Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Liberia & Eswatini register encouraging wins in Afcon preliminaries
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Liberia & Eswatini register encouraging wins in Afcon preliminaries

Liberia and Eswatini claimed impressive away victories in their respective Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, preliminary round ties on Wednesday. Liberia defeated Djibouti 2-0, while Eswatini thrashed Somalia 3-0.

Ammed Sangare and Murphy Dorley helped Liberia secure a comfortable lead at halftime. Sangare scored the opening goal in the 23rd minute by converting a penalty. In the 35th minute, Dorley made it 2-0 by brilliantly firing in a second ball from Sebastian Teclar’s cross inside the box.

Eswatini were also celebrating after demolishing Somalia 3-0 in the Moroccan city of El Jadida to put one foot in the group stage qualifiers. 

Striker Sabelo Ndzinisa was the hero, netting twice on either side of Felicio Figuareido’s 40th-minute opener for the visitors.

Both sides, Liberia and Eswatini, now have a huge advantage heading into the second legs as they target a place in the group stage on the road to next year’s finals in Morocco. 

Somalia now faces an uphill battle to qualify when they travel to the Mbombela Stadium in the South African city of Nelspruit for the return on March 26th.

Uganda defeated Congo to set up Ghana's final in African games
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Uganda down Congo to set up African Games final against Ghana

Uganda and Ghana will compete in the men’s final of the 13th African Games on Friday after winning their respective semi-final matches in Accra on Tuesday. 

Both matches were thrilling and produced exciting football performances. The final promises to be a fiercely contested battle between two formidable opponents as Ghana and Uganda aim to win gold medal glory.

Ghana secured their place in the final with a late goal against Senegal, winning 1-0. Meanwhile, Uganda staged a remarkable comeback from two goals down to defeat Congo 4-2 in a six-goal thriller.

Ghana’s home support played a crucial role in their narrow victory, with Michael Ephson scoring the only goal of the match. 

Uganda’s success was attributed to prayers and hard work by their coach Morley Byekwaso, who expressed their aspirations to join the ranks of African football giants.

Congo’s coach, Clement Massamba Madieta, lamented his team’s performance, acknowledging the challenges they faced due to fatigue from previous matches. 

Despite their disappointment, Madieta emphasized his team’s determination to salvage a podium finish in the bronze medal match.

David Sesay nets a stunner as Eastbourne Borough beat Taunton Town
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

David Sesay nets a stunner as Eastbourne beat Taunton Town

Eastbourne Borough defeated Taunton Town 2-0 in the National League South on Saturday, with Sierra Leone International David Sesay being instrumental in the victory.

David Sesay’s stunning strike gave the Sports the lead at the break, with Yahya Bamba’s late goal wrapping up all three points at Priory Lane.

Adam Murray’s side is now just three points from National League South safety with eight games to go.

In the first half, the visitors came close to scoring when Nat Jarvis hit the post and then Seb Bolton before going over. 

The Sports took the lead just before half-time with an excellent goal from Sesay. 

In the second half, Borough sealed the win in stoppage time with a goal from Yahya Bamba.

Born in Brent, Sesay joined Watford in 2007, turning professional in June 2016. Last season, he made 35 appearances for Weymouth and scored twice, having played an integral role in helping them escape relegation on the final day of last season.

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CAF Launches CLOP System for MA's Top-tier Men’s Competitions
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Launches CLOP System for MA’s Top-tier Men’s Competitions

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has introduced a new system called the “Club Licensing System” for the top-tier men’s competitions of its member associations. This new system will ensure that the clubs meet the required standards in areas such as management, infrastructure, legal, financial and sporting aspects.

The CAF Club Licensing Online Platform (CLOP) has recently completed its pilot phase with great success. As a result, CAF is proud to announce the extension of this revolutionary initiative to all top-tier men’s club competitions across all 54 Member Associations.

The CLOP system is a cutting-edge electronic tool designed by CAF to streamline and oversee club licensing and stadium inspections for both domestic and continental competitions.

Through this platform, every Member Association is now equipped with a fully automated and electronic club licensing process. This allows clubs to easily archive and submit their club licensing documents virtually for CAF Club Interclub competitions.

In line with CAF’s goal of developing football across the continent, the system will now be extended to all Member Associations to implement within their domestic top-tier club competitions.

Under Article 64 of the CAF Men’s Club Licensing Regulations (edition 2022), the system will focus on implementing domestic club licensing criteria for men’s top-tier national club competitions across all 54 Member Associations.

With this initiative, CAF is paving the way towards a more efficient and transparent football landscape across the continent. By implementing this system, CAF is ensuring fair play and safety for all involved in football, from fans to clubs and players alike.

Napoli confirm Victor Osimhen's omission from Nigeria's friendlies
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Napoli confirm Victor Osimhen’s omission from Nigeria’s friendlies

Napoli has confirmed that Victor Osimhen will not be playing in Nigeria’s upcoming friendlies against Ghana’s Black Stars and the Eagles of Mali. 

This is because Napoli, the club he plays for, has confirmed that he is not yet fully fit to play. Osimhen has been dealing with fitness issues and started on the bench during a crucial Serie A match against Inter Milan on Sunday.

According to Napoli coach Francesco Calzona, Osimhen has an inflammation of the scar from an old injury, and he hasn’t been given a clean bill of health to start playing football. 

As a result, Napoli won’t release him for Nigeria’s next friendly matches. The club is taking precautionary measures to avoid worsening his injury, so Osimhen has missed some training sessions and only participated in partial workouts with his teammates during the week.

The Super Eagles will play Ghana’s Black Stars and the Eagles of Mali in international friendlies in Morocco. 

