Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Al Ahly beat Simba to set Sundowns African Football League date
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Al Ahly eliminate Simba to set Sundowns African Football League date

On Tuesday, Al Ahly eliminated Tanzania Simba to set a date with South African Mamelodi Sundowns in the semifinals of the African Champions League.

After a 2-2 draw in Tanzania, the Egyptian giants emerged victorious on an away goal rule as they booked their place in the inaugural African Football League (AFL) semifinals. The first leg match had ended 1-1 at Cairo International.

Sundowns of South Africa, on the other hand, confirmed their semifinal spot with a goalless draw after they played most of the tie with a man down against th Petro Atletico on Tuesday.

They won the first leg 2-0 away and will play Egyptian side Al-Ahly in Sunday’s first-leg semis match. 

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

CAF & Puma unveil AFCON 2023 Match Ball 'Pokou'
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF & Puma unveil AFCON 2023 Match Ball ‘Pokou’

The Confederation of African Football, CAF and German multinational corporation PUMA have unveiled “POKOU” – the official match ball for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023.

CAF say the Official match ball, POKOU, is named after Ivorian legendary forward Laurent Pokou, a doyen of African football whose five goals in the 6-1 victory over Ethiopia at the 1970 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations remains a record during the Final competition.

The continental tournament is set to run from 13 January to 11 February 2024 in the cities of Abidjan, Bouake, Korhogo, San Pedro and Yamoussoukro.

Erwan, a son of the late Pokou, presented the iconic and beautifully designed match ball to the audience during the Final Draw.

The 34th edition match ball features the three colours of the Cote d’Ivoire flag – white, orange and green, whilst incorporating the latest technology that will revolutionize the game on the continent and beyond.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, African Football News, and AFCON 2023 News.

In Uyo, Nigeria, Wydad Casablanca of Morocco secured narrow victory over their rival in the first leg.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

TP Mazembe, Wydad register AFL quarterfinal first leg wins

TP Mazembe of DR Congo and Wydad Casablanca of Morocco registered wins over their rivals in the first leg of the African Football League quarter-finals on Sunday.

Cheick Oumar Fofana’s first-leg goal was enough as TP Mazembe registered a hard-fought 1-0 win over Tunisian side Esperance.

Fofana. 19, 11th-minute head put Mazembe in front at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Tanzania to give the DR Congo club a slender advantage.

Mazembe gave a good account of themselves as they controlled the early exchanges before Fofana connected with Phillipe Kinzumbi’s pinpoint delivery to score what proved the winner.

Despite all efforts from the Tunisian side, Mazembe held on to secure a vital away goal and advantage ahead of the second leg in Tunisia this Wednesday.

In Uyo Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, Wydad Casablanca of Morocco secured a narrow victory over their Nigerian counterpart in the first leg.

The Moroccan side defeated Enyimba 1-0. The match-winning goal was scored by Wydad’s skipper Yahya Jabrane in the 39th minute from the penalty spot at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

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

Augustine Williams nets as Charleston Battery progress
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Augustine Williams scores as Battery progress to USL Semis

Augustine Williams recorded his fifteen of the campaign as Charleston Battery progressed after they wallopped Indy Eleven  5-0 at Patriots Point on Sunday.

A 5-0 triumph for Battery saw them progress to the USL Championship Eastern Conference Semifinal on Sunday at Patriots Point. 

Emilio Ycaza, Augi Williams, Arturo Rodriguez, Fidel Barajas and Nick Markanich were all on the score sheet. 

A bright start for Battery as Emilio Ycaza scored their opener in the 12th minute, assisted by Arturo Rodriguez, before Augustine Williams powered in from the edge of the box to beat goalkeeper Tim Trilk.

The Sierra Leone International took his tally to fifteen with the strike. 

Rodriguez, fresh off providing an assist, etched his name into the scoresheet in the 40th minute with an exclamation mark before halftime. 

Fidel Barajas and Nick Markanich were the other scorers of the day as they proved too strong for their visitors.

Williams’ Battery will face Birmingham Legion in the Semifinals to host Birmingham Legion FC on Sat, Oct. 28, at 7 PM.

