Category: Sport News

African Champions South Africa ready for U20 opener against France
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

African Champions South Africa ready for U20 opener against France

Raymond Mdaka’s team is eager to continue their historic journey following their impressive victory in the U-20 AFCON earlier this year.

Tonight, they face a European powerhouse France at 17:00 hrs local time, at the Estadio El Teniente stadium in Chile.

Arriving in Chile as continental champions, South Africa secured their first-ever U-20 AFCON title with a thrilling win over Morocco.

It was in May that they lifted the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations trophy, thanks to a stunning goal from Gomolemo Kekana that clinched the victory in the Cairo final.

This triumph not only crowned them champions but also earned Mdaka’s squad a place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025™, marking their return to this prestigious tournament for the first time since 2019 and only their fifth overall appearance.

Their opponent – France will compete in the FIFA U-20 World Cup™ for the fourth time in a row, marking the first time in their history that they have achieved this. Only Argentina, the USA, and New Zealand have longer current streaks of qualifications for the tournament at Chile 2025.

South Africa Group E fixtures

29 September France-South Africa (17:00 local time, Estadio El Teniente)

2 October South Africa-New Caledonia (20:00 local time, Estadio El Teniente)

5 October South Africa-USA (17:00 local time, Estadio El Teniente)

Nigeria set for Norway cracker in FIFA U20 World Cup opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria set for Norway cracker in FIFA U20 World Cup opener  

The FIFA U20 World Cup will commence with an exciting match as Nigeria's Flying Eagles take on Norway's Young Vikings at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca in Chile on Monday. Kickoff time 21:00 WAT.

Both squads understand the importance of a robust opening game, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter filled with skill and intensity beneath the Chilean night sky.

Nigeria enters the tournament with a rich history, marking their 14th appearance and featuring two runner-up finishes, one in 1989 and another in 2005.

Guided by coach Aliyu Zubair, the Flying Eagles blend domestic talent with stars from Europe, aiming to sharpen their offensive play and make a significant impact.

Conversely, Norway, participating in their fourth U20 World Cup, aims to overcome their previous group-stage challenges.

Under the leadership of coach Bjorn Johansen, the Young Vikings bring a strong sense of determination and resilience, looking to make their mark with an impressive showing.

Nigeria’s roster features promising young talent, including goalkeepers Ebenezer Harcourt, Clinton Ezekiel, and Rufa’i Abubakar for defensive stability.

Defenders Ocheche Amos Onyejefu and Daniel Bameyi add international experience, while midfielders Daniel Daga and Israel Ayuma contribute strength and creativity.

In attack, the Flying Eagles showcase offensive power with Achichi Oseer, Kparobo Arierhi, and Sani Suleman.

Nigeria’s Group F fixtures

29 September Norway-Nigeria (17:00 local time, Estadio Fiscal)

2 October Nigeria-Saudi Arabia (20:00 local time, Estadio Fiscal)

5 October Nigeria-Colombia (20:00 local time, Estadio Fiscal)

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.

US Monastir cruise past East End Lions to progress as Police FC advance
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

US Monastir cruise past East End Lions to progress as Police FC advance

Tunisian side US Monastir cruised past Sierra Leone’s East End Lions with a resounding 3-1 victory at the Taieb Mhiri Stadium, wrapping up a commanding 7-1 aggregate win over two legs.

The Tunisians wasted no time, scoring twice within the first seven minutes through Naude Zeguei and Haj Ali Moez, effectively sealing their fate.

Although Ali Conteh gave East End Lions a glimmer of hope early in the second half, an own goal by Alpha Kamara in the 71st minute made sure of Monastir’s comfortable progression.

With their dominant performance across both legs, the North Africans emerge as early favorites in the tournament.

Simba SC from Tanzania and Kenya Police FC secured their spots in the Second Preliminary Round of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, albeit through different routes.

Simba drew 1–1 against Gaborone United in Dar es Salaam, progressing with a 2–1 aggregate score. Jean Carlos Ahoua’s goal put Simba ahead before Lebogang Ditsele equalized for Gaborone with a penalty, but they couldn’t find a winner.

Kenya Police FC faced a tough challenge, losing 2–0 at home to Mogadishu City. However, their 3–1 first-leg victory in Somalia meant they advanced on away goals despite the tie ending 3–3.

