Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Augustine Williams takes USL Championship season's tally to eight
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Augustine Williams takes USL Championship season’s tally to eight

On Sunday, Augustine Williams recorded his eighth goal of the USL Championship to help Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC with a 1-0 victory over Las Vegas Lights FC at Highmark Stadium, earning their second consecutive win.

His goal came in the 30th-minute from the penalty spot as Williams converted marking the sole goal of the day.

Both teams quickly sought to maneuver past defenders for scoring opportunities. The Lights’ Patrick Leal delivered a threatening ball into the Hounds’ box, which Guillaume Vacter cleared. Junior Etou then teamed with Robbie Mertz for a run but was stopped by Lights goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena.

In the 28th minute, Mertz set up Etou again, who was tripped by Younes Boudadi, leading to a penalty. The Sierra Leone International Williams converted the penalty in the 30th minute, scoring his eighth goal of the season and maintaining a perfect record from the spot.

The Hounds’ goalkeeper, Randolph, made his first save in the 37th minute against Johnny Rodriguez’s curling shot. Five minutes after halftime, Luke Biasi assisted Bradley Sample, whose shot hit the crossbar.

The Hounds dominated with 19 shots compared to Las Vegas’s 6 and contained a free kick from Gennaro Nigro. Randolph made a crucial save in the 81st minute against Giorgio Probo and later denied Brigham Larsen in stoppage time.

Las Vegas had a final chance when Rodriguez failed to chip Randolph after a long goal kick.

US Monastir cruise past East End Lions to progress as Police FC advance
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

US Monastir cruise past East End Lions to progress as Police FC advance

Tunisian side US Monastir cruised past Sierra Leone’s East End Lions with a resounding 3-1 victory at the Taieb Mhiri Stadium, wrapping up a commanding 7-1 aggregate win over two legs.

The Tunisians wasted no time, scoring twice within the first seven minutes through Naude Zeguei and Haj Ali Moez, effectively sealing their fate.

Although Ali Conteh gave East End Lions a glimmer of hope early in the second half, an own goal by Alpha Kamara in the 71st minute made sure of Monastir’s comfortable progression.

With their dominant performance across both legs, the North Africans emerge as early favorites in the tournament.

Simba SC from Tanzania and Kenya Police FC secured their spots in the Second Preliminary Round of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, albeit through different routes.

Simba drew 1–1 against Gaborone United in Dar es Salaam, progressing with a 2–1 aggregate score. Jean Carlos Ahoua’s goal put Simba ahead before Lebogang Ditsele equalized for Gaborone with a penalty, but they couldn’t find a winner.

Kenya Police FC faced a tough challenge, losing 2–0 at home to Mogadishu City. However, their 3–1 first-leg victory in Somalia meant they advanced on away goals despite the tie ending 3–3.

In Eswatini, Nsingizini Hotspurs defeated Zimbabwe’s Simba Bhora 4–2 on penalties after a 1–0 win in the second leg leveled the tie at 1–1 on aggregate. Shongwe Nkosingiphile’s last-minute goal forced penalties, where Hotspurs held their nerve to advance.

Additionally, Nigeria’s Rivers United secured a 1-0 victory over Aigles du Congo, while Burkina Faso’s Rahimo FC advanced past AS Mangasport on penalties after a goalless draw over two legs.

Orlando Pirates ease past to progress in CAF Champions League
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Orlando Pirates ease past Lioli to progress in CAF Champions League

Orlando Pirates have successfully advanced to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League following a convincing 4-0 victory over Lioli FC at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

This commanding performance over two legs sends the Buccaneers straight to the next round.

Next up, the Pirates will face the winner of the match between DR Congo’s Saint-Eloi Lupopo and the Sudanese powerhouses, Al-Merreikh, for a coveted spot in the group stages.

The Soweto giants struck first with an impressive goal from in-form winger Tshepang Moremi, who found the net just before halftime.

Moremi quickly added another four minutes after the break, giving Pirates a solid two-goal advantage early in the second half.

Yanela Mbuthuma, who came on as a substitute, made an immediate impact by scoring in the 79th minute, and just two minutes later, he completed his brace.

