Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Debutant Sierra Leone draw reigning champions Senegal in U20 AFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Debutant Sierra Leone draw reigning champions Senegal in U20 AFCON

Sierra Leone will face a tough challenge in this year’s CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). A draw held on Thursday in Cairo, Egypt, placed them in Group C with Senegal, Zambia, and Kenya.

The Shooting Stars from Sierra Leone are preparing to compete against the reigning champions, Senegal, as well as Zambia and Kenya. This championship is scheduled to take place from April 26 to May 18 in Côte d’Ivoire.

Kenya will represent the CECAFA region with Tanzania, as both teams reached the qualifiers final in Dar es Salaam last October. Tanzania won that match 2-1, but both teams qualified for the tournament.

Tanzania is in Group A, where they will compete against the hosts Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Ghana, and one more team from the UNIFFAC region, which has not yet been confirmed.

The second team from the UNIFFAC Zonal Union is still to be announced because of Congo’s FIFA suspension.

Group B includes three-time champions Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, and 1997 winners Morocco.

The top two teams from each group will move on to the quarter-finals, along with the two best third-placed teams. The tournament will then proceed in a knockout format.

The four best teams will qualify for the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, which will take place in Chile from September 27 to October 19, 2025.

https://twitter.com/football_sierra/status/1890026891752652915

Mustapha Bundu nets as Plymouth Argyle thrash Millwall
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mustapha Bundu nets as Plymouth Argyle thrash Millwall

Sierra Leone international Mustapha Bundu contributed to Millwall’s 5-1 defeat against Plymouth Argyle in the Sky Bet Championship on Wednesday night.

Plymouth took an early lead with an own goal and a penalty scored by Ryan Hardie. In the second half, Hardie and Bundu quickly added two more goals. Joe Bryan scored a late consolation for Millwall before Nikola Katic made it 5-1.

Head Coach Alex Neil changed the starting lineup from the last game, bringing in Camiel Neghli for Ra’ees Bangura-Williams.

Plymouth scored first after six minutes when an accidental deflection went in off Joe Bryan. Hardie then converted a penalty following a foul in the box, making it 2-0.

Millwall nearly scored immediately after, but Mihailo Ivanovic’s header was saved. Neghli had a long-range shot tipped over, and moments later, Plymouth scored again. Bundu scored the third goal for Plymouth by turning and shooting past the goalie.

After substitutions, Azeez’s free-kick was deflected wide. In the 80th minute, Millwall finally scored when Azeez set up Bryan. However, Katic rounded off Plymouth’s scoring with a goal in the last minutes of the match.

Goals: Bryan og 6, Hardie pen 10, Bundu 53, Hardie 56, Katic 87

Millwall Goal: Bryan 80

Osman Kakay raring to go with Primeira Liga side Boavista
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Osman Kakay raring to go with Primeira Liga side Boavista

The former Queens Park Rangers academy graduate Osman Kakay has signed with the Portuguese Primeira Liga team Boavista as a free agent and says he can’t wait to get back on the pitch after a long absence. 

“I’m happy to be back playing football after a long break. Joining a big club like Boavista is a great honour,” said the excited Sierra Leone international.

He added, “I can’t wait to get started and enjoy playing football again.” Boavista is a well-known club, and even though it’s been a long time since I last played, I’ve had the chance to reflect and I believe now is the right time to return.”

He made his first appearance for QPR in August 2016. He played out of position on the right side of midfield during an EFL Cup second-round win over Rochdale and was substituted after 73 minutes, earning applause from the QPR fans.

On January 31, 2017, Kakay signed a loan deal with Chesterfield until the end of the 2016–17 season. In November 2018, QPR offered him a contract extension, keeping him at Loftus Road until 2021.

On September 2, 2019, Kakay went on loan to Partick Thistle until January 2020. He mainly played as a right back there but often as a right winger.

On September 5, 2020, Kakay scored his first professional goal in an EFL Cup match against Plymouth Argyle and signed a contract extension until 2024. He netted his first Championship goal on May 1, 2021, in a 2–0 win over Stoke City. QPR announced on May 6, 2024, that Kakay would leave the club when his contract expired that summer.

  • On the International stage

Kakay made his international debut for Sierra Leone on September 9, 2018, in a match against Ethiopia during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

In December 2021, he was named in the Sierra Leone squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. This marked the country’s first participation in the tournament since 1996.

Kakay played the entire ninety minutes in his team’s opening match, where they managed to draw 0-0 with Algeria, the defending champions and one of the favourites to win.

Read related – Sierra Leone’s Osman Kakay to Boavista is Imminent.

Sierra Leone appoint ex-striker Mohamed Kallon as head coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone appoint ex-striker Mohamed Kallon as head coach

Sierra Leone has appointed former Inter-Milan and Monaco striker Mohamed Kallon as the new Leone Stars head coach.

