Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone beat Liberia to strengthen qualifying hopes
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone beat Liberia to strengthen qualifying hopes

On Wednesday, Portugal-based attacker Momoh Ibrahim Kamara put on another man-of-the-match performance as Sierra Leone defeated Liberia 3-1 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium.

Kamara scored two goals and was named the Man of the Match for the second time in the 2025 U20 African Cup of Nations qualifiers. Santigie Fornah scored the other goal for the Shooting Stars, while Mohamed Koroma’s own goal was the only one for Liberia.

After a goalless draw with Guinea last Sunday, coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara’s team knew that only a convincing win would boost their momentum for the next match.

Liberia came into today’s game following a victory against Guinea-Bissau but struggled to break through against a determined and resilient Sierra Leone side.

Coach Lamin Kamara in his post-match comments, said, “I appreciated the attitude shown by the boys and we look forward to our next match. We want to win and top the group going into the semi-final.”

Sierra Leone to engage Guinea-Bissau on the 21st another important game in the qualifying race.

Earlier today, Guinea’s U20 team, the Syli Juniors, defeated Guinea Bissau 3-1 in the WAFU A U20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tournament, showing their determination from the start.

On Monday, In Group B, defending champions Senegal opened with a win over Mali. The Senegalese squad, featuring U17 African champions Yaya Diémé and Serigne Fallou Diouf, are looking to defend their title in a tough group that also includes Mauritania and Gambia.

The WAFU B U20 tournament started from September 15 to 30, 2024, with the two finalists earning a place in the 2025 TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Momoh Ibrahim Kamara with his second Man of the Match award in the ongoing WAFU A U20 AFCON qualifiers
Momoh Ibrahim Kamara with his second Man of the Match award in the ongoing WAFU A U20 AFCON qualifiers
New Real Valladolid centre-back Bah headline Spanish News
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New Real Valladolid defender back Bah headline Spanish News

Sierra Leonean international Abdulai Juma Bah has been making a strong impression at Real Valladolid since joining less than a month ago.

The young center-back, standing at 195 centimetres tall, Bah has proven to be a reliable defender, impressing the coaching staff and players with his physicality and skill in on-field battles.

He started with the Juvenil División de Honor and quickly moved up to the Promesas team, where he made a successful debut last weekend.

Scouts travelled to Africa to observe him live before he was signed, and his defensive prowess and composure on the ball were evident in his debut last weekend.

Real Valladolid fans are eager to see how Abdulai Juma Bah will contribute to Real Valladolid’s success this season, as he has made a promising start and is a player to watch in the upcoming matches.

Read the full article on the Real Valladolid new acquisition

Sierra Leone winger Jonathan Morsay joins Greek's Kalamata
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone winger Jonathan Morsay joins Kalamata in Greece

Sierra Leonean winger Jonathan Morsay, 26, has joined the Greek second-tier team Kalamata FC. Previously, he played for Dinamo București and then signed for AEL Limassoll in the summer of 2023.

Last season, he made 21 league appearances for the Cypriot club, scoring two goals in eleven starts. In June, Morsay parted ways with AEL Limassol over salary cut, despite contracts until the summer of 2025.

“It was not an option. The club had some difficulties with money and many players had to take a pay cut. They (AEL Limassol) have broken with half the position almost, says Morsay.”

However, moving to Kalamata FC has offered him a fresh start to rebuild after the club officially announced on their website that Morsay is ready for the club.

The team resides in the Greek second league. The season has not yet started. Morsay has previously represented clubs such as GIF Sundsvall, IK Brage, Chievo Verona and Panetolikos FC.

The Greek Super League 2 is the second division of professional football in Greece and serves as a feeder league to the top-level Super League.

The league consists of 20 teams divided into two groups and is typically played from September to May.

Brentford's Yoane Wissa set to miss DRC AFCON qualifiers next month
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Brentford’s Yoane Wissa set to miss DRC AFCON qualifiers next month

Brentford forward Yoane Wissa suffered an ankle injury against Manchester City and may be sidelined for a couple of months.

