Category: Sport News

A comeback win for AS FAR over TP Mazembe in Champions League tie

A comeback win for AS FAR over TP Mazembe in Champions League tie

AS FAR staged a strong comeback to defeat TP Mazembe 3-1 in the CAF Women’s Champions League at the Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi in El Jadida on Tuesday.

Mazembe took the lead in the 11th minute when Elena Nkuandum scored after a VAR review. Despite this early pressure, FAR Rabat regrouped after halftime.

They equalized in the 50th minute with a header from Doha El Madani and quickly took the lead when Sanaâ Mssoudy scored in the 52nd minute.

Mssoudy added another goal in the 58th minute, putting AS FAR ahead 3-1. Mazembe tried to respond but missed a penalty in the 83rd minute and couldn’t break through FAR’s defense.

This victory places FAR Rabat at the top of Group A, while TP Mazembe is tied on three points with the University of the Western Cape Ladies.

All four teams will play again on Friday evening to determine who advances to the semi-finals. Aigles De La Medina will face Mazembe, while UWC Ladies will take on AS FAR. Both matches kick off at 19:00 Local Time.

Chad v Sierra Leone: A must-win game to increase qualification hopes

Chad v Sierra Leone: A must-win game to increase qualification hopes

Group G of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifications will see Chad hosting Sierra Leone on Matchday five at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé on Wednesday.

After playing to a goalless draw in Liberia when Sierra Leone hosted in September at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, both teams remain in contention for qualification; however, any further mistakes could spell disaster for either side.

The margin for error is slim for both nations. Any further dropped points could lead to their elimination from the qualification race.

Chad has earned two points from their first four matches, with two draws and two losses, placing them fourth in the group.

In contrast, Sierra Leone is currently in third place with four points. The Leone Stars have recorded one win, one draw, and two losses from their initial four games. A victory would allow them to draw level on points with Zambia.

Read More – Kei Kamara returns

Players to watch out for: Allabatna Gabin (Chad)

The 24-year-old is a standout player for the Chad national team, known for his dominance in the box and sharp instincts. His reflexes and positioning are his key strengths. With the opposing team’s strong attack, Gabin will need to focus on keeping his side competitive, especially in the opening minutes.

Amadou Bakayoko (Sierra Leone)

Sierra Leone’s main attacking threat is their striker, known for his remarkable ability to evade defenders and score goals. In this must-win match, Bakayoko needs to be at his best, as such crucial games often hinge on slim margins. At 28, he has shown impressive maturity leading the national team, and a strong performance is anticipated from him.

Seven nations, including Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, DR Congo, Egypt, and Senegal, have qualified for the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, joining Morocco. They will all compete for Africa’s top trophy.

The 35th TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Kickoff: Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 19:00 GMT – Venue: Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium

Present Form:

Chad (in their last five in all competitions): L-D-L-D-L

Sierra Leone (last five in all competitions): D-D-L-L-W

Jonathan Morsay nets brace as Kalamata edge Arteras Tripoli

Jonathan Morsay nets brace as Kalamata edge Arteras Tripoli

On Sunday, Sierra Leone international Jonathan Morsay scored two goals for FC Kalamata in the Greek Super League 2 during their 3-1 away victory over Arteras Tripolis.

His brace marked his fourth season goal in the last seven matches. Morsay, 27, joined the club on a year deal in September after spells with Dinamo București Panetolikos and AEL Limassol, respectively.

The victory allowed Kalamata to move up to second place in the Group B standings, trailing leaders A.E. Kifisia only on goal difference.

The Super League 2 is the second division of professional football in Greece. It serves as a feeder league to the top-tier Super League. Comprising 20 teams divided into two groups, the league typically runs from September to May.

Morsay was born in Sweden to a Sierra Leonean father and a Swedish mother. He has represented Sweden at the youth international level. Since making his debut for Sierra Leone on March 24, 2022, the winger has become a regular member of the national team.

He made his debut for the Sierra Leone national team in a friendly match, which ended in a 3–0 loss to Togo.

Edo Queens ease past Commercial Bank in Champions League opener

Edo Queens ease past Commercial Bank in Champions League opener

On Sunday, the Edo Queens of Nigeria delivered an impressive performance, defeating Commercial Bank of Ethiopia FC with a score of 3-0 at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

This match marked the Nigerian team’s debut in the CAF Women’s Champions League. The victory featured goals from Emem Essien, Folashade Ljamilusi, and Chukwuamaka Osigwe.