His first task will be leading the Leone Stars against Guinea-Bissau and Africa powerhouse Egypt in the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The SLFA announced that they will officially unveil the Sierra Leone legend on a date to be determined later.

Kallon, 45, has signed a contract to replace Amidu Karim, who left after the team did not qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

This is Kallon’s first major coaching job. His first task will be to lead the team in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Guinea-Bissau and Egypt in March.

Before this, he managed his club, FC Kallon, in CAF competitions, but they were eliminated by Dreams FC from Ghana in September 2023.

Kalon’s Background

Kallon became the youngest player to debut for the Leone Stars at just 15 years old in April 1995. He played in a qualifying match for the 1996 African Cup of Nations against Congo and scored the winning goal.

At 16, Kallon played at the 1996 African Nations Cup in South Africa. He scored one of the two goals that led Sierra Leone to a 2-1 victory over Burkina Faso in their first group match.

Kallon has been an important member of the Leone Stars, participating in World Cup qualifying campaigns in 1998, 2002, 2006, and 2010. His last game with the national team was on February 9, 2011, in a friendly against Nigeria. Kallon was the team captain but resigned after the team failed to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2010 African Cup of Nations.

https://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/medical-update-kamil-conteh
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bristol Rovers medical update on midfielder Kamil Conteh

Bristol Rovers has provided an update on Sierra Leone international Kamil Conteh following a diagnosis of bone infection.

The midfielder has been unavailable for the Gas since playing in the Sky Bet League One match against Exeter City on Boxing Day due to a minor knee injury.

“After developing an unusual swelling in his foot, the 22-year-old underwent several tests and was diagnosed with a bone infection. It is unknown how Kamil picked up the infection,” the club noted.

That the infection was diagnosed early meant Kamil was able to receive quick and effective treatment, avoiding potential long-term problems.

We are pleased to share that Kamil is now back at The Quarters Training Facility after a short recovery period, working closely with the Club’s medical team to ensure his strength and conditioning rehabilitation is completed in the safest manner possible.

While the Club is unable to put a timeframe on Kamil’s return to action, all at Bristol Rovers look forward to seeing him back in the blue-and-white quarters as soon as he receives the all-clear to do so.

Sierra Leone's Osman Kakay to Boavista is imminent Sierra Leone international Osman Kakay is set to rejuvenate his career in Portugal with Boavista after parting ways with English Championship club Queens Park Rangers. Read www.footballsierraleone.net #PlayersAbroad #FSLNews #FSLMedia #SierraLeone #Boavista
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Osman Kakay to Boavista is imminent

Sierra Leone international Osman Kakay is set to rejuvenate his career in Portugal with Boavista after parting ways with English Championship club Queens Park Rangers.

Boavista is now free to sign new players following the lifting of FIFA’s transfer ban that had previously prohibited them from registering players for five consecutive transfer windows.

With the arrival of new head coach Lito Vidigal, who has signed a contract valid until the end of the current season, the club is looking to strengthen its squad. Ongoing discussions aim to bring in several key players.

Osman Kakay and midfielder Marco van Ginkel, a 32-year-old Dutch international known for his time with Chelsea, Milan, PSV, and Vitesse, are under consideration. Additionally, Layvin Kurzawa, a 32-year-old left-back and former PSG player, along with Moussa Koné, a 28-year-old Senegalese winger who played last season on loan from LASK Linz at FC DAC 1904 in Slovakia, have already signed with Boavista and will be presented in the coming days.

Tomas Vaclik, a 35-year-old Czech Republic international goalkeeper who won the Europa League with Sevilla, is currently training at Bessa and is expected to be officially confirmed by the club soon. Rúben Ribeiro, the former Chaves winger, is also anticipated to join the squad shortly.

Tunisia name Sami Trabelsi as new Carthage Eagles head coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia name Sami Trabelsi as new Carthage Eagles head coach

The Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) has officially appointed Sami Trabelsi as the new head coach of the Carthage Eagles. The announcement came on Monday, marking Trabelsi’s return to a position he held from 2011 to 2013.

Hamadi Daou and Mohamed Sahli will assist Trabelsi as assistant coaches, replacing Faouzi Benzarti, whose contract was terminated amicably last October.

The coaching staff will also include Wassim Moalla and Aymen Jedidi as physical trainers, Hichem Jaziri as goalkeeper coach, and Helmi Kechaou and Walid Ben Tamansourt as video analysts.

In a statement, the FTF highlighted the importance of the new team members in enhancing performance and strategy.

Trabelsi’s first challenge will be leading the Carthage Eagles in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, starting with matches against Liberia and Malawi in March 2025. With his experience and the new coaching team, Tunisia aims to secure a spot in the tournament.

