Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

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.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a temporary suspension of its approval for the use of Ghana's Baba Yara Stadium.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF suspends Ghana’s Baba Yara Stadium approval

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a temporary suspension of its approval for the use of Ghana’s Baba Yara Stadium. This decision comes as a result of technical issues, specifically concerning the inadequate condition of the playing field.

Despite recently hosting a match between Ghana and Angola, the stadium was found to be below the required standards for Category 3 international matches.

As a result, Ghana will need to find alternative venues for its upcoming official matches as the Baba Yara Stadium is no longer an option. This decision came after CAF’s assessment of the stadium following the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Ghana and Angola, which was played on September 5, 2024.

CAF inspectors identified several issues at the stadium, which has a capacity of over 40,000. The confederation board also recommended that the Ghanaian authorities conduct a full assessment of all international stadiums in the country and immediately begin refurbishment efforts.

Rwanda's coach Torsten Spittler pleased with team effort
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Rwanda’s coach Torsten Spittler pleased with team’s effort

Rwanda’s coach, Torsten Spittler, praised his team’s strong performance following their 0-0 draw against Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifier.

Rwanda displayed a solid defensive effort, successfully holding the three-time AFCON champions to a goalless draw at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Tuesday.

Despite Nigeria dominating possession and applying sustained pressure, Spittler’s team remained resolute, frustrating the Super Eagles’ attempts to break the deadlock.

Spittler expressed his satisfaction with his team’s effort after the game, as he stated, “I’m very happy not only because of the result but also the way we played.” He also acknowledged the quality of Nigeria’s attack, singling out their forward line as world-class.

The draw keeps Rwanda in contention as they look to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, with the team taking great encouragement from the match against one of the continent’s footballing heavyweights.

Nigeria couldn’t break through the Rwandan defence despite dominating possession. Rwandan fans hope their team can build on this point. The AFCON 2025 qualifying race is intensifying, with both teams facing further tests.

The Super Eagles are at the top of Group D with four points, and Rwanda is in third place with two. Nigeria will host Libya in their next qualifier in October, while Rwanda faces a back-to-back test against Benin aiming to return to winning ways.

Kenya beat Namibia to stay on course for Morocco 2025
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kenya beat Namibia to stay on course for Morocco 2025

Kenya had a positive result in their latest 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match, winning 2-1 against Namibia in Group J at the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.

In the first 15 minutes, there was little difference between the two teams, and they shared possession equally in the early stages of the game. Namibia tried to attack midway through the first half, but the Kenyan midfielders quickly stopped them.

On the other side, Kenya looked dangerous when they counter-attacked. The referee ended the first half after a few scoring chances from both teams.

Kenya took the lead just before the hour mark with a well-placed free-kick just outside the area.

Namibia attempted direct attacking plays in the future. Despite Namibia’s attempts, the Harambee Stars scored again in the 76th minute through Duke Abuya, increasing their lead.

Namibia made a late attempt to change the scoreline, with Deon Hotto scoring a consolation goal in stoppage time, but it was too late as Kenya won the match.

Zambia edge Sierra Leone in Group G AFCON qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zambia edge Sierra Leone in Group G AFCON qualifier

On Tuesday, in a tense atmosphere, Zambia’s Chipolopolo secured their first victory in the African Cup of Nations Group G match day two, defeating Sierra Leone 3-2 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

In the opening 25 minutes, Zambia dominated the game and scored their first goal with a header by Kennedy Musonda in the 28th minute. However, Sierra Leone equalized with a great strike by Augustus Kargbo in the 33rd minute after poor defending from the host team.

Both teams showed resilience after the 35th minute in the African Cup of Nations Group G qualifier match. Sierra Leone’s coach, Amidu Karim, made four changes to the starting lineup, resulting in a better performance, especially on the left wing of the team’s attack.

Kelvin Mubanga Kampamba, a substitute from Al Nasr Benghazi, put the home side back in the lead with a good strike in the 70th minute.

Sierra Leone’s Hindolo Mustapha, coming off the bench, scored his first international goal, levelling the game 2-2 in the 73rd minute.

In the 85th minute, Kings Kangwa from Hapoel Beer Sheva scored with a clever free-kick, putting Zambia back in front for the third time after a handball from the Sierra Leone defensive, Ibrahim Sillah.

Zambia’s head coach Grant was delighted after the match and commended his players for their determination.

“It was a fantastic win; we played really well,” Grant told reporters after the match. “We created chances, but more importantly, we showed great mentality. Even after they equalized at 1-1 and then at 2-2, we never gave up. Two minutes after every goal they scored, we scored again. Many teams would have crumbled, but we kept playing and played well.”

He added, “Similarly to our performance in Ivory Coast, the players are displaying a lot of character, fighting spirit, and commitment, and I am very happy about that.”

Elsewhere, Ivory Coast defeated Chad 2-0 with goals from Jean-Philippe Krasso in the 45th minute and Oumar Diakité at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Cameroon to stay top of the group with six points ahead of October’s doubleheader against Sierra Leone.

Ivory Coast continues to lead, with Zambia close behind at three points, Sierra Leone at two, and Chad with one point.

Sierra Leone suffered first defeat win in the African Cup of Nations Group G match day two, defeating Sierra Leone 3-2 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Sierra Leone suffered first defeat win in the African Cup of Nations Group G match day two, defeating Sierra Leone 3-2 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
SIERRA LEONE STARTING XI FOR ZAMBIA (1)
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Four changes to Sierra Leone Starting XI for Zambia

Sierra Leone head coach Amidu Karim has made four changes from the Chad opener in today’s starting line-up for Leone Stars’ second match in the African Cup of Nations Group G qualifying against Zambia.

Kick-off at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium is 21 hours local as coach Avram Grant’s side hosts their West African Counterparts.

With Injury to Qatar-based midfielder Alhassan Koroma, the Gaffer has opted to bring in Holland-based midfielder Ibrahim Sillah in his place. Furthermore, Bo Rangers striker Musa Noah Kamara and Cambridge winger Sullay Kaikai are in for Daniel Kanu and Plymouth Argyle’s Mustapha Bundu.

The same back four in Ankara Keçiörengücü‘s defender Steven Caulker, Dinamo Brest centre-back Jarju Kabia, Hartford Athletic‘s Emmanuel Samadia and Osman Kakay.

Crystal Palace Under-21s midfielder Hindolo Mustapha, who made his International debut in the draw against Chad, started from the bench.

Bristol Rovers midfielder Kamil Conteh replaced Jose Koroma to team up with Italy-based Augustus Kargbo, Bo Rangers striker Musa Noah Kamara and Cambridge United Sullay Kaikai in attack.

A must-win game or worse case, Sierra Leone must avoid defeat at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

Sierra Leone Subs: 23 Francis Koroma, 16, Isaac Caulker, 17, Yeami Dunia, 20 Saidu Mansaray, 13 Josh Koroma, 3 Sallie Tarawallie, 27 Hindolo Mustapha, 22 Kamil Conteh, 10 Mustapha Bundu, 14 Daniel Kanu, 12, Jonathan Morsay, 4 Saidu Fofana