Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone clubs to benefit from new FIFA Programme
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone clubs to benefit from new FIFA Programme

For the first time, the program will directly reward all clubs that release players for the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Sierra Leone Premier League clubs will benefit from this initiative launched by the world governing body.

For the first time, the program will directly reward all clubs that release players for the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Sierra Leone Premier League clubs will benefit from this initiative launched by the world governing body.

A total of USD 355 million has been allocated for club football, representing a nearly 70% increase compared to the previous edition. This funding is part of the renewed memorandum of understanding between FIFA and the European Club Association.

More clubs than ever are set to benefit from the FIFA World Cup™, as FIFA gears up to implement an enhanced edition of the FIFA Club Benefits Programme (CBP) for the 2026 edition of its flagship men’s competition.

As per the renewed memorandum of understanding signed by FIFA and the European Club Association (ECA) in March 2023, clubs who release players for the FIFA World Cup 26™ will benefit from USD 355 million overall.

For the first time since its inception, the CBP distribution principles have been adjusted to now allow every club whose players directly feature either in the FIFA World Cup 26™ qualifiers or the final tournament to receive a share of the solidarity fund.  

This new approach means that any club that releases a player for a FIFA World Cup 26 qualifier will now be directly compensated for said release, irrespective of whether the player plays at the final tournament, an additional step to increase solidarity aimed at providing a fairer and more inclusive redistribution across global club football.

Sierra Leone open U17 girls qualifiers with a win over Senegal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone open U17 girls qualifiers with a win over Senegal

Sierra Leone's U17 girls made a significant impact by defeating Senegal 2-1 in their opening match of the WAFU CAF qualifiers held in the Liberian capital on Wednesday.

Marian Sankoh opened the scoring with a brilliant long-range strike in the 20th minute, giving Sierra Leone an early lead. However, Senegal responded, equalising in the 61st minute thanks to a goal from Ndeye Haby Barro.

As both teams fought hard for a winner, it was Sierra Leone’s Mareray Turay who ultimately made the difference. In the 78th minute, she headed home a well-placed pass from the left wing, beating the Senegalese goalkeeper and sealing the victory for her team.

Woman of the Match Game 1: Marian Sankoh and the victory have placed Sierra Leone in an advantageous position as they prepare to take on the host nation, Liberia, this Friday at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium.

Sierra Leone is scheduled to play against Liberia on Friday, September 19. Following this match, they will face Senegal on September 23 and conclude their campaign with another match against Liberia on September 25.

Sierra Leone open U17 girls qualifiers with a win over Senegal
Sierra Leone open U17 girls qualifiers with a win over Senegal
On Wednesday, Sierra Leone and Senegal before their opening action at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium.
On Wednesday, Sierra Leone and Senegal before their opening action at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium.
Sierra Leone and Senegal players battled for the ball on Wednesday
Sierra Leone and Senegal players battled for the ball on Wednesday
Jaze Kabia helps Grimsby Town to Carabao Cup fourth round
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Jaze Kabia helps Grimsby Town to Carabao Cup fourth round

Jaze Kabia scored the winner as Grimsby Town, who knocked out Manchester United in the Carabao Cup, secured a deserved win against struggling Sheffield Wednesday to reach the fourth round.

Grimsby performed better in the first half and eventually took the lead shortly after the interval when Sierra Leonean native Jaze Kabia scored with a header from Reece Staunton’s corner kick. (Photo Grimsby Town)

Afterwards, the visitors created further chances to extend their lead, but a single goal was sufficient against a Wednesday side that made 10 alterations following their Championship loss to Bristol City on Saturday.

This marks Grimsby’s return to the fourth round for the first time since the 2001-02 season.

The struggling home team had only managed two wins this season, both achieved on penalties against Bolton and Leeds in this competition, but they failed to find an equaliser to take the match to penalties, with visiting keeper Christy Pym not being called into action for a single save.

Grimsby brought around 6,000 fans from Lincolnshire to South Yorkshire and started brightly against a largely inexperienced Wednesday team.

Kabia scored with a header just four minutes into the second half, helping Grimsby take the lead after a strong first half against Henrik Pedersen’s team.

Despite chances for Jamie Walker and Charles Vernam, Wednesday struggled to respond. Grimsby now awaits a favourable draw for the tournament’s last 16 next Wednesday, while the Owls turn their attention to seeking their first Championship win of the season against Portsmouth on Saturday, with the Mariners facing Barnet in League Two.

Morocco's Fouzi Lekjaa reiterates readiness to host Africa Cup of Nations
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa reiterates readiness to host Africa Cup of Nations

President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa, has reiterated Morocco's readiness to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) later this year.

