Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Adel Ramzy optimistic ahead of AFL final return fixture in South Africa
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Wydad coach Ramzy is optimistic ahead of Sundowns’ tie

Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca coach Adel Ramzi is optimistic as he recalled his team could easily have scored four goals against Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the African Football League (AFL) at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.

Casablanca managed a 2-1 win ahead of the return match this Sunday in Pretoria.

Ramzi said the match was tactical and difficult for both sides as he pointed out that the two teams were unable to control the tie.

“It was a difficult fixture for both sides and the level was top notch. Sometimes Wydad Casablanca controlled the game, other times it was the opposition who was in control,” Adel Ramzi told the AFL website. 

“The result of the match was positive for us, although we conceded a goal, as we scored two goals against a team that had never conceded before we had the chance to score three or four goals – this is football, and for me, I am satisfied with the results.

“We are capable of scoring more goals in the return match away from home,” he added.

He predicted another difficult fixture in the return match, but he has great faith in the ability of his players to get the job done.

The coach also confirmed that team captain Yahya Jubran will not be available for the return match in Pretoria and admitted that they will miss his services.

“He is a leader on the pitch and we will miss him greatly. He has a strong personality which gives the team something extra. We trust in the rest of the squad. We will have him with us in South Africa to motivate the others.”

AFL WYDAD CASABLANCA  Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone & African News.

Casablanca managed a 2-1 win ahead of the return match this Sunday in Pretoria.
Casablanca managed a 2-1 win ahead of the return match this Sunday in Pretoria.
Salah, Elneny among foreign-based named in Egypt's squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Salah, Elneny among foreign-based named in Egypt’s squad

The Pharaohs of Egypt head coach Rui Vitoria listed nine foreign-based players in his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying camp in November.

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny are among key notable players. 

Eintracht Frankfurt winger Omar Marmoush, Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed, and Pendikspor forward Ahmed ‘Kouka’ Hassan were all named for their opening two World Cup qualifiers.

Al-Wakrah SC midfielder Hamdi Fathi, Ittihad Jeddah midfielder Tarek Hamed, and Khaleej FC striker Mohamed Sherif were all included by the Portuguese coach.

Also leading the list of foreign-based players is Trabzonspor winger Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan.

Coach Vitoria will start his Pharaohs 2026 World Cup campaign against Djibouti on 16 November in Cairo before taking on Sierra Leone on 19 November in Liberia.

Egypt to travel with an 82-man delegation to Liberia on a private jet for the World Cup qualifier against Sierra Leone on 19 November at the SKD.

The delegation includes at least 18 members of the technical staff and 43 players.

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

Augustine Williams helps Battery to USL Western Conference final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Augustine Williams helps Battery to USL Western Conference final

Augustine Williams helps Battery to USL Western Conference final

Augustine Williams scored as Charleston Battery crowned 2023 USL Eastern Conference champions Patriots Point on Sunday.

The Sierra Leone International recorded his sixteen of the season to help Battery to a 2-1 win over Louisville City. An early goal from Arturo Rodriguez set the tone for the night as Williams converted a penalty that proved to be the difference. 

“My job is to help the team win anyway,” Williams told Football Sierra Leone.

The Batterys’ top scorer added, “It’s great if I score, but my number 1 objective is to help the team win.”

“I’m happy to be able to score my sixteen goals in all competitions. This shows my hard work and dedication have paid off.

The victory propelled Charleston to the USL Championship Final for the first time since 2012. 

They’ll face Phoenix Rising in the Western Conference Champions Final on Sunday, 12 November 2023.

Charleston Battery aiming to win their fifth league title in club history.

Williams is on the home support as he dedicates the conference title to them.

“It’s been an amazing feeling. We call them the twelfth man for a reason. They’ve always backed us from the beginning, even from last year. The guys over here, we can see it. For them to support us, to see it all the way through, it’s been very, very massive for us. As long as these guys are behind us, we’re gonna give them everything that we got.”

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32, Contact Bi****@*****************ne.net. Players Abroad News

Charleston Battery crowned 2023 Eastern Conference Champions
Charleston Battery crowned 2023 Eastern Conference Champions
Baciro Candé names Djurtus 23-man sqaud for World Cup 2026 qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Baciro Candé names Djurtus squad for World Cup qualifiers

Guinea Bissau head coach Baciro Candé has named a 23-man Djurtus squad for this month’s World 2026 opening two qualifiers.

Coach Baciro Candé announced his sqaud on Friday, 3rd November, as he set sights on preparation for Burkina Faso at the Grand Stadium of Marrakech before taking on Djibouti in Cairo (Egypt) on the 17th and 20th November, respectively.