This performance led Abdeslam Ouaddou’s squad to a resounding 7-0 aggregate win over the Lesotho champions, having triumphed in the first leg with a 3-0 scoreline.

 

Friday, 26 September

  • Zilimadjou (Comoros) 0-1 Remo Stars (Nigeria) – Remo Stars progress 5-0 on aggregate

Saturday, 27 September

  • ASAS (Djibouti) 1-1 Aigle Noir (Burundi) – 1-1 on aggregate, Aigle Nior advance on away goals rule
  • Black Bulls (Mozambique) 1-0 Leopard (Congo) – Black Bulls progress 1-0 on aggregate
  • Orlando Pirates (South Africa) 4-0 Lioli (Lesotho) Orlando Pirates progress 7-0 on aggregate
  • Silver Strikers (Malawi) 0-0 Elgeco Plus (Madagascar) 1-1 on aggregate, Silver Strikers advance on away goals rule
  • St Eloi Lupopo (DR Congo) v Al-Merreikh (Sudan)
  • Mlandege (Zanzibar) 3-2 Ethiopian Insurance (Ethiopia) – Ethiopian Insurance progress 4-3 on aggregate
  • Young Africans (Tanzania) 2-0 Wiliete (Angola) – Young Africans progress 5-0 on aggregate
  • Horoya (Guinea) 2-0 Al Hilal Benghazi (Libya) – Horoya progress 2-1 on aggregate
  • Petro Atlético (Angola) 3-0 Cercle de Joachim (Mauritius) – Petro Atletico progress 6-0 on aggregate
  • Vipers (Uganda) 1-0 African Stars (Namibia) – Vipers progress 2-0 on aggregate
  • Stade Malien (Mali) 2-0 Tempête MOCAF (Central African Republic) – Stade Malien progress 7-0 on aggregate
  • Espérance Tunis (Tunisia) 4-1 AS FAN (Niger) – Esperance progress 7-1 on aggregate
  • FAR Rabat (Morocco) 2-1 Real Banjul (Gambia) – FAR Rabat progress 4-1 on aggregate
  • MC Alger (Algeria) 3-0 Fassell (Liberia)  – MC Alger progress 3-0 on aggregate
  • Berkane (Morocco) 3-1 ASC Kara (Togo) – Berkane progress 4-2 on aggregate

Sunday, 28 September

  • Nsingizini Hotspurs (Eswatini) v Simba Bhora (Zimbabwe)
  • Simba (Tanzania) v Gaborone United (Botswana)
  • Mangasport (Gabon) v Rahimo (Burkina Faso)
  • Police FC (Kenya) v Mogadishu City (Somalia)
  • Rivers United (Nigeria) v Aigles du Congo (DR Congo)
  • Al-Hilal Omdurman (Sudan) v Jamus (South Sudan)
  • ASEC Mimosas (Côte d’Ivoire) v Power Dynamos (Zambia)
  • Monastir (Tunisia) v East End Lions (Sierra Leone)
  • Jaraaf (Senegal) v Colombe (Cameroon)
  • Al Ahly Tripoli (Libya) v Dadjè (Benin)
  • Kabylie (Algeria) v Bibiani Gold Stars (Ghana)
  • Nouadhibou (Mauritania) v Fundación Bata (Equatorial Guinea)

Wednesday, 1 October

  • APR (Rwanda) v Pyramids (Egypt)

Saturday, 4 October

  • Al-Merreikh (Sudan) v St Eloi Lupopo (DR Congo)

Sunday, 5 October

  • Pyramids (Egypt) v APR (Rwanda)
Egypt’s U-20s take on Japan in FIFA U-20 World Cup opener in Chile
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt take on Japan in FIFA U-20 World Cup opener in Chile

The opening matches of the 24th U-20 World Cup will feature Japan against Egypt, the Republic against Ukraine, Chile against New Zealand, and Paraguay against Panama.

Egypt’s Young Pharaohs kick off their campaign at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos this evening as they build from their impressive top-four finish at the U-20 AFCON held in Cairo last May.

This marks their first appearance at the World Cup since 2013 and their ninth outing overall, with a notable highlight being their bronze medal finish in 2001.

