Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-East End Lions midfielder Alpha Kabia pleased to join Minnesota United
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Midfielder Alpha Kabia pleased to join Minnesota United

Young Doctors FC midfielder, who was on loan to East End Lions Alpha Kabia expressed happiness after MNUFC2 announced his signing to a one-year MLS NEXT Pro contract, which includes a club option for 2026.

“We are excited to welcome Alpha to MNUFC2. He has a solid understanding of the game at a young age, is aggressive on the ball, and effectively commands the midfield. We are thrilled to have him join the club and to support his growth as a young professional player, both on and off the pitch,” said Amos Magee, MNUFC Head of Development & Player Pathway.

“I extend my sincerest gratitude to Minnesota United and MNUFC2 for believing in me and providing this incredible opportunity,” said Alpha Kabia. “Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey; I’m excited to take this important step in my career. To my loved ones, I couldn’t have done this without you. Your encouragement and sacrifices mean the world to me. Thank you for being my rock. I dedicate this achievement to all Sierra Leonean players back home: never lose hope and never abandon your dreams.”

Kabia, 19, who has joined MNUFC2 on a one-year MLS NEXT Pro contract, with an option for 2026, previously played for East End Lions in Sierra Leone’s National Premier League on loan from Young Doctors FC.

Kabia started at Young Doctors FC, playing youth matches from 2017 to 2022, and was loaned to Mount Aureol Freetonians SLIFA from 2022 to 2024.

Internationally, Kabia has represented Sierra Leone’s U20 team and played a key role in their WAFU Group A Qualifiers, helping them qualify for the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Pirates, Pyramids, Ahly and Sundowns in CAF Champions League semi-finals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pirates, Pyramids, Ahly and Sundowns in CAF Champions League semi-finals

The semi-final line-up for the 2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League has been finalized, featuring two Egyptian teams and two South African teams that advanced from the quarter-finals, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to this season’s tournament.

Historic Moment for Pyramids FC

Despite facing a scare in Morocco, losing 2-0 to the Royal Army, Pyramids FC, however, advanced with a 4-3 aggregate score, thanks to their strong first-leg victory in Cairo. This marks Pyramids’ first appearance in the semi-finals of the prestigious African competition.

They will now face Orlando Pirates in what promises to be a fiercely contested match between two ambitious clubs, both seeking their first continental title in over a decade.

Al Ahly Pursues 11th Title; Sundowns Await

Defending champions Al Ahly overcame Al Hilal of Sudan with consecutive 1-0 victories, extending their run of semi-final appearances to six. They will now take on Mamelodi Sundowns, who narrowly edged Esperance of Tunisia with a 1-0 aggregate score after a closely contested two-legged encounter.

CAF Champions League Semi-Final Schedule:

  • 1st Leg (April 18–19)
    • Orlando Pirates vs Pyramids FC
    • Mamelodi Sundowns vs Al Ahly
  • 2nd Leg (April 25–26)
    • Pyramids FC vs Orlando Pirates
    • Al Ahly vs Mamelodi Sundowns
U17 AFCON set for exciting quater-finals match up as host Morocco take on South Afrca
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Exciting U17 AFCON quater-finals match up as host Morocco take on South Africa

Mali, Senegal, Ivory Coast, host Morocco, Zambia, and South Africa are all set for intriguing U17 AFCON quarterfinals, kicking off with Burkina Faso vs. Zambia as host Morocco takes on South Africa today.

Burkina Face v Zambia

Group B winners Burkina Faso face runners-up Zambia in the CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025 quarter-final at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca on Thursday (kick-off 17:00 local time / 16:00 GMT).

This is their first meeting in the U17 AFCON finals, but Burkina Faso has never lost in six previous games against COSAFA nations (W5 D1). Their only non-win was a 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe in 1999. They have scored 16 goals and conceded just three in those matches, keeping four clean sheets.

Host Morocco take on South Africa

Additionally, hosts Morocco will have a challenging match against South Africa in the CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-finals at the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia on Thursday, with a kick-off time of 20:00 local (19:00 GMT).

Morocco, the winners of Group A, finished their group undefeated with two wins and a draw. South Africa secured second place in Group B, with one win, one draw, and one loss.

This marks the second meeting between Morocco and South Africa at the TotalEnergies CAF U17 AFCON. In their previous encounter at the finals, Morocco won 2-0 during their first group game in the 2023 edition.

Notably, current Morocco U17 coach Nabil Baha was an unused substitute during a 1-1 draw between Morocco and South Africa at the group stages of the 2004 TotalEnergies CAF AFCON finals, which allowed Morocco to progress while South Africa was eliminated.

