Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Midfielder Alusine Koroma joins Spanish side Orihuela CF
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Midfielder Alusine Koroma joins Spanish side Orihuela CF

Midfielder Alusine Koroma has signed a two-year contract with Orihuela CF in the Segunda Federation, in the fourth level of the Spanish football league system.

In the first half of this campaign, Koroma made sixteen appearances for Vélez CF before joining rivals Orihuela CF.

“I am delighted to be part of Orihuela CF, and I am looking forward to helping the team as much as possible,” Koroma told Football Sierra Leone Media. 

“As I step into a new football adventure, my heart swells with gratitude for each one of you. My time at Velez has been nothing short of incredible, brimming with unforgettable memories and the unwavering support of the staff, management, especially Coach Magnus – a true father figure to me – the board, and the passionate fans. You’ve made Velez feel like home,” Koroma noted. 

In 2019, Koroma was a member of the East End Lions team that emerged victorious in the Sierra Leone National Premier League. Later that same year, he underwent a trial with Real Balompédica Linense, a Spanish club where his twin brother, Alhassan, had already signed.

Koroma eventually signed for the club, and in February 2021, he made his debut for the reserve team against CD Alcalá Del Valle.

In June 2021, both Koroma brothers extended their contract with Linense for three more years.

FC Midtjylland move delights Striker Alhaji Kamara
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

FC Midtjylland move delights Striker Alhaji Kamara

Sierra Leone international Alhaji Kamara has expressed his delight after signing a two-year deal with Danish Superliga side FC Midtjylland.

The 29-year-old striker will reunite with his former coach, Thomas Thomasberg, who he worked with at Randers FC with great success. Photo: FC Midtjylland

Kamara is physically strong and will soon join the first team’s preparations in Portugal. He is excited to start a new chapter in his career.

“It’s a great opportunity for me. I’m familiar with Midtjylland from the Superliga, and it’s a major club that competes for titles. It’s a fantastic motivation,” says Kamara.

“Thomasberg and I go way back to our time together at Randers FC, so he knows what I’m capable of. I have great faith in my abilities and look forward to meeting my new teammates at the training camp.”

He has scored over 100 goals in his active football career, which has included stints in Danish, Swedish and American football.

“Kamara is a physically strong player who can provide the team with some of the attributes we lack. There is tough competition for places in the attack, but it’s important for us to bring in players who possess skills that are missing,” says football director Peter Sand.

Peter Sand is supported by Thomas Thomasberg, who has a deep understanding of the striker from their shared past in Randers.

“We are adding a player who offers us a different dimension with his physical presence and goal-scoring ability on the field. Kamara is someone who can turn football matches around,” says Thomas Thomasberg, adding, “He is known to display great courage on the field. Additionally, he has excellent timing and a sense of where the goal is, which is evident from his outstanding goal-scoring record throughout his career.”

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

DR Congo in hunt for first AFCON win over Guinea
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

DR Congo in hunt for first AFCON win over Guinea

On Friday evening, the contest will take place at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpé as DR Congo in search of their first Cup of Nations win over Guinea for a place in the semi-finals.

This will be the fourth meeting between the two nations at the AFCON. DR Congo has never beaten Guinea in three previous group stage meetings, including a 2-1 loss in their last meeting in 2004.

DR Congo has reached the quarter-finals without winning a single game in normal time. However, defender Gédéon Kalulu believes that psychological victories can help them progress. “Certainly, we can note two victories on the psychological front. The first is having beaten a top 5 side on penalties, and the second is not conceding many goals,” said Kalulu.

Guinea is expected to have key players Naby Keita and Serhou Guirassy back from injury, which will boost the team’s morale. “Naby and Serhou are getting better and better. They are two very important assets for our team. Their entries in previous matches were crucial for us,” noted Guinea midfielder Amadou Diawara.

With a chance to make it to the AFCON semi-finals for the first time since 2015, Guinea striker Sory Kaba stressed the need for efficiency. “Against a compact Congolese team, we will have to be rigorous and efficient. The team that makes the least mistakes will go through,” Kaba stated.

The winner of this game face either Mali or Ivory Coast in the semifinal next week.

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

Nigeria's Super Eagles must fancy their chance against Angola
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Fancy Nigeria in delish quarterfinal against Angola

The three-time Cup of Nations champions Nigeria must feel confident about their chances of playing against Angola in the first quarter-final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Friday.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are the latest favourite to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, with many of the continent’s big teams out before the quarter-final stage.

