Category: Sport News

Mali book WAFU U17 AFCON qualifier semi-final spot
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali and Senegal book WAFU U17 AFCON qualifier semi-final spot

Mali has confidently secured its place in the semi-finals, while Sierra Leone has successfully regained its momentum at the end of the second day of the UFOA A U17 Tournament in Group B, held on Saturday, October 26, at the Lat Dior Stadium in Thiès.

From Group A, host Senegal became the first team to reach the semi-finals after back-to-back victories over Liberia and the Gambia on Tuesday and Friday, respectively.

In their second tie, Sierra Leone defeated Mauritania with a 1-0 victory. Captain Alie Kabia, who was named Man of the Match, netted the winning goal in stoppage time of the first half (45+2 minutes).

In the day’s second match, the Malian Eaglets showcased their prowess by overcoming Guinea Bissau’s Djurtus with a late goal. Ibrahim Diakité brought on just minutes earlier, received a brilliant pass from Seydou Dembélé at the edge of the penalty area and scored the decisive goal with a stunning shot from outside.

With two victories in two matches, Mali has emphatically validated its advancement to the semi-finals. Seydou Dembélé has also claimed the title of Man of the Match for the second consecutive time in the clash between Guinea Bissau and Mali.

The third and final day of Group B will take place on Tuesday, October 29, starting at 4 p.m. Mali will face Mauritania at the Lat Dior Stadium, while Guinea Bissau will take on Sierra Leone at the Annex of the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio.

Mali currently sits at the top of the standings with 6 points and a goal difference of +2. Sierra Leone holds second place with 3 points, and Guinea Bissau and Mauritania are tied for third, each with 1 point.

Sierra Leone U17 win to Revive AFCON qualification hopes
by @football_sierra

Sierra Leone U17 win to Revive AFCON qualification hopes

On Saturday, Sierra Leone’s U17 team won their first match in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers, beating Mauritania 1-0 at the Stade Lat-Dior.

This win boosted their chances of qualifying after losing their first match in Group B. They have now played two matches and secured three points.

The team’s only goal came from striker Alie Ramadan Kabia in the 45+1 minute. His effort showed the team’s skill and determination, leading them to an important victory.

Alie Ramadan Kabia also earned the Man of the Match title for his outstanding performance against Mauritania.

In their opener, Sierra Leone lost 1-0 to Mali in the WAFU A U17 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tournament.

Sierra Leone’s final Group B contest will be against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday at the Abdoulaye Wade Annex Stadium in Senegal in the race to the knockout stages of the competition.

This win boosted their chances of qualifying after losing their first match in Group B.
This win boosted their chances of qualifying after losing their first match in Group B.
Nigeria awarded three points and three goals as Libya penalized
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigeria awarded three points and three goals as Libya penalized

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded Nigeria three points and recognized three goals in relation to the match against Libya.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced an investigation into Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya, stressing that unsportsmanlike behaviour will not be accepted.

On Saturday, Ousmane Kane, chair of the CAF Disciplinary Board, stated that Nigeria would be awarded the points after finding Libya guilty of mistreating the team. The Libyan Football Federation was also fined for this incident.

CAF determined that the Libyan Football Federation violated rules concerning the Africa Cup of Nations and the CAF Disciplinary Code. As a result, the match scheduled for October 15, 2024, in Benghazi has been declared a 3-0 win for Nigeria.

CAF stated that Libya violated Article 31 of the AFCON regulations, as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF disciplinary code.

Libya is required to pay a fine of USD 50,000 within 60 days of this announcement.

The Nigerian team faced delays at a Libyan airport, lacking food and internet access while preparing for their match. They eventually departed after diplomatic and social media efforts.

With this CAF decision, Nigeria is well-positioned to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, having 10 points from four games—four points ahead of Benin Republic. Rwanda has five points, and Libya, with only one point, cannot qualify.

A win or draw against Benin Republic in Abidjan on November 14 will secure Nigeria a spot in the finals, set for December 2025 to January 2026 in Morocco.

