Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kamil Conteh's Bristol Rovers suffer defeat to Chesterfield
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kamil Conteh’s Bristol Rovers suffer defeat to Chesterfield

On Saturday, Sierra Leone International Kamil Conteh’s Bristol Rovers were beaten for the third time running this season.Ten-man Bristol Rovers lost 3-1 to Chesterfield in Sky Bet League Two.

Their fourth defeat of the new campaign, including the 2-0 to Cambridge United in the Carabao Cup opening rounds.

Chesterfield took the lead in a frantic first half, and soon after, Promise Omchere missed a chance by shooting wide.

Joel Senior received a straight red card for fouling Armando Dobra. Chesterfield quickly capitalised, with Tom Naylor heading in a goal.

After the break, Luke Southwood made crucial saves against Dylan Duffy and Lee Bonis, but Isaac Hutchinson equalised for the Rovers Pirates shortly after coming on.

Chesterfield then responded with late goals from Kyle McFadzean and Dobra, securing the win.

The Pirates fought back, with Conteh missing an equaliser before Hutchinson scored from a narrow angle. However, Chesterfield sealed the victory with two late goals, keeping Southwood busy.

Suspect arrested after alleged racially abuse Ghanaian Antoine Semenyo
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Suspect arrested after alleged ‘racially abused’ Ghanaian Antoine Semenyo

A man was removed from Anfield after he reportedly racially abused Bournemouth player Antoine Semenyo during the first Premier League game of the season against Liverpool.

The Ghanaian International claimed that a spectator made unacceptable remarks in the 29th minute of the match, leading to the man being ejected.

Merseyside Police confirmed that they arrested a 47-year-old man from Liverpool on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. He is in custody and will be questioned.

Semenyo, who scored two goals in the match, expressed that the overwhelming support reminded him why he loves football. He wrote, “Last night at Anfield will stay with me forever… Football showed its best side when it mattered most … we keep moving forward, together.”

Following an incident, an anti-discrimination message was read, and police visited the referee’s room. The man involved was identified and removed from the ground, with an investigation underway.

Chief Inspector Kev Chatterton emphasised that Merseyside Police will not tolerate hate crime and urged reporting any racism. A Liverpool spokesperson condemned racism, stating it has no place in society or football.

Despite Bournemouth’s efforts, including Semenyo’s two goals in the second half, Liverpool won 4-2. Bournemouth captain Adam Smith condemned the incident and praised Semenyo’s character while expressing his anger over the situation.

Second League defeat for Tyrese Fornah's Northampton Town 
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Second League defeat for Tyrese Fornah’s Northampton Town 

Sierra Leone International Tyrese Fornah and his League One side have suffered their second defeat of the new campaign following a 2-0 defeat to Stevenage on Saturday.

Tyrese, who joined the club on a three-year contract in June, has been a pivotal player, but they are still struggling to find their first win of the new campaign, having lost two and drawn one from their opening three league matches.

Max Dyche replaced the injured Jordan Thorniley in the only change to the Cobblers team from their last league match. Charlie Goode, Dean Campbell, and Elliott List faced their former clubs.

Stevenage, who had won their first two league games, had the first chance of the match. Chem Campbell headed over from a cross by Luther James-Wildin. Cameron McGeehan had a long-range shot, set up by Sam Hoskins, which was deflected for a corner, marking Cobblers’ first attempt at goal. The cobbler gradually found their rhythm.

List had a shot blocked after cutting in well from the left, and Filip Marschall saved a shot from McGeehan. Kevin Nolan’s side had a stronger performance in the first half but couldn’t score.

Town started the second half well, with List’s shot deflected. He then made a good run forward, played in by Ethan Wheatley, but couldn’t keep his shot down.

Terry Taylor replaced McGeehan, marking the first change for the Cobblers. Carl Piergianni did well to head over a curled strike from Sam Hoskins.

Midway through the second half, Stevenage took the lead through Dan Kemp, who scored from close range after a failed clearance. Dyche almost equalised from a corner by Dean Campbell.

Nolan subbed in Nesta Guinness-Walker for List and moved Hoskins forward. Substitute Gassan Ahadme scored with his first touch to make it 2-0 in the 82nd minute.

Despite Wheatley hitting the post after a good run by Tyrese Fornah, the Cobblers couldn’t find a comeback on a frustrating day.

Guinea and Niger knockout of CAF African Nations Championship
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea and Niger knockout of CAF African Nations Championship

Guinea and Niger were eliminated from the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Friday after both teams ended their matches in draws against Algeria and South Africa, respectively, at the Namboole Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.

Guinea finished their match with a 1-1 draw against Algeria, while South Africa was held to a 0-0 tie with Niger.

In the first match of the day in Group C, Guinea took the lead following a scoreless first half. Ismaël Camara, with options on either side, chose to shoot from long range in the 62nd minute, finding the bottom left corner of the net.