But first, they will have to do themselves justice against a wounded Angola side. This match promises to be exciting for the neutral spectators, as both teams in previous matches have shown a willingness to concede possession and pounce on counter-attacks. 

Angola’s Gelson Dala and Cristóvão Paciência Mabululu, who are among the top scorers at the tournament, will surely pounce on any lacklustre from the Super Eagles defence.

The two nations have met 10 times before, with Nigeria winning three, drawing five, and losing two. Angola defeated Nigeria 1-0 during the FIFA World Cup Africa Group 4 match held at the Estadio da Cidadela, Luanda in June 2004. However, they shared the spoils in the return fixture in June 2005 at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.

According to predictions, Nigeria is expected to win against Angola and either Cape Verde or South Africa and advance to the final on February 11. However, with some surprising results in the tournament so far, Nigeria will need to put in more effort to achieve victory.

The West Africans ranked 42nd in the current FIFA Rankings as the highest-ranked side left in the competition following the exit of Morocco (13th), reigning champions Senegal (20th), Tunisia (28th), Algeria (30th) and Egypt (33rd). 

In comparison, Angola is the lowest-ranked team (117th) left at AFCON 2023 and will be out to cause one of the biggest shocks in recent memory at the tournament. However, the Palancas Negras topped Group D and eliminated Namibia in the round of sixteen – they have won three out of their last four matches at the tournament. 

Throughout the tournament, Nigeria and Angola have had less possession than their opponents, with Nigeria averaging 45.0% and Angola 44.0%. But both teams have been very effective in creating chances from counter-attacks. 

Angola and South Africa lead the tournament with five shots each from counter-attacks, with Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea following closely behind with four.

Ademola Lookman scored twice as the Super Eagles knocked out another heavyweight Cameroon with the help of Victor Osimhen’s fighting spirit.

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

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos eyes AFCON final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos eyes AFCON final 

South Africa’s coach, Hugo Broos, has encouraged his players to aim high and “dream of the final” following their victory over Morocco, the favorites for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. 

Evidence Makgopa and Teboho Mokoena scored the goals in a 2-0 win over 2022 World Cup semi-finalists, Morocco, on Tuesday. 

The 1996 holders will face Cape Verde in the quarter-finals on Saturday at 20:00 GMT. 

South Africa began the tournament with a 2-0 defeat by Mali but went on to secure qualification from a group that saw 2004 champions Tunisia knocked out. 

Broos stressed the importance of growing as a team throughout the tournament, and he believes that their victory over Morocco has given them the confidence to aim higher. 

“The most important thing is that you can grow in a tournament, when you become better and better,” said Broos.

“It’s very good in a tournament that South Africa does it. We eliminated Tunisia. And we were ready to have the confrontation with Morocco.

“If you can win that, then the confidence is so big that we dream now of the final.”

“It was a difficult game, Morocco is still a difficult side and it does not take away how good they are that we won,” South Africa forward Percy Tau said.

“We’ve always been a serious team but for us to win against Morocco and [draw with] Tunisia and to get out of our group, it also gives us a good reputation.

“It does not take away how difficult this tournament is. And that the next game is still going to be also difficult.”

Broos, who is Belgian, has previously won the Afcon trophy himself, guiding Cameroon to victory in 2017.

AFCON 2023 Quarter finals schedules
AFCON 2023 Quarter finals schedules
Mali oust neighbours Burkina Faso in AFCON last 16 duel
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali oust neighbours Burkina Faso in AFCON last 16 duel

Mali secured their place in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 quarter-finals with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Burkina Faso on Tuesday in Korhogo.

As a result, they face tournament hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the quarter-finals on Saturday, 3 February in Bouake.

Mali took the lead just three minutes into the game when a powerful header from Amadou Haidara hit the woodwork and rebounded off Edmond Tabsoba’s clearance, ending up in his net.

Mali continued to dominate the game and had several chances to extend their lead but were unable to convert them into goals.

In the second half, Lassine Sinayoko doubled Mali’s lead by beating the offside trap and slotting the ball past the keeper. However, Burkina Faso was given a lifeline when Mohamed Konate’s header struck the arm of Boubacar Kouyate, and VAR awarded a penalty which Bertrand Traore converted.

Burkina Faso piled on the pressure in the remaining minutes of the game, but Mali’s defense held strong and ensured victory.

