Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

LAFC Strengthens Attack with Signing of Kei Kamara
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Kei Kamara joins his 11th MLS club Los Angeles

Los Angeles has signed veteran forward Kei Kamara for the 2024 season with an option for 2025. Kamara, 39, has played for a record 11 different MLS teams, scored 144 goals, and is one of the all-time greatest goal scorers in MLS history.

“Kei is considered one of the best goal scorers in the history of Major League Soccer and will be a valuable addition to our team’s attacking force,” stated John Thorrington, LAFC’s Co-President and General Manager. “Kei has a long history of playing in Southern California, so we are confident that it will be a source of pride for him to represent LAFC.”

He returned to Southern California, where he played in high school and college before starting his MLS career in 2006. 

The ex-Sierra Leone striker joins LAFC after playing for the Chicago Fire in the 2023 season, where he scored five goals and registered two assists in 27 regular-season appearances.

Kamara played for Columbus in 2006-2007 before moving to San Jose Earthquakes and later Houston Dynamo. 

He then played five seasons with Sporting Kansas City from 2009 to 2013 before returning to the Columbus Crew in 2015.

After tying for the league lead in goals in a record-setting season with Columbus, Kamara played for several teams such as New England Revolution, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Colorado Rapids, Minnesota United FC, and Montréal in 2022.

Kamara played in Europe on loan with Norwich City in 2013 and later signed with Middlesbrough FC in the English Championship. He returned to Europe in 2021 with Finland’s HIFK. 

Internationally, Kamara has made 39 appearances for Sierra Leone, scoring seven goals and registering one assist across all competitions

Sierra Leone mourns one of its greatest Lamin Bangura
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone mourns Lamin Bangura one of its greatest

Ports Authority head coach Lamin Bangura, one of Sierra Leone’s greatest footballers of all time, has sadly passed away following a tragic road accident on Tuesday. 

The late Bangura was a successful coach and player in West Africa, winning titles in Guinea and Sierra Leone. He suffered fatal injuries that ultimately led to his death. Several players and officials are currently in critical condition after a serious accident. 

“On March 25th, 2024, the team departed from Freetown en route to Kenema for a Premier League match between Kanhula Rangers and Port Authority. Unfortunately, while traveling along Konta Line Mile 91, their bus collided with a stationary vehicle, resulting in the tragic loss of a beloved football legend,” Ports Authority confirmed. 

Bangura helped Sierra Leone qualify for Tunisia AFCON 1996 and played for the team in AFCON 1994 and 1996. He also played a key role in As Kaloum’s CAF Clubs Cup final 1995.

The former ASEC Mimosas Abidjan defender was a crucial figure in guiding the Diamond Stars to their first Premier League title in 2012. It was the first Sierra Leonean club outside Freetown to win the league.

“I write with pain upon hearing the sudden death of one of our national football heroes, Coach Lamin Bangura, together with the bus driver and conductor.

Coach Lamin, you have done a lot for the growth of football in Sierra Leone as a player and coach. You represented the country, coached the National U23, and won the 2012 Sierra Leone Premier League with Diamond Stars. Your diligence is admirable,” SLFA’s boss, Thomas Brima

“We extend our deepest condolences to the club, families, and friends of those who lost their lives, including the head coach, Lamin Bangura. Our hearts go out to you all,” The Sierra Leone FA stated

“The Board extends its sympathy to all individuals impacted by this incident. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time,” the Sierra Leone Premier Board noted.

The league board announced the cancellation of the Kahunla Rangers and Ports Authority scheduled match on 27th March 2024 due to an unfortunate event.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Ports Authority FC and the family of Head Coach Lamin Bangura. May his soul rest in peace. East End Lions FC stands in solidarity with Ports Authority FC. Our condolences go out to all who knew and loved Coach Bangura,” EE Lions posted.

“Your kindness and love touched us deeply, and your departure has left a void that cannot be filled. We will miss you dearly,” Freetown City FC.

Wealdstone boss David Nobel hails Kallum Cesay after debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Wealdstone boss Nobel hails Kallum Cesay after debut

Wealdstone Football Club announced in February that they had signed Sierra Leone International Kallum Cesay on a permanent deal.

