Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Joseph Put names provisional AFCON squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Put names provisional AFCON squad

Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Joseph Put has named a 30-man provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, primarily selecting players from recent matches, including AFCON Qualifiers, World Cup Qualifiers, and CHAN 2024.

Young talent James Bogere, who played for the Uganda Cubs at the recently concluded FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar, has received a call-up. Bogere, who was a standout for the U17 team, earns his first opportunity to join the senior national squad and is in contention for a place in the final roster.

At the U17 World Cup, he netted two goals, scoring against France and Canada. Alhassan Baba and Melyvn Lorenzen, who made their debuts during last month’s international window in friendlies against Morocco and Chad, are also included in the team.

The squad is scheduled to depart for Morocco on Sunday evening to begin preparations. The training camp in Casablanca will last for 11 days before the final squad of 28 is announced.

While in Morocco, the Uganda Cranes aim to compete in two international friendlies to prepare for the tournament, which will be held from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Uganda has been placed in Group C alongside Nigeria, Tunisia, and Tanzania.

Uganda Cranes Provisional AFCON 2025 Squad (30 Players)
Goalkeepers

  • Salim Omar Magoola – Richards Bay FC (South Africa)

  • Denis Onyango – Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

  • Alionzi Nafian – Defence Forces FC (Ethiopia)

  • Charles Lukwago – KCCA FC (Uganda)

Defenders

  • Toby Sibbick – Burton Albion (England)

  • Elio Caprodossi – Universitatea Cluj (Romania)

  • Jordan Obita – Hibernian FC (Scotland)

  • Rogers Torach – Vipers SC (Uganda)

  • Abdu Azizi Kayondo – Slovan Liberec (Czech Republic)

  • Isaac Muleme – Viktoria Žižkov (Czech Republic)

  • Timothy Awany – FC Ashdod (Israel)

  • David Owori – SC Villa (Uganda)

  • Hilary Mukundane – Vipers SC (Uganda)

Midfielders

  • Kenneth Semakula – Al-Adalah FC (Saudi Arabia)

  • Khalid Aucho – Singida Black Stars (Tanzania)

  • Ronald Ssekingada – APR FC (Rwanda)

  • Bobosi Byaruhanga – Oakland Roots (USA)

  • Baba Alhassan – FCSB (Romania)

Forwards

  • Allan Okello – Vipers SC (Uganda)

  • Melvyn Lorenzen – Muangthong United (Thailand)

  • Travis Mutyaba – CS Sfaxien (Tunisia)

  • Denis Omedi – APR FC (Rwanda)

  • Mato Rogers – FK Vardar (North Macedonia)

  • Reagan Mpande – SC Villa (Uganda)

  • Jude Ssemugabi – Jamus FC (South Sudan)

  • Uchechukwu Ikpeazu – St. Johnstone (Scotland)

  • Steven Mukwala – Simba SC (Tanzania)

  • James Bogere – Masaka Sunshine FC (Uganda)

  • Ivan Ahimbisibwe – KCCA FC (Uganda)

  • Shafik Nana Kwikiriza – KCCA FC (Uganda)

Attacker Daniel Kanu listed for League Two Player of the Month
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Attacker Daniel Kanu listed for League Two Player of the Month

Daniel Kanu has been nominated for the PFA League Two Fans’ Player of the Month award for November following his exceptional goal scoring form.

Walsall’s on-loan striker from Charlton Athletic, Daniel Kanu, has been nominated for the PFA’s League Two Fans’ Player of the Month for November.

Since joining Walsall in the summer, Kanu has made a significant impact, netting eight goals in just sixteen first-team appearances. Notably, he scored four of those goals in November alone, placing him among the standout performers in the entire EFL.

Kanu is in good company, competing for the award alongside former Saddler Emmanuel Monthé of Oldham Athletic, Harry Anderson from Colchester United, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing of Milton Keynes Dons, Ollie Palmer from Swindon Town, and Omar Sowunmi of Bromley.

You can cast your vote here. bit.ly/3YbF9Ny

Sierra Leone's Kallum Cesay voted Player of the Match in Salford's win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Kallum Cesay voted Player of the Match in Salford’s win

Sierra Leone International Kallum Cesay was voted Salford's Player of the Match as the League Two side advanced to the FA Cup third round for the second consecutive season with an impressive 4-0 victory over League One side Leyton Orient at the Peninsula Stadium.

In a challenging pitch, Orient’s goalkeeper, Killian Cahill, inadvertently scored an own goal from Kadeem Harris’s cross, putting Salford ahead just 23 minutes into the match.

Sierra Leone’s Kallum Cesay doubled the lead with a curling shot near the hour mark, following another strong run from Harris. Substitute Fabio Borini quickly made an impact by scoring shortly after coming on, and Kelly N’Mai capped off the scoring in stoppage time with a shot from the edge of the box. Salford dominated throughout, with Cahill previously denying Luke Garbutt a strong effort.