In Eswatini, Nsingizini Hotspurs defeated Zimbabwe’s Simba Bhora 4–2 on penalties after a 1–0 win in the second leg leveled the tie at 1–1 on aggregate. Shongwe Nkosingiphile’s last-minute goal forced penalties, where Hotspurs held their nerve to advance.

Additionally, Nigeria’s Rivers United secured a 1-0 victory over Aigles du Congo, while Burkina Faso’s Rahimo FC advanced past AS Mangasport on penalties after a goalless draw over two legs.

Orlando Pirates ease past to progress in CAF Champions League
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Orlando Pirates ease past Lioli to progress in CAF Champions League

Orlando Pirates have successfully advanced to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League following a convincing 4-0 victory over Lioli FC at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

This commanding performance over two legs sends the Buccaneers straight to the next round.

Next up, the Pirates will face the winner of the match between DR Congo’s Saint-Eloi Lupopo and the Sudanese powerhouses, Al-Merreikh, for a coveted spot in the group stages.

The Soweto giants struck first with an impressive goal from in-form winger Tshepang Moremi, who found the net just before halftime.

Moremi quickly added another four minutes after the break, giving Pirates a solid two-goal advantage early in the second half.

Yanela Mbuthuma, who came on as a substitute, made an immediate impact by scoring in the 79th minute, and just two minutes later, he completed his brace.

This performance led Abdeslam Ouaddou’s squad to a resounding 7-0 aggregate win over the Lesotho champions, having triumphed in the first leg with a 3-0 scoreline.

 

Friday, 26 September

  • Zilimadjou (Comoros) 0-1 Remo Stars (Nigeria) – Remo Stars progress 5-0 on aggregate

Saturday, 27 September

  • ASAS (Djibouti) 1-1 Aigle Noir (Burundi) – 1-1 on aggregate, Aigle Nior advance on away goals rule
  • Black Bulls (Mozambique) 1-0 Leopard (Congo) – Black Bulls progress 1-0 on aggregate
  • Orlando Pirates (South Africa) 4-0 Lioli (Lesotho) Orlando Pirates progress 7-0 on aggregate
  • Silver Strikers (Malawi) 0-0 Elgeco Plus (Madagascar) 1-1 on aggregate, Silver Strikers advance on away goals rule
  • St Eloi Lupopo (DR Congo) v Al-Merreikh (Sudan)
  • Mlandege (Zanzibar) 3-2 Ethiopian Insurance (Ethiopia) – Ethiopian Insurance progress 4-3 on aggregate
  • Young Africans (Tanzania) 2-0 Wiliete (Angola) – Young Africans progress 5-0 on aggregate
  • Horoya (Guinea) 2-0 Al Hilal Benghazi (Libya) – Horoya progress 2-1 on aggregate
  • Petro Atlético (Angola) 3-0 Cercle de Joachim (Mauritius) – Petro Atletico progress 6-0 on aggregate
  • Vipers (Uganda) 1-0 African Stars (Namibia) – Vipers progress 2-0 on aggregate
  • Stade Malien (Mali) 2-0 Tempête MOCAF (Central African Republic) – Stade Malien progress 7-0 on aggregate
  • Espérance Tunis (Tunisia) 4-1 AS FAN (Niger) – Esperance progress 7-1 on aggregate
  • FAR Rabat (Morocco) 2-1 Real Banjul (Gambia) – FAR Rabat progress 4-1 on aggregate
  • MC Alger (Algeria) 3-0 Fassell (Liberia)  – MC Alger progress 3-0 on aggregate
  • Berkane (Morocco) 3-1 ASC Kara (Togo) – Berkane progress 4-2 on aggregate

Sunday, 28 September

  • Nsingizini Hotspurs (Eswatini) v Simba Bhora (Zimbabwe)
  • Simba (Tanzania) v Gaborone United (Botswana)
  • Mangasport (Gabon) v Rahimo (Burkina Faso)
  • Police FC (Kenya) v Mogadishu City (Somalia)
  • Rivers United (Nigeria) v Aigles du Congo (DR Congo)
  • Al-Hilal Omdurman (Sudan) v Jamus (South Sudan)
  • ASEC Mimosas (Côte d’Ivoire) v Power Dynamos (Zambia)
  • Monastir (Tunisia) v East End Lions (Sierra Leone)
  • Jaraaf (Senegal) v Colombe (Cameroon)
  • Al Ahly Tripoli (Libya) v Dadjè (Benin)
  • Kabylie (Algeria) v Bibiani Gold Stars (Ghana)
  • Nouadhibou (Mauritania) v Fundación Bata (Equatorial Guinea)