The injury could impact DR Congo’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Despite scoring the opening goal in their 2-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, Wissa is not expected to return until November.

Sebastien Desabre’s team (DRC) will play against Tanzania at home and away next month, followed by their final two fixtures in November.

Furthermore, his injury has left a big void in Brentford’s attack following the departure of Ivan Toney and Igor Thiago’s injury.

Brentford’s Coach Thomas Frank expressed frustration but is determined to find a solution.

“Everybody was saying we bought Igor Thiago to replace Ivan [Toney], but we still had Wissa. We bought Igor Thiago to build the squad and provide competition in the squad,” the 50-year-old coach said.

“Wissa had a perfect season last year, and I thought he started the season very well this year, with three goals in four games – that’s a perfect number. He’s just been very important for us, and his absence will leave a hole. But, again, I will find a solution.”

This leaves a big void in Brentford’s attack following the departure of Ivan Toney and Igor Thiago’s injury.

Egypt's Al-Masry edged Al Hilal in the CAF Confederation Cup campaign
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt’s Al-Masry suffer CAF Confed defeat to Al Hilal

Egyptian Premier League side Masry began their CAF Confederation Cup journey with a narrow 3-2 loss to hosts Al Hilal of Libya in the first leg of the second preliminary round on Sunday.

Striker Salah Mohsen scored just a minute before halftime, latching onto a precise assist from winger Abdel-Rehim Daghmoum to control the ball in the area and slot it home.

Midfielder Mohammed Al-Shiteewi levelled the score for Al Hilal five minutes before the break with a powerful strike from outside the box. Mohsen put Masry back in the lead in the 63rd minute with a well-placed shot in the box.

In the 68th minute, Al-Hilal’s captain, Faisal El Badri, scored the equalizer with a header from a sharp cross outside the area. Ten minutes before the final whistle, Al-Shiteewi secured the victory for Al Hilal with a close-range header.

Despite Masry coach Ali Maher making three substitutions, Al Hilal’s defence held firm, securing a 3-2 victory. The return leg is scheduled for next week in Port Said.

Sundowns and Al Ahly record first-leg CAF Champions League wins
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sundowns and Al Ahly record first-leg CAF Champions League wins

Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns recorded heavy victories in their CAF Champions League second round first-leg preliminary matches, and Orlando Pirates also did well when they travelled to Botswana.

Sundowns were supposed to play Mbabane Swallows away, but they ended up winning 4-0 against the Eswatini side at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Saturday.

Because Swallows couldn’t host the match at an international standard stadium, Sundowns took full advantage of playing at one of their home grounds, and Lucas Ribeiro (2), Mosa Lebusa, and Iqraam Rayners all scored in Atteridgeville.

In another match, current CAF Champions League title holders Al Ahly won 3-0 against Gor Mahia at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.

Ramy Rabia scored in the 14th minute, and Percy Tau sealed the scoreline with goals in the 15th and 74th minutes.

The second leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round will begin on Friday, September 20th.

Saturday's CAF Champions League Second Round first-leg results
Saturday's CAF Champions League Second Round first-leg results
Sierra Leone's Issa Kallon nets in Nantong Zhiyun defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Issa Kallon nets in Nantong defeat

On Saturday, Issa Kallon, the talented attacking midfielder from Sierra Leone, showcased his skill once again by scoring his fourth goal of the Chinese Super League campaign.

Unfortunately, his impressive performance was not enough to secure a win for Nantong Zhiyun, as they suffered a 3-2 defeat at the Changchun Sports Center Stadium.

Kallon, who has made seven appearances since joining the club, found the back of the net in the 36th minute, levelling the scoreline after Sérgio De Oliveira Junior opened the scoring for the home side.

Zilei Jiang then put Nantong Zhiyun ahead in the 42nd minute, ending the first half with a 2-1 lead.

After the break, Changchun Yatai piled on the pressure and equalised in the 80th minute through Robert Berić. Yuda Tian’s last-gasp goal then secured the victory for the home team.

