Category: Sport News

Antoine Semenyo's late equaliser helps Bournemouth draw at Forest
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Antoine Semenyo’s equaliser helps Bournemouth draw at Forest

Ghanaian International Antoine Semenyo scored a late goal to help AFC Bournemouth secure a 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the season.

Chris Wood put Nottingham Forest ahead with a close-range goal in the first half. Dango Ouattara had a goal disallowed.

Semenyo’s goal earned the Cherries their first point of the new season.

Dean Huijsen made his Premier League debut, and Julián Araujo was named on the bench for the first time.

Evanilson’s registration came too late for inclusion. Semenyo led the line for the Cherries, alternating with Luis Sinisterra.

The match started positively for the Cherries, with Ouattara heading just over from a corner. However, the game was paused for ten minutes when Danilo was injured following a challenge with Semenyo.

Wood opened the scoring for Nottingham Forest, tapping in a rebound after Neto parried Ryan Yates’s shot. The Cherries then had a goal disallowed, as Lewis Cook was ruled offside in the build-up to Ouattara’s goal.

First-leg Confederation Cup defeat for hosts East End Lions
by FSL News

East End Lions suffer first-leg Confederation Cup defeat

On Sunday, ASC Jaraaf from Senegal secured a 1-0 victory over East End Lions in the first preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup at the Southern Arena. (Photo Credit EE Lions)

After an intriguing first hour of the contest – substitute Papa Souleymane Dione accounted for Jaraaf’s goal in the 77th minute. But, before their goal, they missed a penalty in the first half and hit the woodwork.

Head coach Malick Daf mentioned that despite the missed penalty and hitting the woodwork. “The team showcased a strong effort against the home side, who had the advantage of local support.”

Daf and his side have immediately turned their attention to the return fixtures next weekend in Senegal. “We’ll return home to prepare for the next match, knowing we will be facing a strong opponent.”

Coach Daf also commented on the missed penalty, saying that even the best players can miss a penalty and emphasized that what matters is the overall result.

East End Lions’ head coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara described the result as ‘disappointing’ while expressing hope to overturn the result in Senegal in the upcoming game.

The second leg is scheduled for Sunday, August 25, 2024, at Stade Lat Dior in Senegal.

CAF Confederation Cup first leg preliminary results
CAF Confederation Cup first leg preliminary results
Alpha Turay nets on debut for FK Radnički 1923 youth side
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alpha Turay nets on debut for Radnički 1923 youth side

Sierra Leone’s 19-year-old defender, Alpha Turay, recently joined Serbian side FK Radnički 1923 and scored his first goal on his debut for the youth team on Saturday.

His 27th-minute goal was equalled by Graficar’s in the 44th minute courtesy of Stolić for the visitors.

Despite the difficult weather conditions, the youth teams of Radnički 1923 and Grafičar delivered a dynamic and substantial football performance.

“Diavolčići” seemed to be slightly better rivals, creating more chances than the guests from Belgrade and resembling their performance from the previous season by leaving the Šumadija capital undefeated.

The home team took the lead in the 27th minute when Radojković executed a free kick, and Alpha Turay scored on his debut.

However, the guests managed to equalize before the break, with Stolić scoring after a scramble in front of the Kragujevac team’s goal, checking Đorđe Nedović.

The second half saw an open game with numerous chances on both sides. The home team showed more agility, threatening first through Đalović and then through Dimovski.

In the next round, “Đavolčić” expects to host their peers from OFK Belgrade, and then Mladost from Lučani will visit “Čika Dača”.

Defender Alpha Turay's 27th-minute goal was equalled by Graficar's in the 44th-minute courtesy of Stolić for the visitors.
Defender Alpha Turay's 27th-minute goal was equalled by Graficar's in the 44th-minute courtesy of Stolić for the visitors.
Bo Rangers draw 1-1 with San Pedro set up a tense return fixture
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bo Rangers draw 1-1 with San Pedro to set up tense return fixture

In the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League preliminary round, Bo Rangers, the champions of Sierra Leone, tied 1-1 with San Pedro from Ivory Coast in the first leg on Saturday.

The first-leg tie showcased an intense battle through the 90th minute at the Southern Arena in Bo City. The home team scored first in the 48th minute through Mohamadu Lamin, causing excitement among the fans.

