Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone attacker Mustapha Bundu ready for new adventure
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone attacker Mustapha Bundu ready for new adventure

Mustapha Bundu will leave Plymouth Argyle this summer. His agent told Plymouth Live that clubs in England and Germany are interested in signing him.

The 28-year-old is now a free agent at the end of June after turning down a new contract. Following the team’s relegation from the Championship, he decided to look for new opportunities.

Bundu was Argyle’s second-top scorer last season, scoring 11 goals in all competitions. He netted six goals in the last ten games and also provided seven assists.

John Sivebaek, Bundu’s agent and a former Manchester United and Denmark defender, explained the situation. He said, “Mustapha has enjoyed his time at Plymouth. However, he does not want to play in League One; he wants to aim higher. I have informed Plymouth about this.”

Bundu joined Argyle from Belgian club Anderlecht in the summer transfer window of 2023, signing a two-year contract. He made 70 appearances for the first team, starting 39 games and scoring 14 goals.

Sivebaek added, “This decision is not about Plymouth. Mustapha has been happy there. The problem is the relegation to League One, and he has bigger ambitions. I hope everyone understands his choice.”

Sierra Leone International Kallum Cesay pens Salford City deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone International Kallum Cesay pens Salford City deal

Salford City have confirmed the signing of Sierra Leone international versatile midfielder Kallum Cesay from National League side Wealdstone for an undisclosed fee.

The 22-year-old joined Wealdstone in February 2024 and played a pivotal role in helping the club maintain its position in The National League, scoring six goals in 37 league appearances during the past season. He earned a reputation at the club for his high energy and strong work ethic.

Before joining Wealdstone, Cesay spent his early career at Tottenham Hotspur and made four international appearances for Sierra Leone, scoring twice for the national team.

Kallum has signed a two-year deal with The Ammies and is eagerly anticipating his first match at The Peninsula Stadium. He expressed his excitement, saying, “I am very happy to be here, and my first impressions are excellent. I’m eager to get started now; I’ve watched a couple of games and I like the way they play, so I want to get going.

“Promotion is the goal, but we will see how the season unfolds. I have no doubts; we have some really good players, so we should be alright. I am looking forward to playing in front of the Salford fans, and I just need to deliver for them—no excuses, no exceptions.”

Midfielder Kamil Conteh attracting attention from English clubs
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Midfielder Kamil Conteh attracting attention from English clubs

Recent reports have indicated that Derby County has made a bid for Bristol Rovers’ midfielder Kamil Conteh. However, according to journalist Dan Hargreaves, this information is incorrect. Despite this, the Sierra Leone international is still sought after by several English clubs.

Bristol Rovers have not received any bids for Conteh so far, but many clubs are likely to show interest in him this summer.

It may be difficult for Bristol Rovers to keep him after being relegated to League Two.

Kamil Conteh has emerged as a prominent prospect, capturing the attention of several top English clubs. All eyes are on Conteh as summer unfolds to see where he will play next season.

On March 17, 2022, Conteh received his first call-up to the Sierra Leone national team for friendlies against Togo, Liberia, and Congo.

A week later, he earned his first cap during a 3–0 defeat to Togo, playing the full 90 minutes. Since then, he has earned nine caps for the West African nation.

Gambia at work for Equatorial Guinea and Uganda friendlies
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Gambia at work for Equatorial Guinea and Uganda friendlies

Ex-Sierra Leone coach, Johnathan McKinstry‘s Gambia completed their first session ahead of two highly anticipated international friendly matches this month that aim to sharpen his team.

Both matches are set to unfold in the vibrant city of Marrakesh, Morocco, known for its rich culture and warm hospitality.

The Gambia team, known as The Scorpions, will start their test match on June 6, 2025, against Equatorial Guinea, following a challenging match with Uganda on May 9, 2025.

These friendly games are important for the Scorpions. They are preparing for their World Cup qualifier match against Seychelles in September 2025.

The coaching staff aims to improve the team’s fitness, tactics, and teamwork during these matches.

Currently, The Gambia is struggling in the World Cup qualifiers. They are second from the bottom in Group F, with only 5 points from six matches.

The upcoming friendlies will help the team regain confidence and improve their chances in the qualifiers.

Nigeria final list for Russia friendly at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria final list for Russia friendly at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium

The Super Eagles have made several changes to their squad for the upcoming match against Russia in Moscow on Friday June 6, at Moscow’s iconic Luzhniki Stadium.

The match will be the first senior-level encounter between Nigeria and Russia. After winning the 2025 Unity Cup in London against Jamaica in a dramatic penalty shootout, Chelle is now focusing on Nigeria’s next game.

Football Sierra Leone has learned that Brentford youngster Benjamin Fredrick secured his spot on the squad after a strong debut performance for the Super Eagles in the London Unity Cup.  

Additionally, three players from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) have been included in the travelling party: Isaac Saviour from Enugu Rangers and Sodiq Ismail and Sikiru Alimi from Remo Stars.

Originally, Niger Tornadoes midfielder Papa Daniel was the only player from the domestic league selected for the trip to Russia. Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface will also join the squad from Nigeria.

Nigeria final list for Russia friendly at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium on June 6th
Nigeria final list for Russia friendly at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium on June 6th
Tunisia overcomes Burkina Faso in friendly test
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia overcomes Burkina Faso in friendly test

Tunisia defeated Burkina Faso 2-0 in an international friendly match on Monday at Hammadi Agrebi Olympic Stadium, scoring both goals in the final moments.

Edmond Tapsoba’s own goal and Hazem Mastouri’s (Tunisia) right-footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal were enough for the Eagles of Carthage of Tunisia.

