Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ademola Lookman shines as Atlanta thrash Shakhtar Donetsk
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ademola Lookman shines as Atlanta thrash Shakhtar Donetsk

Nigerian international Ademola Lookman scored a goal and provided an assist to help Atalanta secure a 3-0 victory against Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen.

Lookman, who previously scored a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, once again showcased his talent in Europe by leading Atalanta to their first win of the 2024/25 Champions League campaign.

Atalanta opened the scoring midway through the first half when Berat Djimsiti capitalized on Lookman’s cross to score from close range.

Lookman then doubled their lead just before half-time by finding space in the box to convert Sead Kolasinac’s low delivery.

Shortly after the break, Raoul Bellanova extended Atalanta’s lead to three goals by heading in Davide Zappacosta’s cross.

This victory comes as a much-needed boost for Atalanta, who have struggled in Serie A this season with only two wins in their first six matches.

Avram Grants names Zambia squad for Chad's double header
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Avram Grant names Zambia squad for Chad’s doubleheader

Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant has announced his 26-man squad for the upcoming AFCON Qualifier matches against Chad.  Zambia will host Chad on 11th October at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium before travelling for the second leg four days later.

Fashion Sakala Jr, a forward from Saudi Arabia, has been left out once again due to a disagreement with the coach back in May. This happened when Sakala was not included in the back-to-back World Cup qualifiers.

On a positive note, defender Frankie Chisenga Musonda has returned after recovering from an injury that caused him to miss the game against Ivory Coast and the win over Sierra Leone.

In addition, NAPSA Stars striker Jimmy Mukeya, Green Buffaloes goalkeeper Francis Mwansa, and Spain-based Francisco Mwepu have all been called back.

In last month’s match day two, Zambia’s Chipolopolo secured their first victory in the African Cup of Nations Group G, defeating Sierra Leone 3-2 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

Grant’s side will look to strengthen their position in the table with wins over CHAD. Ivory Coast continues to lead on six points, with Zambia close behind at three points, Sierra Leone and Chad point apiece.

FIFA Disciplinary Committee Sanctions FECAFOOT boss Samuel Eto’o
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

FIFA Disciplinary Committee Sanctions FECAFOOT boss Samuel Eto’o

Cameroonian football icon Samuel Eto’o has been banned for six months by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA).

Eto’o, who is the president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), has been sanctioned for breaching two articles of FIFA’s disciplinary code. The ban is related to the 2024 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup last-16 match between Cameroon and Brazil on 11 September. Brazil won the game 3-1 after extra time.

The former FC Barcelona, Chelsea, and Inter Milan striker is now prohibited from attending any national team games due to misconduct, as stated in the FIFA statement.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed a six-month ban on Samuel Eto’o from attending matches of Cameroon’s representative teams for violations of articles 13 (Offensive behavior and violations of the principles of fair play) and 14 (Misconduct of players and officials) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

The ban prevents Mr. Eto’o from attending men’s and women’s matches involving FECAFOOT teams of all categories and age groups. Eto’o was notified on Monday and the ban comes into force immediately.

Sierra Leone's Augustine Williams nets hat trick in 13 minutes
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Augustine Williams nets hat-trick in 13 minutes

Sierra Leone International Augustine Williams, a forward for Indy Eleven, scored three goals in their triumph over Miami FC, helping his team win 4-0 at Carroll Stadium.

Williams’ hattrick came in the second half, within 13 minutes. This brought his total goals for the season to eight, ranking him second on the team behind Jack Blake.

Williams is now tied for sixth all-time in the USL Championship Top Ten list with 74 career goals with this performance.

He is just one goal behind his teammate Sebastian Guenzatti. Williams is the third player in the team’s history to achieve a hat trick, following Manuel Arteaga and Eamon Zayed.

This game also saw the team tie a franchise record by scoring four goals in one half. The game’s first goal was a penalty kick by Jack Blake in the 62nd minute, making his total 6-6 on penalty kicks this season. Goalie Hunter Sulte made one save, earning his seventh clean sheet of the season.

Ivory Coast named a strong squad for the Sierra Leone doubleheader
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivory Coast named strong squad for Sierra Leone doubleheader

Ivorian coach Emerse Faé has selected a strong 25-man squad for two matches against Sierra Leone in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Striker Sébastien Haller returned after missing the last two qualifiers. He joined La Liga club Leganés on loan for the 2024–25 season on August 30, 2024.

The Laurent Pokou Stadium has been confirmed as the venue for the first match between Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone on October 11. The game is a crucial one for the 2025 qualifier.

The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) announced that the second leg of the doubleheader will be held on October 15 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia.

Ivory Coast has had a perfect start in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, winning their matches against Zambia and Chad, securing the top position in Group G with six points.

The Leone Stars will aim to bounce back from their recent loss to Zambia and revive their hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Here is the squad selected by Ivory Coast for the upcoming matches.

Ivory Coast named a strong squad for the Sierra Leone doubleheader
Ivory Coast named a strong squad for the Sierra Leone doubleheader
Sierra Leone League Board Chairman Victor Lewis calls for calm
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone League Board Chairman Victor Lewis calls for calm

Football administrator Victor Lewis has urged the football fraternity and stakeholders to work in peace after being re-appointed as Premier League Board Chairman.

The Sierra Leone Football Association has confirmed that Lewis will continue as the Board Chairman for the 2024/2025 season, along with Daniel S Momoh, Brima S Turay, and Abu Manley Conteh as FA’s representatives.

Talking to Football Sierra Leone, Lewis expressed his commitment, passion, and dedication to sacrificing and serving the beautiful game. He deeply appreciates every appointment as a recognition of his contribution to the development of the game in Sierra Leone.

