Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Juma Bah's excellent form continues as Valladolid beat Valencia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Controversy looming over Juma Bah’s Manchester City transfer

Real Valladolid are threatening legal action after Juma Bah did not turn up for training after paying to terminate his contract; a decision they believe was advised by his agent and Man City – after finalising a deal to join the club on a six-year contract. (Photo Credit Real Valladolid)

Reports from Spain say that City and Valladolid were in talks for a fee of about €8 million, while Fenerbahce and Inter both offered up to €12 million for him.

Bah joined Valladolid on loan from AIK Freetong in his home country of Sierra Leone, and Valladolid used a buy clause in his loan deal that cost €165,000. However, since he is still on a youth contract, City plans to accept a €6 million penalty to end that contract.

On Wednesday afternoon, Valladolid released a statement saying Bah did not show up for training. They also said that the RFEF (Royal Spanish Football Federation) informed them that Bah has paid the necessary amount to cancel his contract unilaterally.

Valladolid expressed their disappointment and anger, believing that City advised Bah and his agent to take this action.

Read the Real Valladolid statement on the present situation over Juma Bah.

Ademola Lookman shines in Atlanta Champions League triumph
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ademola Lookman shines in Atalanta Champions League triumph

Nigerian International and African Best Player Ademola Lookman came off the bench to shine for Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday night at the Gewiss Stadium.

Atalanta made it a 5-0 win over Sturm Graz and edged through to the play-off round of the UEFA Champions League in Bergamo. This loss concluded Sturm Graz’s stint in the competition because they were sent packing despite a game in hand.

Unfortunately for Sturm Graz, they hadn’t featured since the Austrian winter break had them out of the pitch for six weeks and almost capitalized on an early lead before Italy forward Matteo Retegui scored for Atalanta from a close-range shot after Davide Zappacosta’s cross to him.

Substitute Ademola Lookman quickly set up Charles De Ketelaere for a goal, but it was disallowed for offside after a VAR review. Lookman had two more chances saved by Sturm Graz goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen. Mario Pasalic then scored from Juan Cuadrado’s cross to make it 2-0.

Atalanta continued to push and scored a third when De Ketelaere (3-0) scored after Sturm Graz could not clear a corner. Lookman missed a one-on-one chance, and substitute Marco Brescianini had a shot blocked. Zappacosta also had a goal disallowed for offside.

Lookman finally scored late in the game, heading in a cross from De Ketelaere. Brescianini added another goal soon after.

A win against Barcelona on Wednesday, January 29, could send Atalanta to the last 16 of the tournament.

Egypt's Mohamed Salah nets 50th European goal for Liverpool
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt’s Mohamed Salah nets 50th European goal for Liverpool

Liverpool right-winger Mo Salah recorded his 50-goal milestone in European club competitions when he converted a pass into the goal in a 2-1 win for the Merseyside team over Lille in the UEFA Champions League.

“I personally don’t dare speaking, but of course he’s special,” declared Arne Slot, the manager of Liverpool, regarding the Premier League star Salah’s performance on Tuesday.

Liverpool’s victory on Tuesday guaranteed their spot in the last 16 of this year’s Champions League, making them the first team to do so. This is a historic achievement for Arne Slot’s side, especially since it is the first year the Swiss model has been implemented.

Lille had come with their record-holding no defeat in 21 games at Anfield. In the start, they restrained Liverpool as best they could.

33 minutes played, Mo Salah put the ball past the Lille goalkeeper, Lucas Chevalier, and gave Liverpool a lead with 1-0 after a corner and a pass from Curtis Jones. He acted so cleverly and capitalized on the gift. Still, Salah was frustrated at missing an easy chance and shooting wide from outside the right post.

In the 62nd-minute, Jonathan David scored the visitors equaliser before Harvey Elliott then regained the lead with a goal from a corner kick five minutes later. In the final, Liverpool celebrated a victory, highlighted by Mohamed Salah’s milestone accomplishment.

Madueke hails Trevoh Chalobah's 'leadership' after Man of the Match performance
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Noni Madueke hails Trevoh Chalobah’s ‘leadership’ after top performance

Sierra Leone-born Trevoh Chalobah was named Man of the Match after his impressive performance upon his return to the London side Chelsea.

Chelsea were level at half-time during their 3-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League. However, they managed to recover in the second half to secure all three points.

