Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Deadly stampede in Guinea resulted in the deaths of at least 56 people
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Deadly stampede in Guinea resulted in deaths of at least 56 people

A controversial refereeing decision led to violence and a stampede at a soccer match in Guinea, resulting in at least 56 deaths and many injuries.

The incident occurred on Sunday December 1st 2024 during the final match in N’Zerekore. Chaos erupted after a player was sent off, causing fans to rush onto the field and attack the officials’ stand. Security forces intervened.

“Frustration with referee calls led to stone-throwing by fans, causing the deadly stampede,” a government statement said.

The government confirmed 56 deaths and many injuries, calling it a “tragic event,” and promised an investigation.

Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah condemned the violence and urged calm to help hospital services assist the injured. Videos on social media showed chaos outside the stadium, with many bodies on the ground. Hospitals were overwhelmed with casualties.

These events have become common in Guinea, often seen as supporting junta leader Mamady Doumbouya’s future presidential campaign. The junta took power in September 2021 by removing President Alpha Conde.

The National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC), a leading opposition group, condemned the tragedy, blaming the junta for the loss of innocent lives. They called for peaceful action against the regime by December 31, 2024.

Al Ahly set for Orlando Pirates' CAF Champions League cracker
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Al Ahly set for Orlando Pirates’ CAF Champions League cracker

Egyptian side Al Ahly set for their trip to South Africa this weekend for the African Champions League, where they will face Orlando Pirates in an important group C match in Soweto’s Orlando stadium on Saturday.

The last time Al Ahly came to South Africa was last year, when Mamelodi Sundowns defeated them twice: 5-2 in the Champions League group stage and again in the African Football League.

South African clubs have a good record against Al Ahly. The Pirates have beaten them thrice, including notable victories in Egypt in 2013 and 2015. However, in crucial matches, South African teams have often lost.

In 2001, Sundowns played Al Ahly in the Champions League final but lost 3-0 despite a strong performance. The Pirates also faced Al Ahly in the 2013 final, where a defensive mistake allowed Al Ahly to score, and the Pirates could not recover.

Al Ahly beat Kaizer Chiefs in the 2021 final, winning 3-0 after the Chiefs had a player sent off just before halftime. Known for their resilience, Al Ahly often overcomes challenges and qualifies for the quarterfinals. They are difficult to beat when they aim for the title, winning four titles in the last five Champions League campaigns.

Sierra Leone's Juma Bah on Manchester City's Radar
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Juma Bah on Manchester City’s Radar

Manchester City and other English clubs want to sign Sierra Leone-born defender Juma Bah, a rising star, as Pep Guardiola works to improve his defence.

The 18-year-old defender has impressed while on loan at Real Valladolid after moving from AIK Freetong, a team in Sierra Leone.

He started with the Juvenil División de Honor and quickly moved up to the Promesas team, where he made a successful debut in September.

However, the 6’5” player earned a spot on the first team, playing 855 minutes in eleven appearances.

Among centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues, Bah ranks in the 95th percentile for clearances, averaging 5.63 per game, and in the 98th percentile for aerial duels won, averaging 3.81 per game.

Read related News New Real Valladolid defender back Bah headline Spanish News.

Sierra Leone plummet eight places in latest FIFA ranking
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone plummet eight places in latest FIFA ranking

Sierra Leone has seen a significant drop in the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday, following their unsuccessful attempt to qualify for the Morocco 2025 AFCON tournament next year.

This decline is attributed to poor performances in the recent African Cup of Nations match day five and six, where they drew against Chad and suffered a 2-0 defeat to Zambia in Group G as hosts nation.

From 121st to 129th in the global ranking – as a result, the West African nation has plummeted also to 38th on the continent, having conceded ten goals while scoring only five in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.

Africa’s top ten ranked teams include Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Mali, Tunisia and South Africa.

On the global stage, Argentina, captained by Lionel Messi, retains the top position, followed by France in second and Spain in third. England and Brazil hold the fourth and fifth spots, respectively.

