Category: Players Abroad News

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Sierra Leone native Amara Nallo sent off in defeat to Crystal Palace
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone native Amara Nallo sent off in defeat to Crystal Palace

Sierra Leonean native and Liverpool defender Amara Nallo received a red card merely 12 minutes after entering the match as a substitute in 3-0 defeat against Crystal Palace – marking his second dismissal in both appearances for the club so far.

The 18-year-old substituted for Alexis Mac Allister in the 67th minute of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup loss at Anfield, but got a straight red card in the 79th minute for tackling Palace’s Justin Devenny, who was about to go one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

It was an unfortunate night for Nallo, who made his senior debut for Arne Slot’s team during the 3-2 Champions League loss at PSV Eindhoven in January.

In that match, he came on for Jayden Danns in the 83rd minute but was sent off just four minutes later for preventing a clear scoring chance, which Slot described as a ‘cruel’ situation.

The red card on Wednesday means he has been expelled twice in only 16 minutes of professional play for Liverpool.

Nallo joined Liverpool in August 2023 after developing through the West Ham academy and has regularly appeared for the Under-21 team.

Augustus Kargbo return with injury worse than expected - Blackburn Rovers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Augustus Kargbo returns with injury worse than expected – Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn head coach Valerien Ismael has announced that Sierra Leone international Augustus Kargbo will be out for 12 weeks due to a more serious injury than initially thought, following his return from international duty.

The Blackburn Rovers striker sustained an injury while with Sierra Leone during the October break. However, he made substitute appearances in matches against Coventry and Sheffield United.

Kargbo reported ongoing pain, and a scan following the midweek match showed a tear that will keep him out for approximately three months. “Sadly, he is injured,” Ismael told BBC Radio Lancashire.

“He is another one. He came back from the national team with a dead leg. He played at Coventry with this discomfort and against Sheffield United.

“He was complaining, and so we did a scan on Wednesday. He had an injury, and that will rule him out for at least 12 weeks. It was very tough for us to deal with that situation again.

“It’s a tear when he got kicked, which caused the dead leg. In an area where you can’t run or sprint. It was very bad news for him and for us.”

As a result, he missed Blackburn Rovers’ first home win on Saturday and his first of more matches on the sideline.

Striker Amadou Bakayoko eyes playoff spot with Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Amadou Bakayoko eyes playoff spot with Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo

Sierra Leone International Amadou Bakayoko, who has scored seven goals for Japanese second-tier side Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, is hoping to help the team earn a playoff spot.

On Saturday, Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo will take on Mito Hollyhock in round 34, aiming to maintain their winning mindset following their recent 2-0 win against Kataller Toyama.

“This season has been challenging, but we secured a victory in our last match and hopefully, we can keep that momentum going on Saturday. The goal is to secure a spot in the promotion playoffs,” the striker remarked.

Currently, they are 10 points behind the top six teams with five matches remaining before the season concludes.

On 28 July 2024, J1 League club Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo announced they had signed Bakayoko. He made his debut on 16 August as a substitute, and scored his first goal from the penalty spot in a 5–3 win over Sagan Tosu.

Sierra Leone striker Augustine Williams nets for Pittsburgh Riverhounds
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone striker Augustine Williams nets for Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Sierra Leone International Augustine Williams scored his ninth of the season as Pittsburgh Riverhounds secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Monterey Bay FC at Cardinale Stadium.

Goals from Sean Suber, Augi Williams, and Jackson Walti each scoring. Suber opened the scoring in the 27th minute, tapping in a cross from Danny Griffin after a corner kick.

In the second half, Williams extended the lead in the 73rd minute with a well-placed shot following a pass from Walti, who had just entered the match. Walti capped off the scoring in the 86th minute with a shot under the crossbar after a setup from Williams.

The Hounds held 58% possession and matched their season high with seven shots on goal.

This win propelled them to fourth place in the Eastern Conference as they head into the final match with a chance for a home playoff spot.

Striker Daniel Kanu nets in Walsall's defeat to Barrow
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Daniel Kanu nets in Walsall’s defeat to Barrow

Sierra Leone International Daniel Kanu was on target as they suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Barrow on Saturday at Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium.

