Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegalese striker Iliman Ndiaye named Player of the Match against City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegalese striker Iliman Ndiaye helps Everton draw against City

Senegalese striker Iliman Ndiaye was named Player of the Match after he scored an equalizer that helped Everton draw 1-1 with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Iliman Ndiaye’s fourth goal of the season came through a right-footed shot from the centre of the box to the top right corner to level the scoreline in the 36th minute.

Erling Haaland had a penalty saved by Jordan Pickford in the second half. Manchester City continues to struggle, with only one win in their last 13 games.

City nearly took the lead in the third minute when Josko Gvardiol’s header hit the post. They scored in the 14th minute when Bernardo Silva finished a pass from Jeremy Doku, thanks to a deflection off Jarrad Branthwaite. They could have scored again when Phil Foden set up Silva inside the box, but Silva missed the target.

Seven minutes into the second half, City had another chance to regain the lead when Vitalii Mykolenko fouled Savinho in the box. However, Pickford saved Haaland’s penalty.

City pushed for a winning goal but could not break through Everton’s defence. They have not won a match since December 4 against Nottingham Forest.

There was one last chance for Everton. In the final minute of six added minutes, Broja led another Everton attack and found Harrison in a promising position – but the winger’s shot was blocked.

The result places City in sixth place, three points behind Nottingham Forest in fourth and 11 points behind leaders Liverpool. Everton in 15th after draws against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.

Wilberforce Strikers, Old Edwardians record big wins in 24/25 league opener in Sierra Leone
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Wilberforce Strikers, Old Edwardians record big wins in Sierra Leone season opener

The Sierra Leone Premier League 24/25 season began with flair, as Luawa celebrated their win against Bai Bureh Warriors, while SLIFA FC also claimed a narrow victory over Star Sport. (SLIFA FC Photo)

The season kicked off with great enthusiasm on Friday, highlighting the impressive skills of Luawa FC, who secured a 1-0 victory over Bai Bureh Warriors at the New Port Loko pitch.

Wilberforce Strikers and Old Edwardians made headlines with their outstanding performances, taking the top two positions on the league table after an impresive start.

The May Park Boys put on a spectacular show against Ports Authority, winning decisively with a 4-2 scoreline on Monday. Mohamed Fogbawa was awarded Man of the Match against Ports Authority. The Old Edwardians midfielder scored two of the six goals in this thrilling encounter.

Elsewhere, Bhantal FC beat Kamboi Eagles 1-0 in their Premier League return. In a tight match, Captain Alfred Fornah scored just before halftime, securing the win for Bhantal. It was a tough return for the Eagles, but the Premier League is back.

On Tuesday, Wilberforce Strikers continued their dominance by overpowering newly promoted Abacha City with a commanding 5-2 victory at the Sierra Leone FA secretariat.

The highlight of the weekend was Freetown City FC’s impressive win against the defending champions, Bo Rangers, in the capital on Sunday.  Freetown City took the lead early with a fantastic goal from Ibrahim Sorie Kamara in the third minute.

Despite Suffian Kalokoh equalizing for Bo Rangers with a penalty in the 35th minute, Mohamed Alie Mansaray sealed the victory with a dramatic goal in the 87th minute.

This win sends a strong message from Freetown City, who narrowly avoided relegation last season. In other Saturday matches, the renowned club Mighty Blackpool showed their determination with a 2-2 draw against former league champions Diamond Stars.

FC Kallon also battled hard, ending in a draw with Wusum Stars at the Approved School in Freetown.

However, East End Lions were unable to capitalize on their home advantage, finishing in a goalless draw against newcomers Bullom Stars at the Approved School’s artificial pitch.

The season has clearly set the stage for intense competition and exciting football!

