Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alassana Jatta as Notts County promoted to Sky Bet League One
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alassana Jatta nets as Notts County promoted to Sky Bet League One

In a thrilling display of skill and teamwork, Notts County secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Salford City in the Sky Bet League Two Play-off final at the iconic Wembley Stadium on Monday.

Gambian International Alassana Jatta sparked the excitement early on, brilliantly converting a stunning pass from Jodi Jones with a superb finish that set the tone for the match.

Just before halftime, Lucas Ness added to our momentum, rising high to connect with a perfectly placed cross, delivering a powerful header that doubled our advantage.

As the second half unfolded, any hopes of a Salford resurgence were firmly dashed. Jodi Jones once again found himself in the spotlight, executing a composed finish with poise and precision, much to the delight of the 20,000 jubilant Notts supporters.

The atmosphere was electric, filled with a palpable sense of triumph as we celebrated our remarkable achievement on this grand stage.

Notts County, the world’s oldest professional football club, founded in 1888, will compete next season in Sky Bet League One.

Mamelodi Sundowns win second CAF Champions League after edging past AS FAR
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mamelodi Sundowns win second CAF Champions League after edging past AS FAR

Mamelodi Sundowns won the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League for the second time by drawing 1-1 with FAR Rabat in the second leg of the final in Morocco. They claimed a 2-1 aggregate victory after winning the first leg 1-0 in Pretoria.

Mohamed Hrimat scored a penalty for FAR Rabat in the 40th minute, but Teboho Mokoena equalised for Sundowns just before half-time with a stunning shot. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made a crucial save by stopping Hrimat’s second penalty in the second half.

This victory gives Sundowns their second Champions League title and coach Miguel Cardoso his first win in the finals. FAR Rabat started the match strongly, aiming to overturn their deficit, but Sundowns stayed organised defensively.

Hrimat had an early chance that he missed, while Sundowns found their rhythm and created opportunities. The turning point came when FAR Rabat was awarded a penalty through VAR, which Hrimat converted. However, Sundowns quickly responded with Mokoena’s goal right before half-time.

In the second half, Cardoso substituted Marcelo Allende to strengthen the midfield. FAR Rabat continued to push forward, but Hrimat’s header went wide, and Williams saved another penalty.

Sundowns later had a goal disallowed for offside but held onto their lead for the win, marking another historic achievement for the Tshwane club.

Samuel Gandi signs permanent deal with Moldovan side Polytechnic UTM
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Samuel Gandi signs permanent deal with Moldovan side Polytechnic UTM

The Sierra Leone striker, Samuel Gandi, has formally signed as a permanent member of the FC Polytechnic UTM team until the summer of 2029.

The Moldovan football club based in Chișinău has effectively triggered the transfer clause, therefore securing the future of the gifted 20-year-old football player.

In his first season wearing the red and white colours, Samuel Gandi had a tremendous effect, playing 25 games and scoring an amazing 15 goals for the team.

Fans and teammates both already find inspiration in his talent and perseverance on the field.

“We wish Samuel the best as he starts his next career chapter with FC Polytechnic UTM. We hope his path is full of successes and many accomplishments that will raise the club’s league level even further!”

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw remains hopeful about defender Kalidou Koulibaly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw remains hopeful about defender Kalidou Koulibaly

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has confirmed that captain Kalidou Koulibaly will be fit for next year’s FIFA World Cup following his squad announcement.

Senegal were drawn into Group I alongside France, Norway, and Iraq

Slated to take place from June 11 to July 19, the global showpiece will be hosted across 16 cities: 11 in the United States, 3 in Mexico, and 2 in Canada.

It will mark the first World Cup to be hosted in three countries and the first tournament to expand from 32 to 48 teams.

Koulibaly is reportedly “coming along nicely.” Despite missing a large chunk of games for his current club, Al-Hilal, Thiaw named Koulibaly on the list of 28 players to represent Senegal at the World Cup. “He is the captain of this team, the one who brings everyone together.

He is evolving very well in his recovery. I think that by three weeks before the World Cup, he will be ready for it. This World Cup is not a 100-meter race, it’s a marathon, and I believe he will be ready on time,” Thiaw told reporters.

