Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Victor Osimhen named to Nigeria's squad for Benin and Rwanda
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Victor Osimhen named in Nigeria’s squad for Benin and Rwanda

Galatasaray’s striker Victor Osimhen has been named to the Nigeria national team after missing last month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Libya.

The striker, who is on loan from Napoli is fully healed from the injury that kept him out and is part of the 23-man squad to play against Benin and Rwanda.

The Super Eagles will face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Stade Felix-Houphouet-Boigny on November 14. They will then return home to Uyo for the final qualifying match against Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on November 18.

Having awarded three points and three goals against Libya, a win or draw against the Benin Republic in Abidjan on November 14 will secure Nigeria a spot in the finals, set for December 2025 to January 2026 in Morocco.

Ademola Lookman, who was nominated for the Ballon d’Or, is also on the squad. He is a strong contender to follow Osimhen in winning the CAF Men’s African Player of the Year award.

While Osimhen’s return is good news, defender Semi Ajayi will not play because he is out for four months with a serious muscle injury that requires surgery. West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan confirmed this. Gabriel Osho, a defender from Auxerre, will take his place.

Osho, who was first called up in March but missed the squad due to injury, was born in Reading.

Real Sociedad’s Sadiq Umar is also returning to the national team. He improved his form this season after recovering from an ACL injury.

https://twitter.com/bittar32/status/1854481655613759684

Patson Daka left out of Grant's Zambia side for Ivory Coast
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Patson Daka left out of Grant’s Zambia side for Ivory Coast & Sierra Leone

Zambia’s head coach, Avram Grant, has announced a list of 24 players for the AFCON qualifier against Ivory Coast on November 15 and Sierra Leone. However, key striker Leicester City’s Patson Daka is absent once again.

Leicester City forward Patson Daka is not available even though he has returned to training with his team. He injured himself during Leicester’s final preseason match and has been out since.

Lameck Banda, a winger from Serie A, returns to the squad after missing the last two qualifiers against Chad. He will lead the attack at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, along with Kennedy Musonda and Kelvin Mubanga Kampamba.

Midfielder Miguel Chaiwa is also unavailable. He is expected to be out for several months after injuring his ankle in a recent match against Chad.

Three other players—Edward Chilufya, Lubambo Musonda, and Fashion Sakala—are also injured and will miss the match. Young player Kingston Mutandwa is out due to injury and is not in the squad.

The team will start training on Monday in Ndola. They will play Ivory Coast on November 15 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, starting at 18:00. Four days later, they will finish their qualification campaign against Sierra Leone.

Zambia is currently in second place in the group with seven points, two points behind Ivory Coast, who leads with nine points. Sierra Leone is third with four points, and Chad is last with two points.

Zambia's head coach, Avram Grant, has announced a list of 24 players for the AFCON qualifier against Ivory Coast on November 15 and Sierra Leone.
Zambia's head coach, Avram Grant, has announced a list of 24 players for the AFCON qualifier against Ivory Coast on November 15 and Sierra Leone.
Trevoh Chalobah scores first Crystal Palace goal against Wolves
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Trevoh Chalobah scores first Crystal Palace goal against Wolves

Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers played a 2-2 draw at Molineux. Trevoh Chalobah, on loan from Chelsea, scored his first goal for Crystal Palace in the 60th minute.

After a dull first half with few chances, the game picked up when Trevoh Chalobah scored in the 60th minute. He took advantage of a mistake by the Wolves’ defence with a low strike.

Jorgen Strand Larsen equalized by pushing the ball through Dean Henderson’s legs. Joao Gomes then scored again for Wolves, finishing well from a low cross by Goncalo Gomes.

Marc Guéhi tied the game for Palace when he tapped in a corner kick from the back post.

In the 96th minute, Jean-Philippe Mateta thought he had scored the winning goal with a loose ball. However, the referee disallowed it because of a foul on Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa during the play.

Michael Essien Completes Uefa Licence in Football Management
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Michael Essien Completes Uefa Licence in Football Management

Ghanaian football legend Michael Essien has completed a UEFA Certificate in Football Management and has received his certificate.

