Category: Sport News

Moroccan Hakim Ziyech opens his Wydad Athletic Club
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Moroccan Hakim Ziyech opens his Wydad Athletic Club account

Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech scored his first goal for Wydad AC on Saturday, leading his team to a 1-0 win against RS Berkane at the Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca.

The former Ajax and Chelsea winger converted a penalty kick in the final moments of the match to keep Wydad’s unbeaten streak in the Botola Pro 1 alive.

Wydad remains unbeaten in the Moroccan league this season, with eight wins and two draws from 10 games. They sit in second place with 26 points, just one point behind Raja Casablanca, coached by South African Fadlu Davids. Wydad has four games in hand because it is participating in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Ziyech joined the club as a free agent in late October and has now scored one goal and provided one assist in five matches across all competitions.

He played a key role in Morocco’s performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where the team became the best-performing African team in history by reaching the semi-finals.

Injuries have been a challenge for the 32-year-old, and he missed Morocco’s home Africa Cup of Nations in December and January.

Ziyech hopes to maintain his good form and secure a place in Morocco’s squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Former Allenskan top striker Mohamed Buya Turay joins Star Sport
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Former Allsvenskan top striker Mohamed Buya Turay joins Star Sport

Former top goal scorer in Sweden, Mohamed Buya Turay, has officially joined Star Sport Academy, bringing with him a wealth of invaluable experience. “We’re thrilled to welcome Mohamed to Star Sport Academy,” said Chairman Ing, Yankuba Jusu Tarawally.

“He’s a dynamic attacking player with remarkable speed and an impressive presence in front of the goal.” As the newest addition to the team, the striker will don the number 95 jersey. Turay, originally from Sierra Leone, began his career with the local club FC Mattia.

He made his professional debut in 2014 when he signed with Juventus IF, a club in Sweden’s Allsvenskan. During his time there, Buya made 25 appearances and found the back of the net 32 times.

Turay quickly advanced up the ranks and played for three different clubs in Sweden’s second-tier league, namely Västerås SK, AFC Eskilstuna, and Dalkurd FF, from 2014 to 2018.

In 2018, he signed with the Belgian Jupiler Pro League club Sint-Truiden, but was loaned out to Djurgarden IF in Sweden’s Allsvenskan in 2019. During his stint at Djurgarden, Turay made 29 appearances and scored 15 goals, which earned him the prestigious Golden Boot award in Allsvenskan.

After his loan at Djurgarden, Turay transitioned to the Chinese Super League, first joining Hebei China Fortune in 2020 and later signing with Henan Songshan Longmen.

Now, the Sierra Leone international is back home and ready to embark on a new adventure with Star Sport Academy.

Now, the Sierra Leone international is back home and ready to embark on a new adventure with Star Sport Academy.
Now, the Sierra Leone international is back home and ready to embark on a new adventure with Star Sport Academy.
CAF lauds Gianni Infantino for his impressive ten years of leadership as FIFA President
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF lauds Gianni Infantino for his impressive ten years of leadership as FIFA President

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has congratulated Gianni Infantino for his ten years as President of FIFA.

CAF believes that this decade of leadership offers a chance to look at its relationship with FIFA during this time.

On Thursday, CAF released a statement titled, “CAF congratulates Gianni Infantino on his outstanding 10-year leadership as FIFA President.”

CAF President Patrice Motsepe said, “CAF congratulates Gianni Infantino for his excellent leadership as FIFA President over the past 10 years and for his significant contribution to the growth and development of football worldwide.”

He also highlighted the broad impact of Infantino’s work, stating, “African football and world football have a loyal partner in Gianni Infantino. CAF wishes him good health and all the best.”

Infantino was re-elected in June 2019 by acclamation for a second term at the Congress of FIFA in Paris. He first took charge of FIFA in February 2016 after Sepp Blatter’s departure and ran unopposed for another four-year term, which will last until 2023.

