Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Preview: Ethiopia, Sierra Leone 2026 World Cup qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Preview: Ethiopia, Sierra Leone 2026 World Cup qualifier

Ethiopia set to battle Sierra Leone at the Stade El Abdi on Wednesday in the opener of the CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. 

Without a doubt, both sides will aim to kick off their qualification campaign with maximum points.

As the host team, the Walia Ibex will seek a bright start en route to make their FIFA World Cup debut in 2026 despite suffering a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign, finishing first from bottom in Group D.

However, the newly appointed Ethiopia coach, Gebremedhin Haile, will be looking for a better performance in the World Cup qualifiers. 

Last week Thursday, Ethiopia Walias defeated Sudanese club side Al Hilal 2-0 in a test friendly ahead of facing Sierra Leone. Goals from Alelegn Azene and Bereket Desta. 

Sierra Leone, on the other hand, also struggled to impress in the AFCON qualifiers. They only managed a win from their Group A six matches, losing the last two to Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau.

But Sierra Leone had a good start under new coach Amidu Karim in Morocco in October’s training camp, where they shared the spoils 1-1 with Benin and defeated Somalia 2-0.

Ethiopia vs Sierra Leone Head-to-Head and Key Numbers

  • Wednesday’s game will mark the third meeting between the two nations. Ethiopia are undefeated in their previous two games in this fixture, picking up a win and a draw.
  • The two sides last faced off in a friendly clash in August 2021, which ended goalless.
  • Sierra Leone is without a clean sheet in their last two games in CAF AFCON qualifiers.
  • Ethiopia are without a win in their last three CAF Afcon qualifiers in Group D 
  • Leone Stars were ranked 122nd in the latest FIFA rankings and now sit 21 places above their midweek opponents.

 

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Sierra Leone coach Karim positive ahead of Ethiopia opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone coach Karim positive ahead of Ethiopia opener

  • GROUP A Egypt Burkina Faso Guinea-Bissau Sierra Leone Ethiopia Djibouti

Coach Amidu Karim remains positive as Sierra Leone prepares to launch their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign against Ethiopia on Wednesday.

Karim, who took charge a month ago, will start his Leone Stars reign in the World Cup qualifier against the Walias Ibex at the El Abdi Stadium, Al Jadida.

Group A opener on Wednesday will be the third between both nations as coach Karim boosted his side with three new additions.

Charlton Athletic FC striker Daniel Kanu is on loan to fifth-tier side Southern United, Derby County midfielder Tyrese Fornah and Liga Leumit side Hapoel Kfar Saba defender Abdulai Jajue Kabia are the three new faces in line to make their International debut.

After a successful Fifa-friendly window in October, where Sierra Leone drew with Benin (1-1) and defeated Somalia 2-0, they face a tricky test against the Walia Ibex of Ethiopia.

“The team have been training well – preparations has been on a positive footing. We had a good training camp in Morocco during the Fifa window, where we won against Somalia and drew with Benin. So, I think we we are ok in a good place,” Coach Karim told Football Sierra Leone.

“We’re aware that Ethiopia are a good side – we have studied their weakness and strength. They are not a pushover but a strong side. However, we have put modalities in place to get a positive result.”

“All selected players are now in Morocco responding to training – players are well geared up, focus ahead of the Wednesday. Playing Ethiopia, we want to be in a positive frame of mind. The lads are ready to give their 100 percent.”

Ethiopia hosts Sierra Leone on Nov 15 in El Abdi Stadium – four days later, Leone Stars host the Pharaohs of Egypt in the Liberian Capital, Monrovia, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Stadium. 

Starting the campaign well will be the utmost task for Coach Karim and his technical team. However, Sierra Leone has yet to defeat the Walias of Ethiopia in their last two meetings.

In the 2018 AFCON qualifiers, Sierra Leone suffered a 1-0 defeat at the Hawassa International Stadium, but the result was null and void following the country’s disqualification.

Sierra Leone went into the qualifying period but was disqualified due to a suspension by CAF.

In the last World Cup qualifier against Liberia, the Lone Star won the first leg in Liberia 3-1 before losing the return match in Freetown through Kei Kamara’s goal. Both matches were played on the 4th and 8th of September 2019, respectively.

The Fifa 23rd edition of the World Cup will be played across Canada, Mexico, and the USA, including at Olympic venues.

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Mamelodi Sundowns crowned AFL champions as they see off Wydad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mamelodi Sundowns crowned AFL champions as they see off Wydad

South African side Mamelodi Sundowns proved too strong for visitors Wydad Casablanca as they defeated the Moroccans 2-0 to win their first-ever African Football League (AFL) champions.

Wydad won the first let 2-1, but after a 2-0 second leg victory, Sundowns sealed a 3-2 aggregate triumph to earn themselves $4,000,000.

Goals from Peter Shalulile and Aubrey Modiba at a raucous Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria were enough to claim victory.