Wednesday, 1 October

  • APR (Rwanda) v Pyramids (Egypt)

Saturday, 4 October

  • Al-Merreikh (Sudan) v St Eloi Lupopo (DR Congo)

Sunday, 5 October

  • Pyramids (Egypt) v APR (Rwanda)
Defeat for Egypt against Japan in FIFA U20 World Cup Opener
by Football Sierra Leone

Defeat for Egypt against Japan in FIFA U20 World Cup opener

Egypt's U20 national team kicked off their FIFA U20 World Cup campaign in Chile with a disappointing 2-0 loss to Japan early at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos on Saturday 27 September.

A penalty by Rion Ichihara and a expertly executed shot by Hisatsugu Ishii secured a victory for Japan against Egypt in Santiago.

Japan’s opener  – Japan took the lead in the 29th minute when defender Rion Ichihara from RB Leipzig converted a penalty kick.

Shortly after halftime, Shonan Bellmare striker Hisatsugu Ishii extended Japan’s lead with a powerful finish, assisted by Shunsuke Saito, which the Egyptian goalkeeper couldn’t stop.

Group A Outlook – Egypt now faces a tough road ahead in Group A, which also features hosts Chile and New Zealand. Chile is set to meet New Zealand in a match that could significantly influence the group standings.

Group A

Japan 2-0 Egypt

Japan goals: Rion Ichihara pen (29), Hisatsugu Ishii (48)

Egypt’s U-20s take on Japan in FIFA U-20 World Cup opener in Chile
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt take on Japan in FIFA U-20 World Cup opener in Chile

The opening matches of the 24th U-20 World Cup will feature Japan against Egypt, the Republic against Ukraine, Chile against New Zealand, and Paraguay against Panama.

Egypt’s Young Pharaohs kick off their campaign at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos this evening as they build from their impressive top-four finish at the U-20 AFCON held in Cairo last May.

This marks their first appearance at the World Cup since 2013 and their ninth outing overall, with a notable highlight being their bronze medal finish in 2001.

In Group A, Egypt faces tough competition from hosts Chile, Japan, and New Zealand. They will open their campaign against Japan, followed by a match with New Zealand, and a crucial showdown against Chile in Santiago.

Egypt qualified for the tournament with a strong performance in the TotalEnergies U20 AFCON, where coach Osama Nabih’s side reached the semi-finals, describing it as a “North African derby” and an “early continental final.”

Fixtures – Saturday 27 September

Japan v Egypt

Korea Republic v Ukraine
Chile v New Zealand
Paraguay v Panama
Sierra Leone-born Jocelyn Janneh named in Guinea's World Cup qualifers squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone-born Jocelyn Janneh receives first call-up from Guinea

Jocelyn Janneh from Sporting Club di Bastia and two new names expected to make the International debut for Guinea October 9, followed by Botswana in Casablanca on October 14.

Jocelyn Janneh from SC Bastia and two new names are expected to make their International debut for Guinea on October 9, followed by Botswana in Casablanca on October 14.

Head coach Paulo Duarte has called up 25 players to face Mozambique in Maputo on October 9, followed by Botswana in Casablanca on October 14.

The two matches are the final rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as he retained a strong core with familiar faces such as Serhou Guirassy, Mouctar Diakhaby, Morlaye Sylla, and Issiaga Sylla.

The Guineans are fourth in Group G on 11 points and are hoping to win these last two matches in the hope of finishing among the four best second-placed teams in the different groups to play in the play-offs.

Head coach Paulo Duarte has called up 25 players to face Mozambique in Maputo on October 9, followed by Botswana in Casablanca on October 14.
Head coach Paulo Duarte has called up 25 players to face Mozambique in Maputo on October 9, followed by Botswana in Casablanca on October 14.
Mohamed Bangura nets a hat-trick as Bhantal eliminated from CAF Confederation Cup
by Football Sierra Leone

Mohamed Bangura nets hat-trick as Bhantal eliminated from CAF Confederation Cup

Mohamed Bangura made a remarkable impact for Bhantal by scoring a brilliant hat-trick in their second-leg match against Hafia in the CAF Confederation Cup on Friday.

