Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea-Bissau's top striker Mama Baldé back in the squad for Sierra Leone and Djibouti
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea-Bissau’s Mama Baldé back in the squad for Sierra Leone and Djibouti

Guinea-Bissau’s head coach, Emiliano Té, has officially announced his 26-man squad to compete in the crucial 7th and 8th fixtures of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Top notable players named are strikers Mama Baldé and Everton’s Portuguese-born Guinea-Bissau Norberto Gomes Betuncal, commonly known as Beto.

Guinea-Bissau is set to clash with Sierra Leone on September 4th at the iconic National Stadium, located in the heart of Bissau. Shortly thereafter, they will take on Djibouti on September 8th, also at the same revered venue.

Fans are excitedly looking forward to these decisive matches that could shape the team’s journey towards the World Cup.

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.

Ghana pick squad for Chad and Mali World Cup qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana picks 24-man squad for Chad and Mali World Cup qualifiers

With games against Chad and Mali scheduled in early September, Ghana head coach Otto Addo has released his squad list for the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

In Addo’s selection of 24 players, only one home-based player made the cut, that is Accra Hearts of Oak goalie Benjamin Asare.

Thursday, September 4, the Black Stars will first go to N’Djamena to face Chad at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno.

They will return home four days later to face Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8, in front of what is predicted to be a big crowd.

Among the well-known players listed are Tottenham Hotspur’s Mohammed Kudus, Athletic Bilbao’s Iñaki Williams, Leicester City’s Jordan Ayew, and Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey.

Defensive stalwarts like Alexander Djiku, Mohammed Salisu, and Gideon Mensah have also been remembered, while Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo and Atalanta forward Kamaldeen Sulemana enhance the attack.

Reflecting Otto Addo’s strategy of combining knowledge with youth as Ghana pushes, youngsters like Ibrahim Sulemana and Christopher Bonsu Baah also made the team. For a great presentation to the candidates.

With two important games ahead, the Black Stars will be aiming for maximum points to boost their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In Addo's selection of 24 players, only one homebased player to make the cut that is Accra Hearts of Oak goalie Benjamin Asare.
In Addo's selection of 24 players, only one homebased player to make the cut that is Accra Hearts of Oak goalie Benjamin Asare.
Rakotondrabe says he was startled after Madagascar down Sudan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Rakotondrabe says he was startled after Madagascar down Sudan

Romuald Rakotondrabe, the head coach of the Madagascar national team, expressed his surprise at how his team defeated Sudan to reach the final of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The match took place at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Tuesday, where Madagascar won 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Toky Rakotondraibe in the 116th minute. This victory secured Madagascar’s place in its first CHAN final.

Rakotondrabe expressed that he struggled to find words to convey his feelings after the match. He highlighted the amazing achievement of the team despite losing a player to injury early and another to a red card, leaving them with only ten players for much of the game. He praised his players, stating, “They are really good people, and that contributed to our win.”

After the red card, Rakotondrabe adjusted the team’s strategy, saying, “It was challenging after our player was sent off, so we brought in another player to help maintain possession.”

When asked about their chances against Morocco in the final, he said, “I can’t say if we can win the title. Beating Sudan does not guarantee victory. Although we lost two players before the match, we have others who can take their place.” He added that they hoped some players could make a difference in the final. He remarked, “We said before the semifinal that we must return to Nairobi, and now we will.”

While Sudan will play in the third-place match on Friday in Dar es Salaam, Madagascar will head back to Nairobi for the final at Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on Saturday.

Morocco edge Senegal to set CHAN final date with Madagascar
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco edge Senegal to set CHAN final date with Madagascar

Morocco has reached the final of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after a thrilling penalty shootout against Senegal at Mandela National Stadium on Tuesday. The semifinal ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time, and Morocco won the shootout 5-3.

As a result, they’ll face Madagascar, who reached this stage of the competition for the first time in their history after thumping Sudan 1-0 on Tuesday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

Senegal scored first in the 16th minute with a goal from Joseph Layousse after a corner kick from Libasse Gueye. Morocco quickly equalised in the 22nd minute with a right-footed shot by Sabir Bougrine that went past Senegal’s goalkeeper, Marc Diouf.

The first half had some drama, including a yellow card for Senegal’s Moussa Cisse in the 7th minute for a rough tackle on Youssef Mehri.

Both teams created chances, with Morocco’s Annas Bach forcing a good save from Diouf just before halftime.