England’s Bolton midfielder Carlos Mendes Gomes and Spanish forward Marciano Tchami are the latest in the draft, with Moreto Cassama and Mama Balde returning.

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.

Here is the roster of the drafted players:

Keepers – Jonas Mendes, Ouparine Djoco and Celton Biai 

Defenders – Opa Sangante, Nanu, Marcelo Djalo, Soriano Mané, Mendes Onion, Fali Cande, Jefferson Encada

Midfielders – Alfa Semedo, Moreto Cassama, Carlos Mané, January afternoon, Fernando de Lacerda Gomes and Quiz time

Strikers – Mama Baldé, Mauro Teixeira, Euciodalcio Gomes, Carlos Mendes Gomes, Franculin Dju, John Pedro Silva and Marciano Sanca Tchami

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32, Contact Bi****@*****************ne.net, African News.

Sebastian Bowles pleased with Luawa's win over Republicans
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sebastian Bowles pleased with Luawa’s win over Republicans

Luawa head coach Sebastian Bowles was pleased to see his team start the new campaign with a win by defeating Real Republicans 1-0 on Friday.

It took a first-half goal from Abubakar Sheriff in the 24th minute to seal the victory for the Cacoa Boys at the Angola playing field.

“A tough game away against Real Republicans. I am satisfied with the win, but we can and will play a lot better,” Bowles told Football Sierra Leone.

“We were sucked in the game too much and didn’t play the way we have been training, but the players fought hard and well to claim the victory.

Sometimes you win nice, sometimes ugly. The most important thing is the three points. We will enjoy our fundraiser dinner tomorrow and start focusing on Old Edwardian’s next match.”

Elsewhere on Friday, Freetownians SLIFA opened their 2023/24 campaign with a vital home win over Diamond Stars at the Trade Center playing field. 

Meanwhile, despite a high court injunction, the league is set to continue today with three matches across the country.

The Judiciary of Sierra Leone statement reads, “The High Court of Sierra Leone has this evening granted an injunction against the SLFA and the Sierra Leone Premier League Board stopping all Premier League games from being played until the High Court determines the issues of irregularities in the Sierra Leone Premier League.

The matter was filed by Alusine Kamara and Ahmed Musa through Teddy Koroma and Associates, on behalf of Kamboi Eagles. 

Matter adjourned to 10th November for further proceedings.”

However, the Sierra Leone Premier Board has announced matches will go ahead according to schedule.

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

Plymouth Argyle confirm Mustapha Bundu suffered hamstring
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Plymouth Argyle confirm Mustapha Bundu suffered hamstring

Plymouth Argyle attacker Mustapha Bundu has been ruled out for a couple of weeks with a hamstring injury following MRI confirmation. 

Bundu and teammate Hardie limped off during last weekend’s 3-2 defeat at Ipswich Town.

Manager Steven Schumacher has confirmed that both remain on the injured list with hamstring problems. The Sierra Leone International suffered a grade two hamstring strain.

Bundu’s injury is not considered too serious, but he could be out of action for only a couple of weeks. Manager Steven Schumacher is hopeful Bundu can return sooner.

Schumacher said: ” Mustapha is moving a little bit better; he’s got a bit more range and a bit more power through his hamstring. Touch wood, he won’t be too long. As [physiotherapist] Gareth [Law] always says, he’ll treat the player and not the scan, and get their rehab in order accordingly, to get them back on the pitch as soon as possible.”

With ten days to Sierra Leone’s opening World Cup 2026 qualifier against Ethiopia, the news makes Bundu’s availability slimmer. 

Mustapha Bundu opened his Plymouth Argyle as they returned to winning ways at Home Park with a 3-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday on 25th October.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32, Contact Bi****@*****************ne.net, Players Abroad News.

Gebremedhin Haile names 30-man squad for Sierra Leone & Burkina Faso
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Gebremedhin Haile names 30-man squad for Sierra Leone & Burkina Faso

Newly appointed Ethiopia head coach Gebremedhin Haile has named a 30-man squad as he starts his preparation for their Opening World Cup Qualifiers this month.

The Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) announced the appointment of Gebremedhin on a 250,000 birr a month (net) contract during a joint press briefing on Friday.

Gebremedhin’s first task is against Sierra Leone before taking on Burkina Faso on the 15 and 21st at the Al Abdi stadium, respectively.

The new boss has previously spent a year as the Walias coach in 2016. He is also the head coach for the Ethiopian Premier League side Medhin FC.

Media reports in Ethiopia have confirmed that he will perform his Club duties alongside his new role until the end of the current Premier League season.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32, Contact Bi****@*****************ne.net, African News. 

