

African Club Association is the united voice of clubs across the continent.

ACA brings together men’s and women’s clubs of all sizes from across the continent — with the mission of helping every member club grow and develop, while ensuring that, collectively, clubs are central to decision-making on the regional and global football stages.

We will always be shaped by the collective, where the superstar is the badge on the front of the shirt.