Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivorian Amad Diallo wins Manchester United double
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivorian Amad Diallo wins Manchester United double

Ivorian striker Amad Diallo has won Manchester United’s Goal of the Month and Player of the Month awards for December.

Amad has been recognized as Manchester United’s Player and Goal of the Month for December 2024, marking a significant breakthrough year for him at Old Trafford.

Although the end of the calendar year was challenging for Ruben Amorim’s team, the Ivorian’s contributions throughout the month stood out positively and were acknowledged by the supporters.

The United number 16 received an impressive 78 per cent of the votes from fans in the Player of the Month poll on ManUtd.com and the United app.

The player delivered an outstanding performance, earning the Man of the Match award in the 4-0 victory over Everton with two assists and exceptional effort as a wing-back. He maintained this form into December, assisting Bruno Fernandes’s goal against Nottingham Forest.

In an attacking midfield role against Viktoria Plzen, he was vital in our comeback victory. Just three days later, he scored the winning goal in stoppage time during a remarkable turnaround against Manchester City.

The race for CAF Champions League quarter-final places is on
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

The race for CAF Champions League quarter-final places is on

Leading Group A, Sudan’s Al Hilal can become one of the first teams to qualify for the African Champions League quarterfinals with a win against Mouloudia Alger this weekend. Reigning champions Al Ahly can also secure their spot by winning in Algeria on Friday. (TP Mazembe’s Photo)

  • GROUP A

Due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, Al Hilal has opened based in Mauritania with fellow Sudanese team Al Merreikh. Despite these challenges, Al Hilal has won their first three Group A matches and is at the top of the table.

They will host MC Alger in Nouakchott on Sunday after winning 1-0 in Algiers on December 14. This loss led to the firing of MC Alger’s French coach, Patrice Beaumelle. He has been replaced by Khaled Ben Yahia, a former Tunisian defender, who has since secured two wins and a draw in domestic matches.

In another Group A match, Tanzania’s Young Africans, coached by former TS Galaxy coach Sead Ramovic, will play TP Mazembe in Dar-es-Salaam on Saturday.

Both teams are looking for their first win in the group stages. Young Africans recently earned their first points by getting a stoppage-time equalizer against TP Mazembe last month. They have scored 16 goals in four league matches and sit one point behind their rivals, Simba.

  • GROUP B

Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces are well-positioned to keep their lead in the group. They share the lead with Mamelodi Sundowns, both teams having five points. Each has one win and two draws from their first five matches. However, the army club plays an easier match this Saturday against the newcomers, Maniema Union from the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Sundowns must face Raja Casablanca on the road.

The Royal Armed Forces will play in Meknes due to renovations at their Rabat stadium. There are concerns about the pitch quality at Casablanca’s Stade Larbi Zaouli, where Raja will host Sundowns.

In their previous match in Pretoria, Sundowns, under coach Miguel Cardoso, won and have since claimed three straight victories in the Betway Premiership without conceding.

Following that loss, Raja’s coach, Sa Pinto, was fired, and interim coach Hafid Abdessadek led the team to another defeat against Renaissance Berkane, leaving them in ninth place in the Moroccan league.

  • GROUP C

Al Ahly made a strong impression with a 6-1 home win over Chabab Belouizdad and are now travelling to Algeria for a rematch on Friday night. If they win again, the Champions League holders will have 10 points. It’s also a crucial match for Belouizdad, who will likely start Khanyisa Mayo.

Orlando Pirates will play Stade Abidjan at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday. They aim to remain unbeaten in the group. The Buccaneers missed a chance to win in Abidjan three weeks ago after squandering several opportunities. After taking the lead, they allowed Stade Abidjan to score an equalizer, giving them their first point in the competition.

  • GROUP D

On Sunday, Pyramids of Egypt will face last season’s runners-up, Esperance, in a top-of-the-table clash in Cairo. Esperance currently has a three-point lead. Pyramids lost their first match 2-0 in Tunis in mid-December, with Elias Mokwana scoring for Esperance.

