Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Boxing Day defeat for Alex Bangura's Middlesbrough
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Boxing Day defeat for Alex Bangura’s Middlesbrough

Cohen Bramall’s mishit cross looped in to give bottom-of-the-table Rotherham a priceless Championship win over Middlesbrough, BBC Sport reports

Sierra Leone International was making his fifteen appearances for Boro as he started the tie at AESSEAL New York Stadium on Tuesday.

It was the hosts’ only shot on target in a game which was dominated by Michael Carrick’s Boro, who paid the price through being wasteful in front of goal.

Rotherham goalkeeper Viktor Johansson, who looked close to coming off through injury in the first half, made some crucial saves – Sam Greenwood’s first-half swerving shot in particular – to help keep the Millers level.

But Greenwood and Sammy Silvera wasted further good chances for Boro before Bramall’s cross-shot went over visiting keeper Tom Glover and in, with Leam Richardson’s side able to hang on for their first points since he took charge.

Full-time: Rotherham United 1 Middlesbrough 0

Rotherham United 1

Middlesbrough 0

Teams: Rotherham- Johansson, Lembikisa (Appiah 66), Bramall, Hugill (Cafu 90+2), Lindsay (Clucas 83), Rathbone, Odoffin, Morrison, Tiehi, Revan, Nombe (Eaves 66). Unused- Phillips, Kelly, McGuckin.

Middlesbrough- Glover, Barlaser, Clarke, Fry, Rogers, I Jones, Dijksteel (Coburn 77), Howson (Crooks 90+1), Silvera (Kavanagh 90+2), Bangura (Engel 77), Greenwood (McGree 70). Unused- J Jones, Van den Berg, Gilbert, Bridge.

Referee- A Kitchen

Attendance- 11487 (2404)

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, English Championship and Middlesborough. 

Al Ahly, Zamalek & three other Egyptian clubs eye Sierra Leone's Mohamed Kabia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Al Ahly, Zamalek & others eye Sierra Leone’s Mohamed Kabia 

About five Egyptian clubs are interested in Sierra Leone International Mohamed Kabia, who is presently in Cairo, Egypt. 

Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Pyramid are all eyeing the service of the midfielder because of his potential. The other clubs are ZED FC and Ceramica Cleopatra Club.

Kabia. 20, who can play midfield and defence, arrived in Egypt on Sunday evening and will try with all five clubs in the Egyptian top tier and possibly sign by the end of next week, Football Sierra Leone understands.

The versatile player made his Sierra Leone debut in the 1-1 draw against Benin during the International friendly played in Khouribga, Morocco, in October. 

He played a pivotal role in the goalless draw against Ethiopia in the opening 2026 World Cup Group A qualifier at the Stade El Abdi last Month.

The former Mbabane Swallow and Denver Sundowns player must impress in Egypt as he will train with these clubs in an attempt for a deal.

Kabia, who has won four caps with the Sierra Leone senior national team, scored eight goals and eleven assists for Mbabane Swallow in Eswatini’s top-tier league.

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

Steven Caulker pens player-manager deal with FC Malaga City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Steven Caulker pens player/coach deal with FC Malaga City

Spanish side FC Malaga City has confirmed a player/coach deal agreed with former Tottenham and Liverpool defender Steven Caulker.

Caulker, 31, who was part of the Sierra Leone AFCON 2021 campaign in Cameroon, has been handed a boost as he pursues his managerial career.

 “After a long job search and many sleepless nights, I am happy to announce that I have now found my path,” Caulker broke the news to Football Sierra Leone. 

Starting in January, I will become joint player-manager of FC Malaga City Academy in the 5th tier of Spanish Football.

I have expressed my desire to become a manager for a while now and have just recently completed my UEFA B license.”

“On a historic day for FC Malaga City, we are beyond proud to announce the signing of former Premier League player as well as England and Sierra Leone international Steven Caulker!,” the club posted.

“Following an illustrious playing career including the likes of Tottenham, Liverpool, and Fenerbahce. he Premier League veteran has been signed to a Player/Joint Head Coach role and has already met and begun to integrate his influence into the, first team squad and will be a huge mentor across the academy from 2024. “

We could not be more excited to have a player/coach of his calibre and experience here with us in Spain. This incredible coup is a statement of what the club has achieved and our ambitious plans as we move into our 10th anniversary!

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer Alie Bittar, On Twitter @bittar32, FC Malaga City News. 