These rankings reflect a busy international football calendar, which includes the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, AFCON 2025 matches, and Nations League fixtures.

Meanwhile, Niger made the biggest leap in the rankings, rising nine spots to 122nd globally with a total of 31.23 points.

The next FIFA ranking update is scheduled for December 12, 2024.

La Liga CD Leganés sign Ivorian striker Yan Diomande
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

La Liga CD Leganés sign Ivorian striker Yan Diomande

CD Leganés has signed Yan Diomande, an 18-year-old striker from Ivory Coast, who is known for his speed, skill, and ability to read the game, the club has said.

Diomande developed his talent in Ivory Coast and has shown a lot of potential, which has allowed him to move to European football.

He is expected to join the team at the end of this year or the beginning of 2025, depending on the completion of necessary paperwork.

He joins Leganés on a free transfer, showing the club’s commitment to developing young international players. After signing, Diomande said, “I am very grateful for this opportunity. I want to thank everyone involved in making this happen. I am fully committed and excited to get started.”

Mustapa Bundu nets in Argyle's 6-1 humiliation at Norwich
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mustapha Bundu nets in Argyle’s 6-1 humiliation at Norwich

Mustapha Bundu from Sierra Leone scored for Plymouth Argyle in their 6-1 humiliation to Norwich City at Carrow Road on Tuesday night.

Argyle made three changes from their last game against Watford on Friday. Callum Wright, Bundu, and Victor Palsson started. Daniel Grimshaw was in goal, while Matty Sorinola, Bali Mumba, Julio Pleguezuelo, and Kornel Szucs played in defence with Palsson.

Sainz scored early for the hosts in the second minute before  the Spaniard calmly made it 2-0 but Just before half-time, Sierra Leone’s Mustapha Bundu pulled one back in the 39th minute, giving the visitors hope.

But Norwich’s Borja Sainz scored a hat-trick, and Shane Duffy, Anis Slimane, and Ante Crnac also scored for the home team.

Adam Randell captained the team again, with Darko Gyabi in midfield. Wright and Bundu played on either side of Andre Gray, who was the striker.

Norwich’s victory lifts them to ninth place in the Championship, just five points away from the play-off spots.

Meanwhile, Argyle, who suffered their previous worst defeat under Rooney—a 5-0 loss with ten men at Cardiff City last month—have dropped to 20th position, now only two points above the relegation zone.

Sierra Leone's Sullay Kaikai helps Cambridge draw against Bolton
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sullay Kaikai header helps 10-man Cambridge draw against Bolton

On Tuesday at the Abbey Stadium, Sullay Kaikai’s exceptional header in the 89th minute secured an unexpected draw for the 10-man Cambridge team against Bolton.

Despite being in the bottom three of the League One standings, a draw against Bolton while playing with ten men will feel like a win.

Cambridge faced significant challenges after Jubril Okedina received a red card four minutes into the second half for violent conduct following an altercation with George Johnston while Bolton prepared to take a corner.

Bolton’s goal looked set to decide the match until Andrew delivered a precise cross, which Kaikai headed past Nathan Baxter.

Cambridge opened the match well, creating two scoring opportunities in the first four minutes. Baxter saved both Kaikai’s initial shot and Ryan Loft’s chance from a deep cross by Liam Bennett.

Just before halftime, Jay Matete missed an opportunity, shooting over the bar after a poor clearance from James Brophy.

Young Africans suffer opening Champions League Group Stage defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Young Africans suffer opening Champions League Group Stage defeat

The CAF Champions League group stages started with a surprise as Young Africans SC lost 2-0 to Al Hilal on Tuesday, November 26, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Al Hilal scored two goals in the second half. Adama Coulibaly scored first, followed by Yasser Muzammil, leaving the Tanzanian champions struggling in their first match of the tournament. Al Hilal now leads Group A.

The crowd at the stadium supported the Young Africans SC as they pressured Al Hilal early on. Aziz Ki played a key role in their attack.

