Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mustapha Bundu nets as Plymouth battle Championship relegation under Rooney
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mustapha Bundu nets as Plymouth battles relegation under Rooney

Sierra Leone International was on target as Swansea City increased the pressure on Plymouth Argyle with a 2-1 victory at Home Park. The victory means Swansea ended Plymouth’s six-match unbeaten home run as Wayne Rooney’s side slipped to 23rd in the Championship.

Jay Fulton opened the scoring for Swansea with a composed finish just before halftime in the 44th minute, in a first half that was largely balanced between the two teams.

Following the break, Swansea doubled their lead in the 60th minute when Liam Cullen capitalized on a close-range opportunity.

Plymouth Argyle, however, responded by intensifying the contest. Mustapha Bundu, who had previously struck the woodwork in the first half, scored by heading in the rebound after Kornel Szucs’ effort hit the bar.

Despite their efforts, Plymouth was unable to find an equalizer and suffered their third consecutive defeat.

Wayne Rooney’s team currently finds itself in the Championship relegation zone, having secured only one victory in their last ten league matches.

This match also marked Bundu’s third goal of the season in sixteen appearances for the Championship.

Mamelodi Sundowns appoint Miguel Cardoso as the new Head Coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mamelodi Sundowns appoint Miguel Cardoso as new Head Coach

Mamelodi Sundowns has appointed Miguel De Azevedo Cardoso as the new Head Coach, effective immediately.

This decision follows unsatisfactory results, despite the Sundowns Board giving Manqoba Mngqithi and his Technical Team a chance to lead the Club.

“I feel truly privileged and am happy to be here. This is a club with a rich heritage, and I am joining a team that has a strong identity. I will do my best to bring joy to the fans and represent them in the best way possible,” Cardoso told reporters on Tuesday.

“I am a simple man, but I have high standards. I want to win consistently. I aim to win trophies and contribute to the club’s legacy. When I eventually leave, I want to be remembered among the great coaches of this club, like Pitso Mosimane, Rulani, Steve Komphela, and Manqoba.”

Coach Miguel was previously in charge of Espérance Sportive de Tunis, where he reached the finals of the 2023/24 CAF Champions League. He brings three assistants with him: Fabio Fernandes, Pedro Azevedo, and João Araújo.

Miguel has coached at top clubs in Portugal, Spain, France, Greece, and Ukraine, including Porto, Braga, Deportivo La Coruña, Celta Vigo, AEK Athens, Nantes, and Shakhtar Donetsk. Steve Komphela and Kennedy Mweene will continue in the Club’s Technical Team.

Mamelodi Sundowns thanks Manqoba Mngqithi and Wendell Robinson for their years of loyal service and wishes them well in their future endeavors. They will always be part of the Mamelodi Sundowns Family. The Club also appreciates Romain Folz, who recently joined.

The players will meet the new coaches when they return to training on Wednesday.

Guinea's Naby Keita joins Hungarian outfit Ferencvárosi
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea’s Naby Keita joins Hungarian outfit Ferencvárosi

Former Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita has joined the Hungarian club Ferencvárosi on loan from Werder Bremen for one year.

He moved to Werder Bremen just 18 months ago but was left out of the first team last season after he chose not to travel for an away game.

The club announced, “Fantastic signing! Naby Keita is a valuable player with 58 caps for the Guinean national team. He is a former champion with Liverpool and a Champions League winner. He will play for our team, which has won the Hungarian championship 35 times and the Hungarian Cup 24 times. He arrives on loan to Üllői út for one year, with an option to buy.”

The midfielder joined Bremen on a free transfer from Liverpool in the summer of 2023.

Keita started playing for the Guinean national team in 2012 and, by 2024, had made 58 appearances. He was named Footballer of the Year in Guinea twice, in 2015 and 2021.

Al Hilal Omdurman beat TP Mazembe in Group A Champions League tie
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Al Hilal Omdurman beat TP Mazembe in Group A Champions League tie

Al Hilal Omdurman achieved a significant 2-1 victory over TP Mazembe during their second Group A match in the CAF Champions League, held on Sunday night. (Photo TP Mazembe)

The match took place at the Stade Cheikha Ould Boïdiya in Mauritania, where Al Hilal showcase resilient and a commendable performance to preserve their perfect record in the group stage.

Al Hilal commenced the match with a strong offensive, earning a penalty in the 22nd minute after Alioune Faty committed a foul in the box.