Guniea named Serhou Guirassy to the AFCON 2023 25-man squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea name Serhou Guirassy in AFCON 25-man squad

Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart striker Serhou Yadaly Guirassy was named in the Guinea Syli national squad for the African Cup of Nations.

Head coach Kaba Diawara on Saturday confirmed his 25-man squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire next month. 

Guinea set to battle for a place in the top two from Group C alongside Cameroon, reigning champions Senegal and the Gambia.

Guinea national team will open the 34th edition of the biennial African Association football tournament organised by the Confederation of African Football against five-time winners Cameroon on January 15. at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro.

  • Serhou Guirassy History

Serhou Guirassy was born on 12 March 1996 in Arles and plays for VfB Stuttgart. He played for J3 Sports Amilly from 2008-2009, for USM Montargis from 2009-2010, for J3 Sports Amilly from 2010-2011, for Stade Lavallois MFC from 2011-2015, for Lille OSC from 2015-2016, for AJ Auxerre from 2016-2016, for Lille OSC from 2016-2016, for 1. FC Köln from 2016-2019, for Amiens Sporting Club from 2019-2020, for Stade Rennais FC from 2020-2022 and has played for VfB Stuttgart since 2022.

  • CURRENT SEASON 2023/24

The 27-year-old has scored 17 goals and he is in second position on the league’s scorer list. With one assist, he currently has the 10th-most in his team along with Waldemar Anton, Jamie Leweling, Silas Katompa Mvumpa, Anthony Rouault and Josha Vagnoman. 

In total, Serhou Guirassy has taken 46 shots at goal and therefore, fought his way to fifth place in the league-wide statistics. Until now, he has been responsible for 25 passes to a shot as he earned himself second place within the statistics of his club.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, African News and Guinea National team. 

New York City select Sierra Leone-born Malachi Jones.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New York City select Sierra Leone-born Malachi Jones

Forward Malachi Jones has been selected as the eighth overall pick in the first round of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft from Lipscomb University. 

The 20-year-old made 35 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing 15 assists over two seasons for the Bisons. 

 He entered college after being named the 2022 Tennessee Soccer Player of the Year. In total, during his college years, he has scored 12 goals and tallied 15 assists in 35 appearances for Lipscomb.

Born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Jones was adopted alongside his seven siblings from an orphanage at a young age and moved to Nashville, Tenn., in 2013, where he grew up.

Jones marks the fourth player to be picked in the top 10 by the Club and the first since the 2017 SuperDraft. 

The ‘Boys in Blue’ have selected Forwards Jack Harrison, Khiry Shelton and Jonathan Lewis with the first, second and third overall picks, respectively, In previous drafts, with all of them making appearances for the First Team throughout their time in New York.

Sierra Leone-born Buba Fofanah has been selected as the 81st overall by the Seattle Sounders in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft on Tuesday.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Seattle Sounders draft Sierra Leone-born Buba Fofanah

Sierra Leone-born Buba Fofanah has been selected as the 81st overall by the Seattle Sounders in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft on Tuesday.

Fofanah, 22, who has been a pivotal player with the Portland Pilots, has been handed a fresh start in the Major League Soccer ranks. It’s the first time the Pilots have had three players taken in the same draft.

Fofanah finished the year with nine goals and six assists for 24 points, with his goal and point totals ranking second, respectively, in the WCC. 

He was named Fofanah in the All-WCC Second Team selection and also earned CSC Academic All-District honours.

Fofanah, 22, appeared in 54 matches (30 starts) for Portland from 2020-2023, recording 16 goals and 11 assists. 

The forward was an All-West Coast Conference Honorable Mention as a freshman and made the All-WCC Freshman Team after scoring four goals and adding two assists in 2020. 

Fofanah scored an additional three goals from 2021-2022 before scoring nine goals in 2023, including a brace against UC Santa Barbara on September 1. His performance in 2023 earned him All-WCC Second Team honours as Portland finished third in the WCC.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer Alie Bittar, On Twitter @bittar32, Players Abroad News, Seattle Sounders, Buba Fofanah. 

Sierra Leone-born Buba Fofanah has been selected as the 81st overall by the Seattle Sounders in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft on Tuesday.
Sierra Leone-born Buba Fofanah has been selected as the 81st overall by the Seattle Sounders in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft on Tuesday.
East End Lions sack Wright after first defeat in seven games
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

East End Lions sack Wright after first defeat in seven games

Struggling East End Lions parted ways with Coach Charlie Wright on Wednesday, a day after they suffered their first defeat in seven Sierra Leone Premier League games.