Scoring Summary

CHS – Emilio Ycaza 12’ (Arturo Rodriguez) 

CHS – Augi Williams 37’ (Nick Markanich) 

CHS – Arturo Rodriguez 40’ (Fidel Barajas) 

CHS – Fidel Barajas 47’ (Arturo Rodriguez) 

CHS – Nick Markanich 63’ (Augustine Williams)

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

Idris Kanu on target for Barnet
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Idris Kanu helps Barnet in win over Maidenhead United

Idris Kanu registered his fourth of the season as Barnet defeated Maidenhead United 3-2 at the Hive.

The Sierra Leone International was making his sixteen appearances and scored in the fourth minute. Kanu struck a superb finish into the top corner to give Barnet the lead.

But Kanu’s goal did not last long as the visitors scored through Jayden Mitchell-Lawson fired home to level the scoring in the 11th minute before Bradley Keetch gave the struggling visitors a surprise half-time lead.

Callum Stead headed the hosts level after 51 minutes before Gorman won it for the Bees in the 91st minute, with Maidenhead’s Sam Beckwith and two backroom staff being sent off in the chaotic scenes that followed.

Barnet’s winner came from substitute Dale Gorman, who scored a stoppage-time winner as the home side left it late to beat Maidenhead United.

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

Issa Kallon's Shanghai Port made to wait for the CSL title
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Issa Kallon’s Shanghai Port made to wait for the CSL title

On Friday, Shanghai Port suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Beijing Guoan to miss an early chance of securing the 2023 Chinese Super League title.

Sierra Leone International Issa Kallon, who started on the bench, was subbed on in the 32nd minute to bookmark his 24th appearance for the Chinese side as he replace Lucas João.

Guoan’s Wang Gang opened the scoring for the visitors in the 24th minute as Zhang Linpeng’s foul in the area gave the visitors another chance in the 52nd minute.

Beijing striker Fabio Abreu scored from the penalty spot to double the lead. Wu Lei’s header gave Shanghai a consolation goal in the 89th minute.

With two matches left in the 2023 CSL, Shanghai Port is on top of the table with 59 points, with Shandong Taishan five points adrift in second place after they beat Changchun Yatai 3-0.

In Friday’s other CSL match, Wuhan Three Towns beat Dalian Pro 3-1. 

Shanghái Port to host Shandong Taishan on Sunday as they look to seal the title this campaign.

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

Coach Amidu Karim is pleased with Leone Stars' friendly results
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Coach Amidu Karim reflects on first two games in charge

Amidu Karim says he was pleased with his opening two matches as head coach in charge of Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars for friendly games in Morocco.

On Tuesday, his preparation continued following a 2-0 win over Somalia in a tier-two friendly in Casablanca, Morocco. His first task was a 1-1 draw with Benin.

Leone Stars secured a pass mark unbeaten in their Morocco camp, a start to life the coach was pleased about. 

Under Karim’s guidance, Odense Boldklub striker Mohamed Buya Turay scored his first three International goals for Sierra Leone.

“Generally, the experience was a unique one, as a technical team, we are pleased with the outcome of both matches. I am pleased also because it is my first time as head coach – hence, starting well in charge was precisely the target.”

“In the competition proper, two games and four points will be immense for us. However, this is just a start – we remain focused and working on the areas to strengthen ahead of difficult matches in November. 

I was a bit disappointed not to win against Benin as we came very close. I must commend the players for their commitment as well. In Football, it’s not easy to get 100 per cent, but they’ve shown me a lot. We still have to make decisions for the success of Sierra Leone.”

The World Cup 2026 qualifiers will see Sierra Leone battle Ethiopia and Egypt in Group A doubleheader in November – these games will be the ultimate test in Karim’s reign. 

Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, powerhouse Egypt, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau and Djibouti all makeup Group A in the race to the 2026 World Cup.

The continental journey to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Mexico and Canada will begin in November 2023. 

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

Bo Rangers appoint Ex-Sierra Leone coach John
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bo Rangers appoint Ex-Sierra Leone coach John Keister

Reigning Sierra Leone Premier League champions Bo Rangers has appointed John Keisrer as its new head coach.

