Category: Players Abroad News

Sierra Leone fasting growing digital football website is passionately on all topics of National and International news, identifying our soccer stars.

Sierra Leone's Mohamed Kabia set to join Serbian side Borac Čačak
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s Mohamed Kabia set to join Serbian side Borac Čačak

Sierra Leone midfielder Mohamed Kabia is set to join FC Borac Čačak in Serbia’s First League for the remainder of the season. The Serbian First League, sponsored by Mozzart Bet, is the second tier of professional football in Serbia.

As excitement builds around his arrival, Borac Čačak is expected to conduct an official unveiling ceremony soon, where they will confirm the specifics of his contract, outline expectations, and discuss his potential role within the squad moving forward.

The 21-year-old player, known for his robust style of play and versatility, is also capable of operating effectively as a centre-back. A close source has disclosed that the midfielder finalized his transfer yesterday, and an official announcement from the club is anticipated shortly, detailing the terms of his contract.

This transfer marks an important milestone in Kabia’s career. He has previously gained recognition for his impressive performances in both domestic leagues and international competitions, showcasing his defensive prowess and ability to adapt to different playing styles.

By joining FC Borac Čačak, Kabia seeks to advance his career in European football. The club, known for its competitiveness in the Serbian first division, will benefit from his physical presence and tactical insight.

Alhassan Koroma's Al-Shahaniya suffer defeat to Al-Duhail
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alhassan Koroma’s Al-Shahaniya suffer defeat to Al-Duhail

In an intense match at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Al Shahaniya faced a tough defeat against Al-Duhail, finishing with a score of 1-2 after Week 17 of the Ooredoo Stars League.

On Friday, the Sierra Leone International, who scored in their 3-2 win over Umm Salal last Sunday, played the full throttle of the tie in the Qatari Stars Super League.  

Despite a spirited effort, Al-Shahaniya’s performance saw them unable to secure the win, which left their total points stagnant at 23, causing them to slip to seventh place in the league standings.

They now find themselves tied on points with Al-Rayyan and Al-Shamal, who occupy fifth and sixth places, respectively. Meanwhile, Al-Duhail’s victory allowed them to regain the top position in the league, boosting their points to 38.

The first half of the match was particularly noteworthy, as Al-Shahaniya successfully held Al-Duhail—currently leading the standings—scoreless through 45 minutes. However, the tide turned just after the break when Michael Olunga netted Al-Duhail’s first goal in the 46th minute, placing pressure on Al-Shahaniya to respond.

The home team equalized in the 65th minute with a penalty conversion from Petrus Amersfoort, showcasing their resilience and determination.

Unfortunately for Al-Shahaniya, just five minutes later, Karim Boudiaf scored again for Al-Duhail, reclaiming the lead with a well-timed goal in the 70th minute. The match turned contentious as tensions rose, culminating in the ejection of substitute referee Francesco Antonucci in the 90+9 minute.

Al-Shahaniya’s starting formation for the match featured Shahab Al-Laithi in goal, supported by a defensive line consisting of Mohamed Ibrahim, Mohamed Badr Sayyar, Mark Martinez, and Lotfi Madjer.

In the midfield, they lined up Petrus Amersfoort alongside Youssef Hani and Andreas van Beek, while their attacking front comprised Moaz Al-Wadiya, Ali Al-Omari, and Al-Hassan Koroma. Despite their efforts, the team’s inability to convert opportunities into goals ultimately led to their defeat on this occasion.

Chinese side Chengdu Rongcheng unveil Sierra Leone winger Issa Kallon
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Chinese side Chengdu Rongcheng unveil Sierra Leone winger Issa Kallon

Chinese Super League last season’s third-place side Chengdu Rongcheng has unveiled Sierra Leone winger Issa Kallon.

Kallon confirmed that he has reached an agreement for a two-year contract with Chengdu Rongcheng and is prepared for the upcoming Chinese Super League campaign.

The 29-year-old, who joined Shanghai Port from the Dutch club Cambuur in 2022, is embarking on a new chapter in his career after departing Nantong Zhiyun.

The Chinse Super League is set to kick start this week as Chengdu Rongcheng open its campaign against Wuhan Three Towns on Saturday.

The Sierra Leone International recorded seven goals and eight assists in 45 appearances for Shanghai Port when they won the title before moving to join Nantong Zhiyun in 2024, scoring five goals & two assists in 22 matches.

He scored on his debut for Nantong Zhiyun in the Chinese Super League opening game of the 2024/2025 season. Nantong Zhiyun played away from Tianjin Jinmen Tiger, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw in March last year.

He equalizer for Nantong Zhiyun in the 67th minute. He received a pass and slotted the ball at the bottom right of the net.

Kallon had joined Nantong Zhiyun after winning the title of last season with Shanghai Port. 

He started his football career as a youth exponent from FC Utrecht and made his Eredivisie debut on 24th August 2014 in a 1-2 away win against Feyenoord on 24 August 2014 in a 1–2 away win against Feyenoord.

