Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cyriel Dessers nets Rangers UEFA Champions League triumph
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cyriel Dessers nets in Rangers UEFA Champions League triumph

In the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, Scottish powerhouse Rangers quickly dispatched Viktoria Plzen and Nigerian forward Cyriel Dessers was on the score sheet at Ibrox Stadium.

With a great finish in only 15 minutes at the Ibrox Stadium on Tuesday, France Youth international Djeidi Hamara Gassama fired Rangers ahead.

Dessers placed Gassama in Viktoria’s penalty area, and the 21-year-old winger curled in exquisitely to defeat Florian Wiegele, the visiting goalie.

In the 42nd minute, after Lukáš Hejda of Rangers was knocked down in the box, Cyriel Dessers doubled the advantage from the penalty spot without hesitation.

Viktoria had difficulty saying the Teddy Bears in the second part of the game, which brought pain in her side.

In the 51st minute, Rangers finished the game when Oliver Antman swept in a lovely cross for the unmarked Djeidi Gassama to head in from close range.

With the return leg in the Czech Republic on Tuesday, August 12, Rangers’ 30 triumph over Viktoria Plzen pulls them closer to the group stage of the UEFA Champions League.

Defending Champions Senegal beat Nigeria in Group D Opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Defending Champions Senegal beat Nigeria in Group D Opener

Beginning their title defence in the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024, defending champions Senegal narrowly defeated Nigeria 1-0 at Amaan Stadium on Tuesday.

After a fast counterattack in the 75th minute, Christian Gomis scored the winning goal and delighted the Senegalese supporters.

Though Nigeria pushed hard, with Nduka Junior and Raymond Tochukwu getting early yellow cards, the game showed a tense first half with few chances.

Marc Diouf, the goalie for Senegal, made critical saves while both sides battled to capitalise on chances.

Nigeria pressed for an equaliser in the second half, but Senegal’s defence, spearheaded by Seyni Ndiaye and Joseph Layousse, held firm despite Nigeria’s late attacks, including a near miss from Vincent Temitope.

Coach Souleymane Diallo of Senegal claimed his players felt no pressure in defending their title, a sentiment reflected in their excellent showing.

Senegal leads Group D with this victory; Nigeria hopes to rebound in their next games.

Juma Bah set for UEFA Champions League debut with OGC Nice
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Juma Bah set for UEFA Champions League debut with OGC Nice

On loan from Manchester City, Sierra Leone defender Juma Bah is expected to play in Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League third qualifying first leg round as Nice plays Benfica at the Allianz Riviera.

Bah, 19, who joined on a season-long loan, has been handed an opportunity to continue his progression with the French side. Nice, this will be their first competitive outing of the season, with the Ligue 1 campaign not getting underway for another two weeks.

A few days after they visit Lisbon for the second leg, where they hope they will be leaving having caused a mini-upset, Franck Haise’s men will welcome Toulouse here on August 16.

Although finishing fourth in Ligue 1 last season, Nice has two rounds of qualifying to establish their UEFA tournament participation for this season, and they have been given the most difficult tasks in Benfica first up.

Nice is considered the underdog in this match, especially after a difficult European season last year, where they only earned three points from eight league phase games, finishing second-bottom in the Europa League.

This continues a trend of underwhelming European performances, with the club securing only one knockout victory against Sheriff Tiraspol over the past decade. The minimum Nice will achieve is a spot in the Conference League, but they are aiming for a remote push for the Champions League.

The winner will face the victor of the Fenerbahce vs. Feyenoord match, making it a tough challenge for all teams aiming for the league phase.

Sierra Leone International Augustus Kargbo speaks ahead of new campaign
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone International Augustus Kargbo speaks ahead of new campaign

Following an injury-free preseason and two goals in Rovers’ five games thus far this summer, Augustus Kargbo told the club’s website that he enters the new season with a good outlook.

Blackburn Rovers will start their new campaign against West Bromwich Albion at the difficult Hawthorns Stadium on the 9th of August, something Kargbo is looking forward to.

With a curling effort beyond Gonzalo Crettaz in the home side’s goal early in the second half, the Sierra Leone international scored Rovers’ goal in the 3-1 defeat at Eredivisie club NEC Nijmegen at the weekend.

Although the attacker’s second shot in preseason was insufficient for Rovers to finish their summer program with a fifth straight triumph, Kargbo claims his morale is good going into this weekend’s opening day match against West Bromwich Albion.