Kalidou Koulibaly also missed out on the Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco last year due to injury and has been sidelined since April.

Conversely, Chelsea defender Malang Sarr will not be heading to the World Cup with Senegal. Thiaw explained his reasoning: “Malang is a player I follow up closely. We spoke twice on the phone; the second time was just to congratulate him personally. He’s had a great season, but decisions had to be made.

In football, you never know what can happen. He’s on the standby list. But for now, I want to concentrate on these 28 players on the list.”

Tanzania and Mali reach quarter-finals and the World Cup as Mozambique secure a playoff spot
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tanzania and Mali reach quarter-finals and the World Cup as Mozambique secure a playoff spot

Following an electrifying final round of matches in Group C, Tanzania and Mali advanced to the quarter-final stages of TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, having both booked their ticket to FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026. Mozambique qualified for the playoff of the global tournament.

Mali 2-1 Tanzania | Goals: bdoulaye Touré (3’, 41’), Hassan Mkindai (82’)

What a finale we witnessed in Group C as play began with the match already underway.

Mali began life of the Final Round in dazzling fashion as league’sstarplayerAbdoulaye Touré found the back of the net in just three minutes.

He doubled his team’s lead just before half-time in the 41st minute. Tanzania came storming back in injury time through Hassan Mkindai which proved fruitless as Mali hung on to win the match. Tanzania topped the group on six points but both sides celebrated progression to the Quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations and qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Angola 1-2 Mozambique | Goals: Francisco Eliseu (27’), Allan Figueiredo (22’), Charif Carlos (55’)

Both Angola and Mozambique needed a win from this match to progress further. Mozambique stunned Angola in the opening minutes of the game through Allan Figueiredo in the 22nd minute.

Angola equalised just five minutes later through Francisco Eliseu, but they seemed to tire off after that goal. Charif Carlos made it two goals apiece in the second half as he scored in the 55th minute to hand the lead back to Mozambique, who held on strongly to the final whistle.

This victory gave Mozambique third place in the competition and a chance for qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup via the playoff, while for Angola, the tournament came to an end.

Difficult task ahead of East Africa AFCON for Sierra Leone
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone placed in Group E for the race to East Africa

The Leone Stars of Sierra Leone will compete with a stiff contest against African powerhouse DR Congo, stubborn Equatorial Guinea and improving Zimbabwe in Group E as they aim for their fourth appearance in the Cup of Nations in 2027.

This comes after the PAMOJA Qualifiers Draw held in Cairo, Egypt, on 19 May. The Leone Stars of Sierra Leone, who did not qualify for the last tournament in Morocco, are in search of a new head coach.

They participated in the Cameroon 2021 tournament but were eliminated in the group stage. Their last match was a 1-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea on 20 January 2022, finishing third in Group E behind Ivory Coast and Equatorial Guinea.

The road to East Africa will be challenging for whoever takes charge of the Leone Stars. There will be 48 teams divided into 12 groups, with four teams in each group. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Final Tournament.

The Qualifiers will take place during three FIFA International Windows:

– Matchdays 1 and 2: from 21 September to 6 October 2026
– Matchdays 3 and 4: from 9 to 17 November 2026
– Matchdays 5 and 6: from 22 to 30 March 2027

The tournament is scheduled from 19 June to 17 July 2027 and will be held in East Africa for the first time in 51 years, with Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania as co-hosts.

Sierra Leone Last Three and only appearances

3 (first in 1994) Group stage – (1994, 1996, 2021)

Sierra Leone Confirmed in Pot 3 for 2027 AFCON Qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone Confirmed in Pot 3 for 2027 AFCON Qualifying draw

Sierra Leone will be in Pot 3 for the draw of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification series on Tuesday.

The Leone Stars, who did not qualify for the last tournament in Morocco, will find out who they will compete against as they work to secure a place in the event. The tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

The country’s football association is seeking a new manager after firing former head coach Mohaed Kallon.

Pot 1 includes some of Africa’s top-ranked teams, such as the current champions Morocco, along with Senegal, Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Cameroon, DR Congo, Mali, South Africa, and Burkina Faso.