Newly appointed Ethiopia head coach Gebremedhin Haile has named a 30-man squad to start the 2026 World Cup qualifying preparations.
Newly appointed Ethiopia head coach Gebremedhin Haile has named a 30-man squad to start the 2026 World Cup qualifying preparations.
SLIFA take on Diamond Stars as Rangers start title defence
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

SLIFA take on Diamond Stars as Rangers start title defence

The Leone Rock Premier League in Sierra Leone kicks off on Friday with Freetonians SLIFA facing one-time back-to-back champions Diamond Stars.

Last season’s sixth-placed SLIFA hosted the Diamond Boys from Kono at the Trade Center Field in Freetown.

Elsewhere on the same Friday, 2022/23 campaign fourteen-place finisher, Real Republicans to welcome hard-nut Luawa FC at the Angola Filed.

Last season, Luawa won the first meeting, but Real People rallied back to win the second leg. An intestering contest awaits later this afternoon in the Western Part of Freetown.  

On Saturday, November 4th, will see three different fixtures as the Killers East End Lions travel to battle newly promoted Bhantal FC at Angola Filed, Goderich. 

In Makeni, Wusuma Stars will welcome Old Edwardian, who have secured the signing of former Leone Stars assistant coach Dominic Junior Konneh.

The match of the day will witness a long-awaited traditional Derby known as the Northern Derby as Bai Bureh Warriors tussle with newcomers Khlofia Stars at the Port Loko Field – in Port Loko.

On Sunday, Bo Rangers kick off their defence of the Sierra Leone Premier League title at home against Wilberforce Strikers as the newly appointed head coach, John Keister, starts a new adventure.

The League holder and Charity Shield winner will start an unprecedented three-straight Sierra Leone top-flight title chase.

Still riding the wave of winning the Charity Shield, newly appointed coach John Keister will be at the dugout. He previously had a successful spell with East End Lions after winning the title with them.

Coach John Keister is highly expected to repeat the same fate with Bo Rangers, who are the outright favourite to retain the league crown but must handle the expectation and pressure this season. 

Having failed to perform the magic with the country’s senior national team, Leone Stars led to the non-renewal of his contract. 

The other matches of the day will see Lamboi FC host last season’s runners-up Mighty Blackpool at Lingi Field and CAF Confederation Cups representative FC Kallon hosting Port Authority at Angola Field, promoted Kahunla Rovers hosting Freetown City FC at Kenema Field.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer Sahr Morris Jr National Football News and Premier League. 

Amara Nallo features for Liverpool U21 in a draw with Benfica in the International Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Amara Nallo features in Liverpool’s International Cup draw with Benfica

Liverpool U21s played to a 1-1 with Benfica in the Premier League International Cup group stage. 

A dazzling 30-yarder from Filipe Cruz as the visitors opened the scoring to cap a period of Benfica dominance during the first half, but the Reds swiftly levelled through a clinical James McConnell header.

A Liverpool clearance came out to Cruz, and from fully 30 yards, he lashed an outstanding strike that dipped into the right corner for 1-0.

Amara Nallo, 16, has been a pivotal central defender for Barry Lewtas’s Liverpool U21 young team since he joined from West Ham. 

The young Reds return to Premier League 2 action against Nallo’s former team, West Ham, on Saturday.

Amara Nallo Liverpool U21 – Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, U21 News and Players Abroad. 

Rapid București interested in young Sierra Leone midfielder Salliue Bah
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Rapid București interested in Sierra Leone’s Sallieu Bah

FC Rapid București reportedly interested in Sierra Leone International 17-year-old midfielder Sallieu Bah after the youngster impressed on trial last week.

Bah, who made his Sierra Leone debut against Guinea-Bissau in the Final African Cup of Nations qualifier in September, is a potential transfer to Rapidiștii.

Reports reaching this medium indicated that Bah, who scored a hat-trick for Petrolul 95 Ploiesti in their 6-1 triumph over AFC Brebu on Friday, has impressed the București head coach Cristiano Bergodi.

The football prospect sensation started his playing career in the Sierra Leone domestic league, winning six man-of-the-match performances last season before he was g awarded a trial in Germany with a lower-league club.

He was listed on the Guardian’s top next generation of 60 of the best young talents in world football. 

Bah was recently part of the Sierra Leone training camp in Morocco, where they played 1-1 with Benin and defeated Somalia 2-0 during the Fifa window last month.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32, Contact Bi****@*****************ne.net, Players Abroad News.

Salliue Bah in action for Sierra Leone during their 2-0 win over Somalia in at the Stade de Berrechid in Casablanca.
Salliue Bah in action for Sierra Leone during their 2-0 win over Somalia in at the Stade de Berrechid in Casablanca.