In the second half, Senegal substituted Christian Gomis for Velho Cisse. Tension rose when Morocco’s Marouane Louadni initially received a red card in the 53rd minute, but it was later changed to a yellow after a VAR review.

Senegal almost scored again in the 59th minute with Layousse’s long-range shot, but it was saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Al Harrar. Morocco responded, with Youssef Mehri’s header saved by Diouf in the 66th minute.

The match ended 1-1 after regular time, leading to extra time where both teams made substitutions but failed to score. The game went to penalties, and Morocco triumphed 5-3.

They will face Madagascar in the final next Saturday. This victory highlights Morocco’s strong tournament performance under coach Tarik Sektioui, who previously led the team to wins against Tanzania (1-0), the Democratic Republic of Congo (3-1), and Zambia (3-1). The upcoming final presents Morocco with an opportunity to secure the CHAN title.

Sierra Leone's Hindolo Mustapha joins German side FC Nürnberg on loan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Hindolo Mustapha joins German side FC Nürnberg on loan

Sierra Leone’s Hindolo Mustapha, after he penned a new deal with Premier League side Crystal Palace, the youngster will spend the 2025/26 season on loan at German League 2 team FC Nürnberg.

Mustapha has been handed a fresh experiment with Nürnberg, in the German 2. Bundesliga team, on loan until the end of the season, following his fresh deal at Palace until 2028.

Having 11 goals and seven assists in 29 games, the 19-year-old had a fantastic 2024–25 season, winning the Player of the Season award from Palace Under21s and getting nominated for the Player of the Season award in the Premier League 2.

Since he was nine years old, Mustapha has been at the club; in January 2024, he signed his first professional deal.

Scoring in his first two games for the Under-21s in the 2024/25 season, he hit the ground running and was given his first-ever call-up to the Sierra Leone senior side. On only his second appearance for his country, he scored his first international goal there—a stunning solo effort against Zambia.

Mustapha was also on the first-team roster at the club level in a midseason friendly against HamKam in March 2025. He was put up for the Premier League 2 Player of the Month award later that month.

Senegal ready for heavyweight battle against Morocco in the CHAN semis
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal ready for heavyweight battle against Morocco in CHAN semis

Coach Souleymane Diallo of Senegal has supported his youthful team to create their own legacy when they battle Morocco in the African Nations Championship semifinals at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.

The fixture pits reigning champions Senegal against the winners of the previous three years: Morocco, 2018 and 2020 champions.

“This is a young generation prepared to compose their own history. Though we cannot discount the work being done in Senegal, we will confront a Moroccan team with really strong performance statistics.

Today, we present the youngest team in this competition,” Diallo said as quoted by CAFOnline.com.  “I would like to send all Senegalese people a message: follow us, back our team, and inspire us to succeed. The greatest outcome in this event is possible.

Oumar Ba, the Lions of Teranga striker, who scored the decisive winner against Uganda, promised fight as well as unity.

“We know it won’t be Easy, but we will try our best out there. We are joined, and that is rather crucial. I guarantee we will battle to make it to the finish.

Morocco coach Tarik Sektioui summarised the feeling: Against Senegal, we playing a really crucial match against a team that qualified honourably. It will be simple; it will be a very, very difficult game. Even with Senegal in the semifinals, our objective is always to win this trophy in 2024.

For only the third time in CHAN history, Senegal will confront North African opposition.

Before winning Algeria on penalties in the 2022 final after a 0-0 tie, they lost 20 to Tunisia in 2011. In open play, they still have yet to score against a North African opponent.

Brøndby IF confirm Sierra Leone call-up and loan move for Mamadou Jalloh
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Brøndby IF confirm Sierra Leone call-up and loan move for Mamadou Jalloh

Danish side Brøndby IF has confirmed that Sierra Leone keeper Mamadou Jalloh, who signed a new deal at the club until the summer of 2028, is set to join the Leone Stars for World Cup qualifiers next month.  

The club further stated that the young goalkeeper will be joining Finnish club Vaasan Palloseura, which currently sits in sixth place in the Veikkausliiga, Finland’s top league.

This loan spell will last for the remainder of the Finnish season, which follows the calendar year. “Mamadou Jalloh has been selected for Sierra Leone’s national team for World Cup qualifiers against Guinea-Bissau and Ethiopia at the beginning of September,” the club stated.

Jens Mikkel Frølunde, recruitment manager at Brøndby Masterclass, expressed satisfaction with extending Mamadou Jalloh’s contract and securing a loan arrangement, emphasising the importance of gaining senior experience. He noted that it will help evaluate Jalloh’s performance under pressure.