“Now, it’s time to develop the game, and I need everyone on board to support the process. We need total peace in changing the narrative – I am calling on all factions to achieve a successful season.”

We have to keep developing talents like Juma Bah, who made his Spanish La Liga debut with Valladolid a few days ago. We must unite in building the game for the clubs and players to be the beneficiaries.”

Football is the only thing that unites us as a nation, and the league last season generated some positives, like the Shooting Stars qualifying for the African Cup of Nations U20 and Juma Bah making headlines in Spain.

It’s time we build on this achievement moving forward – we must work together to make the league much more efficient and successful.”

The season is set to begin in October as the reigning champions Bo Rangers prepare to defend their title.

Ismael Kabia makes Arsenal's senior debut in the Carabao Cup win over Bolton
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ismael Kabia makes Arsenal’s senior debut in Carabao Cup win over Bolton

Ismael Kabia, a native of Sierra Leone, made his senior debut for Arsenal as they secured a 5-1 victory over League One side Bolton in the Carabao Cup at Emirates Stadium.

As a result of this win, the London side advanced to the fourth round after a convincing performance against League One side Bolton.

Declan Rice opened the scoring, followed by two goals from Ethan Nwaneri on either side of half-time, making it 3-0. Although the visitors managed to score one goal, Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz added to the scoreline, securing a strong victory for Mikel Arteta’s men.

In addition to the first starts for Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter and right-back Josh Nichols made their full debuts, with substitute appearances for Maldini Kacurri and Ismael Kabia.

Kabia expressed his excitement on his Instagram page, stating, “A dream come true to make my professional debut for Arsenal. Proud moment for me and my family and everyone that has helped me in my journey,” Kabia noted on his Instagram. 

The youngster, 18, signed his first professional contract in July and was impressive after he was subbed on in the 81st minute to make his senior debut.

Striker Kei Kamara nets in Los Angeles Lamar Hunt US Open Cup win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Kei Kamara nets in Los Angeles Lamar Hunt US Open Cup win

Sierra Leone’s Kei Kamara continued his goal-scoring streak as Los Angeles won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title with a 3-1 extra-time victory over Sporting Kansas City.

After 120 gruelling minutes in front of a boisterous, sellout crowd of more than 22,000 fans, LAFC claimed its first Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup overcoming stubborn Sporting Kansas City.

The 2024 U.S. Open Cup champions took the lead when French legend Olivier Giroud tapped home a Mateusz Bogusz cross in the 53rd minute, but Kansas City equalized on the hour mark when Erik Thommy fired home to make it 1-1.

After 90 minutes of regulation, the teams were still tied, but extra time saw two goals for LAFC. Omar Campos scored the game-winner in the 102nd minute before Kei Kamara scored a vintage header past Tim Melia in the SKC goal to make it 3-1 in the 109th minute.

From there, LAFC defended well and secured the victory, claiming the fourth major trophy in the club’s history.

Striker Kei Kamara nets in Los Angeles Lamar Hunt US Open Cup win
Striker Kei Kamara nets in Los Angeles Lamar Hunt US Open Cup win
New Hartford Athletic deal for Sierra Leone International Emmanuel Samadia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Emmanuel Samadia pens new Hartford Athletic contract extension

Sierra Leone’s Emmanuel Samadia has agreed to stay with Hartford Athletic for another two years, until the 2026 USL Championship season. The deal is awaiting approval from the league and federation.

“I’ve enjoyed my time here in Hartford, and I’m happy to stay with the club long-term,” said Samadia.

“I want to thank Coach Burke for the trust and belief he’s shown in me, and the Hartford Athletic fans who have made me feel welcome and supported us all year long. We still have work to do this year, but I can’t wait to create more memorable moments with this club for years to come.”

The 23-year-old has made a significant impact in his first season of American soccer, excelling as a versatile wingback. He ranks in the top five on the team in assists (3), chances created (23), crosses (70), and interceptions (22), and has been recognized with USL Championship Team of the Week honours at both left-back and right-back positions.

Samadia has played a key role in Hartford’s recent success, contributing to the team’s seven-match undefeated streak and assisting on two of Mamadou Dieng’s six goals during this period, while creating 12 chances.

“Emmanuel’s development this year has been incredible, and we would not be in the position we’re in without him,” said Head Coach and General Manager Brendan Burke.

“We’re thrilled to have him with us for the long term, and I’m excited to see him continue to develop and be a leader for us in the seasons ahead.”

The Freetown, Sierra Leone native has also impressed in six appearances with the Sierra Leone National Team this year, providing two assists in World Cup qualifying matches against Djibouti and Burkina Faso.

Samadia and Athletic are in ninth place in the Eastern Conference and will play against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, September 28th at 7:30 PM.

New deal for Sierra Leone international Emmanuel Samadia with Hartford Athletic
New deal for Sierra Leone international Emmanuel Samadia with Hartford Athletic
History: Sierra Leone's Shooting Stars at U20 AFCON for the first time
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

History: Sierra Leone’s Shooting Stars at U20 AFCON for the first time

The Sierra Leone U20 team, known as the Shooting Stars, won 3-0 against The Gambia at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex. This victory secured their spot in the WAFU U20 final and a place in the next African Cup of Nations for U20.

The Shooting has qualified for the next U20 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in the history of Sierra Leone football thanks to goals from Idrissa Sesay’s early opener before Samuel Ghandi doubles their lead.

They scored the third when skipper Momoh Kamara, who was named Man of the Match for the third in the competition – received a clever pass from the right slotted in past the Gambia keeper to ensure victory.

The 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations also doubles as the African qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, where teams who reach the semi-finals stage qualify automatically.

History: Sierra Leone's Shooting Stars at U20 AFCON for the first time
History: Sierra Leone's Shooting Stars at U20 AFCON for the first time