Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco hit CHAN 2024 ground running with win over Angola
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco hit CHAN 2024 ground running with win over Angola

Morocco began their search for a third African Nations Championship (CHAN) crown with a dominant 20-win over Angola in their first Group A match at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.

Morocco deservedly triumphed as Imad Riahi scored a beautiful longrange goal in the first half and Angola’s Kinito scored an own goal in the second half.

Once again, Morocco’s talent was on display in this competition, which included only players from local leagues.In 2018 and 2020, they have captured the CHAN twice already.Morocco hoped to build on their 13-match undefeated streak in this tournament by starting a new team and expecting much.

From the beginning, Coach Tarik Sektioui’s team immediately took charge and established the tempo.

Morocco scored in the 29th minute after a few opportunities and corners. Mohamed Hrimat gave Riahi a perfect pass, who fired a strong right-foot shot from outside the box, defeating Angolan goalie Neblú.

Before halftime, the Atlas Lions pressed for a second goal, with Riahi, Anas Bach, and Marouane Louadni testing Angola’s goalkeeper, Neblú.Looking for their first CHAN opening match victory, Angola developed opportunities via Jó Paciência and Aguinaldo Matias, but Morocco’s El Mehdi Al Harrar was resolute.

Morocco kept control in the second half and scored again in the 81st minute when backup Youness El Kaabi’s shot bounced off Kinito into the goal.Led by captain Hrimat, Morocco’s defense held strong even as Angola tried to respond with a long shot from Mafuta.

As they get ready to meet cohosts Kenya, Morocco remains undefeated in CHAN group stages; Angola is still looking for their first win and will regroup before going against Zambia.

Morocco set for African Nations Championship opener against Angola
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco set for African Nations Championship opener against Angola

With a game against Angola at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium, Morocco will start their hunt of a third title in the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 against Angola.

Triumph in 2018 and 2020, the team aims for back-to–back titles and seeks to use their outstanding track record of 13 games without loss.

Head coach Tarik Sektioui underlines the need of winning the first game to raise self-confidence; team captain Mohamed Rabie Hrimat agrees.

A difficulty arises with Angola, also a five-time participant and runner-up in 2011. Despite having player losses as a result of international transfers throughout training, Coach Pedro Gonçalves says he believes in his side.Though still a competitive team, Angola has never won an opening game in four attempts.

Morocco topped their group and Angola beat Lesotho; both teams qualified admirably for the tournament.

Amid pre-tournament difficulties including player departures and injuries, Sektioui values the resilience and maturity of his team.Sunday’s game represents the first CHAN encounter between the two countries.

Business mogul Babadi Kamara elected new SLFA's president
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Business mogul Babadi Kamara elected new SLFA’s president

Business mogul and football philanthropist Babadi Kamara has been chosen as the new Sierra Leone FA President following hours of constitutional debates. He was duly elected on Saturday at Port Loko, Lungi’s Gateway Hotel in Sierra Leone.

Given the events that occurred today during the congress, the newly elected President, Kamara, must gather all significant Sierra Leoneans to join him and his group in addressing the current crisis surrounding the country’s football.

As the Sierra Leone Police forcibly ejected SLIFA FC owner Benjamin Gordon Esq from the hall, evidence of a growing crisis inside the football fraternity became clear. With 43 votes, Kamara defeated his nearest competitor, the female aspirant Aminata Bangura, who got 11 votes.

Kamara will be in office for four years, during which he is expected to revolutionise the football scene. With the absence of two representatives leaving the hall, Ethics Committee Chairman Mohamed Bainda declared that a total of 55 votes had been recorded.

Present at the congress were FIFA observers Ahmed Mohamed Mokhtar and Mohamed Khaled Amin Elshawarby from Egypt. Sierra Leone Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Teima, and National Sport and National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai were among the guests.

Alie Badara Tarawallie, the current Mayor of Port Loko, has been voted Vice President 1, while Prince Kai Saquee has been elected Vice President 2. The elected Executive Committee members are Mohamed Sorie Jalloh, Kweku Lisk, and Haja Ramatulai Kamara.