Mustapha Bundu nets as Plymouth Argyle thrash Millwall
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mustapha Bundu nets as Plymouth Argyle thrash Millwall

Sierra Leone international Mustapha Bundu contributed to Millwall’s 5-1 defeat against Plymouth Argyle in the Sky Bet Championship on Wednesday night.

Plymouth took an early lead with an own goal and a penalty scored by Ryan Hardie. In the second half, Hardie and Bundu quickly added two more goals. Joe Bryan scored a late consolation for Millwall before Nikola Katic made it 5-1.

Head Coach Alex Neil changed the starting lineup from the last game, bringing in Camiel Neghli for Ra’ees Bangura-Williams.

Plymouth scored first after six minutes when an accidental deflection went in off Joe Bryan. Hardie then converted a penalty following a foul in the box, making it 2-0.

Millwall nearly scored immediately after, but Mihailo Ivanovic’s header was saved. Neghli had a long-range shot tipped over, and moments later, Plymouth scored again. Bundu scored the third goal for Plymouth by turning and shooting past the goalie.

After substitutions, Azeez’s free-kick was deflected wide. In the 80th minute, Millwall finally scored when Azeez set up Bryan. However, Katic rounded off Plymouth’s scoring with a goal in the last minutes of the match.

Goals: Bryan og 6, Hardie pen 10, Bundu 53, Hardie 56, Katic 87

Millwall Goal: Bryan 80

Osman Kakay raring to go with Primeira Liga side Boavista
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Osman Kakay raring to go with Primeira Liga side Boavista

The former Queens Park Rangers academy graduate Osman Kakay has signed with the Portuguese Primeira Liga team Boavista as a free agent and says he can’t wait to get back on the pitch after a long absence. 

“I’m happy to be back playing football after a long break. Joining a big club like Boavista is a great honour,” said the excited Sierra Leone international.

He added, “I can’t wait to get started and enjoy playing football again.” Boavista is a well-known club, and even though it’s been a long time since I last played, I’ve had the chance to reflect and I believe now is the right time to return.”

He made his first appearance for QPR in August 2016. He played out of position on the right side of midfield during an EFL Cup second-round win over Rochdale and was substituted after 73 minutes, earning applause from the QPR fans.

On January 31, 2017, Kakay signed a loan deal with Chesterfield until the end of the 2016–17 season. In November 2018, QPR offered him a contract extension, keeping him at Loftus Road until 2021.

On September 2, 2019, Kakay went on loan to Partick Thistle until January 2020. He mainly played as a right back there but often as a right winger.

On September 5, 2020, Kakay scored his first professional goal in an EFL Cup match against Plymouth Argyle and signed a contract extension until 2024. He netted his first Championship goal on May 1, 2021, in a 2–0 win over Stoke City. QPR announced on May 6, 2024, that Kakay would leave the club when his contract expired that summer.

  • On the International stage

Kakay made his international debut for Sierra Leone on September 9, 2018, in a match against Ethiopia during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

In December 2021, he was named in the Sierra Leone squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. This marked the country’s first participation in the tournament since 1996.

Kakay played the entire ninety minutes in his team’s opening match, where they managed to draw 0-0 with Algeria, the defending champions and one of the favourites to win.

Read related – Sierra Leone’s Osman Kakay to Boavista is Imminent.

https://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/medical-update-kamil-conteh
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bristol Rovers medical update on midfielder Kamil Conteh

Bristol Rovers has provided an update on Sierra Leone international Kamil Conteh following a diagnosis of bone infection.

The midfielder has been unavailable for the Gas since playing in the Sky Bet League One match against Exeter City on Boxing Day due to a minor knee injury.

“After developing an unusual swelling in his foot, the 22-year-old underwent several tests and was diagnosed with a bone infection. It is unknown how Kamil picked up the infection,” the club noted.

That the infection was diagnosed early meant Kamil was able to receive quick and effective treatment, avoiding potential long-term problems.

We are pleased to share that Kamil is now back at The Quarters Training Facility after a short recovery period, working closely with the Club’s medical team to ensure his strength and conditioning rehabilitation is completed in the safest manner possible.

While the Club is unable to put a timeframe on Kamil’s return to action, all at Bristol Rovers look forward to seeing him back in the blue-and-white quarters as soon as he receives the all-clear to do so.

Sierra Leone's Osman Kakay to Boavista is imminent Sierra Leone international Osman Kakay is set to rejuvenate his career in Portugal with Boavista after parting ways with English Championship club Queens Park Rangers. Read www.footballsierraleone.net #PlayersAbroad #FSLNews #FSLMedia #SierraLeone #Boavista
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Osman Kakay to Boavista is imminent

Sierra Leone international Osman Kakay is set to rejuvenate his career in Portugal with Boavista after parting ways with English Championship club Queens Park Rangers.