The Tunisian side is on the road, and their top position is at risk. Both teams have been active in their domestic leagues, with Esperance winning two and drawing one, while Pyramids have three wins and one draw.

In another match, Djoliba of Mali will visit Sagrada Esperança of Angola in Luanda on Sunday. Both teams are still seeking their first points of the season.

Belouizdad coach Abdelkader Amrani wants better performance against Al Ahly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Belouizdad coach Abdelkader Amrani wants better performance against Al Ahly

Belouizdad coach Abdelkader Amrani knows that strong defence and focus are crucial as his team prepares for an important match against Al Ahly in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

With their fans supporting them at the July 5 Stadium, Belouizdad aims to overcome the challenge from the group leaders and revive their hopes in the CAF Champions League.

The Algerian side set for a must-win situation this Friday. They need to win to keep their hopes of qualifying alive after a tough 6-1 loss in Cairo. The team is determined to change their luck at the July 5 Stadium in Algiers.

At the press conference on Thursday, Amrani said it is vital to prevent goals against them. He emphasized that winning is the only option to stay in the race for qualification.

“We must play well and focus on keeping a clean sheet,” Amrani said. “Our fate is in our hands, and we must win this match.”

Looking back at the last loss, he admitted that poor focus hurt the team. He encouraged his players to rise to the challenge. “The last performance was disappointing, but these things happen in football. We must believe in ourselves and be ready to show a stronger side.”

Amrani also talked about recent issues with veteran striker Islam Slimani, stating that the problem is now resolved. “As a coach, I make decisions for the team, and not everyone will agree. I spoke with Slimani, and we are back on the same page. His experience is valuable for the team.”

Striker Aymen Mahyous echoed the message of unity and determination, highlighting how important Friday’s match is for their future. “We want to improve our reputation by beating Al Ahly and getting three points,” Mahyous stated. “This game is vital for our chances of qualifying.”

Congo defender Christ Makosso signs for Luton Town
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Congo defender Christ Makosso signs for Luton Town

Luton Town has Congo centre-back Christ Makosso as their new signing from Belgian club RWD Molenbeek for an undisclosed fee – but the length of his contract with Luton has not been disclosed.

The 20-year-old, who has already won three caps for his native Congo, arrives at Kenilworth Road for an undisclosed fee from Belgian second-division outfit RWD Molenbeek.

Makosso started his European career with the French club Sochaux before moving to Molenbeek in January.

“Christ is a young and athletic defender who has impressed us, and we believe he has a bright future,” said Luton manager Rob Edwards. “We will need to be patient as he develops, but he is an exciting addition to our team.”

At the end of 2024, Luton finished 19th in the Championship, just four points above the relegation zone.

“I’m really excited to join Luton. I’ve heard many positive stories about the club and its amazing fans,” Makosso said.

Trevoh Chalobah scores as Crystal Palace beat Southampton in bottom table clash
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Trevoh Chalobah scores as Crystal Palace beat Southampton in bottom table clash

Trevoh Chalobah and Eberechi Eze helped Crystal Palace beat Southampton after returning from a goal down. This win puts Palace six points clear of the relegation zone.

Southampton scored first in the 14th minute. Kyle Walker-Peters crossed the ball, and Adam Armstrong assisted Tyler Dibling, who tapped it in from close range.

Crystal Palace equalized 16 minutes later. Trevoh Chalobah headed in a corner taken by Will Hughes for his third Palace goal.

Southampton players thought Jean-Philippe Mateta had fouled goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale during the play, but the goal was approved by VAR.

Eze then scored a great goal early in the second half, securing the win for Palace.

Munoz missed a big chance in the first half when he failed to score from inside the six-yard box after getting a cross from Tyrick Mitchell. Ismaila Sarr also had a good chance, but his shot was saved by Ramsdale. Jefferson Lerma’s acrobatic volley from the corner was also saved.