Algeria equalised in the closing moments of the match when Sofiane Bayazid managed to score a somewhat scrappy goal in the 88th minute to secure a point.

Despite having more possession, successful passes, and shots on goal than their rivals, the South African side could not convert their opportunities and had to settle for a draw against a determined Niger.

Guinea’s point in their final group match was insufficient to move the National Elephants from fourth place in group C. The team exits the tournament with a total of four points from their four matches.

As the tournament concludes, Niger remains at the bottom of the table, having suffered two losses and one draw. The Mena aim to finish their campaign positively as they prepare to face Algeria on Monday.

Bafana Bafana are equal with Algeria on five points, but the Desert Foxes maintain an edge in goal difference. Both teams are pursuing first-place Uganda, which has a one-point advantage as they head into the last round of group matches.

Kenya coach Benni McCarthy wants strong finish against Zambia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kenya coach Benni McCarthy wants strong finish against Zambia

Kenya’s national team head coach, Benni McCarthy, has expressed his determination to conclude their group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) with a victory against Zambia at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.

Although the team has already secured a spot in the knockout stages, the South African legend emphasised that the Harambee Stars are aiming for a win against Chipolopolo to ensure they finish at the top of Group A.

“The game against Zambia is crucial. Many people believed we were in the ‘group of death’ and predicted we would finish with zero points, but here we are, at the top,” McCarthy explained to the media ahead of the match.

“So, this is a must-win game for us in order to claim the top position in the table. We want to make a statement with this victory, demonstrating that our good results in the previous matches were not due to luck.”

When asked if he plans to rotate his squad for the game, McCarthy replied, “I have great confidence in the players and their quality, so I try to give everyone a chance to get some playing time. However, it can be challenging, especially after playing two games with red cards.

It makes it extremely difficult to provide everyone with an opportunity to play, but we try to rotate the squad as much as we can so that every player can contribute. Ultimately, they earn their spots based on their performances in training sessions.”

Nonetheless, a win for the Harambee Stars against Zambia would not only secure first place in Group A but also keep their unbeaten streak alive as they advance to the quarterfinals.

Madagascar progress from Group B after win over Burkina Faso
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Madagascar progress from Group B after win over Burkina Faso

Madagascar advanced out of Group B in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after securing a second-place finish, joining group winners and co-hosts Tanzania.

In a “dead rubber” game, Tanzania played to a 0-0 draw against the Central African Republic, who finished at the bottom of the group. Meanwhile, the Barea of Madagascar edged past Burkina Faso with a 2-1 victory, allowing them to surpass Mauritania on goal differential.

In a thrilling match at Amaan Stadium, Madagascar took an early lead through Fenohasina Razafimaro’s long-range shot in the 7th minute. Burkina Faso equalized in the 26th minute with a header from Souleymane Sangaré, assisted by Hanaby Sagné.

Madagascar’s goalkeeper, Michel “Toldo” Ramandimbisoa, made key saves to maintain the balance, including a double save from shots by Yves Koutiama and Sagné.

Madagascar regained the lead in the 58th minute with a penalty converted by Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa after a foul on Fenohasina. Despite Burkina Faso’s second-half pressure, Madagascar’s defense held strong.

In another match, the Central African Republic earned their first-ever point at CHAN with a 0-0 draw against Tanzania, who still secured top spot in their group. Both Madagascar and Tanzania face tough quarterfinal challenges next Friday, August 22.

Guinea and Algeria battle in an exciting Group C contest in Kampala
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea and Algeria to battle in an exciting Group C contest in Kampala

On Friday at 17:00 local time, Guinea after two defeats from three matches take on Algeria at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.

Guinea must win to keep their hopes of advancing in CHAN 2024 alive. In contrast, Algeria can secure their spot in the quarter-finals with a victory, demonstrating their strength in the tournament.

Algeria, led by coach Majid Bougherra, has performed well so far, earning four points from a win against Congo and a draw with South Africa. They sit atop Group C without conceding a goal. Bougherra stated, “Tomorrow, we face Guinea, who still believe in their chances. It will be tough, but we are prepared.”

Guinea started strong with a win over Congo but lost to South Africa. Coach Souleymane Camara is optimistic, saying, “We still have our destiny in our hands. We must fight from start to finish and secure the three points.”

Guinea’s attack needs improvement, and striker Moussa Moïse Camara acknowledged past issues. He stated, “We’ve worked on our efficiency and are ready for Algeria, a strong team.”

Guinea must play aggressively to win, while Algeria aims to maintain their defense. Both teams understand the stakes: win or go home for Guinea, and secure a spot in the last eight for Algeria.

The Kampala crowd anticipates an exciting match filled with drama and crucial moments for Group C.

Morocco wallop resilient Zambia in CHAN Group A duel
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco wallop resilient Zambia in CHAN Group A duel

On Thursday, Morocco’s home-based national team won 3-1 against Zambia in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) taking place in Nairobi as they had to battle against a stiff Zambian defensive wall.