A total of 48 teams will compete, organised into 12 groups of four. Each group will have one team from each pot.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the final tournament. Groups with a co-host nation will get an extra spot for qualification.

Cardoso Calls on Sundowns to Stay Hungry Despite First-Leg Advantage
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Miguel Cardoso calls for Sundowns to stay hungry despite first-leg advantage

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach, Miguel Cardoso, has urged his players to remain cautious after their 1-0 win against FAR Rabat in the first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final. He emphasised that the toughest challenge lies ahead in Morocco.

Aubrey Modiba scored the only goal with a free-kick, but Cardoso felt they should have scored more to secure a better lead. “We needed at least one more goal for a stronger advantage,” he said.

While the fans celebrated, Cardoso maintained that the team must stay focused for the return leg if they want to win Africa’s top club tournament again. He acknowledged their ability to compete with strong opponents and noted that Sundowns controlled much of the match, albeit struggling against Rabat’s tight defence and counter-attacks.

Brian Leon Muniz missed a clear chance, and Teboho Mokoena hit the post with another free-kick. Cardoso stressed the importance of maintaining focus for the trophy.

“We need to keep our energy up and stay sharp for the second leg,” he said, reminding them to ignore the crowd in Rabat.

Defensively, Sundowns did well to limit FAR Rabat’s attacks despite the visitors having more possession at times. Cardoso praised their discipline but pointed out that breaking down Rabat’s defence was challenging.

“We need to manage the ball better and find gaps,” he said. Overall, Cardoso was pleased with his team’s mindset, stating, “We were strong for most of the game. That’s the mentality we need for the second match.”

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso calls for a show of character
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso calls for a show of character

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has asked his team to show their character against AS FAR in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final on Sunday.

This is Sundowns’ last chance to win a trophy this season after losing 3-2 to TS Galaxy, which hurt their hopes of defending their Premiership title.

They finished the league three points ahead of Orlando Pirates, who still have two games left. Sundowns have struggled in continental competitions, winning only two of their six group matches and losing to Stade Malien in the quarter-finals. They beat ES Tunis 1-0 at home and away to reach the final again.

“The season still has two matches left. It’s time to gather our energy,” said Cardoso. “The players will show their strength for the Champions League final.”

Al-Zaeem are in the final for the second time, having won it in 1985. They surprised many by drawing with Al Ahly and beating Pyramids in the quarter-finals.

Santos’ team lost just their second game in 14 when they were beaten 1-0 by RS Berkane in the semi-finals, but they secured their final spot with a 2-0 win in the first leg.

“Pressure can motivate us. We focus on keeping players calm while respecting the opponent,” said Santos. “Reaching the final means we deserve to be there, and we will aim for a good result.”

Tunisia named squad for FIFA 2026 World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia coach Lamouchi names squad for the FIFA 2026 World Cup

Tunisia announced its team for the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Friday. This will be their seventh appearance at the tournament.

The team will compete against the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden in the group stage. Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri is the most notable player on the squad.

Captain Ferjani Sassi, who has played 101 times for Tunisia, and defender Yassine Meriah, who is close to his 100th cap, were both left out of the team.

Tunisia qualified for the World Cup for the third time in a row by finishing first in its group during the CAF qualifiers. The team earned 28 points from 10 games and impressively did not concede any goals.

TUNISIA FULL SQUAD FOR FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

Goalkeepers: Aymen Dahmen, Sabri Ben Hassen, Abdelmouhib Chamakh

Defenders: Yan Valery, Moutaz Neffati, Dylan Bronn, Raed Chikhaoui, Montassar Talbi, Adem Arous, Omar Rekik, Ali Abdi, Mohamed Ben Hmida

Midfielders: Ellyes Skhiri, Anis Ben Slimane, Rani Khedira, Mortadha Ben Ouanes, Ismaël Gharbi, Mohamed Hadj-Mahmoud, Hannibal

Forwards: Elias Saad, Khalil Ayari, Elias Achouri, Sebastian Tounekti, Hazem Mastouri, Firas Chawat, Rayan Elloumi