Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kaizer Chiefs, Zesco United record vital CAF Confed wins
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kaizer Chiefs, Zesco United record vital CAF Confed wins

South African team Kaizer Chiefs and Zambian side Zesco United recorded victories as the CAF Confederation Cup group stage resumed on Sunday, 8 February.

Recap as Match Day 5 featured some thrilling results, setting the stage for a tense final match day.

Kaizer Chiefs 2–1 Al Masry

Kaizer Chiefs earned a hard-fought 2–1 victory against Al Masry. The hosts opened the scoring with a penalty by Flávio Silva in the 39th minute. Al Masry equalised in the 57th minute through Abderrahim Deghmoum. However, Aden McCarthy quickly restored Chiefs’ lead in the 60th minute, securing a vital win to top Group B.

Maniema Union 2–1 Wydad Casablanca

Maniema Union edged Wydad Casablanca 2–1, taking the lead with Beni Namboka’s goal in the 32nd minute. An own goal by Wydad’s goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid in the 61st minute doubled Maniema’s lead. Wydad responded with a penalty from Hamza Hannouri in the 66th minute but could not find an equaliser.

Otôho d’Oyo 2–1 Singida Black Stars

Otôho d’Oyo defeated Singida Black Stars 2–1. After Singida went down to ten men, Otôho’s Exauce Sagesse Nzaou scored twice, first in the 50th minute and again in the 79th. Singida pulled one back late through Joseph Guede Gnadou, but Otôho held on for the win.

ZESCO United 1–0 Zamalek  

Zesco United secured a 1–0 win against Zamalek. The breakthrough came in the 59th minute with a penalty converted by Amine Hiver. Despite Zamalek’s late pressure, including a near equaliser that hit the crossbar, Zesco defended well to claim all three points. However, they remained at the bottom of Group D after one win in five games. 

USM Alger and CR Belouizdad book CAF Confederation Cup knockout spots
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

USM Alger and CR Belouizdad book CAF Confederation Cup knockout spots

USM Alger and CR Belouizdad have both advanced to the knockout stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, marking a successful round for Algerian clubs.

USM Alger from Group A achieved a dramatic late comeback to win 3–2 against San Pédro. They opened the scoring early, with Che Malone netting in the 2nd minute and Glody Likonza adding a second shortly after.

San Pédro equalised with two goals from Issouf Dosso before Mohamed Bouderbala secured the victory for USM in stoppage time.

In Group C, CR Belouizdad secured a 1–0 win over Singida Black Stars, with Abdennour Belhocini scoring the only goal in the 3rd minute. Despite being reduced to ten men, they held on for the win against a late surge from Singida.

In another match, Olympic Club de Safi defeated Djoliba 2–1. After an early goal by Salaheddine Errahouli and a penalty equaliser from Aboubacar Diarra, Sofiane El Moudane scored the winner for Safi early in the second half, securing their progression to the knockout stages.

Winger Augustus Kargbo is hungry for a return to Blackburn Rovers action
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Winger Augustus Kargbo is hungry for a return to Blackburn Rovers action

Stepping up his Blackburn Rovers recovery programme, Sierra Leonean international Augustus Kargbo is still on his path back to total fitness.

Kargbo, 26, last played in their 2-0 defeat against Coventry in October last year. He was substituted off in that match in the 63rd minute.

The forward has been building match sharpness and physical strength following time away from competitive activity under the direction of the club’s medical and coaching staff.

Already starting light individual training sessions, Kargbo is slowly reintroduced to higher-intensity workouts, noted for his pace, agility, and eye for the goal. He told Blackburn Media that the past three months have been a difficult period for him.

“Putting it into words, the past three months have been through a lot, physically, mentally and emotionally as well. I have learned so many things on and off the pitch.

There are many aspects of myself and life that I view as positive. It’s all part of God’s plan, even though it has been difficult to be put off for a very long time. This is the longest I have been in my career with an injury. I feel hungrier, and I am looking forward to being back.”

Ademola Lookman nets as Atletico Madrid thrash Real Betis
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ademola Lookman nets as Atletico Madrid thrash Real Betis

In a powerful 5–0 win over Real Betis on Thursday, which guaranteed a spot in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, Ademola Lookman stole the spotlight on his Atletico Madrid debut with a goal and an assist.

Having recently arrived from Serie A side Atalanta, the 25-year-old Nigerian international performed confidently as Atletico controlled the game at Seville’s La Cartuja Stadium.

Goals from David Hancko, Giuliano Simeone, Antoine Griezmann, Thiago Almada, and Lookman resulted in a humiliating defeat for Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis, much to the anger of their home crowd.

Looking back at the team’s performance, Griezmann noted, “We moved a lot without the ball and presented choices for whoever held it.” It was a more flexible game, we were in the proper spots, and ultimately we generated the possibilities we were seeking.”

He then went on to compliment Lookman, saying, “We are a very hospitable team, and everyone who joins us is welcomed right away.” With Lookman, we can see; we hope he brings us happiness.