The former Tottenham youngster made his official debut for Wealdstone on Saturday in a 1-1 draw against Kidderminster Harriers. 

Although the Stones took the lead during first-half stoppage time through in-form Max Kretzschmar, a late goal from Ash Hemmings rescued a point for the Harriers. 

Head coach David Nobel was impressed with Kallum Cesay’s input in the game, describing him as ‘solid’ in his first senior game.

According to Noble, “He was exceptional. You saw what a fit boy he is by the amount of times he overlapped in the first half. He looked solid defensively on what was his first game in senior football.” 

Wealdstone will return to action on Tuesday evening when they travel to the J Davidson Stadium to face Altrincham in a 7.45 pm kick-off.

CAF workshop on improving Stadium infrastructure
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF workshop on improving Stadium infrastructure

CAF is hosting a stadium inspectors workshop in Rabat, Morocco, to monitor African infrastructure.

Investment in football infrastructure in Africa – building and maintenance of stadiums in the countries that are part of the 54 CAF Member Associations, is a key focus for the CAF Leadership.

Already commenced on Monday, the workshop in Morocco will continue till Wednesday, and the participants will undergo various theoretical and practical activities. They will also be taken for stadium visits accompanied by designated CAF Departmental Heads.

The workshop was inaugurated by Mr Fouzi Lekjaa, the President of Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) and a CAF Executive Committee Member. He emphasized the importance of investing in world-class infrastructure and maintaining the facilities.

To ensure that African clubs and Member Associations can host CAF events, the CAF conducts a Stadium Inspectors Workshop to train stadium inspectors appointed by the CAF.

These inspectors will guide the African clubs and Member Associations in complying with the CAF Stadium Regulations (edition 2022).

Augustine Williams delighted to open new season account
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Augustine Williams delighted to open new season account 

Augustine Williams was delighted to get off the mark after opening his account for new club Indy Eleven. 

On Saturday night, at Carroll Stadium, The striker, who signed for Indy ahead of the new USL season, scored his first goal for Indy Eleven in a 1-1 draw against Sacramento Republic. It was his home debut for the new club.

In the 31st minute, Indy Eleven conceded an own goal, but it was short-lived as Augi Williams scored a goal, assisted by Max Schneider, almost immediately, equalizing the match.

Both teams had chances in the second half, but neither was able to score the winning goal.

“Home opener debut. Deserved more than 1 point. Thanks to our amazing supporters for the support. Happy to score my first goal for this amazing club. Great shift by the lads, on to the next one @IndyEleven,” Williams noted on Twitter.

Indy Eleven’s next game is against Detroit City FC, the first Eastern Conference foe of the season, which will also be played at Carroll Stadium next Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.

Malachi Jones makes his New York City's MLS debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Malachi Jones makes his New York City’s MLS debut

On Saturday, New York City FC played against Cincinnati at TQL Stadium and lost 1-0 in a closely contested match. 

Although both teams had few clear chances, Lucho Acosta managed to score the only goal of the match in the 57th minute. 

Despite their best efforts and fighting till the very end, City were unable to find an equalizer before the final whistle.

New York City FC were on the hunt for back-to-back wins as they took on FC Cincinnati on Saturday.

The hosts had enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season under Pat Noonan’s guidance, but City were eager to change that.

Malachi Jones, who hails from Sierra Leone, made his debut for New York City in their match against Cincinnati on Saturday. 

Head coach Nick Cushing brought Jones off the bench in the 67th minute, along with Alonso Martínez. 

Hannes Wolf and Fernández were the players who were replaced by Jones and Martínez. The match ultimately ended in a 1-0 defeat for New York City.

Morocco 2025 prelims; Chad, Liberia & Eswatini in driving seat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco 2025 prelims; Chad, Liberia & Eswatini in driving seat

On Wednesday, 20 March, Liberia and Eswatini won their first-leg matches in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 qualifiers. 

Liberia beat Djibouti 2-0 at home, while Eswatini won 3-0 against Liberia. On Friday, Chad also won their first-leg match, beating Mauritius 1-0.

Chad’s win gives them a slim lead in the two-legged affair against Mauritius. The return leg will take place on Tuesday, 26 March. 

