Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

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.

Bo Ranger suffer first home & league defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bo Rangers suffer first home defeat of the season

On Sunday, East End Lions defeated the league leaders Bo Rangers 1-0 at the Southern Arena in Bo City to stop the Elephants’ unbeaten record at home.

Despite the defeat, the Southern Province and reigning champions still top the summit with 29 points from 13 matches played in this campaign.

They suffered their second defeat of the season – having lost 1-0 to Bai Bureh Warriors in December 2023.

Yakuba Koroma scored the only goal for the Killers, securing their third win of the season. As a result, EE Lions moved up three places to eleventh in the Premier League with 16 points.

The last time Bo Rangers lost a home match was on March 5th 2022, when Ports Authority defeated the defending champions 1-0. Mohamed Bangura scored for the Water Front Boys.

On the same day, there were several football matches played in Sierra Leone. Freetonians SLIFA defeated Kahunla Rangers 1-0, Bai Bureh Warriors and Luawa FC drew 0-0, Bhantal FC won 1-0 against FC Kallon, and Kholifa Stars won 3-0 against Ports Authority.

DR Congo advanced to the quarter-finals to face Guinea
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

DR Congo advance to the quarter-finals to face Guinea

The Democratic Republic of Congo has eliminated Egypt from the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 tournament by winning 8-7 on penalties in the round of 16 at Stade Laurent Pokou.

The match was intense and went on for 120 minutes of mouthwatering contest. 

Sebastien Desabre’s team will face Guinea in the next round after Guinea eliminated Equatorial Guinea in the quarter-finals.

Meschack Elia scored in the 37th minute, giving DR Congo the lead with a header from the six-yard box. The Pharaohs responded to Les Léopards ‘s lead in the first half.

Egypt was awarded a penalty after a VAR review, and attacker Mostafa Mohamed converted it into the top right corner, beating goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau.

Although the seven-time champions dominated the second half, they were unable to break through the resilient Les Léopards defence. The match eventually went into extra time, marking the first time in the tournament in Côte D’Ivoire.

The game travelled to a shootout, and Egypt missed twice from the penalty spot. Mostafa Mohamed and goalkeeper Gabaski both missed their kicks, while Arthur Masuaku missed his earlier for Les Léopards.

DR Congo has advanced to the quarter-finals after winning 8-7 on penalties. Egypt has attempted to advance from the last 16 three times in the past but has failed to do so twice. D.R. Congo has been eliminated in their first knockout game in their two previous appearances in 2019 and 2017.

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

Nigeria beat Cameroon to set Angola's quarter-final date
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria beat Cameroon to set Angola’s quarter-final date

On Saturday, Ademola Lookman was the hero as Nigeria defeated Cameroon 2-0 in their Round of 16 of CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 as the continent’s football heavyweights battle at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny.

As a result, the Supers Eagles will face Angola, who brushed aside Namibia 3-0 in the quarter-finals, while Cameroon exited the competition. 

Cameroon started the game brightly after Zambo Anguissa found Karl Toko Ekambi, but William Ekong blocked the striker’s shot. 

Nigeria appeared to score early on through Ajayi, but VAR disallowed the goal for offside after Lookman’s corner.

However, the Super Eagles did manage to break through in the 36th minute. Victor Osimhen capitalized on a defensive mistake and set up Lookman, who finished the move calmly past Onana. 

Cameroon was unable to deal with Nigeria’s intensity and conceded again just before full-time. Lookman latched onto his own through ball before slotting it home to make it 2-0.

With their clinical victory, Nigeria has demonstrated that they have the quality and experience to end their long wait for a fourth continental title in CAF AFCON.

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

Kamil Conteh has a successful Bristol Rovers debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kamil Conteh had a successful Bristol Rovers debut

Sierra Leone International Kamil Conteh made a successful debut for Bristol Rovers, helping them to end their four-match losing streak in League One.

The team secured a 3-1 victory against Oxford at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, with goals from Chris Martin, Thomas, and Harvey Vale.

Kamil, who is 21 years old and recently signed a new three-and-a-half-year deal with the club after moving from Grimsby Town, played the full match and contributed to their win.

Martin, who extended his contract with the Gas earlier this week, met Antony Evans’ flick from a Jack Hunt cross to plant a left-foot shot low past goalkeeper Jamie Cumming in the 16th minute.

The home team extended their lead by two goals just six minutes after the first goal. Luke Thomas received a pass from Sam Finley and danced his way past multiple defenders before shooting from the edge of the box into the bottom corner. Despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to the ball, the shot was too powerful to stop.

Jed Ward made a crucial save when he denied Ruben Rodrigues on the 52nd minute. However, Oxford managed to score a goal when Cameron Branagan’s shot from outside the box was deflected off Mark Harris and went in six minutes later.

With 13 minutes remaining, Rovers sealed the victory when Cummings saved Finley’s low shot, but Harvey Vale was quick to pounce on the rebound and scored.

Kamil Conteh pens Bristol Rovers League One deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kamil Conteh pens Bristol Rovers League One deal 

The club is thrilled to announce that Kamil Conteh has signed a contract which runs until June 2027. The 21-year-old midfielder has joined Rovers from League Two side Grimsby Town for an undisclosed fee.

Conteh made 29 appearances in all competitions this season for Grimsby Town. He has eight international caps with Sierra Leone and also has experience with Championship clubs Middlesbrough and Watford.

Conteh spent much of his youth career with Watford before joining Boro in May 2022, following a successful trial period. He started the 2022/23 season with five Premier League 2 appearances before moving out on loan to National League side Gateshead.

During his time at Gateshead, he played 34 times, scoring three goals, including in their FA Cup first-round match against Stevenage. His impressive form in the fifth tier attracted interest from several EFL clubs including the Mariners, who gave him a three-year deal in Lincolnshire.

Conteh was delighted to join Rovers and said: “I’m excited to be here and am looking forward to cracking on and getting playing. In terms of the size of the club, where they are in the table, and the manager’s plans for me, I just really wanted to be a part of it.”

Rovers boss Matt Taylor said, “I’m really pleased. It’s been in the pipeline for a little while, so I’m thrilled to get it over the line and get him down here and have him available for Saturday’s game. He’s a player we’ve admired for a while now. I think he adds something to our midfield. Obviously, on the back of Grant Ward’s injury, and the loan lads going back to their parent clubs, we’ve been a little bit light in that department. So, it’s important we have him here and that we keep adding to it.”

Overall, Kamil Conteh’s addition to the team is expected to improve Rovers’ midfield and contribute positively to the team’s performance.