Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ronwen Williams hero as South Africa claim AFCON 2023 bronze
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ronwen Williams hero as South Africa claim AFCON 2023 bronze

South Africa defeated the Democratic Republic of Congo 6-5 in the penalty shootout to clinch third place in the Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday.

Following a goalless draw in Abidjan, Bafana Bafana secured the bronze medal in the Ivory Coast after Williams saved penalty kicks from Chancel Mbemba and Meschack Elia.

South Africa’s goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was the hero of the day once again as Bafana Bafana defeated DR Congo at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Since the game ended goalless, the match went straight to penalties after 90 minutes.

South Africa’s victory at the Nations Cup was their best finish since 2000. During the match, Bafana Bafana’s captain, Ronwen Williams, played a crucial role by saving two spot-kicks during the shootout.

South Africa missed their first penalty kick, causing them to fall behind in the match. However, goalkeeper Williams saved two subsequent penalties, allowing South Africa to secure third place in the competition.

Mbemba had the opportunity to win the match for their team, but Williams made a crucial save, leading to a sudden-death penalty shootout. In the end, Bafana Bafana emerged victorious.

Mustapha Bundu's Plymouth in the hunt for three straight win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mustapha Bundu’s Plymouth in the hunt for three straight wins

If selected by manager Ian Foster, the Sierra Leone International Mustapha Bundu will be hoping to help his team, Plymouth Argyle, as they take on Sunderland in their Sky Bet Championship fixture at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, February 10th at 3 pm.

Plymouth are targeting to register their first league double over Sunderland since the 1991-92 campaign and their third straight league win.

Bundu, 26, has featured in fifteen matches in all competitions since joining the Pilgrims last September. 

The two sides previously met in November at Home Park, where Argyle managed to take the lead with Morgan Whittaker’s brilliant strike from outside the area, followed by Finn Azaz’s goal before the halftime whistle. The score remained unchanged till the end of the match.

However, Sunderland has won 11 out of their 15 home league games against Plymouth Argyle, with a win ratio of 73%.

Also, Sunderland is the only Championship team yet to see a home league game ending in a draw this season. 

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

Baciro Cande is the eighth AFCON managerial casualty
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Baciro Cande is the eighth AFCON managerial casualty

Baciro Cande, who has served as coach for Guinea-Bissau, is set to depart his position when his contract expires next month. 

Cande took over as coach of the national team in 2016 after a previous stint.

The Bissau football federation has announced that they will not be extending the 56-year-old’s contract following the team’s group-stage exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. 

The team, known as the Djurtus (Wild Dogs), finished at the bottom of Group A after losing all their three games. However, Guinea-Bissau has not won in 12 matches at the tournament, which stretches back to their debut in 2017 in Gabon. 

Cande is just one of the many coaches who have parted ways with their teams from the 2023 edition of the finals in Ivory Coast, including Rui Vitoria, Djamel Belmadi, Tom Saintfiet, Chris Hughton, Jean-Louis Gasset, Adel Amrouche (Tanzania) and Jalel Kadri (Tunisia) have recently left their teams.

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

Nigeria v Ivory Coast: bitter rivals competing for continental glory
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria v Ivory Coast: bitter rivals competing for continental glory

The Africa Cup of Nations final, which will take place on February 11 at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe, will see tournament favourites Nigeria facing off against hosts Ivory Coast. 

This highly anticipated match between two bitter rivals promises to be a titanic clash, with both teams vying for continental glory in the CAF AFCON 2023 final.

During the group stage of AFCON, Nigeria defeated the hosts with a narrow margin of 1-0. However, in the final, Cote d’Ivoire will be hoping to seek redemption. 

Winning a third AFCON on home soil would be a remarkable achievement, and Nigeria is aware of the fact that they are up against a tough challenge.

For Nigerian manager Jose Peseiro, outwitting his counterpart Emerse Fae will be crucial. Peseiro’s tactical prowess led Nigeria to victory against South Africa in the first semi-final, while Fae’s team overcame DR Congo 1-0. 

Recap Nigeria vs Ivory Coast: Tournament So Far

Nigeria has been performing exceptionally well in the competition – having qualified for the knockout stages as runners-up in Group A. They managed to draw 1-1 with group winners Equatorial Guinea and then secured wins against Guinea-Bissau (1-0) and fellow finalists Ivory Coast (1-0).

