Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Newcastle United sign DR Congo's striker Yoane Wissa
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Newcastle United sign DR Congo’s striker Yoane Wissa

Newcastle United has confirmed the new signing of DR Congo’s forward Yoane Wissa from Brentford on transfer deadline day, pending Premier League approval.

The 28-year-old, who hails from France but represents DR Congo internationally, has signed a long-term contract to become the sixth addition to St. James’ Park this summer.

Yoane launched his career with French club Châteauroux, progressing through their youth system before moving to Angers in 2016. After loan spells at Laval and Ajaccio, his big break came at Lorient, where he made a significant impact after joining in January 2018.

He played a crucial role in helping Lorient earn promotion to Ligue 1, going on to net ten goals in the top tier before securing a move to newly-promoted Brentford in 2021.

During his time with the Bees, Yoane made his mark in the Premier League, recording an impressive tally of 49 goals across 149 appearances in all competitions, including a personal best of 19 league goals last season.

In his first interview, Yoane expressed his excitement about joining Newcastle: “I’m really happy to be here and proud to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League. I can’t wait to get started.”

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe added, “Yoane is a player we’ve been watching for some time. His proven Premier League experience, goal-scoring ability, and work ethic will immediately strengthen our squad and excite our fans.”

Striker Abu Kamara is Getafe new acquisition from Hull City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Abu Kamara is Getafe new acquisition from Hull City

Sierra Leone native Abu Kamara has penned a loan deal with Spanish side Getafe for the rest of the season from Hull City.

“Kamara has joined Spanish club Getafe on loan from English side Hull City for the 2025–26 season. Hailing from London, the 22-year-old right winger boasts impressive international experience as an Under-20 representative for England,” Getafe wrote on their website.

The Azulones have the opportunity to make the transfer permanent next summer.

Kamara joined from Norwich City last August, making the move from East Anglia to East Yorkshire. During his debut season with the Tigers, he made 37 appearances.

The wide player found the net five times, including a double against Leeds United, and contributed three assists last term. He has also taken part in the first three matches of the current season.

Getafe, who faced City in a pre-season friendly, has secured seven points from its opening three La Liga games. Last season, they narrowly escaped relegation, finishing in 13th place just two points above the drop zone.

Attacker Isaac Babadi joins Royal Antwerp on loan from PSV
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Attacker Isaac Babadi joins Royal Antwerp on loan from PSV

Attacking midfielder Isaac Babadi has signed a season-long loan with Royal Antwerp from PSV Eindhoven.

The player is recognised as one of PSV’s most promising young talents; however, he has faced challenges in securing playing time under coach Peter Bosz.

With Guus Til, Joey Veerman, and Ismail Saibari occupying prominent positions in the team’s hierarchy, Babadi has opted to seek a loan opportunity this summer.

While a transfer within the Eredivisie was a consideration, he has ultimately chosen to join Royal Antwerp. The Belgian club has officially announced Babadi’s loan for the entire season, without the option for a permanent transfer.

At the age of 20, he aims to secure consistent playing time in the Jupiler League to demonstrate his capabilities and merit a position within the PSV squad for the following season.

Ghanaian defender pens deal with Scottish side Dunfermline Athletic
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghanaian defender pens deal with Scottish side Dunfermline Athletic

Dunfermline Athletic has officially acquired the services of defender Nurudeen Abdulai from Medeama Sporting Club, a team in the Ghanaian Premier League.

The Scottish Championship side is pleased with Abdulai, a 21-year-old central defender, who has signed a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

He brings a commendable record of 75 appearances in the Ghanaian Premier League, as well as seven appearances in the CAF Champions League, highlighting his experience with the Mauve and Yellow.

The player is expected to integrate with his new teammates promptly and will be eligible for selection in the upcoming match against Arbroath following the international break.

Currently, Dunfermline Athletic occupies the fifth position in the Scottish Championship table, having earned five points from four matches in the current campaign.

Mo Salah, Omar Marmoush and Osama Faisal named to Egypt squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mo Salah, Omar Marmoush named for Egypt’s World Cup qualifiers

Egypt’s coach Hossam Hassan has announced his squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and Burkina Faso.

Leading the attacking lineup is Mohamed Salah, accompanied by Mostafa Mohamed, Osama Faisal and Omar Marmoush. The goalkeeping unit is comprised of Mohamed El Shenawy, Mostafa Shobeir, Mohamed Sobhy, and Abdelaziz El Balouti.