Sierra Leone FA election set to go ahead amid squabbles
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone FA election set to go ahead amid squabbles

As 57 delegates of the Sierra Leone Football Association assemble on Saturday at the Gateway Hotel at the Tulun Road in Lungi Town, Sierra Leone, the stage is set for a crucial election.

This congress will decide who the next president of the association will be, a position vital for the course of football in the nation.

The road to this point has been fraught with difficulties. Originally slow and erratic, the election process followed the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) awarding temporary clearance to female candidate Ms. Aminata Bangura on July 31.

A request for court injunction was dismissed after the incumbent Thomas daddy Brima raised several concerns mostly as a result of disagreements on electoral processes that overshadowed the entire process.

Two more candidates—Babadi Kamara and Alhaji Umaru Bah—both vying for the coveted post alongside the only female candidate Ms. Bangura on the ballot. They will battle in the forthcoming elective conference planned for Port Loko on August 2.

After failing the Football Association’s integrity checks, Thomas Daddy Brima, the current incumbent, drops out of the race. He was without recourse because he could not obtain a court order to postpone the meeting.

With the election drawing close, disagreement hangs high and different groups claim political machination, delegates list manipulations and intimidation techniques.

Although CAS has not yet fixed the date of its final decision, it is expected that the ruling could take weeks as the delegates get ready to vote.

Nigerian U20 international Victor Eletu extends AC Milan contract
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigerian U20 international Victor Eletu extends AC Milan contract

AC Milan has confirmed a contract extension for Nigerian U20 international Victor Eletu, therefore guaranteeing the midfielder’s future at the San Siro until at least 2027.

With a two-year extension maintaining him at the club until 2027 and an option for a third year, Eletu agreed to the extension before the 2025-26 season.

The 20-year-old continues to be a highly regarded prospect inside the Milan youth system despite a string of injuries. Italian transfer specialist Gianluca DiMarzio asserts that Eletu is considered essential to AC Milan’s plans. This fresh contract shows their dedication to his recovery and development.

Eletu was a great performer for AC Milan’s Primavera (U19) team before his injuries, where his strong midfield game and leadership qualities were praised.

The contract specifies a clear development path for Eletu as he will be included in the club’s newly created U23 team for the next season, which will be competing in Serie D. His role and new contract with the U23 team offer a clear road ahead for his development.

Though he saw no playing time, Eletu was among the AC Milan squad for one Serie A game and two Europa League matches. On the global scene, he also distinguished himself as a key member of the Flying Eagles squad at the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup.

Aminata Bangura back in SLFA's Presidential race after CAS ruling
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Aminata Bangura back in SLFA’s presidential race after CAS ruling

A provisional ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has reinstated Aminata Bangura in the race to contest the presidency of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) in Saturday’s elective congress.

Bangura was disqualified from the shortlist of four contenders after the SLFA alleged that she had falsified her police clearance. But she challenged the decision by filing an appeal with CAS last week. The matter is far from over, though, as the court points out in its six-page ruling, stating that a final ruling could affect Bangura’s appeal regardless of the outcome of the election.

The elective congress will take place in Port Loko on 2nd August with two other candidates on the ballot. Babadi Kamara and Alhaji Umaru Bah join Bangura in Saturday’s election. The incumbent, Thomas Daddy Brima, who was disqualified after the FA’s integrity checks, failed to win a court injunction to postpone the congress.

The process leading up to Saturday’s election has been fraught with controversy as various parties accuse each other of political interference and other dark tactics, including intimidation. It is unclear when a final ruling will be issued by CAS, but based on the stipulated timelines, it could take weeks to conclude.

Everton's move delights Moroccan International Adam Aznou
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Everton’s move delights Moroccan International Adam Aznou

New Everton arrival Adam Aznou has said that a chat with boss David Moyes convinced him to join the team. (Photo Everton)

The Morocco international signed with Everton on Tuesday for a cost of about €9 million, therefore ending his three-year tenure at Bayern Munich.

A graduate of Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy, Aznou relocated to Germany in 2022 and made his first-team debut for Bayern against Union Berlin on November 2, 2024.