This win allowed them to climb back into the top four of the league, with returning central defender Trevoh Chalobah playing a pivotal role. His teammate, Noni Madueke, praised the 25-year-old for his outstanding performance.

Madueke described Chalobah’s display as “unbelievable” in the match on Monday. The victory for Enzo Maresca’s men was significant, especially for Chalobah, who had spent the first half of the season on loan at Crystal Palace.

“He did an amazing job,” Adarabioyo told Sky Sports post-match. “He did everything flawlessly from a tactical point of view, so I am very happy for him.”

At one point, it seemed that he had no future with the current manager, who had trimmed the squad at Stamford Bridge upon his arrival.

Ivorian giant outfit Asec Mimosas pick quarter-final ticket
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivorian giant outfit Asec Mimosas pick quarter-final ticket

From Group C, ASEC Mimosas reached the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals with a 4-0 win over Orapa United, with Celestine Ecua scoring twice. USM Alger topped Group C by defeating ASC Jaraaf 2-0, thanks to late goals from Ismail Belkacemi and Saadi Redouani.

In Group B, Renaissance Berkane made a strong statement by beating Stellenbosch 5-0 in their last group match. Berkane’s performance featured two goals from Pape Bassène and early strikes from Omar Lamlioui and Youssef Mehri, securing them a total of 14 points as group winners.

Lamlioui scored first just seven minutes in, followed by Mehri eight minutes later. In the second half, Bassène added two goals, and Youssef Zoughdi completed the rout.

Despite this loss, Stellenbosch advanced to the quarter-finals as runners-up with nine points. They succeeded thanks to Deportivo Luanda-Sul’s 1-0 victory over Stade Malien.

These results marked a significant achievement for Stellenbosch in their first continental tournament, though they will need to improve before the knockout stages.

MC Alger secure CAF Champions League spot after draw with Young Africans
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

MC Alger secure quarterfinal spot after draw with Young Africans

In Group A, MC Alger advanced to the CAF Champions League quarter-finals after a goalless draw against Young Africans in Tanzania on Saturday. The Algerian side needed just a point to join Al Hilal, finishing second in Group A with nine points.

The result ended Young Africans’ hopes of progressing, as they finished third with eight points.

Meanwhile, TP Mazembe, despite a strong 4-0 win over Al Hilal in Kinshasa, ended in last place. Jean Diouf, Ibrahima Keita, Mercy Ngembe, and Souleymane Chaibou scored for TP Mazembe. Al Hilal had already secured the top spot in Group A with 10 points.

In Group C, Orlando Pirates topped the standings without losing any matches, defeating Al Ahly 2-1 in Cairo. After Rely Poli Mofokeng’s opener, Hussein Al-Shahat equalized for Al Ahly, but Chigofatso Mabasa scored the winner for Orlando Pirates. They finished with 14 points, while Al Ahly came second with 10 points.

Orlando Pirates edge Al-Ahly in the CAF Champions League
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Orlando Pirates edge Al-Ahly in CAF Champions League to reach next phase

Orlando Pirates have finished at the top of their CAF Champions League Group C without losing any matches. They secured this by beating the champions Al Ahly 2-1 at the Cairo International Stadium on Saturday evening.

The match between Al Ahly and Orlando Pirates concluded the sixth and final round of the group stage of the African Champions League.

Orlando Pirates’ first goal was scored by Rely Poli Mofokeng in the 53rd minute, followed by an equalizer from Al-Ahly’s Hussein Al-Shahat in the 69th minute.

In the 84th minute, Chigofatso Mabasa netted the second goal for Orlando Pirates. With this victory, Orlando Pirates topped the group standings with a total of 14 points as they progressed to the quarter-finals, while Al-Ahly finished in second place with 10 points.

Ivorian descent Romain Esse speaks after joining Crystal Palace
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivorian descent Romain Esse speaks after joining Crystal Palace

Ivorian descent Romain Esse has spoken for the first time since completing a club record £14.5 million transfer from Millwall to join South London rivals Crystal Palace.

The Lambeth-born winger was officially announced as a Palace player on Saturday morning, signing a five-and-a-half-year deal at Selhurst Park.

Esse, who made 66 appearances for Millwall after progressing through their youth system, will be eligible to play for Palace in their Premier League fixture next weekend against Brentford.

Eagles sporting director Dougie Freedman is known for discovering top young talent in the Championship, with notable successes including Adam Wharton, Michael Olise, and Eberechi Eze. Olise, who plays in the same position as Esse, left for Bayern Munich in the summer for £50 million.