New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Updated coaching rules for clubs and competitions with national teams

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reiterated the coaching requirements established during its Executive Committee meeting on December 16, 2024, as part of efforts to improve African football standards.

These new coaching standards apply to all CAF competitions, including National Teams and the Women’s Champions League.

Key points include:

  • Coaches without the required certification must comply immediately.
  • Existing coaches without the necessary licenses have until the end of the 2026/2027 season to meet the requirements.
  • Clubs hiring new coaches must ensure they meet the new qualifications; newly hired coaches are not eligible for the grace period.
  • At least one coach in women’s competitions must be a woman.
  • Coaches failing to meet these requirements will face restrictions at stadiums during CAF matches and may be subject to additional sanctions.
New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
Augustus Kargbo features for Blackburn Rovers U21 side as part of recovery process
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Augustus Kargbo features for Rovers U21 side as part of recovery process

Sierra Leonean international Augustus Kargbo featured in Blackburn Rovers U21's recent match as they suffered a 3-2 defeat to West Bromwich Albion at Damson Park.

Kargbo, age 26, last appeared for the first team in October of the previous year, during which he was substituted.

In a positive development, Kargbo started and played for 45 minutes, marking his return following a hamstring injury. Additionally, Lorenze Mullarkey-Matthews also returned to action during the first half.

West Brom took the lead early in the match, with captain Muhamed Diomande scoring a header from an Alfie Maughan corner just 11 minutes in. Blackburn responded quickly, with Joe Boggan equalising through a long-range effort that struck the post before finding the net.

This goal was a result of strong Rovers’ pressure, highlighted by Aodhan Doherty hitting the post and Kargbo narrowly missing moments before the equaliser.

Just after the half-hour mark, Doherty curled a shot into the top corner from the edge of the box, granting Rovers a halftime lead.

The second half was relatively uneventful until Hindolo Mustapha levelled the score with 17 minutes remaining.

The situation deteriorated for Rovers shortly thereafter, as Harry Whitwell scored from close range, ultimately securing the victory for West Brom and leaving Blackburn Rovers with a disappointing result.

Morocco captain Romain Saïss retires from international football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco captain Romain Saïss retires from international football

The captain of Morocco's national football team, Romain Saïss has announced his retirement at 35, ending over a decade-long career that boosted Morocco’s reputation in international football.

In an Instagram post, Saïss called his time with the Atlas Lions “the most beautiful chapter” of his life. He led the team during its historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, making Morocco the first African team to achieve this, and earned 86 caps for his country.

Saïss thanked his teammates, coaches, and, especially, the fans, whose support helped the team surpass its expectations. He noted the important improvements in Moroccan football, saying wearing the national jersey has always filled him with pride.

As he retires, Saïss leaves the team in the hands of younger players while expressing that he will always carry the spirit of the Atlas Lions.

Sierra Leone's Alie Conteh joins Veikkausliiga side on loan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Alie Conteh joins Veikkausliiga side on loan

Finish club FC Inter Turku and Norwegian club Strømsgodset have finalized a one-year loan agreement for 21-year-old Alie Conteh, who will be heading to Turku with an option to purchase the Sierra Leone international striker.

Conteh made the move to Mjøndalen after a standout season in 2024, showcasing his talents in the second tier of Norwegian football.

Over a season and a half, he netted 12 goals in 41 league appearances, which garnered attention and led to his transfer to Strømsgodset, a team competing in Norway’s top league, in the summer of 2025.

During the latter half of last year, Conteh played in 16 top-flight matches, finding the back of the net twice.

At just 21 years old, Conteh has already earned eight caps for the Sierra Leone A national team, scoring two goals. He was also part of the squad for Sierra Leone’s recent World Cup qualifiers against Burkina Faso and Djibouti last autumn.

The FC Inter’s head of player scouting, Viki Savonen, highlighted Conteh’s potential, stating, “Alie brings a fresh option to our attack and enhances our presence inside the penalty area. His style of play is unpredictable, allowing him to pose a diverse threat to defenders.