In a beIN Sports interview, he stated that the country’s preparations stem from years of planning and investment, rather than hurried efforts at the last minute.

He acknowledged the vision of King Mohammed VI, whose reforms over the past twenty years have focused on developing world-class sports infrastructure and cultivating football talent across the nation. “Thanks to His Majesty’s long-term vision, Morocco is poised to deliver a benchmark event that will set a high standard for future AFCON tournaments,” Lekjaa remarked.

The 2025 AFCON, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, will take place across six cities in Morocco, each featuring newly constructed or completely renovated stadiums that rank among the most modern in Africa.

In addition to state-of-the-art venues, the country has bolstered its logistics, security, and hospitality services to meet global expectations.

Lekjaa emphasised that Morocco envisions this tournament as more than just a sporting event, viewing it as a celebration of African unity and solidarity. He noted, “This isn’t just about football; it’s a chance to showcase brotherhood across Africa.”

The North African country aims to combine its excellent infrastructure and hospitality to elevate continental competitions. For Lekjaa, the 2025 AFCON will highlight Morocco’s growing status as a global sports destination and honour the traditions that make the tournament a beloved African event.

Pyramids FC Advance after win defeating Auckland City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pyramids Advance after defeating Auckland City in Intercontinental Cup

Pyramids FC has progressed to the next round of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup after a decisive 3-0 win over Auckland City in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup Play-off.

Goals from Walid El Karti, Marwan Hamdy, and Mostafa Ziko were pivotal at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, as the dominant African champions triumphed over the tough challenge posed by their Oceania rivals.

Pyramids will now advance to compete against Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli, the champions of the AFC Champions League Elite, in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup – and are only two matches away from a chance at the Intercontinental Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain.

The Egyptians continued to press the visitors’ goal and thought they had scored again just before the half-hour mark. However, Mohamed Hamdy’s strong header was correctly ruled out for offside.

Auckland’s best chance came on a counter-attack. Dylan Manickum was clear on goal but missed wide, wasting a great opportunity for a surprise equaliser in the second half.

However, Marwan Hamdy ended any hopes for Auckland by scoring 16 minutes from time with a powerful header from close range.

Substitute Ziko then added a third goal, taking advantage of the tiring Auckland defence and curling a great shot inside the far post.

Al Ahli now waits for Pyramids. The winner of that match will face either Mexico’s Cruz Azul, the Concacaf Champions Cup winners, or the yet-to-be-determined CONMEBOL Libertadores champions.

Whichever team wins from that FIFA Challenger Cup match will go on to compete for the Intercontinental Cup against PSG, the champions of Europe.

Pyramids’ goal: Walid El Karti (14), Marwan Hamdy (74), Mostafa Ziko (85)

Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho nets on Celtic debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho nets on Celtic debut

Debutant Kelechi Iheanacho scored for Celtic as they defeated Kilmarnock at Rugby Park 2-1 on Sunday in added time.

Iheanacho, who signed with Celtic on a one-year contract that includes an option for an additional year, earlier this month, has opened his account.

Celtic had the first chance early in the match when Liam Scales received a corner-kick but couldn’t hit the target.

They dominated possession for the first 20 minutes, holding nearly 80 per cent of the ball, but struggled to create clear chances as Kilmarnock defended deep.
Sebastian Tounekti made an impressive debut on the left wing for Celtic. After 30 minutes, he attempted a lob over the Kilmarnock goalkeeper but missed. He later set up Benjamin Nygren, who failed to score, while Cameron Carter-Vickers forced a save from Max Stryjek with a long shot.

Kilmarnock nearly scored early in the second half, but David Watson missed a free-kick opportunity. Celtic took the lead when Daizen Maeda scored a diving header from a Marcelo Saracchi cross. Ten minutes later, Nygren’s shot was blocked.

With 20 minutes left, Kelechi Iheanacho made his debut, replacing Maeda. Though Celtic created chances, they couldn’t add to their lead. Kilmarnock equalised with a header from Watson off a corner with under 10 minutes remaining.

In a dramatic finish, Celtic was awarded a penalty after a VAR handball check. Iheanacho scored with the last kick of the game, securing a 2-1 win and maintaining Celtic’s unbeaten start to the Premiership season.

Sierra Leone's Mamadou Wurie Jalloh makes Vaasan Palloseura debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Mamadou Wurie Jalloh makes Vaasan Palloseura debut

Sierra Leone's young keeper, Mamadou Wurie Jalloh, made his debut with Veikkausliiga side Vaasan Palloseura in their 2-1 win over FC KTP in their battle for survival in Finland.

Sierra Leone’s young keeper, Mamadou Wurie Jalloh, made his debut with Veikkausliiga side Vaasan Palloseura in their 2-1 win over FC KTP in their battle for survival.