“I’m very much looking forward to it – I’m really excited,” Esse told PalaceTV. “It’s a great project and opportunity – I can’t wait to get started. It’s been a long process, but I’m just happy it’s finally done. The club is heading in a fantastic direction.

“The next step in my development is very important. I believe this is the best place for me. I can’t wait to start playing under the manager.

“This is the perfect environment for opportunities and to elevate my game to the next level to advance my career. I’m eager to play in the Premier League, and most importantly, for Crystal Palace.”

International

On 22 March 2023, Esse debuted for England U18 in a 2-1 victory over Croatia in Medulin. Then, on 6 September 2023, he made his debut for England U19 during a 1-0 loss to Germany in Oliva.

Alhassan Crespo Kamara set for a return to Superettan football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alhassan Crespo Kamara set for a return to Superettan football

Alhassan Kamara, who unexpectedly retired from professional football due to warnings about the risk of ending up in a wheelchair, has begun training with Swedish Superettan club Varbergs BoIS, and a contract is expected to be finalized soon, Football Sierra Leone understands.

Four years after he announced his retirement, the former AIK striker looks certain to continue in the second-highest level of Swedish football.

After suffering an injury early in the 2014 season, Kamara scored his first goal on August 9 against Mjällby AIF. He went on to score 14 goals in the last 12 games of the season, despite often being substituted in the second half.

Notably, he played the full 90 minutes in only 7 out of 19 games. Kamara, 31, began his career with FC Kallon and joined Bodens BK, competing in Division 1 Norra, on July 29, 2011.

During his five-month loan at Boden, he scored five goals in 10 games. He then signed a contract with AIK on October 5, 2011. In the first half of the 2012 season, he made 11 appearances for AIK. After the summer, he was loaned out to Örebro SK, where he scored four goals in eight appearances.

On January 24, 2013, it was announced that he would again be loaned to Örebro SK for the remainder of the 2013 season. After that season, Örebro SK opted to purchase him from AIK, where he had struggled to make an impact, failing to score in 14 league appearances.

On September 2, 2018, the Greek Super League club Panetolikos officially announced the signing of Sierra Leonean international Alhassan Kamara Crespo until the end of the 2019-20 season.

The striker was released from Häcken after two successful seasons in the Swedish Allsvenskan. After a stint with IFK Värnamo, Kamara announced his retirement from football on September 23, 2021, following several years of issues related to a knee injury.

Alhassan Crespo Kamara trains with Varbergs Bois
Alhassan Crespo Kamara trains with Varbergs Bois
Amad Diallo's dramatic hat-trick saves Manchester United
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Amad Diallo’s dramatic hat-trick saves Manchester United

The Ivorian international Amad Diallo scored a late hat-trick that left Southampton regretting missed opportunities, as an impressive performance from the Saints ultimately went unrewarded at Old Trafford losing 3-1 defeat.

This marked Diallo’s first senior hat-trick, and after a long wait at Old Trafford, the visitors seemed on track for their first Premier League away win of the season when Manuel Ugarte’s own goal gave Southampton a deserved lead at halftime 43rd minute.

Kamaldeen Sulemana was outstanding, forcing a series of first-half saves from André Onana, and Southampton continued to press forward after the break.

Manchester United began to apply pressure as the game progressed, eventually levelling the score when Diallo scored his first goal with only eight minutes remaining.

Just when it seemed that Southampton would secure at least a point—something they deserved based on their performance—Diallo struck again with a crucial second goal in the 90th minute before completing his hat-trick in stoppage time.

After the match, Amad Diallo spoke to TNT about his impressive 12-minute hat-trick: “In football, you have to believe. We believed until the end, and we are very happy to win this game. We drew with Arsenal and Liverpool, so the confidence was there. We are very happy.”

When asked where this week ranks for him, after scoring his first senior hat trick and signing a new contract, he said: “Maybe it’s one of the best weeks of my life. I am very happy about this win. This team deserved to win this game.”

Regarding why United took so long to find their rhythm, he explained: “We know we have quality players in this team. Sometimes we need to be more hungry in the final third. Today, we showed in the end that we were the best team. I am so happy for this win because this team deserves it.”

Diallo added, “I am ready to play in any position the manager wants me to. I am prepared to fight for this club. I am delighted to play wherever the manager assigns me and thrilled to have scored a hat-trick.”