Barrow’s goalkeeper Wyll Stanway was the standout player as the 10-man Bluebirds triumphed 2-1 against Walsall, bringing an end to the League Two leaders’ eight-match unbeaten streak.

Stanway made multiple crucial saves to deny a Saddlers team that fired 24 shots, including 11 on target. The visitors withstood early pressure from Walsall and took the lead after 31 minutes when Ben Whitfield delivered a cross for Elliot Newby to score from close range.

Walsall came close to equalising twice before halftime, but Stanway blocked a shot from Rico Browne and executed a spectacular save to deny Courtney Clarke.

Barrow was left with 10 players after 56 minutes when full-back Lewis Shipley received a second yellow card for a foul on Daniel Kanu, having already been booked for a similar offence earlier in the match.

However, the Bluebirds extended their lead 12 minutes later when Charlie McCann calmly finished a quick counterattack from 12 yards.

Kanu pulled one back in the 74th minute, twisting in the penalty area to score with a low shot. Nonetheless, Stanway made four outstanding saves to stop Kanu from close range, along with denying a powerful shot from Charlie Lakin and two curling attempts from Clarke.

When Aaron Pressley headed against the post from six yards in stoppage time, Barrow secured the points.

Striker Daniel Kanu pleased after being named Young Player of the Month
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Daniel Kanu pleased with EA Sports Young Player of the Month award

Daniel Kanu, on loan at Walsall for the 2025/26 season, has been named EA Sports FC EFL Young Player of the Month for September.

A graduate of Charlton Athletic’s Academy, he made 59 EFL appearances for the club but faced injuries in the 2024/25 season.

Kanu joined Walsall to gain valuable playing time and has excelled, forming a strong partnership with Aaron Pressley. Manager Mat Sadler is recognized for developing young players on loan, further highlighting Kanu’s talent.

“I couldn’t believe it when I was told I had won. It was one of those things where I hadn’t even thought about it once, the idea that I’d even be considered for the award, let alone winning it,” Kanu said. 

“It’s been a really good month, everything I expected and a lot more. I think with the successes that Walsall had last year, I was really excited to get here and help the team, and I’ve ended up scoring a few goals. 

“My goal against Chesterfield for me is my favourite one. It was my first start at home, so I think it will always stick with me. Once you get the first one, things get a lot easier as a striker.”

Daniel Kanu named EA Sports FC Young Player of the Month
Daniel Kanu named EA Sports FC Young Player of the Month
Sierra Leone's Augustus Kargbo nets first goal of the Season in Blackburn's draw
by FSL News

Augustus Kargbo nets first goal of the Season in Blackburn’s draw

Sierra Leone's Augustis Kargbo helped Blackburn Rovers scored late to secure a draw against the high-flying Stoke City at Ewood Park on Saturday.

Million Manhoef opened the scoring early in the second half as the Potters dominated the match.

However, they were unable to find a second goal, and Augustus Kargbo equalized with just eight minutes left. Mark Robins’ team remains in third place in the Championship standings, while Blackburn halted a streak of two consecutive defeats.

Stoke nearly took an early lead within 10 seconds when Sorba Thomas attempted a volley from the edge of the box, prompting Balasz Toth to make a strong save. Blackburn then missed two significant opportunities before halftime.

Todd Cantwell shot wide, and Andre Gudjohnsen failed to convert Ryoya Morishita’s cross from close range. Just before the end of the first half, Manhoef had a chance to score but could not test goalkeeper Toth with his low shot.

Nevertheless, the Dutchman succeeded four minutes into the second half, as his shot was deflected in after connecting with Thomas’ well-placed through-ball. Five minutes later, Ryan Alebiosu prevented Thomas from scoring as the striker broke free on goal.

The defender made a perfectly timed tackle, yet had Thomas looked up, he would have seen Manhoef open for a tap-in. Cantwell emerged as Blackburn’s main threat, steadily gaining more influence in the game and testing keeper Viktor Johansson with a long-range strike.

Johansson was quick to deny substitute Dion De Neve from a narrow angle 13 minutes before the end, while Rovers’ Sondre Tronstad shot wide.