Keister, who guided Sierra Leone to their third African Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon, unbeaten in the qualifiers, will start his new role on the 1st of November.

It means he will not be in the dugout but in the stands when Rangers take on Mighty Blackpool in the Community Shield clash on the 28th of October at the Southern Arena.

On Wednesday, the club said they are thrilled to announce the official signing of Coach John Keister as the new head Coach.

“With an impressive track record and a wealth of experience in the football industry, Coach Keister brings a dynamic approach and a new spirit to accelerate the club’s growth. 

His tenure will commence on the 1st of November 2023, and the entire club is eager to witness the positive impact he will undoubtedly make in leading the team to new heights of success,” the Southern Province outfit revealed. 

The former East End Lions coach is charged with the new responsibility of defending a back-to-back title.

Rangers fans will be hoping their new coach can replicate what he did during the 2019 season, winning the title unbeaten with the Easter giant side.

Bo Rangers to kick-off their title defence against Freetown City FC on the 5th of November at the Southern Arena.

https://twitter.com/football_sierra/status/1714732798420897862

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

Sierra Leone ease past Somalia Blue Stars in Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone ease past Somalia in Morocco

On Tuesday, Sierra Leone continued their World Cup preparation with a pass mark after securing a 2-0 win over Somalia in a tier-two friendly in Casablanca, Morocco.

Cheltenham defender Curtis Davies, 38, and HSV Hoek center-back Augustine Loof, 27, both made their debut for Sierra Leone in the win as they played the full throttle of the contest.

Having secured a 1-1 draw against Benin in coach Amidu Karims’s first outing with the Leone Stars on Saturday, striker Mohamed Buya Turay opened the scoring for Sierra Leone from the spot.

Coach Karim’s side was awarded a penalty after the Somalia keeper Bilaal Njie brought down the Odense Boldklub striker in the box in the 24th minute.

Turay comfortably converted the spot kick for his second Leone Stars goal in Morocco before completing his brace after a scintillating pass from the right wing in the 58th minute.

Tuesday’s win was the first for the new Leone Stars technical as they continue preparation for World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

Somalia were not a threat to Sierra Leone for most of the game. However, they’ll face a much tougher test against Ethiopia and Egypt in the November World Cup doubleheader.

Sierra Leone in Group A against Ethiopia, powerhouse Egypt, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau and Djibouti are the others in the race to the 2026 World Cup.

The continental journey to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Mexico and Canada will begin in November 2023. 

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

Sierra Leone ease past Somalia Blue Stars in Morocco.
Sierra Leone ease past Somalia Blue Stars in Morocco.
Sierra Leone had a successful camp in the International window in Morocco
Sierra Leone had a successful camp in the International window in Morocco
Sierra Leone's detection football tourney starts with a bang
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Star Sport detection football tourney starts with a bang

The newly built Southern Arena is the venue for the Detection Tournament organised by the Star Sports Academy in Sierra Leone as they search for the next generation of football stars.

Sixteen teams will battle for supremacy – FC Kallon, East End Lions, Stars Sports Academy, Senegal’s Dream Foot, Academia from Guinea, Bo All Stars, Academie GFI, K and K, Africa Sports Academy from Liberia, Attouga Foot and six others listed to compete in an exciting football talent show in the presence of global scouts. 

The Detection football showdown got underway on Monday with a flurry of action that has seen day one already concluded at the Southern Arena Stadium.

Stars Sports Academy narrowly defeated K and K 1-0, FC Kallon outclassed their opponent Bo All Stars 3-0, and Senegal’s Dream Foot edged past Guinea’s Academy Sabou 1-0 as East End Lions played a 2-2 draw against Academie GFI on the opening day.

Matchday One results and day two fixtures are below. 

The competition will continue with four more exciting matches at the same venue on Tuesday.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, National News, and Star Sports Academy football tournament.

Detection Sports Tournament opening results
Detection Sports Tournament opening results
The competition will continue with four more exciting matches at the same venue on Tuesday.
The competition will continue with four more exciting matches at the same venue on Tuesday.