After tying the game, Palace played better. Their dominance paid off when Munoz’s cross was deflected to Eze, who scored by shooting into the bottom corner.

This win moved Crystal Palace to 15th place, six points ahead of Leicester City in 18th. They have lost only one of their last eight Premier League matches.

https://twitter.com/bittar32/status/1873669777715236941

Mustapa Bundu left out of Argyle's matchday squad due to hamstring
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Injury forced Mustapha Bundu out of Argyle’s matchday squad

Sierra Leone international Mustapha Bundu will not be part of Plymouth Argyle’s matchday squad for their upcoming English Championship game against Oxford United on Sunday. (Photo Mustapha Bundu at the Building Society Arena on Thursday, December 26, 2024 – Photo: Jake Manuell/PPAUK)

On Thursday, Bundu left the pitch with a suspected hamstring injury during Plymouth Argyle’s significant 4-0 defeat against Coventry City.

Plymouth Argyle has informed the press that they are currently assessing the severity of the hamstring injury he sustained during a Boxing Day loss to Coventry City.

Bundu, who contributed a goal and an assist in Argyle’s 3-3 draw with Middlesbrough at Home Park last Saturday, has now joined the growing list of injured players.

Senegal, Nigeria & Guinea qualify for next year's CHAN
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal, Nigeria & Guinea qualify for next year’s CHAN

Ghana’s Black Galaxies suffered a 3-1 defeat to Nigeria. They will miss the 2024 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) tournament as defending champions Senegal, Guinea, Central African Republic and DR Congo have all secured their spots.

After the first leg ended in a draw in Ghana, both teams fought hard for a chance to compete in CHAN. The Central African Republic earned their spot by beating Cameroon.

In other matches, Burkina Faso eliminated Côte d’Ivoire after returning from a two-goal deficit in the first leg. Goals from Aboubacar Traoré and Franck Kanté tied the aggregate score and sent the match to penalties. The Stallions maintained their composure, successfully converting four penalties to the Elephants’ two, thus securing their place at CHAN 2024.

Defending champions Senegal secured their spot by defeating Liberia 4-1 on aggregate. After a 1-1 draw in Monrovia, Senegal won the second match 3-0, with goals from Oumar Ba, Baye Ciss, and Madione Mbaye.

In a regional derby, Guinea knocked out Guinea-Bissau with a 6-2 aggregate score following another 2-1 victory victory away. Mohamed Saliou Bangoura and Naby Bangoura scored, ensuring Guinea’s place under coach Souleymane Camara Abedy.

The Democratic Republic of Congo also advanced by beating Chad 3-1 in Kinshasa, maintaining their home advantage.

Oscar Kabwit scored first for the Leopards, and Jonathan Mokonzi and Nyembo Ntumba added goals in the second half after Chad equalized through Ahmat Abdulrahman.

Meanwhile, Cameroon’s chances of competing in CHAN ended after a 2-1 loss to the Central African Republic in the second leg.

The tournament will occur from February 1 to 28, 2025, with Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania as co-hosts. It will showcase local talent from domestic leagues.

  • Qualified Countries thus far: Angola, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sudan, Zambia.

Sudan, Niger book CHAN spots as others battle for a place in the final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sudan, Niger book CHAN spots as others battle for a place in the final

Niger has qualified for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after a goalless draw against Togo in the second leg, advancing on the away goals rule following a 1-1 draw in the first leg. This marks Niger’s fifth appearance in the CHAN finals.

Sudan was the first team to secure their place in the tournament after a 2-1 victory over Ethiopia in the second leg, combined with a 2-0 win in the first leg, giving them a 4-1 aggregate score.

Musa Kanti opened the scoring for Sudan early on, and despite a brief equalizer from Ethiopia, Sudan quickly regained the lead to secure their fourth CHAN qualification.

The qualifiers continue on Saturday, with eight teams vying for spots, including Burkina Faso trying to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Côte d’Ivoire. Defending champions Senegal will host Liberia in Diamniadio, aiming to secure their qualification following a 1-1 draw in Monrovia.