Despite facing a 3-2 setback in this return leg played in Ivory Coast, the Guinean football club Hafia has successfully progressed to the next round of the tournament on 5-3 aggregate.

Sierra Leone’s Bhantal emerged victorious in the game held in the Ivorian capital, but they could not advance, having lost the first leg 3-0 at the Southern Arena in Bo City.

The Guinean side showed resilience and secured their place, and they are set to face the Algerian team CR Belouzdad in the upcoming round.

A lesson learned for debuntant Bhantal after showing more in the Ivory Coast at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium. Bhantal’s performance in the win was commendable, demonstrating fighting spirit against formidable opponents.

Friday, 26 September 2025 Results

  • AS Fanalamanga (Madagascar) 1-2 Ferroviário Maputo (Mozambique) Ferroviario advance 3-2 on aggregate

  • Royal Leopards (Eswatini) 5-0 Young Africans (Namibia) Royal Leopards advance 7-0 on aggregate

  • KMKM (Zanzibar) 2-1 Port (Djibouti) KMKM advance 4-2 on aggregate

  • Hafia (Guinea) 2-3 Bhantal (Sierra Leone) Hafia advance 5-3 on aggregate

  • Al-Ittihad (Libya) 3-1 Welayta Dicha (Ethiopia)  Al Ittihad advance 3-1 on aggregate

  • Coton FC (Benin) 4-1 Black Man Warrior (Liberia)  Coton FC advance 4-1 on aggregate

Saturday, 27 September 2025 Fixtures 

  • Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa) v Kabuscorp (Angola)

  • NEC FC (Uganda) v Nairobi United (Kenya)

  • Étoile du Sahel (Tunisia) v Madani (Sudan)

  • Académie de FAD (Côte d’Ivoire) v Génération Foot (Senegal)

  • San Pedro (Côte d’Ivoire) v Aigle Royal (Cameroon)

  • Singida Black Stars (Tanzania) v Rayon Sports (Rwanda)

  • Jwaneng Galaxy (Botswana) v Mighty Wanderers (Malawi)

  • SNIM (Mauritania) v Stade Tunisien (Tunisia)

  • Olympique de Safi (Morocco) v Nigelec (Niger)

Sunday, 28 September 2025

  • Azam (Tanzania) v El Merriekh Bentiu (South Sudan)

  • ZESCO United (Zambia) v FC Libreville (Gabon)

  • AS Otohô (Congo) v Primeiro de Agosto (Angola)

  • Gbohloe-Su (Togo) v USFA (Burkina Faso)

  • Kwara United (Nigeria) v Asante Kotoko (Ghana)

  • Al Akhdar (Libya) v Flambeau du Centre (Burundi)

  • Djoliba (Mali) v Abia Warriors (Nigeria)

Friday, 4 October 2025

  • Djabal (Comoros) v Simba (DR Congo)

  • Pamplemousses (Mauritius) v Maniema Union (DR Congo)

Benni McCarthy names Kenya final squad for FIFA World Cup qualifying ties
by Football Sierra Leone

Benni McCarthy names Kenya final roster for FIFA World Cup qualifying ties

Benni McCarthy has revealed his final roster for Kenya’s last two FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Burundi and Ivory Coast.

Standing 11 points behind Ivory Coast, both games will take place away from home, signaling the end of the Harambee Stars’ qualification effort.

Kenya will first compete against Burundi on October 9, 2025, at Intwari Stadium, with the match scheduled to begin at 4pm EAT, followed by their final game against Ivory Coast on October 14, 2025, starting at 10pm EAT at Alassane Outtara Stadium.

Currently positioned fifth in the group with nine points, the Harambee Stars are eager to conclude their qualification journey positively. The squad will assemble for training in early October, with the final traveling squad to be confirmed after medical evaluations and fitness checks.

Final Squad;

Goalkeepers

Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire

Defenders

Manzur Suleiman, Vincent Harper, Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje, Michael Kibwage, Ronney Onyango, Abud Omar, Daniel Sakari

Midfielders

Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Timothy Ouma, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire, Austine Odhiambo

Wingers

William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri

Strikers

Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Lawrence Okoth