Meanwhile, on the same evening, Sao Tome and Principe drew 0-0 against South Sudan in Berkane.

The eight lowest-ranked nations according to FIFA Rankings are currently playing in a home-and-away knockout format for the preliminary stage of the qualifiers. 

The four remaining nations from this stage will be eligible to join the 44 other nations in the group stages of the qualifiers.

TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 Preliminary Qualifiers Results:

First Leg Fixtures:

Wednesday, 20 March 

Somalia 0 – 3 Eswatini

Djibouti 0 – 2 Liberia

Friday, 22 March

Chad 1 – 0 Mauritius

Sao Tome and Principe 0 – 0 South Sudan

Return Leg Fixtures:

Tuesday, 26 March

13:00 GMT | Eswatini – Somalia

16:00 GMT | Liberia – Djibouti

17:00 GMT | South Sudan – Sao Tome and Principe

15:00 GMT | Mauritius – Chad

Ghana beat Uganda to clinch African Games Football Gold
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana beat Uganda to clinch African Games Football Gold

Ghana’s U20 won the 2023 African Games Men’s Football tournament by defeating Uganda 1-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium. Jerry Afriyie scored the decisive goal in the final. 

The Ghanaian team, under Coach Desmond Offei, showed a strong performance throughout the tournament to win the gold medal.

Despite an intense and captivating first half from both sides, the score remained goalless, with Ghana coming close to scoring several times.

After halftime, Ghana intensified their attacking efforts and scored in the 90th minute to win the gold medal, while Uganda claimed silver for their commendable performance.

Having triumphed over Congo earlier in the day, Senegal received the bronze medals in recognition of their achievements.

The victory is a significant triumph for Ghana in the realm of African football as they completed a clean sweep by winning gold in both men’s and women’s football.

Ghana crowned African Games queens after comeback win over Nigeria
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana crowned African Games champions after defeating Nigeria

Ghana’s U20 team won the women’s football tournament at the 13th African Games, beating defending champions Nigeria 2-1 in a dramatic final on Thursday night. 

Nigeria took the lead with a goal from Edeh Njideka in the 28th minute, but Ghana rallied in the second half, inspired by their home crowd. 

Tracey Twum scored a fine equalizer in the 78th minute, taking the match to extra time. Mukarama Abdulai then scored a classy winner, securing Ghana’s second African Games women’s football gold medal. 

The hosts celebrated wildly, while Nigeria took silver, and Uganda won bronze after defeating Senegal in the third-place playoff. 

“I’m so proud of this team. We never stopped believing even when we went behind,” said Ghana coach Yussif Basigi.

But it was Ghana’s night as the nation’s rising stars announced themselves on the continental stage with a triumph for the ages.

Midfielder Jon Kamara joins Philippines United City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Midfielder John Kamara joins Philippines United City

Sierra Leone International John Kamara has penned a season deal with United City Football Club in the Philippines Football League (PFL), the top-tier league of football in the Philippines. 

“John Bankolé Kamara is a significant signing for United City FC. His versatility, leadership, and technical ability make him a valuable addition to the squad,” Coach Marian. 

The New Clark City-based club confirmed the news via their website on Friday as Kamara gears up for the new season.

Last season, the former Keşla enforcer played for Egaleo in the Greek second-tier league before leaving to join United City.

City is Kamara’s tenth professional club since he started with Tadamon Sour SC in 2008.

He made his senior international debut for Sierra Leone in 2013 and has made over 20 caps for Sierra Leone. He played a pivotal role on the road to Cameroon in 2021. Kamara played in all Sierra Leone matches at the  2021 AFCON.

“John Bankolé Kamara is a significant signing for United City FC. His versatility, leadership, and technical ability make him a valuable addition to the squad. 

Kamara’s tactical awareness and ability to dictate play make him a formidable presence in midfield. 

His international experience with Sierra Leone adds depth to his credentials. United City FC values his dedication and professionalism,” Coach Marian speaks of his new acquisition. 

Kamara played a pivotal role in Sierra Leone's AFCON 2021 campaign in Cameroon.
Kamara played a pivotal role in Sierra Leone's AFCON 2021 campaign in Cameroon.