They have added Daouda Ba and Moussa Diallo to strengthen their defence and attack. In a regional derby, Guinea seeks to overcome Guinea-Bissau.

On Sunday, the final five qualification spots will be decided, with Mali trying to recover from a 1-0 first-leg loss to Mauritania.

The tournament will take place from February 1 to 28, 2025, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, providing a platform for showcasing local talent exclusively from domestic leagues.

Saturday, December 28, 2024

  • 13:00: Zambia vs. Mozambique
  • 16:00: Burkina Faso vs. Ivory Coast
  • 16:00: Cameroon vs. Central African Republic
  • 16:00: Guinea-Bissau vs. Guinea
  • 16:00: Nigeria vs. Ghana
  • 16:00: Rwanda vs. South Sudan
  • 16:30: Angola vs. Lesotho
  • 17:00: Senegal vs. Liberia

Sunday, December 29, 2024

  • Noon: Madagascar vs. Eswatini
  • 13:00: Uganda vs. Burundi
  • 14:00: Congo vs. Equatorial Guinea
  • 16:00: DR Congo vs. Chad
  • 16:00 : Mali vs. Mauritania

https://twitter.com/bittar32/status/1872923786640801871

Sierra Leone's Tyrese Fornah nets first Salford's goal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Tyrese Fornah nets first Salford’s goal

Tyrese Fornah, a Sierra Leone international, scored his first league goal on Boxing Day when the Ammies defeated Barrow 3-0, their first three-game winning streak since October 2023.

The squad benefited greatly from the game, moving up to ninth place in the rankings, three points outside of the desired top three spots.

Tyrese Fornah and Luke Garbutt both ended the scoring drought in an exciting first half, hitting their first goals of the year to put the Ammies ahead 2-0.

The fans’ thunderous applause created an electrifying environment. Kylian Kouassi completed the outstanding performance in the last ten minutes by scoring the game’s winning goal, ensuring the team’s victory.

Despite his goal, a second yellow card for Fornah late in the day for a reckless challenge on Spence, saw him receive a sending-off after his heel caught the Barrow player on the way down.

Wayne Rooney confirms suspected hamstring for Mustapha Bundu
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Plymouth Argyle to assess winger Mustapha Bundu due to hamstring

On Thursday, Sierra Leone international Mustapha Bundu departed the pitch with a suspected hamstring as Plymouth Argyle faced a significant 4-0 defeat against Coventry City in the Championship.

Bundu started their Boxing Day match but was substituted in the 36th minute after Argyle fell behind by two goals.

All of Coventry’s goals were scored before half-time, beginning with an early strike from Tatsuhiro Sakamoto. Josh Eccles increased the lead to 2-0 after 20 minutes, and Coventry effectively sealed the outcome with two goals in six minutes just before the break.

Ephron Mason-Clark demonstrated impressive form by scoring his fourth goal in six matches since Lampard took over as manager. Eccles netted his second goal and Coventry’s fourth, bringing his season total to three.

This victory represented Lampard’s third win as manager of Coventry City, elevating the team to 14th place, now ten points clear of the playoff positions.

In contrast, Plymouth remains at the bottom of the league, just two points adrift of safety, following their fourth consecutive away defeat in a month.

“Mustapha Bundu has felt his hamstring, so we’ll assess that over the next few days. Not ideal, but we have to dig in. While this situation is not optimal, the team must continue to persevere. The supporters have valid reasons for their disappointment, as the match was effectively concluded by half-time,” Rooney was quoted as saying.

There was significant concern regarding the goals conceded, particularly due to the early nature of those goals. The players did not respond quickly enough to the unfolding situation.

Additionally, “It’s a silly tackle by Callum Wright. He’s had a bit of a wild tackle just before that and he’s got frustrated. I’ve been there myself. But he’s cost himself by missing the next few games.“