Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

TP Mazembe crowned Queens of African women’s club football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

TP Mazembe crowned Queens of African women’s club football

TP Mazembe ladies from the Democratic Republic of Congo have won the CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco 2024.

In the final match at Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi in El Jadida, TP Mazembe defeated the former champions and hosts AS FAR by a score of 1-0.

This victory is Mazembe’s first title in the tournament, erasing the disappointment of their early exit in 2022.

The deciding goal came from Marlene Kasaj, who scored on a penalty kick in the first 10 minutes. Mazembe defended their lead strongly throughout the match.

AS FAR pushed for an equalizer after falling behind, but TP Mazembe’s solid defence kept a clean sheet in the first half.

After halftime, TP Mazembe maintained their lead while AS FAR struggled to score.

Along with the Champions League trophy, TP Mazembe will receive $600,000, while AS FAR, as runners-up, will take home $400,000.

Maharlika FC midfielder John Kamara happy with his form
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Maharlika FC midfielder John Kamara happy with his form

Experience Sierra Leone International John Kamara has been pleased with his form this season since joining the Philippine’s top-tier side Maharlika.

Last season, Kamara was successful with United FC in the Philippines Football League organized by Liga Futbol Inc., where he made over 15 appearances.

Kamara, 35, the former Kaisar and Keşla FK, says he is enjoying his time helping his new club. “Although we suffered a 1-0 defeat to DH Cebu FC on Saturday, I believe it was a commendable effort considering we were away from home. This league is highly competitive, and I’m really enjoying the challenge it presents.

Joining a new club can always be tough, but I have confidence in my abilities. And I’m committed to working hard. I aim to demonstrate my determination and energy on the field.”

Kamara has played in Lebanon and Greece for clubs including Tadamon Sour, Apollon Smyrni, and Lamia. On January 8, 2019, Kamara joined Keşla FK, a club in the Azerbaijan Premier League. On June 25, 2020, he signed a new contract with Keşla for the 2020–21 season.

On December 27, 2021, Kamara left Keşla by mutual consent. In January 2023, he signed with the Greek team Egaleo. In March 2024, Kamara joined United City, a club in the Philippines Football League.

Steven Caulker steps down as Sierra Leone captain
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Steven Caulker steps down as Sierra Leone captain

The former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Caulker, who made his competitive debut for the Leone Stars at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, has stepped down as captain as he thanked fans for their support.

Caulker, 32, who was appointed as skipper in March 2022, departed Sierra Leone ahead of the Zambia Matchday six tie following talks of controversy. However, the Sierra Leone Football Association said he was called home due to urgent personal matters that required his immediate attention.

He missed Sierra Leone’s 2-0 defeat in their final game against the Chipolopolo of Zambia of the 2025 AFCON Qualification campaign.

“The time has come for me to step down as captain of the Leone Stars,” Caulker noted to the medium. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to achieve my goal of qualifying us for AFCON, and it is with great sadness that I must accept this,” He explained. “I have given my all, three hard years battling against a very broken system. At times, we saw progress, but during this last campaign, it became evident that we have, in fact, taken five steps backwards.

I have donated my appearance fees from the 2024 AFCON campaign to ‘The Sick Pikin Baby Project’. I do not want to take money that we don’t deserve.

This is a fantastic charity doing amazing work and I know that several children will benefit from the donation. Sierra Leone has an enormous amount of talent, and it is vitally important that we get the right people in charge, people who know how to bring out the best in the players on the pitch.

Caulker is thankful for the opportunity

I would like to thank Coach John Keister and SLFA President Thomas Daddy Brima for giving me the opportunity in 2021. I also want to thank my fellow players and the dedicated staff members who gave their all along the way.

Last but not least, I want to thank the fans. Your support has meant so much to me, and I am incredibly proud to have represented my grandad’s homeland. You welcomed me from day one, and for that, I will be forever grateful. Greater days are coming, keep the faith.”

In October 2021, Caulker announced he was waiting for FIFA’s approval to switch from England to Sierra Leone. He played in a friendly match against a Moroccan team, which Sierra Leone lost 2–1.

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

Caulker made one international appearance for England, his birth country, in a 4-2 loss to Sweden in November 2012, but he switched allegiances to Sierra Leone last year.

Sullay-KaiKai please to lead Sierra Leone despite defeat to Zambia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sullay KaiKai proud to lead Sierra Leone despite defeat to Zambia

Cambridge United winger Sullay Kaikaki has expressed his satisfaction as skipper of the Sierra Leone National team match day six African Cup of Nations qualifier against Zambia in the Liberia Capital.

Kaikai was named captain in the absence of Steven Caulker as the Leone Stars suffered a 2-0 defeat ending the AFCON campaign in defeat but Sullay Kaikai was thankful for the chance to lead the nation.

