Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-Nigerian International Finidi quits Super Eagles job
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-Nigerian International Finidi quits Super Eagles job

Finidi George has resigned as coach of the Super Eagles, stating, “I won’t work under another coach in the Super Eagles.”

This decision followed the NFF’s option to appoint a foreign coach after the team failed to win the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin.

During Finidi’s tenure, the Super Eagles suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat to the Benin Republic in Abidjan after a 1-1 draw against South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

These results leave the Super Eagles winless after four matches, putting them in fifth place in Group C with just three points and jeopardizing Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Finidi, appointed as the substantive coach in April after serving as an assistant to Jose Peseiro, had his position reconsidered by the NFF due to the recent poor results.

The 53-year-old coach succeeded the Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, who left his post after his contract ended in February and had previously worked as Peseiro’s assistant for 20 months.

The Fédération Malienne de Football (FEMAFOOT) has immediately terminated senior national team coach Eric Sékou Chelle's contract.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali Fédération part ways with coach Eric Sékou Chelle

The Fédération Malienne de Football (FEMAFOOT) has immediately terminated senior national team coach Eric Sékou Chelle’s contract.

In a statement reported on national television, no reason was given for the decision. The sacking occurred days after Mali were held to a goalless draw by 10-man Madagascar in a Group I World Cup qualifier in Johannesburg.

The decision was unanimously made by the Executive Committee in an extraordinary session, with the approval of the relevant authorities on Thursday.

Mali suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Ghana at the Stade du Mars in Bamako last week before drawing with a ten-man Madagascar on Tuesday in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Malian Eagles face a tough challenge in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, as they currently have just five points after four matches.

FEMAFOOT has expressed its gratitude to Sekou Chelle for his leadership of the national team and has also thanked the Department of Sports for their ongoing support.

Malian football is entering a new chapter as the federation seeks a new coach. Mali is among several African nations making changes to their coaching staff ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 qualifiers.

A Third straight Sierra Leone League Title For Bo Rangers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Third straight Sierra Leone League Title For Bo Rangers

Bo Rangers secured their third consecutive Sierra Leone Premier League title with three games to spare on Wednesday, defeating Wusum Stars 2-1.

This victory gave the Southern Province side an insurmountable fifteen-point lead over their closest rivals, Bhantal FC.

Since 2019, they made history as the first team from outside the capital city of Freetown to achieve a remarkable feat by winning the Sierra Leone Premier League three consecutive times.

Additionally, they have the opportunity to claim a league-and-cup double when they face East End Lions in the FA Cup final, pending a decision on the date by the authorities.

Suffian Kalokoh and Kwame Mketiah each scored a goal, giving Bo Rangers a two-goal lead before Wusum’s Paul Jackson Kama netted one back in the 72nd minute. Despite this, Bo Rangers managed to hold on to their lead and secure maximum points.

Coach John Keister reflected on the success, expressing his pride in being a title-winning coach once again.

He acknowledged the challenges of leading a club that had previously won the title twice, but he emphasized the collective pride in their achievements. Keister also shared his personal satisfaction in accomplishing this for the people of Bo City.

Bo Rangers have now secured their third title since the revamp of the Sierra Leone top tier in 2019, with Keister securing his second title in the same period.

Bo Rangers secured their third consecutive Sierra Leone Premier League title with three games to spare on Wednesday, defeating Wusum Stars 2-1.
Bo Rangers secured their third consecutive Sierra Leone Premier League title with three games to spare on Wednesday, defeating Wusum Stars 2-1.
Six-goal Morocco ease past Congo to maintain Group E lead
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Six-goal Morocco ease past Congo to maintain Group E lead

Morocco secured a resounding 6-0 victory over Congo at Stade Adrar during their third match of the CAF 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday evening.

The North Africans dominated Congo in their third World Cup qualifier, winning 6-0. Azzedine Ounahi and Chadi Riad scored early goals, while Ayoub El Kaabi completed a hat trick. This victory keeps Morocco at the top of Group E standings with nine points, while Tanzania is in second place with six points.

In Tuesday’s early Kickoff, there were several noteworthy events unfolding – Sudan secured a top position in Group B with a resounding 3-0 victory over South Sudan, with ten points from four games, overtaking Senegal. Meanwhile, South Sudan remains firmly at the bottom with just two points.

In Group F, Kenya and African champions Cote d’Ivoire played to a goalless draw. Cote d’Ivoire maintains their lead with ten points. Kenya moved up to third place with five points.

In the Group G encounter, Mauritius secured a 2-1 victory over Eswatini. This win places Mauritius in fifth place in the group with four points, while Eswatini remains at the bottom, still in search of their first point in the campaign.

The competition for the World Cup berths is intensifying as hopes of historic qualification are ignited among several team.

In Group I, Madagascar and Mali drew 0-0. Madagascar’s Louis Démoléon received a red card early on, leaving his team with ten men for over 70 minutes. Madagascar earned a valuable point, moving them to second place with seven points, while Mali is in fourth place with five points.