Wright was appointed in October with the expectation to lead the club to glory this season. The Eastern giant club suffered a 1-0 defeat to rivals Ports Authority on Tuesday at the Attouga Mini Stadium.

Lions stand 10th on eight points following five draws, one win and one defeat this campaign, a statistic that doesn’t go down well with the club’s management.

The club confirmed it was a mutual agreement to let Coach Charlie Wright depart, effective immediately. They also handed the mantle to assistant Coach Raymond Gerard Hunter, who will take over as interim coach during the transition.

“The decision to part ways with Coach Wright was made after careful consideration, recognizing and appreciating his significant contribution and dedication to the club during tenure,” Lions noted. 

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer Alie Bittar, On Twitter @bittar32, Nation News East End Lions. 

Yayah Kallon ready for Serie A first-team action
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Yayah Kallon ready for Serie A first-team action

Hellas Verona has received a massive boost as Sierra Leone-born attacker Yayah Kallon has regained full fitness.

On Saturday, Kallon could play for the first time this season in front of the home fans against Cagliari as they battle to move out of the relegation zone. 

The 22-year-old has not featured for the Italian side yet this season due to nursing a hamstring injury sustained in July before the season commenced.

Last Sunday, the attacker was an unused substitute for the Hellas Verona as they suffered 1-0 Fiorentina in the Serie A round of sixteen.

Kallon, who scored his first goal for Genoa in a 3–2 Coppa Italia win over Perugia, joined Hellas Verona initially on loan with an option to buy.

He completed his Verona move in the summer but has yet to future for the club this season. Kallon featured in 22 games last season while on loan for The Yellow and Blues.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer Alie Bittar, On Twitter @bittar32, Players Abroad News, Yayah Kallon Hellas Verona.

Al Ahly's Club World Cup dream ended by Fluminense
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Al Ahly’s Fifa Club World Cup dream ended by Fluminense

Egyptian giants Al Ahly’s hopes of lifting the Fifa Club World Cup were dashed as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Fluminens in the semi-final on Tuesday, CAF reports.

The African champions started brightly but were ultimately outdone by the Brazilian outfit, who advance to face either Urawa Reds or Manchester City in Friday’s showpiece finale.

Al Ahly talisman Percy Tau spurned an early opening when veteran defender Felipe Melo made a crucial last-ditch sliding tackle.

Ten minutes before half-time, Fabio made an excellent, one-handed save from a Kahraba header.

Tau was then involved in the game’s pivotal moment, bringing down Marcelo in the box with a clumsy foul. Jhon Arias converted the penalty to give Flu a 71st-minute lead.

The Red Devils almost responded instantly when Tau met a low cross but lacked power on his close-range effort.

Yet there was to be no dramatic Ahly comeback as substitute John Kennedy curled home Fluminense’s second goal late on to seal victory.

While Al Ahly’s decorated veterans failed to seize their opportunity on the global stage, Fluminense’s emerging talents punished them ruthlessly.

The newly-crowned South American champions now stand one win away from completing a fairytale story in Friday’s Club World Cup finale.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and African News. 

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

Abu Kamara’s brace helps Portsmouth defeat Shrewsbury

A brace from Sierra Leone native Abu Kamara on either side of the game was enough for John Mousinho’s side to take all three points as they move seven points clear at the top of League One.

Shrewsbury Town suffered a 3-0 home defeat to in-form Portsmouth on a disappointing afternoon at the Croud Meadow on Saturday.

Despite a solid opening 45 minutes from the home team, it was Portsmouth, who took the lead at the end of the first half through their loan striker Abu Kamara.

His goal came when Pack launched a long throw to the back post and Kamara bundled the ball into the net.

Pompey doubled their lead in the 62nd minute when Lane cut in from the left to reach the near post and lay the ball off to Pack, who poked it in from close range.

Shrewsbury came close to pulling a goal back with under 20 minutes remaining. Mal Benning fed a ball into fellow substitute Max Mata in the box. The striker held off a defender before shooting, but his effort went over.

Kamara completed his brace to record his sixth of the season with six minutes remaining through Christian Saydee’s assists as he rifled the ball into the net.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer Alie Bittar, On Twitter @bittar32, Players Abroad News, Portsmouth, Abu Kamara News.