Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivorian defender Willy Boly signs Nottingham Forest deal extension
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivorian defender Willy Boly signs Nottingham Forest deal extension

Nottingham Forest has announced a one-year extension for Ivorian defender Willy Boly, which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2026.

The Ivorian defender has made 45 appearances for the Reds since joining from Wolves in 2022, quickly becoming an essential part of Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad.

As a key member of the leadership group, Boly adds a wealth of experience to the team, having played in nine matches across all competitions last season.

He was part of the Ivory Coast squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last year and has experience competing in European tournaments, having played for Porto in the Champions League and for SC Braga and Wolves in the Europa League.

With more fixtures anticipated due to European qualification, Boly’s presence on and off the pitch will be crucial in helping the team adapt to the demanding schedule.

Boly has signed a new contract with the club, expressing his happiness and eagerness to continue with the team and its supportive fans. He aims to build on last season’s success.

Chief Football Officer Ross Wilson praised Boly as a valuable and experienced Premier League player who has significantly contributed to the team’s achievements. Wilson highlighted Boly’s professionalism, leadership qualities, and ability to connect with teammates.

Liberian native Christian Saydee departs Portsmouth to join Wigan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Liberian native Christian Saydee departs Portsmouth to join Wigan

Portsmouth has confirmed that Liberian decent Christian Saydee has left Pompey to join League One side Wigan for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old forward, who joined from Bournemouth in summer 2023, scored seven goals in 73 appearances and helped the team win the third tier title, returning Championship football to Fratton Park after 12 years.

Manager John Mousinho said, “Christian was a valued member of our squad and will be missed by staff, players, and fans for his key contributions.”

“However, we believe he deserves the opportunity for more regular playing time, and we didn’t want to hold him back from that. We thank him for everything he achieved while wearing a Pompey shirt and wish him the very best in this next chapter of his career.”

Saydee rose through the Cherries academy before making his way to Fratton Park. He netted his first goal in a League Cup match against Peterborough, and his first league goal for Pompey was particularly significant, as it secured a crucial win over promotion contenders Oxford at Fratton Park.

In the last season, Saydee found the net three times: he scored twice in a draw against Middlesbrough and added another goal in the draw with Hull on the season’s final day.

Wydad Casablanca suffer opening Club World Cup defeat to City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Wydad Casablanca suffer opening Club World Cup defeat to City

On Wednesday, one of Africa’s representatives, Wydad Athletic Club – WAC started their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a 2-0 defeat to defending champions Manchester City in Philadelphia.

In a recent match, Phil Foden scored the opening goal for Manchester City in the second minute, followed by a second goal from Jeremy Doku in the 42nd minute.

Morocco’s Nordin Amrabat showcased his versatility, contributing effectively on both defense and offense. Wydad Casablanca had a significant opportunity to equalize in the 31st minute when Thembinkosi Lorch lost his balance in the penalty area.

Although Wydad Casablanca displayed some hesitancy in the first half, they maintained a resilient defense, with goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid making crucial interventions.

Despite their challenges, the supporters passionately rallied behind the team with chants of “ole, ole, ole… Wydad, Wydad.”

Phil Foden expressed satisfaction with securing three points, while Wydad’s Meijers Bart acknowledged the positive start in the tournament and conveyed pride in being part of the team.

Moroccan side Wydad AC to face a tricky contest against Man City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Moroccan side Wydad AC to face a tricky contest against Man City

Wydad AC will begin their FIFA Club World Cup journey on Wednesday, facing off against the English football club Manchester City. The match will take place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Wydad earned their place in this prestigious tournament by being crowned CAF Champions League winners, marking their third title at the end of the 2021/22 season.

Similarly, Manchester City qualified as previous winners of the UEFA Champions League, having claimed their first European title in the 2022/23 season.

Wydad finished third in the Botola Pro 1 league this season, 16 points behind champions RSB Berkane. This poor performance resulted in the departure of their head coach, Rhulani Mokwena, after just one season.

Now under the leadership of Amine Benhachem, the Moroccan club is gearing up to take on City in what promises to be an uphill battle.

“It’s going to be a tough match—there’s no denying that,” Benhachem stated in the lead-up to the game. “But we believe we can compete. We have our style of play, and we’ll give it our best shot.”

Manchester City’s squad for the tournament includes new signings Rayan Aït-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, and Marcus Bettinelli. These additions enhance manager Pep Guardiola’s options, offering both defensive stability and attacking flair.