Peterborough has confirmed the signing of former Welling United striker David Kamara on a two-year contract.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Peterborough sign Sierra Leone’s David Kamara on a two-year deal

Peterborough United has officially signed former Welling United striker David Kamara to a two-year contract.

Kamara expressed excitement about joining Posh, thanking the coaches for their support. “I felt comfortable from the start and am eager to return for pre-season to make a good impression.”

Kamara, who is 18 years old, is set to join the Under 21s squad after impressing during a trial period at the club.

He originally came to the attention of Peterborough United through their Academy Head of Recruitment, Sam Gaughran.

Kamara had been scouted multiple times while playing for Welling United and was considered one of the top prospects in non-league football.

Posh Academy Manager Dan Robinson praised Kamara’s qualities, noting, “David’s attributes align with what we are after in our forward players. He is quick, strong, and athletic, with the ability to finish and play across the front three. We look forward to working with him.”

Striker Amadou Bakayoko rescues against Burkina Faso in Bamako
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Amadou Bakayoko rescues Sierra Leone against Burkina Faso

Striker Amadou Bakayoko’s fantastic goal saved a point for coach Amidu Karim’s team at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali. He came on as a late substitute and quickly equalized for the Leone Stars.

Burkina Faso had a strong start, with Sierra Leone’s goalkeeper, Mohamed Kamara, making a couple of good saves. The Stallions also hit the post through their top striker, Lassina Traoré.

But a strong show from the Leone Stars saw Burkina Faso lose a two-goal lead in their 2-2 draw against Sierra Leone in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match played at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali on Monday.

The Leone Stars were under pressure from the start and conceded in the 42nd minute when Dango Ouattara beat goalkeeper Mohamed Kamara to make it 1-0 to Burkina Faso after being set up by Stephane Aziz Ki.

The Stallions maintained their momentum after scoring the opening goal and extended their lead through Lassina Traore in first-half stoppage time, capitalizing on a penalty. Burkina Faso led 2-0 at the break.

Despite this, the visitors managed to score against the run of play in the 58th minute when Augustus Kargbo found the net, narrowing the score to 2-1.

The Comeback

In a strategic move, Coach Amidu Karim introduced Amadou Bakayoko with four minutes left, and the 28-year-old proved to be an inspired substitute by scoring in the 88th minute, resulting in a 2-2 draw.

As a result, Burkina Faso secured third place as Sierra Leone secured fourth place in the Group A standings.

Looking ahead, the Stallions will host Djibouti when the 2026 World Cup qualifiers resume in March 2025, while the Leone Stars will play against Guinea-Bissau at home.

Burkina Faso (2) 2 (Ouattara 41′, L. Traore 45’+2)

Sierra Leone (0) 2 (Kargbo 58′, Bakayoko 88′)

Burkina Faso: Nikiema, Tapsoba, Nagalo, Yago, Ouedraogo, Banse, Ki (Sampore 69′), Badolo (Toure 89′), Bande (H. Traore 80′), Ouattara (Bouda 88′), L. Traore (Konate 69′).

Sierra Leone: M. N Kamara, Kakay, Samadia (R Michael 86′), Kabia, Davies, Dumbuya (Conteh 69′), Alhassa Koroma, Alh Koroma, Kanu (Bakayoko 86′), Kaikai (Bundu 69′), Kargbo (J. Koroma 78′).

Sheikh Sesay's last-minute goal helps Liberia win against Sao Tome
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sheikh Sesay’s last-minute goal helps Liberia defeat Sao Tome

Late Sheikh Sesay’s last-minute goal secured a 1-0 victory for Liberia against Sao Tome and Principe in their 2026 World Cup qualifier.

In the first Matchday 4 game, Liberia’s win moved them to third place in Group H with seven points, while Sao Tome and Principe remain at the bottom without any points after four matches.

The game saw both teams struggling to find a breakthrough in the first half, with few clear-cut chances created.

Liberia made crucial substitutions early in the second half to inject fresh energy into their side.

As the match seemed destined for a draw, Liberia’s decisive substitution of Sheikh Sesay for Terry Sackor proved to be a game-changer. In the 90th minute, Sesay scored a dramatic late goal, giving Liberia the lead and securing the three points.

Despite a late push from Sao Tome and Principe, Liberia held on for the victory, propelling them to third place in Group H. Sao Tome and Principe will need to regroup after another disappointing result.

In other Group H matches Namibia played to a goalless draw against group leaders Tunisia, while Equatorial Guinea and Malawi are set to face off on Monday.

Sierra Leone will face Burkina Faso at the Stade du 26 Mars in Group A of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as both teams seek their second win.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Showdown in Bamako as Sierra Leone eye second win

Sierra Leone will face Burkina Faso at the Stade du 26 Mars in Group A of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as both teams seek their second win.

The Stallions of Burkina Faso recently lost 2-1 to Egypt, so they will surely be looking for a win against Sierra Leone. The Leone Stars of Sierra Leone, on the other hand, registered their first 2-1 victory over Djibouti in Matchday three of the qualifiers.