Spending the second half of the 202425 season on loan at La Liga team Real Valladolid, the 19-year-old left-back made 13 appearances and gathered priceless experience.

Aznou expressed his anticipation about playing in what he thought to be the finest league in the world and described Everton’s new stadium as “perfect”.

“I’m so happy to be here. I am honoured to be a member of this team. The project they provided me is truly excellent,” the adolescent told evertontv. “I am very eager to get started as the Premier League is the top league in the world.” The stadium is lovely. For our supporters, it generates the perfect ambience. For us, it is ideal.

“Moyes discussed the team with me and how he expects me to help. I decided immediately following our chat. Encouraged by his words, I chose to sign.

Moyes remarked, “We are delighted to bring Adam to Everton. He is a young, gifted player with a great future. Finding left-backs is difficult, and we’re happy to have a young player who we hope will grow while at Everton.

Kumba Brima nets four goals on her UEFA Champions League debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kumba Brima nets four goals on her UEFA Champions League debut

Sierra Leone’s Kumba Zainab Brima had an outstanding UEFA Women’s Champions League debut, scoring four goals for Riga FC Women in the first qualifying round semi-finals held at the Stade Achille Hammerel stadium in Luxembourg.

Her goals came in the 11th, 18th, 24th, and 55th minutes during their 4-1 victory over FC Flora, an Estonian professional football club based in Tallinn. Kristina Teern scored in the 27th minute for Flora.

Brima, a key player for Riga’s women’s team, has a valuable opportunity to showcase her skills on a prominent stage. Recently, she scored a hat-trick in their 10-0 win against FC Metta.

The second semi-final of the tournament features Racing FC Union Luxembourg going up against AEK Athens at 20:00.

The winners will advance to the final, while the losers will compete for third place. Only the tournament champion will qualify for the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Kumba Brima set for UEFA Champions League tie against FC Flora
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kumba Brima set for UEFA Champions League tie against FC Flora

Sierra Leone international Kumba Zainab Brima is set to compete in the UEFA Women’s Champions League with FC Riga’s women’s team. They will face FC Flora in the semi-finals of Group I today in Luxembourg at 14:00 Estonian time.

Brima, who has been a key player since joining Riga’s ladies, has a valuable opportunity to showcase her skills on the big stage. The second semi-final of the tournament features Racing FC Union Luxembourg against AEK Athens at 20:00.

The winners will advance to the final, while the losers will compete for third place, with only the tournament champion qualifying for the UEFA Women’s Champions League proper.

FC Flora midfielder Karola Purgats expressed confidence despite prior travel issues, emphasizing the team’s strong desire to win. She noted a previous loss to Riga FC but remains focused on the semi-final.

Coach Ljubov Maksimova highlighted the effective collaboration with head coach Aleksandra Ševoldajeva, who brings international experience and strategic insights.

The team is focusing on game situations and improving confidence. FC Flora has 18 players available, but Kristina Tullus and Eva-Maria Niidu are unlikely to participate due to injuries.

Getafe CF sign Moroccan defender Abdelkabir Abqar until 2028
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Getafe CF sign Moroccan defender Abdelkabir Abqar until 2028

Moroccan central defender Abdelkabir Abqar has agreed a three-year deal, ending June 30, 2028 with Getafe CF.

Having left Deportivo Alavés, where he made 29 La Liga appearances last season, the 25-year-old was a free agent. Trained at the Mohammed VI Academy, Abqar signed with Alavés in 2017 and was elevated to the first team in 2022.

Hoping to draw on Abqar’s knowledge and abilities, Getafe wants to improve its defense for the 2025-2026 season.

Abqar’s signing marks a fresh start in his career as he also aims to establish himself on the Moroccan national team.

“Getafe CF has reached an agreement with Moroccan centre-back Abdel Abqar to join the club for the next three seasons , until June 30, 2028. 

At 26, Abqar is a full international for his country and arrives at Getafe on a free transfer after spending the last five seasons with Deportivo Alavés, with whom he rose to the top flight of Spanish football and where he has played 56 matches over the last two seasons,” the Spanish announced.