Category: Sport News

Josh Koroma scores Huddersfield Town winner to strengthen promotion chances
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Josh Koroma scores Huddersfield’s winner to strengthen promotion chances

Sierra Leone international Josh Koroma contributed significantly to Huddersfield’s victory over Mansfield Town, as the latter faced their fifth consecutive defeat in League One.

In his sixteenth appearance of the season, Koroma scored his sixth goal, helping Huddersfield ascend to fourth place in the league standings and secure a playoff spot.

The match began with Huddersfield taking an early lead in the eighth minute. Ben Wiles scored, finding the net off the inside of the near post after an impressive run and low cross from the left delivered by Josh Koroma.

Mansfield equalized in the 31st minute when Jacob Chapman parried a header from Aden Flint, stemming from an Aaron Lewis corner, which allowed Will Evans to strike the rebound into the goal.

However, the visitors quickly regained the lead within two minutes. Jose Koroma could chase down a long ball and skillfully directed his shot across Christy Pym, placing it into the far corner of the net.

In the last of four added minutes at the end of the first half, Mansfield nearly equalized again when George Maris struck the post with a low shot from 20 yards.

Mansfield experienced a moment of fortune when Tom Lees directed a close-range free header directly at Pym in the 51st minute, following a free-kick taken by Ben Wiles. Shortly thereafter, Mansfield came close to scoring again as Chapman made two swift saves from attempts by Keanu Baccus and Aaron Lewis.

In the 62nd minute, Flint prevented a goal by clearing a shot from Michal Helik off the line during a corner kick. As the match approached its conclusion, Lees inadvertently headed the ball against his own crossbar during the last of five added minutes. Despite mounting pressure from Mansfield, Huddersfield managed to secure their fourth consecutive victory.

Mimosas, Stellenbosch, Zamalek & Enyimba in CAF Confed ties this weekend
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mimosas, Stellenbosch, Zamalek & Enyimba in CAF Confed action this weekend

On Sunday, Stellenbosch will look to regain their winning form in the CAF Confederations Cup, while ASEC Mimosas aims for consecutive victories over Orapa United.

In Group D, the reigning CAF Confederations Cup champions, Zamalek, will face the Nigerian side Enyimba at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Zamalek commenced their CAF Confederations Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over the Black Bulls at the Cairo International Stadium on November 27.

Currently, they hold 2nd place in Group D, with Al Masry leading the group after the first matchday. Al Masry is set to compete against Black Bulls at Estadio do Zimpeto.

Additionally, Stellenbosch FC will strive to bounce back when they compete against the Moroccan team RSB Berkane at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Stellenbosch experienced a 2-0 defeat to Stade Malien in their previous match, while RSB Berkane opened their CAF Confederations Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Lunda Sul two weeks ago.

Furthermore, ASEC Mimosas has the opportunity to secure a second consecutive victory as they take on Orapa United at the Francistown Stadium on Sunday.

ASEC Mimosas currently occupies 2nd position in Group C following their 2-0 win against Jaraaf on November 27, while USM Alger, in 1st place, is scheduled to face Jaraaf at Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade on Sunday evening.

Fixtures Sunday, 8 December

Group A

CS Constantine vs Simba
Bravos do Maquis vs CS Sfaxien

Group B

Stellenbosch vs RSB Berkane
Lunda Sul vs Stade Malien

Group C

Orapa United vs ASEC
Jaraaf vs USM Alger

Group D

Black Bulls vs Al Masry
Enyimba vs Zamalek

Aimen Mahious nets as Belouizdad earn away win in Abidjan
by FSL News

Aimen Mahious nets in Belouizdad’s crucial win in Abidjan

Aimen Mahious played a pivotal role for CR Belouizdad by scoring the decisive goal in the 71st minute, enabling the team to secure a 1-0 victory over Stade d’Abidjan in a highly competitive Group C match of the CAF Champions League at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny on Saturday.

This victory revitalizes the Algerian champions’ prospects following their initial loss to Orlando Pirates, while Stade d’Abidjan remains in last place in the group, yet to accumulate any points after two matches.

CR Belouizdad started strong, exerting pressure on their opponents; however, they faced challenges in overcoming the resilient Ivorian side.

The first half concluded without any goals, as both teams struggled to capitalize on their scoring opportunities. Seydou Touré, the goalkeeper for Stade d’Abidjan, made several critical saves that kept his team in contention.

The breakthrough came midway through the second half when Mahious, well-positioned in the penalty area, received an astute pass from Abderrahmane Meziane and skillfully directed the ball into the bottom corner of the net, eliciting a jubilant response from the Belouizdad bench.

Stade d’Abidjan valiantly pursued an equalizer, yet their finishing proved inadequate. Ezechiel Zaddy came closest in the 87th minute, with a powerful attempt that narrowly missed the target, sailing over the crossbar.