Coach Amidu Karim’s team needs to either win or avoid defeat against Burkina Faso to keep their World Cup hopes alive. A loss will significantly reduce the Leones Stars’ chances.

This upcoming match at the 26th of March Stadium will be the second meeting between the two West African nations, Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso last played each other almost 30 years ago.

Sierra Leone won with a score of 2-1, thanks to Mohamed Kallon’s winning goal at the 1996 Nations Cup in South Africa. Now, both teams are set to meet again in Bamako for the 2026 World Cup qualifying match. What will the outcome be this time?

Burkina Faso is coming off a defeat to Egypt but started their World Cup qualifying journey with a draw against Guinea-Bissau and a victory over Ethiopia.

On the other hand, Sierra Leone’s recent 2-1 win against Djibouti brought an end to their four-match winless run.

This victory has moved Sierra Leone to fourth place in the group standings, just behind Burkina Faso on goal difference.

Despite the recent defeat, Traore was a standout performer for Burkina Faso against Egypt, and he is expected to lead the attack again.

Monday – 10 June, 2024

  • Somalia v Botswana (Group G) | 1300 | Maputo, Mozambique
  • Equatorial Guinea  v Malawi  (Group H) | 1300 | Malabo, Equatorial Guinea 
  • Madagascar v Mali (Group I) | 1300 | Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Guinea Bissau v Egypt (Group A) | 1600 | Bissau, Guinea Bissau
  • Benin v Nigeria (Group C) | 1600 | Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire
  • Uganda v Algeria  (Group G) | 1600 | Namboole, Uganda
  • Guinea  v Mozambique (Group G) | 1900 | El Jadida, Morocco
  • Ghana  v Central African Republic  (Group I) | 1900 | Kumasi, Ghana
  • Burkina Faso v Sierra Leone (Group A) | 1900 | Bamako, Mali
Cameroon brush Cape Verde aside in qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cameroon brush Cape Verde aside in qualifier

Cameroon’s Captain Vincent Aboubakar scored two goals as the team defeated Cape Verde Islands 4-1 in their World Cup qualifier, putting them level with Libya at the top of Group D with seven points.

Center-back Michael Ngadeu made a strong comeback, scoring in the 13th minute to give Cameroon the lead.

Ngamaleu provided the assist for the second goal 12 minutes later, and Jamiro Monteiro scored for the opposing team in the 37th minute.

But a foul on Ngamaleu by Deroy Duarte three minutes later gave Cameroon a penalty that Aboubakar converted to restore their two-goal lead.

The Indomitable Lions went 4-1 up when a 54th-minute cross into the opposing box was headed forward by Ngadeu and finished off by Nouhou Tolo.

The home side’s day was complete when Onana saved a stoppage-time penalty from Kevin Pina.

With the most World Cup appearances among African countries, Cameroon faced a threat to their 2026 bid due to a conflict between the football federation and sports ministry.

The government appointed a new coach without consulting the federation president, leading to disputes and power struggles. After weeks of tension, a compromise was reached.

Abu Kamara makes England U20 debut in win over Sweden
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Abu Kamara makes England U20 debut in win over Sweden

Norwich City FC striker Abu Kamara made his England men’s U20 debut in Croatia as they defeated Sweden 2-1 at Stadion ŠRC Sesvete on Friday.

Kamara played 66 minutes before being replaced by Millwall winger Romain Esse.

In their first game this month, Ben Futcher’s team secured a 2-1 victory with goals from Will Alves and Dane Scarlett.

Alves scored early, and Scarlett added another goal just before the hour mark. Sweden scored a late goal, but England held on for the win.

England: 1 Jed Ward (Bristol Rovers), 2 Kellen Fisher (Norwich City), 5 Ben Nelson (Leicester City), 7 Abu Kamara (Norwich City), 8 Jobe Bellingham (Sunderland), 9 Dane Scarlett (Tottenham Hotspur) ©, 10 George Earthy (West Ham United), 14 Kaelan Casey (West Ham United), 16 Noel Buck (New England Revolution), 18 William Alves (Leicester City), 23 Ben Christie (Aston Villa)

Substitutes: 4 Samuel Braybrooke (Leicester City) for Buck 50, 17 Martial Godo (Fulham) for Alves 50, 6 Charlie Hughes (Wigan Athletic) for Bellingham 55, 15 Bradley Hills (Norwich City) for Nelson 55, 3 Archie Brown (K.A.A. Gent) for Casey 55, 21 Alex Matos (Chelsea) for Chrisene 55, 20 Romain Esse (Millwall) for Fisher 65, 19 Bailey-Tye Cadamarteri (Sheffield Wednesday) for Earthy 65, 12 Roman Dixon (Everton) for Scarlett 65, 11 Benico Baker-Boaiter (Brighton & Hove Albion) for Kamara 65

Substitutes not used: 13 Tommy Simkin (Stoke City), 22 Tommy Setford (Ajax), 23 Ben Cisse (West Bromwich Albion)

Interim head coach: Ben Futcher

Goals: William Alves 11, Dane Scarlett 59