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.

Indy Eleven striker named in USL Championship Team of the Week
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Indy Eleven striker Augustine Williams in USL Team of the Week

Sierra Leone international Augustine Williams has been selected for the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 10 of the 2024 regular season on Tuesday.

Williams scored a brace for Indy Eleven in their 3-1 victory against Miami FC. He took a season-high nine shots overall and won 3 of 4 aerial duels.

It was hs fifth of the season as they defeated Miami 3-1 in the ongoing season. 

His teammate defender Aedan Stanley was voted the Championship Player of the Week presented by Konami eFootball after recording the first two-assist game of his career and helping lead Indy to a 3-1 victory against Miami FC on Sunday night, extending the club’s current undefeated run.

Indy Eleven remains unbeaten in six consecutive matches, including four in USL Championship play, following their victory over Miami FC, an Eastern Conference opponent.

The USL Championship announced the Team of the Week for Week 10 of the 2024 regular season on Tuesday.
The USL Championship announced the Team of the Week for Week 10 of the 2024 regular season on Tuesday.
Sierra Leone's Malachi Jones opens his NYFC MLS account
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Malachi Jones opens his NYFC MLS account 

New York City FC achieved a remarkable 3-2 victory against Toronto FC in an away game on Saturday night. The MLS side’s Sierra Leonean player, Malachi Jones, scored his first goal for the team.

City took the lead in the first half with a penalty kick by Santiago Rodríguez. Just before halftime, Malachi Jones scored his first MLS goal with an impressive finish but went off due to injury. 

Although Federico Bernardeschi scored a goal for Toronto in the 55th minute, Andrés Perea restored City’s two-goal lead in the 77th minute. 

Toronto managed to score again in the 89th minute thanks to Raoul Petretta, but Perea’s first goal of the season was enough to secure City’s win.

Malachi Jones, who was picked as the eighth overall pick in the First Round from Lipscomb University, joined New York City after making 35 appearances for the Bisons over two seasons, scoring 12 goals and providing 15 assists. 

In the past season, he led the NCAA ASUN Conference in total assists and assists per game, earning him United Soccer Coaches All-Region First Team Honors and being named First Team All-ASUN for the second consecutive season.

On Sunday, Sierra Leone International Alusine Koroma featured for 83 minutes as Orihuela CF defeated CF Badalona Futur 1-0 in their promotion first-leg tie.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Midfielder Alusine Koroma’s Orihuela win RFEF playoff first-leg 

On Sunday, Sierra Leone International Alusine Koroma featured for 83 minutes as Orihuela CF defeated CF Badalona Futur 1-0 in their Segunda RFEF promotion playoff first-leg tie. 

In a closely contested match at Estadio Municipal Los Arcos stadium, Juanmi Callejón scored the sole goal for the home team, providing them with an advantage in the promotion race.

The stadium atmosphere was incredible, with fans offering their undivided support to the team captained by Sergi Guilló.

Koroma has played in 26 matches across all competitions since he joined the club.  He will be hoping to make a significant contribution to help his team win in the second leg on Sunday, May 19.

Orihuela CF achieved a crucial 3-2 victory against San Roque de Lepe, thanks to a double from Miguel Ángel De Las Cuevas Barberá. This result has led them to the playoff final.

Striker Kei Kamara helps Los Angeles secure US Cup last 16 spot
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Kei Kamara helps Los Angeles secure US Cup last 16 spot

Los Angeles secured their place in the Round of 16 in the US Open Cup by defeating Las Vegas Lights 3-1 at Cashman Field on Wednesday night. 

Sierra Leone’s Kei Kamara recorded his first goal for the Black & Gold with a header – just two minutes into the second half. Timothy Tillman crossed the ball from the left wing, and Kamara’s finish found the back of the net.

In the 56th minute, Shawn Smart scored a goal for Las Vegas to level the score. However, LAFC continued to create chances, and in the 70th minute, Cristian Olivera broke the tie by tapping Omar Campos’ deflected cross into the goal.

Olivera then secured LAFC’s win with his second goal in the 91st minute, making it 3-1.

Despite head coach Steve Cherundolo receiving a straight red card in the second minute of first-half stoppage time, LAFC maintained their composure throughout the match.