West African Derby – Ivory Coast v Senegal

In another quarter-final clash, West African rivals Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal will meet for the first time in the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025. This match will kick off at 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT) on Friday.

Côte d’Ivoire has scored the most goals in the tournament (10) and will take on Senegal, who boasts the joint-best defense. Both teams are unbeaten in the tournament, with Côte d’Ivoire winning Group D and Senegal finishing as runners-up in Group C.

Côte d’Ivoire is facing a defending champion for the second time, with their previous encounter being against Gambia in 2011, which they won 4-1 in the group stages.

Tunisia v Mali at the Ben M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida on Friday

Tunisia will face Mali in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025. The match will take place at the Ben M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida on Friday, with a kick-off time of 20:00 local (19:00 GMT).

The two teams have only met once before in the continental competition, during the group stages in 1999, where Mali emerged victorious with a score of 2-0. Tunisia’s record against West African opponents at these finals stands at 8 matches played, with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 5 losses. Their victories include a 3-0 win over Togo in the group stages of 2007 and a 2-1 win against Gambia in the current tournament.

Tunisia has also faced challenges in the semi-finals, losing to Nigeria twice, in 2007 and 2013. Additionally, they were defeated by Ghana in the 1997 group stages and in the play-off for third place in 2007. Tunisia lost to Mali during the 1995 group stages and recently drew 0-0 with Senegal in the ongoing competition.

On the other hand, this match against Tunisia will be Mali’s fifth encounter with North African opponents. Their previous record against North African teams shows 1 win, 1 draw, and 2 losses. Mali defeated Tunisia 2-0 in the 1995 group stages and drew 0-0 with Egypt during the 1997 group phase, later losing to Egypt 1-0 in the final that same year. In 2023, they faced Morocco in the semi-finals and lost in a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw.

Kenya's Salim Babu names Cup of Nations U20 provisional squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kenya’s Salim Babu names U20 Cup of Nations provisional squad

Kenya U20 head coach Salim Babu has announced a provisional squad of 35 players for the upcoming U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to begin on April 27, 2025, in Egypt.

The Rising Stars are placed in Group C, where they will compete against defending champions Senegal, Zambia, and Sierra Leone as they aim to make a significant impact on the continental stage.

Kenya earned its spot in this tournament after finishing as runners-up in the 2024 CECAFA U20 Qualifiers, narrowly losing to Tanzania in the final.

Babu’s squad selection comes after a series of training camps designed to scout top young talent from across the country. The final list includes a mix of local and foreign-based players, featuring several key returnees from the CECAFA Qualifiers. Notable players include captain Amos Wanjala, Manzur Okwaro, Baron Ochieng, Aldrine Kibet, Tyron Kariuki, Kelly Madada, and Andreas Odhiambo.

Kenya will begin its campaign in Group C against Sierra Leone on May 1, followed by matches against Zambia on May 4, and concluding the group stage against Senegal on May 7.

The team has entered a residential training camp in Nairobi, with friendly matches scheduled to prepare for the tournament. Kenya will be aiming to make a strong impression in Egypt as they seek to advance past the group stage and challenge for continental glory.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Benard Jairo (Kariobangi Sharks), Wycliford Oduor (Bidco United), Kevin Oduor (Nairobi United)

Defenders

Manzur Okwaro (KCB), Joseph Bate (MOFA), Jackson Sane (Mombasa Elite), Amos Wanjala (Athletic Club Torrellano), Charles Junior (Sofapaka), Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka), Humphrey Obina (Murang’a Seal), Telena Ochieng (Ulinzi Stars), Rodgers Wasega (Nairobi City Stars)

Midfielders

Andreas Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks), Stanley Wilson (AIK – Sweden), Zech Obiero (Leyton Orient – England), Kevin Wangaya, Emilio Brian (Ulinzi Stars), Irad Mshindi (KCB), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Mark Shaban (Gor Mahia), Aldrine Kibet (Nastic – Spain), Humphrey Aroko (Kariobangi Sharks), Gilbert Abala (Nairobi City Stars), Hassan Beja (AFC Leopards), Ezekiel Omuri (Shabana), Tyron Kariuki (KCB), William Gitamu (Bandari), Javan Omondi (Ulinzi Stars), Elly Owande (Al Nasr – UAE), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta), Jeremy Bissau (Brooke House College – Leicester, England)

Forwards

Lawrence Ouma (MOFA), Oliver Machaka (Kakamega Homeboyz), Henry Omollo (Kakamega Homeboyz), Luis Ingavi (Saginaw Valley State – USA)

Egypt's Pyramids historic moment in CAF Champions League
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt’s Pyramids historic moment in CAF Champions League

Pyramids made history by reaching their first-ever CAF Champions League semi-final on Tuesday night, despite losing 2-0 in the second leg to Morocco’s FAR Rabat. They advanced 4-3 on aggregate after winning 4-1 in Cairo last week, which gave them a key advantage.

