Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mohamed Sankoh joins Danish Superliga side Randers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mohamed Sankoh joins Danish Superliga side Randers

Danish Side Randers FC has signed 22-year-old Dutch-Sierra Leonean striker Mohamed Sankoh from VfB Stuttgart in Germany on a four-year contract.

Hailing from Sierra Leonean parents, Sankoh grew up in the Netherlands and started his football career at KRSV Vredenburch. He then continued developing at Sparta Rotterdam. After that, he moved to Stoke City in England and to VfB Stuttgart in 2020.

Football director Søren Pedersen is happy with Sankoh’s arrival, “Mohamed is an exciting and fast striker. He brings speed and power to our team. His ability to make deep runs can stretch the opponent’s defence and create space for his teammates. He is a constant threat near the goal.

We see him as a strong offensive player. He works hard for the team and knows how to attack open spaces. He has what it takes to turn chances into goals. We are thrilled that Sankoh is now part of our team, says Søren Pedersen.”

At just 22, Sankoh has already gained valuable experience from several international teams, including loan spells in the Netherlands and Italy. He mostly played for VfB Stuttgart’s second team in Germany’s third division, but has also made his Bundesliga debut. His loans have helped him gain experience, including playing 49 games in the top Dutch league.

Sankoh has also represented the Netherlands at youth level and was part of the Dutch U17 national team that won the European Championship in 2019.

Sankoh is excited to wear the light blue jersey of Randers FC: “I feel great about signing with Randers. The welcome has been wonderful, and I am ready to put everything into this club. I can’t wait to start training,” says Sankoh.

He adds, “I already sense it’s a great environment for growth. The staff will help me improve, which is exactly what I need to take the next step.”

UEFA statement on the Balogun case after FIFA decides to suspend his red card
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

UEFA statement on the Balogun case after FIFA decides to suspend his red card

Folarin Balogun can play for the US national team in their World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium. FIFA has confirmed that his red-card ban for one game has been suspended.

The 25-year-old striker got a straight red card during the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday for a foul on defender Tarik Muharemovic. This usually means a one-game suspension under FIFA rules, but that decision has now been overturned.

UEFA, European soccer’s governing body, vehemently noted that FIFA’s has reached unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.

“Yesterday’s decision to suspend for a probationary period of a year the implementation of the one-match automatic suspension following the red card issued to the player Folarin Balogun crossed a red line.

Football, like any other sport, relies on rules, which are the basis for fair, honest and transparent competition. Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case, not. A minimum automatic suspension of one match following a red card is not a discretionary option and does not require the decision of a competent body to be enacted.

It is a principle embedded in regulations, which cannot be made subject to exceptions, let alone in the middle of a tournament where several other players have been in the same situation and regularly served their suspension.

When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined. Equally, such decision creates a precedent in the ongoing tournament, where similar situations will now require an equal treatment, to the detriment of the competition.

Football is the most loved sport in the world because it is a beautiful game and is trusted because it is played everywhere with the same laws. A tournament is never a pure standalone and, if the tournament in question is the World Cup, it has the power to drive positive or negative consequences on the game as a whole.

We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.”

Ismael Saibari travels with Morocco but remains a doubt for the quarter-final against France
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ismael Saibari travels with Morocco but remains a doubt for the quarter-final against France

The new Bayern striker has travelled with the Morocco national team to Boston ahead of their quarter-final against France despite injury concerns.

He sustained a hamstring injury during Morocco’s World Cup game against Canada and could miss the rest of the Tournament. Due to thigh discomfort, he left the game in the 22nd minute; therefore, there is doubt as to his readiness for the following game.

Morocco’s coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, said Saibari felt pain, but it is too early to know the degree of the damage. Ouahbi still hasn’t spoken with the team doctor and is awaiting a medical evaluation to update Saibari’s status.

Ouahbi further said Chadi Riad skipped the game as a warning to ensure all players were fit to participate.

An MRI has been scheduled for Saibari, and the diagnosis is still pending. As of now, there is no official assessment. After the match, Morocco’s national team coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, mentioned, “Saibari experienced some discomfort in his thigh. We’ll have more information in a few days.”

Morocco advanced to the quarterfinals with a strong 3-0 victory against Canada.

Thanks to Azzedine Ounahi, who scored twice, Morocco regained control after a difficult first half, with Canada pushing strongly. Soufiane Rahimi scored his second goal of the competition.

Sierra Leone's Hindolo Mustapha pens Wigan Athletic loan deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Hindolo Mustapha pens Wigan Athletic loan deal

Wigan Athletic has signed Sierra Leone international Hindolo Mustapha on loan from Crystal Palace, pending approval from the Premier League, EFL, and FA.

The 20-year-old will join Gary Caldwell’s team for the entire 2026/27 Sky Bet League One season.

Mustapha has been with Palace since age nine, progressing through their Academy and scoring 16 goals with 17 assists in 57 appearances for their U18 and U21 teams.