Goalkeeper manager Daniel Leonthin Jespersen praised Jalloh’s skills as a modern keeper and emphasised his diligent work ethic. He highlighted Jalloh’s focus on personal development and his positive impact on the team environment.

Alie Conteh opens his Strømsgodset account in draw against Bryne
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alie Conteh opens his Strømsgodset account in draw against Bryne

On Sunday, Sierra Leone International Alie Conteh was on target for his Norwegian side Strømsgodset Toppfotball as they played to a 2-2 draw against Bryne at the Bryne FK Stadium. (Photo Strømsgodset)

Herman Stengel and Alie Conteh ensured that the visitors led 2-0 before the half-hour mark, but unfortunately, the home team came back – and for the first time this season, a SIF match ended in a draw.

Conteh, 20, who played for 72nd minutes before he was substituted, scored his first goal for the club since joining on a four-year deal in July.

Hermann Stengel scored in the 18th minute and Cointeh doubled their lead in the 53rd minute, but the home side never gave in as they rallied a comeback through Lasse Qvigstad and Heine Åsen Larsen in the 67th and 72nd minutes, respectively.

They’ll face Molde FK at home on Sunday, August 31st, in week 22nd of the Norwegian top-tier league as they battle to rise in the table from second bottom.

SLFA's president Babadi Kamara makes first CAF appearance
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

SLFA’s president Babadi Kamara makes first CAF appearance

Presently in Kampala, Uganda for the CAF Impact Strategic Roundtable workshop, Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) President Babadi Kamara, together with Acting General Secretary, Ｍohamed Benson Bawoh, join global heads.

This event marks the inaugural appearance of the new SLFA president at a continental gathering that unites African football executives, focusing on governance, sustainable development, and initiatives aimed at transforming the game across the continent.

For the first time, CAF will bring together all 54 Presidents of Member Associations alongside their General Secretaries to a practical workshop aimed at strengthening financial governance, promoting youth competitions and driving impactful community outreach initiatives.

The participation of SLFA highlights President Kamara’s commitment to making Sierra Leone pivotal in the continent’s football reforms and developmental projects.

President Kamara is anticipated to meet with CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and other leaders of CAF Member Associations for a face-to-face strategic meeting on Saturday, August 30, 2025. This important meeting will coincide with the final of the CHAN Tournament.

The discussions in Nairobi will cover various crucial topics essential to the advancement of African football.

The CAF IMPACT sessions, held in three separate groups, will offer practical guidance on program goals, the rights and responsibilities of Member Associations, financial contributions and reporting, and measures to prevent the misuse of CAF IMPACT funds.

Sarah Mukuna, Director of Member Associations at CAF, stated: “This CAF IMPACT workshop is unprecedented, uniting Presidents and their administrative teams to collaboratively enhance governance and impact.

It demonstrates CAF’s dedication to providing our leaders with the necessary tools to make African football competitive and self-sustaining on a global scale.”

Burkina Faso's Dango Ouattara's nets debut goal for Brentford
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkina Faso’s Dango Ouattara nets debut goal for Brentford

Burkina Faso’s Dango Ouattara scored on his debut for Brentford a their 1-0 victory over Aston Villa in their first home match of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

The 23-year-old’s 12th-minute finish was the difference as Keith Andrews’ team celebrated their first win at Gtech Community Stadium. Ouattara started just a week after signing, alongside Jordan Henderson, who also made his full debut.

In a tribute to former club chair Dan Tana, the Bees observed a minute’s applause before kick-off, wearing black armbands.

Damsgaard had the first chance of the match early on, but his effort went wide. Brentford took the lead through Ouattara, who scored after a rebound from an initial save by Emiliano Martínez.

Brentford’s Kayode made significant contributions with long throws, leading to a blocked attempt by Henderson. Aston Villa’s first chances came from set-pieces, with Schade and Kelleher making key saves. Damsgaard’s volley was ruled out by VAR for a foul.

Late in the first half, Ollie Watkins’ shot was also blocked, and Kayode’s challenge prevented Villa from equalizing early in the second half. Onana’s shot was blocked after Watkins set him up, and Thiago missed the chance to extend the lead with a wide shot in the final minutes.

In the second half, Kayode again played a crucial role, blocking a shot from Onana after a setup from Watkins. Thiago had another opportunity to score but also shot wide in the closing moments.