Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco, Egypt to compete for bronze at Men's Olympic Football Tournament
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco and Egypt to compete for Olympic bronze medal

On Thursday, an epic battle for the bronze medal in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament is expected as Morocco takes on Egypt in the North African derby – both sides’ best chance to make history.

On Monday, both teams from North Africa were knocked out after tough semi-final matches in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament. Spain came from behind to beat resilient Morocco, while Egypt faced a similar defeat in the second semi-final.

Morocco’s quest for Olympic gold ended in a 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament semi-final.

Despite a strong start and a lead from top scorer Soufiane Rahimi, Spain’s comeback dashed Moroccan hopes. They will now compete for the bronze medal.

Elsewhere, Egypt’s hopes for Olympic football success ended in sadness as they lost 3-1 to a strong France team in the semi-final at the Stade de Lyon.

Despite a goal from Mahmoud Saber, France’s late surge in extra time sealed the victory. The team now looks to the bronze medal match as a chance to make history with Egypt’s first Olympic football medal.

The turning point came just two minutes into the additional period when Omar Fayed received his marching orders for a rash challenge, leaving Egypt to battle with ten men.

France will face Spain in the men’s Olympic Football Tournament gold medal match.

Next at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament

Bronze medal match | Thursday, 8 August

17:00 | Egypt v Morocco (all kick-offs in local time)

Gold medal match | Friday, 9 August

18:00 | France v Spain

Liberia's Determine Girls secured a notable 3-1 victory over defending champions AS Mandé on matchday three in Bo, Sierra Leone.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Determine Girls go top of WAFU A Women’s qualifier

On Monday, Liberia’s Determine Girls secured a notable 3-1 victory over defending champions AS Mandé on matchday three of the WAFU A Women’s Champions League qualifying tournament in Bo, Sierra Leone.

This victory has propelled the 2022 regional champions to the top of the standings under the guidance of coach Patience J. Gwah, creating a significant lead over their main rivals.

On the same matchday, Sierra Leone’s Champions Mogbewmo Queens was held to a 2-2 draw against Senegal’s Aigles de la Médina, who are now on four points after.

The resilient Mogbewmo Queens side are still without a win but with two matchdays remaining, the competition for the coveted spot in the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League is intensifying.

So far, the tournament has been full of surprises. Determine Girls’ rise to the top is the most notable. Their upcoming match against AS Mandé is very important for the qualification battle.

The upcoming match between Red Scorpion and Mogbewmo Queens will be closely watched, as the latter has shown its ability to compete with the top teams in the tournament.

All attention is on Bo to see which team will secure the crucial qualification spot for the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Matchday 3 Results (5 August)

  • Mogbewmo Queens 2-2 Aigles de la Médina
  • Determine Girls 3-1 AS Mandé

Current Standings

  1. Determine Girls – 6 pts
  2. AS Mandé – 4 pts
  3. Aigles de la Médina – 4 pts
  4. Mogbewmo Queens – 2 pts
  5. Red Scorpion – 0 pts

Upcoming Fixtures (8 August)

  • Red Scorpion vs Mogbewmo Queens
  • AS Mandé vs Determine Girls
  • Aigles de la Médina (bye)
Algerian powerhouse CR Belouizdad has formally confirmed the acquisition of South African international Khanyisa Mayo.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Khanyisa Mayo completes move to Algerian side CR Belouizdad

Algerian powerhouse CR Belouizdad has formally confirmed the acquisition of South African international Khanyisa Mayo on a three-year deal. 

Mayo, a proficient left-footed forward, has made the transition from South African Premiership club Cape Town City to the esteemed Algerian champions permanently.

Notably, Mayo’s contributions of 10 goals and one assist in 28 matches significantly contributed to Cape Town City’s fifth-place finish in the 2023/24 season.

The 25-year-old has committed to a three-year contract with Belouizdad. Mayo’s outstanding performance previously earned him the 2022/23 DStv Premiership Golden Boot award for registering 12 goals in 27 matches for Cape Town City.

Moreover, he has represented the South African national team, Bafana Bafana, on seven occasions.

Of strategic significance, Belouizdad is positioned to participate in the CAF Champions League and is scheduled to face AC Leopards of Congo-Brazzaville in the upcoming first preliminary round.

Tyrese Fornah's Derby wrap up preseason with Valladolid win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tyrese Fornah’s Derby wrap up preseason with Valladolid win

On Saturday, Tyrese Fornah’s Derby County ended their pre-season with a 2-1 victory against Real Valladolid at Pride Park Stadium

The Sierra Leone International played a part in their win over the Spanish side on Saturday. Fornah, 24, was introduced in the 65th minute as the Rams held on to their win.

