Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Steven Caulker - "Fail to prepare, prepare to fail"
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Steven Caulker on defeat to Ivory Coast – “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail”

Sierra Leone team captain Steven Caulker has admitted that team spirit alone is not enough to win top football matches as they lack organisation.

The West Africa side still searching for a win in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers and they’re currently at the bottom of the group after suffering a 4-1 defeat to the African Champions on Friday at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro.

“Team spirit alone will not win matches. The team put up a good fight but fell short in the crucial moments. We need to do better if we’re going to get a result on Tuesday. As players, we take ultimate responsibility for the performance and the result,” Steven Caulker explained.

On Players Responsibilities

It’s important to note that we are not receiving the support we need. The decisions made by those in power are ultimately impacting us on the field.

On Organisation and Planning

Right now, we lack organization. If we fail to prepare, we prepare to fail. However, we still have a chance to qualify, and we will give our all in the next three games to make it happen.

On the Critics – Caulker pointed out…

As for those who are criticizing us, the only one who has performed well in the game is Kallon. The rest should refrain from making comments, as I don’t recall them making significant contributions on or off the pitch for the Leone Stars.

If we are to progress as a top footballing nation in Africa, we need to reset everything after this campaign and start anew. We have the talent, and the government has provided financial support. There is no excuse for us not to succeed.

Coach Amidu Karim’s team must avoid another defeat when they welcome Ivory Coast for the second leg of the doubleheader on October 15 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia.

Cameroon's Lions and the Pharaoh of Egypt continue dominance
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cameroon’s Lions and Egypt continue dominance in qualifiers

The Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions won 4-1 against Kenya and took the top spot in Group J. They are now two points ahead of Zimbabwe, who beat Namibia on Thursday.

Veteran goal scorer Vincent Aboubakar opened the scoring with a penalty in the 8th minute. Martin Hongla, Byan Mbeumo, and Christian Bassogog also scored.

In Group C – In Cairo, the Pharaohs continued to lead Group C with a 2-0 win over Mauritania, with goals from Trézéguet and Mohamed Salah.

In Uyo, the Super Eagles won late against Libya, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scoring the winning goal. As a result, Nigeria went top of Group D, one point ahead of Benin, who won 3-0 against Rwanda.

Group K -The Ugandan Cranes won 1-0 against South Sudan, putting them in a good position to battle for the top spot with South Africa, who played against Congo.

In Group A – The Gambia secured a crucial away point with a 1-1 draw against Madagascar, keeping them close to Group A leaders Tunisia, who have four points ahead of their match against Comoros.

Ivory Coast cruise past Sierra Leone in Group qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivory Coast cruise past Sierra Leone in Group G qualifier

Sierra Leone started poorly in Friday’s Group G qualifier against the African Champions, Ivory Coast, suffering a 4-1 defeat that further dented their qualification chances.

Nicolas Pepe scored for the home side in the 3rd minute at the Laurent Pokou Stadium. The Ivorians had a chance to double their lead when the South African referee awarded them a penalty, but the skipper Franck Kessié missed the spot-kick, hitting the crossbar in the 37th minute.

Sierra Leone found a way to get back into the game after head coach Amidu Karim made two changes, bringing on Hindolo Mustapha and Mustapha Bundu.

Against the run of play, Hindolo Mustapha set up Alhassan Koroma in the 43rd minute to draw parity for the visitors, and the first half ended 1-1.

In the second half, the home side intensified the pressure, and the skipper scored with a clever header from Kessie in the 51st minute  

After a challenging moment in the game, Sierra Leone’s goalkeeper, Mohamed Kamara, rushed out, missed a loose ball, and fouled the player with a harsh tackle, resulting in another penalty for the Ivorian attacker in the match. Franck Kessié scored a well-taken penalty, marking his second goal of the evening and bringing the score to 3-1.

The Ivorians further extended their lead when Oumar Diakite scored from the spot in the 87th minute. This marked the third penalty of the evening, as Sierra Leone made another defensive mistake. The Ivorians maintained their composure and held on to their lead.

As a result, they maintain their 100 per cent record with three wins out of three, standing on nine points in the group.

Coach Amidu Karim’s team must avoid another defeat when they welcome Ivory Coast for the second leg of the doubleheader on October 15 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia.

Bakayoko, Issa Kallon start against Ivory Coast
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bakayoko, Issa Kallon start against Ivory Coast

Striker Amadou Bakayoko and Issa Kallon from China are set to play against Ivory Coast. Kallon last played in Turkey in 2022, and midfielder Fornah from Salford City FC is back after receiving a red card against Egypt.

