Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Attacker Fofin Turay extends FC Groningen deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Attacker Fofin Turay extends FC Groningen deal

FC Groningen has extended Fofin Turay’s contract until the summer of 2026, the deal includes an additional season run. 

With Sierra Leonean ancestry, Turay was born and grew up in Groningen. Starting football at GVAV Rapiditas, the 21-year-old winger joined FC Groningen’s Under12s, the youngest youth team, in 2015.

Making his first team debut in the 2023/24 season in the first home game of the season, Turay finished his academy training at Corpus den Hoorn successfully.

During the KKD season, Turay appeared in three cup games and sixteen league matches. Away to Ajax last season, he made his Eredivisie debut. Until his injury, he also played for FC Groningen under21.

Turay was hurt during training camp over the winter break last season, which prevented him from missing the whole second half of the season.

With this contract extension, FC Groningen is offering the homegrown player the time and space to concentrate on a full recovery, with the assistance of the specialists and amenities at the Top sport Zorg Centrum.

Turay has already played his first few matches in preparation for this new football season.

Hosts Morocco advance to Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hosts Morocco advance to Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final

Hosts Morocco won 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 tie in regulation and extra time in Rabat on Tuesday night, advancing to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final for the second year in a row.

During the shootout, Khadija ErRmichi, Morocco’s goalkeeper, made a very important stop; Ghana missed two penalties. Morocco’s victory qualifies it for the final against Nigeria on Saturday; Ghana will fight South Africa for third place on Friday.

Ghana took the lead in the 26th minute with a goal from Stella Nyamekye in the game. In the 55th minute, Morocco equalized when Sakina Ouzraoui Diki scored under continued pressure.

Though each side had opportunities, neither could find a winner in normal time. Morocco made all their shots, therefore penalties decided the victor following extra time.

As they seek their first WAFCON championship at home, Moroccan players and supporters erupted in celebration upon the last whistle. Ghana will attempt to get a medal in the third-place match on Friday.

Morocco's Sakina Ouzraoui is our TotalEnergies Woman of the Match after a splendid performance vs Ghana!
Morocco's Sakina Ouzraoui is our TotalEnergies Woman of the Match after a splendid performance vs Ghana!
Super Falcons of Nigeria beat South Africa to reach into WAFCON final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Super Falcons of Nigeria beat South Africa to reach WAFCON final

Nigeria triumphed 2-1 over their closest rivals, South Africa, in a thrilling Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semifinal on Tuesday evening.

The win guaranteed their spot in the final, which also preserved their chances for a record-extending 10th continental title.

The game featured outstanding performances from Rasheedat Ajibade and Michelle Alozie, who scored pivotal goals that helped the Super Falcons avenge their 2022 loss to Banyana Banyana, reaffirming Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football.

Just before halftime, Ajibade converted a penalty after Bambanani Mbane handled the ball in the South African box to open the scoring. This aim mirrored Nigeria’s first-half dominance as they controlled the pace of the game with a disciplined defence and rapid transitions, with Alozie and Ihezuo constantly threatening.

In the second half, defending champions South Africa fought back and were given a penalty in the 60th minute when Hildah Magaia was fouled by Osinachi Ohale. Linda Motlhalo successfully converted the penalty, tying the scores and temporarily changing the momentum in favour of Banyana Banyana.

But just as extra time looked to be around, Michelle Alozie scored a spectacular long-range victor deep into stoppage time. Her 35-yard shot past goalkeeper Andile Dlamini set off rowdy celebrations among Nigerian players and fans at Stade Larbi Zaouli.

Tensions erupted during the final minutes of the game, leading to injuries and many yellow cards, with Chinwendu Ihezuo being carried off. Still, Nigeria held strong for nine minutes of stoppage time to guarantee the victory and go forward in the championship.

Still undefeated in the competition, the Super Falcons will go into the championship with fresh optimism. Meanwhile, South Africa’s title defence comes to disappointment despite their preparation for the third-place playoff.

Osman Kakay set for Kosice Uefa Conference League debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Osman Kakay set for Kosice Uefa Conference League debut

Sierra Leone international, Osman Kakay is set to make his UEFA Conference League debut as his Slovakian side FK Košice play host to Belarusians Neman Grodno this Thursday and the return leg six days later.

