Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone U17 girls record back-to-back wins in WAFU qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone U17 girls record back-to-back wins in WAFU qualifiers

Sierra Leone made a significant strides in the WAFU Girls U17 qualifiers, currently leading the way in their group after securing a second consecutive victory.

Sierra Leone made a significant stride in the WAFU Girls U-17 qualifiers, currently leading their group after securing a second consecutive victory.

In their opening match, they demonstrated their strength by defeating Senegal. Following this impressive performance, Sierra Leone continued their success with a 3-0 win over Liberia on Friday.

Marian Sankoh from Sierra Leone has been recognised as the Woman of the Match for the second consecutive game, scoring once again in the 3-0 victory. This marks her second goal in just two matches of the tournament.

Sierra Leone’s upcoming matches are set for Tuesday against Senegal and Thursday against the host nation, Liberia.

Sierra Leone U17 girls record back-to-back wins in WAFU qualifiers
Sierra Leone U17 girls record back-to-back wins in WAFU qualifiers
East End Lions to face tricky North Africa contest against US Monastir
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

East End Lions set for tricky North Africa contest against US Monastir

East End Lions, one of Sierra Leone's most celebrated football clubs, have headed north to take on Tunisian side US Monastir in the first leg of their CAF Champions League matchup on Sunday, September 21st.

The return fixture is set for September 28th at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium. Both matches will take place in Tunisia. This is an advantage for the Tunisian team, which finished second in last season’s Pro League 1.

Nonetheless, Head Coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara has expressed his satisfaction with his team’s preparation before they departed for Tunisia.

“Preparation has been ongoing seriously in Port Loko, where the team is camped. We are focused on team organisation and integration, as some of the players are new to the team. We are going to give our best to make our presence felt, and we are looking forward to breaking records.

“The Killers’ delegation has left its training camp in Port Loko this morning, en route to Guinea. The delegation consisted of players and officials.

While in Guinea, the team will depart at the Guinea International airport this evening (Thursday) for Tunisia, where they will continue their preparations ahead of Sunday’s clash against US MONASTIR in the CAF Champions League,” the club confirmed these details.

This is Lions’ fifth appearance in the CAF Champions League, and in their last four attempts, they were eliminated in the Preliminary rounds.

In the 2010 edition, the Lions were eliminated by the Tunisian side ES Tunis with an aggregate score of 5-4. The first leg ended in a 2-2 draw, followed by a 3-2 victory for the Tunisians in the second leg.

US Monastir finished second in last season's Tunisian Pro League 1
US Monastir finished second in last season's Tunisian Pro League 1
Sierra Leone up two places from 124 to 122 in latest FIFA rankings after September's International break. 34 in Africa!!!
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone move up two places in latest Fifa ranking

Sierra Leone has climbed to 122nd place in the latest FIFA world rankings, which were released on Thursday morning.

The Leone Stars improved their standing by 10.6 points compared to the rankings from July, bringing their total to 1150.01 points and surpassing Malaysia, Azerbaijan, and Zimbabwe in the process.

Sierra Leone’s move comes after recent results in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where they played to 1-1 in Guinea-Bissau and a 2-0 win over Ethiopia.

Currently, they are third in Group A of the World Cup qualifiers, aiming for a place in the playoff, although the possibilities are very slim.

On the African continent, Sierra Leone sits in 34th place, trailing The Gambia at 30th, Sudan at 31, Niger at 32, and Togo at 33 standings.

Morocco continues to sit atop the African and Arab rankings, followed by Senegal in 18th, Egypt in 35th, and Algeria in 38th.

Spain is in first place, followed by France, which has moved up to second position, just behind the Spaniards.

The French team triumphed over Ukraine (2-0) and Iceland (2-1), with Kylian Mbappé surpassing Thierry Henry to become the second-highest scorer in the history of the national team, now with 52 goals.

In the remainder of the Top 10, England (4th), Netherlands (7th), and Belgium (8th) maintained their rankings. Croatia (9th) and Italy (10th) each improved by one spot, securing a place in the elite segment of the ranking.

Sierra Leone clubs to benefit from new FIFA Programme
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone clubs to benefit from new FIFA Programme

For the first time, the program will directly reward all clubs that release players for the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Sierra Leone Premier League clubs will benefit from this initiative launched by the world governing body.

For the first time, the program will directly reward all clubs that release players for the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Sierra Leone Premier League clubs will benefit from this initiative launched by the world governing body.

A total of USD 355 million has been allocated for club football, representing a nearly 70% increase compared to the previous edition. This funding is part of the renewed memorandum of understanding between FIFA and the European Club Association.

