Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cesena's asking price €1.2m for Augustus Kargbo to Blackburn
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cesena’s asking price €1.2m for Augustus Kargbo to Blackburn

Blackburn Rovers must increase their offer to get more chance of signing Sierra Leone striker Augustus Kargbo from Italian Serie B side Cesena. Il Resto del Carlino reported that Blackburn is a strong option for Kargbo, with talks happening between the clubs.

However, Blackburn is under pressure to improve their initial offer. Cesena wants €1.2 million for Kargbo, but Blackburn’s first offer is lower. There is concern that Kargbo might stay with Cesena until the end of the season.

It seems that Cesena will not accept a lower fee, so Blackburn needs to raise their offer. At the same time, Cesena has backed off from looking for a replacement player, Flavio Russo from Sassuolo.

A deal for Udinese’s Damian Pizarro is also considered unlikely, which suggests Kargbo may remain with the club.

Blackburn must act quickly if they still wish to sign Kargbo. On August 26, 2023, Kargbo signed a three-year contract with Cesena.

Intriguing group stage matches as AFCON 2025 draw confirmed
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Intriguing group stage matches as AFCON 2025 draw confirmed

Holders Ivory Coast will face Cameroon in Group F of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Morocco. They will also compete against Gabon, led by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Mozambique.

The tournament will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, with the opening match featuring hosts Morocco against Comoros.

The teams are divided into six groups of four. The tournament will run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, across six host cities and nine stadiums in Morocco.

As the host nation, Morocco will lead Group A, facing strong contenders Mali, Zambia, and Comoros. In Group B, record seven-time champions Egypt will meet South Africa, Angola, and last year’s bronze medallists Zimbabwe.

Group C features Nigeria against Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania—who will co-host the AFCON in 2027. Defending champions Senegal are in Group D, competing against the Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin, and Botswana.

Group E includes Algeria, the 2019 champions, who will take on Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan. In Group F, Côte d’Ivoire will face rivals Cameroon, along with Gabon and Mozambique, as they aim for back-to-back titles.

The top two teams from each group and four of the best third-placed teams will advance to the Round of 16.

The draw captivated viewers in over 90 countries and featured African football legends Serge Aurier, Aliou Cissé, Joseph Yobo, and Mustapha Hadji. This marks Morocco’s first time hosting the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON since 1988.

TOTAL ENERGIES CAF AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS, MOROCCO 2025 

  • GROUP A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros
  • GROUP B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
  • GROUP C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
  • GROUP D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
  • GROUP E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
  • GROUP F: Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
Sierra Leone International Augustine Williams pens Pittsburgh Riverhounds deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone International Augustine Williams pens Pittsburgh Riverhounds deal

Pittsburgh Riverhounds have confirmed the signing of Sierra Leone International Augustine Williams, a former USL Championship All-League forward, for the 2025 season.

Williams, 27, comes with MLS experience and 76 regular-season goals, ranking fifth in the league’s history since 2010 and second among active players. His contract needs approval from USL and U.S. Soccer and includes a team option for 2026.

“I’m excited to join the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and meet my new teammates,” Williams told the club website. “I can’t wait to help the team win the USL Championship and bring a trophy to Pittsburgh.”

“Signing Augi is significant for our club. It shows owner Tuffy Shallenberger’s commitment to our growth and soccer in Western Pennsylvania,” said Riverhounds head coach Bob Lilley. “Augie is a skilled striker who fits our system well and will improve his teammates.”

Williams began his career with Portland Timbers 2 in 2016 and scored his first goal for the MLS team in 2017. After three years in Portland, he joined Los Angeles Galaxy II, scoring 13 goals during the 2020 season. He later played for the Charleston Battery, where he scored a career-high 16 goals and reached the 2023 USL Championship Final. In 2024, he had a third consecutive season with double-digit goals while playing for Indy Eleven.

From Freetown, Sierra Leone, Williams has made seven appearances for his national team, with his first match in an African Cup of Nations qualifying win over Benin on June 15, 2021. He was part of the AFCON squad in 2022 after Sierra Leone qualified for the first time in almost three decades in Cameroon 2021 Cup of Nations. 