Kargbo, 25, noted he is feeling good and looking forward to the start of the new English Championship season.

“I am feeling great right now, both physically and intellectually. Though it’s just preseason, I’m already looking forward to the league season kickoff.”

My first preseason with the Head Coach and the team has been difficult, although I have accomplished it. Having come through it injury-free following last season’s hamstring problem, I am now ready and hopeful.

Both on and off the pitch, preseason is crucial since it helps us to know one another better. Preseason is finished; preparation for the next season starts today.”

Algeria ease past co-hosts Uganda in Group C opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Algeria ease past co-hosts Uganda in Group C opener

Beginning their TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 with a resounding 3-0 triumph over co-hosts Uganda at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.

Algeria, who showed their great tournament pedigree, won thanks to goals from Ayoub Ghezala, Abderrahmane Meziane, and Soufiane Bayazid.

This triumph extended Algeria’s unbeaten run in the group stage to seven games and marked their third consecutive victory against Uganda.

Although Uganda tried to create an offence—including Karim Watambala’s shots and a header from Gavin Kizito—they struggled to capitalise on chances. Under Adem Alilet and Ilyés Chétti’s strong defence, Algeria stood strong all through the game.

The results emphasised Algeria’s outstanding performance in the tournament, now with ten clean sheets in thirteen games.

Uganda has issues with matches against Niger and South Africa ahead as the tournament goes on; meanwhile, Algeria hopes to keep up their success against Niger.

Mustapha Bundu's Hannover start new campaign with a win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mustapha Bundu’s Hannover start new campaign with a win

Hannover 96 began the new season in the German second division with a victory, securing three points on the opening matchday. Sierra Leone international Mustapha Bundu made his debut, featuring for 70 minutes.  Photo: Swen Pförtner/dpa

Under head coach Christian Titz, Hannover featured eight new starting signings, including debutant Hayate Matsuda.

They started the match aggressively but had to wait until the 22nd minute for a clear chance, when FCK captain Marlon Ritter missed a long shot.

Hannover’s first real opportunity came moments later when Husseyn Chakroun set up Mustapha Bundu, whose shot was saved by goalkeeper Julian Krahl.

Bundu on the spotlight on his league debut

In the 23rd minute, Hannover’s new winger, Mustapha Bundu, created the first notable chance of the game. The English attacker was the standout player on the pitch during the first half and had another great opportunity to give Lower Saxony the lead just before halftime. However, Kaiserslautern’s goalkeeper, Julian Krahl, made another crucial save.

Alongside Bundu, Hannover’s new Japanese striker, Hayate Matsuda, also made a strong impression. The active, attacking style of football that coach Titz desired was evident in many phases of the game. However, the hosts often struggled with consistency in their performance.

Hannover finally took the lead in the 74th minute when Noel Aseko, who came on at halftime, received a pass from Virgil Ghita and scored his first professional goal, making it 1-0.  

In the 90th minute, Hannover sought to extend their lead. Substitute Daisuke Yokota set up Jannik Rochelt, but his shot was blocked. The final whistle confirmed Hannover 96’s 1-0 victory over 1. FC Kaiserslautern in Titz’s debut match, earning them their first three points at home.

Hannover 1-0 Kaiserslautern

Goal: 1-0 Aséko Nkili 75′

Morocco hit CHAN 2024 ground running with win over Angola
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco hit CHAN 2024 ground running with win over Angola

Morocco began their search for a third African Nations Championship (CHAN) crown with a dominant 20-win over Angola in their first Group A match at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.

Morocco deservedly triumphed as Imad Riahi scored a beautiful longrange goal in the first half and Angola’s Kinito scored an own goal in the second half.

Once again, Morocco’s talent was on display in this competition, which included only players from local leagues.In 2018 and 2020, they have captured the CHAN twice already.Morocco hoped to build on their 13-match undefeated streak in this tournament by starting a new team and expecting much.

From the beginning, Coach Tarik Sektioui’s team immediately took charge and established the tempo.

Morocco scored in the 29th minute after a few opportunities and corners. Mohamed Hrimat gave Riahi a perfect pass, who fired a strong right-foot shot from outside the box, defeating Angolan goalie Neblú.