Atletico started strong and took the lead inside the first 12 minutes as a result of captain Koke’s precision corner, which Hancko, a defender, blasted into with a towering header that proved too much for Betis’s goalie Adrian.

Eager to immediately impress, Lookman had two big opportunities to increase the advantage in the first half. He missed a one-on-one chance in the 16th minute; soon after, his first-time shot sailed over the crossbar.

The 30th minute saw the second goal after a fluent sequence of one-touch passes down the left flank. Matteo Ruggeri located Alex Baena, who traded passes with Lookman before the fullback low cross for Giuliano, son of Diego Simeone, smashed it past Adrian.

Named the 2024 African Footballer of the Year, Lookman scored his goal in the 37th minute by fending off one defender and dribbling past another in the box before slotting the ball into the left corner.

Atletico slowed their tempo following halftime but still managed to extend their lead with yet another counter-attack. In the 62nd minute, Lookman erupted down the middle, drawing defenders away before passing the ball off to Griezmann, who curled a shot into the top-right corner.

In the 83rd minute, Thiago Almada ended the massacre. Almada acted quickly after positioning Baena for a strike. Adrian could only parry, and he tucked the rebound into an unguarded net.

Early in the second half, Barrios sustained a hamstring injury while running and had to be replaced; this setback came against the otherwise dominating win.

On Friday, Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad, and Atletico will all compete for a spot in the final during the semi-final draw. Two legs, set for February 10–12 and March 3–5.

Nigerian attacker Ademola Lookman pens Atlético Madrid deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigerian attacker Ademola Lookman pens Atlético Madrid deal

Nigerian International Ademola Lookman has joined Atlético Madrid on a contract to 30 June 2030 after completing a medical. The club said in a statement on Monday that the 28-year-old winger has signed for four and a half seasons.

Atlético had reached a preliminary agreement with Atalanta on Sunday, then formalised the transfer after tests and a contract signing at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in front of chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín. The fee is 35 million.

Atlético described Lookman as a versatile right-footer who can play as a second striker or as a winger on either flank, using pace and dribbling to unsettle defences.

Born in Wandsworth, United Kingdom, he later took Nigerian nationality. He came through Waterloo FC and Charlton Athletic, debuting for Charlton’s first team in November 2015, then moved to Everton, Leipzig, Fulham and Leicester City before joining Atalanta in the summer of 2022.

In Bergamo, he was pivotal in Atalanta’s first European trophy, the 2023-24 Europa League, scoring all three goals in the 3-0 final win over Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen. He played 137 games, scoring 55 goals and supplying 27 assists.

Lookman represented England at the youth level and won the Under-20 World Cup in 2017. He made his Nigeria senior debut on 25 March 2022 and has 41 caps and 11 goals.

League One promotion-chasing Lincoln City sign Sierra Leone's Kamil Conteh
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

League One promotion-chasing Lincoln City sign Sierra Leone’s Kamil Conteh

Lincoln City have borrowed Bristol Rovers midfielder Kamil Conteh through the end of the season. On 2 February 2026, he joined Lincoln City on loan for the remainder of the season.

For the League Two strugglers Bristol Rovers this season, the 23-year-old has 34 appearances in all tournaments.

After first rising through the ranks at then-Premier League Watford, Conteh, 23, has logged almost 150 senior competitive career appearances.

Middlesbrough, Grimsby Town, and Bristol Rovers—EFL clubs—he has subsequently visited. The January transfer window business for City concludes with Conteh’s arrival.

Conteh activated his release clause and signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with Bristol Rovers on 26 January 2024 for around £300,000. He made his debut the next day, scoring in a 3-1 win over Oxford United.

However, manager Iñigo Calderón announced in March 2025 that Conteh was unlikely to play again that season due to a knee injury and subsequent bone infection.

After the team was relegated to League Two, Conteh returned from injury and scored the winning goal in a 1-0 EFL Trophy match against Plymouth Argyle in November 2025.

Sierra Leone's youth midfielder Hindolo Mustapha pens West Bromwich deal.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s youth midfielder Hindolo Mustapha pens West Bromwich deal

English Championship side West Bromwich Albion has signed Sierra Leone youngster Hindolo Mustapha on loan from Crystal Palace until the conclusion of the 2025–2026 season.

Having won the Eagles’ Under-21 Player of the Season trophy for 2024/25, the 19-year-old shows up at The Hawthorns having scored 11 goals and seven assists in 29 games.

Having been capped three times by the national team of Sierra Leone, Mustapha first half of the present semester on loan in Germany with 2. Bundesliga club 1. FC Nürnberg.

Following on from fellow attacking midfielder Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba, who signed on loan from Aston Villa just hours previously, Hindolo is the second fresh member of the Baggies first-team roster on deadline day.

The Teenager claims the move to the West Midlands presents him with a fantastic chance to exhibit his skill on the senior stage.

He exclaimed, “This opportunity really thrills me.” Hit the ground running and demonstrate my abilities.

“I believe I can contribute positively and ideally advance the team up the Championship table.

