Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kei Kamara breaks new Major League Soccer ground

On Saturday, Kei Kamara secured his place in MLS history by scoring his 146th goal, surpassing Landon Donovan to become the league’s second-highest goalscorer after tying the record just days earlier.

Kamara’s momentous goal in the 33rd minute propelled LAFC to a 3-0 lead against the San Jose Earthquakes, echoing the style of his record-tying goal with another powerful header at the back post.

This remarkable achievement means that only one player in MLS history has scored as many goals as Kamara.

“I hope it makes a lot of people happy. I know it makes my friends and family happy because they’re the ones that have been counting the goals all these years and they get to text me. I see their texts, how happy they are,” Kamara said of his historic goal.

“But Landon is the greatest American soccer player to ever live, so for my name to be called next to his for this long, it was an honour. It’s still always going to be next to Landon – I mean the [MLS MVP] trophy is named after him. So when I get to be mentioned next to a great soccer player like that, it’s kind of cool and I’m a fan.”

While Kamara currently trails Chris Wondolowski by 25 goals, his resurgence with his 11th MLS team in Los Angeles has ignited hope for the 39-year-old veteran to potentially challenge the record.

Bulgarian club Botev Plovdiv counts on new acquisition Anthony Ujah
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bulgaria’s Plovdiv counts on new acquisition Anthony Ujah

Bulgarian club Botev Plovdiv believes their new signing, Anthony Ujah, will bring experience and goals for the 2024 First League season.

The team’s sporting director, Arthur Platek, is confident that Ujah will perform at a high level and provide valuable experience for the team.

Botev (Plovdiv) is excited to welcome Anthony Ujah, a Nigerian striker with experience in the Bundesliga and Second Bundesliga. The team’s sporting director, Artur Platek, is confident that Ujah’s goal-scoring ability and experience will help the team improve. Ujah chose to join Botev Plovdiv instead of renewing his contract with German Bundesliga II team Eintracht Braunschweig.

Platek stated that Ujah, along with Ivelin Popov, will help guide the younger players and share their knowledge of what is needed to succeed in top European championships.

The Nigerian striker is the fourth new addition to the team after Alexa Marash, Alain Koroshets and Hans Christian Bernat .

 

Women's Africa Cup of Nations dates set for July next year
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Women’s Africa Cup of Nations dates set for July next year

The Confederation of African Football has announced that the next Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will occur in July 2025.

The 21-day event will start on July 5 and end on July 26, 2025. This decision comes after a period of uncertainty following the completion of the qualifiers.

The tournament, originally planned for this year in Morocco, has been postponed to the following year. The decision was made at a meeting of the CAF Executive Committee on June 21, 2024.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe expressed his excitement for the growth of women’s football in Africa and hopes for the success of the WAFCON Morocco 2024. He also promised to continue developing African football to become competitive on a global level.

Additionally, CAF expressed gratitude to King Mohamed VI of Morocco and the Moroccan Football Federation for hosting both the AFCON 2025 and WAFCON 2024.

Ghana’s Black Queens, who missed out in 2018, have secured their spot in the upcoming competition.

Banyana Banyana won the last edition in Morocco with a 2-1 victory over the host country at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat in July 2022. Hildah Magaia was the game’s star, scoring two goals to secure South Africa’s win in the final.

The dates of the CAF TotalEnergies WAFCON Morocco 2024 are:

  • Opening Match: Saturday 5 July 2025
  • Final Match: Saturday 26 July 2025
Banyana Banyana won the last edition in Morocco with a 2-1 victory over the host country. Hildah Magaia was the star of the game, scoring two goals to secure South Africa’s win in the final.
Banyana Banyana won the last edition in Morocco with a 2-1 victory over the host country. Hildah Magaia was the star of the game, scoring two goals to secure South Africa’s win in the final.
CAF confirm dates for next AFCON in Morocco 2025
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF confirm dates for next AFCON in Morocco 2025

The CAF Executive Committee has announced dates for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Morocco.