Before halftime, the Atlas Lions pressed for a second goal, with Riahi, Anas Bach, and Marouane Louadni testing Angola’s goalkeeper, Neblú.Looking for their first CHAN opening match victory, Angola developed opportunities via Jó Paciência and Aguinaldo Matias, but Morocco’s El Mehdi Al Harrar was resolute.

Morocco kept control in the second half and scored again in the 81st minute when backup Youness El Kaabi’s shot bounced off Kinito into the goal.Led by captain Hrimat, Morocco’s defense held strong even as Angola tried to respond with a long shot from Mafuta.

As they get ready to meet cohosts Kenya, Morocco remains undefeated in CHAN group stages; Angola is still looking for their first win and will regroup before going against Zambia.

Morocco set for African Nations Championship opener against Angola
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco set for African Nations Championship opener against Angola

With a game against Angola at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium, Morocco will start their hunt of a third title in the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 against Angola.

Triumph in 2018 and 2020, the team aims for back-to–back titles and seeks to use their outstanding track record of 13 games without loss.

Head coach Tarik Sektioui underlines the need of winning the first game to raise self-confidence; team captain Mohamed Rabie Hrimat agrees.

A difficulty arises with Angola, also a five-time participant and runner-up in 2011. Despite having player losses as a result of international transfers throughout training, Coach Pedro Gonçalves says he believes in his side.Though still a competitive team, Angola has never won an opening game in four attempts.

Morocco topped their group and Angola beat Lesotho; both teams qualified admirably for the tournament.

Amid pre-tournament difficulties including player departures and injuries, Sektioui values the resilience and maturity of his team.Sunday’s game represents the first CHAN encounter between the two countries.

Business mogul Babadi Kamara elected new SLFA's president
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Business mogul Babadi Kamara elected new SLFA’s president

Business mogul and football philanthropist Babadi Kamara has been chosen as the new Sierra Leone FA President following hours of constitutional debates. He was duly elected on Saturday at Port Loko, Lungi’s Gateway Hotel in Sierra Leone.

Given the events that occurred today during the congress, the newly elected President, Kamara, must gather all significant Sierra Leoneans to join him and his group in addressing the current crisis surrounding the country’s football.

As the Sierra Leone Police forcibly ejected SLIFA FC owner Benjamin Gordon Esq from the hall, evidence of a growing crisis inside the football fraternity became clear. With 43 votes, Kamara defeated his nearest competitor, the female aspirant Aminata Bangura, who got 11 votes.

Kamara will be in office for four years, during which he is expected to revolutionise the football scene. With the absence of two representatives leaving the hall, Ethics Committee Chairman Mohamed Bainda declared that a total of 55 votes had been recorded.

Present at the congress were FIFA observers Ahmed Mohamed Mokhtar and Mohamed Khaled Amin Elshawarby from Egypt. Sierra Leone Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Teima, and National Sport and National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai were among the guests.

Alie Badara Tarawallie, the current Mayor of Port Loko, has been voted Vice President 1, while Prince Kai Saquee has been elected Vice President 2. The elected Executive Committee members are Mohamed Sorie Jalloh, Kweku Lisk, and Haja Ramatulai Kamara.

Sierra Leone FA election set to go ahead amid squabbles
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone FA election set to go ahead amid squabbles

As 57 delegates of the Sierra Leone Football Association assemble on Saturday at the Gateway Hotel at the Tulun Road in Lungi Town, Sierra Leone, the stage is set for a crucial election.

This congress will decide who the next president of the association will be, a position vital for the course of football in the nation.

The road to this point has been fraught with difficulties. Originally slow and erratic, the election process followed the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) awarding temporary clearance to female candidate Ms. Aminata Bangura on July 31.

A request for court injunction was dismissed after the incumbent Thomas daddy Brima raised several concerns mostly as a result of disagreements on electoral processes that overshadowed the entire process.

Two more candidates—Babadi Kamara and Alhaji Umaru Bah—both vying for the coveted post alongside the only female candidate Ms. Bangura on the ballot. They will battle in the forthcoming elective conference planned for Port Loko on August 2.

After failing the Football Association’s integrity checks, Thomas Daddy Brima, the current incumbent, drops out of the race. He was without recourse because he could not obtain a court order to postpone the meeting.

With the election drawing close, disagreement hangs high and different groups claim political machination, delegates list manipulations and intimidation techniques.

Although CAS has not yet fixed the date of its final decision, it is expected that the ruling could take weeks as the delegates get ready to vote.