Elsewhere, Bhantal FC beat Kamboi Eagles 1-0 in their Premier League return.
Elsewhere, Bhantal FC beat Kamboi Eagles 1-0 in their Premier League return.
Holders Al Ahly dismantle Algerian side CR Belouizdad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Holders Al Ahly dismantle Algerian side CR Belouizdad

Title holders Al Ahly of Egypt delivered a strong message in the CAF Champions League with a commanding 6-1 victory over CR Belouizdad, highlighted by Wessam Abou Ali’s impressive hat-trick.

The match, held at Cairo International Stadium, saw Al Ahly rebound from an early setback when Aimen Mahious scored for Belouizdad in the 21st minute. Abou Ali equalized just before halftime, paving the way for a dominant second half.

He added two more goals, including a precise free kick and a long-range strike, while Hussein El Shahat and Percy Tau also contributed to the scoreline. Emam Ashour capped the match with a sixth goal in stoppage time, thrilling the home crowd.

With this victory, Al Ahly ascends to the top of Group C with seven points, ahead of Orlando Pirates by two points, while Belouizdad, now third with three points, faces a challenging return leg.

This resounding win illustrates Al Ahly’s strength as they continue to contend for the title in the tournament’s next phase.

Mustapha Bundu scores in Plymouth Argyle's six-goal thriller
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mustapha Bundu scores in Plymouth Argyle’s six-goal thriller

Sierra Leone international Mustapha Bundu found the net for Plymouth Argyle as they drew with Middlesbrough in their final Home Park fixture of the 2024 calendar year.

Ahead of the clash, Michael Carrick’s side were in a play-off place in the Sky Bet Championship, while the home side of Wayne Rooney were desperate for three points to get themselves out of the relegation zone.

Plymouth took the lead three times at Home Park, but Middlesbrough equalized each time, with Emmanuel Latte Lath’s strike ensuring the points were shared in the match between former teammates Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick.

The scoring was opened by Lewis Gibson in the 38th minute, who was assisted by Ryan Hardie for the home team. However, J. Howson equalized in the 50th minute.

The home side took the lead for the second time when Darko Gyabi scored with an assist from Mustapha Bundu.

Boro responded with a spirited comeback as Hayden Hackney made it 2-2 before Bundu finally found the back of the net with his fourth of the season in the 81st minute, only for substitute Emmanuel Latte Lath to equalize just five minutes from time.

Bundu was named Man of the Match after contributing a goal and an assist in a thrilling 3-3 draw during Round 22 of the English Championship. This result continues Plymouth’s struggle, keeping them at the bottom of the table.

Sierra Leone face difficult road to Women's AFCON 2026 in Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone face difficult road to Women’s AFCON in Morocco

Sierra Queens of Sierra Leone to embark on a difficult journey to qualify for the 2026 CAF Women’s African Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The qualifiers for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026, will commence following the draw held at the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) headquarters in Cairo on Thursday.

In the initial round of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 Qualifiers, Sierra Leone will face Benin. Should the team succeed in this round, they will advance to meet Nigeria in the subsequent stage.

The Sierra Queens will first travel to Benin for the first leg of their match, scheduled from February 17 to 26, 2025, while the second round will occur between October 20 and 28, 2025.

The winner of the match between Sierra Leone and Benin will go on to challenge Nigeria, an established powerhouse in African women’s football. Nigeria has been granted a bye for the first round due to its high ranking.

The second round of fixtures is set to take place from October 20 to 28, 2025. A total of 38 African nations will compete for 12 available spots in the final tournament, alongside Morocco, which qualifies automatically as the host nation.