“I love attacking and dribbling with the ball, opening chances for my team-mates and for myself. I’m eager to get started.

Olympic Safi record vital win over Ivorian side San Pedro
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Olympic Safi record a vital win over Ivorian side San Pedro

Olympic Safi asserted a significant home win following a thrilling match where they narrowly defeated San Pédro 2–1 in their CAF Confederation tie on Sunday.

The Moroccans started the scoring in the 29th minute as Salaheddine Errahouli finished a quick counter-attack, slamming a right-footed strike into the top corner from the left side of the box to put Safi a deserved lead at the half.

After the break, San Pédro showed more urgency and almost scored many times; most obviously, when Laciné Dosso struck the post from far range, and Alpha Karamoko compelled a strong save from goalkeeper Hamza Hamiani.

Late in the game, Olympic Safi increased their lead through the replacement Moussa Koné, who coolly fired home from close range in the 88th minute to give the hosts full control.

San Pédro pulled one back deep into stoppage time when Amalaman Allou converted from inside the box following an assist from Laciné Dosso, but the goal came too late to change the outcome as Olympic Safi held on for the win that puts them in second place behind USM Alger.

Olympic Safi 2–1 San Pédro
Daniel Kanu helps Walsall secure a point at Chesterfield
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Daniel Kanu helps Walsall secure a point at Chesterfield

After falling 2-0 down in the first half, Walsall made a comeback to tie Chesterfield 2-2 with Daniel Kanu of Sierra Leone on target.

Before Daniel Kanu and Albert Adomah attacked for the visitors to keep the four-point gap between the promotion rivals, goals from Will Grigg and Dilan Markanday put Chesterfield in command.

After a great pass from Tom Pearce, Grigg opened the scoring in the 13th minute, finding the net at his second attempt after Myles Roberts denied his first try.

Seven minutes later, Markanday propelled the hosts ahead, dispossessing Evan Weir before aiming towards the goal and scoring past Roberts.

In the 42nd minute, Walsall reduced the score when Kanu connected with Connor Barrett’s cross and headed powerfully into the top of the net. Change Finding the net from close range after Kanu headed on from a free-kick, Adomah equalised on the hour mark.

Kanu threatened with a driving run and a well-struck shot, which went wide, while, at the other end, Roberts got down well to save a low drive from Lee Bonis.

In the end, both teams shared the points in the 30th round of the English League Two.

After a hard-fought triumph, Sudanese side Al Hilal go top of Group C lead
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

After a hard-fought triumph, Sudan’s Al Hilal go top of Group C

On Friday night, Al-Hilal astonished South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns with a 2-1 victory in Kigali to claim Group C in the CAF Champions League, thereby ending a long wait for a victory over their prestigious rivals.

Performed at the Amahoro Stadium, the Matchday 4 match swung on moments of ruthlessness from the Sudanese side, who capitalised on Sundowns’ errors to climb to the top of the table at the halfway stage of the group phase.

Deep into first-half stoppage time, Al-Hilal struck first after referee Mahmoud Nagy gave a penalty following a costly error by veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango.

Mohammed Abdel Rahman, an international forward, stepped forward and held his nerves to send Onyango the wrong way, enabling the Sudanese champions a well-deserved halftime lead.

Al-momentum stayed with them after the restart, doubling four minutes into the second half.

Jean Claude Girumugisha grabbed a loose ball on the perimeter of the field and fired a low shot beyond Onyango, a finish highlighting Sundowns’ increasing uneasiness and their opponents’ sharpness.

Sundowns reacted by speeding their pace and found a lifeline just beyond the hour mark.

With a composed finish from inside the penalty area, Brazilian replacement Arthur Sales reduced the gap and inspired the South Africans, creating a nervous final half-hour.

Sundowns could not find an equaliser despite ongoing pressure.

Defending with discipline and resilience, Al-Hilal slowed the game at key times and guarded their slim lead to guarantee a statement triumph on neutral soil.

The outcome moves Al-Hilal eight points and alone atop Group C, putting them in a good place going into the critical phase of the tournament.

While Sundowns remain second with five points and will need a great response in the return games to reaffirm their eligibility.

TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Matchday 4 fixtures – (All times GMT)

Group C Result - Friday,  30 January — Al Hilal (SUD) 2-1 Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA)
Group B - Saturday, 31 January
13:00 — Young Africans SC (TAN) vs Al Ahly SC (EGY)
19:00 — AS FAR Rabat (MAR) vs JS Kabylie (ALG)

Group A - Sunday, 1 February
16:00 — Pyramids FC (EGY) vs RS Berkane (MAR)
16:00 — Rivers United (NGA) vs Power Dynamos (ZAM)

Group D - Saturday, 31 January
16:00 — Petro Atlético (ANG) vs Stade Malien (MLI)
Sunday, 1 February
13:00 — Simba SC (TAN) vs Espérance de Tunis (TUN)

Group C - Sunday, 1 February
19:00 — MC Alger (ALG) vs St Éloi Lupopo (DRC)