Sierra Leone's Juma Bah officially sealed RC Lens loan move from Manchester City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Juma Bah officially sealed RC Lens loan move from Manchester City

Sierra Leone’s defensive prospect Juma Bah has officially Joined RC Lens from English giants Manchester City until June 2025.

City confirmed the news via their website that Bah has joined French Ligue 1 side on loan until the end of the season, having completed his registration with the club.

Lens Pierre Dréossi – General Manager: “We are delighted to welcome Juma Bah to Racing. At just 18 years old, Juma has recently established himself as one of the most promising players in La Liga. His move to Manchester City so early in his career confirms his immense potential.

With significant athletic abilities and a strong understanding of the game, Juma already exhibits a well-developed skill set. Our recruitment unit has been monitoring him for several months, and his loan to Artois reflects the sporting management’s desire to strengthen the team with a fast and physically strong defender. These qualities align perfectly with the playing style of Will Still’s team. Welcome to Sang et Or, Juma!”

A symbol of his progress and potential, Juma Bah has been scrutinized by several European giants in recent weeks. He then signed with the English club Manchester City before being loaned to RC Lens.

Juma Bah joined Real Valladolid in 2024, and the coaching staff promptly promoted him from the youth academy to the reserve team. After just one game with the reserves, he made his first-team debut in a 0-0 draw against Real Sociedad.

Since then, he has played 14 matches for the team, starting in 11 of them. This new opportunity will undoubtedly aid the young defender in his development and hopefully help him make his way into Manchester City’s first team. Bah’s new height is considered one of the most significant breakthroughs in the history of Spanish football.

Guinea's defender Saïdou Sow joins Nantes on a loan deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea’s defender Saïdou Sow joins Nantes on a loan deal

Ligue 1 side Nantes has signed Saïdou Sow, a Guinean international player, from Strasbourg on loan for six months. There is no option to buy him at the end of the loan.

Saïdou Sow was born on July 4, 2002, in Conakry, Guinea. He joined AS Saint-Étienne as a youth player in 2016 at the age of 14, where he played 57 matches.

In the summer of 2023, he signed a five-year contract with RC Strasbourg and has played 25 matches there. He has made a total of 50 appearances in Ligue 1.

On October 10, 2020, he played his first match for the Guinean national team under coach Didier Six. He has since earned 25 caps and scored one goal.

Saïdou Sow will wear number 24 for FC Nantes. He is 1.87 meters tall and is known for his strength in duels, especially in the air. He will be a valuable addition to the team.

Jay tee Kamara joins Portland Hearts of Pine in the US
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Jay tee Kamara joins Portland Hearts of Pine in the US

Sierra Leone’s Jay Tee Kamara has returned to the USA, joining the Portland Hearts of Pine after leaving the Swedish club Sandvikens IF. He spent one of his two seasons playing in the Swedish Second Division.

“I’m excited to be a part of the first-ever team in Portland, Maine, and I’m looking forward to bringing joy and excitement to all our supporters,” Kamara said.

Jay Tee’s soccer journey began in the vibrant streets of Sierra Leone, where he was born. He first honed his skills with Alaska FC in Sierra Leone before taking a significant step by moving to the United States to attend Montverde Academy in Florida.

In 2021, Jay Tee signed with Louisville City FC in the USL Championship. That same year, he was loaned to North Carolina FC in USL League One, where he made an immediate impact, recording 21 appearances and scoring 4 goals. In 2022, Jay Tee moved to Columbus Crew 2, where he played a pivotal role in the team’s inaugural season in MLS Next Pro.

In 2023, Jay Tee embarked on a European journey, joining Swedish side Ljungskile SK. Over two seasons, he appeared in 42 matches, scoring 8 goals and solidifying his reputation as a versatile midfielder.

Internationally, Jay Tee represented Sierra Leone at both the U-23 and U-20 levels, showcasing his skills as a left-footed midfielder on the global stage. He now continues his career in Maine with the Hearts of Pine.

 

Sierra Leone's Moses Sesay pens first Pro contract at Southampton
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Moses Sesay pens first Southampton Pro contract

Sierra Leone native Moses Sesay has penned his first professional deal with Southampton, keeping him with the club until 2028.