He is now working as an assistant manager at FC Nordsjaelland, a Danish club. Essien had a great playing career, especially at Chelsea, and he wants to succeed as a manager.

Essien shared his achievement on Twitter: “Finally done with my UEFA certificate in football management journey. Thanks to all for the help. I keep learning about the beautiful game.”

The former football star, known for playing at Chelsea and Real Madrid, has earned a football management certificate while pursuing coaching qualifications.

Essien is now a talent coach for FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark’s top league, where he helps young players with his experience and knowledge.

Air Defense Stadium to host Egypt and Botswana AFCON qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Air Defense Stadium to host Egypt and Botswana AFCON qualifier

Egypt’s national football team will face Botswana at the Air Defense Stadium due to winter maintenance at the Cairo International Stadium, which includes pitch re-seeding.

The match against Botswana is set for November 19 and will be the last game in the sixth round of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Egypt has already qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, winning four matches in a row and earning 12 points.

In November, Egypt will also face Cape Verde between the 11th and 19th. These matches will allow head coach Hossam Hassan to test new players and refresh the team lineup.

Hassan aims to explore new player options, stating, “We want to test several new faces.” With qualification secured, his staff sees this as a chance to evaluate talents for the 2025 tournament.

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is likely to miss the training camp, providing opportunities for other forwards to contribute and helping the coaching staff strengthen the attack.

Using the Air Defense Stadium as a backup venue underscores the federation’s commitment to preparing the national team for future challenges.

Mali book WAFU U17 AFCON qualifier semi-final spot
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali and Senegal book WAFU U17 AFCON qualifier semi-final spot

Mali has confidently secured its place in the semi-finals, while Sierra Leone has successfully regained its momentum at the end of the second day of the UFOA A U17 Tournament in Group B, held on Saturday, October 26, at the Lat Dior Stadium in Thiès.

From Group A, host Senegal became the first team to reach the semi-finals after back-to-back victories over Liberia and the Gambia on Tuesday and Friday, respectively.

In their second tie, Sierra Leone defeated Mauritania with a 1-0 victory. Captain Alie Kabia, who was named Man of the Match, netted the winning goal in stoppage time of the first half (45+2 minutes).

In the day’s second match, the Malian Eaglets showcased their prowess by overcoming Guinea Bissau’s Djurtus with a late goal. Ibrahim Diakité brought on just minutes earlier, received a brilliant pass from Seydou Dembélé at the edge of the penalty area and scored the decisive goal with a stunning shot from outside.

With two victories in two matches, Mali has emphatically validated its advancement to the semi-finals. Seydou Dembélé has also claimed the title of Man of the Match for the second consecutive time in the clash between Guinea Bissau and Mali.

The third and final day of Group B will take place on Tuesday, October 29, starting at 4 p.m. Mali will face Mauritania at the Lat Dior Stadium, while Guinea Bissau will take on Sierra Leone at the Annex of the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio.

Mali currently sits at the top of the standings with 6 points and a goal difference of +2. Sierra Leone holds second place with 3 points, and Guinea Bissau and Mauritania are tied for third, each with 1 point.

CAF Green light the Gambia to host International football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Green light Gambia to host International football

Gambia’s Independence Stadium will host international matches again after receiving approval from the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF).

The last home match was on March 25, 2021, when Gambia won 1-0 against Angola. Following that game, CAF banned the stadium and 22 others in Africa from hosting international matches in February 2022.

The return of international games is a significant milestone for Gambia’s football fans. The Gambia national football team will play against the Comoros Islands in their fifth qualifying match for the 2025 Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations on November 15, 2024, at the Independence Stadium.

The Scorpions, Gambia’s national football team, are currently in 3rd place in Group A, with 5 points from four games.

Bakary Y. Badjie, the Minister of Youth and Sports, announced that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has cleared the Independence Stadium in Bakau to host international matches again. The stadium will be the venue for The Gambia’s upcoming match against Comoros on November 15.

“This decision follows our submission of photos and a report from the CAF License Officer last week,” Badjie said enthusiastically. “We are thrilled to bring our home games back to this important venue.” He also thanked the public for their patience during the two-year renovation.