In the second leg at the Stade d’Honneur in Meknes, FAR Rabat started strong. Youssef El-Fahli scored in the seventh minute, boosting hopes for a comeback. With the crowd behind them, they pushed hard to close the gap.

Pyramids quickly responded; Mohamed Hamdy had a chance to score in the 12th minute with a powerful header, but goalkeeper Hamza Hayani made a great save. Despite the pressure from FAR Rabat, Pyramids kept their cool, with veteran goalkeeper Ahmed El-Shenawy making crucial saves to maintain their aggregate lead in the first half.

In the second half, FAR Rabat continued to push. El-Fahli missed a big chance early on, and El-Shenawy made two important saves to keep Pyramids ahead. The second goal for FAR Rabat came in the 82nd minute from substitute Joel Villa, creating a tense finish.

FAR Rabat nearly scored again in the 93rd minute when Zahzouh’s free-kick just missed. Pyramids held on through five minutes of added time, showing determination to protect their aggregate lead and secure a spot in the semi-finals.

Now, Pyramids FC will watch the other quarter-final between Orlando Pirates and MC Alger. Pirates lead 1-0 going into the second leg on Wednesday. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Pyramids FC, which has quickly grown in Egyptian football and now stands among the continent’s top clubs, aiming for continental success.

CAF Champions wrap-up: Al Ahly set for Semi-Finals Against Sundowns
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Champions League: Al Ahly set for Semi-Finals Against Sundowns

Al Ahly has reached the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League after beating Al Hilal 1-0 in the second leg at Sheikh Bedia Stadium in Mauritania on Tuesday giving them a 2-0 victory overall.

Midfielder Imam Ashour scored the crucial goal in the 80th minute. Al Ahly now focuses on their semi-final match with Mamelodi Sundowns, who won against Esperance de Tunis in their quarter-final.

The rivalry between these two teams has grown in recent years, and this match is expected to draw a lot of attention.

This win marks Al Ahly’s 21st appearance in the Champions League semi-finals and their sixth straight time in this round. They will face Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa in the next match, which is highly anticipated.

Cautious First Half in Mauritania

Both teams started carefully, trying to control the midfield. Al Ahly, led by Swiss coach Marcel Koller, showed more energy early on. Slovenian forward Nijk Gradishar almost scored in the 9th minute with a powerful shot that forced a great save from Al Hilal’s goalkeeper, Issa Fofana.

Imam Ashour, important in the first leg, briefly worried fans after a tough challenge but bounced back and remained active. In the 34th minute, Al Ahly had a good chance when a low cross just missed both Gradishar and Wissam Abu Ali. Ashour tried to score with a strong shot from outside the box. Just before half-time, Al Hilal made a dangerous low cross into the box, but Al Ahly cleared it.

Ashour Scores Late to Secure the Win

In the second half, Al Hilal pushed harder to score. Their best chance came in the 64th minute when winger Ahmed Salem found himself one-on-one with Egypt’s goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy but failed to score. Al Ahly held on and scored the winning goal ten minutes before the end. Substitute Taher Mohamed Taher sent a well-placed ball into the box, and Ashour finished it off with skill.

Despite Al Hilal pushing in the final minutes and eight minutes added for stoppage time, Al Ahly kept their lead. Ahmed Reda nearly scored again in injury time, but Fofana made a quick save to keep the score from increasing.

Cote d'Ivoire down Mali to win Group D and reach U-17 World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cote d’Ivoire, Mali qualify for quarter-finals and FIFA U17 World Cup  

Cote d’Ivoire showed a strong performance on Monday by defeating Mali 4-2 in their final Group D match at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

With this result, Cote d’Ivoire finished first in the group with seven points, while Mali ended with six points. Despite the loss, Mali had already qualified for the quarter-finals and the World Cup thanks to earlier wins against Angola and the Central African Republic.

This result allowed them to take first place and second places in the group and secure a spot in the quarter-finals and the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar later this year.

Alynho Haïdara shined for Cote d’Ivoire, scoring two goals in the first 18 minutes—first from open play and then from a penalty kick. Moïse Diarrassouba added a third goal with a great finish just before halftime, giving Cote d’Ivoire a solid 3-0 lead.

Seydou Dembélé scored for Mali during first-half stoppage time. Although Mali got a chance to score again with a penalty in the second half, Dembélé’s shot was saved by the Ivorian goalie. Ndjicoura Bomba later made it 3-2 with a strong shot in the 69th minute.