However, they were unable to capitalize on their lead. The Ivorian team equalized through Issouf Dosso in the 73rd minute, resulting in a draw.

The return fixture is scheduled for next weekend, expected to be an exciting match as the winner will advance to the second preliminary round.

In other matches, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia achieved a 2-1 victory away against FC Vitalo from Burundi, while Namibia’s Africa Stars secured a 1-0 win over Gaborone Galaxy from Botswana.

Raja Casablanca defeated Garde Nationale 2-1 in Niger. Saber Bougrine opened the scoring for Raja Casablanca in the 20th minute, but their opponents equalized in the 37th minute.

However, Marouane Zila restored Raja Casablanca’s lead in the 66th minute, securing a 2-1 win for the Moroccan club.

Some results of the first-leg matches of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Preliminary Round:

– FC Villa Jogo 1-2 Commercial Bank of Ethiopia
– FC Vitalo 0-4 Young Africans
– Africa Stars 1-0 Gaborone Galaxy
– Ngazi Platinum 0-0 AS Maniema
– Saint-Louis 0-1 Sagrada Esperança
– Garde Nationale 1-2 Raja Casablanca
– Red Star 0-0 Djoliba Bamako
– Stade d’Abidjan 1-1 FC Teungueth
– Bo Rangers 1-1 San Pedro
– Douanes du Burkina Faso 0-0 Cotonou du Bénin
– Al Nasr 0-0 Al-Merreikh

Kei Kamara helps Los Angeles beat Seattle Sounders
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kei Kamara helps Los Angeles beat Seattle Sounders  

On Sunday, Los Angeles made history by advancing to the semifinals of the Leagues Cup for the first time in their history with a 3-0 away win over the Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field.

Ryan Hollingshead and Kei Kamara scored first-half goals, and Denis Bouanga added the third after the break, making him the all-time leading scorer in the Leagues Cup’s two-year history.

LAFC will host the Colorado Rapids in the semifinals on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at BMO Stadium. The winner will advance to the Leagues Cup Final on Sunday, Aug. 25.

LAFC took the lead within the first 20 minutes, with Maxime Chanot’s long ball finding Hollingshead, who scored in the 14th minute.

Kamara doubled the lead 11 minutes later with an acrobatic volley. In the second half, Bouanga’s goal sealed the 3-0 victory for LAFC.

Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (in Photo with Kei) secured his third shutout in four Leagues Cup appearances.

CAF makes historic $50,000 giveaway to interclub representatives
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF makes historic $50,000 giveaway to interclub representatives

The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has recently announced that each team participating in the Preliminary Stages will receive $50,000 in financial assistance.

This marks the first time CAF has provided financial assistance to clubs at this stage of the competition.

This decision is aligned with CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe’s pledge to enhance club competitions and provide increased financial aid to clubs.

The ongoing leg matches commence on the 16 August, followed by return legs from 23-25 August 2024. The upcoming Second Preliminary Round in September will determine the clubs advancing to the group stage.

Previously, clubs were required to progress to the Group Stages to qualify for a share of the overall prize money. Over the last couple of years, the CAF Executive has made substantial investments in African Club Football. 

TOTALENERGIES CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

  • Position | Prize Money
  • Winner | USD 4,000,000
  • Runner-up | USD 2,000,000
  • Semi-Finalists | USD 1,200,000
  • Quarterfinalists | USD 900,000
  • 3rd of Group | USD 700,000
  • 4th of Group | USD 700,000

 

TOTAL ENERGIES CAF CONFEDERATION CUP

  • Position | Prize Money
  • Winner | USD 2,000,000
  • Runner-up | USD 1,000,000
  • Semi-finalists | USD 750,000
  • Quarterfinalists | USD 550,000
  • 3rd of Group | USD 400,000
  • 4th of Group | USD 400,000

 

Somalian referees to officiate Lions, ASC Jaraaf first leg Confederation Cup preliminary
by FSL News

Somalian referees to officiate Lions, Jaraaf first leg preliminary

On Sunday, Somalian officials will oversee Sierra Leone’s East End Lions and ASC Jaraaf’s first-leg preliminary of the CAF Confederation Cup match at the Southern arena in Bo City.

