Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

ASC Jaraaf pick first Senegal Ligue 1 title since 2018
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

ASC Jaraaf lift first Senegal Ligue 1 title since 2018

Asc Jaraaf has won the Senegal Ligue 1 title for the 2024/25 season, confirming the victory on the final day. This is their first victory in 2018.

In an away game, Jaraaf defeated ASC HLM 4–1; second-place US Gorée dropped to Guédiawaye. The defeat of Gorée gave Jaraaf their 13th straight title.

Jaraaf had a great season under coach Malick Daf, getting to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup and almost to the quarterfinals.

With 54 points, three points ahead of Gorée, Jaraaf ended the year. Daf told Wiwsport that the title race was close-fought. He stated, “We maintained concentration all the way through. We had to win; there was no way we would have settled for a draw when we were head and head with US Gorée.”

Sierra Leonean Women’s AFCON referee Fullah speaks of her dreams
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leonean Women’s AFCON referee Fullah speaks of her dreams

Chosen to officiate at the next TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, July 5–26, 2025, a top female referee from Sierra Leone, Aminata Fullah, is dreaming of fulfilling her goal of refereeing at a FIFA World Cup.

One of the continental officials appointed to supervise the upcoming continental exhibition under the direction of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), a structural adjustment driven by the need to improve inclusivity, competition, and visibility for women’s football throughout Africa, Fullah is working to advance in her field.

This appointment is a major turning point in her refereeing life. Aminata’s distinction as the first Sierra Leonean official to work an AFCON tournament highlights her outstanding talent and unrelenting passion for the game.

Acknowledging this achievement

“It holds significant value for my career. From the moment I began refereeing, my goal has been to leave a lasting impact on myself and the profession. I have committed myself to working diligently to realise this aspiration,” she shared with this platform.

“For me, this is merely the start; my goal is to officiate at a FIFA World Cup final. It’s a dream of mine, and with the grace of the Almighty, I believe I will achieve it.”

Regarding Inspiring Girls Who Aspire to Follow Her Path!

“It provides me with greater hope and motivation to strive harder than ever because such recognition serves as an inspiration, not just to me, but to other young girls in Sierra Leone and across the continent who wish to pursue refereeing as a career.”

“Indeed, this marks my first significant assignment, and I saw on social media that it’s also the first occasion in Sierra Leone football history to have a referee at a CAF international tournament.”

“I have officiated local matches, participated in regional WAFU A competitions, and been involved in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, but this is my debut in a major CAF tournament, like the Women’s African Cup of Nations.”

I commenced my career in 2020 and have consistently put in the effort to reach this point and beyond. My passion for refereeing remains strong, and by the grace of God, I envision myself still in this profession five years from now and further. I aspire to be a top-tier referee not only in Africa but globally, inshallah.”

The opening match of the tournament will be played in Rabat at the newly-built Olympic Stadium between hosts Morocco and Zambia on 5 July, two of Africa’s most improved women’s football nations since the finals were last played in 2022.

The match will kick off at 21h00 local time (20h00 GMT).

  • Group A | Morocco, Zambia, Senegal, Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Group B | Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, Botswana
  • Group C | South Africa, Ghana, Mali, Tanzania
Kumba set to play UEFA Women's Champions League with Riga
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kumba set to play UEFA Women’s Champions League with Riga

Kumba Zainab Brima has joined FC Riga’s women’s premier side on a two-year deal ahead of the new campaign and is set to compete in the UEFA Women’s Champions League next month.

FC Riga will be participating in this year’s Women’s UEFA Champions League, providing a great platform for the Sierra Leonean international to showcase her style and skills on the biggest stage.

The UEFA Women’s Champions League first and second qualifying round draws have been made to begin the new-look competition.

Riga’s ladies begin against Estonia side Tallinna FC Flora (EST) vs Riga FC Women (LVA) next month.

The club announced her signing via their social media pages, making her the first player from Sierra Leone to join them.