Rabie Hrimat opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time as they Morocco battled to win convincingly. Ossama Lamlioui increased the lead in the 67th minute, but Zambia answered just three minutes thereafter to reduce the gap.

Any comeback ambitions for Zambia were short lived as Sabir Bougrine brought Morocco’s two goal lead back, therefore sealing the victory.

Morocco’s dominated possession and developed several chances. From the touchline, head coach Tarik Sektioui could be heard encouraging his team to press higher and contain the opponent.

Morocco has raised their point count to six, putting them second in Group A, behind Kenya, with this win. Zambia meanwhile ends the competition without a point at the bottom of the group exiting the competition. 

Sunday at 1:00 PM the North Africans next plays DR Congo as they look to wrap up their quarter-final spot.

YYoussef Mehri pulled the strings with two assists, earning him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award for his commanding performance!
Youssef Mehri pulled the strings with two assists, earning him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award for his commanding performance!
Midfielder Ibrahim Turay pens deal with Iceland top-tier side Stjarnan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Midfielder Ibrahim Turay pens deal with Iceland top-tier side Stjarnan

Sierra Leone duo Bo Rangers midfielder Ibrahim Turay and Alpha Conteh have joined Iceland’s top-tier side Stjarnan on a two-year deals. 

Rangers have expressed gratitude for Turay’s dedication and professionalism, stating he was a key figure in their success. They wish him success in his new chapter.

Ibrahim is 24 years old and joins us from Bo Rangers FC, one of the leading teams in Sierra Leone. He is a powerful midfielder who has played for the Sierra Leone national team and scored a goal in the World Cup qualifiers.

With a fighting spirit, power and good technique, Ibrahim is a player who will strengthen our midfield and give the team increased width and stability,” the club noted on Facebook.

Another Sierra Leone International, Alpha Conteh, has also penned a deal with the Garðabær-based outfit on similar terms of a two-half-year contract.

The club wrote, “Alpha is a 24-year-old winger who comes to us from Neftçi PFK in Azerbaijan, where he played in the Premier League. He has also played in Bulgaria with Lokomotiv Plovdiv and in Israel, as well as having games for the Sierra Leone national team.
 
Alpha is fast, powerful and not afraid to attack defenders – qualities that will undoubtedly strengthen the Star’s offensive game!” 

After making several appearances on various national teams, Turay scored his first goal for Leone Stars against Guinea-Bissau in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers when Sierra Leone defeated their visitors 3-1 in the Liberian capital, March 2025.

Both will join former skipper Steven Caulker at the club – Caulker took on a dual role as player-assistant coach for the men’s first team in June.

Alpha Conteh has also penned a deal with the Garðabær-based outfit on a similar terms of two-half year contract.
Alpha Conteh has also penned a deal with the Garðabær-based outfit on a similar terms of two-half year contract.
Midfielder Ibrahim Turay pens deal with Iceland top-tier side Stjarnan
Midfielder Ibrahim Turay pens deal with Iceland top-tier side Stjarnan
Sierra Leone's Ibrahim Fullah nets first professional goal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Ibrahim Fullah nets first proffessional goal

Ibrahim Fullah scored his first professional goal, while Miles Leaburn and Luke Berry also found the net, leading the Addicks to a 3-1 victory over Stevenage in the Carabao Cup at The Valley.

Nathan Jones made a whopping 11 changes from the squad that triumphed over Watford in Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship opener. Among the fresh faces were summer signings Joe Rankin-Costello, Tanto Olaofe, Harvey Knibbs, and academy standout Fullah, all making their full debuts.

After a few early threats, the Addicks took the lead in the 27th minute thanks to Leaburn. The lively Olaofe pounced on a loose ball and skillfully threaded a pass to his strike partner, who took a moment to steady himself before slotting it past Taye Ashby-Hammond.

Following the first goal from a Charlton academy graduate, the second came just eight minutes later, also from the academy. Henry Rylah delivered a low, powerful cross from the right that found Fullah at the back post. He outmuscled his defender and finished confidently across the goal.

Charlton had a strong shout for a penalty shortly after their second goal when Olaofe, with his back to goal, seemed to be clipped by a Stevenage defender, but referee Craig Hicks waved away their appeals.

In the second half, Stevenage tried to claw their way back into the match but struggled to trouble Will Mannion in the Charlton goal. For the Addicks, substitute Berry managed to sneak a touch on Rankin-Costello’s shot, but Ashby-Hammond was quick to react and gathered the ball safely.

The visitors made four substitutions in the 60th minute and began to gain some momentum, but it was Berry who sealed the deal with a goal 13 minutes from time.

Daniel Kanu delivered a fantastic cross from the left, and the substitute expertly got in front of his defender to head the ball beautifully into the bottom corner.