Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Young Africans thrash Ethiopia's Ethiopia Nigd Bank.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Young Africans thrash Ethiopia’s Commercial Bank

Young Africans SC thrashed Commercial Bank of Ethiopia FC 6-0, advancing to the group stage of the 2024/2025 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

In the first leg of the second preliminary round, the Tanzania Premier League champions won 1-0 against Commercial Bank of Ethiopia FC (CBE). They continued their success with a 7-0 aggregate win at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.

On Friday, CR Belouizdad of Algeria became the first team to secure a spot in the group stage of the 2024-25 CAF Champions League by defeating AS Douanes of Burkina Faso.

The second-round return leg match took place at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran, and the hosts, CR Belouizdad, managed to level the tie at 1-1 with a goal from Abderrahmane Meziane in the 35th minute.

Despite being reduced to 10 men late in regulation time, CR Belouizdad managed to take the tie to penalties.

New Real Valladolid defender Juma Bah makes La Liga debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New Real Valladolid defender Juma Bah makes La Liga debut

Sierra Leonean international Abdulai Juma Bah made his La Liga debut Valladolid goalless draw against Real Sociedad, as we reported earlier.

He featured for the 78th minute on his first start wearing No 35 jersey – His strong impression at Real Valladolid has been rewarded since joining less than a month ago.

Juma Bah, a young 195-centimetre tall centre-back, has proven to be a reliable defender. He impresses the coaching staff and players with his physicality and skill in on-field battles.

Breaking new heights, Bah became the first Sierra Leonean to play in the Spanish top-tier league.

Starting from playing in the streets on the outskirts of Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, and helping his family by working in a bakery in the market in the Congo neighbourhood, he ended up being called up five months later by a historic team in one of the best leagues in the world.

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 the club’s success this season. He has made a promising start and is a player to watch in the upcoming matches.

Sierra Leone midfielder Tyrese Fornah Salford's experience
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone midfielder Tyrese Fornah on Salford’s experience

Salford City midfielder Tyrese Fornah talked about his first month with the club via the club’s website and their upcoming match against Walsall in the league this weekend.

The 25-year-old has impressed since joining on loan from Derby County in August. The Sierra Leone international expressed how much he is enjoying his time at The Peninsula Stadium.

“I returned in the summer after training, taking care of myself physically and mentally, and feeling motivated to be the best version of myself, playing freely as I did as a kid.

“I’ve always been advised to play without worrying about taking risks, especially in my position as a midfielder. I grew up watching top midfielders who carried the ball and were exciting, and that’s what I like to do. Every time I play, I aim to run forward and think forward.

There might be times when I lose the ball, but I’m someone who will try things, and ultimately, I back myself because God gave me a talent, and I’m doing my best to consistently showcase it on the pitch.”

Salford goes into this weekend’s game against Walsall in good form, having been unbeaten in four league matches, including consecutive home victories against MK Dons and Cheltenham Town.

“It’s something I noticed when I first joined – the players, the recruitment, and how the club looks at the players they’re bringing in to complement the squad. It feels like it’s starting to come together.

“We have a long way to go, and there are plenty of games to play. But with the players we have in the squad along with those who were already here, I feel like it’s a good balance, and I’m enjoying it.

“I genuinely appreciate every single one of the boys; they’re good people, good human beings, and I believe that’s the most important thing – to be a good human, not just on the pitch, but someone you can rely on when you’re playing with them.

“Winning games boosts confidence for individuals and the team. We must stay cautious as Walsall is a strong team. If we focus on our performance and receive support from the fans at home, we can create a strong home advantage. I hope this positive trend continues.”

Sierra Leone's Yayah Kallon out of Salernitana trip to Reggiana
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Yayah Kallon out of Salernitana’s trip to Reggiana

Sierra Leone-born Yayah Kallon will miss Saturday’s match at Reggiana Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore due to suspension.

The new Salernitana acquisition was shown a red card in week three as Salernitana defeated Sampdoria 3-2.

At the end of the final training session held this morning at the Mary Rosu sports centre, coach Giovanni Martusciello announced the list of players called up for the match scheduled for tomorrow at 3 pm between Reggiana and Salernitana at the Città del Tricolore/Mapei Stadium.

GOALKEEPERS: 12 Corriere, 1 Fiorillo, 55 Sepe;

DEFENDERS : 15 Bronn, 33 GM. Ferrari, 29 Ghiglione, 44 Jaroszyński, 17 Njoh, 13 Ruggeri, 30 Stojanović, 4 Velthuis;

MIDFIELDERS: 73 Amatucci, 23 Dalmonte, 8 Hrustić, 25 Maggiore, 19 Reine-Adélaïde, 21 Soriano, 70 Tello;

ATTACKERS: 24 Braaf, 9 Sims, 10 Torregrossa, 31 Verde, 20 Wlodarczyk.

Unavailable:  2 Gentile, 7 Tongya, 77 Sfait.

Suspended : 11 Kallon.

Libya sack Ex-Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojević
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Libya sack Ex-Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojević

Former Orlando Pirates head coach Milutin Sredojević has been removed from his position as the coach of the Libyan national team.

The 55-year-old Serbian coach took charge of the Libyan team in October 2023. Despite a successful start, winning six of his first eight games with mostly local players, the Libyan national team struggled in the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers, losing 2-1 to Benin and drawing 1-1 with Rwanda.

As a result, they currently sit at the bottom of Group D with just one point from their first two games. Sredojević is reportedly set to join Al Ahli Tripoli for the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary leg against Simba SC in Dar es Salaam.

He has previously managed several clubs in Africa, including SC Villa, Al Hilal in Sudan, Yanga Africans in Tanzania, Saint George in Ethiopia, Zamalek in Egypt, and Orlando Pirates in South Africa, among others.

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.