The Morocco 2025 tournament will start on Sunday, December 21, 2025, and end with the final match on Sunday, January 18, 2026. This event will bring together the best African football talent and will surely excite fans across the continent and beyond.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe expressed confidence that the AFCON Morocco 2025 will be a great success and the best in the history of the competition.

The announcement followed discussions with various parties, taking into account international and domestic match schedules.

The CAF boss also noted the significant growth of Women’s football in Africa and the expected success of WAFCON Morocco 2024.

CAF is committed to protecting and advancing the interests of African players and developing African football to be globally competitive.

Motsepe expressed gratitude to King Mohamed VI of Morocco, the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), its President Fouzi Lekjaa, the Government, and the people of Morocco for hosting the AFCON Morocco 2025.

Striker Kei Kamara heads 145 Major League career goals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Kei Kamara heads 145 Major League career goals

In a 1-1 tie against Austin FC, Los Angeles extended its undefeated streak to nine games in all competitions.

Kei Kamara scored a late header, securing a crucial point for the team. As a result, he equals Landon Donovan’s mark of 145 career MLS goals for second place on the league’s all-time list.

Jáder Obrian from Austin’s team scored first in the game, but Kamara tied the score in the 90th minute with his first MLS goal.

LAFC’s current season record is 10-4-4 with 34 points. This goal was Kamara’s 145th regular-season goal, putting him in second place in league history, tied with Landon Donovan.

It’s worth mentioning that Kamara has scored for 11 different MLS clubs since he joined the league in 2006.

Austin took the lead in the 19th minute when Obrian’s deflected shot beat Hugo Lloris, marking the first time LAFC had conceded a first-half goal since May 4 and only the second goal allowed in MLS play since then.

Throughout the second half, LAFC maintained pressure on Austin, finishing with a 17-3 advantage in shots.

The equalizer finally came in the 90th minute when Kamara headed in Mateusz Bogusz’s cross from the back post, tying the score 1-1.

Kei Kamara equals Landon Donovan's mark of 145 career MLS goals for second place on the league's all-time list.
Kei Kamara equals Landon Donovan's mark of 145 career MLS goals for second place on the league's all-time list.
African Cup of Nations may be rescheduled to December 2025
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Africa Cup of Nations may be rescheduled to December 2025

A potential rescheduling of the next African Cup of Nations in Morocco to December 2025 is being considered to avoid a clash with the new-look Club World Cup.

The Cup of Nations was scheduled to take place mid-year starting from the 2019 edition in Egypt. However, the last two editions did not take place as planned.

The next AFCON was originally planned for July and August 2025. However, due to FIFA’s new 32-team tournament, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has had to reconsider these plans.

Recent reports have emerged that the event is set to span from late December 2025 to late January 2026, causing a shift in the football calendar to make room for FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup.

This scheduling change is expected to bring about significant adjustments and impacts on the international football scene.

The current plans are not yet confirmed but are under negotiation amid an escalating legal battle over the crammed football calendar.

Nigeria's Chidera Ejuke happy to join Spanish side Sevilla
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria’s Chidera Ejuke happy to join Spanish side Sevilla

Chidera Ejuke, the 26-year-old Nigerian winger, has joined Spanish side Sevilla on a free transfer from CSKA Moscow after a loan spell at Royal Antwerp.

Ejuke, a right-footed player, has primarily played as a left-winger and also has experience in all attacking positions in Europe.

The Nigeria winger said, “It’s all been very quick. I’m happy and very excited to be part of this family and I’m looking forward to achieving great things here. For a club like this to be interested in me is huge.

Communication has been easy, and I’m happy that everything has gone the way it has.”

Ejuke added, “It’s special to be the first Nigerian here. I feel good being part of this team. I’m looking forward to seeing what I can bring. I hope I can come back with Nigeria because it’s always nice to represent your country.”!