While he may not be the tallest player on the field, he is physically strong and serves as an effective focal point in the attack. Though he has primarily played as a target striker in Norway, I believe we can harness his skills more dynamically, maximising his contributions to the team.

Nigeria's Alex Iwobi nets as Fulham defeat Sunderland
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi nets as Fulham defeat Sunderland

Nigerian International Alex Iwobi played a pivotal role as his London side defeated Sunderland in their Premier League encounter on Sunday.

Fulham secured a 3-1 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, with Raúl Jiménez scoring two goals, including a penalty, and Alex Iwobi sealing the win.

After a goalless first half, Fulham took control when Raúl scored the opener from a corner. A penalty awarded to Sunderland allowed them to pull one back, but Iwobi’s counterattack goal ensured Fulham’s victory.

Kevin started in place of the injured Samuel Chukwueze, and Marco Silva’s team managed the game well in the final stages.

Alex Iwobi capped off the victory, snapping a three-game losing run in the Premier League for Marco Silva’s team at the Stadium of Light.

SAFC XI: Roefs; Mukiele (Geertruida 11’), Ballard, Alderete, Hume ©; Sadiki, Le Fée, Diarra (Xhaka 70’); Ta Bi (Mundle 37’), Angulo (Mayenda 70’), Brobbey (Isidor 70’)

Subs: Ellborg, O’Nien, Rigg, Talbi

Fulham XI: Leno; Tete (Castagne 88’), Bassey, Andersen, Sessesgnon; Iwobi (Cuneca 88’), Berge; Wilson, Smith-Rowe (Cairney, 88’), Kevin (Bobb 45’); Jimenez (Muniz 65’)

Subs: Lecomte, Reed, King, Diop

Sullay Kaikai helps Cambridge United win over Newport County
by FSL News

Sullay Kaikai helps Cambridge United win over Newport County

Sierra Leone International Sullay Kaikai scored as high-flying Cambridge United won 2-0 at League Two's bottom side Newport County.

The hosts Newport were buoyed after midweek success away at Salford City, but struggled to get going against the Us.

Despite creating the best of the opportunities, it took Cambridge until the 73rd minute to finally break the deadlock in South Wales – James Gibbons’ cross picking out Liam Bennett to head home at the back post.

Three minutes later, the visitors put the result beyond doubt, as Sullay Kaikai – who was instrumental in the build-up to the first – reacted quickest to a mistake at the back from Newport to double Cambridge’s lead.

Bromley’s goalless draw away at struggling Harrogate means Cambridge has closed the gap at the top of League Two to two points.

Newport, meanwhile, remain three points from safety, though Christian Fuchs’ side do have a game in hand over Harrogate and Crawley.

Sierra Leone to face Oman in Fifa Series friendly opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone to face Oman in Fifa Series friendly opener

The schedule for the FIFA Series 2026 international tournament, set to take place in Azerbaijan, has been officially announced.

Host national teams from Azerbaijan, Sierra Leone, Oman, and Saint Lucia will face off in an exciting group stage, bringing thrilling matches to fans in Azerbaijan.

Starting on March 27, West African side Sierra Leone will take on Oman for a place in the final. Both winners from opening day will move ahead to the final fight on March 30, providing a thrilling finale to the occasion.

The teams falling short in their first games, meanwhile, would fight for third-place playoff dignity. This tournament promises to highlight several talents and strengthen international friendships.

All FIFA Series 2026 encounters will be broadcast and made available to a global audience, ensuring worldwide visibility for participating national teams and increasing access for fans across all regions.

The match schedule of the tournament: 

March 27

15:00. Oman vs Sierra Leone

Dalga Arena

19:00. Azerbaijan vs Saint Lucia

  • Mehdi Huseynzada Sumgayit City Stadium

March 30

15:00. Third place match (losing teams)

  • Dalga Arena

19:00. Final (winners)

  • Mehdi Huseynzada Sumgayit City Stadium