In Group A, Egypt faces tough competition from hosts Chile, Japan, and New Zealand. They will open their campaign against Japan, followed by a match with New Zealand, and a crucial showdown against Chile in Santiago.

Egypt qualified for the tournament with a strong performance in the TotalEnergies U20 AFCON, where coach Osama Nabih’s side reached the semi-finals, describing it as a “North African derby” and an “early continental final.”

Fixtures – Saturday 27 September

Japan v Egypt

Korea Republic v Ukraine
Chile v New Zealand
Paraguay v Panama
Sierra Leone-born Jocelyn Janneh named in Guinea's World Cup qualifers squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone-born Jocelyn Janneh receives first call-up from Guinea

Jocelyn Janneh from Sporting Club di Bastia and two new names expected to make the International debut for Guinea October 9, followed by Botswana in Casablanca on October 14.

Jocelyn Janneh from SC Bastia and two new names are expected to make their International debut for Guinea on October 9, followed by Botswana in Casablanca on October 14.

Head coach Paulo Duarte has called up 25 players to face Mozambique in Maputo on October 9, followed by Botswana in Casablanca on October 14.

The two matches are the final rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as he retained a strong core with familiar faces such as Serhou Guirassy, Mouctar Diakhaby, Morlaye Sylla, and Issiaga Sylla.

The Guineans are fourth in Group G on 11 points and are hoping to win these last two matches in the hope of finishing among the four best second-placed teams in the different groups to play in the play-offs.

Head coach Paulo Duarte has called up 25 players to face Mozambique in Maputo on October 9, followed by Botswana in Casablanca on October 14.
Head coach Paulo Duarte has called up 25 players to face Mozambique in Maputo on October 9, followed by Botswana in Casablanca on October 14.
Algerian star trains after joining Brazilian outfit Santos FC
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Algerian star Billal Brahimi trains after joining Brazilian outfit Santos

Algerian international Billal Brahimi has completed his first training session with Santos FC, one of Brazil's most renowned football clubs.

The talented winger has made the move to Santos after inking a contract that will run until the end of 2026, marking his first venture outside of Europe.

This transfer comes on the heels of Brahimi mutually terminating his contract with French Ligue 1 club OGC Nice on September 1, which allowed him to become a free agent.

Having previously played for clubs such as Middlesbrough, Brest, Sint-Truiden, Le Mans, and Angers, Brahimi has now found a new chapter in Brazil, where he will team up with Santos superstar Neymar.

“The addition of Brahimi brings international experience to Santos for the 2025 season,” read a club statement.

At the age of 25, the French-born, naturalised Algerian joins Peixão after his tenure with Nice, in France.

While born in France, Brahimi holds both French and Algerian nationalities and represented the French under-19 national team in 2018.

In May 2022, he received a call-up to the Algeria national team for two qualifying matches for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations against Uganda and Tanzania.

Alpha Turay's El Gouna FC held league leaders Zamalek SC
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alpha Turay’s El Gouna held league leaders Zamalek to a draw

Sierra Leone defender Alpha Turay played the full throttle of the contest as El Gouna played to a 1-1 draw against Zamalek at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday.

Despite ending in a draw, Zamalek still holds the top spot in the table with 17 points after eight matches, leading by two points over second-placed Masry. Gouna has risen to 14th place with a total of eight points.

Mohamed Emad equalised Oday Dabbagh’s opening goal scored in the 27th minute in the 84th minute, helping Gouna ascend to 14th.

The Whites struggled offensively without key winger Juan Alvina, who was suspended, and missed a chance to extend their lead.

Zamalek took the lead with a goal from Dabbagh after controlling possession in the first half. Abdalla El Saied nearly increased the lead, but Gouna’s goalkeeper made a crucial save.

Zamalek’s coach made several substitutions in the second half. Late in the game, Gouna equalised when Emad scored from inside the penalty area, securing a vital point for the visitors.

Turay, 20, side will face Ceramica Cleopatra next in the Egyptian top-tier league. while Zamalek will face next arch-rivals Ahly in the Cairo derby on Monday.