As a result of this match, Belouizdad climbs to third place in Group C, trailing the co-leaders Al Ahly and Orlando Pirates by just one point. The group remains highly competitive, with Al Ahly and Orlando Pirates each on four points, while Belouizdad follows with three.

Unfortunately, Stade d’Abidjan’s path to advancement remains precarious, as they continue to seek their first victory in the tournament.

Sundowns played to a draw as Yanga suffered their second defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sundowns played to a draw as Yanga suffered their second defeat

AS FAR demonstrated resilience on Saturday evening, securing a draw against former champions Mamelodi Sundowns in a CAF Champions League Group B match at Stade Ben Ahmed El Abd in El Jadida.

Iqraam Rayners gave Sundowns the lead with a goal in the 66th minute, but home captain Mohammed Hrimat equalized just eight minutes later, ensuring AS FAR remained at the top of the group with Sundowns in second place.

The match featured contrasting halves, with AS FAR initially dominating and Sundowns struggling to find their rhythm. After halftime, Sundowns improved, with Rayners scoring from a precise pass by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. However, an error by Williams allowed Hrimat to score into an empty net.

Meanwhile, in Group A, Young Africans suffered a second consecutive defeat, losing 2-0 to MC Alger at Stade du 5 Juillet 1962 in Algiers, following a similar loss to Al-Hilal.

Ayoub Abdellaoui and Soufiane Bayazid secured the victory for MC Alger, momentarily placing them at the top of the group ahead of the upcoming match between Al Hilal and Mazembe.

CAF Award ceremony set for December 16 in Marrakech, Morocco
by FSL News

Morocco set to host CAF 2024 Awards December 16

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed that the prestigious 2024 CAF Awards will take place at the elegant Palais des Congrès in Marrakech on Monday, December 16. This highly anticipated event will gather Africa’s top football stars, celebrating their outstanding achievements and contributions to the sport.

The prestigious event will be held at the Palais des Congrès de Marrakech, starting at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT, 20:00 Cairo time, and 21:00 East African time). The CAF Awards highlight the continent’s most outstanding football talents, honouring their exceptional achievements in both club and national competitions.

The ceremony will highlight the crowning of the CAF African Player of the Year in both men’s and women’s categories, an esteemed honour in African football.

It will also recognize achievements through awards for Best Coach, Best National Team, and Best Club. This year’s event promises to be spectacular, featuring an impressive lineup of nominees and guests from across Africa and beyond.

Set against Morocco’s rich footballing history and vibrant culture, Marrakech is the ideal location for this prestigious celebration.

Five nominees are in the running for the Men’s Player of the Year, with the same number competing in categories like Interclub Player of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year, Young Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, National Team of the Year, and Club of the Year.

MC Alger coach Patrice Beaumelle eyes win over Young Africans
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

MC Alger coach Patrice Beaumelle eyes win over Young Africans

MC Alger coach Patrice Beaumelle aims to win against Tanzania’s Young Africans (Yanga) in their CAF Champions League match on Saturday, December 7, at Stade du 5 Juillet 1962 in Algiers.

Beaumelle stressed the importance of this game for their chances of qualifying. “We need to win to improve our chances,” he said. MC Alger is coming off a 0-0 draw against TP Mazembe and hopes to capitalize on their home advantage.

He acknowledged Young Africans as a strong team with experienced players, despite their recent 2-0 loss to Al Hilal Omdurman. “Their loss doesn’t show their true ability; we need to be at our best,” he cautioned.

The match starts at 19:00 GMT, and a win would be crucial for MC Alger’s progress in Group A.

Group A is competitive, with Al Hilal leading after their first win. TP Mazembe is tied with MC Alger on one point, while Young Africans seek their first points.

Raja, FAR and Sundowns in CAF Champions League action this weekend
by Football Sierra Leone

Raja, FAR and Sundowns in CAF Champions League action this weekend

This weekend, the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Group B matches will take place, featuring two crucial games. Maniema Union will face Raja Casablanca at the Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte, while FAR Rabat will engage with Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa at the Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi.

In Group B, Maniema Union and Raja Casablanca are both looking to secure their first wins in this year’s group stage. In their opening match, Maniema Union played to a 0-0 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns, which extended their unbeaten streak to five games across all competitions.

Raja Casablanca lost 2-0 to FAR Rabat at home, putting them at the bottom of the group. However, they are unbeaten in their last three away games and hope to use that to turn their season around.

Both teams have had a hard time scoring, with most of their recent goals coming in the second half. This match will test their determination and finishing skills as they try to rise in the standings.

**FAR Rabat vs. Mamelodi Sundowns: The Leaders Face a Tough Match**  

FAR Rabat, currently leading the group, aims to keep its perfect record against a strong Mamelodi Sundowns team.