Having won the last edition of the Club World Cup, City is eager to assert their dominance in the competition’s revamped format.

Congo reinstated to African Nations Championship (CHAN)
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Congo reinstated to African Nations Championship (CHAN)

Congo has been reinstated in the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after a successful appeal to the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This decision comes just weeks before the tournament starts on August 2.

The CAF Appeals Jury accepted Congo’s protest against a previous ruling that disqualified their national team, the Red Devils A’. The Congolese Football Federation (Fecafoot) argued against the initial decision, which came after Equatorial Guinea filed a complaint.

Equatorial Guinea, who lost to Congo in the CHAN play-offs (0-0 in the first leg and 2-1 in the second), claimed that Congo had used an ineligible player, Japhet Mankou, and invalid player licenses. CAF’s Disciplinary Jury initially sided with Equatorial Guinea, awarding both matches to them by default and fining Congo $10,000, last January.

The Appeals Jury has now reversed that ruling, restoring the original match results and confirming Congo’s place in the tournament. As a result, Equatorial Guinea has been disqualified.

This reversal raises questions about the consistency and transparency of CAF’s disciplinary processes. The decision cancels the previous punishment and brings the integrity of the organization’s decisions into question.

Congo will compete in Group D of the CHAN alongside defending champions Senegal, as well as Sudan and Nigeria, making for a tough group stage.

Although the reinstatement comes just in time for final preparations, it adds controversy to the tournament’s lead-up. Critics argue that such last-minute changes weaken CAF’s authority, while supporters see it as fixing earlier mistakes. Despite the turmoil, Congo now has the chance to focus on their performance in a challenging group.

Iqraam Rayners's goal helps Sundowns to win FIFA Club World Cup opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Iqraam Rayners’ goal helps Sundowns to win FIFA Club World Cup opener

Man of the Match, Iqraam Rayners’s only goal got Mamelodi Sundowns three critical points in their FIFA Club World Cup opening against Ulsan HD at the Inter & Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

The match began with Sundowns showing early intent as Arthur Sales took a tight-angle shot, which the goalkeeper saved. Ulsan soon retaliated with a close-range effort that went over the bar.

For 20 minutes, both teams struggled for possession until Rayners shot just wide. He later had a free-kick disallowed but, in the 36th minute, scored following a brilliant pass from Lucas Ribeiro. Teboho Mokoena then took a powerful free-kick that was parried away by the goalkeeper.

In the dying moments of the first half, Ronwen Williams came off his line to intercept a ball that ultimately eluded him. Luckily, Divine Lunga was there to clear the danger. Sundowns went into the break with a 1-0 lead.

In the second half, Ulsan dominated possession and created several scoring opportunities, but Sundowns’ defense held strong. Rayners nearly scored, but a key tackle prevented it. Ulsan pressed for an equalizer, yet Williams made crucial saves.

Bafana Ba Style almost extended their lead, but Ulsan cleared the ball off the line. After a scare when Williams misplayed the ball, Cupido made an important clearance.

As pressure increased, Ulsan sought a late equalizer, while Sundowns focused on maintaining their lead, ultimately becoming the first team in Group F to secure a victory in the tournament.

Espérance de Tunis suffer opening Club World Cup defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Espérance de Tunis suffer opening Club World Cup defeat

Tunisian champions Espérance de Tunis faced a tough start to their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, losing 2-0 to Brazil’s Flamengo on Monday evening at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Giorgian de Arrascaeta scored the first goal in the 17th minute, finishing a cross from Luiz Araújo. Araújo then secured the win with a great goal in the 70th minute.

Flamengo controlled the first half, while Espérance played defensively and struggled to move the ball out of their half. Flamengo’s early dominance led to De Arrascaeta scoring from close range.

Espérance’s coach, Maher Kanzari, made some strategic substitutions at halftime, bringing in attackers Abdramane Konate and Elias Mokwana, which sparked an improvement in their performance. Just three minutes into the second half, left back Mohamed Ben Hamida took the initiative and landed the first shot on target.

Despite their efforts, Espérance struggled to convert opportunities into goals. Their star player, Youcef Belaïli, squandered a promising chance in the 62nd minute when his shot from outside the penalty area sailed high over the bar. Araújo’s goal eight minutes later dashed any remaining hopes of a comeback.

Looking ahead, Espérance will face Los Angeles FC in Nashville, Tennessee, as both teams aim to secure a victory in Group D. Meanwhile, Flamengo is set to clash with Chelsea for the top position in the group.

