Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Gambian international Alieu Fadera joins Sassuolo on loan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Gambian international Alieu Fadera joins Sassuolo on loan

Looking for more regular playing time in the 2025-26 season, Gambian international Alieu Fadera has completed his  loan transfer to US Sassuolo.

23-year-old Fadera is leaving Como for Sassuolo looking for a new beginning in Serie A. Starting his career at Real de Banjul, the Gambian international had a strong season at Como, playing 28 games, but lost his starting position in February after receiving a red card.

Starting in Slovakia with Pohronie, where he scored 5 goals and added 4 assists in the 2020/21 campaign, his path in European football began there. He next played in Belgium for Zulte Waregem and KRC Genk.

Ten appearances in qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and 2026 FIFA World Cup make Feder ten times valuable player for the Gambia national team. Preparing for the Coppa Italia game against Catanzaro on August 15, he is now with Sassuolo for preseason training.

Morocco first to touch down in Kenya ahead of CHAN 2024
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco first to touch down in Kenya ahead of CHAN 2024

Ahead of the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, Morocco has arrived.

Landing in Nairobi, the team is eager to get ready for the competition hoping to be the first to lift the CHAN championship three times.

At 4:00 am local time on Monday morning, the Atlas Lions arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi to be greeted by a vibrant East African welcome highlighting energetic traditional dancers and music. 

Hoping to create history as the first team to secure the CHAN trophy for the third time, the North African giants are quickly getting set as they prepare for their first match.

“We are excited to be here and ready for CHAN,” stated AS FAR defender Marouane Louadni, who added that Nairobi is already great and that the weather is amazing. We cannot wait for a successful competition.

On Saturday, August 2 marks the start of the competition for national league players only, highlighting regional ability. Other Groups Soon after Morocco are scheduled to arrive.

On Sunday they start their Angola campaign. Two-time winners Morocco is in Group A with Kenya, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia, and is widely regarded as a clear frontrunner.

Mustapha Bundu's Hannover beat Cagliari in a test Friendly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mustapha Bundu’s Hannover beat Cagliari in a friendly

In their last test before the new season, Mustpah Bundu’s Hannover 96 defeated Italian Serie A club Cagliari Calcio 2-0 at the Heinz von Heiden Arena. The Sierra Leone International played for 760 minutes of the contest.

Hannover 96 will kick-start their Bundesliga 2 campaign against Kaiserslautern on August 3rd at their Heinz von Heiden-Arena at 12:30 pm.

Bundu was Hannover 96’s tenth summer signing: Attacker Mustapha Bundu joins the Maschsee on a free transfer from English second division club Plymouth Argyle.

He arrived with a 16-goal assist in the Championship last season. The Sierra Leone international signs a three-year contract until June 30, 2028.

Osman Kakay makes Niké Liga debut in Kosice defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Osman Kakay makes Niké Liga debut in Kosice defeat

Sierra Leone international Osman Kakay played his first FK Košice Slovakia Niké Liga match on Sunday against Podbrezová at the ZELPO Aréna, but the team suffered a 3-1 defeat.

Four adjustments to the starting lineup made by Coach Roman Skuhravý were in contrast to the cup game versus Grodno. Three changes were made in the midfield: Kakay, Jakúbek and Dimun replaced the trio of Madleňák, Zsigmond and Čerepkai. Jones changed Mijanić in attack.

Following a 3-2 loss in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League versus Neman Grodno from Belarus on Thursday, this marked their second straight defeat. In this game, Kakay, 27, made his first start for the club.

In the rematch of the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League, set for 8:00 p.m. on neutral ground in Szeged, Hungary, Thursday, July 31, 2025, they will face the Belarusian Neman Grodno next.

Game on as Cas kick-off Aminata's SLFA appeal case
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Game on as CAS kick-off Aminata’s SLFA appeal case

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has informed the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) that it has received an appeal filed by candidate Aminata Bangura in respect of the upcoming elections on 2 August.

In their detailed three-page submission, the Lausanne-based CAS has given the SLFA three days to respond to Ms Bangura’s proposal for the matter to be expedited and addressed before the election date, among other requests.

The court has also set suggested timelines based on the twists and turns of the proceedings, which could drag on for weeks.

On Friday, 18th July, the SLFA announced that it had disqualified Aminata Bangura and the incumbent FA president, Thomas Brima, from contesting the election after they failed integrity checks conducted by the association’s ethics committee.

Bangura is contesting the decision and filed an appeal to CAS. It is unclear whether Brima is going to take the same route and appeal to Cas. However, Brima has vowed that he will take action.

The SLFA election is eight days away, with Babadi Kamara and Umaru Bah emerging as the two approved contenders for the presidency.