He was named Palace’s U21 Player of the Season for 2024/25, netting 11 goals and providing seven assists. He has also had loan spells at 1. FC Nürnberg and West Bromwich Albion.

On the international stage, he has played three times for Sierra Leone, including a debut against Chad in 2024.

Mustapha expressed excitement about joining Wigan, stating he believes he can grow and make an impact. Head coach Gary Caldwell praised Mustapha’s skills and potential, emphasising the importance of support from staff and fans.

Race heats up as Caf invites bids for three AFCON finals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Race heats up as Caf invites bids for three Afcon finals

Even before the invitation for official bids for the next three Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals after 2027 was announced, interested hosts had already been in the race.

A total of seven countries have already placed their names in contention for either the 2028 Afcon or the 2032 and 2036. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has moved the tournament from bi-annual to every four years.

After Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania co-host in 2027, another East African nation, Ethiopia, had already filed to bid for the 2028 edition, according to the state broadcaster EBC, which announced it back in January.

However, the Ethiopian bid is not without challenge, as a joint campaign from four Southern African countries, led by South Africa, is also underway, along with Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

This bid could pose a threat to Ethiopia, potentially preventing a back-to-back East African hosting. However, with four countries in a joint bid is a first, and its size could also be a weakness.

Senegal and Egypt have both shown an interest in the 2032 event, but the Egyptians have also hinted at being keen to stage the 2036 finals.

Morocco reach back-to-back World Cup quarterfinals after win over Canada
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco reach back-to-back World Cup quarterfinals after defeating co-hosts Canada

Azzedine Ounahi scored two goals in the second half, helping Morocco to book their place in the World Cup quarterfinals. Their second consecutive time after reaching this stage in Qatar in 2022.

Ounahi played well against Canada in Houston, giving the Atlas Lions full control before Soufiane Rahimi scored the third for the North Africans. The key second goal came in the 82nd minute, disappointing Canadian fans. Real Madrid player Brahim Díaz made a fantastic pass to Ounahi, who scored calmly.

Ounahi had already scored his first goal just after halftime, in the 49th minute, breaking the tie. Canada tried hard to equalise, but Ounahi’s goals, combined with Díaz’s skill, made it difficult for Canada in the last minutes of this tense Round of 16 match.

The Atlas Lions made history as Africa’s first semi-finalists at Qatar 2022, and after shrugging off a slow start with a strong second-half showing here, they can now look forward to a Boston quarter-final on 9 July against the winners of the France-Paraguay tie.

Canada 0-3 Morocco

Morocco goals: Ounahi (50, 82), Rahaimi (90+8)

Colombia remain unbeaten as they seal World Cup last-16 spot with win over Ghana
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Colombia remain unbeaten as they seal World Cup last-16 spot with win over Ghana

Colombia kept their perfect record in the 2026 World Cup by defeating Ghana to advance to the Round of 16. With a commanding display over Ghana at Kansas City Stadium, they demonstrated they might be tough tournament rivals.

Ahead of Portugal, they topped Group K and turned too hard for the Black Stars. First-half scorer Jhon Arias guarantees a following round match against Switzerland.

Ghana’s Thomas Partey almost scored early with a long shot, but Colombia rapidly gained control, motivated by their encouraging supporters. Rising down the right side, Luis Suarez, who took over for the hurt Jhon Cordoba, set up Arias for a flawless corner net finish.

Ghana was fortunate at halftime not to be down by more goals. From inside the box, Luis Diaz missed an opportunity and goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi made an excellent save against Johan Mojica’s header.

Though it was rejected for a tight offside, Diaz scored in the 56th minute. Later, when he aimed right at Ati-Zigi when he was uninvited in the box, he lost yet another opportunity.

Colombia was content with one goal as their defence remained impenetrable, and Ghana was not permitted any shots on target. Targeting a quarter-finals berth against Switzerland, Colombia will compete again on July 7 in Vancouver.

With their movement and passing, I believe Colombia controlled the game more effectively. This wore us down and made it challenging to pick up the ball and advance. Though we pushed with heart and worked to generate opportunities, our last passes fell short of the standard necessary in this game. Ghana’s head coach, Carlos Queiroz, said that the better team generally won.

Colombia 1-0 Ghana

Colombia goal: Arias (14)

Defending champions Argentina escape Cape Verde upset to reach the last 16
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Defending champions Argentina escape Cape Verde upset to reach the last 16

Cape Verde’s coach, Edro Leitão Brito, known as Bubista, expressed pride after their narrow 3-2 loss to the World Champions, Argentina, in extra time at the Miami Stadium.

“We showed what our country stands for. We drew with the world champions twice and brought the game to extra time. I’m proud of our players who represented us well in the World Cup. We displayed our identity,” said Bubista.