Kakay, 27, signed a two-year deal with FK Košice and should feature in the game after his impressive first game in a friendly 1-1 draw with Diósgyőr VTK in Hungary on Saturday.

The UEFA Conference League for the 2025/26 season opened its Second qualifying round qualifying stage, which will conclude on August 28.

Košice gained entry to the competition after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld the UEFA Club Financial Control Body’s decision to refuse FC Dunajská Streda’s admission to the 2025–26 UEFA Conference League, for a breach of the multi-club ownership rule (Article 5.01 of the UEFA Club Competition Regulations).

In such case, the place of the club which has been relegated shall be taken by the club that finishes in the relegations places, except that the latter shall only be admitted in accordance with the eligibility criteria of the competition in question.

As a result, after confirmation from the Slovak Football Association (SFZ), FC Dunajská Streda will be replaced by FK Košice, the next best-placed club in last season’s top domestic championship.

Two mouth-watering Women's AFCON semi-final ties
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Two mouth-watering Women’s AFCON semi-final ties

Two mouth-watering semi-final ties are in the menu at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Tuesday.

First, nine-times winners Nigeria will have some titanic battle for the ages against champions South Africa in Casablanca at 16:00 GMT.

And in Rabat, the hosts, Morocco, take on the lowest-ranked side left, Ghana, at 19:00.

Now we still have the prospect of a repeat of the 2022 final when Banyana Banyana defeated the Atlas Lionesses 2-1, once again in the capital, on Saturday evening.

Form and fancy would suggest joining Nigeria and Morocco together. However, an all-West African encounter could also inject an extra dimension to a tournament that has not lacked compelling narratives.

Morocco and Ghana have yet to win the championship, which the Confederation of African Football has doubled to $1m for the victors and introduced a new trophy.

The tournament hosts are now on course to reach the final for a second consecutive time, having cruised to a 3-1 win over Mali.

Yet another passionate home crowd of the 21,000-capacity Olympic Stadium is anticipated in the capital to back the Atlas Lionesses.

“The public who have come to the stadium have encouraged us from the outset,” coach Jorge Vilda said.

It’s been that way, and hopefully it’s the same in the semi-final. What we have in our mind is we want to arrive at the final.”

The last four at the Women's Cup of Nations in Morocco
The last four at the Women's Cup of Nations in Morocco
New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Club football

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced new coaching rules. Head coaches and assistants for senior national teams must hold a CAF A Licence or Pro to enhance coaching standards across Africa.

CAF has unveiled new coaching standards approved by the Executive Committee to raise coaching quality throughout Africa, thereby affecting national teams, every club event, and the CAF Women’s Champions League.

According to CAF’s recent correspondence to Members Associations, Coaches without the necessary licenses must begin obtaining them now, but those hired before May 4, 2025, have a grace period until the end of the 2026/2027 season.

New coaches employed by clubs and national teams must meet the required credentials, as well as current agreements.

Coaches who miss the deadline standards will be prohibited from entering technical areas during official CAF events; they will also not be able to sign up as team officials or take part in team activities, therefore jeopardising their careers. Failure to follow instructions might result in more punitive measures.

“It is also important to underscore that in case of non-fulfilment of the above requirements, the affected coach would be prohibited from accessing Zones 1 and 2 of the stadiums during CAF matches.

Additionally, coaches will not be registered as team officials or permitted to participate in any official team activities.

Other sporting sanctions, including a referral to the CAF Judicial Bodies, may apply, ” the communication stated.

We take this opportunity to once again express our appreciation for your continued contributions to the development of African football and our continuous support to collectively enhance its future. We trust that you will play a pivotal role in the successful implementation of these new directives.”

This decision highlights CAF’s dedication to raising the standard of coaching and governance in African football by aligning it with international norms and hoping to increase the worldwide competitive presence of the continent.

New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
Ex-Star Sport Academy attacker Kamara nets on Vejle Boldklub debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-Star Sport Academy attacker Kamara nets on Vejle Boldklub debut

Abdulai Kamara, who was with Star Sport Academy since the beginning of this campaign, scored on his debut for Danish side Vejle Boldklub in the Superliga.dk after his permanent move until 2029.