Young Africans SC dominated possession but couldn’t break through Al Hilal’s defense. After halftime, despite their continued attacks, they left defensive gaps. A long goal kick from Al Hilal’s goalkeeper reached Adama Coulibaly, who skillfully bypassed his defender and scored by sliding the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs.

Young Africans SC couldn’t break Al Hilal’s solid defence. Yasser Muzammil sealed the victory with a similar goal. He connected with a long pass, ran toward the goalkeeper, and finished at the near post.

In another Group A match, TP Mazembe’s hopes for the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League took a hit when they drew 0-0 with Algeria’s MC Alger.

Egypt's Al Ahly eye another CAF Champions League title
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt’s Al Ahly eye another CAF Champions League title

Al Ahly coach Marcel Koller they are always aiming for the title as his team prepares to start the defence of their CAF Champions League title against Stade d’Abidjan on Tuesday.

The 2023/24 tournament group stage begins today, with top African clubs competing for the championship. Al Ahly will host Stade d’Abidjan at the Cairo International Stadium, seeking their third consecutive title.

The Red Eagles are unbeaten in their last 15 home matches in the tournament, with 13 wins. Koller emphasized their ambition, stating, “This edition will be difficult because all teams want to win, but our fans’ support drives us.”

Captain Mohamed El Shenawy shared a similar goal: “We want to win this title for the third time. We are used to handling pressure and will take it step by step.”

Stade d’Abidjan coach Alexandre Lafitte acknowledged the challenge: “We are in a tough group with experienced teams, but we’ve prepared well.”

In Group A, Al Hilal travels to Tanzania to face Young Africans, while Algeria’s MC Alger returns to the Champions League against DR Congo’s TP Mazembe.

Group B features a derby match between Moroccan teams Raja Casablanca and FAR Rabat. Raja aims to regain its form, while FAR looks to leverage its league positioning. South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns will meet the Manema Union of DR Congo.

In Group D, last year’s runners-up Esperance face Djoliba of Mali, and Pyramids FC takes on Angola’s Sagrada at the Air Defense Stadium in Cairo.

Group C includes an important match between Algeria’s Chabab Belouizdad and South Africa’s Orlando Pirates, both eager to secure early points.

Sierra Leone's Steven Caulker retires from international football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Steven Caulker retires from international football

Sierra Leone defender Steven Caulker has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 32, after earning 20 caps for his country.

The announcement came a day after he stepped down as skipper of the Leone Stars amid his claim of the broken system following Sierra Leone’s failed attempt to reach Morocco in 2025.

The former Liverpool and Tottenham player joined Turkish club Keçiörengücü in July 2024 on a one-year deal, with an option for another year. He debuted on August 9 in the league opener against Sakaryaspor.

Caulker played an important role in Sierra Leone’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign. He helped the Leone Stars achieve a goalless draw against Algeria and a 2-2 draw against Ivory Coast.

“I have made the difficult decision to retire from international football. I have played in 20 matches and participated in 1 AFCON tournament,” he wrote on his LinkedIn page.

Caulker started his professional career with Tottenham Hotspur in 2009. He spent three seasons on loan at Yeovil Town, Bristol City, and Swansea City.

While at Swansea, he made his first appearances in the Premier League. At the end of that season, he represented Britain at the 2012 Olympics. In November 2012, he scored in his first game for England in a friendly match against Sweden.

In October 2021, Caulker said he was waiting for FIFA to approve his switch from England to Sierra Leone. He played his first match for Sierra Leone in a friendly against Morocco, where the team lost 2-1.

On December 17, FIFA allowed him to play in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. He was part of Sierra Leone’s squad and played in all three group matches. The team drew with Algeria and Ivory Coast but lost to Equatorial Guinea, finishing third in their group with two points.

Caulker made one appearance for England, his birth country, in a 4-2 loss to Sweden in November 2012 before switching his allegiance to Sierra Leone last year.