Mohamed Sankoh sent off in VfB II win over Dynamo Dresden
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mohamed Sankoh sent off in VfB II win over Dynamo Dresden

Sierra Leone descent Mohamed Sankoh was sent off but VfB Stuttgart II secured a crucial 2-1 home victory over Dynamo Dresden, gaining important points in their fight to avoid relegation from Bundesliga third division. “I am proud of the mentality shown by my boys,” said VfB coach Markus Fiedler.

During the 23rd matchday of the 3rd league, VfB Stuttgart II delivered a commendable performance in front of 6,150 fans at the Großaspach stadium, managing to defeat the top team, Dynamo Dresden.

Coach Markus Fiedler’s team faced challenges in their first home game after the winter break, but they managed to collect vital points in the relegation battle. “I am proud of the mentality we displayed today. It was difficult after the red card. We threw ourselves into every challenge and took an important step in our development,” analyzed Fiedler.

Laurin Ulrich opened the scoring for VfB II in the 38th minute with a precise shot to the bottom left corner. After the halftime break, Samuele di Benedetto doubled the lead. This goal came after a peculiar incident in which the visitors’ goalkeeper handled a controlled back pass. Di Benedetto converted the resulting indirect free kick from the edge of the box.

However, tension mounted when Mohamed Sankoh received a red card for a foul out of frustration in the 68th minute, leaving his team with one fewer player as they entered the final phase of the match. The situation became even more precarious when the visitors scored a penalty through Stefan Kutschke in the 88th minute, making the score 2-1.

“We had better chances to win the game, even though we didn’t perform well over the full 90 minutes,” said Dynamo coach Thomas Stamm. With this victory, VfB II gained vital points in their struggle against relegation to the 3rd division. They will face FC Ingolstadt next Saturday at 2 p.m.

Sierra Leone descent Aaron Kamara signs first professional contract
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone descent Aaron Kamara signs first professional contract

Sierra Leone descent Aaron Kamara has penned his first Professional contract with London club West Ham United.

The Academy midfielder recently helped the U18 team reach the semi-finals of the Premier League Cup by winning a penalty shootout against Manchester United. He signed his contract at the Chadwell Heath Academy Training Ground.

“This week has been amazing,” he said. “Signing my first professional contract is a dream come true.”

Kamara began playing for Peckham Town and was scouted while at Southend United’s Academy. After a successful trial, he joined West Ham at the U14 level and signed a full-time scholarship last summer.

“I’m thrilled because not many people from my area get this chance. I want to make the most of it,” he said, thanking his parents for their support.

At 17, Kamara has played in various positions for the U18 team, including his preferred defensive midfield role.

Kenny Brown, the Academy Manager, praised Kamara’s versatility and potential. “He understands what each position requires and performs well wherever he plays.”

Ex-Sierra Leone defender Steven Caulker reflects his time at Tottenham
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-Sierra Leone defender Steven Caulker reflects his time at Tottenham

As a teenager, Caulker showed talent in athletics and chose to pursue football with his local club, Hounslow Borough. He initially played as a central midfielder but moved to central defence after a coach’s advice. At 15 years old, he played one match as a centre-back for Hounslow and received trial offers from seven clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.

Caulker joined the Tottenham Hotspur youth team, starting with the Under-18s in the 2007–08 season. In the 2008–09 season, he made 31 appearances, scored one goal, and captained the team. He also played five matches for the reserve team. His strong performance led him to sign his first professional contract with Tottenham in July 2009.

After loan spells at Yeovil Town, Bristol City, and Swansea City, he returned to the London club on July 5, 2012, and signed a new four-year contract with Tottenham Hotspur, lasting until the summer of 2016.

In discussing the players at Tottenham, he highlighted Gareth Bale and Luka Modric.

The best player I’ve played with: is Gareth Bale. In the 2012-2013 season, Gareth was amazing. He kept us in the top-four race with his last-minute goals. He is very humble and a great professional.

The best player I’ve trained with: “Luka Modrić. I was 16 when I joined the first team for a training session; I was nervous. Luka walked out to training calmly. He is a fantastic player. He can see passes quickly, and his balls have perfect weight.

On training with world-class players – I have been lucky to play and train with many of the world’s best players: Steven Gerrard, Phil Coutinho, Ryan Giggs, Mesut Özil, Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane, Virgil van Dijk, Rio Ferdinand, Sadio Mané, and Arda Güler, among others.

They all have different skills, but they share one important thing: discipline. Rio was always first in line for warm-ups. Gareth took care of his body to recover well. Ryan did yoga even at 40, and Harry always practised his finishing.

Most did not talk much in the dressing room; they let their football speak for them. I don’t think there is one way to be great, but from my experience, without discipline, few players stay at the top for long—myself included.”