The 18-year-old Sierra Leone native joined the Saints in 2023 after a stint at Chelsea. After exclusively playing for the Under-18s in his first season, he has moved up to the Under-21s, making his debut and scoring his first goal against West Brom in the Premier League Cup.

Upon signing his contract, Sesay expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m happy to take this next step, and I’m thankful to everyone who has helped me on this journey.”

Academy Director Andy Goldie praised Sesay’s progress, noting, “He initially joined as a winger but has shown versatility by performing well at left-back and various midfield positions, reflecting his character and development.”

Omar Marmoush proud as first Egyptian player to join Manchester City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Omar Marmoush proud as first Egyptian player to join Manchester City

The 25-year-old striker has transferred from Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany and has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract. He is the third new player to join the team this week, after Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis.

The Egyptian International will wear the No.7 shirt for Manchester City after completing his move from Eintracht Frankfurt.

Marmoush has been a standout player in the Bundesliga for the past two years and has also been important for the Egyptian national team. He helped Egypt reach the final of the 2021 African Cup of Nations.

“It’s a great honor to be the first Egyptian to play for Manchester City and to show what my country can achieve,” Marmoush told City’s Channel.

“Playing for a big club like this has always been a dream of mine. Now that I am the first Egyptian at Manchester City, I am very happy, and I hope to keep playing at this level.

“The Premier League is the biggest and most followed league in Egypt because of players like Mo Salah and others from Egypt. Most young players dream of being in this league, so I am excited to be here.”

Juma Bah's excellent form continues as Valladolid beat Valencia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Controversy looming over Juma Bah’s Manchester City transfer

Real Valladolid are threatening legal action after Juma Bah did not turn up for training after paying to terminate his contract; a decision they believe was advised by his agent and Man City – after finalising a deal to join the club on a six-year contract. (Photo Credit Real Valladolid)

Reports from Spain say that City and Valladolid were in talks for a fee of about €8 million, while Fenerbahce and Inter both offered up to €12 million for him.

Bah joined Valladolid on loan from AIK Freetong in his home country of Sierra Leone, and Valladolid used a buy clause in his loan deal that cost €165,000. However, since he is still on a youth contract, City plans to accept a €6 million penalty to end that contract.

On Wednesday afternoon, Valladolid released a statement saying Bah did not show up for training. They also said that the RFEF (Royal Spanish Football Federation) informed them that Bah has paid the necessary amount to cancel his contract unilaterally.

Valladolid expressed their disappointment and anger, believing that City advised Bah and his agent to take this action.

Read the Real Valladolid statement on the present situation over Juma Bah.

Ademola Lookman shines in Atlanta Champions League triumph
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ademola Lookman shines in Atalanta Champions League triumph

Nigerian International and African Best Player Ademola Lookman came off the bench to shine for Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday night at the Gewiss Stadium.

Atalanta made it a 5-0 win over Sturm Graz and edged through to the play-off round of the UEFA Champions League in Bergamo. This loss concluded Sturm Graz’s stint in the competition because they were sent packing despite a game in hand.

Unfortunately for Sturm Graz, they hadn’t featured since the Austrian winter break had them out of the pitch for six weeks and almost capitalized on an early lead before Italy forward Matteo Retegui scored for Atalanta from a close-range shot after Davide Zappacosta’s cross to him.

Substitute Ademola Lookman quickly set up Charles De Ketelaere for a goal, but it was disallowed for offside after a VAR review. Lookman had two more chances saved by Sturm Graz goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen. Mario Pasalic then scored from Juan Cuadrado’s cross to make it 2-0.

Atalanta continued to push and scored a third when De Ketelaere (3-0) scored after Sturm Graz could not clear a corner. Lookman missed a one-on-one chance, and substitute Marco Brescianini had a shot blocked. Zappacosta also had a goal disallowed for offside.

Lookman finally scored late in the game, heading in a cross from De Ketelaere. Brescianini added another goal soon after.

A win against Barcelona on Wednesday, January 29, could send Atalanta to the last 16 of the tournament.