Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ethiopia's Mesay Teferi names 26 for Egypt and Sierra Leone
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ethiopia’s Mesay Teferi names 26 for Egypt and Sierra Leone

In readiness for the next World Cup qualifying games against Egypt and Sierra Leone, Ethiopia’s national football team coach, Mesay Teferi, has revealed the call-up of 26 players.

Since Ethiopia has had difficulty holding home games due to poor stadium amenities, the squad will play its home qualifiers in neutral sites like Morocco; therefore, these matches will be vital.

The squad will be aiming to secure valuable points as they face Group A leaders Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium on September 4th, followed by a match against Sierra Leone on September 8th.

Currently, Ethiopia is in fourth place in its group with six points, trailing Sierra Leone by two points.

They drew with Sierra Leone in the qualfiers opener at the Ben M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium, El Jadida but suffered a 2-0 to defeat at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca in March 2025 to Egypt in their fist meeting.

The upcoming matches represent a significant opportunity for Ethiopia to improve their standing in the qualifiers.

Ethiopia's Mesay Teferi names 26-man squad for Egypt and Sierra Leone
Ethiopia's Mesay Teferi names 26-man squad for Egypt and Sierra Leone
Guinea-Bissua named provisional squad for Estádio 24 de Setembro double header
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea-Bissua named provisional squad for Estádio 24 de Setembro double header

Guinea-Bissau has announced five new player allegiance switches for the upcoming CAF World Cup Qualifiers against Sierra Leone and Djibouti, as new head coach Emiliano Té named his provisional squad.

Notable players on the list, Celton Biai, Opa Sanganté, Nanú and Mama Baldé, are back for the crucial matches.

Té, who has been appointed as the new head coach of the Djurtus (the national team of Guinea-Bissau), has included Adramane Cassamá (AC Oulu, Ronaldo Vieira San Jose, Tomás Mendes Alverca In Photo, Midana Cassamá (Dibba), Flávio Silva Kaizer Chiefs, Marculino Ninte CD Mafra and Coba da Costa (Getafe) in preparation for matchdays seven and eight of the qualifiers on the 4th and 8th September, respectively.

The first contest against Sierra Leone will be officiated by a team of referees from the Ivory Coast at the Estadio 24 de Setembro in Bissau.

The Djurtus are looking to avenge the 3-1 defeat suffered at Sierra Leone back in March in the Liberian Capital at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.

Current Standings: Guinea-Bissau is two points adrift of Sierra Leone, currently in third place in their group with 8 points. 

Sierra Leone’s hopes for the USA, Canada, and Mexico 2026 World Cup are still alive, with just 15 days to go in the hunt to increase their point on the table.

Guinea-Bissua named provisional squad for Estádio 24 de Setembro double header
Guinea-Bissua named provisional squad for Estádio 24 de Setembro double header
Guinea-Bissau's new head coach Emiliano Té has named seven new faces in his provisional squad for Sierra Leone and Djibouti
Guinea-Bissau's new head coach Emiliano Té has named seven new faces in his provisional squad for Sierra Leone and Djibouti
East End Lions crowned Sierra Leone league Champions
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

East End Lions crowned Sierra Leone 24/25 League Champions

East End Lions has been crowned champions of the Sierra Leone Premier League for the TENTH time as per records available since 1980 after an exciting 1-1 draw with Stars Sports Academy on Monday.

As a result, they have become the most decorated club in the country’s history for domestic titles. Their last championship win was in 2019 when they finished unbeaten.

The trophy and medals were presented by SLFA President Babadi Kamara at the Approved School Field in Freetown. The Lions secured the title with a total of 69 points before the match.

President Kamara highlighted the season’s sportsmanship, thanked sponsors, and emphasised the government’s supportive role in football.

A cash prize of Le 500,000 was awarded to the champions, promoting accountability and timely rewards in football. East End Lions will represent Sierra Leone in the CAF Champions League, while runners-up Bhantal FC will compete in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Scheduled for September, East End Lions — the representative from Sierra Leone for this year’s CAF Champions League- is to meet the Tunisian team US Monastir in the preliminary round.

They’ll start the preliminary round hosting the first leg during the weekend of September 19-2,1, before they travel to Tunisia for the return leg planned between September 26-28.

The teams that come out on top from this first round will move on to the Second Preliminary Round, set for October 17–19, with the return fixtures scheduled from October 24–26. The stakes are great, and as spectators eagerly wait to see how this chapter develops in the renowned continental contest, excitement grows.

Read Related – East End Lions return to CAF Champions League against US Monastir

Records available of Sierra Leone Premier League Championships (36) since 1980:

13 East End Lions Football Club, Sierra Leone’s most decorated

( 1980, 1985, 1992, 1993, 1994, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2019, 2025)

6 Mighty Blackpool

1988, 1991 [league abandoned, Blackpool awarded title], 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2001

3 Bo Rangers FC

3 Kallon FC (includes Sierra Fisheries)

3 Ports Authority Football Club

3 Real Republicans

2 Diamond Stars (Kono)

2 Old Edwardians

1 Freetown United

East Africa CHAN co-hosts reach quarter-finals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

East Africa CHAN co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda reach quarter-finals

Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda have all reached the quarterfinals for the first time in a CAF competition, thereby enjoying their home advantage and the ambition that comes with it in East Africa.