However, any chance of a comeback ended in added time when Broulaye Cissé scored a spectacular long-range goal to make it 4-2 and secure the win.

In another match, Angola won 6-1 against the Central African Republic but did not advance to the quarter-finals; however, they will get a chance to play in the World Cup playoffs as one of the best third-placed teams.

Burkina Faso through to FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar with win over South Africa
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkina Faso through to U17 World Cup in Qatar with win over South Africa

Burkina Faso completed a perfect group stage at the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 victory over South Africa on Sunday, finishing top of Group B with nine points to qualify for the U17 World Cup.

Despite the loss, South Africa secured second place in the group, ensuring their advancement to the quarter-finals and a significant spot in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar later this year.

As a resu;t, both Burkina Faso and South Africa join Zambia and host Morocco in the quarter finals.

After a goalless first half at Stade Larbi Zaouli, Burkina Faso took control in the second half. Issouf Bara opened the scoring in the 65th minute, slotting home from close range after Asharaf Tapsoba provided a clever headed assist.

South Africa had their opportunities early in the match, including a first-half penalty awarded via VAR, but Neo Bohloko’s spot kick was saved by Burkina Faso goalkeeper Ali Koné in the 26th minute. This moment proved to be a turning point, as the West Africans gained confidence afterward.

Asharaf Tapsoba sealed the victory with an impressive strike from distance in the 89th minute, finding the bottom corner with a precise finish, ensuring that Burkina Faso completed the group stage unbeaten and without conceding a goal in open play.

South Africa had attempts from Bohloko and Emile Witbooi but struggled to break through against a well-organized Burkina Faso defense. The result means Burkina Faso finished with a maximum of nine points, while South Africa ended with four, advancing thanks to their earlier results against Egypt and Cameroon.

Both teams will now shift their focus to the quarter-finals and the pursuit of continental glory.

All four group winners and runners-up from the continental competition are guaranteed a ticket to the U-17 World Cup. The four third-place teams will enter a play-off to determine CAF’s final two representatives.

Burkina Faso book FIFA U-17 World Cup spot afer defeating Egypt
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkina Faso book FIFA U-17 World Cup spot afer defeating Egypt

Burkina Faso has reached the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals and is the first African nation to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

On Thursday evening, the West African team defeated a struggling Egypt 2-1 to secure their spot in the knockout stages and the FIFA World Cup finals with a game to spare.

Burkina Faso’s qualification came after their opening Group A win against Cameroon, where they won 2-1 on Monday, followed by Thursday’s victory, which featured goals from Issouf Dabo and the standout performer Asharaf Tabsoba.

The match started cautiously, but Burkina Faso took the lead late in the first half, with Dabo scoring in the 41st minute. After halftime, Egypt pressed forward, but they struggled to penetrate a well-organized Burkinabe defense. Tabsoba, who delivered another impressive performance, sealed the victory with a goal in the 69th minute, extending his team’s lead.

Despite the second goal, Egypt continued to search for a confidence-boosting goal, which finally came in the 78th minute from Belal Ateya’s strike. This goal made for a tense finish to the match, as Egypt desperately sought an equalizer while Burkina Faso remained determined, knowing qualification was within their grasp.

The match concluded with a 2-1 victory for Burkina Faso, marking their second win out of two games and ensuring their advancement to the next round and the FIFA World Cup. They will next face South Africa in a match that is now of secondary importance for them.

Egypt will compete against Cameroon, who currently have one point following their earlier draw with South Africa. This match will be crucial for both teams as they vie for a spot as one of the best third-placed teams.

SLFA boss Daddy Brima detained as entire executive goes under investigation
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

SLFA boss detained as entire executive goes under investigation

The president of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Thomas Daddy Brima slept overnight at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) as the country’s anti-corruption commission (ACC) investigated their executive.

All three individuals are expected today at the Anti-Corruption Commission office for further scrutiny.

The ACC has confirmed that the investigation is underway and is inviting the media to imminently reveal further details that remain unclear.

The detention of the FA boss Thomas Daddy Brima, Mr Bawoh and the Finance officer comes just three days before the much-awaited SLFA Congress which is a stage that will gauge the atmosphere ahead of the next election.

Fifa delegates are also expected in Sierra Leone ahead of the SLFA congress on April 5th.  This recent development has left uncertainty regarding how FIFA will respond. In 2018, FIFA suspended Sierra Leone from international football due to government interference in the management of the country’s football association.

The ban follows a decision by the country’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which barred two leading officials from the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) from entering the governing body’s offices.

FIFA stated, “The suspension will be lifted once the SLFA and its recognized leadership have confirmed to FIFA that the SLFA administration, premises, accounts, and communication channels are once again under their control.”