Senegal beat Gambia to maintain Group A lead in U17 qualifiers
by FSL News

Senegal beat Gambia to maintain Group A lead in U17 qualifiers

On Friday, Senegal won their second match in the African Cup of Nations U17 qualifiers, beating The Gambia 3-1 at the Stade Lat-Dior. With this win, Senegal’s U17 team is now the favourite to finish first in Group A. They have played two matches so far.

Senegal started the tournament with a 2-1 victory over Liberia on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in Thiès, Senegal. Group A now includes three teams: Senegal, Liberia, and The Gambia, after Guinea was disqualified.

Just like in their match against Liberia, Senegal scored quickly, with Mohamed Dabo finding the net right after kick-off. This early goal surprised The Gambia, who had not played in the first round.

Senegal took control of the match and made it 2-0 in the 23rd minute with a penalty from Elhadji Cissé. Two minutes before halftime, The Gambia scored with a goal from Francis Gomez in the 43rd minute.

In the second half, The Gambia tried to fight back but struggled against Senegal’s strong defence. Senegal sealed the win with a third goal from Youssouf Manel in the 88th minute, finishing the match 3-1.

On Monday, October 28, 2024, Liberia and The Gambia will play for second place in Group A, as both teams are at the bottom of the standings.

Later today, Group B will continue at the Lat Dior Stadium in Thiès. Sierra Leone will face Mauritania at 3 p.m., followed by Guinea-Bissau against Mali at 6 p.m.

Later today, Group B will continue at the Lat Dior Stadium in Thiès. Sierra Leone will face Mauritania at 3 p.m., followed by Guinea-Bissau against Mali at 6 p.m.
Later today, Group B will continue at the Lat Dior Stadium in Thiès. Sierra Leone will face Mauritania at 3 p.m., followed by Guinea-Bissau against Mali at 6 p.m.
CAF Green light the Gambia to host International football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Green light Gambia to host International football

Gambia’s Independence Stadium will host international matches again after receiving approval from the Confédération Africaine de 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 Gambia national football team will play against the Comoros Islands in their fifth qualifying match for the 2025 Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations on November 15, 2024, at the Independence Stadium.

The Scorpions, Gambia’s national football team, are currently in 3rd place in Group A, with 5 points from four games.

Bakary Y. Badjie, the Minister of Youth and Sports, announced that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has cleared the Independence Stadium in Bakau to host international matches again. The stadium will be the venue for The Gambia’s upcoming match against Comoros on November 15.

“This decision follows our submission of photos and a report from the CAF License Officer last week,” Badjie said enthusiastically. “We are thrilled to bring our home games back to this important venue.” He also thanked the public for their patience during the two-year renovation.

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.

CAF named Player of the Year Nominees for Award
by Football Sierra Leone

CAF named Nominees for African Player of the Year Award

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has announced the nominees for the men’s categories of the #CAFAwards24, taking place on December 16, 2024, in Marrakech, Morocco.

The awards will recognize achievements from January to October 2024, with ten players shortlisted for the CAF African Player of the Year and another ten for the CAF Interclub Player of the Year. Notable nominees include:

– Amine Gouiri (Algeria / Rennes)

– Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso / Bayer Leverkusen)

– Simon Adingra (Cote d’Ivoire / Brighton)

– Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / Paris Saint-Germain)

– Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns), who is nominated in multiple categories.

The CAF Coach of the Year will also feature ten nominees, alongside awards for National Team of the Year, Club of the Year, and Young Player of the Year, all spotlighting emerging talent under 21.

Winners will be determined by a panel including the CAF Technical Committee, media professionals, and coaches from member associations.

The nominees for the Women’s categories will be announced soon. Last year, Victor Osimhen was named CAF African Player of the Year, while Asisat Oshoala took home the title for African Women’s Player of the Year. Read More

Opening defeat for Sierra Leone U17 in WAFU AFCON qualifier
by Football Sierra Leone

Opening defeat for Sierra Leone U17 in WAFU AFCON qualifier

Sierra Leone’s U-17 national team started their WAFU A U-17 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tournament with a 1-0 loss to Mali. (Photo WAFU)

The only goal was scored in the eighth minute of the first half by the Malian wearing the number 10 jersey. He collected a clever pass and struck inside the area to beat the Sierra Leone keeper.