Mohamed Abdelrahman expertly converted the penalty, giving Al Hilal an early advantage.

In response, TP Mazembe showcased their attacking capabilities, although they struggled with accuracy in the final third.

In the 64th minute, Oscar Tshikomb found the equalizer for Mazembe with an impressive long-range effort, rekindling hopes for the visiting team.

However, Al Hilal’s Jean Girumugisha made a decisive impact in the closing moments of the match. He delivered a remarkable strike from outside the box, successfully placing the ball in the bottom left corner and igniting celebrations among Al Hilal supporters.

Despite their commendable efforts, TP Mazembe experienced their first defeat of the group stage following a previous draw in their opening match.

With this win, Al Hilal leads Group A with six points from two matches, followed by MC Alger, who beat Young Africans 2-0 on Saturday. Mazembe has one point and Young Africans sit at the bottom after two losses.

Al Hilal will aim to maintain their momentum against MC Alger on Saturday, while Mazembe needs a strong performance against Young Africans to revive their campaign.

Josh Koroma scores Huddersfield Town winner to strengthen promotion chances
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Josh Koroma scores Huddersfield’s winner to strengthen promotion chances

Sierra Leone international Josh Koroma contributed significantly to Huddersfield’s victory over Mansfield Town, as the latter faced their fifth consecutive defeat in League One.

In his sixteenth appearance of the season, Koroma scored his sixth goal, helping Huddersfield ascend to fourth place in the league standings and secure a playoff spot.

The match began with Huddersfield taking an early lead in the eighth minute. Ben Wiles scored, finding the net off the inside of the near post after an impressive run and low cross from the left delivered by Josh Koroma.

Mansfield equalized in the 31st minute when Jacob Chapman parried a header from Aden Flint, stemming from an Aaron Lewis corner, which allowed Will Evans to strike the rebound into the goal.

However, the visitors quickly regained the lead within two minutes. Jose Koroma could chase down a long ball and skillfully directed his shot across Christy Pym, placing it into the far corner of the net.

In the last of four added minutes at the end of the first half, Mansfield nearly equalized again when George Maris struck the post with a low shot from 20 yards.

Mansfield experienced a moment of fortune when Tom Lees directed a close-range free header directly at Pym in the 51st minute, following a free-kick taken by Ben Wiles. Shortly thereafter, Mansfield came close to scoring again as Chapman made two swift saves from attempts by Keanu Baccus and Aaron Lewis.

In the 62nd minute, Flint prevented a goal by clearing a shot from Michal Helik off the line during a corner kick. As the match approached its conclusion, Lees inadvertently headed the ball against his own crossbar during the last of five added minutes. Despite mounting pressure from Mansfield, Huddersfield managed to secure their fourth consecutive victory.

Mimosas, Stellenbosch, Zamalek & Enyimba in CAF Confed ties this weekend
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mimosas, Stellenbosch, Zamalek & Enyimba in CAF Confed action this weekend

On Sunday, Stellenbosch will look to regain their winning form in the CAF Confederations Cup, while ASEC Mimosas aims for consecutive victories over Orapa United.

In Group D, the reigning CAF Confederations Cup champions, Zamalek, will face the Nigerian side Enyimba at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Zamalek commenced their CAF Confederations Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over the Black Bulls at the Cairo International Stadium on November 27.

Currently, they hold 2nd place in Group D, with Al Masry leading the group after the first matchday. Al Masry is set to compete against Black Bulls at Estadio do Zimpeto.

Additionally, Stellenbosch FC will strive to bounce back when they compete against the Moroccan team RSB Berkane at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Stellenbosch experienced a 2-0 defeat to Stade Malien in their previous match, while RSB Berkane opened their CAF Confederations Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Lunda Sul two weeks ago.

Furthermore, ASEC Mimosas has the opportunity to secure a second consecutive victory as they take on Orapa United at the Francistown Stadium on Sunday.

ASEC Mimosas currently occupies 2nd position in Group C following their 2-0 win against Jaraaf on November 27, while USM Alger, in 1st place, is scheduled to face Jaraaf at Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade on Sunday evening.

Fixtures Sunday, 8 December

Group A

CS Constantine vs Simba
Bravos do Maquis vs CS Sfaxien

Group B

Stellenbosch vs RSB Berkane
Lunda Sul vs Stade Malien

Group C

Orapa United vs ASEC
Jaraaf vs USM Alger

Group D

Black Bulls vs Al Masry
Enyimba vs Zamalek

Sundowns played to a draw as Yanga suffered their second defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sundowns played to a draw as Yanga suffered their second defeat

AS FAR demonstrated resilience on Saturday evening, securing a draw against former champions Mamelodi Sundowns in a CAF Champions League Group B match at Stade Ben Ahmed El Abd in El Jadida.