Vejle Boldklub played to a 1-1 draw against Randers on Sunday in the Danish Superliga. Kamara wasted no time recording his first goal, helping his side earn a point.

Having made 12 appearances, scoring 8 goals since joining Star Sport Academy from GFI Academy in Guinea, the 18-year-old offensive player has opened his account in Denmark.

Vejle is an exciting opportunity.

Abdoulaye Kamara, originally from GFI Academy in Guinea, is excited to join the 3F Superliga squad in Vejle. He expressed that the opportunity was unexpected but has been positive, noting the professionalism of the club and his teammates. As an offensive player, he enjoys having the ball and contributing to the team’s success.

Kamara mentioned the adjustment to a new country and the focus on training, praising the facilities and coaches for helping him improve. While the language barrier poses a challenge, he is committed to practising English and appreciates the support from his teammates. He is optimistic about his future in Denmark.

Augustus Kargbo returns to full fitness in Blackburn Rovers win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Augustus Kargbo returns to full fitness in Blackburn Rovers win

After completing fitness, Sierra Leone International Augustus Kargbo made his return as Dion De Neve’s early goal ensured a 1-0 victory for Rovers versus Premier League Everton at Ewood Park.

Part of the rover’s triumph over Everton on Saturday was Kargbo, who had a hamstring injury against Derby County in March. Appreciated being back outside at home; even better with the victory; thank you for your support, he wrote on Facebook.

De Neve’s seventh-minute goal after latching onto Callum Brittain’s low pass offered a great start for home fans.

With Mark Travers in particular keeping the scoreline close by late-game crucial saves against Harry Pickering and Augustus Kargbo, Rovers earned their triumph against a tough Everton team, including many internationals.

Manager Valerien Ismael brought Balazs Toth, Callum Brittain, and Todd Cantwell back following their absence in the past game to present a strong lineup. Everton also had appearances by former Rovers players Jarrad Branthwaite and Michael Keane.

Following De Neve’s opening, Everton replied with a close attempt from Idrissa Gana Gueye, but it missed wide. Rovers could have increased their lead with a Dom Hyam header that went just past the mark and a Yuki Ohashi opportunity going over the bar, among other possibilities.

Though Everton pressed, Rovers kept their advantage, and the game was still tight with a blocked shot from Carlos Alcaraz right before halftime. Early in the second half, Toth made a fantastic save against Iliman Ndiaye; O’Brien and Pickering’s attempts from Rovers continued to pose threats.

Kargbo challenged Travers with a strong shot in the dying seconds, but Rovers preserved their lead for a well-earned triumph.

Defender Osman Kakay makes Košice FC debut in friendly draw
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Defender Osman Kakay makes Košice debut in friendly draw

Sierra Leone international Osman Kakay made his debut for Košice in a 1-1 draw against the Hungarian team Diósgyőr VTK during their final summer training camp.

Karlo Miljanić scored the equaliser in the second half. This game was also a final test for the yellow-blues before they started their journey in the European Cup. Coach Roman Skuhravý fielded Osman Kakay, who recently transferred from Boavista Porto, giving the match added significance.

Košice will play their next match at home on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 8:00 p.m., against the Belarusian club Neman Grodno. This match will be the opening round of the second qualifying phase for the European Conference League.

SLFA's Incumbent Thomas Brima disqualified for re-election bid
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

SLFA’s Incumbent Thomas Brima disqualified for re-election bid

SLFA’s Incumbent Thomas Brima disqualified for re-election bid

Thomas Daddy Brima, the current head of the Sierra Leone Football Association, is not included in the final list of contenders for the August 2nd election.

A leaked list was circulated, but it did not explain the reasons for the disqualifications of the only female candidate, Ms. Aminata Bangura, and Thomas Dady Brima by the Ethics Committee.

Since Mr. Brima is presently inaccessible, representatives for Ms. Aminata have already stated their plans to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

With just fourteen days remaining until the election, it’s surprising that the official SLFA media platforms have yet to make a formal announcement. This silence raises important questions about the communication strategy leading up to such a crucial event.

The SLFA electoral officials have announced that its 2025 Ordinary Congress will take place on August 2, 2025, at the Gateway Hotel in Lungi.

The listed names for 2025 SLFA's elections
The listed names for 2025 SLFA's elections