Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

AFCON hosts Ivory Coast triumph with a last-gasp winner
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

AFCON hosts Ivory Coast triumph with a last-gasp winner

The Elephants of Ivory Coast, in front of home fans, pulled off another remarkable escape act in the Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

Cote d’Ivoire and DR Congo will face each other in the semi-finals on Wednesday, February 7th at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.

They won the quarterfinal match against Mali with a 122nd-minute goal from Oumar Diakite, which broke the hearts of the losing team.

The Ivorians played most of the game at a disadvantage since Odilon Kossounou was sent off for two first-half fouls on Lassine Sinayoko. They went behind to Nene Dorgeles’ beautiful curling shot.

In the 90th minute of the game, the Elephants managed to equalize thanks to an opportunistic finish from Simon Adingra. Then, in the extra time, they won the game with virtually the last kick as Diakite deflected Seko Fofana’s shot into the net.

Despite the victory, Diakite’s emotions were mixed as he received a second yellow card for removing his shirt in celebration. This means he will be banned for the upcoming semi-final match against DR Congo.

Unfortunately, the final whistle caused some unpleasant scenes. Several Mali players surrounded the referee, Mohamed Adel, and protested against his decisions. As a result, Hamari Traore was shown a red card for taking his protests too far.

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

South Africa Keeper stars in high stakes shootout
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa keeper Ronwen Williams stars in AFCON shootout 

South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was the hero of the day as he saved four penalties to help his team reach the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.

Bafana Bafana will take on the Super Eagles in the semi-finals on Wednesday, 07 February, at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake.

After a goalless draw against Cape Verde, Williams denied the Blue Sharks four times in the penalty shootout to lead his team to the next round, where they will face Nigeria.

Williams gave credit to his entire team and technical staff for his heroic displays on Saturday. “It was tough. They played their part, and it was my time to play my part,” said Williams, crediting his teammates and back-end staff. “I am just glad that we are in the next round. This is not mine, but it is for the collective.” 

The Mamelodi Sundowns man added, “The staff, technical team, and each player. This journey has been tough, but we soldiered on as a team, so I will accept this on behalf of every player in Bafana Bafana.”

South Africa’s captain, Ronwen Williams, not only kept Cape Verde at bay during the 120 minutes of play but also helped his team reach the semi-finals of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023. 

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

Sierra Leone's Issa Kallon set to join Nantong Zhiyun
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Issa Kallon set to join Nantong Zhiyun

Sierra Leone’s winger Issa Kallon has confirmed joining Chinese Super League side Nantong Zhiyun on a two-year deal.

The former Shanghai Port winger will travel to China from Holland in the coming days. He won the 2023 title with Shanghai Port in October.

The former Cambuur winger moved to Shanghai Port in the Chinese Super League on July 28, 2022. Kallon, who was 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. He played in Sierra Leone’s 2-2 draw against the Ivory Coast on January 16, 2022, in the Cup of Nations. 

DR Congo's Yoane Wissa focuses on AFCON semi-final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

DR Congo’s Yoane Wissa focuses on AFCON semi-final

DR Congo forward Yoane Wissa expressed his determination to represent his nation well after their victory over Guinea, which secured their place in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals. 

Wissa scored a crucial penalty in the quarter-final match, which ended in a 3-1 victory for DR Congo, earning him the game’s man of the match. 

He mentioned that he and his teammates are proud to take on the responsibility of raising their country’s flag high and that they are ready to play in any position when called upon by their country. 

DR Congo, who have won the AFCON title twice before last in 1974, are now one step closer to the finals. 

Wissa stated that their team has no preference over their next opponent, whether it’s Mali or Cote d’Ivoire, as they are both great footballing nations, and DR Congo needs to be ready to face either of them. 

The Leopards, who played a great game against Guinea, are continuing to perform well and seem to be peaking at the right time in their pursuit of continental glory.

Nigeria soar into Afcon semis as Lookman nets winner
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria soar into Afcon semis as Lookman nets winner 

Nigeria defeated Angola 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, thanks to a goal from Ademola Lookman in the first half at Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium.

It was Lookman’s third in his last three games at the tournament after his brace against Cameroon in the round of sixteen tie.

Moses Simon assisted the goal, and it came just four minutes before half-time in Abidjan. 

Although Angola had a chance through Zine, who hit the post before the hour mark, they were second-best for most of the game. 

Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen’s had a goal disallowed by the video assistant referee, who ruled him offside in the 75th minute. 

Champions in 1980, 1994 and 2013, Jose Peseiro’s side certainly have plenty of positives to build on as they head into the semi-finals.

Nigeria will now face either Cape Verde or South Africa in the semi-finals on Wednesday.

Nigeria are through to the AFCON 2023 Semi-finals
Nigeria are through to the AFCON 2023 Semi-finals
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