The Super Eagles continued their winning streak by knocking out Cameroon in the round of 16, Angola in the quarters and South Africa in the semi-finals. This has led them to their eighth AFCON final in history. Nigeria has won the cup before in 1980, 1994 and 2013, and they are looking to win their fourth championship this time around.

In contrast, Ivory Coast’s journey to the final could be seen as lucky. They won 2-0 against Guinea-Bissau in their opener but then fell 1-0 to Nigeria and were thrashed 4-0 by Equatorial Guinea. As a result, they were placed third in the group and qualified as the worst third-placed team.

However, the Elephants were able to turn their fortunes around by defeating defending champions Senegal in the round of 16 with a 5-4 penalty shootout. They then went on to win against Mali (2-1 a.e.t.) in the quarters and DR Congo (1-0) in the semi-finals to reach their fifth AFCON final in history. 

The Ivorian fans can’t wait to win the championship on home soil in what promises to be an exciting encounter.

  • Nigeria vs Ivory Coast: Head-to-Head Record (Since 2000)

  • Ivory Coast 0-1 Nigeria (01/24)
  • Nigeria 0-1 Ivory Coast (01/15)
  • Ivory Coast 2-0 Nigeria (07/13)
  • Nigeria 4-1 Ivory Coast (07/13)
  • Ivory Coast 1-2 Nigeria (02/13)
  • Ivory Coast 1-0 Nigeria (01/08)
  • Nigeria 0-1 Ivory Coast (02/06)
  • Ivory Coast 1-1 Nigeria (01/02)

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

Sebastien Haller's goal set thrilling AFCON final date with Nigeria
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sebastien Haller’s goal set thrilling AFCON final date with Nigeria

The hosts, Cote d’Ivoire, have secured a place in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations final after defeating DR Congo 1-0 with the help of Sebastien Haller’s goal. 

In the semi-final, Haller brilliantly flicked in Nicolas Pepe’s cross to score the match-winning goal. Cote d’Ivoire to battle Nigeria in a thrilling showdown as they aim to win the AFCON title on their home soil.

The Super Eagles advanced to the final on Wednesday after defeating South Africa 4-2 in a penalty shootout, following a tense 1-1 draw in Bouake.

The cagey contest in Abidjan saw Haller score the only goal in the 65th minute with a bouncing volley that went over Leopards’ goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.

The 29-year-old striker, who battled and recovered from testicular cancer, will lead Cote d’Ivoire’s attack alongside Pepe with a chance to win the trophy.

A win in the final would bring joy to Abidjan, as the tournament is being played on home soil. Despite struggling in their group, the Elephants have gained momentum despite their unconvincing performances.

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

Charlton Athletic striker Daniel Kanu pens new long-term contract
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Charlton Athletic striker Kanu pens new long-term contract 

Daniel Kanu, an academy graduate who joined Charlton Athletic at U11 level, has signed a new long-term contract until 2027. This season, he has scored four goals and provided one assist for the first team.

In November 2023, Kanu made his senior debut for Sierra Leone in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Egypt.

Earlier this term, the striker went on loan to National League side Southend United and made a fantastic home debut, scoring four goals in a 5-0 win against Solihull Moors.

Kanu was named the Valley Gold Young Player of the Year for the 2021/22 season after an impressive first-year scholar campaign that saw him score 41 goals for the academy and make his senior debut.

After signing his new deal, Kanu expressed his excitement and said: “It’s a dream come true – I’m excited for the future. I’ve been at this club since U11s, so it’s been a long journey. I signed my first professional contract two years ago – around this time actually – and I’m just grateful to the academy and everyone else that’s been part of my journey to get me to where I am today.”

Charlton Athletic’s Technical Director, Andy Scott, expressed his delight in tying Kanu down to a long-term contract. “We want to keep our best young players at the football club, and we’re delighted to have secured Daniel for the future.

This season, he has shown that he’s got the quality, and he’s demonstrated that he can score goals. His attitude to working and improving is exceptional, and we believe that we can make him into a player that’s going to have a big, bright future at the club.”