Goals from Prosper Ahiabu and Olli Jakonen gave the hosts their two-goal lead before Matias Paavola scored for the visitors in the 62nd minute, but it was too late as they could not recover from the early goals conceded.

Mamadou Jalloh stepped between the posts for the first time and was pleased to represent the VPS shirt.

“A great debut considering the starting points. A ragged week ahead, having just returned from the national team games. He came in very open-minded and brave.

“It’s great to see a young boy come in with a lot of self-confidence, Nuorela rejoices. It was a pleasure to get my professional senior debut at just 18, a big dream came true,” Jalloh expressed after the final whistle.

Striker Daniel Kanu nets to help Walsall draw at Fleetwood Town
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Daniel Kanu nets to help Walsall draw at Fleetwood Town

Sierra Leone international Daniel Kanu scored for Walsall, helping them draw 1-1 with Fleetwood Town at Highbury Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Fleetwood scored first in the game, but Kanu equalised just ten minutes later. This draw extended Walsall’s unbeaten streak to four games across all competitions and marked their first goal against Fleetwood since 2016.

Head Coach Mat Sadler made one change to the team that won against Chesterfield last weekend. Charlie Lakin was suspended, so Courtney Clarke started in midfield.

Walsall had an early chance when Evan Weir’s free kick from 30 yards went over the bar. Fleetwood’s Ryan Graydon rounded Walsall’s keeper Myles Roberts in the 12th minute but was denied by defender Aden Flint. Graydon scored a header from a corner three minutes later.

Walsall equalised in the 25th minute when Flint set up Kanu for a close-range tap-in. They nearly took the lead after Lewis Warrington hit the woodwork with a shot from 25 yards.

Substitute Rico Richards almost scored on his debut, forcing a great save from Fleetwood’s Jay Lynch. Despite their efforts, the match ended in a draw.

Striker Augustine Williams named to USL Player of the Week
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Augustine Williams named to USL Player of the Week

Pittsburgh Riverhounds forward Augi Williams has been named the USL Championship Player of the Week for Week 27 after scoring both goals in the team's 2-0 win over Oakland Roots SC on Sunday.

Williams scored the first goal just four minutes into the match, seizing a loose ball in the middle of the penalty area and finishing it with a low shot.

His second goal came from the penalty spot just before halftime, as he converted the penalty after being tripped at the top of the box. This two-goal performance also marked significant milestones for Williams, a veteran in his 10th year, now playing with the Hounds.

The first goal represented his 100th contribution in terms of goals and assists combined in the USL Championship regular season, and he currently ranks second on the league’s all-time scoring list with 83 goals.

In addition to his scoring in the victory against Oakland, Williams won 8 out of 10 aerial duels (totalling 12 out of 19 duels overall) and drew three fouls for the Hounds, which includes the penalty he earned in the first half.

Williams is the second player from the Hounds to receive the Player of the Week title this season, following Robbie Mertz, who received the accolade in Week 14.

Furthermore, Williams earned a position on the USL Championship Team of the Week, which featured Mertz on the bench after he created a match-high four chances, delivered nine total crosses, and achieved an impressive passing accuracy of 88.9 per cent during the win on Sunday.

100 USL Championship goal contributions in the regular season for Augi Williams!
100 USL Championship goal contributions in the regular season for Augi Williams!
Attacker Fofin Turay set for TOP Oss Eerste Divisie debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Attacker Fofin Turay set for TOP Oss Eerste Divisie debut

On Friday, Sierra Leone native Fofin Turay might make his debut for TOP Oss in the Eerste Divisie after transferring on loan from FC Groningen.

FC Emmen will host TOP Oss at De Oude Meerdijk on Fri, Sep 12, 2025, at 18:00 UTC. This game is part of the Eerste Divisie.

He was brought in to strengthen TOP Oss’ attacking options for one season, with whom he is under contract until mid-2026.

At just 21 years old, Turay might make his first appearance for the Dutch club in the fifth round of the season. Turay advanced through FC Groningen’s entire youth academy and made his professional debut in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie.

Last season, he also played in the Vrienden Loterij Eredivisie, marking his debut in an away game against Ajax. He participated in a total of sixteen official matches for FC Groningen.

Technical director Linton Posthumus expressed satisfaction with Turay’s arrival: “Fofin possesses remarkable speed and depth. He’s an excellent addition to our team.”

Fofin Turay regarding his transfer to TOP Oss stated: “I had conversations with a few players I already knew at TOP Oss, and that gave me a positive feeling. I’m a reserved individual who is keen to learn. As a player, I’m explosive and enjoy connecting with my teammates.”