Category: Sport News

CAF confirms date for Inter-club group stage draw
by FSL News

CAF confirms date for Inter-club group stage draw

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released the schedule for the 2024/25 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage Draw.

Both draws are scheduled to take place on Monday, 07 October 2024.

The CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage Draw is set to commence at 13:00 local time in Cairo (11:00 GMT), followed by the CAF Champions League draw at 14:00 local time (11:00 GMT).

The complete list of qualified teams will be announced on the evening of Sunday, 22 September 2024.

In the latest matches, FAR Rabat and Djoliba AC of Mali secured spots in the group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League. FAR Rabat won 2-0 against Sudan’s Al Merreikh with goals from Hammoudan and Joël Beya.

Meanwhile, Stade d’Abidjan advanced despite a 2-1 defeat against Milo FC, and San Pedro fell 1-0 to Al-Hilal. Djoliba AC sealed their spot with a 1-0 victory over ASKO in Lomé.

These results complete the line-up for the CAF Champions League group stage.

Midfielder Rodney Michael opens Safa SC account in Lebanon
by FSL News

Midfielder Rodney Michael opens Safa SC account in Lebanon

Sierra Leone International Rodney Michael scored his first goal for the Lebanese Pro side Safa SC in their 4-1 victory over Racing Beirut on Saturday.

It was an impressive start for the midfielder, who was awarded the Man of the Match on his debut after a goal and assist.

In the previous season, he played for PO Xylotymbou in Cyprus. On March 22, 2022, Michael moved from Tormenta to the USL Championship side Indy Eleven.

He later left Indy Eleven after the 2022 season. In February 2023, Michael signed with FK Mornar of the Montenegrin First League.

Sierra Leone's Josh Koroma nets in Huddersfield defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Josh Koroma nets in Huddersfield defeat

Sierra Leone International Josh Koroma was on target as Northampton secured a significant 3-1 away victory against Huddersfield, marking their first win since February.

The match saw Northampton benefit from an own goal by Huddersfield in the 18th minute, followed by a well-executed counter-attack resulting in a goal by Cameron McGeehan.

Despite a disallowed goal early in the second half, Northampton extended their lead with another goal from Tariqe Fosu.

Huddersfield showed resilience in the final 10 minutes, scoring a goal and earning a penalty that led to a second yellow card for Akin Odimayo.

However, Huddersfield’s hopes of a comeback were dashed when Lee Burge saved the penalty, securing Northampton’s victory.

Three more teams progress to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage
by FSL News

Three more teams progress to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage

On Saturday, three additional teams advanced to the group stage of the 2024-25 CAF Confederation Cup. Angolan top-tier side Lunda Sul, Tunisian side CS Sfaxien, and Algeria’s CS Constantine secured their spots after winning their second-round, second-leg qualifying matches.

In Angola, Lunda Sul lost 2-1 against South African team Sekhukhune United in Polokwane. However, Guilherme’s 36th-minute goal helped Lunda Sul advance on the away goal rule.

In Tunisia, CS Sfaxien defeated Rukinzo from Burundi with a 1-0 victory, securing a 2-0 aggregate win. Firas Sekkouhi scored the only goal in the second half.

Meanwhile, CS Constantine of Algeria also won 1-0 at home against Nsoatreman of Ghana, securing a 3-0 aggregate triumph. Ben Shaa scored an early goal for CS Constantine.

The Confederation Cup continues today, Sunday, September 22, with 10 matches scheduled across the continent. Notable teams in action include Enyimba, ASEC Mimosas, AS Vita, Simba SC, and USM Alger.

CAF Confederation Cup results, Saturday 21 September

Sekhukhune United 2-1 CD Lunda Sul – 2-2on aggregate, Lunda Sul won on away goals

CS Constantine 1-0 Nsoatreman – Constantine won 3-0 on aggregate

CS Sfaxien 1-0 Rukinzo – Sfaxien won 2-0 on aggregate

Sierra Leone through U20 semis after win over Guinea-Bissau
by @football_sierra

Sierra Leone through to U20 semis after win over Guinea-Bissau

In the AFCON U-20 WAFU A qualifiers at the SKD Annex Field in Monrovia, defender Nathaniel Jalloh scored a crucial 45th-minute goal, securing Sierra Leone U-20 a spot in the semifinals with a 1-0 victory over a struggling 10-man Guinea-Bissau team.