LAFC will host Loudoun United, a Division II team in the USL Championship, in two weeks at BMO Stadium. 

 

https://twitter.com/LAFC/status/1788430121189384336

Emmanuel Samadia's Hartford suffer defeat to Charleston
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Emmanuel Samadia’s Hartford suffer defeat to Charleston

On Saturday, Emmanuel Samadia, a Sierra Leone International, made his first start in the USL Championship as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Charleston Battery.

It was his eighth appearance in all competition for the Sierra Leonean defender, who is working hard to capture regular first-team football under boss Brendan Burke. 

They failed to equalize with the first-place team in the Eastern Conference after conceding a goal early in the first half.

Charleston took control of the game, scoring the first goal in the 11th minute through Nick Markanich who delivered a left-footed bicycle kick off a corner kick.

Hartford kept the score at 1-0 by blocking three of Charleston’s next five shots and holding the back line.

In the final minutes of the first half, Hartford almost scored an equalizer when Romario Williams hit the post after a pass from Michee Ngalina.

Charleston threatened throughout the game, but Hartford improved their attacking play after the 55th minute.

Marcus Epps had three attempts, but only two were on target. In stoppage time, Hartford nearly equalized, but Anderson Asiedu’s pass to Michee Ngalina was saved.

Hartford lost, dropping to 3-4-0. Renan Ribeiro made his Athletic debut, allowing only one goal and making five saves. The next game will be held on May 11th at 7:00 PM against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Trinity Health Stadium.

Emmanuel Samadia Insights of personal Match statistics
Emmanuel Samadia Insights of personal Match statistics
Sierra Leone defender Osman Kakay confirms exit from QPR
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone defender Osman Kakay confirms exit from QPR

The QPR full-back, Osman Kakay, has confirmed leaving his boyhood club after 19 years of service to the London club Queens Park Rangers.

The Sierra Leone defender established himself in the R’s squad during the extended 2019/20 season, making seven appearances. 

In 2021, he helped Sierra Leone qualify for the African Cup of Nations. In the 2022/23 season, he made 24 appearances for QPR.

Kakay, who played 26 games this season, announced that he is leaving QPR, his childhood club. He wrote, “It is time for me to say goodbye to QPR. I have been part of the club since I was 7 years old, and I am thankful for everything the club has done for me and my family.”

Having come through the academy and eventually making over 100 appearances for the club, it means the world to me, especially, as a local boy growing up in South Kilburn. 

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all the coaches and staff who have supported me throughout my journey. It has been a pleasure to share the pitch with so many of my teammates. 

Lastly, I would like to thank the fans from the bottom of my heart who have stood by me through the highs and lows. It has been an honour to play for QPR, and I wish the club all the best for the future.”

. Alhassan Koroma's Al Shahaniya promoted to Qatar's Super League
by FSL News

Alhassan Koroma’s Al Shahaniya promoted to Qatar’s Super League

Al Shahaniya has been promoted to the Qatar Super League with the help of Sierra Leone International Alhassan Koroma’s outstanding performance.

Al Shahaniya, featuring Koroma, was promoted to the Qatar top-tier league after their 3-1 victory over Al Markhiya at the Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday. 

They secured their place in the 2024-2025 season league’s First Division in style as the Play-Off pitted the 11th-placed team (Al Markhiya) in the final standings of the 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League against the second-placed team (Al Shahaniya) in the Second Division championship.

Al Shahania started the match strong, with their 19-year-old left-winger Rubio scoring off a rebound. 

Al Markhiya missed a chance to equalize soon after. While Al Markhiya did rally to bounce back from being a goal down and equalize, Al Shahania hit back with two more late goals to ensure their First Division berth. 

The scorers for Al Shahania were Jaime Rubio (17th minute), Mohammed Abu Shanab (83rd minute) and Mohammed Ibrahim (90+6 minute). Al Markhiya’s only goal came in the 75th minute through Driss Fettouhi. 

Koroma was instrumental in the campaign, scoring seven league goals and providing five assists in his first season at the club.