Argentina faced a strong challenge from Cabo Verde in a thrilling match. Despite leading twice, Argentina needed extra time to secure their win, which sends them to face Egypt in the Round of 16.

The match lasted the full 120 minutes, with Argentina taking the lead first through Lionel Messi, who scored after 29 minutes. This was Messi’s 20th World Cup goal, putting him ahead in the race for the adidas Golden Boot.

Cabo Verde responded after halftime. Deroy Duarte scored in the 59th minute, equalising the game. Argentina regained the lead when Lautaro Martinez scored in the 92nd minute. However, Cabo Verde’s Lopes Cabral scored again in the 103rd minute to tie it once more.

The match turned in the 111th minute when a corner kick from Messi led to an own goal by Diney Borges, sealing the victory for Argentina.

Final score: Argentina 3-2 Cabo Verde (AET)

Argentina goals: Messi (29), L. Martinez (92), Borges (OG, 111)

Cabo Verde goals: Duarte (59), Lopes Cabral (103)

Egypt knock out Australia's Socceroos to advance
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt knock out Australia’s Socceroos to advance

Egypt defeated Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 Round of 32 draw at the Dallas Stadium on Friday to win their first-ever World Cup knockout game. They became the second African team to make it to the last sixteen of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following Morocco.

Emam Ashour scored a header in the 13th minute following a smart play to give Egypt the lead. Ashour’s first effort from a free-kick was blocked, but Hafez crossed the ball back in to let Ashour score his second goal in the competition.

Egypt dropped ten men briefly as Hany was under care. Bos had two tries to get in touch with a free kick before Irvine called a foul against him during this time.

Conceding an early goal, the Socceroos began to get into the game and produced six chances to three for Egypt. Set pieces provided their biggest dangers. To provide more chances, Coach Popovic instructed wingers Bos and Behich to switch sides.

The Socceroos scored from a set piece in the 55th minute. Hany accidentally diverted O’Neill’s inswinging free-kick into his own net, therefore enabling Circati to reach the end of the cross.

The second half came to an end when neither team capitalized on their opportunities, so causing extra time.

Both teams battled hard but could not score in the additional 30 minutes. Penalties decided the game. While Mohamed Salah and Hossam Abdelmaguid scored for Egypt, Harry Souttar (Australia) and Lucas Herrington failed to score.

The winner of the match between Argentina and Cape Verde will be Egypt’s opponent in the following round.

Mo Salah doubtful as Egypt face first-ever World Cup knockout match.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mo Salah doubtful as Egypt face first-ever World Cup knockout match

Egypt will feature in a knockout game at the World Cup for the first time for a place in the round of sixteen as Hossam Hassan’s team battles with Australia in a Round of 32 match at Dallas Stadium.

Remaining unbeaten with a 1-1 draw against Belgium, a 3-1 victory New Zealand, and another 1-1 draw against Iran, Egypt ended the group stage strong.

Egyptians are starting to believe they fit this level. Australia is regarded for its excellent organisation and aggressive attitude in entering this game.

At a pre-match news conference, Coach Hossam Hassan stressed his team’s confidence. He talked about Mohamed Salah’s injury and said, “Salah is passionate and eager to contribute. Unless I know he is ready for the game, I will not take chances. Though we can’t guarantee he will start, we hope he could play.

Coach Hassan said of Salah’s skill, “He is among the best players in the world and I am lucky to be working with him. I have utilized him successfully and he has exceeded expectations.

Asked about the bulk of the Australian players, Hassan dismissed worries: “In Africa, we have familiarity with tall players, just like Australia. The height is not the problem here. Not tall were Maradona and Messi. We play football, not rugby. We are in condition and ready.

Ready for Australia, he remarked: “Every team has strengths and weaknesses. We are ready for what lies ahead. Australia has been following me closely; they demand respect.

Especially from set pieces, they work well as a team and have fast, aggressive attacks.” He continued: “We want to make the Arab world and the Egyptian people proud. Details and events will decide the outcome.

The game ought to be tight. Egypt has advanced technical abilities. Salah may change the game even if he only plays a few minutes. Omar Marmoush, Emam Ashour, and Mostafa Ziko are among the players who provide pace and quality. Though important, the team’s strong group stage results come without key players Ahmed Fatouh, Mohamed Abdelmonem, and the suspended Mohanad Lasheen.

Under Tony Popovic, Australia is a well-drilled team hard to beat. Particularly from Nestory Irankunda, their strong defense, intense pressing, and rapid counter-attacking define their threat. They excel at set pieces and can use their strength effectively in this fierce game.

Egypt is somewhat favored because of its talent and history of success. But Australia’s vast match knowledge and mental fortitude may cause a surprise.

This Round of 32 game in the 2026 World Cup is more than simply a game for Egypt. This is an opportunity to prove that African football can compete at the highest level and make history.

Respect for their opponents and the conviction that they have a good shot define Hossam Hassan and his team’s attitude for this game.