Category: Players Abroad News

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New Hartford Athletic deal for Sierra Leone International Emmanuel Samadia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Emmanuel Samadia pens new Hartford Athletic contract extension

Sierra Leone’s Emmanuel Samadia has agreed to stay with Hartford Athletic for another two years, until the 2026 USL Championship season. The deal is awaiting approval from the league and federation.

“I’ve enjoyed my time here in Hartford, and I’m happy to stay with the club long-term,” said Samadia.

“I want to thank Coach Burke for the trust and belief he’s shown in me, and the Hartford Athletic fans who have made me feel welcome and supported us all year long. We still have work to do this year, but I can’t wait to create more memorable moments with this club for years to come.”

The 23-year-old has made a significant impact in his first season of American soccer, excelling as a versatile wingback. He ranks in the top five on the team in assists (3), chances created (23), crosses (70), and interceptions (22), and has been recognized with USL Championship Team of the Week honours at both left-back and right-back positions.

Samadia has played a key role in Hartford’s recent success, contributing to the team’s seven-match undefeated streak and assisting on two of Mamadou Dieng’s six goals during this period, while creating 12 chances.

“Emmanuel’s development this year has been incredible, and we would not be in the position we’re in without him,” said Head Coach and General Manager Brendan Burke.

“We’re thrilled to have him with us for the long term, and I’m excited to see him continue to develop and be a leader for us in the seasons ahead.”

The Freetown, Sierra Leone native has also impressed in six appearances with the Sierra Leone National Team this year, providing two assists in World Cup qualifying matches against Djibouti and Burkina Faso.

Samadia and Athletic are in ninth place in the Eastern Conference and will play against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, September 28th at 7:30 PM.

New deal for Sierra Leone international Emmanuel Samadia with Hartford Athletic
New deal for Sierra Leone international Emmanuel Samadia with Hartford Athletic
Midfielder Rodney Michael opens Safa SC account in Lebanon
by FSL News

Midfielder Rodney Michael opens Safa SC account in Lebanon

Sierra Leone International Rodney Michael scored his first goal for the Lebanese Pro side Safa SC in their 4-1 victory over Racing Beirut on Saturday.

It was an impressive start for the midfielder, who was awarded the Man of the Match on his debut after a goal and assist.

In the previous season, he played for PO Xylotymbou in Cyprus. On March 22, 2022, Michael moved from Tormenta to the USL Championship side Indy Eleven.

He later left Indy Eleven after the 2022 season. In February 2023, Michael signed with FK Mornar of the Montenegrin First League.

Sierra Leone's Josh Koroma nets in Huddersfield defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Josh Koroma nets in Huddersfield defeat

Sierra Leone International Josh Koroma was on target as Northampton secured a significant 3-1 away victory against Huddersfield, marking their first win since February.

The match saw Northampton benefit from an own goal by Huddersfield in the 18th minute, followed by a well-executed counter-attack resulting in a goal by Cameron McGeehan.

Despite a disallowed goal early in the second half, Northampton extended their lead with another goal from Tariqe Fosu.

Huddersfield showed resilience in the final 10 minutes, scoring a goal and earning a penalty that led to a second yellow card for Akin Odimayo.

However, Huddersfield’s hopes of a comeback were dashed when Lee Burge saved the penalty, securing Northampton’s victory.

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.”

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

Striker Abu Kamara makes debut in Hull City defeat
by FSL News

Striker Abu Kamara makes debut in Hull City defeat

Striker Abu Kamara made his debut in Hull City’s 2-0 defeat at home to Sheffield United. The Blades scored in each half with goals from Gustavo Hamer and Sam McCallum.

The Tigers’ head Coach Tim Walter made three changes to the starting XI, including the debut of Abu Kamara and deadline day signing Mohamed Belloumi.

In the game, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi had the first opportunity, but his low left-footed finish missed the target.

Meanwhile, Kamara’s low cross almost resulted in an own goal before he was subbed off.  

Sheffield United took the lead from the resulting corner, as Belloumi lost the ball – and Hamer scored with a low shot. Sam Benjamin McCallum doubled the visitor’s lead as they held on to a 2-0 win.

As a result, Hull City are third from bottom in the English Champions 2024/25 campaign after only five games into the season.

Kamara joined the Tigers from Norwich on deadline day for an undisclosed fee.

Hull City: Pandur, Coyle, Jones, McLoughlin, Giles (Drameh 45′), Burns (Slater 68′), Belloumi (Palmer 68′), Ömür, Mehlem, Kamara (Millar 45′), Bedia

Subs: Simons, Zambrano, Jacob, Racioppi, Burstow.

Sheffield Utd: Cooper, Gilchrist (Seriki 83′), Souttar, Ahmedhodzic, Burrows, Rak-Sakyi (Brooks 62′), Vinicius Souza, Arblaster, Hamer (McCallum 62′), O’Hare (Brewster 62′), Moore (Shackleton 88′)

Subs: Brewster, Davies, Campbell, Norrington-Davies, Peck.

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.

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.

Tyrese Fornah features in Salford's first win of the season
by @football_sierra

Tyrese Fornah features in Salford’s first win of the season

Salford City got their first win of the season thanks to a debut goal from Frankie Okoronkwo against MK Dons.

Sierra Leone International Tyrese Fornah played the full throttle of the games at the Peninsula Stadium and later expressed his satisfaction.

Okoronkwo, who joined on loan from Everton on deadline day, scored in the 42nd minute with a well-placed shot past Tom McGill.

During the first half, Salford had to withstand sustained pressure from the Dons, with Alex Gilbey’s shot saved by Jamie Jones in the first minute.

MK Dons’ Aaron Nemane caused plenty of problems for the hosts during the first 45 minutes, providing a pass to team-mate Joe Tomlinson, who was denied by hosts keeper Jones.

Jones made crucial saves, including deflecting a shot from Dons substitute Tommy Leigh onto a post, securing Salford’s victory.