The team includes some fresh talent as well as the return of a few familiar faces. Notably, Amr El Gazzar, a defender from the National Bank of Egypt, receives his first call-up to the national team.

Additionally, Pyramids midfielder Mohannad Lasheen is back after a hiatus following the Africa Cup of Nations, and Al Ahly’s Marwan Attia rejoins the squad after his recovery from a hernia.

Currently, Egypt sits at the top of Group A with 16 points, holding a five-point advantage over Burkina Faso in second place. They remain strong favourites to advance to the final qualifying rounds.

Here’s the complete roster for Egypt:

Goalkeepers:
– Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly)
– Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly)
– Mohamed Sobhy (Zamalek)
– Abdelaziz El Balouty (National Bank)

Defenders:

– Rami Rabia (Al Ain, UAE)
– Khaled Sobhi (Al Masry)
– Amr El Gazzar (National Bank)
– Hossam Abdelmaguid (Zamalek)
– Mohamed Rabia (ZED)
– Mohamed Hany (Al Ahly)
– Ahmed Eid (Al Masry)
– Mohamed Hamdy (Pyramids)
– Ahmed Nabil “Koka” (Al Ahly)

Midfielders:

– Hamdi Fathi (Al Wakrah, Qatar)
– Nabil Emad (Zamalek)
– Marwan Attia (Al Ahly)
– Mahmoud Sabrer (ZED)
– Mohannad Lasheen (Pyramids)
– Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” (Al Ahly)
– Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” (Al Ahly)
– Omar Marmoush (Manchester City)
– Ibrahim Adel (Al Jazira, UAE)

Forwards:
– Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
– Mostafa Mohamed (Nantes)
– Osama Faisal (National Bank)


Fixtures:

September 5: Egypt vs Ethiopia (Cairo International Stadium)

September 10: Burkina Faso vs Egypt

Juma Bah's Nice suffer a second French Ligue 1 defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Juma Bah’s Nice suffer second French Ligue 1 defeat

With a respectable 3-1 triumph against Nice, Le Havre AC got its first points of the season, therefore highlighting its dedication at home.

The Ciel Marine showed efficiency and tenacity after a hard defeat to RC Lens, with Fodé Doucouré scoring the opening goal in the 13th minute after a fantastic assist from Issa Soumaré.

In the photograph, Sierra Leone’s Juma Bah was on show as he played the full throttle of the contest, but his side suffered their second defeat in their French Ligue 1 games.

Since coming on loan from Manchester City, Bah, 19, has made his debut for his side. Doucouré’s hard work after Nice levelled the score early in the second half resulted in Rassoul Ndiaye scoring to reinstate the home team’s lead in the 61st minute, presenting unrelenting will.

Strategic substitutions by Coach Didier Digard created more possibilities as HAC kept pressing. The victory was sealed in stoppage time when Issa Soumaré found the net, much to the delight of the home crowd.

HAC kept composure with great performances from their defence, especially captain Sangante, despite Nice’s efforts to equalise.

As HAC gets ready to meet Strasbourg in two weeks, the victory lifts morale and guarantees more thrilling contests to come.

Morocco overcome Madagascar to clinch third CHAN title
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco overcome Madagascar to clinch third CHAN title

Morocco clinched their third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title in six years by defeating Madagascar 3-2 in the 2024 final held on August 30, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya.

Star striker Oussama Lamlioui scored twice, including a breathtaking 40-yard strike, solidifying Morocco’s status as the most successful team in CHAN history.

Madagascar took an early lead in the ninth minute with Calvin Felicite Manohantzua’s goal, but Morocco equalized through Youssef Mehri in the 27th minute.

Oussama Lamlioui then scored to give Morocco a 2-1 lead at halftime.

After the recess, Toky Rakotondraibe levelled again for Madagascar, but Lamlioui’s second goal sealed the victory for Morocco.

Despite the loss, Madagascar’s silver medal marked a historic achievement.  Lamlioui earned the Golden Boot with six goals, while Mohammed Hrimat was named Player of the Tournament. Senegal’s Marc Diouf received the Fair Play Award and the Golden Glove.