More clubs than ever are set to benefit from the FIFA World Cup™, as FIFA gears up to implement an enhanced edition of the FIFA Club Benefits Programme (CBP) for the 2026 edition of its flagship men’s competition.

As per the renewed memorandum of understanding signed by FIFA and the European Club Association (ECA) in March 2023, clubs who release players for the FIFA World Cup 26™ will benefit from USD 355 million overall.

For the first time since its inception, the CBP distribution principles have been adjusted to now allow every club whose players directly feature either in the FIFA World Cup 26™ qualifiers or the final tournament to receive a share of the solidarity fund.  

This new approach means that any club that releases a player for a FIFA World Cup 26 qualifier will now be directly compensated for said release, irrespective of whether the player plays at the final tournament, an additional step to increase solidarity aimed at providing a fairer and more inclusive redistribution across global club football.

Sierra Leone open U17 girls qualifiers with a win over Senegal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone open U17 girls qualifiers with a win over Senegal

Sierra Leone's U17 girls made a significant impact by defeating Senegal 2-1 in their opening match of the WAFU CAF qualifiers held in the Liberian capital on Wednesday.

Marian Sankoh opened the scoring with a brilliant long-range strike in the 20th minute, giving Sierra Leone an early lead. However, Senegal responded, equalising in the 61st minute thanks to a goal from Ndeye Haby Barro.

As both teams fought hard for a winner, it was Sierra Leone’s Mareray Turay who ultimately made the difference. In the 78th minute, she headed home a well-placed pass from the left wing, beating the Senegalese goalkeeper and sealing the victory for her team.

Woman of the Match Game 1: Marian Sankoh and the victory have placed Sierra Leone in an advantageous position as they prepare to take on the host nation, Liberia, this Friday at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium.

Sierra Leone is scheduled to play against Liberia on Friday, September 19. Following this match, they will face Senegal on September 23 and conclude their campaign with another match against Liberia on September 25.

Sierra Leone open U17 girls qualifiers with a win over Senegal
Sierra Leone open U17 girls qualifiers with a win over Senegal
On Wednesday, Sierra Leone and Senegal before their opening action at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium.
On Wednesday, Sierra Leone and Senegal before their opening action at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium.
Sierra Leone and Senegal players battled for the ball on Wednesday
Sierra Leone and Senegal players battled for the ball on Wednesday
Jaze Kabia helps Grimsby Town to Carabao Cup fourth round
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Jaze Kabia helps Grimsby Town to Carabao Cup fourth round

Jaze Kabia scored the winner as Grimsby Town, who knocked out Manchester United in the Carabao Cup, secured a deserved win against struggling Sheffield Wednesday to reach the fourth round.

Grimsby performed better in the first half and eventually took the lead shortly after the interval when Sierra Leonean native Jaze Kabia scored with a header from Reece Staunton’s corner kick. (Photo Grimsby Town)

Afterwards, the visitors created further chances to extend their lead, but a single goal was sufficient against a Wednesday side that made 10 alterations following their Championship loss to Bristol City on Saturday.

This marks Grimsby’s return to the fourth round for the first time since the 2001-02 season.

The struggling home team had only managed two wins this season, both achieved on penalties against Bolton and Leeds in this competition, but they failed to find an equaliser to take the match to penalties, with visiting keeper Christy Pym not being called into action for a single save.

Grimsby brought around 6,000 fans from Lincolnshire to South Yorkshire and started brightly against a largely inexperienced Wednesday team.

Kabia scored with a header just four minutes into the second half, helping Grimsby take the lead after a strong first half against Henrik Pedersen’s team.

Despite chances for Jamie Walker and Charles Vernam, Wednesday struggled to respond. Grimsby now awaits a favourable draw for the tournament’s last 16 next Wednesday, while the Owls turn their attention to seeking their first Championship win of the season against Portsmouth on Saturday, with the Mariners facing Barnet in League Two.

Morocco's Fouzi Lekjaa reiterates readiness to host Africa Cup of Nations
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa reiterates readiness to host Africa Cup of Nations

President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa, has reiterated Morocco's readiness to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) later this year.

In a beIN Sports interview, he stated that the country’s preparations stem from years of planning and investment, rather than hurried efforts at the last minute.

He acknowledged the vision of King Mohammed VI, whose reforms over the past twenty years have focused on developing world-class sports infrastructure and cultivating football talent across the nation. “Thanks to His Majesty’s long-term vision, Morocco is poised to deliver a benchmark event that will set a high standard for future AFCON tournaments,” Lekjaa remarked.

The 2025 AFCON, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, will take place across six cities in Morocco, each featuring newly constructed or completely renovated stadiums that rank among the most modern in Africa.

In addition to state-of-the-art venues, the country has bolstered its logistics, security, and hospitality services to meet global expectations.