Sierra Leone suffered its third defeat, a 2-0 loss to Zambia in the last match of the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. During the campaign, Sierra Leone conceded ten goals and scored five in their six qualifying matches.

“I am extremely proud and honoured to lead the team out for our last auction qualifier. Although we fell short, we know there’s still a lot more to come from us.

Thank you to all Sierra Leoneans that supported us throughout the good and difficult times. We feel your pain and are very committed to learning from our experiences and using them to help us achieve.”

Salford City midfielder Tyrese Fornah noted, “We gave our all and it wasn’t to be for AFCON 2025, but we will be back better and stronger as a nation for March 2026 World Cup qualifiers.”

“I’m always proud to wear these national colours. Thank you for your support and together we will achieve much more. Was really a disappointing campaign, we felt your pain and frustration back home. We promise to put a smile on your faces, we are so sorry. This is our motherland, Sierra Leone,” Netherland-based midfielder Ibrahim Sillah.

Senegal ease past Burundi in final AFCON Group L qualify
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal ease past Burundi in final AFCON Group L qualifying tie

On Tuesday, Senegal concluded their CAF AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign with an impressive 2-0 victory over Burundi at the Diamniadio Stadium.

The highlight was 20-year-old Habib Diarra, who scored both goals to help Senegal finish at the top of Group L with 16 points from six matches.

The Tarenga Lions dominated early, controlling over 70% of possession but struggled to convert that into goals until the 35th minute when Diarra, assisted by Iliman Ndiaye, skillfully chipped the ball over Burundian goalkeeper Jonathan Nahimana. Diarra doubled the lead early in the second half with another well-placed chip, assisted by Cheick Sabaly.

Sadio Mané had several chances, including a powerful header saved by Nahimana, but the score remained unchanged. Burundi, finishing third in the group, could not match Senegal’s intensity. Senegal’s unbeaten run strengthens its status as one of Africa’s top teams ahead of AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

In another Group L match, Malawi delivered a stunning performance to defeat Burkina Faso 3-0 at the Bingu National Stadium. Despite the win, Malawi finished bottom of the group due to an inferior goal difference.

Gabadinho Mhango opened the scoring with a long-range strike, followed by goals from Richard Mbulu and Lloyd Aaron.

Burkina Faso, having already secured qualification, struggled throughout the match, finishing second in the group with 10 points.

Zambia worsens Sierra Leone woes to end qualifying campaign on high
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zambia worsen Sierra Leone’s misery to wrap up qualifying campaign on high

Sierra Leone suffered its third defeat, a 2-0 loss to Zambia in the last match of the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.During the campaign, Sierra Leone conceded ten goals and scored five in their six qualifying matches.

With goals from Kennedy Musonda and Emmanuel Banda at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia, the visitors enjoyed a resounding victory.

The victory means, Zambia topped Group G with 13 points, finishing one point ahead of the African champions, Côte d’Ivoire.

The Leone Stars have once again failed to secure a place in the continent’s most prestigious football tournament, missing the opportunity since their appearance in the 2021 finals in Cameroon.

This outcome has left many soccer enthusiasts disheartened, as they feel that the financial support provided by the government should have empowered Sierra Leone to compete against the top teams across Africa.

Fans had hoped to see their national team rise to the challenge and make a mark on the international stage, but the disappointment lingers as they reflect on what could have been.

Meanwhile, several nations qualified with good performances. Nigeria, Tunisia, and South Africa also secured their places, bringing in some of Africa’s most famous teams.

Some nations made a comeback, including DR Congo, Angola, and Gabon. Botswana returns to the tournament after many years, showing the growing competitiveness of African football. Sudan and Benin qualified on the last day of matches.

Last week, Zambia, Mali, Zimbabwe, and Comoros secured their spots, creating a balanced mix of established and new teams.

Equatorial Guinea and Uganda, known for their strong past performances, will join the tournament in Morocco.

This will be Botswana’s first appearance in 12 years, while Tanzania and Mozambique have fought hard to qualify.

The qualification rounds show that the level of football in Africa is rising. Now that all 24 slots are filled, excitement is growing for what will be a memorable tournament.

Group G Match Day Six Results

Ivory Coast 4-0 Chad

Sierra Leone 0-2 Zambia

The 24 nations competing in the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have been confirmed. The tournament will kick off in December next year in Morocco, the host nation.
The 24 nations competing in the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have been confirmed. The tournament will kick off in December next year in Morocco, the host nation.
Tanzania stun Guinea to reach AFCON 2025 in Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tanzania stun Guinea to reach AFCON 2025 in Morocco

Simon Msuva scored a key header in the second half, giving Tanzania a 1-0 victory over Guinea at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium on Tuesday. This win qualified the Taifa Stars for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.

Tanzania finished second in Group H with 10 points, making it impossible for Guinea and Ethiopia to catch up.