Tapsoba’s own goal came in the 60th minute and Mastouri scored the second in the 91st minute as Tunisia emerged victorious.

This friendly match is the first of three practice games for Tunisia in eight days, with upcoming matches against Morocco and Zambia. These games will help the team prepare for key qualifying matches.

In September, the Carthage Eagles will play Liberia again and then face Equatorial Guinea. In October, they will compete against Sao Tome and Principe and have a final match against Namibia.

Tunisia’s recent wins have helped them move up three spots in the FIFA rankings, now sitting at 49th place. These friendly matches will be important in shaping their ranking for the next update in July.

Pyramids beat Sundowns to win maiden CAF Champions League title
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pyramids beat Sundowns to win maiden CAF Champions League title

On Sunday, Pyramids FC won their first TotalEnergies CAF Champions League title with a 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo.

After the first leg ended in a 1-1 draw in Pretoria, Pyramids secured a 3-2 win on aggregate. They became the fourth Egyptian club to win Africa’s top club competition, joining Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Ismaily.

Pyramids started strong in front of their enthusiastic home fans. In the 23rd minute, striker Fiston Mayele scored the first goal with a low shot into the corner, marking his ninth goal in the tournament.

The team doubled their lead shortly after halftime. In the 56th minute, defender Ahmed Samy scored with a header from a cross by Mohamed Chibi. This goal sent the Cairo crowd into a frenzy.

In the 75th minute, Iqraam Rayners scored for Sundowns, making the score 2-1 and setting up a tense finish. Sundowns pressed for another goal, with key shots from Peter Shalulile and Lebo Mothiba blocked during 10 minutes of added time.

Pyramids defended well, thanks to goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy’s key saves, securing their first continental title 10 years after the club’s founding. Egypt continues to dominate African football, winning the title for three consecutive years after Al Ahly’s successes in 2023 and 2024.

Sundowns aimed for their second CAF title but instead lost their second Champions League final, 24 years after their defeat to Al Ahly in 2001.

President Julius Maada Bio joins Sierra Queens Women's Cup celebrations
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

President Julius Maada Bio joins Sierra Queens Women’s Cup celebrations

President Maada Bio, the first gentleman of Sierra Leone, expressed his joy following Sierra Queens’ victory in Mauritania.

They triumphed over a strong Senegalese side with a score of 1-0, securing their first-ever Women’s title in history. The president was thrilled with this achievement.

“In an electrifying moment at the WAFU A Women’s Cup 2025 in Mauritania, our Queens have truly made history by clinching Sierra Leone’s very first international trophy in women’s football! We are bursting with pride! This monumental achievement is a triumph for every single team member and for all of Sierra Leone.

This incredible victory reignites my passion for football and strengthens my dedication to empowering women, as I wholeheartedly believe in their remarkable potential. Let’s celebrate this win and look forward to even greater strides ahead,” he vehemently expressed.

This monumental achievement is a triumph for every single team member and for all of Sierra Leone.
This monumental achievement is a triumph for every single team member and for all of Sierra Leone.
SLFA's President Brima hails Sierra Queens' achievement in Mauritania
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

SLFA’s President Brima hails Sierra Queens’ achievement in Mauritania

After the Sierra Queens won the Women’s Cup, beating Senegal 1-0 at the Olympic Stadium in Nouakchott, Sierra Leone Football Association President Thomas Daddy Brima hailed the notable development achieved.

For the first time in history, Sierra Leone’s National Senior Women’s Team, Sierra Queens, made history by winning their first-ever WAFU A Women’s Championship title.

The nation celebrated as Captain Salamatu Kamara scored the winning penalty in the 68th minute, giving Sierra Leone an impressive victory over Senegal. Her calmness under pressure made a significant impact, and she secured her place in Sierra Leonean football history.

While Kamara won the match, goalkeeper Hannah Juana stood out as the tournament’s star. Juana had another outstanding performance, earning her fourth Woman of the Match award. This achievement also gave her the title of Best Player of the Tournament, a rare honour for a goalkeeper in Africa.

“History has been made for our football ecosystem. This is the first time our women’s senior team has won an international trophy — a massive achievement,” acknowledged the SLFA president.

“Congratulations to everyone for believing in the dream of making Sierra Leone football an environment for all. We not only won as champions, but we also took home the awards for best player, best goalkeeper, and player of the match. We made a significant statement to the West African region: we are champions.”

For the first time in history, Sierra Leone's National Senior Women's Team, Sierra Queens, made history by winning their first-ever WAFU A Women’s Championship title.
For the first time in history, Sierra Leone's National Senior Women's Team, Sierra Queens, made history by winning their first-ever WAFU A Women’s Championship title.
Striker Amadou Bakayoko nets to help Consadole Sapporo triumph
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Amadou Bakayoko to rescues point for Consadole Sapporo

Sierra Leonean international Amadou Bakayoko showcased his scoring prowess once again for Japanese club Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo in their tightly contested 1-1 draw against Vegalta Sendai on Saturday.

Bakayoko found the back of the net in the 85th minute, equalising the match at Q&A Stadium in Miyagi.

His late goal not only salvaged a point for Sapporo but also demonstrated his increasing significance within the team and the league overall. This performance highlights Bakayoko’s consistent ability to come through for his side in critical moments of the game.

Yuta GOKE opened the scoring for the home team in the 45th minute just before the break, giving his side a 1-0 lead at halftime.

The visitors came out strong and held on to the scoreline before Bakayoko’s late header brought parity for Consadole Sapporo.

Sapporo’s boss Daiki Iwamasa, “Overall, the players fought as hard as they could and carried out tactical preparations well, so although we didn’t play well overall, I think we played a solid game. However, we felt that we needed to improve to get three points, so we’d like to make up for that during the two-week break and give it our all.”