Qualifier Schedule:

  • First Round: February 17–26, 2025
  • Second Round: October 20–28, 2025

First Round Fixtures:

  • M1 & M2: Angola vs Zimbabwe
  • M3 & M4: Malawi vs Congo
  • M5 & M6: Botswana vs DR Congo
  • M7 & M8: Tanzania vs Equatorial Guinea
  • M9 & M10: Uganda vs Ethiopia
  • M11 & M12: Eswatini vs Namibia
  • M13 & M14: Burundi vs Burkina Faso
  • M15 & M16: Djibouti vs Togo
  • M17 & M18: South Sudan vs Algeria
  • M19 & M20: Rwanda vs Egypt
  • M21 & M22: Kenya vs Tunisia
  • M23 & M24: Niger vs Gambia
  • M25 & M26: Benin vs Sierra Leone
  • M27 & M28: Guinea vs Cape Verde
  • M29 & M30: Gabon vs Mali
  • M31 & M32: Chad vs Senegal

Second Round Fixtures:

  • M33 & M34: Angola/Zimbabwe vs Malawi/Congo
  • M35 & M36: Botswana/DR Congo vs South Africa
  • M37 & M38: Tanzania/Equatorial Guinea vs Uganda/Ethiopia
  • M39 & M40: Eswatini/Namibia vs Zambia
  • M41 & M42: Burundi/Burkina Faso vs Djibouti/Togo
  • M43 & M44: South Sudan/Algeria vs Cameroon
  • M45 & M46: Rwanda/Egypt vs Ghana
  • M47 & M48: Kenya/Tunisia vs Niger/Gambia
  • M49 & M50: Benin /Sierra leone Vs  Nigeria
  • M51 & M52: Guinea/Cape Verde vs Gabon/Mali
  • M53 & M54: Chad/Senegal vs Côte d’Ivoire
Ghanaian duo Acheampong and Tyrique George promoted to Chelsea's First Team
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghanaian duo Acheampong and Tyrique George promoted to Chelsea’s first team

British-born Ghanaian natives Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George have been promoted to Chelsea’s first team, a significant milestone in their football careers. They joined the club at the age of eight.

This announcement was made on Thursday, highlighting the progress of both athletes. The 18-year-olds participated in Chelsea’s pre-season training in the United States this summer and have been consistently training with the senior team.

Both players have already made their mark this season by appearing in competitive fixtures, including the UEFA Conference League and the EFL Cup.

Tyrique George signed a long-term contract during the summer, and Josh Acheampong followed suit this week, securing his future with the club under a deal that extends until 2029.

Head coach Enzo Maresca commended the duo during a locker room presentation, where their teammates expressed their support with applause as they received personalized locker signs.

Though born in England to Ghanaian parents, both players have represented England at various youth levels and remain eligible to switch their international allegiance to the Ghanaian national team, the Black Stars.

Malian wonder kid Ibrahim Diarra officially joined Barcelona
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Malian wonderkid Ibrahim Diarra officially joins Barcelona

Malian wonder kid Ibrahim Diarra is ready to train with Barcelona’s junior side as he officially joined Spanish giant FC Barcelona.

The club has secured a permanent transfer agreement with Africa Foot Academy for young talent Diarra, whose contract runs until June 30, 2028.

Diarra will train with the reserve team until he turns 18 later this year. He previously impressed during a trial in February and at the Under-17 World Cup, where he scored five goals and provided four assists.

Barca’s statement reads: “Promising player – Born on 12 December 2006 in Mali, Ibrahim Diarra is a skillful left-sided midfielder, noted for his physique, ball control and versatility. Indeed, he also frequently plays on the wing.

A product of the Africa Foot Academy, Diarra played for his country at the 2023 Under 17 World Cup, captaining his side and scoring five goals and giving four assists on the way to an impressive fourth place.”

Barbra Banda and keeper Ronwen Williams claim CAF Awards
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Barbra Banda and keeper Ronwen Williams claim CAF Awards

Zambian striker Barbra Banda and South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams were crowned winners at the 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday.

Banda had an impressive season with Orlando Pride in the NWSL, helping the team win the NWSL Shield and Championship. She also scored a hat trick for Zambia at the Paris Olympics 2024, making her the first player to achieve this three times in Olympic football. Additionally, she became the first African player in the FIFPRO Women’s World 11.

Williams was the only double winner, taking home both the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Men’s Interclub Player of the Year awards. He made key penalty saves at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire 2023, leading South Africa to a bronze medal.