Msuva’s goal in the 61st minute came from a cross by Mudathir Yahya, exciting the home fans and bringing Tanzania closer to their fourth AFCON appearance. This was Msuva’s third goal of the qualifying campaign.

Although Guinea pressed for an equalizer, they could not break through Tanzania’s strong defence. Their best chance came when Mady Camara hit the crossbar, but they failed to score.

With this loss, Guinea ended their hopes of qualifying with nine points in third place. Tanzania’s victory secured their spot in their second consecutive AFCON and their fourth overall.

Group H Standings (Finalized for Tanzania):

  1. DR Congo – 12 points (5 matches played)
  2. Tanzania – 10 points (6 matches played, qualified)
  3. Guinea – 9 points (6 matches played)
  4. Ethiopia – 1 point (5 matches played)
Ghana’s head coach Otto Addo's response to critics
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana’s head coach Otto Addo’s response to critics

Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, has addressed the recent criticism following the Black Stars’ elimination from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification race. He emphasized the importance of shifting focus toward the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Black Stars’ aspirations to participate in the AFCON tournament in Morocco next year were hindered by a 1-1 draw against Angola last Friday.

The team has experienced a challenging qualification process, failing to secure a victory in their five matches, which has placed them in fourth position in Group F with three points, comprising three draws and two losses.

This marks the first time Ghana will miss the AFCON since 2004, leading to considerable scrutiny of Coach Addo’s performance and calls for his dismissal.

In response to the feedback, Addo remarked, “I have trained under esteemed coaches such as Sammer and Klopp, and served as an assistant to Edin Terzic at Dortmund. Their insights are valuable, and I recognize that I will be evaluated based on my results, which have not met expectations.”

Coach Addo acknowledged the disappointment felt by fans and stakeholders but stressed the need to move forward and prepare for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Coach Karim urges players to record positive results against Copper Bullets of Zambia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Coach Karim urges players to end AFCON campaign on high against Zambia

Despite the disappointment of not qualifying for the upcoming African Cup of Nations in Morocco, Sierra Leone coach Amidu Karim has urged his team to finish their AFCON qualifying campaign on a positive note as they face Zambia in their final Group G match on Tuesday.

Sierra Leone and Zambia will play their final match in the Liberian capital. This match will not affect their standings because Avram Grants side along with Ivory Coast, have already secured their advancement.

Karim’s team could not secure qualification after the Leone Stars’ 1-1 draw against Chad and Zambia’s victory over Ivory Coast. Their hopes of reaching Morocco in 2025 were dashed.

However, the coach is determined to achieve a positive ending, stating, “We are disappointed as technical staff and as a head coach for not making it to Morocco this time. Nonetheless, we want to assure our people and fans that we will fight and give our best against a difficult Zambia side.

“Just because we have been eliminated does not mean we cannot give our all for the people of Sierra Leone. We need to finish the group strongly, which means securing a positive result against Zambia.”

Sierra Leone will be without skipper Steven Caulker, and Kei Kamara and a couple of injured players might force the coach to make a few changes to his starting eleven.

Read related News – Zambia edges Sierra Leone in Group G AFCON qualifier.

Meanwhile, with only a few matches remain in the qualifiers for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025. So far, 21 teams have secured their spots for the tournament, which will take place in Morocco.

Salt to injury as Kei Kamara departed Sierra Leone camp
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Salt to injury as Kei Kamara departs Sierra Leone camp

Striker Kei Kamara, who told the BBC that he was inspired by Roger Milla for his return to international football at age 40, has left the Sierra Leone national team camp in Liberia. As a result, he will not be available for Tuesday’s game against Zambia.

Sierra Leone and Major League Soccer (MLS) Kei Kamara re-joined Leone Stars two years and seven months after he announced his retirement.

Kamara’s decision to return to international football at the age of 40 was inspired by Cameroon legend Roger Milla in a bid to help Sierra Leone reach their fourth AFCON.

He was aiming to help Sierra Leone qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), and he started but was substituted in the 76th minutes in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Chad.

“There’s only one person I think about when I decided to come do this thing all over again, being part of the national team at this age, and that’s Roger Milla,” Kamara told the BBC World Service.

“Roger Milla was doing it, came back out, played at the World Cup at 42. The World Cup is only two years ago away, so why not?”

His MLS club, Los Angeles, will play Seattle Sounders on November 24th in the MLS Conference semifinals, and his services have been requested as Sierra Leone lost all hopes of reaching Morocco 2025.

On Saturday, the SLFA announced that captain Steven Caulker departed the team’s camp in Monrovia, Liberia, to return home due to urgent personal matters requiring immediate attention.

However, Sierra Leone and Zambia’s final match on Tuesday holds no impact on their standings, as they have already secured their place in Morocco 2025 AFCON.