African champions Pyramids win first FIFA Intercontinental Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

African champions Pyramids win first FIFA Intercontinental Cup

African champions Pyramids FC of Egypt secured their inaugural title in a FIFA tournament with a decisive 3-1 win over Al Ahli from Saudi Arabia at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on Tuesday night.

In an impressive display of African club football, Fiston Mayele’s hat-trick led Pyramids to victory in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup, keeping them on track for the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

The Cairo team, fresh off their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League win, defeated Auckland City 3-0 to reach this event.

Despite Al Ahli’s strong challenge and a supportive crowd in Jeddah, Pyramids controlled the key moments. Mayele opened the scoring in the 21st minute, but Al Ahli equalised just before halftime with a penalty from Ivan Toney.

Pyramids regrouped after the break, and Mayele scored again in the 71st minute before completing his hat-trick just four minutes later, securing the cup for the African champions.

The DR Congo forward’s finishing was crucial as Pyramids advanced to the FIFA Challenger Cup with a victory on December 13.

They will face the winner of the FIFA Derby of the Americas between Cruz Azul and the CONMEBOL Libertadores champions. The Challenger Cup winner will then meet UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in the Intercontinental Cup final on December 17.

This victory is historic for Pyramids and African club football, marking a continental champion’s opportunity to win a FIFA trophy and compete for a global title.

A Fiston Mayele hatrick helped Pyramids defeat Saudi's Al-Ahli in the FIFA African–Asian–Pacific Cup
A Fiston Mayele hatrick helped Pyramids defeat Saudi's Al-Ahli in the FIFA African–Asian–Pacific Cup
Striker Alie Conteh nets to help Strømsgodset defeat Sarpsborg 08
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Alie Conteh nets to help Strømsgodset defeat Sarpsborg 08

Sierra Leone forward Alie Conteh scored in the 10th minute for his Norwegian team, Strømsgodset in their match against Sarpsborg 08 at the Marienlyst Stadium on Sunday.

Conteh, 20, made an impressive contribution in their 2-1 win, finding the back of the net to kick off the scoring for his Norwegian club, Strømsgodset, in their match against Sarpsborg 08 at the Marienlyst Stadium on Sunday.

The visitors managed to equalise in the 33rd minute when Jesper Taaje inadvertently directed the ball into his own net, much to the dismay of his teammates.

However, Strømsgodset quickly regained control when Gustav Valsvik netted a goal in the 61st minute, giving the home side the lead once again.

With solid teamwork and determination, Strømsgodset held on to secure a well-deserved victory in this thrilling encounter.

The victory holds significant importance for the Gulskogen team, based in Drammen, as they seek to escape the lower part of the Eliteserien standings.

Tunisian side US Monastir thrash Sierra Leone's champions EE Lions
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisian side US Monastir thrash Sierra Leone’s champions EE Lions

Tunisia's US Monastir recorded a comfortable victory in Sunday's first leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary, thrashing host East End Lions from Sierra Leone 4-0.

The Sierra Leone champions were hosting the first leg in Tunisia at the Stade Olympique Hammadi-Agrebi after missing the Inter-club competition for a few years.

US Monastir took the lead with an own goal from Bari, followed by a stunning free kick that found the net, beating Lins’ keeper Dauda Bangura at his near post.

It felt like a one-sided affair as the Tunisian side continued to showcase their impressive performance, culminating in the 88th minute when Cherif Bodian netted their third goal, followed by Hemidi scoring their fourth of the match to conclude a fantastic first leg for the visitors.


Listed CAF Champions League

Elgeco Plus 1-1 Silver Strikers

Jamus 0-0 Al Hilal

Aigle Noir 0-0 Ali Sabieh

Colombe 0-0 Jaraaf

Fundación Bata 0-0 FC Nouadhibou

AS Tempête Mocaf 0-5 Stade Malien

AS-FAN 0-3 ES Tunis

AC Léopards 0-0 Black Bulls

East End Lions 0-4 Monastir

Kara 1-1 RS Berkane

Remo Stars 4-0 Zilimadjou

Simba Bhora 1-0 Nsingizini Hotspurs

Real Banjul 0-2 AS FAR

Tunisian side US Monastir thrash Sierra Leone's champions EE Lions
Tunisian side US Monastir thrash Sierra Leone's champions EE Lions