Toth thwarted Manhoef again as the visitors sought to secure their victory, and they were punished shortly thereafter by Kargbo’s goal from Cantwell’s cross. Johansson was again called into action, stopping the Sierra Leone striker from getting a second goal at the back post.

Sierra Leone's Alhassan Koroma pens deal with UAE pro-side Baniyas
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s Alhassan Koroma pens deal with UAE pro-league side Baniyas

Baniyas Sports & Cultural Club has announced the signing of Sierra Leone international Alhassan Koroma.

Koroma, who played a key role as an attacker for the Qatari club Al Shahaniya, has now joined the Baniyas side based in Abu Dhabi. The team competes in the UAE Pro League.

“Bani Yas Club has officially signed player Hassan Kroma, a 25-year-old talent who joins from Al-Shahaniyah club in Qatar, with Mr. Saqr Al-Muskari, the executive manager of the club’s football company, in attendance.

Kroma stood out in the Qatar league last season, taking part in 22 matches of the Qatar Star League, where he scored 5 goals and provided 8 assists, totaling 13 contributions to the attack, showcasing his exceptional skill.

Hassan Kroma is also recognized as a key international player for the Sierra Leone national team, and his vast experience on both the international and regional stages makes him a valuable asset to the “Celestial” squad.”

Striker Augustine Williams takes USL Championship season's tally to eight
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Augustine Williams takes USL Championship season’s tally to eight

On Sunday, Augustine Williams recorded his eighth goal of the USL Championship to help Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC with a 1-0 victory over Las Vegas Lights FC at Highmark Stadium, earning their second consecutive win.

His goal came in the 30th-minute from the penalty spot as Williams converted marking the sole goal of the day.

Both teams quickly sought to maneuver past defenders for scoring opportunities. The Lights’ Patrick Leal delivered a threatening ball into the Hounds’ box, which Guillaume Vacter cleared. Junior Etou then teamed with Robbie Mertz for a run but was stopped by Lights goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena.

In the 28th minute, Mertz set up Etou again, who was tripped by Younes Boudadi, leading to a penalty. The Sierra Leone International Williams converted the penalty in the 30th minute, scoring his eighth goal of the season and maintaining a perfect record from the spot.

The Hounds’ goalkeeper, Randolph, made his first save in the 37th minute against Johnny Rodriguez’s curling shot. Five minutes after halftime, Luke Biasi assisted Bradley Sample, whose shot hit the crossbar.

The Hounds dominated with 19 shots compared to Las Vegas’s 6 and contained a free kick from Gennaro Nigro. Randolph made a crucial save in the 81st minute against Giorgio Probo and later denied Brigham Larsen in stoppage time.

Las Vegas had a final chance when Rodriguez failed to chip Randolph after a long goal kick.

Sullay Kaikai's Cambridge United fell to Fulham in League Cup third round
by FSL News

Sullay Kaikai’s Cambridge United fell to Fulham in League Cup third round

Sierra Leone International Sullay Kaikai' was subsituted on in the 64th minute as Cambridge United fell 1-0 to Premier League side Fulham in the League Cup third round on Wednesday at Craven Cottage.

Cambridge United manager Neil Harris expressed he “couldn’t be prouder” of his team after a narrow defeat to Fulham in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Harris made seven changes to the squad that secured a victory against Fleetwood Town last weekend, and they managed to hold their Premier League rivals at bay until Emile Smith Rowe scored the decisive goal in the 66th minute.

Midfielder Korey Smith made his comeback after a knee injury, playing 45 minutes, while Northern Ireland international Shayne Lavery completed over an hour on the pitch in his first start of the season.

Harris shared his thoughts on the game’s challenges, stating, “It’s a completely different ball game compared to League Two; you don’t face the same kind of aerial threats, and you’re not constantly dealing with restarts.

We were well aware that long throws wouldn’t be a factor in this match. We really needed to be solid in the midfield and ensure the ball went around us rather than through us.

Having the best one-on-one defenders and top-notch wide players was crucial, and Shayne Lavery provided us with a counter-attacking option whenever we managed to find him.”

“We chose a lineup that suited playing against a Premier League team instead of a League Two side, and the players stepped up admirably. Every single player gave it their all.”

Cambridge United travel to Tranmere Rovers for the League Cup tenth round of action on Saturday.