Female candidates steps up as SLFA election intensifies
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Female candidate steps up as SLFA election intensifies

The list of contenders for the Sierra Leone Football Association presidential race continues to grow, among them a female aspirant hoping to become the second woman to head the body.

Aminata Bangura has announced her bid to succeed the incumbent Thomas Daddy Brima, who is running for a second term when the election is held in August 2025.

Also in the race are two serving football club chairman, Bo Rangers’ Babadi Kamara, the current SLFA president; Thomas Daddy Brima; and Umar Bah of Real Republicans and the present manager of the home-based Leone Stars.

Incumbent president Thomas Daddy Brima, who has already completed his first four years in office, is set to face off against his rivals for this sought-after position.

While Babadi Kamara has been widely touted as the frontrunner, Aminata Bangura is challenging that narrative, with many believing she could spring a surprise in the upcoming election on August 2, 2025.

Although the SLFA and the electoral board have yet to officially announce the list of candidates, this source has been closely following the nomination process.

Four years ago, Thomas Daddy Brima won the presidency by defeating Sadick Deen-Nyarkoh with a close vote of 31 to 26, marking the first SLFA elections in eight years and succeeding former FIFA executive member Isha Johansen.

Stalemate between Ahly and Inter Miami in Club World Cup opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Stalemate between Al Ahly and Inter Miami in Club World Cup opener

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicked off with an electrifying clash at the iconic Hard Rock Stadium, where African powerhouse Al Ahly faced off against the dazzling Inter Miami, featuring global superstar Lionel Messi.

The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, but the match ended in a stalemate, a testament to the determination and resilience of both teams.

The opening moments of the first half took a heartbreaking turn for the Egyptian champions when Emam Ashour was forced to leave the pitch in tears, succumbing to a painful shoulder injury just 12 minutes into the game. His departure brought debutant Ahmed Sayed Zizo into the fray, igniting hope among the Al Ahly supporters.

As the game progressed, Al Ahly found themselves on the cusp of taking the lead late in the first half. Zizo, who had just stepped onto the field, was brought down in the penalty area, setting the stage for a potentially game-changing moment. However, in a twist of fate, Trezeguet, marking his return to Al Ahly, missed the penalty kick, leaving the scoreline untouched and the crowd in disbelief.

On the other end, Inter Miami threatened to break the deadlock with dangerous plays led by Messi and Luis Suárez. Yet, the steadfast Mohamed El Shenawy stood resolute in goal, delivering two spectacular saves during injury time that secured a hard-fought clean sheet for his team.

Javier Mascherano, head coach of Inter Miami, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance despite not winning. He noted their dominance in controlling the game and creating chances. He highlighted the importance of starting the season with a win.

Jose Riveiro, head coach of Al Ahly, reflected on the game’s challenges, mentioning missed opportunities in the first half and difficulties in maintaining defensive structure in the second half. He remarked on the unexpected atmosphere of playing in the U.S. compared to Cairo during his first official match with the team.

Both clubs left the pitch with a reward of $1 million each, reflecting FIFA’s incentive structure for the group stage draw.

Looking ahead, Al Ahly will next challenge the formidable Brazilian side Palmeiras on Thursday, June 19, at 7 PM Cairo time, in a pivotal Group A showdown. They will conclude their group campaign against FC Porto on June 23, with eyes set on further glory in this prestigious tournament.

Al Ahly named Squad for FIFA Club World Cup tournament
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Al Ahly and Messi’s Inter Miami to open FIFA Club World Cup tournament

Al Ahly’s coach, José Riveiro, has announced the team that will compete in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

Al Ahly will start the tournament on June 15 with a match against the host team, Inter Miami. In the group stage, they will also play Brazilian club Palmeiras on June 19 and the Portuguese side Porto on June 24.

The referees for the matches are: main referee Ali Reza Faghani, first assistant Anton Shchetin, second assistant Ashley Beecham, and fourth referee Simon Marciniak.

In their last game, Al Ahly drew 1-1 with Pachuca in a friendly match. Inter Miami won their last match 5-1 against the Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer.

Al Ahly, a top team in Egypt, has won the CAF Champions League three times in the past five years. This success gives them their tenth chance to play in the Club World Cup. On the other hand, Inter Miami’s route to the tournament was less straightforward. They won the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield for having the best seasonal record but lost 3-2 to Atlanta in the playoffs.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said this performance earned Inter a spot in the Club World Cup. With coach Javier Mascherano, star players Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets will lead Inter, making them favourites to start strong in Group A.