This loss puts Sierra Leone in a tough spot, but the team is determined to fight for a chance to advance.

Their next match is against Mauritania on Saturday, and winning is crucial for their hopes of moving forward in the tournament.

Senegal opened the tournament with a 2-1 victory over Liberia on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in Thiès, Senegal. Group A now consists of three teams: Senegal, Liberia, and Gambia, after Guinea’s disqualification.

Senegal quickly took control, scoring early goals by Mouhamed Dabo in the 6th minute and El Hadji Sow in the 8th minute.

Liberia responded strongly in the second half, reducing the deficit with a goal from Moses Nyanfore in stoppage time (90th + 4 minutes).

Group B matches on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, featuring Mali’s win over Sierra Leone. Mauritania played to a goalless draw against Guinea Bissau in the day’s last game.

Sullay Kaikai nets in Cambridge's second league win of the season
by Football Sierra Leone

Sullay Kaikai nets in Cambridge’s second league win of the season

Sullay Kaikai from Sierra Leone helped Cambridge United win their second consecutive League One match, beating Stevenage 2-0. (Photo Cambrideg United)

Cambridge had also won against Wigan by the same score on Saturday, marking their first victory of the season after nine attempts.

Korey Smith scored the first goal for Cambridge in the 32nd minute at the Lamex Stadium. In the second half, the team focused on defending, blocking Stevenage’s attacks. Kaikai secured the win with a goal in the final minute.

Smith’s goal took a deflection, which helped the ball get past goalkeeper Murphy Cooper into the corner. Smith had a chance to score again, but Cooper made a good save on his shot from the edge of the box.

Stevenage struggled in the first half, and even after making three substitutions at halftime for more possession, they could not create good chances. Kaikai’s late goal ensured the victory for Cambridge.

Sierra Leone's Emmanuel Samadia has named to the USL Week 33 Championship Team
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Emmanuel Samadia named to the USL Week 33 Championship Team

Emmanuel Samadia has been named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 33. This marks Samadia’s fourth selection this season, while Barrera has earned his second selection after being named Player of the Week last week.

In Hartford’s 2-1 win over Tulsa, Samadia stood out as one of the team’s most effective players. He created four chances in his first match back from national team duty with Sierra Leone.

Samadia received the ball frequently along the left flank, recording a team-high 88 touches and making eight crosses. One of his perfect crosses to Marlon Hairston early in the second half was unfortunately missed.

His earlier cross deflected to Hairston, leading to Kyle Edwards’ game-winning goal. Samadia demonstrated impressive dribbling skills by getting past two defenders before delivering that assist.

Barrera was also vital, creating six chances and assisting on Edwards’ goal with a key touch in the box.

At 34 years old, he has energized the team late in the season, scoring two goals and providing two assists in critical matches for Hartford’s playoff hopes.

Hartford Athletic will play the Tampa Bay Rowdies tomorrow at 7:30 PM, and a watch party will be held at Thomas Hooker Brewery in Hartford, featuring special drink offers for fans. RSVPs are available here.

Ex-AC Milan midfielder Rodney Strasser feels honored to attend CAF 46 General Assembly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-AC Milan midfielder Rodney Strasser honoured to attend CAF meeting

Former AC Milan player and ex-Sierra Leone international Rodney Strasser attended the 46th CAF Ordinary General Assembly on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This meeting brought together leaders and delegates from African Member Associations.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba led the discussions, which started at 10:00 AM local time (07:00 AM GMT) at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel.

Strasser spoke about his experience: “I am honoured to be part of the CAF 46th Ordinary General Assembly in Addis Ababa, joining colleagues from across the continent.

We are here to discuss the future of the game, making sure it stays beautiful, entertaining, educational, and empowering. Our goal is to bridge the gap among member states and promote unity through football.”

This year’s assembly is important for African football, with delegates from member associations, zonal unions, and global football figures present. The assembly represents Ethiopia’s second time hosting the CAF Congress, following the previous event in 2017.