Bakayoko missed matches against Chad and Zambia but hopes to continue his good form for the national team. Sierra Leone will face Ivory Coast in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations Qualification match at the Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro.

Coach Amidu Karim’s team is aiming for their first win on the road to Morocco 2025. A win for Ivory Coast could hurt Sierra Leone’s chances.

Also, a debut for U20 right-back Nathanial Jalloh was part of the Sierra Leone team that reached the U20 AFCON for the next year.

Ivory Coast defeated the Leone Stars 5-1 in a friendly match in January 2024. The Leone Stars haven’t won against Ivory Coast in their last eight competitive matches.

Ivory Coast has a 70% win rate in their last ten outings. In Group G, Ivory Coast has secured two wins and is preparing to face winless Sierra Leone.

Group G Fixtures: 

Zambia 0-0 Chad

Cote d’Ivoire vs Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone first team for Ivory Coast crucial tie
Equatorial Guinea edge Liberia to go second in Group E
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Equatorial Guinea edge Liberia to go second in Group E

On Friday, Equatorial Guinea secured a 1-0 victory over Liberia in their CAF Africa Cup of Nations Group E qualifier, courtesy of a first-half penalty by Iban Salvador at the Nuevo Estadio de Malabo. (LFA photo) 

The forward confidently converted from the penalty spot in the 34th minute after Sampson Dweh fouled Salvador inside the box.

With this result, Equatorial Guinea confidently moves into second place in the group with four points from three matches, while Liberia remains at the bottom with just one point from their three outings.

Algeria confidently leads the group with a perfect nine points after three matches, and Togo is confidently third with two points.

Despite Liberia confidently pushing for an equalizer in the second half, they were unable to break down the Equatorial Guinean defense.

Several confident substitutions from both teams couldn’t alter the outcome, with Equatorial Guinea confidently holding on for the vital three points.

Group leaders, Algeria extended their Group E lead with a 5-1 victory over Togo in a TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 qualifier. This puts them seven points ahead of Togo, who have two points from three matches.

Zambia's Copper Bullet misfire against Chad at home
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zambia held by Chad in Afcon Qualifier at home

Zambia was unable to defeat Chad in the third match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Friday.

Currently, Zambia is in 2nd place in Group G with four points. However, the team’s performance left a bitter taste for Chipolopolo’s fans, who were hoping for a back-to-back win for the first time in the group.

In a recap of the match, Zambia and Chad played to a 0-0 draw at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. Despite dominating possession, Chipolopolo failed to score against a resilient Chad side, which was content to absorb pressure and counterattack when possible.

Zambia is currently in second place in the group with four points from three matches. Cote d’Ivoire is leading with six points and a game in hand. Chad is in third place with two points, and Sierra Leone is at the bottom with one point.

Zambia almost scored when Francisco Mwepu hit the post in the 84th minute, but Chad’s defense held firm to secure a valuable point away from home.

Zambia's Coppa Bullets eye back-to-back win in race to Morocco AFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zambia’s Copper Bullets eye second win in race to Morocco AFCON

Zambia won their last Africa Cup of Nations qualifier 3-2 against Sierra Leone, despite a shaky start. They are currently 2nd in Group G with 3 points, having won one game and lost one.

Avram Grants’ Copper Bullets will aim to boost their chances of qualifying by defeating Chad.

In their last six matches across all competitions, Zambia has won once, drawn, and lost four times. They have struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last 15 games.

Chad suffered a 0-2 loss against Ivory Coast in their most recent qualifier and currently sits 4th in Group G with just 1 point from two games. They have struggled both offensively and defensively, failing to win any of their last four matches.

In their last six matches, Chad has managed 2 draws and 4 losses, scoring only 2 goals and conceding 8. They will need to significantly improve to challenge Zambia in their upcoming match.

Predicted Starting Lineups

Zambia: Mulenga, Chapeshi, Sunzu, Chongo, (c) Musonda, Chaiwa, Banda, Kangwa, Chisala, Chama, Musonda

Chad: Gabin, Mbogo, Nounchil, Abdaraman, Tchouplaou, Osee, Allarabaye, Yeo, Damba, Hiver, (c) Mouandilmadji

The Copper Bullets are looking for their second win in a row (Photo: ZFA)
The Copper Bullets are looking for their second win in a row (Photo: ZFA)
Youngster David Kamara makes Peterborough's debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Youngster David Kamara makes Peterborough’s debut

Sierra Leone’s David Kamara, 19, debuted for Peterborough as they defeated Stevenage 2-0 on Tuesday.

