Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cayden Cole speaks about Sierra Leone U20 experience
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cayden Cole speaks about Sierra Leone U20 experience

Hull City Academy defender Cayden Cole reported his experience with the Sierra Leone Under-20 after the friendly international match against Morocco in March.

Both nations used this match as part of their preparation for the upcoming African Cup Of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Cole, who plays for Hull City at the U18 level, expressed his satisfaction with playing 70 minutes of Sierra Leone U20’s 2-0 loss to Morocco in the Mohammed VI Sports Complex in Rabat last Saturday.

“I’ve loved every moment, getting to know the other players and the staff, and just playing overall. The team has come together nicely despite our diverse backgrounds, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this U20 squad,” he said.

Cole, 16, a left-sided full-back and centre-back, continued: “I feel privileged to have received a call-up to represent my country and connect with my heritage, and I hope to be involved going forward.”

“I’ve enjoyed it because it offers a different perspective on football; European football significantly differs from African football due to the greater drive and determination among players aspiring to succeed here compared to their European counterparts.”

Regarding the trip, he mentioned, “This experience has given me insight into the reality of men’s football in terms of physicality, speed, and tenacity. I believe I’ve managed to keep pace with the older players, and I was chosen to be in the starting lineup against Morocco the other day.”

Trophy Unveiling! A fresh design for CAF Under-17 Cup of Nations
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Trophy Unveiling! A fresh design for CAF Under-17 Cup of Nations

A new trophy and logo for the CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, have been unveiled. The trophy reflects the journey of young footballers, with an African map featuring and presenting the spirit of continental unity and pride.

The tournament will be played in four stadiums across three cities- Casablanca, Mohammedia, and El Jadida- from March 30 to April 19, 2025.

The new logo and creative trophy reveal is an important step in celebrating the journey of young African footballers participating in this elite competition.

The concept behind the trophy, titled “Journey Begins,” embodies ambition, growth, and the initial steps toward these players’ legendary futures. It features a road-like structure that symbolizes the players’ paths and is integrated with the map of Africa to emphasize unity and pride across the continent.

The logo design reflects the new TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON trophy, including its base. This foundation represents the structure, guidance, and support provided by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), highlighting its pivotal role in nurturing Africa’s next generation of stars.

This tournament is distinguished by its fresh look and invigorated energy. Additionally, the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON, Morocco 2025, will serve as a qualifier for the FIFA World Cup, with Africa being represented by 10 teams at the newly expanded tournament scheduled to take place in Qatar later this year.

Trophy Unveiling! A fresh design for CAF Under-17 Cup of Nations
Trophy Unveiling! A fresh design for CAF Under-17 Cup of Nations
Ivory Coast announce last-minute pull-out as host of U20 AFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivory Coast announce last-minute pull-out as host of U20 AFCON

With only one month remaining before the kickoff of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Ivory Coast has officially withdrawn as the host nation for the tournament.

Sierra Leone is placed in a group with Senegal, Zambia, and Kenya for the forthcoming youth football tournament. The leading four countries will qualify for the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, which is set to take place in Chile from September 27 to October 19, 2025.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) had announced Ivory Coast as the host country in 2024. However, on Wednesday, the Ivorian government instructed the country’s football federation to give up its hosting duties.

In a shocking development, Yacine Idriss Diallo, who is the President of both the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) and the organizing committee for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (COCAN U20), conveyed the decision made by the government: “Through this letter, I notify you that the Government has formally communicated to the Ivorian Football Federation that Côte d’Ivoire will no longer host the U20 Africa Cup of Nations.”

“Upon the directive of the FIF President, the Executive Director relayed this information to the CAF Secretary General on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.”

The President conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to the organization of the tournament and promised that any updates concerning CAF’s response would be shared in a timely manner.

CAF will now need to identify a different host before the tournament commences.

Four African teams will receive USD 9.55 million for the FIFA Club World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

USD 9.55m FIFA Club World Cup cash boost for each African teams

FIFA has announced a USD 9.55 million participation fee for each of the four African teams in the first FIFA Club World Cup, set for June 14 to July 13, 2025, in the United States.

The teams—Al Ahly (Egypt), Esperance (Tunisia), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), and Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco)—will earn the same as clubs from AFC and CONCACAF as part of the total USD 1 billion prize money for this 32-team tournament.

FIFA has approved the prize money distribution model after talks with key stakeholders, including the European Club Association.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that this tournament offers the highest-ever prize money for club football, with a significant payout for the winners. He also mentioned a solidarity investment program aimed at supporting club football worldwide.

FIFA will not keep any revenue from this tournament, ensuring all funds go to support club football and not touching its reserves for global football development.

Egypt edge Sierra Leone in close contest in Cairo
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt edge Sierra Leone in close Cairo contest

Egypt emerged victorious against Sierra Leone with a score of 1-0 in Cairo. The winning goal was scored by Ahmed Sayed, better known as Zizo, during stoppage time in the first half at the Cairo Stadium. This win strengthened Egypt’s position in World Cup qualifiers Group A.