Before halftime, Cahill spilt a free kick, allowing Daniel Udoh to hit the post with a close-range chance. After Cesay’s goal, he set up Josh Austerfield, who shot over from a good position. Salford has now won their last three FA Cup matches against League One teams.

Looking ahead, Salford will learn their next opponents during Monday’s draw at 18:40 GMT before the Brackley Town vs. Burton Albion match.

Head coach Karl Robinson praised his players and expressed confidence as they aim for a higher league, humorously noting he doesn’t want a draw against Man City away.

African teams know their 2026 FIFA World Cup opponents
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

African teams know their 2026 FIFA World Cup opponents

Africa’s teams for the 2026 FIFA World Cup learned their group assignments in Washington D.C. on Friday.

The expanded tournament will include 48 teams, and Africa will have nine qualified teams, with the DR Congo hoping to join through play-offs.

Morocco, Africa’s top-ranked team and semi-finalists in 2022, is in Group C with Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. This matchup with Brazil will attract global attention.

South Africa returns to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, placed in Group A with Mexico, South Korea, and the European play-off winner, aiming for its first knockout stage.

Ivory Coast, champions in 2015 and 2023, competes in Group E alongside Germany, Curaçao, and Ecuador, eyeing progression despite Germany’s strength.

Tunisia, in Group F with the Netherlands, Japan, and a European play-off winner, hopes to capitalise on opportunities against Japan and the play-off team.

Egypt, back since 2018, finds itself in Group G with Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand, presenting a decent chance to advance.

Cape Verde debuts in Group H against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia, marking a historic moment for the team.

Algeria faces Argentina, Austria, and Jordan in Group J, with the match against Argentina highly anticipated.

Senegal, Africa’s second-highest-ranked team, is in Group I with France, Norway, and a South American–Asian play-off winner, presenting a tough challenge.

Ghana joins Group L with England, Croatia, and Panama, seeking to regain its strong World Cup form.

DR Congo could join Group K if they win their playoff against Jamaica and Iraq, facing Portugal, Colombia, and another playoff winner.

Africa’s World Cup journey promises exciting matchups and new opportunities.

The 2026 World Cup groups

Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic, European Play-Off D winner (Czechia, Denmark, North Macedonia or the Republic of Ireland)

Group B: Canada, European Play-Off A winner (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Northern Ireland or Wales), Qatar, Switzerland

Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland

Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, European Play-Off C winner (Kosovo, Romania, Slovakia or Türkiye)

Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador

Group F: Netherlands, Japan, European Play-Off B winner (Albania, Poland, Sweden or Ukraine), Tunisia

Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand

Group H: Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Group I: France, Senegal, FIFA Play-Off Tournament winner 2 (Bolivia, Iraq or Suriname), Norway

Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

Group K: Portugal, FIFA Play-Off Tournament winner 1 (DR Congo, Jamaica or New Caledonia), Uzbekistan, Colombia

Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama 

Alex Bangura makes his Middlesbrough long-awaited return
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alex Bangura makes his long-awaited Middlesbrough return

Alex Bangura made his long-awaited return to the starting lineup as Middlesbrough FC defeated Derby 2-1 on Saturday. The Sierra Leone International made his first appearance since December 2023.

After the match, the Sierra Leone International struggled to find the words to express his emotions following his comeback.

In a surprising move, Bangura was given a starting position in Kim Hellberg’s inaugural game as Boro manager. He showcased his talent during the 2-1 victory over Derby, earning the man of the match award from the supporters for his impressive performance.

This match marked Bangura’s first competitive start since the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea, which took place 22 months ago, making his contribution even more remarkable.

Since joining Boro from Cambuur in the summer of 2023, Bangura has endured a challenging period. His first season was plagued by injuries, resulting in just 19 appearances, and he was forced to sit out the entirety of last season after suffering an Achilles injury early in pre-season.

Big AFCON 2025 blow for Nigeria's Super Eagles as skipper retires
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Big AFCON 2025 blow for Nigeria’s Super Eagles as skipper retires

William Troost-Ekong has decided to retire from international football. This means he will not play for Nigeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The decision comes just days before the Africa Cup of Nations begins in Morocco on December 21, where Nigeria will compete in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The 31-year-old centre-back Troost-Ekong was recently part of Eric Chelle’s preliminary squad for the tournament in Morocco, but has chosen to step aside to allow younger players to take the stage.

He earned 83 caps for the Super Eagles, making his debut under Stephen Keshi in 2015. His last match was a 4-1 win over Gabon before Nigeria’s elimination from World Cup qualifying.

Troost-Ekong participated in the 2018 World Cup and three AFCON tournaments, winning bronze in 2019 and silver in 2023, where he was named Player of the Tournament.

He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent Nigeria, highlighting his growth from a boy in the Netherlands to captain of the Super Eagles.

With accomplishments including 83 caps, participation in five major tournaments, and three medals, he felt fulfilled in his journey. He emphasised the importance of passing the captaincy to the next generation to continue their legacy.