The first 30 minutes of the game saw both sides keep each other at bay, but while the first half was about to end, a defensive lapse from Wydad was punished by Sundowns after goalkeeper Youssef Motie parried Khuliso Mudua’s shot against the leg of Peter Shalulile, who then fired home.

Aubrey Maphosa Modiba completed the win in the 53rd minute after intercepting a wayward pass before racing through to double Sundowns’ advantage.

Wydad’s Ayoub El Amloud missed a late chance with a header, and Sundowns held firm to secure the historic AFL title. 

Coach Rulani Mokwena’s tactical prowess overcame early pressure, marking Sundowns as the inaugural champions of the new AFL competition.

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Mamelodi Sundowns crowned AFL champions as they see off Wydad
Mamelodi Sundowns crowned AFL champions as they see off Wydad
Ghana striker Raphael Dwamena dies after collapsing on the pitch
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana striker Raphael Dwamena dies after collapsing on pitch

Former Ghana striker Raphael Dwamena collapsed and died aged 28 while playing for Egnatia against Partizani on Saturday. However, the game was halted at 1-1 with no further play.

The Football Federation further confirmed all football championships in Albania have been postponed to a later date.

“Despite the immediate intervention of specialist doctors he unfortunately passed away,” said the Albanian Football Federation (AFL).

“AFL expressed its deep shock for the tragedy that happened today during the match of the 13th week of “Abissnet Superiore”, Egnatia-Partizani.”

“Footballer Raphael Dwamena lost consciousness during the match, and after the first intervention of doctors on the field of play, he was transported by ambulance to the hospital.”

Dwamena has scored nine goals in the Albanian league this campaign as the leading scorer. He had won nine caps and scored two goals for Ghana.

“The Ghana Football Association is sad to hear of the death of our former player Raphael Dwamena and wish to express our deepest condolences to his family at this difficult moment,” GFA said in their statement.

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Amadou Bakayoko bags brace as Dundee thrash St Miren
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Amadou Bakayoko bags brace as Dundee thrash St Miren

On Saturday, Sierra Leone International Amadou Bakayoko recorded a brace as Dundee thrashed St. Mirren in the Scottish Premiership.

Bakayoko, 27, third of the season, came in the 16th and 57th-minute as Dundee moved two points off third place in the Scottish Premiership as they thrashed high-flying St Mirren at Dens Park.

Amadou Bakayoko walloped in the opener before Zak Rudden doubled their lead from the spot on the brink of the break, giving the hosts a comfortable cushion.

Bakayoko tapped in his second just before the hour mark, then Zach Robinson iced the cake with a fourth in the 85th minute.

Tony Docherty’s side became the first club outside the Old Firm to beat St Mirren in the league this season, as they moved up to fifth.

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Amadou Bakayoko bags brace as Dundee thrash St Miren
Amadou Bakayoko bags brace as Dundee thrash St Miren
Three new faces for Sierra Leone World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and Egypt
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Three new faces for Sierra Leone World Cup qualifiers

Charlton Athletic FC striker Daniel Kanu on loan to fifth-tier side Southern United & Derby County midfielder Tyrese Fornah and  Liga Leumit side Hapoel Kfar Saba defender Abdulai Jajue Kabia are the new inclusions as Sierra Leone prepares for Ethiopia and Egypt. 

Coach Amidu Karim has named his side to face Ethiopia and Egypt in the opening qualifiers in the race to the 2026 World Cup but without four key players.

No Curtis Davies, Mustapha Bundu, Issa Kallon & Alex Bangura in coach Amidu Karim’s troops for vital openers

Plymouth Argyle winger Mustapha Bundu was ruled out during a hamstring injury as former England International Curtis Davies is still waiting on the Association switch approval from Fifa before he can represent Sierra Leone. 

In his 24-man squad, other notable absentees are Middlesbrough left-back Alex Bangura, who has not returned since Dubai training camp in November 2022, and Shanghái Port‘s attacker Issa Kallon, also not named. 

Odense BK attacker Mohamed Buya Turay, who scored three goals in a recent training camp against Benin and Somalia, is listed.

After a successful Fifa window, where Sierra Leone drew with Benin and defeated Somalia 2-0, they face a tricky test against the Walia Ibex of Ethiopia on Wednesday.

Ethiopia hosts Sierra Leone on Nov 15 in El Abdi Stadium – four days later, Leone Stars host the Pharaohs of Egypt in the Liberian Capital, Monrovia, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Stadium. 

Starting the campaign well will be the utmost task for Coach Karim and his technical team. However, Sierra Leone has yet to defeat the Walias of Ethiopia in their last two meetings.

In the 2018 AFCON qualifiers, Sierra Leone suffered a 1-0 defeat at the Hawassa International Stadium, but the result was null and void following the country’s disqualification.

Sierra Leone went into the qualifying period but was disqualified due to a suspension by CAF.

In the last World Cup qualifier against Liberia, the Lone Star won the first leg in Liberia 3-1 before losing the return match in Freetown through Kei Kamara’s goal. Both matches were played on the 4th and 8th of September 2019, respectively.