Iqraam Rayners gave Sundowns the lead with a goal in the 66th minute, but home captain Mohammed Hrimat equalized just eight minutes later, ensuring AS FAR remained at the top of the group with Sundowns in second place.

The match featured contrasting halves, with AS FAR initially dominating and Sundowns struggling to find their rhythm. After halftime, Sundowns improved, with Rayners scoring from a precise pass by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. However, an error by Williams allowed Hrimat to score into an empty net.

Meanwhile, in Group A, Young Africans suffered a second consecutive defeat, losing 2-0 to MC Alger at Stade du 5 Juillet 1962 in Algiers, following a similar loss to Al-Hilal.

Ayoub Abdellaoui and Soufiane Bayazid secured the victory for MC Alger, momentarily placing them at the top of the group ahead of the upcoming match between Al Hilal and Mazembe.

MC Alger coach Patrice Beaumelle eyes win over Young Africans
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

MC Alger coach Patrice Beaumelle eyes win over Young Africans

MC Alger coach Patrice Beaumelle aims to win against Tanzania’s Young Africans (Yanga) in their CAF Champions League match on Saturday, December 7, at Stade du 5 Juillet 1962 in Algiers.

Beaumelle stressed the importance of this game for their chances of qualifying. “We need to win to improve our chances,” he said. MC Alger is coming off a 0-0 draw against TP Mazembe and hopes to capitalize on their home advantage.

He acknowledged Young Africans as a strong team with experienced players, despite their recent 2-0 loss to Al Hilal Omdurman. “Their loss doesn’t show their true ability; we need to be at our best,” he cautioned.

The match starts at 19:00 GMT, and a win would be crucial for MC Alger’s progress in Group A.

Group A is competitive, with Al Hilal leading after their first win. TP Mazembe is tied with MC Alger on one point, while Young Africans seek their first points.

Tough Fifa Club World Cup 2025 draw for African teams
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tough Fifa Club World Cup 2025 draw for African teams

Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca (WAC), Al Ahly of Egypt, Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa, and ES Tunis of Tunisia have all been drawn into challenging groups ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

Group G features a competitive grouping that includes European champions Manchester City, Italian powerhouse Juventus, and UAE’s Al Ain, promising high-stakes matches and intense competition.

The tournament kicks off on Sunday, 15 June 2025, with all roads leading to the MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey on Sunday, 13 July 2025 where the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ final will be played.

The expanded 32-team format of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 has generated excitement across the football world, offering clubs like Wydad Casablanca a global stage to prove their capabilities.

Representing Morocco and African football, Wydad will strive to deliver top performances to navigate through the group stage and secure a place in the knockout rounds.

Group G is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling groups in the tournament, featuring a mix of established football giants and regional champions.

Manchester City brings formidable strength, while Juventus boasts a rich legacy in European football. Al Ain, representing the UAE, rounds out the group with its regional dominance.

The groups for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 reflect diverse global representation in the expanded format:

– **Group A:** Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami  

– **Group B:** Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders  

– **Group C:** Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica  

– **Group D:** Flamengo, Esperance de Tunis, Chelsea, Club Leon  

– **Group E:** River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds, Monterrey, Inter  

– **Group F:** Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan Hyundai, Mamelodi Sundowns  

– **Group G:** Manchester City, Wydad Casablanca, Al Ain, Juventus  

– **Group H:** Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, RB Salzburg  

Mohamed Salah nets to go top of Premier League Golden Boot race
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt’s Mohamed Salah nets to go top in Golden Boot race

Egyptian International Mohamed Salah scored two goals in Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Newcastle. This match helped him move to the top of the Premier League goalscoring chart with 13 goals ahead of Erling Haaland.

Although Liverpool did not win and missed a chance for its fifth straight victory, Salah will look to continue his fine form in the Golden Boot race.

Since Matchweek 2, Salah had been behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. His goals against Newcastle allowed him to pass Haaland.

This season, Salah has played very well for Liverpool, with 15 goals and 12 assists in 21 matches across all competitions. Now, he has scored 13 goals in the Premier League, one more than Haaland, who has 12.