Samuel Chukwueze nets brace in Fulham's defeat to Manchester City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Samuel Chukwueze nets brace in Fulham’s defeat to Manchester City

Fulham's thrilling comeback ended in heartbreak with a 4-5 defeat to Manchester City at Craven Cottage in Tuesday's Premier League action

City took an early lead with goals from Erling Haaland, Tijjani Reijnders, and Phil Foden. Emile Smith Rowe pulled one back with a header just before halftime.

Despite another goal from Foden and an own goal by Sander Berge putting City ahead, Fulham fought back. Alex Iwobi scored, followed by Samuel Chukwueze’s brace, marking his first goals for the club. A late chance for Josh King to equalise was cleared off the line.

Manager Marco Silva made key adjustments, reinstating Saša Lukić and Smith Rowe after the win against Tottenham. Fulham had opportunities early on but fell behind after two quick City goals. Yet, Smith Rowe’s stoppage-time header brought renewed hope.

In the second half, City’s lead was restored with another goal from Foden, but Fulham persisted. Iwobi’s stunning goal and Chukwueze’s swift volley brought the score to 4-5.

With eight minutes of added time, a dramatic equalizer was tantalizingly close, but King’s effort was heartbreakingly cleared, denying Fulham a remarkable comeback.

Ghanaian defender Maxwell Woledzi MLS side Nashville
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghanaian defender Maxwell Woledzi joins MLS side Nashville

Maxwell Woledzi, 24, the defedner, who was instrumental in Fredrikstad FK's 2024 Norwegian Cup win, helping the team secure a spot in the Eliteserien. He was named to the league's Team of the Year and Fredrikstad FK’s Player of the Year in 2025.

In 2018, Woledzi founded the Maxwell Woledzi Foundation and launched The Hijab Project in his hometown of Nima, Ghana, to empower young people, especially girls, in soccer.

On December 2, 2025, Nashville SC announced Woledzi’s signing from Fredrikstad FK for the 2026 season, with an option to extend through 2029. “Maxwell is a fantastic player and a great leader,” said Nashville SC President Mike Jacobs.

Since joining Fredrikstad FK in 2023, Woledzi has made 88 appearances, including 29 league matches in the 2024 season. Before Fredrikstad, he developed at FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark from 2019 to 2022, playing 33 First Team matches, and later played for Vitória Guimarães SC B in Portugal.

Woledzi began his journey at the Right to Dream Academy in Ghana at age 14, which has helped young talent grow both on and off the pitch.

Shocking Cameroon AFCON squad news, no keeper Andre Onana
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Shocking Cameroon AFCON squad news, no keeper Andre Onana

Andre Onana has been excluded from Cameroon's squad for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco, following the dismissal of head coach Marc Brys amidst claims of "subterfuge."

Just days after being re-elected as president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot), Samuel Eto’o and his executive team announced Brys’s exit in a dramatic statement.

The statement details a long list of accusations against Brys, including allegations of “professional failure” and claims that he incited players to oppose Fecafoot’s authority.

The Belgian coach, who was appointed by Cameroon’s sports ministry in April 2024—a decision Eto’o aimed to overturn—also faces accusations of “collaborating with unknown individuals” within Fecafoot.

Furthermore, he is criticised for missing important meetings, withholding training schedules, damaging relationships with sponsors, delaying his squad announcements, and avoiding his responsibility to hold press conferences.

Stepping in for Brys is one of his assistants, David Pagou, a seasoned Cameroonian coach with experience managing several teams in the country’s top league.

However, Pagou’s 28-man squad for the upcoming Afcon in Morocco, set to kick off on December 21, notably lacks several key players. Among those missing are goalkeeper Onana, team captain Vincent Aboubakar, Napoli midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, who is sidelined due to injury and defender Michael Ngadeu.

While Anguissa’s absence is understood, no explanations have been provided for the exclusion of the other players.

Striker Daniel Kanu takes his Walsall tally to seven in League Two
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Daniel Kanu takes his Walsall tally to seven in League Two

Sierra Leone international Daniel Kanu raised his season tally to seven as Walsall came from behind to secure a 3-1 victory over Bromley, keeping them at the top of League Two.

Bromley took an early lead after 18 minutes when Mitch Pinnock capitalised on a poor pass from Priestley Farquharson, finding Ben Krauhaus. Krauhaus made no mistake, firing a low shot into the net from 12 yards.

Walsall nearly equalised shortly after, but Ravens midfielder Ashley Charles made a fantastic block to prevent Jamille Matt from scoring just inches from the goal line.

In the second half, Walsall’s goalkeeper Myles Roberts denied Bromley a second goal, saving Idris Odutayo’s powerful shot from 30 yards out, while Michael Cheek saw his follow-up effort ruled offside.

Walsall finally levelled the score in the 65th minute when Kanu expertly controlled a knockdown from Aden Flint following a free-kick and squeezed the ball home from close range.

They took the lead in the 80th minute when Farquharson nodded a deep cross back across the goal, allowing Ryan Finnigan to loop a header into the far corner of the net.

Walsall sealed the win deep into stoppage time when Albert Adomah broke forward and squared the ball for an unmarked Courtney Clarke, who steered it home with ease.