Excited supporters all over the continent, this accomplishment, cohosts of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN)

With three countries co-hosting the competition for the first time and all three having advanced to the final eight, CHAN this year is historic.

Uganda had never advanced beyond the group stage in prior competitions; Tanzania had tripped twice; Kenya was making its first appearance.

With strong home support, though, they have built fresh legacies together.

First in Group A, Kenya, tournament newcomers, shocked everyone. Their crucial moment came at Kasarani Stadium when Ryan Ogam scored a goal in the 75th minute, resulting in a 10 victory over Zambia.

That victory moved Kenya to 10 points overall, ahead of Morocco, the 2020 champions. Their powerful defence and efficient scoring drew huge crowds, fostering an electrifying environment. In Nairobi for their quarterfinal on Friday, Kenya will play Madagascar—a game projected to be competitive.

Ten points allowed Tanzania to top Group B, winning three of four games. The quarterfinal match against Morocco is planned for Dar es Salaam.

Having struggled in earlier competitions, Uganda made a breakthrough by making the quarterfinals for the first time. After a critical 33 draw against South Africa, they came in first in Group C.

Cohosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, this year’s CHAN is historically unique and has generated great local enthusiasm. All three host countries still have chances in the tournament; therefore, bright quarterfinal games are expected.

Quarter-Final Fixtures

Friday, 22 August 2025

  • 17:00 – Kenya v Madagascar (Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, Nairobi)
  • 20:00 – Tanzania v Morocco (Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam)

Saturday, 23 August 2025

  • 17:00 – Winners Group D v Algeria (Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar)
  • 20:00 – Uganda v Runners-up Group D (Mandela National Stadium, Kampala)
Kamil Conteh's Bristol Rovers suffer defeat to Chesterfield
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kamil Conteh’s Bristol Rovers suffer defeat to Chesterfield

On Saturday, Sierra Leone International Kamil Conteh’s Bristol Rovers were beaten for the third time running this season.Ten-man Bristol Rovers lost 3-1 to Chesterfield in Sky Bet League Two.

Their fourth defeat of the new campaign, including the 2-0 to Cambridge United in the Carabao Cup opening rounds.

Chesterfield took the lead in a frantic first half, and soon after, Promise Omchere missed a chance by shooting wide.

Joel Senior received a straight red card for fouling Armando Dobra. Chesterfield quickly capitalised, with Tom Naylor heading in a goal.

After the break, Luke Southwood made crucial saves against Dylan Duffy and Lee Bonis, but Isaac Hutchinson equalised for the Rovers Pirates shortly after coming on.

Chesterfield then responded with late goals from Kyle McFadzean and Dobra, securing the win.

The Pirates fought back, with Conteh missing an equaliser before Hutchinson scored from a narrow angle. However, Chesterfield sealed the victory with two late goals, keeping Southwood busy.

Suspect arrested after alleged racially abuse Ghanaian Antoine Semenyo
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Suspect arrested after alleged ‘racially abused’ Ghanaian Antoine Semenyo

A man was removed from Anfield after he reportedly racially abused Bournemouth player Antoine Semenyo during the first Premier League game of the season against Liverpool.

The Ghanaian International claimed that a spectator made unacceptable remarks in the 29th minute of the match, leading to the man being ejected.

Merseyside Police confirmed that they arrested a 47-year-old man from Liverpool on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. He is in custody and will be questioned.

Semenyo, who scored two goals in the match, expressed that the overwhelming support reminded him why he loves football. He wrote, “Last night at Anfield will stay with me forever… Football showed its best side when it mattered most … we keep moving forward, together.”

Following an incident, an anti-discrimination message was read, and police visited the referee’s room. The man involved was identified and removed from the ground, with an investigation underway.

Chief Inspector Kev Chatterton emphasised that Merseyside Police will not tolerate hate crime and urged reporting any racism. A Liverpool spokesperson condemned racism, stating it has no place in society or football.

Despite Bournemouth’s efforts, including Semenyo’s two goals in the second half, Liverpool won 4-2. Bournemouth captain Adam Smith condemned the incident and praised Semenyo’s character while expressing his anger over the situation.

Second League defeat for Tyrese Fornah's Northampton Town 
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Second League defeat for Tyrese Fornah’s Northampton Town 

Sierra Leone International Tyrese Fornah and his League One side have suffered their second defeat of the new campaign following a 2-0 defeat to Stevenage on Saturday.

Tyrese, who joined the club on a three-year contract in June, has been a pivotal player, but they are still struggling to find their first win of the new campaign, having lost two and drawn one from their opening three league matches.

Max Dyche replaced the injured Jordan Thorniley in the only change to the Cobblers team from their last league match. Charlie Goode, Dean Campbell, and Elliott List faced their former clubs.