Known by her nickname, “Pele,” Kumba has been a standout player since arriving at the local club FC Kallon.

Steven Caulker pens player and coach deal with Stjarnan in Iceland
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Steven Caulker pens player and coach deal with Stjarnan in Iceland

Former Sierra Leone international Steven Caulker has signed a deal as both a player and assistant coach with Icelandic top-tier club Stjarnan FC.

“We are proud and honoured to announce that Steven Caulker has joined Stjarnan, taking on a dual role as player-assistant coach for the men’s first team,” the Iceland top-tier side noted.

Steven Caulker has had a successful career in football. He has played over 150 matches in the English Premier League for teams like Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, QPR, and Southampton.

He has also played for the England national team and later led Sierra Leone as captain in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Recently, Steven continued his career in Turkey, playing for Alanyaspor, Fenerbahçe, and Fatih Karagümrük, where he was an important player and a leader.

Most recently, he made 33 appearances for Ankara Keçiörengücü SK in the Turkish First League.

“We warmly welcome Steven Caulker to Stjarnan and believe our community will make him feel at home in Garðabær.”

Wydad Athletic suffered a three-straight defeat in the FIFA Club World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Wydad Athletic suffer third straight defeat in FIFA Club World Cup

On Thursday in Washington, D.C., a first-half goal by Cassius Mailula was negated by second-half goals from Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba and Kaku, allowing Al Ain to defeat Wydad AC 2-1.

Both teams took to the pitch with a sense of determination, playing not just for points but for pride, having already been eliminated from contention for the round of 16 in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Both Manchester City and Juventus, two storied clubs in European football, had already secured the top two spots in Group G, rendering this match a contest for respect rather than advancement.

The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as fans filled the stands, eager to see their teams deliver a strong performance despite the stakes being low. Each player on the field understood the significance of this match, not only for their clubs’ legacies but for their own professional reputations.

Nonetheless, both clubs aimed to exit the tournament on a positive note, and it was the UAE side that left the pitch with their heads held high after completing the comeback.

Sierra Leone's Tyrese Fornah pens permanent Northampton Town
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Tyrese Fornah pens permanent Northampton Town deal

Northampton Town has signed Tyrese Fornah, a former midfielder for Nottingham Forest and Derby County, on a three-year contract.

The 25-year-old player, who is 6 feet 1 inch tall and was born in London, started his career at the academies of Reading and Brighton & Hove Albion. He made his professional debut for Nottingham Forest in an FA Cup match against Chelsea in 2020.

Fornah spent time on loan with Portuguese side Casa Oia and then joined Plymouth Argyle on a season-long loan in October 2020, making 39 appearances.

He went on to have loan spells at Shrewsbury Town, where he played 19 games, and Reading, where he played 35 games. In 2023, he transferred to Derby County for an undisclosed fee. Fornah made 23 appearances in the 2023/24 season, helping the Rams win promotion from League One. He then spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Salford City, where he played 43 times.

Manager Kevin Nolan said, “We have followed Tyrese for a long time and wanted to bring him in. We did a lot of research and believe he will work well with Dean Campbell. He can play as a defensive midfielder or advance further up the pitch. He has great skills for carrying the ball and moving the team forward.”

Nolan added, “We discussed how we can help him improve, especially in scoring goals, and he was open to that. We are happy with this signing. Tyrese is at a good age with a strong background, and I believe fans will enjoy watching him play for Northampton Town. He had a lot of interest this summer, so it’s great that we’ve secured him for Sixfields.”

Attacker Mustapha Bundu set to join Bundesliga 2 side
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Attacker Mustapha Bundu set to join Bundesliga 2 side

Mustapha Bundu has officially turned down Argyle’s proposal for a new contract and is set to join a club in the 2. Bundesliga, as confirmed by the English side.

Although they did not confirm the name of the club, it is certain Bundu’s next action will be in the German second tier.