Sierra Leone's Ibrahim Conteh set for CAF Instructors Workshop
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Ibrahim Conteh set for CAF Instructors Workshop

The workshop will take place from January 31 to February 2, 2024, and will include 31 participants.

The objective of the workshop is to enhance the Club Licensing system in African football. CAF Muhammad F Sidat will oversee the participants and train potential candidates, who will be assigned by the continental football body to impart knowledge and expertise on the club licensing support mission.

Conteh was chosen by CAF based on his performance during the Training-of-Trainers workshop, which was organized by the Sierra Leone Football Association in December 2023.

The African football landscape aims to continuously improve the Club Licensing system. Therefore, CAF plans to organize a workshop for CAF Club Licensing Instructors and CLOP experts with clear objectives.

CAF will train and select new licensing instructors and experts for the next cycle.

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

Mali & Burkina Faso ready for AFCON last-sixteen decider
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali & Burkina Faso ready for AFCON last-sixteen decider

On Tuesday (January 30), Mali and Burkina Faso will face off in the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 at Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium. 

This will be the second time the neighbouring West African teams will face each other in the AFCON. The first time was during the 2004 edition.

Mali and Burkina Faso have received local support more than any other teams in 2024, except hosts Cote D’Ivoire, where many of their fans reside.

Mali has won seven out of eight clashes against Burkina Faso, who have only managed one draw. However, Burkina Faso looks motivated and could upset their old foes. 

Burkina Faso finished second in Group D with four points, behind leaders Angola, who had a near-flawless run with seven points. 

In contrast, Mali finished unbeaten in the group stage, but Burkina Faso’s defensive weaknesses were exposed in their last group game, where they lost 2-0 against Angola. 

Les Etalons are expected to fix their defensive issues to avoid a similar fate. While Mali is a pacy side that mostly attacks through the flanks, Burkina Faso’s talisman Bertrand Traore, formerly of Chelsea, could come to their rescue.

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

Hosts Cote d'Ivoire purge holders Senegal to reach last eight
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hosts Cote d’Ivoire purge holders Senegal to reach last eight

Cote d’Ivoire defeated reigning defending champions Senegal in a dramatic match, securing their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

Senegal took the lead just four minutes into the game with a goal from Habib Diallo after a superb cross from Sadio Mane.

However, the hosts gradually grew into the game and had the better of the first half, with Ibrahim Sangare posing a constant threat on the wing.

Despite several near misses, Senegal’s defence, led by Kalidou Koulibaly and Abdou Diallo, repelled everything thrown at them.

In the second half, Cote d’Ivoire continued pressing, and the game turned on a pivotal 86th-minute moment when Nicolas Pepe was brought down in the box, and Franck Kessie scored the equalizer from the spot.

The scores remained level in extra time, and in the shootout, both sides netted their first four penalties. However, when Kalifa Coulibaly’s effort came off the upright, Kessie stepped up to smash home the winning kick, capping a remarkable turnaround for the hosts.

Led by captain Serge Aurier, the spirited hosts fought until the end and rode their luck at times against profligate opponents. After a disastrous group stage, Cote d’Ivoire showed tremendous resilience and spirit to dethrone Senegal, who will have to relinquish their title.

The defending champions are out, and the unfancied hosts march on in dramatic style. This result has opened up the tournament and makes the quarter-finals even more exciting.

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

Mendes scored penalty secure Cape Verde's quarter-final spot
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cape Verde book Cup of Nations quarter-final spot

In a thrilling match at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Cape Verde defeated Mauritania 1-0 with a late penalty scored by Ryan Mendes, securing their place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

Throughout the game, Cape Verde had more possession and created more chances. Jovane Cabral had a goal disallowed for offside early on. However, Mauritania’s defence held strong, and both teams went into the closing stages of the game without scoring a goal.

As the match progressed, Cape Verde continued to push for a goal, while Mauritania posed threats on the counterattack. The passionate fans of both teams cheered loudly, but the deadlock remained.

In the 87th minute, Babacar Niasse of Mauritania fouled Gilson Tavares in the box, giving Cape Verde a penalty kick. Ryan Mendes stepped up and scored, making the score 1-0 in favour of Cape Verde.

With time running out, Mauritania tried to equalise, but Cape Verde held on to secure their spot in the quarter-finals for the second time. They will face either Morocco or South Africa on Saturday.

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