Al Shahaniya, featuring Koroma, was promoted to the Qatar top-tier league after their 3-1 victory over Al Markhiya at the Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday. 
Al Shahaniya, featuring Koroma, was promoted to the Qatar top-tier league after their 3-1 victory over Al Markhiya at the Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday. 
PSV and Babadi announced the extension of their partnership until 2028 in March 2024.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Youngster Isaac Babadi wins first title with PSV Eindhoven

Isaac Babadi’s PSV Eindhoven clinched their 25th Dutch championship title on Sunday, their first win since 2018. This season’s championship marked Ajax’s demise.

PSV and Babadi announced the extension of their partnership until 2028 in March 2024. 

Since his professional debut for Jong PSV on January 10, 2022, he has contributed in 28 matches across all competitions. He replaced Johan Bakayoko in a 5-1 home win against Almere City in the Eerste Divisie, which was their biggest win of the season at that point.

PSV is the national champion for the 25th time after defeating Sparta Rotterdam 4-2 at the Philips Stadium. Thereby, with two rounds of play to go, PSV is unbeatable.

PSV was inimitable from the beginning of this season. The first seventeen league games were won and only on March 30 did the main squad suffer its first defeat. 

PSV has so far scored 87 points, scored 107 goals and only conceded 19. There remain games against RKC Waalwijk (home) and Fortuna Sittard (away).

Isaac Babadi's PSV Eindhoven clinched their 25th Dutch championship title on Sunday, their first win since 2018. This season's championship marked Ajax's demise.
Isaac Babadi's PSV Eindhoven clinched their 25th Dutch championship title on Sunday, their first win since 2018. This season's championship marked Ajax's demise.
Alex Bangura scores as Middlesbrough humble Watford
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alex Bangura scores as Middlesbrough humble Watford

Emmanuel Lath scored his 16th league goal of the season, while Alex Bangura and Jones scored a goal each to help Boro beat the Hornets and end the season on a high note.

Bangura, who signed a four-year deal with Boro in September 2023, will be pleased to score his second Championship goal following a series of injuries throughout his debut season.

Boro quickly regained control of the game with two goals from Alex Bangura and Isiah Jones. 

Michael Carrick’s team lost only one game in their final 11 matches and finished in the eighth position, missing out on the playoffs by just four points. On the other hand, Watford finished their season in 15th place.

Watford had an opportunity to take the lead early on through Vakoun Bayo’s header, but Middlesbrough goalkeeper Seny Dieng denied him from close range. At the other end, Daniel Bachmann saved Isiah Jones’ ferocious strike at his near post.

Just before the half-hour mark, Latte Lath scored his sixth goal in a row and his 18th of the season by sweeping home Luke Ayling’s cross from the right byline.

In the final minute of the first half, Edo Kayembe missed a chance to equalise for Watford. In truth, it summed up a first half where the Hornets lacked a sting in the tail.

Nine minutes after the restart, Boro almost doubled their lead on a counter-attack through Luke Thomas. However, Alex Gilbert timed a sliding tackle brilliantly to deny Bayo.

Watford equalized with 20 minutes left when Hoedt headed in Asprilla’s corner. Boro quickly restored their lead through Bangura after great work by Greenwood. Jones secured the win for Boro six minutes from time with an emphatic finish from Ayling’s pass.

Abu Kamara set for Norwich Pre-season after a successful loan spell
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Abu Kamara set for Norwich return after Portsmouth loan spell

Norwich boss David Wagner wants to evaluate Abu Kamara’s performance in the pre-season at Norwich City after his successful loan spell at Portsmouth. 

The Sierra Leone native had a remarkable loan period at the League One champions, consistently playing and producing 21 goals in 51 appearances in all competitions during his first year in senior football. 

Norwich hopes to benefit from Kamara’s time at Fratton Park as they focus on next season. 

The Canaries aim to secure promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs and want to evaluate Kamara when he returns to Norfolk this summer, regardless of the division. 

Despite Portsmouth supporters urging the club to sign Kamara permanently, Wagner is excited to work with the young forward again during the pre-season. 

“I haven’t seen him for a year, but I’ve watched clips and TV. However, a year can make a lot of difference for a young professional,” says Wagner.

“I think Abu is a great player and an excellent character. I gave him his first minutes in the Championship here last season”, said the City boss to the Pink Un. 

“What makes it special is that even though he faced difficulties at the beginning, he persevered and now everyone talks about his numbers and promotion. It wasn’t easy, but he managed to overcome it.”