Football’s world governing body, FIFA, had put the SLFA under pressure, stating that the elections should go ahead on 2 August to preserve leadership legitimacy in the Sierra Leone FA.

Coach Diallo picks his Senegal troops for CHAN tourney
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Coach Diallo’s Senegal suffer friendly defeat ahead of CHAN tourney

After naming his 25-man squad for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), in which Serigne Moctar Koité is the only player remaining from the 2022 title-winning team, Coach Souleymane Diallo’s Senegal suffered a 2-1 defeat to Uganda on Thursday.

This match was part of their preparation for the CHAN tournament. The local Lions will play their second and final match ahead of Sunday’s clash against Tanzania.

Notably absent is top domestic scorer Papa Doudou Diallo, whose exclusion surprised many. Coach Souleymane Diallo defended his selection, stating that he feels he has chosen the best players for the tournament.

The squad will undergo a pre-tournament training camp in Tanzania and participate in a mini-tournament with Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Senegal is placed in Group D and will face Nigeria, Congo, and Sudan, starting with an opening match against Nigeria on August 5. The team aims for a balanced mix of experience and talent to defend their title successfully.

Senegal Squad for CHAN 2024:

Goalkeepers:

  • Idrissa Ndiaye (Football Generation)
  • Samba Mballo (US Gorée)
  • Marc P.A. Diouf (Teungueth FC)

Defenders:

  • Seyni Mbaye Ndiaye (US Gorée)
  • Mbaye Ndiaye (Jaraaf)
  • Amadou Bene Coly (Ajel)
  • Layousse Samb (Teungueth FC)
  • Malick Sembène (Dakar Sacré-Cœur)
  • Baye Assane Ciss (Teungueth FC)
  • Daouda Ba (Dakar Sacré-Cœur)

Midfielders:

  • Ousseynou Fall Seck (Ajel)
  • Moussa Cissé (Génération Foot)
  • Bonaventure Fonseca (US Ouakam)
  • Serigne Moctar Koité (Jaraaf)
  • Mbaye Yaya Ly (AS Pikine)
  • Insa Boye (Diambars FC)
  • Issa Kane (Casa Sports)
  • Pape Abasse Badji (Football Generation)

Forwards:

  • Mapathé Mbodji (AS Kaffrine)
  • Libasse Gueye (Teungueth FC)
  • Christian Gomis (Essamaye FC)
  • Oumar Ba (US Gorée)
  • Vieux Cissé (US Gorée)
  • Ababacar Sarr (Jaraaf)
  • Ameth Niang (Jaraaf)

 

Morocco and Nigeria set for cracker in Women's Cup of Nations final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco and Nigeria set for cracker in Women’s Cup of Nations final

After their tough-fought victories in Tuesday’s semi-finals, Nigeria and Morocco are scheduled to meet on Saturday, July 26, at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat to decide the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations winner.

At Rabat’s Stade Olympique, the home team, Morocco, prevailed in a tense penalty shootout against Ghana. Simultaneously, Nigeria performed a stunning 21 win over South Africa, the reigning champions, in their game in Casablanca.

Finding the rear of the net four minutes into stoppage time, Michelle Alozie fired a fantastic floating free kick that eluded both the oncoming Nigerian attacker and the goalkeeper of South Africa, thus sealing the win.

Opening the scoring for the nine-time winners, Nigeria, with a penalty just before halftime was Rasheedat Ajibade. But South Africa rapidly countered with a spot kick of their own in the 60th minute, successfully converted by Linda Motlhalo.

Alozie threw a cross deep into the penalty area just as it appeared the game would go into overtime, catching South Africa’s goalie, Andile Dlamini, under pressure from two Nigerian forwards, thereby scoring the winning goal.

Originally seen as the underdogs against Morocco, Ghana seized the lead in the 26th minute thanks to Stella Nyameke. Morocco, though, levelled following the break with a strike by Sakina Ouzraoui and ultimately triumphed 42 in the penalty shootout after additional time.

Friday in Casablanca, Ghana and South Africa will square off to challenge for third place; the final match is scheduled for Saturday in Rabat.

Originally set for last year, this competition was rescheduled because of a scheduling conflict with the women’s soccer tournament at the Paris Olympics. Excitingly, Morocco will also be hosting the next Women’s Cup of Nations next year.

The Super Falcons have never lost a WAFCON final – nine finals and nine WAFCON titles.
The Super Falcons have never lost a WAFCON final – nine finals and nine WAFCON titles.
Defender Abraham Kanu joins Forest Green on loan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Defender Abraham Kanu joins Forest Green on loan

Forest Green has confirmed the signing of Sierra Leone defender Abraham Kanu on a season-long loan from Reading for the 2025/26 season.