David Ozoh and Kane Wilson scored two quick goals in the second half to cancel Raul Moro’s first-half strike for the visitors.

Valladolid took the lead after 36 minutes when Raul Moro’s shot deflected low and beyond Vickers’ reach.

The second half began with four changes for the Rams as Barkhuizen, Eiran Cashin, Callum Elder and Ryan Nyambe were substituted with Dajaune Brown, Sonny Bradley, Craig Forsyth, and Wilson.

The match provided important playing time for Derby ahead of the start of the Sky Bet Championship against Blackburn on Friday, 9th August at 8 pm.

The Team

Derby County: Vickers (GK), Nyambe (Wilson 46), Nelson, Cashin (Bradley 46), Elder (Forsyth 46), Ozoh (Washington 74), Goudmijn (Yates 65), Osborn (Thompson 65), Barkhuizen (Brown 46), Jackson (Fornah 65), Mendez-Laing (Collins 65).

On The Bench: Luthra (GK), Adams.

Determine Girls, AS Mandé  register wins in CL qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Determine Girls, AS Mandé register wins in CL qualifiers

On Saturday, the WAFU A CAF Women Champions League qualifying tournament continues with thrilling matches at the Southern Arena Bo City.

The Determine Girls from Liberia secured a 2-1 victory over the Red Scorpion from Gambia, with goals from MBassey Darboe and Bintou Sylla, despite a late goal by Kaddy Jatta.

Meanwhile, the reigning champion AS Mandé from Mali triumphed 2-0 over the Aigles de la Médina from Senegal, with goals from Fatoumata Diarra and Yasso Oriata Konaté.

These intense matches showcased the skill and determination of the competing teams, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.

Fatoumata Diarra opened the scoring in the 63rd, and Yasso Oriata Konaté sealed the fate of this suspenseful encounter by doubling the lead in the 90th + 4.

AS Mandé have four points, Determine Girls and Aigles de la Médina have three points, Sierra Leone’s Champions Mogbwemo Queens have one point, and Red Scorpions have no points so far.

The Determine Girls from Liberia secured a 2-1 victory over the Red Scorpion from Gambia
The Determine Girls from Liberia secured a 2-1 victory over the Red Scorpion from Gambia
The reigning champion AS Mandé from Mali triumphed 2-0 over the Aigles de la Médina from Senegal
The reigning champion AS Mandé from Mali triumphed 2-0 over the Aigles de la Médina from Senegal
Sierra Leone's FC Kallon lost 2-1 to Remo Stars in Nigeria. The game took place during the Coal City Cup pre-season tournament in Enugu.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Opening Coal City defeat for FC Kallon in Nigeria

Sierra Leone’s FC Kallon suffered a 2-1 defeat against Remo Stars in Nigeria during the Coal City Cup pre-season tournament in Enugu.

The match was a brilliant display of skill and unwavering determination. Remo Stars made a stunning comeback, securing a thrilling 2-1 victory.

Both teams created chances, but FC Kallon took the lead in the 40th minute through Hassan Milla Koroma’s clever finish.

In the second half, Remo Stars equalized and then secured a 2-1 victory in the 90+2 minute. Coach Daniel Ogunmodede praised his team’s spirit and determination.

The Coal City Cup provides teams with a platform to prepare for the new season. Remo Stars’ win will be remembered as a highlight of this year’s competition.

Shooting Stars played to a 2-2 draw against host team Coal City.

In the tournament opener, Rangers International of Enugu defeated Enyimba on Thursday.

Agu Kenechukwu’s left-footed shot inside the box in the 51st minute turned out to be the match-winner for the reigning NPFL champions.

Egypt clinch historic Olympic Games semi-final berth
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt clinch historic Olympic Games semi-final berth

At the Paris 2024 Games, Egypt made history by reaching the Olympic football semi-finals for the first time. They achieved this by beating Paraguay 5-4 in a tense penalty shootout.

The match was tied at halftime, but Paraguay scored first. However, Egypt managed to equalize with a late goal before winning in the penalty shootout. This means that Africa will have two teams in the semi-finals, with Egypt joining Morocco.

This success shows the growing strength of African football on the world stage. Egypt will now face tournament hosts France in the semi-final.

The Egyptian team is looking forward to this challenge and hopes to go even further in their quest for Olympic gold.

Egypt’s journey has captured the imagination of football fans worldwide, and the semi-final against France promises to be an exciting match.