Guinea Bissau’s team, the Young Djourtous, had already been eliminated after losing their first two matches, but they played for pride in the last encounter.

Their situation worsened when they were reduced to 10 men following a red card in the second half.

As a result, Sierra Leone topped Group A with 7 points, followed by Guinea with 5 points.

A victory in the semifinals will ensure the Shooting Stars’ participation in the upcoming African Cup of Nations U-20 category.

The National U-20 Skipper, Sallieu Bah, was awarded Man of the Match for exceptional performance.

In a post-match conference, Sierra Leone U-20 Head Coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara expressed his confidence and trust in his team, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming semifinal match as a crucial moment for their AFCON U-20 aspirations.

“We are now focusing on our preparations for the semifinals,” Coach Kamara stated. “Our semifinal encounter is one of the most important matches for us, as it determines our hope to qualify for the AFCON U-20.”

The Shooting Stars are now gearing up for what promises to be a pivotal match in their journey.

The National U-20 Skipper, Sallieu Bah, was awarded Man of the Match for exceptional performance.
The National U-20 Skipper, Sallieu Bah, was awarded Man of the Match for exceptional performance.
Confederation Cup: Stade Malien, Zamalek and Berkane progress
by FSL News

Confederation Cup: Stade Malien, Zamalek and Berkane progress

On Friday, three clubs – Stade Malien, Zamalek, and RS Berkane – became the first trio of clubs to advance into the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup after winning their second-round qualifying ties.

Stade Malien won 3-1 against Paynesville in Bamako, overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit with goals from Moctar Cisse, Soumaila Magassouba, and Souleymane Drame.

Despite a goal from Mark Paye for the visitors, Stade Malien advanced 3-2 on aggregate. Zamalek beat Police FC 2-1 in Cairo, adding to their 1-0 first-leg advantage.

Goals from Zizo and Nasser Maher secured a 3-1 aggregate victory for Zamalek, with Jesse Was scoring a consolation goal for Police FC. RS Berkane secured a commanding 5-0 victory over Dadje, adding to their 2-0 first-leg triumph.

Haytam Manaout, Mateus Criciuma, Ayoub Khairi, and Issoufou Dayo all scored for RS Berkane, who won 7-0 on aggregate.

The Confederation Cup continues today with three matches: Sekhukhune United v CD Lunda Sul, CS Constantine v Nsoatreman, and CS Afaxien v Rukinzo.

CAF Confederation Cup results from Friday’s 20 September:

Stade Malien 3-1 Paynesville – Stade Malien won 3-2 on aggregate

Zamalek 2-1 Police FC – Zamalek won 3-1 on aggregate

RS Berkane 5-0 Dadje – RS Berkane won 7-0 on aggregate

Young Africans thrash Ethiopia's Ethiopia Nigd Bank.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Young Africans thrash Ethiopia’s Commercial Bank

Young Africans SC thrashed Commercial Bank of Ethiopia FC 6-0, advancing to the group stage of the 2024/2025 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

In the first leg of the second preliminary round, the Tanzania Premier League champions won 1-0 against Commercial Bank of Ethiopia FC (CBE). They continued their success with a 7-0 aggregate win at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.

On Friday, CR Belouizdad of Algeria became the first team to secure a spot in the group stage of the 2024-25 CAF Champions League by defeating AS Douanes of Burkina Faso.

The second-round return leg match took place at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran, and the hosts, CR Belouizdad, managed to level the tie at 1-1 with a goal from Abderrahmane Meziane in the 35th minute.

Despite being reduced to 10 men late in regulation time, CR Belouizdad managed to take the tie to penalties.

New Real Valladolid defender Juma Bah makes La Liga debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New Real Valladolid defender Juma Bah makes La Liga debut

Sierra Leonean international Abdulai Juma Bah made his La Liga debut Valladolid goalless draw against Real Sociedad, as we reported earlier.