The Sierra Leone forward made a notable entrance to Argyle on Deadline Day during the summer transfer window of 2023. Throughout his tenure with the Pilgrims, Bundu made a significant impact, appearing in 70 matches and netting 14 goals.

One of his standout performances came in April 2024, when he scored a crucial winner against Leicester City, a goal that played an instrumental role in ensuring Argyle’s survival in the league that season.

Forward Augustine Williams scores as the Pittsburgh Riverhounds triumph over the Rowdies
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Forward Augustine Williams scores as Pittsburgh Riverhounds triumph over the Rowdies

Sierra Leone international Augustine Williams scored his second goal of the season as the Pittsburgh Riverhounds secured a 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies at the hot and humid Highmark Stadium on Sunday.

The scoring began with an own goal by former Hounds defender Thomas Vancaeyezeele, followed shortly by Augi Williams, who headed in a goal to put the Hounds (5-6-2) two goals ahead.

Manuel Arteaga managed to pull one back for the Rowdies (2-9-2) just five minutes before halftime, but the Hounds held on to secure their second straight home win.

The Hounds started aggressively, with Luke Biasi and Robbie Mertz testing Rowdies keeper Ethan Bandré. They took the lead in the 15th minute due to an own goal from Vancaeyezeele and added a second five minutes later with a header from Williams.

Arteaga’s goal for the Rowdies followed a clever setup, but Hounds goalie Eric Dick’s key save against Blake Bodily kept the Hounds ahead. Jackson Walti nearly extended the lead late, but his shot was deflected.

Luke Biasi, the Modelo Man of the Match, assisted on Williams’ goal and contributed defensively.

Up next, the Hounds will host Westchester SC in the USL Jägermeister Cup at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, marking the first meeting between the two teams.

ES Tunis beat LAFC to keep Club World Cup hopes alive
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisian club ES Tunis eliminated from FIFA Club World Cup

Tunisian team ES Tunis lost 3-0 to English club Chelsea in their last Group D match of the Club World Cup at Lincoln Financial Field early Wednesday morning.

A stellar Tosin Adarabioyo performance confirmed their Round of 16 spot as defender Tosin Adarabioyo scored the first goal with a header, followed by Liam Delap’s first goal for Chelsea, and Tyrique George added a late goal to help Chelsea win in Philadelphia and move on to the knockout stage of the Club World Cup.

Chelsea controlled the game and created many chances. They broke the deadlock just before halftime when Tosin Adarabioyo headed a free-kick from Enzo Fernandez into the net. Liam Delap then scored, finishing calmly despite pressure from two ES Tunis defenders.

The team continued to play well in the second half, not allowing any chances for the opposition. Coach Enzo Maresca also gave debuts to Mamadou Sarr and Andrey Santos.

As in the first half, Chelsea waited until stoppage time to score again. Tyrique George hit a powerful low shot that Bechir Ben Said could not stop, rounding off a strong performance by Chelsea.

https://twitter.com/DAZNFootball/status/1937752748335989030

Mighty Blackpool fans excited as Rodney Michael makes a U-turn
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mighty Blackpool fans excited as Rodney Michael makes U-turn

With confidence of A free hand in his capacity as club’s Chairman, mighty Blackpool supporters and community elders have strongly demonstrated their support for Chairman Rodney Michael, thereby persuading him to take up his role once more.

In April of this year, the football administrator stepped down from his position based on principle. However, in recent weeks, Blackpool’s inner circle and their passionate fans have expressed their gratitude to the chairman and have rallied for him to return to lead the club.

This sentiment was conveyed during several meetings held with other Executive Committee members in Michael’s absence.

Following several successful meetings, Mr. Michael has agreed to resume his position as chairman knowing that he will have the required support and protection to run the Executive Committee effectively.

At the historic training grounds in Kingtom, where the elders, fans, a varied collection of Executive Committee members, and the chairman will gather to speak with the players, the formal reintroduction of the chairman will take place.

This development raises a spark of hope for the giants of Sierra Leone football, especially as they find themselves fighting against relegation.