At 32, Williams helped Mamelodi Sundowns only concede 11 goals in 30 games during the South African Premiership, securing their seventh consecutive league title.

Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie won Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for the second year, while Moroccan forward Sanaâ Mssoudy of AS FAR was named Women’s Interclub Player of the Year.

Lamine Camara from Senegal and Monaco won Men’s Young Player of the Year for his impressive performances as a midfielder.

  • 2024 Caf Awards winners

Men’s Player of the Year: Ademola Lookman (Nigeria & Atalanta)

Women’s Player of the Year: Barbra Banda (Zambia & Orlando Pride)

Men’s Coach of the Year: Emerse Fae (Ivory Coast)

Women’s Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe)

Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Ronwen Williams (South Africa & Mamelodi Sundowns)

Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria & Paris FC)

Men’s Club of the Year: Al Ahly (Egypt)

Women’s Club of the Year: TP Mazembe (DR Congo)

Men’s Interclub Player of the Year: Ronwen Williams (South Africa & Mamelodi Sundowns)

Women’s Interclub Player of the Year: Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco & AS Far)

Men’s Young Player of the Year: Lamine Camara (Senegal & Monaco)

Women’s Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (Morocco & AS Far)

Men’s National Team of the Year: Ivory Coast

Women’s National Team of the Year: Nigeria

Goal of the Year (voted for by fans): Cristovao Mabululu (Angola) – Angola v Namibia (Afcon 2023)

Ademola Lookman Crowned Awarded CAF Player in Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ademola Lookman Crowned CAF Player of the Year in Morocco

On Monday, in a prestigious ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco, Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman crowned the 2024 African Footballer of the Year at the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Awards in Marrakesh.

The Atalanta forward triumphed over competitors Simon Adingra, Serhou Guirassy, Achraf Hakimi, and Ronwen Williams.

“This award is a blessing, to be recognised as best player in Africa is something incredible,” he said. “Four years ago my career felt down but now I’m here as the best player in Africa. Don’t let your failures stop your dreams.”

The event recognized the exceptional achievements of Africa’s football talents over the past year.

The ceremony was graced by esteemed figures from the football world, illustrating the significant advancements in the sport across the continent, particularly in both men’s and women’s football.

Ademola Lookman was distinguished as the CAF Men’s Player of the Year following an outstanding year with Italian club Atalanta and the Nigeria Super Eagles, succeeding his compatriot Victor Osimhen, who received the award in 2023.

This achievement marks a historic moment for Nigeria, as it is the first instance of consecutive winners of the Men’s award since Nwankwo Kanu (1996) and Victor Ikpeba (1997) were honoured nearly thirty years ago.

Black Bulls wallop Nigerian side Enyimba in CAF Confed Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Black Bulls wallop Nigerian side Enyimba in CAF Confed Cup

Nigerian football club Enyimba suffered a disappointing 3-0 loss to Mozambican side Black Bulls during their CAF Confederation Cup Group D encounter in Maputo on Sunday.

The match saw the home team dominate from the start. Two of the goals for the Black Bulls were scored by their Nigerian imports, Rume Akporoh and Francis Ayuba, showcasing their prowess in front of goal. The final goal was netted by Fidel Souza, further extending the lead and sealing a comprehensive victory for the Bulls.

This defeat leaves Enyimba struggling in the group stage, as they have yet to record a win. Their current record includes one draw and two losses from three matches played, placing them at the bottom of Group D with a total of only one point.

In Group C, Orapa United and Jaraaf played to a 0-0 draw. Both teams had chances to score, but poor finishing and good goalkeeping prevented any goals. This result keeps both teams struggling in the standings.

In Group B, Stellenbosch won 1-0 against CD Lunda Sul. Devin Titus scored the only goal with a header in the 89th minute, helping Stellenbosch move into third place in Group B. Lunda Sul missed several key chances in this close match.