The 20-year-old defender signed his first professional contract with Reading in July 2024. During the 2024/25 season, he made 10 appearances in League One for the Royals, in addition to six matches in cup competitions.

Kanu also played 34 matches in the U18 Premier League. Having progressed through the ranks at Reading, Kanu started his football career in their youth setup, eventually moving up to the under-18 team before signing his professional contract in 2024.

On the signing, Manager Robbie Savage stated, “He’s a fantastic player, and Mark (Bowen) knows a lot about him from his time at Reading. He’s big, physical, and can play in a number of positions. He comes with a good pedigree, has great pace, and possesses good technical ability. He should add a lot to the team.

Eric Chelle names 23-man squad Super Eagles for CHAN
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Eric Chelle names 23-man Super Eagles squad for CHAN

With important Super Eagles B team members including captain Junior Harrison Nduka and leading scorer Anas Yusuf, head coach Eric Chelle has released his team for the forthcoming CHAN tournament.

Nine players from Remo Stars, winners of the Nigeria Premier Football League, have been chosen in his last 23-man team for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Before leaving for Zanzibar, where they will conduct a second-phase training camp and play warm-up games against Zanzibar, the team has been training at the Remo Stars Sports Institute.

Grouped with Senegal, Sudan, and Congo, Nigeria aspires to win their first CHAN championship following a runner-up in 2018 and bronze in 2014.

Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will host the 2–30 August tournament.

The Super Eagles B Squad 

Goalkeepers: Henry Ozoemena Ani (Enyimba FC); Nurudeen Badmus (Kwara United); Lawal Mustapha (Shooting Stars)

Defenders: Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars); Bankole Afeez (Kwara United); Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United); Uzondu Harrison (Ikorodu City); Junior Harrison Nduka (Remo Stars); Ngengen Leonard (Ikorodu City); Steven Mayo Egbe (Rivers United)

Midfielders: Adedayo Olamilekan (Remo Stars); Hadi Haruna (Remo Stars); Otaniyi Taofik (Rivers United); Akanni Qudus (Remo Stars); Michael Tochukwu (Remo Stars); Alex Oyowah (Remo Stars)

Forwards: Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United); Shola Adelani (Ikorodu City); Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Temitope Vincent (Plateau United); Ijoma Anthony (Abia Warriors); Godwin Obaje (Rangers International); Jabbar Malik (Remo Stars)

Morocco named Nations Championship squad with high hopes
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco named Nations Championship squad with high hopes

Morocco’s national team is preparing for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) after missing the 2022 edition.

Coach Tarik Sektioui has named a 28-man squad aiming to reclaim the title they last won in 2020.

“We focused our selection on technical ability and team chemistry,” said Sektioui. Despite some player departures to Europe, we are confident this squad has what it takes to represent Morocco with pride.”

The squad features experienced players from local clubs like RS Berkane, Raja Casablanca, and Wydad Casablanca, including standout players from Berkane and two senior national team members: Youssef Belammari and goalkeeper Rachid Ghanimi.

The tournament, reserved for players in national leagues, will take place from August 2 to 30 across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Morocco is in Group A, competing against Kenya, Angola, Zambia, and DR Congo.

The team’s campaign starts against Angola. With a strong attacking lineup and past successes in CHAN, Morocco aims to showcase their strength and reclaim their status as a top contender in African football.

Morocco Squad – TotalEnergies CHAN 2024

Goalkeepers:

  • Al Harrar Elmehdi
  • Rachid Ghanimi (FUS Rabat)
  • Aqzdaou Omar (Wydad Casablanca)

Defenders:

  • Moufid Mohamed (Wydad Casablanca)
  • Boulacsout Mohamed
  • Mchakhchekh Mehdi
  • Louadni Marouane
  • Arrassi Bouchaib
  • Assal Abdelhak (RS Berkane)
  • Belammari Youssef (Raja Casablanca)
  • Zahouani Fouad

Midfielders:

  • Khairi Ayoub (RS Berkane)
  • Hrimat Mohamed Rabie
  • Souane Amine
  • Essadak Houssam
  • Hajji Reda (RS Berkane)
  • Bach Anas
  • Aït Ouarkhane Khalid
  • Bougrine Sabir

Forwards:

  • Mehri Youssef (RS Berkane)
  • El Mahraoui Anass
  • Bouhra Saïf-Eddine (Wydad Casablanca)
  • Baba Khalid
  • Riahi Imad (RS Berkane)
  • Salaheddine Errahouli
  • Mouloua Ayoub
  • El Kaabi Youness
  • Lamlioui Oussama (RS Berkane)