He featured for the 78th minute on his first start wearing No 35 jersey – His strong impression at Real Valladolid has been rewarded since joining less than a month ago.

Juma Bah, a young 195-centimetre tall centre-back, has proven to be a reliable defender. He impresses the coaching staff and players with his physicality and skill in on-field battles.

Breaking new heights, Bah became the first Sierra Leonean to play in the Spanish top-tier league.

Starting from playing in the streets on the outskirts of Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, and helping his family by working in a bakery in the market in the Congo neighbourhood, he ended up being called up five months later by a historic team in one of the best leagues in the world.

He started with the Juvenil División de Honor and quickly moved up to the Promesas team, where he made a successful debut last weekend.

Scouts travelled to Africa to observe him live before he was signed, and his defensive prowess and composure on the ball were evident in his debut last weekend.

Real Valladolid fans are eager to see how Abdulai Juma Bah will contribute to the club’s success this season. He has made a promising start and is a player to watch in the upcoming matches.

Sierra Leone midfielder Tyrese Fornah Salford's experience
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone midfielder Tyrese Fornah on Salford’s experience

Salford City midfielder Tyrese Fornah talked about his first month with the club via the club’s website and their upcoming match against Walsall in the league this weekend.

The 25-year-old has impressed since joining on loan from Derby County in August. The Sierra Leone international expressed how much he is enjoying his time at The Peninsula Stadium.

“I returned in the summer after training, taking care of myself physically and mentally, and feeling motivated to be the best version of myself, playing freely as I did as a kid.

“I’ve always been advised to play without worrying about taking risks, especially in my position as a midfielder. I grew up watching top midfielders who carried the ball and were exciting, and that’s what I like to do. Every time I play, I aim to run forward and think forward.

There might be times when I lose the ball, but I’m someone who will try things, and ultimately, I back myself because God gave me a talent, and I’m doing my best to consistently showcase it on the pitch.”

Salford goes into this weekend’s game against Walsall in good form, having been unbeaten in four league matches, including consecutive home victories against MK Dons and Cheltenham Town.

“It’s something I noticed when I first joined – the players, the recruitment, and how the club looks at the players they’re bringing in to complement the squad. It feels like it’s starting to come together.

“We have a long way to go, and there are plenty of games to play. But with the players we have in the squad along with those who were already here, I feel like it’s a good balance, and I’m enjoying it.

“I genuinely appreciate every single one of the boys; they’re good people, good human beings, and I believe that’s the most important thing – to be a good human, not just on the pitch, but someone you can rely on when you’re playing with them.

“Winning games boosts confidence for individuals and the team. We must stay cautious as Walsall is a strong team. If we focus on our performance and receive support from the fans at home, we can create a strong home advantage. I hope this positive trend continues.”

Sierra Leone's Yayah Kallon out of Salernitana trip to Reggiana
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Yayah Kallon out of Salernitana’s trip to Reggiana

Sierra Leone-born Yayah Kallon will miss Saturday’s match at Reggiana Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore due to suspension.

The new Salernitana acquisition was shown a red card in week three as Salernitana defeated Sampdoria 3-2.

At the end of the final training session held this morning at the Mary Rosu sports centre, coach Giovanni Martusciello announced the list of players called up for the match scheduled for tomorrow at 3 pm between Reggiana and Salernitana at the Città del Tricolore/Mapei Stadium.

GOALKEEPERS: 12 Corriere, 1 Fiorillo, 55 Sepe;

DEFENDERS : 15 Bronn, 33 GM. Ferrari, 29 Ghiglione, 44 Jaroszyński, 17 Njoh, 13 Ruggeri, 30 Stojanović, 4 Velthuis;

MIDFIELDERS: 73 Amatucci, 23 Dalmonte, 8 Hrustić, 25 Maggiore, 19 Reine-Adélaïde, 21 Soriano, 70 Tello;

ATTACKERS: 24 Braaf, 9 Sims, 10 Torregrossa, 31 Verde, 20 Wlodarczyk.

Unavailable:  2 Gentile, 7 Tongya, 77 Sfait.

Suspended : 11 Kallon.