Consequently, they have opened a five-point gap at the top of Group A in the race to qualify for the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Egypt, the leaders of Group A, controlled the first half, but Sierra Leone held strong under pressure for a full 45 minutes during their match on Tuesday, which was part of matchday six of the World Cup qualifiers.

Omar Mamoush and Mohamed Salah had slim opportunities in the first 30 minutes, but the Sierra Leone defense and goalkeeper Alhaji Sesay kept them at bay, sticking to their tactical approach.

MLS veteran Kei Kamara also had a half chance in the 40th minute when a long cross from Emmanuel Samadia was diverted by a defender just before he could reach it.

Marmoush had a shot that missed the target before Zamalek’s Ahmed Sayed, known as Zizo, found the net during first-half stoppage time, scoring at the near post after receiving a brilliant through ball from Trezeguet.

Following the break, Egypt nearly doubled their advantage when Attia struck a powerful shot that hit the post. Soon after, Sierra Leone had a chance when Nathaniel Jalloh mishandled his shot inside the box, but substitute striker Alie Conteh managed to intercept a deflected ball and sent another powerful shot just wide of the post.

Sierra Leone made a strong effort to equalize, as both teams played actively throughout the match. However, no goals were scored in the second half, although Sierra Leone showed significant improvement during this period.

Currently, Sierra Leone is in third place in the group, with eight points after playing six matches.

90+3 Substitution: Egypt’s Mahmoud Saber replaced Omar Marmoush.

90+3 Substitution, Egypt: Mostafa Fathi replaced Trézéguet.

88′ Substitution, Sierra Leone. Momoh Dumbuya replaced Nathaniel Jalloh.

84′ Substitution, Sierra Leone. Mohamed Bangura replaced Abu Dumbuya.

74′ Substitution, Egypt. Mohamed Shehata replaces Zizo.

74′ Substitution, Sierra Leone. Musa Kamara replaced Kei Kamara.

58 a substitution, Egypt. Hamdi Fathy replaced Mostafa Mohamed.

Substitution

46′ Substitution, Sierra Leone. Alie Conteh replaced Momoh Kamara.

Sierra Leone Coach Kallon Makes Three Changes For Egypt crucial Tie
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone Coach Kallon Makes Three Changes For Egypt crucial Tie

Sierra Leone’s coach, Mohamed Kallon, implemented three changes for the sixth matchday of the World Cup qualifier against Egypt, introducing MLS icon Kei Kamara, Momoh Kamara, and Emmanuel Samadia, who plays in the USA, into the starting eleven.  

This new trio took the places of injured player Mustapha Bundu, Mohamed Bangura, who made his debut in the victory over Guinea Bissau, and Musa Noah Kamara, who scored the second goal for the Leone Stars against Guinea Bissau.  

Coach Kallon, making his second appearance in charge for Sierra Leone at the Cairo International Stadium, retained the same defensive line along with Tyrese Foirnah and Abu Dumbiuya in their defensive positions.Sierra Leone coach makes three changes for Egypt contest.

Like their hosts, the Leone Stars enter this match after a solid 3-1 win over Guinea-Bissau, marking a strong debut for head coach Mohamed Kallon. Sierra Leone has achieved two wins in three matches, with captain Mustapha Bundu scoring first and Ibrahim Turray sealing the victory in stoppage time.

They currently sit third in the table with eight points, just five behind leaders Egypt. Egypt extended their lead at the top of Group A to 13 points after a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia, nearing their first World Cup appearance since 2018.

Sierra Leone Coach Kallon Makes Three Changes For Egypt crucial Tie
Sierra Leone Coach Kallon Makes Three Changes For Egypt crucial Tie
Tunisia maintain Group H lead in FIFA World Cup African qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia maintain Group H lead in FIFA World Cup African qualifiers

Tunisia triumphed over Malawi with a 2-0 victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers, keeping them at the top of Group H. Seifeddine Jaziri scored in the 86th minute after coming off the bench, and Elias Achouri secured the win with a stoppage-time penalty.

Malawi’s solid defence made the match challenging for Tunisia, who needed the late goals to secure the win. Aymen Dahmen saved a late penalty from Malawi’s Richard Mbulu, ensuring the clean sheet.

With this win, Tunisia has 13 points from five matches, four points ahead of Namibia, who drew 1-1 with Equatorial Guinea.

In Group A, Ethiopia celebrated their first victory of the qualifiers with a 6-1 win against Djibouti. Bereka Desta and Abubeker Nassir both scored three goals, while Djibouti managed a consolation goal from Samuel Akinbinu.

Ethiopia now sits fourth in Group A, seven points behind leaders Egypt. As both teams head into the final two matchdays, Tunisia aims for World Cup qualification, while Ethiopia hopes to improve their standing.

Cairo braces for nail-biting Sierra Leone v Egypt Group A contest
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cairo braces for nail-biting Sierra Leone v Egypt Group A contest

The fight for a direct slot at next year’s 2026 World Cup could get fiercer from Group A as Sierra Leone ready for red-hot favourite Egypt in Cairo.