This defeat means Nantong Zhiyun remains at the bottom of the Chinese Super League, with no wins in their last seven games.

In the day’s other matches, Wang Qiuming’s goal gave Tianjin a 1-0 win over Henan and Cangzhou Mighty Lions defeated Meizhou Hakka 2-1. 

Sierra Leone's Josh Koroma bags brace in Huddersfield triumph over Bolton
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Josh Koroma bags brace in Huddersfield triumph over Bolton

Back from International duty with Sierra Leone, Josh Koroma scored twice as Huddersfield Town returned to winning ways with an impressive 4-0 League One victory over Bolton Wanderers, who have been struggling with confidence.

Ben Wiles and Antony Evans also scored as the Terriers achieved a fourth successive win over Bolton Wanderers for the first time.

Koroma put Michael Duff’s side into a 44th-minute lead with a close-range header from Callum Marshall’s superb cross.

Nathan Baxter prevented Town from doubling their advantage with a point-blank save from Evans’ 51st-minute header.

Koroma was fouled by defender Chris Forino and then scored his fourth campaign goal from the penalty spot.

Bolton’s troubles continued when Wiles curled in a left-footed shot after 68 minutes.

Baxter’s mistake, passing the ball straight to Evans, led to Huddersfield’s fourth and final goal nine minutes later as the visitors moved to third place.

Kazeem Ogunleye’s late goal helps Enugu Rangers' to victory
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kazeem Ogunleye’s late goal helps Enugu Rangers’ to victory

Kazeem Ogunleye’s late goal helped Enugu Rangers win 1-0 against Angola’s Sagrada Esperanca in a CAF Champions League qualifier on Friday.

The 18-year-old striker scored with a well-placed shot from just outside the box, securing the victory in the southeastern Nigerian city of Uyo.

Despite having more possession, Enugu Rangers struggled with passing and finishing in the second-round first leg until Ogunleye’s decisive strike.

Enugu Rangers narrowly advanced to the final qualifying stage after a 2-1 aggregate win over Comoran champions Zilimadjou, with both games played in Nigeria due to the lack of a suitable stadium in the Comoros.

Enugu Rangers will now travel to Angola for the return leg against Sagrada Esperanca in Luanda next weekend, aiming to become the first Nigerian team to win the prestigious African club title since Enyimba’s back-to-back triumphs in 2003 and 2004.

In another match, US Monastir of Tunisia secured a 1-0 first-leg win at home against Algeria’s former champions Mouloudia Alger through Fourat Soltani’s 22nd-minute strike, deflected by Ayoub Ghezala.

This weekend’s CAF Champions League action will continue with nine matches on Saturday and five on Sunday, with defending champions Al Ahly of Egypt playing their first match against Kenya’s Gor Mahia.

It was a bit hectic - striker Abu Kamara on move to Hull City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

It was a bit hectic – striker Abu Kamara on move to Hull City

Striker Abu Kamara has been talking ahead of a possible debut for Hull City against Sheffield United at the MKM Stadium on Friday. The English Championship tie is the first game back after the international break.

“It was a bit hectic when teams came in for me, but when I knew the interest from Hull was there, I was excited by the project. When I spoke to the manager, it made my decision a whole lot easier,” Kamara said about his decision to move to Hull City.

“The international break has allowed me to know the players better, see how they play, understand the formation, and comprehend what the manager wants from me. I felt the break was crucial in me learning the system,” Kamara added about his training.

“I’m really excited for Friday. Sheffield United is a big club. It’s a Yorkshire derby, so I am thrilled to potentially be involved in such a big occasion for my first game,” Kamara expressed his anticipation about potentially making his debut against Sheffield United.

On Transfer deadline day, Hull City signed the 21-year-old Sierra Leonean native Abu Kamara on a four-year deal.

Kamara signed an undisclosed deal at the MKM Stadium, with a club option of a further year from Norwich City.

Hull City have not won their last three games, including a loss to Leeds, while Sheffield Wednesday have not lost in their last three, including a 1-0 win over Watford before the International break.