Lekjaa emphasised that Morocco envisions this tournament as more than just a sporting event, viewing it as a celebration of African unity and solidarity. He noted, “This isn’t just about football; it’s a chance to showcase brotherhood across Africa.”

The North African country aims to combine its excellent infrastructure and hospitality to elevate continental competitions. For Lekjaa, the 2025 AFCON will highlight Morocco’s growing status as a global sports destination and honour the traditions that make the tournament a beloved African event.

Pyramids FC Advance after win defeating Auckland City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pyramids Advance after defeating Auckland City in Intercontinental Cup

Pyramids FC has progressed to the next round of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup after a decisive 3-0 win over Auckland City in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup Play-off.

Goals from Walid El Karti, Marwan Hamdy, and Mostafa Ziko were pivotal at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, as the dominant African champions triumphed over the tough challenge posed by their Oceania rivals.

Pyramids will now advance to compete against Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli, the champions of the AFC Champions League Elite, in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup – and are only two matches away from a chance at the Intercontinental Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain.

The Egyptians continued to press the visitors’ goal and thought they had scored again just before the half-hour mark. However, Mohamed Hamdy’s strong header was correctly ruled out for offside.

Auckland’s best chance came on a counter-attack. Dylan Manickum was clear on goal but missed wide, wasting a great opportunity for a surprise equaliser in the second half.

However, Marwan Hamdy ended any hopes for Auckland by scoring 16 minutes from time with a powerful header from close range.

Substitute Ziko then added a third goal, taking advantage of the tiring Auckland defence and curling a great shot inside the far post.

Al Ahli now waits for Pyramids. The winner of that match will face either Mexico’s Cruz Azul, the Concacaf Champions Cup winners, or the yet-to-be-determined CONMEBOL Libertadores champions.

Whichever team wins from that FIFA Challenger Cup match will go on to compete for the Intercontinental Cup against PSG, the champions of Europe.

Pyramids’ goal: Walid El Karti (14), Marwan Hamdy (74), Mostafa Ziko (85)

Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho nets on Celtic debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho nets on Celtic debut

Debutant Kelechi Iheanacho scored for Celtic as they defeated Kilmarnock at Rugby Park 2-1 on Sunday in added time.

Iheanacho, who signed with Celtic on a one-year contract that includes an option for an additional year, earlier this month, has opened his account.

Celtic had the first chance early in the match when Liam Scales received a corner-kick but couldn’t hit the target.

They dominated possession for the first 20 minutes, holding nearly 80 per cent of the ball, but struggled to create clear chances as Kilmarnock defended deep.
Sebastian Tounekti made an impressive debut on the left wing for Celtic. After 30 minutes, he attempted a lob over the Kilmarnock goalkeeper but missed. He later set up Benjamin Nygren, who failed to score, while Cameron Carter-Vickers forced a save from Max Stryjek with a long shot.

Kilmarnock nearly scored early in the second half, but David Watson missed a free-kick opportunity. Celtic took the lead when Daizen Maeda scored a diving header from a Marcelo Saracchi cross. Ten minutes later, Nygren’s shot was blocked.

With 20 minutes left, Kelechi Iheanacho made his debut, replacing Maeda. Though Celtic created chances, they couldn’t add to their lead. Kilmarnock equalised with a header from Watson off a corner with under 10 minutes remaining.

In a dramatic finish, Celtic was awarded a penalty after a VAR handball check. Iheanacho scored with the last kick of the game, securing a 2-1 win and maintaining Celtic’s unbeaten start to the Premiership season.

Sierra Leone's Mamadou Wurie Jalloh makes Vaasan Palloseura debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Mamadou Wurie Jalloh makes Vaasan Palloseura debut

Sierra Leone's young keeper, Mamadou Wurie Jalloh, made his debut with Veikkausliiga side Vaasan Palloseura in their 2-1 win over FC KTP in their battle for survival in Finland.

Sierra Leone’s young keeper, Mamadou Wurie Jalloh, made his debut with Veikkausliiga side Vaasan Palloseura in their 2-1 win over FC KTP in their battle for survival.

Goals from Prosper Ahiabu and Olli Jakonen gave the hosts their two-goal lead before Matias Paavola scored for the visitors in the 62nd minute, but it was too late as they could not recover from the early goals conceded.

Mamadou Jalloh stepped between the posts for the first time and was pleased to represent the VPS shirt.

“A great debut considering the starting points. A ragged week ahead, having just returned from the national team games. He came in very open-minded and brave.

“It’s great to see a young boy come in with a lot of self-confidence, Nuorela rejoices. It was a pleasure to get my professional senior debut at just 18, a big dream came true,” Jalloh expressed after the final whistle.