Since the arrival of the new coach Mohamed Kallon, there is renewed energy in the Leone Stars after they recorded a 3-1 win over Guinea Bissau in the Liberian Capital last Thursday.

The Guinea Bissau victory was the first time Sierra Leone recorded a win with such margins since 2000 with new faces largely local stars.

A turn of event that would probably get the Egyptian team led by Mohamed Salah to sit up and get ready for war. Egypt and Sierra Leone will both bid for back-to-back wins in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday for their matchday six encounters.

Sierra Leone have been resilient in their campaign, recovering from a poor start when they failed to win their first two games in November 2023. They have since turned their fortunes around with a sequence of good results to remain in contention for qualification.

Like their hosts, the Leone Stars enter this match after a solid 3-1 win over Guinea-Bissau, marking a strong debut for head coach Mohamed Kallon leadership. Sierra Leone has achieved two wins in five matches, with captain Mustapha Bundu scoring first and Ibrahim Turay sealing the victory in stoppage time.

They currently sit third in the table with eight points, just five behind leaders Egypt. Egypt extended their lead at the top of Group A to 13 points after a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia, nearing their first World Cup appearance since 2018.

Mohamed Salah scored the opening goal and assisted for the second, while Trezeguet, despite good chances, couldn’t add to his tally. Egypt boasts the joint-highest goals scored in the qualifiers with 13 and has conceded only two, making them formidable opponents.

Elsewhere, Lassina Traoré scored a brace that helped the Stallions of Burkina Faso secure back-to-back World Cup qualifying victories, defeating Guinea-Bissau 2-1 at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro on Monday.

As a result, they closed the gap on Egypt to two points ahead of Sierra Leone’s matchday six encounter today.

Egypt extended their lead at the top of Group A to 13 points after a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia, nearing their first World Cup appearance since 2018.
Egypt extended their lead at the top of Group A to 13 points after a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia, nearing their first World Cup appearance since 2018.
Burkina Faso beat Guinea-Bissau to close gap on Egypt in World Cup qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkina Faso beat Guinea-Bissau to close gap on Egypt in World Cup qualifiers

Lassina Traoré scored a brace that helped the Stallions of Burkina Faso secure back-to-back World Cup qualifying victories, defeating Guinea-Bissau 2-1 at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro on Monday.

Burkina Faso was determined to overcome their opponents after their previous matchday five victory, which saw them thrash Djibouti 4-1. They knew that a win would help them close the gap on leaders Egypt in Group A.

An early goal from Lassina Traoré in the 6th minute was equalized by a long-range shot from Zidane Banjaqui in the 36th minute, bringing the score to 1-1 at halftime.

In the second half, after absorbing pressure from the hosts, Burkina Faso capitalized on a defensive mistake, and Traoré restored their lead in the 73rd minute, completing his brace.

The visitors held on to win for the second consecutive time, narrowing the gap two points behind Egypt, who will face Sierra Leone in Cairo on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Namibia and Equatorial Guinea played to a 1-1 draw in Johannesburg on Matchday 6 of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Namibia, coming off a narrow win over Malawi, aimed to keep pace with Group H leaders Tunisia. Equatorial Guinea, fresh from a 2-0 victory against São Tomé and Príncipe, struggled to find quality finishing in the first half, which ended goalless.

In the second half, Namibia took the lead in the 51st minute with a goal from Peter Shalulile, assisted by Deon Hotto’s free kick. Equatorial Guinea equalized just three minutes later with Saúl Coco’s goal from Esteban Orozco’s pass.

Both teams pushed for a winner, but the match ended in a draw. Namibia is second in Group H with 12 points, behind Tunisia, while Equatorial Guinea is fourth with seven points, needing to win their remaining matches to stay in contention.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang nets brace as Gabon go top of Group F
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang nets brace as Gabon go top of Group F

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice, helping Gabon win 2-1 against Kenya and reach the top of Group F. In another World Cup 2026 qualifying match, Eswatini and Mauritius ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw on Sunday.

Aubameyang gave Gabon an early lead in Nairobi. He scored a second goal from a penalty in the second half.

Kenya answered with a goal from Michael Olunga around the 60-minute mark, but Gabon held on to win and earn three important points.

This victory puts Gabon at the top of Group F with 15 points, ahead of Côte d’Ivoire, increasing their chances of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time.

Kenya now faces a tough road ahead, as this loss sets them back in the qualifying campaign.

In Group B, Eswatini and Mauritius played an exciting match with six goals. Thabo Mkhonto scored twice for Eswatini in the first 16 minutes.

Mauritius came back in the second half, with goals from Linsley Rose and Yven Aristide leveling the score just three minutes apart.

Eswatini seemed to secure the win when Mabuza scored in the 75th minute. However, Jean scored in stoppage time for Mauritius, earning them a draw.

Both Eswatini and Mauritius now sit near the bottom of Group B, with their chances of qualifying looking slim as the final rounds approach.