Chidera Ejuke started his European career with Valerenga in Norway, making 59 appearances, scoring 15 goals, and providing six assists across two seasons.

After playing for Heerenveen in the Netherlands, Ejuke joined CSKA Moscow, scoring 10 goals and providing 8 assists. He also had loan spells at Hertha Berlin and Royal Antwerp.

Ejuke made his debut for the Nigerian national team in 2020 and has earned eight caps during qualifying campaigns for the World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations.

Ex-Nigerian International Finidi quits Super Eagles job
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-Nigerian International Finidi quits Super Eagles job

Finidi George has resigned as coach of the Super Eagles, stating, “I won’t work under another coach in the Super Eagles.”

This decision followed the NFF’s option to appoint a foreign coach after the team failed to win the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin.

During Finidi’s tenure, the Super Eagles suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat to the Benin Republic in Abidjan after a 1-1 draw against South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

These results leave the Super Eagles winless after four matches, putting them in fifth place in Group C with just three points and jeopardizing Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Finidi, appointed as the substantive coach in April after serving as an assistant to Jose Peseiro, had his position reconsidered by the NFF due to the recent poor results.

The 53-year-old coach succeeded the Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, who left his post after his contract ended in February and had previously worked as Peseiro’s assistant for 20 months.

The Fédération Malienne de Football (FEMAFOOT) has immediately terminated senior national team coach Eric Sékou Chelle's contract.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali Fédération part ways with coach Eric Sékou Chelle

The Fédération Malienne de Football (FEMAFOOT) has immediately terminated senior national team coach Eric Sékou Chelle’s contract.

In a statement reported on national television, no reason was given for the decision. The sacking occurred days after Mali were held to a goalless draw by 10-man Madagascar in a Group I World Cup qualifier in Johannesburg.

The decision was unanimously made by the Executive Committee in an extraordinary session, with the approval of the relevant authorities on Thursday.

Mali suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Ghana at the Stade du Mars in Bamako last week before drawing with a ten-man Madagascar on Tuesday in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Malian Eagles face a tough challenge in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, as they currently have just five points after four matches.

FEMAFOOT has expressed its gratitude to Sekou Chelle for his leadership of the national team and has also thanked the Department of Sports for their ongoing support.

Malian football is entering a new chapter as the federation seeks a new coach. Mali is among several African nations making changes to their coaching staff ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 qualifiers.

A Third straight Sierra Leone League Title For Bo Rangers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Third straight Sierra Leone League Title For Bo Rangers

Bo Rangers secured their third consecutive Sierra Leone Premier League title with three games to spare on Wednesday, defeating Wusum Stars 2-1.

This victory gave the Southern Province side an insurmountable fifteen-point lead over their closest rivals, Bhantal FC.

Since 2019, they made history as the first team from outside the capital city of Freetown to achieve a remarkable feat by winning the Sierra Leone Premier League three consecutive times.

Additionally, they have the opportunity to claim a league-and-cup double when they face East End Lions in the FA Cup final, pending a decision on the date by the authorities.

Suffian Kalokoh and Kwame Mketiah each scored a goal, giving Bo Rangers a two-goal lead before Wusum’s Paul Jackson Kama netted one back in the 72nd minute. Despite this, Bo Rangers managed to hold on to their lead and secure maximum points.

Coach John Keister reflected on the success, expressing his pride in being a title-winning coach once again.

He acknowledged the challenges of leading a club that had previously won the title twice, but he emphasized the collective pride in their achievements. Keister also shared his personal satisfaction in accomplishing this for the people of Bo City.

Bo Rangers have now secured their third title since the revamp of the Sierra Leone top tier in 2019, with Keister securing his second title in the same period.

Bo Rangers secured their third consecutive Sierra Leone Premier League title with three games to spare on Wednesday, defeating Wusum Stars 2-1.
Bo Rangers secured their third consecutive Sierra Leone Premier League title with three games to spare on Wednesday, defeating Wusum Stars 2-1.