Meanwhile, Napoli is struggling this season and having Osimhen around for their next matches against Atalanta could make a huge difference in the team’s pursuit of European football next season. However, his involvement in the game was uncertain due to an inflammation of a scar from a previous injury.

Mjøndalen's adventure for striker Alie Conteh in Norway
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mjøndalen’s adventure for striker Alie Conteh in Norway 

Alie Conteh, a Sierra Leonean footballer, has secured work and residence permits to play for Mjøndalen in the 2024 season.

Mjøndalen competes in Obos Ligaen, the second tier in the Norwegian football league system.

The former FC Kallon and East End Lions striker was on trial with the team this summer and impressed immediately, even scoring two goals in an internal game.

The nineteen-year-old, who is a centre-forward, arrived in Norway on Friday and is ready to start training with his new teammates. 

Conteh is mainly a centre-forward but can also play in both wing roles. Head coach Kevin Nicol is also delighted to have the nineteen-year-old join the team. 

While other European clubs were interested, Conteh chose Mjøndalen. 

Head coach Kevin Nicol is delighted to have the fast player with excellent heading skills, who can also play in both wing roles. The team has high hopes for him.

Sullay Kaikai Wins Cambridge's February Player Of The Month Award
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sullay Kaikai Wins Cambridge’s Player Of The Month Award 

The winger of the Cambridge United team has won his first award of the season after an outstanding performance in February.

He contributed with one goal and four assists for the team. Kaikai, the winger, expressed his gratitude to the fans for recognising his efforts. He said, “It is a big thing to have my performances recognised by the fans. 

Ultimately, the goal is to help the team achieve its targets, but having the fans recognise my efforts is something special.” 

Love Cambridge is the sponsor of the Player of the Month award, and it is part of Cambridge BID, which is a collaboration of 1,200 businesses working to promote and improve the city of Cambridge. 

Each month’s winner will visit different famous locations in the city, courtesy of Love Cambridge, to have their photo taken with the award.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 – Players Abroad News.

Abu Kamara brace helps Inform Portsmouth defeat Shrewsbury Town
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Portsmouth’s John Mousinho impressed with striker Abu Kamara

John Mousinho has praised Abu Kamara for his performance in Portsmouth’s push for promotion to the Championship. 

On Tuesday, Kamara was handful in their win as Kusini Yengi’s double saw Portsmouth take another step closer to the Championship with a 2-1 victory over Burton Albion.

As a result, Pompey is five points clear of second-placed Derby County and six in front of Bolton Wanderers in third.

Kamara, a 20-year-old on loan from Norwich City, has been a key player for the League One leaders, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists in 38 league matches. 

He has become popular with the supporters, and although Norwich intends to bring him back to Carrow Road next season, they want him to impress suitably in pre-season to join their first-team squad. 

Kamara has a job to do in Portsmouth as they seek to secure their return to the Championship with 12 games remaining. 

Mousinho was impressed with Kamara’s performance in their last match and believes that he has more room for improvement before the end of the season.

The striker is still eligible to represent Sierra Leone despite a report from Football Insider’s reporter Peter O’Rourke that Kamara has turned down a chance to play for the West African nation.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 – Players Abroad News.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

EE Lions, Bhantal to kick start Leone Rock League second phase

On Friday, the Killers will start their hunt for the title against newly promoted and in-form Bhantal FC in the second-round Premier League run at the SLFA Secretariat renovated playing ground at Kingtom, Freetown.

Both teams drew 1-1 at the Parade Field in Freetown, in March. A win for the Killers means they will close the gap on their match-day rival to one point, while Bhantal will move up to second place, at least for a day, with maximum points.

Under the supervision of Head Coach Isaac Kofi Sarfo Castro, East End Lions have turned their season around, winning their last two matches and being unbeaten in their last six games.

In their last matches, they defeated league leaders Bo Rangers, Diamond Stars, and Luawa FC, which was part of their impressive run.

However, Bhantal, with their impressive stats, will be a tough side to defeat.

Bhantal had an impressive first half of the season, achieving eight wins, seven draws, and two defeats in seven games.

Throughout the entire phase, they only conceded six goals, which speaks volumes about the meticulous planning and training of the coaching staff.

Assistant Coaches Musa Jalloh and Ibrahim Sorkey Kamara have worked diligently with Head Coach Abdulai Kaloga Bah, ensuring the team remains competitive in every match.

Ports Authority set for FC Kallon cracker as improved Luawa hosts Real Republicans and Kholifa Stars takes on Bai Bureh Warriors in Saturday’s fixtures.

The Bhantal team that suffered an away defeat to Bo Rangers to conclude the first round.
The Bhantal team that suffered an away defeat to Bo Rangers to conclude the first round.
Amara Nallo named to Liverpool first team squad in City draw
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Amara Nallo named to Liverpool’s first-team squad in the City draw

On Sunday, Liverpool’s young centre-back Amara Nallo was named to the Premier League squad by Jurgen Klopp in their 1-1 draw against City at Anfield.

Liverpool and Manchester City played to a thrilling draw at Anfield, leaving Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.

This was Nallo’s second appearance for Liverpool’s first team, having been named to the bench in the FA Cup tie against Southampton. 

Klopp selected several academy players, including Lewis Koumas, James McConnell, Bobby Clark and Amara Nallo. 

The 17-year-old joined Liverpool’s Under-18s team under Marc Bridge-Wilkinson this season and has played five games, including three in the FA Youth Cup.

That number would have been higher, had it not been for the teenager impressing so much that he has been called up to the club’s Under-21 squad.

Liverpool signed Nallo from West Ham in September last year when he was 16 years old.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 – Players Abroad News.