The Queens began strongly, with Ljamilusi’s early run and cross setting up Essien for the first goal in the fifth minute. Despite CBE’s efforts to respond, the high pressure from the Nigerians kept them in control.

In the 54th minute, Ljamilusi scored again after a combination with Esther Moses, extending their lead.

Osigwe sealed the win with a left-footed strike in the 80th minute, following an assist from Moses. This impressive win placed Edo Queens at the top of Group B, with FC Masar in second after their 1-0 victory against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies.

Mamelodi Sundowns suffer opening defeat to Egyptian newcomers FC Masar

Mamelodi Sundowns suffer opening defeat to Egyptian newcomers FC Masar

Egyptian newcomers FC Masar achieved a remarkable upset in their CAF Women’s Champions League debut, defeating reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 in a thrilling Group B match held in Casablanca on Sunday.

The winning goal came from a penalty taken by Sandrine Niyonkuru just before halftime. This unexpected victory shocked everyone in the tournament.

Masar, part of the Right to Dream Academy community, entered the game as the underdogs against the experienced Sundowns. However, their young team, an average age of only 20.6, stood strong and played with good strategy.

FC Masar, a new Egyptian team, surprised everyone by defeating reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 in their first CAF Women’s Champions League match in Casablanca on Sunday.

Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Sundowns couldn’t break through Masar’s strong defence. Goalkeeper Maya Abouelwafa and defenders Aisha Nantongo and Hasnath Ubamba made key saves and blocks.

Just before halftime, Sundowns were penalized for a handball, allowing Niyonkuru to score and give Masar a surprising lead. Sundowns pushed for an equalizer but faced tough resistance, including a late missed opportunity by Tiisetso Makhubela.

 

This win is a significant step for FC Masar in Egyptian women’s football, following their first domestic title last season. They are now optimistic about upcoming matches against Nigeria’s Edo Queens and Ethiopia’s Commercial Bank.

El Madani shines as AS FAR thrash Aigles De La Médina

El Madani shines as AS FAR thrash Aigles De La Médina

Doha El Madani was the star of the show as she helped AS FAR win 3-0 against Aigles De La Médina in the CAF Women’s Champions League in El Jadida on Saturday.

The 19-year-old scored two goals, and veteran captain Aziz Rabbah added a penalty goal. This win is important for the Moroccan team, which wants to reclaim the title. AS FAR took control right from the beginning. Coach Mohamed Amine Alioua went with an attacking formation.

It didn’t take long for AS FAR to score. Doha El Madani found herself in the right spot to finish off a rebound and open the scoring. Feeling confident, El Madani scored her second goal in the 29th minute with a great pass from Sanaa Mssoudy.

Despite being ahead by two goals, AS FAR kept pressing forward. They caused Aigles De La Médina to commit a foul in the box, leading to a penalty. Aziz Rabbah converted it easily.

In the second half, Aigles played more organized and made fewer mistakes but struggled to get their offence going. Hajar Said almost scored a fourth goal for AS FAR after a defensive scramble, but her shot hit the post.

With the win secure, AS FAR maintained possession of the ball. Aigles faced more trouble when Adama Sane received a red card for a foul on Mssoudy in the box, but Rabbah’s penalty kick was saved by the goalie.

The match ended with AS FAR taking all three points and moving to the top of Group A ahead of TP Mazembe. Earlier, TP Mazembe won against the University of the Western Cape in the first match, making way for the hosts and newcomers to take the spotlight in the second match of Group A.

Sundowns start title defence, while CBE and Edo Queens are set to make their debut

Sundowns start title defence, while CBE and Edo Queens are set to make their debut

The Women’s Champions League continues on Sunday in Casablanca, Morocco. The defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, will play against the newcomers, FC Masar.

Day 02 of the CAF Women’s Champions League Morocco 2024 starts on Sunday, November 10, with Group B matches led by Mamelodi Sundowns, CAF reports. 

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies vs. FC Masar

In Photo, FC Masar from Egypt will make their debut in the CAF Women’s Champions League. They face the reigning champions, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, in a key match.

Despite the challenges, FC Masar’s coach, Ahmed Ramadhan, is confident. He said, “We want to show our potential. Playing against Mamelodi Sundowns is a great chance for us to test ourselves against the best.”

Mamelodi Sundowns’ coach, Jerry Tshabalala, reminded his team to focus on the present. He said, “We have a title to defend, but we must not compare ourselves to the past. We have learned from previous experiences and have prepared well.”

Commercial Bank of Ethiopia vs. Edo Queen

The other Group B match will see two first-time teams, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and Nigeria’s Edo Queens, compete in their openers.