The last home match was on March 25, 2021, when Gambia won 1-0 against Angola. Following that game, CAF banned the stadium and 22 others in Africa from hosting international matches in February 2022. The return of international games is a significant milestone for Gambia’s football fans.

Sierra Leone's Emmanuel Samadia has named to the USL Week 33 Championship Team
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Emmanuel Samadia named to the USL Week 33 Championship Team

Emmanuel Samadia has been named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 33. This marks Samadia’s fourth selection this season, while Barrera has earned his second selection after being named Player of the Week last week.

In Hartford’s 2-1 win over Tulsa, Samadia stood out as one of the team’s most effective players. He created four chances in his first match back from national team duty with Sierra Leone.

Samadia received the ball frequently along the left flank, recording a team-high 88 touches and making eight crosses. One of his perfect crosses to Marlon Hairston early in the second half was unfortunately missed.

His earlier cross deflected to Hairston, leading to Kyle Edwards’ game-winning goal. Samadia demonstrated impressive dribbling skills by getting past two defenders before delivering that assist.

Barrera was also vital, creating six chances and assisting on Edwards’ goal with a key touch in the box.

At 34 years old, he has energized the team late in the season, scoring two goals and providing two assists in critical matches for Hartford’s playoff hopes.

Hartford Athletic will play the Tampa Bay Rowdies tomorrow at 7:30 PM, and a watch party will be held at Thomas Hooker Brewery in Hartford, featuring special drink offers for fans. RSVPs are available here.

Ex-AC Milan midfielder Rodney Strasser feels honored to attend CAF 46 General Assembly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-AC Milan midfielder Rodney Strasser honoured to attend CAF meeting

Former AC Milan player and ex-Sierra Leone international Rodney Strasser attended the 46th CAF Ordinary General Assembly on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This meeting brought together leaders and delegates from African Member Associations.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba led the discussions, which started at 10:00 AM local time (07:00 AM GMT) at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel.

Strasser spoke about his experience: “I am honoured to be part of the CAF 46th Ordinary General Assembly in Addis Ababa, joining colleagues from across the continent.

We are here to discuss the future of the game, making sure it stays beautiful, entertaining, educational, and empowering. Our goal is to bridge the gap among member states and promote unity through football.”

This year’s assembly is important for African football, with delegates from member associations, zonal unions, and global football figures present. The assembly represents Ethiopia’s second time hosting the CAF Congress, following the previous event in 2017.

WAFU A makes U-Turn as Sierra Leone U 17 reinstated after medical retest
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

WAFU makes U-Turn as Sierra Leone U17 reinstated after medical retest

Sierra Leone has been cleared to participate in this year’s Under-17 WAFU AFCON qualifiers in Senegal after a successful appeal re-qualified both Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau.

The youth tournament leading to the U17 AFCON begins today, with host nation Senegal facing Liberia at 16:00 at the Lat Dior de Thies stadium. The complete fixtures will be announced again by the WAFU media department in due course.

On Sunday, WAFU announced that Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, and Guinea would not take part in the tournament due to age cheating, according to the new rule outlined in Article 27.4 of the Under-17 African Cup of Nations regulations.

However, on Monday evening, the West African Football Union and the CAF Medical team reversed their decision after a satisfactory medical test confirmed Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau’s eligibility to compete in this year’s U17 AFCON qualifiers.

The new rule states in Article 27.4: “If, after carrying out the eligibility test (IRM) for a participating team, one or more of its players are deemed ineligible, the participating team will be disqualified.”

Sierra Leone has been requalified to participate, having met the necessary criteria after two of the five players in question were cleared. Additionally, Guinea-Bissau has been reinstated and will compete in the WAFU U17 tournament in Senegal.

Africa and Age Cheating

Guinea has a history of age cheating. In 2019, they were disqualified from the Under-17 World Cup in Brazil due to age violations at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, which served as qualifiers.

Despite runners-up at the U-17 Nations Cup in Tanzania in April, Guinea believed they had secured a World Cup spot by reaching the semi-finals.

https://twitter.com/bittar32/status/1848493588134383895