Rabat scored two goals in their opener, thanks to Ahmed Hammoudan and Khalid Aït Ouarkhane. They are unbeaten in their last 21 home matches across all competitions.

Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a goalless draw against Maniema Union in their first match but have scored 12 goals in their last six games. They are ready to challenge Rabat’s strong defence.

With so much at stake, this weekend promises excitement as all four teams compete for crucial points.

**Group B Fixtures:**  

– Saturday, 07/12/2024: Maniema Union vs. Raja Casablanca (13:00 GMT)  

– Saturday, 07/12/2024: FAR Rabat vs. Mamelodi Sundowns (19:00 GMT)  

Tough Fifa Club World Cup 2025 draw for African teams
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tough Fifa Club World Cup 2025 draw for African teams

Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca (WAC), Al Ahly of Egypt, Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa, and ES Tunis of Tunisia have all been drawn into challenging groups ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

Group G features a competitive grouping that includes European champions Manchester City, Italian powerhouse Juventus, and UAE’s Al Ain, promising high-stakes matches and intense competition.

The tournament kicks off on Sunday, 15 June 2025, with all roads leading to the MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey on Sunday, 13 July 2025 where the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ final will be played.

The expanded 32-team format of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 has generated excitement across the football world, offering clubs like Wydad Casablanca a global stage to prove their capabilities.

Representing Morocco and African football, Wydad will strive to deliver top performances to navigate through the group stage and secure a place in the knockout rounds.

Group G is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling groups in the tournament, featuring a mix of established football giants and regional champions.

Manchester City brings formidable strength, while Juventus boasts a rich legacy in European football. Al Ain, representing the UAE, rounds out the group with its regional dominance.

The groups for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 reflect diverse global representation in the expanded format:

– **Group A:** Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami  

– **Group B:** Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders  

– **Group C:** Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica  

– **Group D:** Flamengo, Esperance de Tunis, Chelsea, Club Leon  

– **Group E:** River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds, Monterrey, Inter  

– **Group F:** Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan Hyundai, Mamelodi Sundowns  

– **Group G:** Manchester City, Wydad Casablanca, Al Ain, Juventus  

– **Group H:** Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, RB Salzburg  

Mohamed Salah nets to go top of Premier League Golden Boot race
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt’s Mohamed Salah nets to go top in Golden Boot race

Egyptian International Mohamed Salah scored two goals in Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Newcastle. This match helped him move to the top of the Premier League goalscoring chart with 13 goals ahead of Erling Haaland.

Although Liverpool did not win and missed a chance for its fifth straight victory, Salah will look to continue his fine form in the Golden Boot race.

Since Matchweek 2, Salah had been behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. His goals against Newcastle allowed him to pass Haaland.

This season, Salah has played very well for Liverpool, with 15 goals and 12 assists in 21 matches across all competitions. Now, he has scored 13 goals in the Premier League, one more than Haaland, who has 12.

FIFA imposed a fine on Fecafoot due to unpaid salaries
by Football Sierra Leone

FIFA imposed a fine on Fecafoot due to unpaid salaries

FIFA’s Disciplinary Chamber has fined Cameroon’s Football Federation, FECAFOOT 1,000 CHF (about 700,000 CFA francs) for failing to implement a ruling in favour of player Meuvungeu Alexy against Djiko FC.

This ruling is linked to Fecafoot’s failure to enforce a prior decision requiring Djiko FC to compensate Meuvungou Alexy, who was unjustly dismissed over a year ago.

The dispute began on June 2, 2023, when FIFA’s National Dispute Resolution Chamber (CNRL) ordered Djiko FC to pay Alexy 3.62 million FCFA (€5,546) for his wrongful termination. Despite this, the club, competing in Cameroon’s second division, has not fulfilled this obligation.

Fecafoot, responsible for ensuring compliance with FIFA’s directives, has faced criticism for similar failures. Earlier this year, it was reprimanded for not enforcing a payment order involving players Junior Godstine Folhe, Boris Oum Mananga, and Pierre Varèze Zang Ngayene, which resulted in further penalties.

The National Union of Cameroonian Footballers (Synafoc), led by former Indomitable Lions full-back Geremi Njitap, has been actively campaigning for players’ rights and fair pay. Njitap’s “Salary Barometer” initiative has highlighted the ongoing issue of unpaid wages for local players, garnering support from the International Federation of Professional Footballers’ Associations (FIFPro).

The recent sanction against Fecafoot underscores the persistent challenges in Cameroonian football, particularly the need for timely payments to players. FIFA’s decision serves as a crucial reminder to both Fecafoot and the clubs under its jurisdiction about the importance of upholding players’ rights and adhering to international rulings.