Edo Queens’ coach, Moses Aduku, emphasized the team’s focus. He said, “This is a great chance for us to measure ourselves against top teams. We’ve played well in qualifiers, and we are ready to give our best.”

CBE coach, Heye Gizaw Birhanu, expressed pride in qualifying after three attempts but stressed the need to keep working hard. He said, “Qualifying is good, but we must not take it for granted. Now that we are here, we must keep competing and improving.”

Kei, Alhaji Kamara Return for CHAD and Zambia qualifiers

Kei, Alhaji Kamara Return for CHAD and Zambia qualifiers

Sierra Leone head coach Amidu has selected striker Kei Kamara and Alhaji Kamara, who plays in Portugal, as they prepare for the African Cup of Nations qualifiers this month.

Coach Amidu Karim’s team is preparing for a crucial double header this month as they aim to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco 2025. Currently, third in Group G, Sierra Leone must win both matches against Chad and Zambia to improve their qualification chances.

The first match against Chad is set for Wednesday, November 13. A victory would bring them closer to securing a spot in the tournament and boost their confidence for the following game against Zambia. With determination and strong teamwork, Sierra Leone is ready to make a push for qualification.

Sierra Leone and Chad previously played to a goalless draw in their first encounter at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in September.

Meanwhile, veteran striker Kei Kamara scored the only goal in a qualifying match against Benin, securing Sierra Leone’s spot in the 2021 African Cup of Nations for the first time since 1996.

He has made 36 appearances for Sierra Leone, scoring seven goals and serving as the team captain. In Major League Soccer (MLS), Kamara is the top active goalscorer, with 147 goals in 445 appearances across multiple clubs.

Another key player in the team is Alhaji Kamara, who scored against Ivory Coast in a 2-2 draw during the 2021 AFCON held at the Stade de Japoma in Douala, Cameroon.

Alassana Jatta named in Gambia squad for crucial AFCON qualifiers

Alassana Jatta named in Gambia squad for crucial AFCON qualifiers

Alassana Jatta’s strong performances for Notts County have earned him a call-up to the Gambia’s national team under Northern Irish boss Johnathan McKinstry. (Notts County Photo) 

He will join the squad for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Comoros on November 15 and Tunisia on November 18, which means he will miss the league match against Crewe Alexandra.

Jatta could make his Gambia debut against Comoros in front of the fans at the Gambia Independence Stadium after the GFA received approval from the Confédération African Football (CAF).

The last home match was on March 25, 2021, when Gambia won 1-0 against Angola. Following that game, CAF banned the stadium and 22 others in Africa from hosting international matches in February 2022.

The return of international games is a significant milestone for Gambia’s football fans. The Scorpions, Gambia’s national football team, are currently in 3rd place in Group A, with 5 points from four games.

Kei Kamara to join Sierra Leone squad for CHAD and Zambia qualifiers

Kei Kamara to join Sierra Leone squad for CHAD and Zambia

Sierra Leone and Major League Soccer (MLS), Kei Kamara, is expected to join Leone Stars two years and seven months after he announced his retirement.

Kamara scored the only goal in a qualifying victory against Benin, which secured Sierra Leone’s place in the 2021 African Cup of Nations for the first time since 1996.

The experienced striker has earned 36 caps for Sierra Leone, scoring seven goals and also served as team captain.

Coach Amidu Karim’s side gearing up for a crucial double header this month in the final hurdle to reach Morocco 2025. Sierra Leone, third in Group G, must win both matches against CHAD and Zambia to boost its hopes of qualifying for the continent’s biggest football event next year.

The full team list will be announced soon after confirmation of the listed players. On October 15, 2024, Sierra Leone secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against the African Champions Ivory Coast in their match day four qualifiers at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium as they bid to reach Morocco next year.

Amadou Bakayoko, a striker based in Japan, scored a last-minute header to secure the win for the West African team, marking their first victory in the qualifiers and against Ivory Coast.

Meanwhile, Zambia, who also claimed a 1-0 victory in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, will battle Ivory Coast at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium before facing Sierra Leone.

Their win over CHAD placed them just two points behind Group G leaders Ivory Coast, who have a game in hand. Zambia initially struggled in the match, with Chad having more shots on goal in the first 20 minutes. However, Zambia found their rhythm by the half-hour mark and began to dominate possession.

Kennedy Musonda scored the only goal in the 70th minute, and despite a late scare with a penalty awarded to Chad, Zambia held on to secure all three points in Cameroon.