Paris 2024 Olympics Fixtures | 05 August 2024

16h00 GMT | Morocco vs Spain

19h00 GMT | France vs Egypt

Morocco Thrash USA to Reach Men's Football Olympic Semis
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco Thrash USA to Reach Men’s Football Olympic Semis

On Friday, at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Morocco achieved a historic milestone by securing a position in the men’s football semi-final for the first time with an impressive 4-0 victory over the United States.

Morocco scored four goals through Soufiane Rahimi, Ilias Akhomach, Achraf Hakimi, and El Mehdi Maouhoub to beat the USA and secure a spot in the Paris 2024 semi-finals.

This triumph paves the way for an exciting semi-final encounter as Morocco prepares to face either Japan or Spain in Marseille.

The Atlas Lions demonstrated their exceptional attacking capabilities and tactical prowess in a match that will be remembered for its significance by fans at the Parc des Princes.

From the onset, Morocco established dominance through their high-pressing strategy and swift counterattacks, posing continual challenges to the American defence.

The pivotal moment arrived in the 29th minute when Soufiane Rahimi converted a penalty, marking his fifth goal of the tournament, following Nathan Harriel’s untidy challenge in the box.

Despite efforts by the United States, Morocco’s midfield trio of Abde Ezzalzouli, Ilias Akhomach, and Amir Richardson adeptly controlled the tempo of the game and crafted numerous scoring opportunities.

In the second half, Morocco dominated the game, scoring two more goals and securing a convincing victory.

Akhomach and Achraf Hakimi were the key players, with Hakimi’s impressive solo effort sealing the win.

The Moroccan team celebrated their historic achievement, showing their confidence as they pursued Olympic glory. Coach Tarik Sektioui’s tactics and team selection were instrumental in this resounding victory.

FC Kallon will kick start their highly anticipated Coal City International Cup opener against the formidable Remo Stars on August 2, which marks match day 2 in Enugu City, Nigeria.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s FC Kallon set for Remo Stars Coal City Opener

FC Kallon will kick start their highly anticipated pre-season Coal City International Cup opener against the formidable Remo Stars on August 2, which marks match day 2 in Enugu City, Nigeria.

The Coal City Cup is a yearly international football tournament held at The Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, Nigeria. The first 11-day edition of the competition will take place from August 1-11, 2024. The Rangers International Football Club of Enugu will be the host team.

In 2024, the competition will feature four teams from the NPFL, including Kallon, and one other team from outside the country.

Head coach Mohamed Kallon has carefully selected his 23-man squad to represent the club and Sierra Leone on the international stage.

Eager to claim victory in their first match against Kano Pillars, Kallon FC is ready to start an exciting journey.

They will face Rangers on August 4 and then play against Remo Stars on August 5 to conclude the first round of matches.

In the tournament opener, Rangers International of Enugu defeated Enyimba on Thursday.

Agu Kenechukwu’s left-footed shot inside the box in the 51st minute turned out to be the match-winner for the reigning NPFL champions.

Sierra Leone's FC Kallon Set for Remo Stars Coal City Opener
Sierra Leone's FC Kallon Set for Remo Stars Coal City Opener
Birmingham City, Hull City, and Sierra Leone defender Curtis Davies has announced his retirement from football.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Former Villa, Leicester City and Sierra Leone defender retires

Birmingham City, Hull City, and Sierra Leone defender Curtis Davies has announced his retirement from football.

Davies, 39, who began his career at Wimbledon, made 686 first-team career appearances, including three for England U21, and has finally hung up his boots.

In October 2023, at age 38, Davies was called up to the Sierra Leone national team squad for their friendly matches against Benin and Somalia.

On 5 June 2024, Davies scored his first Sierra Leone international goal in a 2–1 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification win against Djibouti.

“The day has finally come… After much deliberation over the last few months, I have decided to retire from football. Growing up as a kid, I simply wanted to be a footballer.

So, to have been able to play and score at Wembley, play in the Premier League, and represent both England U21 and Sierra Leone during my 23 years truly was a dream come true.

There have been plenty of ups and maybe even more downs, but all combined it made my journey a very special one.” Davies announced his retirement on Twitter.

In 2005, Davies joined West Bromwich Albion, where he made 35 starts and scored two goals in his first season with Albion, which ended with the club being relegated to the Championship.

In July 2006, he signed a new four-year contract and was appointed captain permanently, having captained the team on several occasions during the previous season to become the club’s second-youngest captain of all time.

Davies had spells at Aston Villa, Leicester City, Hull City, and Cheltenham Town.