Morocco clinched their third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title in six years by defeating Madagascar 3-2 in the 2024 final held on August 30, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya.
Morocco clinched their third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title in six years by defeating Madagascar 3-2 in the 2024 final held on August 30, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya.
Arsenal's winger Ismeal Kabia joins Shrewsbury Town on loan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Arsenal’s winger Ismeal Kabia joins Shrewsbury Town on loan

English League Two side Shrewsbury Town has confirmed the borrowing of powerful Sierra Leone’s native Ismeal Kabia from Arsenal. The winger first joining the Gunners at under-11s, the 19-year-old made his Premier League big professional debut last month.

Born in the Netherlands, Ismeal is a quick forward who can play on either the right or left; he is also qualified to represent Sierra Leone at international level.

For Town during the 2025/26 season, Kabia will wear the number 20 shirt.

Earlier today, the boy sat down to talk with the Shrewsbury Town media staff about his transfer.

With Arsenal, Ismeal made 22 appearances in all competitions for our academy last season and his impressive form with our age group teams saw him involved with the first team throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

The versatile winger featured as an unused substitute 13 times in the Premier League and Champions League, as well as earning himself a first-team debut in our 5-1 win against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup third round at Emirates Stadium.

Senegal clinch CHAN third place after defeating Sudan on penalty shootout
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal clinch CHAN third place after defeating Sudan on penalty shootout

Though they failed to defend their title at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), Senegal placed third after Friday’s 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Sudan after a 1-1 draw through ninety minutes in Kampala, Uganda.

Both teams had times of excellent play, making it an even match overall. Though Sudan took the lead inside six minutes, terrible marking from the Senegalese defense left tall striker Mohamed Teya wide as he heads in Abdel Raouf’s corner kick from six yards out.

2022 winners Senegal reacted swiftly and went on to dominate much of the first half. Before halftime, a deluge of possibilities presented themselves when Sudan goalkeeper Mohamed Elnour made a great stop at his near post from Oumar Ba’s sliding attempt. Amadou Coly had a good chance moments ago, but his shot veered wide.

However, the Local Lions of Teranga kept striving after halftime and were rewarded around the hour mari. Ousseynou Seck’s cross from the right wing found Mbaye Ndiaye’s head, which he lobbled over Elnour as the Sudan. Keeper came to claim the cross.

Both teams had chances in the last half hour but stayed even with a penalty shootout coming after the full time whistle. Walieldin Khidir, a Sudan star, missed the first penalty kick, therefore setting the tone. Senegal converted all four of their tries; Sudan also missed their third penalty.

On Saturday (15:00 GMT) Morocco battle Madagascar in Nairobi, Kenya, which will mark the last.

Osman Kakay, Mohamed Buya Turay return to Sierra Leone squad for World Cup qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Osman Kakay, Mohamed Buya Turay return to Sierra Leone squad for World Cup qualifiers

Head Coach Mohammed Kallon has announced a 26-man Leone Stars team for Sierra Leone’s next 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Guinea-Bissau and Ethiopia on 4th and 9th August, 2025 respectfully.

The squad consists of foreign-based and home-based players chosen specifically to create a strong team battling to represent the country with pride.

Kosice defender Osman Kakay is back on the Sierra Leone national team. He last played against Zambia in the AFCON qualifiers. Mohamed Buya Turay, who has been away from the team for a long time, is also included in the squad for next month’s matches.

Head coach Mohamed Kallon listed six new faces – the 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥-𝐮𝐩𝐬 are 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗵 (SLIFA FC), 𝗔𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗗𝘂𝗺𝗯𝘂𝘆𝗮 (East End Lions), 𝗠𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗼𝘂 𝗝𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗵 – Sierra Leone U-20 goalkeeper, recently signed new deal at Brøndby IF before being sent on loan to Finland, 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐚 𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚 (Port Authority), 𝗔𝗹𝗵𝗮𝗷𝗶 𝗟. 𝗝𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗵, (Luawa FC) and 𝗠𝗼𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗕. 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝗮𝘆 (FC Kallon).

The first contest against Sierra Leone will be officiated by a team of referees from the Ivory Coast at the Estadio 24 de Setembro in Bissau. The Djurtus are looking to avenge the 3-1 defeat suffered at Sierra Leone back in March in the Liberian Capital at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.

Current Standings: Guinea-Bissau is two points adrift of Sierra Leone, currently in third place in their group with 8 points. Sierra Leone’s hopes for the USA, Canada, and Mexico 2026 World Cup are still alive, with just 15 days to go in the hunt to increase their point on the table.

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