Boavista is now free to sign new players following the lifting of FIFA’s transfer ban that had previously prohibited them from registering players for five consecutive transfer windows.

With the arrival of new head coach Lito Vidigal, who has signed a contract valid until the end of the current season, the club is looking to strengthen its squad. Ongoing discussions aim to bring in several key players.

Osman Kakay and midfielder Marco van Ginkel, a 32-year-old Dutch international known for his time with Chelsea, Milan, PSV, and Vitesse, are under consideration. Additionally, Layvin Kurzawa, a 32-year-old left-back and former PSG player, along with Moussa Koné, a 28-year-old Senegalese winger who played last season on loan from LASK Linz at FC DAC 1904 in Slovakia, have already signed with Boavista and will be presented in the coming days.

Tomas Vaclik, a 35-year-old Czech Republic international goalkeeper who won the Europa League with Sevilla, is currently training at Bessa and is expected to be officially confirmed by the club soon. Rúben Ribeiro, the former Chaves winger, is also anticipated to join the squad shortly.

Mustapha Bundu's Plymouth Argyle face tricky Millwall contest
by Football Sierra Leone

Mustapha Bundu’s Plymouth Argyle face tricky Millwall contest

Mustapha Bundu and his bottom-placed English Championship team, Plymouth Argyle, has not won any of its last eight league matches against Millwall, with four draws and four losses since its 3-0 victory at home in December 1997.

Both teams will compete in round 31 of the ongoing campaign at the Home Pack stadium. The home side, Argle, will look to take inspiration from their 1-0 win against Premier League Leaders Liverpool in the FA Cup fourth round.

Millwall has won their last three league games against Plymouth Argyle. This is the longest winning streak the Lions have ever had against the Pilgrims in the EFL.

Plymouth recently broke a 15-game winless streak in the Championship by winning 2-1 against West Bromwich Albion. However, Argyle has not won consecutive league games since February 2024.

Millwall has won their last three league matches after not winning any of their first four under Alex Neil, which included two draws and two losses. Each of their last eight league wins has been by just one goal.

In the win against West Brom, Ryan Hardie scored both goals for Plymouth. Before this match, he only scored once in his previous 35 Championship games. Hardie last scored in consecutive games in January 2024.

Argyle, led by Mustapha Bundu, will face Manchester City away in the fifth round of the Emirates FA Cup after their 1-0 win over Liverpool.

The Greens previously met City in the League Cup semi-final in 1974 and in the FA Cup in 1988.

Fifth-round matches are set for February 28 to March 3, and we will provide date and ticket information soon.

The Sierra Leone International, Mustapha Bundu, who on September 1, 2023, signed a two-year deal with EFL Championship club Plymouth Argyle, was part of the team that defeated Liverpool.

After debuted on September 23, coming on in the 87th minute during a 6–2 win over Norwich City, where he assisted a goal. Bundu scored his first goal in his first league start on October 25 with a first-half free-kick in a 3–0 victory against Sheffield Wednesday.

Striker Amadou Bakayoko looking forward to new J League 2 campaign
by FSL News

Striker Amadou Bakayoko looking forward to new JLeague 2 campaign

Sierra Leone striker Amadou Bakayoko is excited about the upcoming season in JLeague 2.

On July 28, 2024, Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo announced they signed Bakayoko. He made his debut on August 16 and scored his first goal from a penalty in a 5–3 win over Sagan Tosu. Unfortunately, the team was relegated to JLeague 2 last season.

Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo will start their campaign away against Oita Trinita next Sunday, and Bakayoko is looking forward to it.

He is counting down the days until the season starts again. Bakayoko told FSL News, “I can’t wait for the new season to start.

With the new manager, we have a new style of play that suits me well, and I hope the team has a strong season. Our first game is on February 16, but because of the cold and snowy weather in Sapporo, we will play our first three games in Kumamoto. We will return for our first home game on March 9.

I’m happy with my preseason form, having scored three goals in three games, which is good preparation for the start of the season.”

Sierra Leone descent Aaron Kamara signs first professional contract
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone descent Aaron Kamara signs first professional contract

Sierra Leone descent Aaron Kamara has penned his first Professional contract with London club West Ham United.

The Academy midfielder recently helped the U18 team reach the semi-finals of the Premier League Cup by winning a penalty shootout against Manchester United. He signed his contract at the Chadwell Heath Academy Training Ground.

“This week has been amazing,” he said. “Signing my first professional contract is a dream come true.”

Kamara began playing for Peckham Town and was scouted while at Southend United’s Academy. After a successful trial, he joined West Ham at the U14 level and signed a full-time scholarship last summer.

“I’m thrilled because not many people from my area get this chance. I want to make the most of it,” he said, thanking his parents for their support.

At 17, Kamara has played in various positions for the U18 team, including his preferred defensive midfield role.

Kenny Brown, the Academy Manager, praised Kamara’s versatility and potential. “He understands what each position requires and performs well wherever he plays.”