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

Chinese side Nantong Zhiyun set to unveil New Acquisition Issa Kallon
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nantong Zhiyun set to unveil New Acquisition Issa Kallon

Chinese professional football club Nantong Zhiyun, based in Rugao, Jiangsu, is set to unveil its new acquisition Issa Kallon.

Sierra Leone’s winger Issa Kallon has safely arrived on Monday after he penned a two-year deal with Nantong Zhiyun.

Kallon, 28, has been handed a fresh start in the Chinese Super League, the top tier of Chinese football after he won the 2023 title with Shanghai Port.

Nantong Zhiyun plays its home matches at the Rugao Olympic Sports Center, and the former Cambuur attacker can’t wait to meet the fans.

The former Cambuur winger moved to Shanghai Port in the Chinese Super League on July 28, 2022. Kallon, born in the Netherlands, has played as a former youth international for the Netherlands.

Kallon, 28, was part of the Sierra Leone 2021 Africa Cup of Nations squad. In the Cup of Nations, he played in Sierra Leone’s 2-2 draw against the Ivory Coast on January 16, 2022. 

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

USL Birmingham Legion announce Buya Turay's switch
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

USL Birmingham Legion announce Buya Turay’s switch

Birmingham Legion FC has announced the signing of forward Mohamed Buya Turay, subject to approval from the league and the federation.

The transaction involves Legion FC signing forward Mohamed Buya Turay to a multi-year contract, subject to approval from the league and the federation.

Jay Heaps President & General Manager, said, “We’re excited to have Mohamed join Legion FC. He is a dynamic attacking player with excellent speed and presence in front of the goal.”

Turay debuted for the Legion on January 27 in a pre-season friendly against MLS club Atlanta United.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of this amazing club and can’t wait to make a positive impact on and off the field,” said Turay.

Turay joined the USL side after spending a season with Danish Superliga club Odense Boldklub, where he scored three goals in 16 appearances. Before his time with Odense Boldklub, Turay transferred to Sweden’s Allsvenskan club Malmo FF from Chinese Super League Henan Songshan Longmen.

In 2018, he signed with Belgian Jupiler Pro League club Sint-Truiden and was loaned out to Sweden’s Allsvenskan side Djurgarden IF in 2019.

Turay, 29, won Allsvenskan’s Golden Boot award during his time at Djurgarden after 29 appearances, he scored 15 goals.

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Center-back Amara Nallo Impressive with Liverpool U21
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Center-back Amara Nallo Impressive with Liverpool U21

In the Premier League 2 Division One season, Amara Nallo made twelve appearances for Liverpool and helped them convincingly defeat Fulham.

Jayden Danns scored his 20th goal of the season, leading Liverpool U21s to a 2-0 win against Fulham in the Premier League 2 on Sunday.

Despite only turning 17 in mid-November, Nallo, who arrived at Liverpool in the same summer, has become a regular part of the U21s defence.

He typically plays on the left side of the central pairing and has demonstrated both physical strength and technical ability, even against senior sides in the EFL Trophy.

Although it may be some time before he is considered for the first team, Nallo is expected to continue his progress with the U21s in 2024.

Amara Nallo, a strong left-sided defender, signed for Liverpool FC from West Ham United in September 2023. He’s comfortable bringing the ball out from the back as a centre-half.

Bafana Bafana's Hugo Broos confident ahead of Nigeria tie
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bafana Bafana’s Hugo Broos confident ahead of Nigeria tie

South Africa’s head coach, Hugo Broos, is confident as he prepares his team for the semi-final clash with the Super Eagles of Nigeria. 

The Bafana Bafana secured their place in the last four after defeating Cape Verde 2-1 on penalties on Saturday night. Goalkeeper Rowen Williams saved four spot kicks, which made him the hero of the night.

Broos said ahead of Nigeria’s cracker, “There was a lot of pressure in the match. Everyone wanted to qualify. This match was unlike the previous ones. We did not show the same performance as we had in previous matches. 

The semi-final match will be different against Nigeria, who have good players like Lookman. We will not lose focus. The players will be in good condition, so we need to rest and recover to start our preparation”.

The match will take place at the Stade de la Paix, Bouake, on Wednesday.

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