David, a versatile striker, joined the club from Welling United at the end of the 2023-2024 season. He has shown potential for improvement and good movement between the posts.

Malik Mothersille and J. Sparkes scored for Peterborough in their Football League Trophy tie. As a result, they are at the top of Group L with six points, ahead of Crystal Palace, Stevenage, and Gillingham.

Recap Happenings

Statistical highlights include Malik Mothersille’s 11th-minute header and a fine finish from Jack Sparkes, his first goal for the club, in the 43rd minute.

Malik Mothersille’s 11th-minute header and Jack Sparkes’ first goal for the club in 43 minutes were the standout moments.

Jack Sparkes delivered his best performance for Posh, and Emmanuel Fernandez showed continued improvement.

Nicholas Bilokapic provided solid goalkeeping, and teenagers Tyler Young and David Kamara made their first-team debuts as second-half substitutes, all positive developments.

There was a 38-minute rain delay in the second half, frustrating Posh, who were leading 2-0. After the game resumed, the competition holders secured a 2-0 win in the EFL Trophy.

It was a great performance by Sparkes, with continued improvement from Fernandez, solid goalkeeping from Bilokapic, and promising debuts from Young and Kamara as substitutes.

Zimbabwe go top of Group J after win over Namibia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zimbabwe go top of Group J after win over Namibia

Zimbabwe has taken the lead in Group J  of the African Cup of Nations qualifiers for Morocco next year on five points after securing a 1-0 victory over Namibia.

The match took place at the Orlando Stadium on Thursday afternoon. Zimbabwe scored the winning goal through Khama Billiat in the 34th minute from the penalty spot.

This victory places Namibia at the bottom of the group after losing their first two matches against Cameroon and Kenya.

Zimbabwe currently holds the top position in Group J until the outcome of the match between Kenya and Cameroon, which will take place at the Japoma Stadium in Douala on Friday.

Both Zimbabwe and Namibia will face each other again in a few days in South Africa on neutral ground.

This upcoming match is expected to be closely contested due to the rivalry between the two nations. Namibia must win at least to revive their qualification hopes.

Sierra Leone face African Champions to raise Afcon hopes
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone face African Champions to raise Afcon hopes

On October 11, 2024, Sierra Leone is scheduled to confront the reigning African Champions, Ivory Coast, in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations Qualification match. The highly anticipated game will take place at the Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro, with the kickoff set for 19:00 GMT.

Coach Amidu Karim’s team is seeking their first victory in the journey to Morocco 2025. A win for Ivory Coast could potentially harm the Leone Stars’ chances.

The Leone Stars have never won against Ivory Coast in their last eight competitive matches. On January 6, 2024, Ivory Coast defeated a predominantly home-based Leone Stars 5-1 in a friendly match before the 2023 AFCON tournament, which they won on home soil.

The Ivorians has been on fire, winning seven games, drawing three, and not losing a single match in their last ten outings, boasting an impressive 70% win rate.

Meanwhile, Sierra Leone’s journey has been filled with ups and downs, with a notable victory against Djibouti in the World Cup qualifiers, along with some hard-fought draws and challenging defeats to Egypt and Zambia in various competitions.

Group G wrap-up

The team from Côte d’Ivoire has shown its strength in Group G by securing two wins, and they are now gearing up for a match against Sierra Leone, who are still in search of their first win.

Meanwhile, Zambia is in hot pursuit and will face Chad, eager to cement their position in the group standings.

This matchday provides a pivotal opportunity for the lower-ranked teams to make their mark and keep their dreams of qualifying alive.

Group G Fixtures: 

Cote d’Ivoire vs Sierra Leone

Zambia vs Chad

Check out Sierra Leone’s recent results:

World Cup Qualifiers:

– Ethiopia 0-0 Sierra Leone (WCQ Nov 15th 2023)

– Sierra Leone 0-2 Egypt (WCQ Nov 19th 2023)

– Sierra Leone 2-1 Djibouti (WCQ June 5th 2024)

– Burkina Faso 2-2 Sierra Leone (WCQ June 10th 2024)

AFCON Qualifiers:

– Sierra Leone 0-0 Chad (Sept 6th 2024)

– Zambia 3-2 Sierra Leone (Sept 10th 2024)

On January 6, 2024, Ivory Coast defeated a predominantly home-based Leone Stars 5-1 in a friendly match before the 2023 AFCON tournament, which they won on home soil
On January 6, 2024, Ivory Coast defeated a predominantly home-based Leone Stars 5-1 in a friendly match before the 2023 AFCON tournament, which they won on home soil