The Fifa 23rd edition of the World Cup will be played across Canada, Mexico, and the USA, including at Olympic venues.

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Sierra Leone 24-man squad for 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and Egypt
Tyrese Fornah named to the Sierra Leone national team for the first time! 🇸🇱
Tyrese Fornah named to the Sierra Leone national team for the first time! 🇸🇱
Ethiopia beat Al Hilal to prepare for Sierra Leone qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ethiopia beat Al Hilal to prepare for Sierra Leone qualifier

Ethiopia Walias defeated Sudanese club side Al Hilal 2-0 on Thursday in a test friendly ahead of facing Sierra Leone as they continue preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Goals from Bahir Dar Kenema defensive midfielder Alelegn Azene and Defence Force left wing back Bereket Desta were enough as the new head coach tested his side.  

Newly appointed head coach Gebremedhin Haile and his side will depart for Morocco on Friday for their World Cup qualifying doubleheader after meeting the media. 

Ethiopia host Sierra Leone on Wednesday, November 15, at the El Abdi Stadium in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier before taking on Burkina Faso six days later at the same venue.

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Ethiopia in training ahead of opening World Cup qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ethiopia to play Al-Hilal ahead of Sierra Leone World Cup qualifier 

Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) has announced that newly appointed head coach Gebremedhin Haile will test his side against Sudanese club side Al-Hilal before heading to Morocco for their World Cup qualifiers.

The Walias were drawn in Group A in the new African zone qualifying format, along with Egypt, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Djibouti.

Ethiopia host Sierra Leone on Wednesday November 15, at the El Abdi Stadium in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier before taking on Burkina Faso six days later at the same venue.

“The Ethiopian national team has been practising for the World Cup qualifier match for Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso. 

Our team will have a practice match with Sudanese Al-Hilal at Bank field on Thursday afternoon and will be preparing in Addis Ababa until Friday and then will be heading to Morocco for our World Cup qualifying matches,” EFF announced on Wednesday. 

Gebremedhin Haile 30-man squad

Goalkeepers: Seid Habtamu, Abubeker Nura, and Biniam Genetu

Defenders: Amlemhiran Yigezu, Henok Adugna, Ramedan Yesuf, Yared Kasaye, Mengistu, Milion Solomon, Mignot Debebe, Birhanu Bekele, Yared Baye, Fetudin Jemal, and Woldeamanuel Getu.

Midfielders: Gatoch Panom, Natnael Zeleke, Shimelis Bekele, Surafel Dagnachew, Kenean Markneh, Wegene Gezahegn, Yabsira Tesfaye, and Alelegn Azene

Forwards: Getaneh Kebede, Abubeker Nasir, Amanuel G/Michael, Bereket Desta, Tegenu Teshome, Fitsum Tilahun, Chernet Gugsa, Habtamu Tadesse, and Abel Yalew.

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Burkina Faso confirm 25-man squad for World Cup double header
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkina Faso confirm 25-man squad for doubleheader

The Stallions of Burkina Faso have confirmed a 25-man list for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Morocco next week.

Hubert Velud’s side will kick off their campaign against Guinea-Bissau and Ethiopia on November 17 in Marrakech and November 21, 2023, in El Jadida, Morocco, respectively.

Having qualified for the 34th edition of the biennial African Association football in Ivory Coast next year, coach Velud will have another eye to progress from Group A to the next World Cup.

Group A consists of Egypt, Burkina Faso, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia and Djibouti in the race to the next World Cup.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be played across three North American nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Full drafted 25-man Squad listed below  

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Burkina Faso named 25-man squad for World Cup qualifying doubleheader
Burkina Faso named 25-man squad for World Cup qualifying doubleheader
Abu Kamara nets Portsmouth winner in the Motors Trophy
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Abu Kamara nets Portsmouth winner in Motors Trophy

Abu Kamara scored his third goal of the season as Portsmouth won at Leyton Orient to finish top of Southern Group E in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy despite playing more than three-quarters of the game with just ten men.

The visitors recovered from Sean Raggett’s sent-off by taking the lead through Christian Saydee just before the break.

Joe Pigott came off the bench to draw the Londoners level. However, Abu Kamara grabbed the winner in the 77th minute for Portsmouth.

“The manager had a bit of a pop at me in the first half for not running, so when the ball broke for Kas – I just had to get my head down and get into a position to make up his mind.

“It was always going to be tough after going down to 10 men so early in the game, but the boys dug deep to get the result,” Abu Kamara told the club’s website. 

The sending-off meant a couple of changes in shape that led Kamara to take up some unfamiliar positions.

He explained, “I got told to play as a wing-back, but they flooded bodies forward, so I was basically in a right-back role.

“The gaffer then decided to change the formation, so I played as a ‘number eight’ and switched with Harry Jewitt-White.

“It’s another new position, but you’ve just got to do what you’ve got to do and put in those hard yards.”

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