Ahmed Hassan Hussein Ahmed will be the main referee, with assistance from Ali Mohamud Mahad as AR 1 and Mowlid Rage Ali as AR 2.

The fourth official for the match, Nur Muhudin Muhudin, is also from Somalia, while the Match Commissioner, Ivan Gartor Brown, is from neighbouring Liberia.

The return fixture is scheduled for next weekend in Senegal, and the winner of this two-legged tie will face the winner between UTC and RC Abidjan in the second preliminary round.

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Fixtures – CLICK HERE

Sierra Leone's side East End Lions completed their preparations for their first CAF Confederation Cup preliminary match on Sunday.
Sierra Leone's side East End Lions completed their preparations for their first CAF Confederation Cup preliminary match on Sunday.
Striker Amadou Bakayoko opens his J League account for Sapporo
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Amadou Bakayoko opens his J League account for Sapporo

Sierra Leone International striker Amadou Bakayoko scored his first J-League goal as Consadole Sapporo defeated Sagan Tosu in a high-scoring match with a score of 5-3 in round 27 of the season.

Bakayoko, 28, who joined the team on a free transfer, made his debut and scored from the penalty spot in the 89th minute.

Sapporo took an early lead with a goal from Supachok in the 10th minute, followed by another goal from Yoshinari Komai in the 11th minute, and a third goal in the 16th minute, giving them a 3-0 lead in the first half.

However, Tosu fought back in the second half, scoring in the 57th minute through Akito Fukuda and then closing the gap to one point in the 60th minute with a goal from Tojiro Kubo.

Sapporo scored their fourth goal with an own goal in the 70th minute, and Bakayoko sealed the victory for Sapporo with the fifth goal from the penalty spot in the 89th minute, securing the win when Tosu was once again within one point.

Sapporo’s win earned them three points, marking their first win in three games, while Tosu suffered their fifth consecutive game without a victory.

Meiji Yasuda J1 League Standings

East End Lions ready for ASC Jaraaf's Interclub cracker
by FSL News

East End Lions ready for ASC Jaraaf’s Interclub cracker

After arriving in Bo on Tuesday, the team has been focused and determined. We look forward to the challenge we’ll face this Sunday in the CAF Confederation Cup, stated East End Lions’ head coach, Mohamed Lamin Kamara.

The East End giant side is gearing up for their Inter-Club first preliminary rounds match against ASC Jaraaf this Sunday at the Southern Arena Stadium in Bo City.

Their challenger, Senegal’s outfit ASC Jaraaf, safely arrived in Sierra Leone ahead of their contest against one of Sierra Leone’s most decorated sides, East End Lions.

Lions have been training rigorously at the Bo Coronation field as the players, under coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara, are working hard as our team prepares for the upcoming inter-club contest.

“We have been working on our tactics for this game. It’s going to be a difficult game. We have studied our opponents well; they are a good team, but we are prepared to showcase ourselves,” Coach Kamara explained. “We want to do our best for Sierra Leone – we hope everything will work in our favour. Everyone is happy, relaxed, and in good spirits.”

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Upcoming Fixtures – CLICK HERE

Ghana's defender Patric Pfeiffer joins Swiss Super League side Young Boys
by FSL News

Ghana’s defender Patric Pfeiffer joins Swiss Super League side

Ghanaian defender Patric Pfeiffer has moved to Swiss Super League champions Young Boys for the 2024/25 season.

“Reinforcement from the Bundesliga: 24-year-old central defender Patric Pfeiffer comes from FC Augsburg and will play the current season on loan at YB,” Young Boys posted on the official Facebook page.

Pfeiffer, who is 1.96m tall, joined Young Boys from German Bundesliga side FC Augsburg. He struggled to get playing time at FC Augsburg last season.

Born in Hamburg, Germany, to Ghanaian parents, Pfeiffer chose to play for Ghana last year after representing Germany’s under-18 and under-19 teams.

However, the Swiss side has confirmed that Pfeiffer will return to FC Augsburg at the end of the 2024/25 season.

Currently on loan to Young Boys, Pfeiffer will be aiming to assist the team as they take on Turkish giants Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League play-off round, hoping to secure a spot in the group stage.