Stevenage, who had won their first two league games, had the first chance of the match. Chem Campbell headed over from a cross by Luther James-Wildin. Cameron McGeehan had a long-range shot, set up by Sam Hoskins, which was deflected for a corner, marking Cobblers’ first attempt at goal. The cobbler gradually found their rhythm.

List had a shot blocked after cutting in well from the left, and Filip Marschall saved a shot from McGeehan. Kevin Nolan’s side had a stronger performance in the first half but couldn’t score.

Town started the second half well, with List’s shot deflected. He then made a good run forward, played in by Ethan Wheatley, but couldn’t keep his shot down.

Terry Taylor replaced McGeehan, marking the first change for the Cobblers. Carl Piergianni did well to head over a curled strike from Sam Hoskins.

Midway through the second half, Stevenage took the lead through Dan Kemp, who scored from close range after a failed clearance. Dyche almost equalised from a corner by Dean Campbell.

Nolan subbed in Nesta Guinness-Walker for List and moved Hoskins forward. Substitute Gassan Ahadme scored with his first touch to make it 2-0 in the 82nd minute.

Despite Wheatley hitting the post after a good run by Tyrese Fornah, the Cobblers couldn’t find a comeback on a frustrating day.

Guinea and Niger knockout of CAF African Nations Championship
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea and Niger knockout of CAF African Nations Championship

Guinea and Niger were eliminated from the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Friday after both teams ended their matches in draws against Algeria and South Africa, respectively, at the Namboole Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.

Guinea finished their match with a 1-1 draw against Algeria, while South Africa was held to a 0-0 tie with Niger.

In the first match of the day in Group C, Guinea took the lead following a scoreless first half. Ismaël Camara, with options on either side, chose to shoot from long range in the 62nd minute, finding the bottom left corner of the net.

Algeria equalised in the closing moments of the match when Sofiane Bayazid managed to score a somewhat scrappy goal in the 88th minute to secure a point.

Despite having more possession, successful passes, and shots on goal than their rivals, the South African side could not convert their opportunities and had to settle for a draw against a determined Niger.

Guinea’s point in their final group match was insufficient to move the National Elephants from fourth place in group C. The team exits the tournament with a total of four points from their four matches.

As the tournament concludes, Niger remains at the bottom of the table, having suffered two losses and one draw. The Mena aim to finish their campaign positively as they prepare to face Algeria on Monday.

Bafana Bafana are equal with Algeria on five points, but the Desert Foxes maintain an edge in goal difference. Both teams are pursuing first-place Uganda, which has a one-point advantage as they head into the last round of group matches.

Kenya coach Benni McCarthy wants strong finish against Zambia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kenya coach Benni McCarthy wants strong finish against Zambia

Kenya’s national team head coach, Benni McCarthy, has expressed his determination to conclude their group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) with a victory against Zambia at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.

Although the team has already secured a spot in the knockout stages, the South African legend emphasised that the Harambee Stars are aiming for a win against Chipolopolo to ensure they finish at the top of Group A.

“The game against Zambia is crucial. Many people believed we were in the ‘group of death’ and predicted we would finish with zero points, but here we are, at the top,” McCarthy explained to the media ahead of the match.

“So, this is a must-win game for us in order to claim the top position in the table. We want to make a statement with this victory, demonstrating that our good results in the previous matches were not due to luck.”

When asked if he plans to rotate his squad for the game, McCarthy replied, “I have great confidence in the players and their quality, so I try to give everyone a chance to get some playing time. However, it can be challenging, especially after playing two games with red cards.

It makes it extremely difficult to provide everyone with an opportunity to play, but we try to rotate the squad as much as we can so that every player can contribute. Ultimately, they earn their spots based on their performances in training sessions.”

Nonetheless, a win for the Harambee Stars against Zambia would not only secure first place in Group A but also keep their unbeaten streak alive as they advance to the quarterfinals.

Madagascar progress from Group B after win over Burkina Faso
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Madagascar progress from Group B after win over Burkina Faso

Madagascar advanced out of Group B in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after securing a second-place finish, joining group winners and co-hosts Tanzania.

In a “dead rubber” game, Tanzania played to a 0-0 draw against the Central African Republic, who finished at the bottom of the group. Meanwhile, the Barea of Madagascar edged past Burkina Faso with a 2-1 victory, allowing them to surpass Mauritania on goal differential.

In a thrilling match at Amaan Stadium, Madagascar took an early lead through Fenohasina Razafimaro’s long-range shot in the 7th minute. Burkina Faso equalized in the 26th minute with a header from Souleymane Sangaré, assisted by Hanaby Sagné.

Madagascar’s goalkeeper, Michel “Toldo” Ramandimbisoa, made key saves to maintain the balance, including a double save from shots by Yves Koutiama and Sagné.

Madagascar regained the lead in the 58th minute with a penalty converted by Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa after a foul on Fenohasina. Despite Burkina Faso’s second-half pressure, Madagascar’s defense held strong.

In another match, the Central African Republic earned their first-ever point at CHAN with a 0-0 draw against Tanzania, who still secured top spot in their group. Both Madagascar and Tanzania face tough quarterfinal challenges next Friday, August 22.