Category: Sport News

Midfielder Thomas Partey facing two additional rape charges
by Football Sierra Leone

Ghana’s Thomas Partey is facing two additional rape charges

Former Arsenal footballer, Thomas Partey has been hit with two new charges of rape involving a different alleged victim.

This development adds to his existing situation, as the 32-year-old had already pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape connected to two women, along with one count of sexual assault related to a third woman. In total, Partey now faces accusations of sexual offences against four women.

The latest charges pertain to incidents that allegedly took place in 2020, first reported to authorities last August. These allegations stem from a new investigation by the Metropolitan Police. Partey is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on March 13 for an initial hearing regarding these new counts.

After entering his not guilty pleas to the initial five charges, Partey was granted conditional bail by Southwark Crown Court in September. The allegations against him have been linked to events occurring between 2021 and 2022, during his time with Arsenal. Notably, he was charged just four days after his contract with the club expired at the end of June. The investigation that led to these charges began in February 2022, following the first report of rape.

A trial is scheduled to begin under a High Court judge on November 2 of this year. Since leaving the Premier League, Partey has signed with Spanish football club Villarreal on a one-year deal, with the announcement coming after he had been charged with rape.

Partey, who joined Arsenal for £45.3 million from Atletico Madrid in October 2020, made 130 Premier League appearances for the team under manager Mikel Arteta. His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, has consistently maintained that he “denies all the charges against him” and looks forward to “the chance to finally clear his name.”

Ghana's Antoine Semenyo takes tally to five since arriving Manchester City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana’s Antoine Semenyo takes tally to five since arriving at Manchester City

The Ghanaian International has recored five goals in his last games since joining Manchester City.

Ghana’s Antoine Semenyo made a significant impact once again as Manchester City cruised to a 3-0 victory over Fulham at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday in the English Premier League.

After struggling to break through during the first twenty minutes, Semenyo opened the scoring with a sharp finish, capitalising on Fulham’s failure to clear a cross into the box.

Just six minutes later, City doubled their lead. Nico O’Reilly picked up a loose ball in midfield and set up Semenyo on the left flank. The former Bournemouth player then returned the favor, finding O’Reilly, who made no mistake putting the ball past Fulham keeper Bernd Leno.

The Sky Blues showcased their efficiency, with Phil Foden assisting star striker Erling Haaland to secure a dominant first-half performance, which all but sealed the three points for the title challengers. With this win, City now sits just three points behind league leaders Arsenal, who are set to play against Brentford on Thursday.

Semenyo’s impressive form at Manchester City continues, as he now boasts 3 goals in his first 5 Premier League matches for the club. Overall, he has scored 5 goals and provided 2 assists in 8 appearances since joining in January.

The team is now gearing up for a FA Cup match this Saturday at home against League Two side Salford.

Attacker Idriss Kanu nets for Barnet in triumph over Walsall
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Attacker Idriss Kanu nets for Barnet in triumph over Walsall

Barnet comfortably triumphed over a struggling Walsall at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium, as Idriss Kanu from Sierra Leone found the net in their 3-1 win.

This defeat dealt a significant blow to the home team’s aspirations for promotion in League Two. With Adam Senior and Idris Kanu scoring either side of half-time, the Bees readily popped the ball around their static hosts.

Daniel Kanu jumped on a slip to offer the Saddlers hope, but Kabongo Tshimanga closed the victory for Barnet as home supporters called for manager Mat Sadler to leave.

In the 26th minute, Myles Roberts clawed a swirling shot away from the top corner, but the Barnet left-back would not be denied three minutes before halftime, thudding an attempt within the near post from a pass from fellow full-back Kane Smith.

At half-time, Sadler made four modifications, including his whole midfield, but the one-way traffic persisted as Idris Kanu struck the upper bar with a floated cross.

Barnet scored a well-crafted second after 54 minutes, Anthony Hartigan releasing Ryan Glover to cross for Tshimanga, with Idris Kanu slamming in the rebound following Roberts’ point-blank save.

Mason Hancock’s high, hanging cross was deflected, deceiving Barnet goalie Cieran Slicker and allowing Walsall’s and Sierra Leone’s Daniel Kanu to score into an empty net in the 64th minute.

But three minutes later, Tshimanga removed all uncertainty by tapping in Idris Kanu’s cut-back from the left.

Sullay Kaikai's brace helps Cambridge United in promotion chase
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sullay Kaikai’s brace helps Cambridge United in promotion chase

Sierra Leone international Sullay Kaikai shone for his team, scoring two second-half goals following a first-half opener from Shane McLoughlin, as Cambridge secured a well-deserved 3-0 victory at Crawley.

The win also means they are well within distance for the automatic promotion spots in League Two. This triumph marked Cambridge’s seventh win in their last eight matches, leaving Crawley five points above the relegation zone.

Crawley’s striker, Danilo Orsi, nearly gave his side an early lead with a low shot just 59 seconds into the game, but it was expertly blocked by goalkeeper Jake Eastwood. Harry McKirdy then headed an Orsi cross wide, and just before halftime, unmarked midfielder McLoughlin found the net, slotting in a cross from James Gibbons at the back post, putting Cambridge ahead.

Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu could have doubled the advantage shortly after the break, but he shot straight at keeper Jacob Chapman. Crawley defender Josh Flint came close with a header from a Kellan Gordon cross, which sailed just wide, while substitute Dominic Ball also missed a chance at the other end.

Kaikai effectively sealed the match for Cambridge 15 minutes before the final whistle, finishing off a swift counterattack by tucking in Shayne Lavery’s assist from close range, much to the delight of the travelling fans.

He later added a third goal in the dying moments of stoppage time, wrapping up a straightforward victory for his team.

Pyramids, Stade Malien pick CAF Champions League quarter-final spots
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pyramids, Stade Malien pick CAF Champions League quarter-final spots

Pyramids FC secured top spot in Group A of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League with a commanding 4–1 win over Rivers United.

After trailing 1–0 at halftime due to Stephen Manu’s long-range strike, Pyramids turned the game around in the second half.

Mostafa Fathi equalised in the 53rd minute, and Marwan Hamdi converted a penalty in the 77th minute to give them the lead. Late goals from substitute Awda Al-Fakhoury and Nasser Maher sealed the victory.

Pyramids advance to the quarter-finals with 13 points, while Rivers United are eliminated.

In Group D, Stade Malien earned a 1–0 win against Esperance de Tunis, securing their spot in the quarter-finals.

Koro Kouyali’s goal in the 54th minute proved decisive as Stade Malien’s sturdy defence held firm against Esperance’s attempts to equalise.

Mamelodi Sundowns faced Saint Éloi Lupopo in Group C, where they were held to a 1–1 draw. Enock Moila scored for Lupopo early on, and despite Sundowns dominating possession, they failed to find a winning goal, leaving the group open as they seek qualification.

Kaizer Chiefs, Zesco United record vital CAF Confed wins
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kaizer Chiefs, Zesco United record vital CAF Confed wins

South African team Kaizer Chiefs and Zambian side Zesco United recorded victories as the CAF Confederation Cup group stage resumed on Sunday, 8 February.

Recap as Match Day 5 featured some thrilling results, setting the stage for a tense final match day.

Kaizer Chiefs 2–1 Al Masry

Kaizer Chiefs earned a hard-fought 2–1 victory against Al Masry. The hosts opened the scoring with a penalty by Flávio Silva in the 39th minute. Al Masry equalised in the 57th minute through Abderrahim Deghmoum. However, Aden McCarthy quickly restored Chiefs’ lead in the 60th minute, securing a vital win to top Group B.

Maniema Union 2–1 Wydad Casablanca

Maniema Union edged Wydad Casablanca 2–1, taking the lead with Beni Namboka’s goal in the 32nd minute. An own goal by Wydad’s goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid in the 61st minute doubled Maniema’s lead. Wydad responded with a penalty from Hamza Hannouri in the 66th minute but could not find an equaliser.

Otôho d’Oyo 2–1 Singida Black Stars

Otôho d’Oyo defeated Singida Black Stars 2–1. After Singida went down to ten men, Otôho’s Exauce Sagesse Nzaou scored twice, first in the 50th minute and again in the 79th. Singida pulled one back late through Joseph Guede Gnadou, but Otôho held on for the win.

ZESCO United 1–0 Zamalek  

Zesco United secured a 1–0 win against Zamalek. The breakthrough came in the 59th minute with a penalty converted by Amine Hiver. Despite Zamalek’s late pressure, including a near equaliser that hit the crossbar, Zesco defended well to claim all three points. However, they remained at the bottom of Group D after one win in five games. 

USM Alger and CR Belouizdad book CAF Confederation Cup knockout spots
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

USM Alger and CR Belouizdad book CAF Confederation Cup knockout spots

USM Alger and CR Belouizdad have both advanced to the knockout stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, marking a successful round for Algerian clubs.

USM Alger from Group A achieved a dramatic late comeback to win 3–2 against San Pédro. They opened the scoring early, with Che Malone netting in the 2nd minute and Glody Likonza adding a second shortly after.

San Pédro equalised with two goals from Issouf Dosso before Mohamed Bouderbala secured the victory for USM in stoppage time.

In Group C, CR Belouizdad secured a 1–0 win over Singida Black Stars, with Abdennour Belhocini scoring the only goal in the 3rd minute. Despite being reduced to ten men, they held on for the win against a late surge from Singida.

In another match, Olympic Club de Safi defeated Djoliba 2–1. After an early goal by Salaheddine Errahouli and a penalty equaliser from Aboubacar Diarra, Sofiane El Moudane scored the winner for Safi early in the second half, securing their progression to the knockout stages.

John Sesay makes Bray Wanderers debut in Ireland
by Football Sierra Leone

John Sesay makes Bray Wanderers debut in Ireland

Sierra Leone international and former FC Bhantal player, John B. Sesay, made his debut for Bray Wanderers in a convincing 3–1 victory over Bohemians FC in the Leinster Senior Cup at CC Ireland on Friday, 6 February 2026.

Wearing the No. 6 jersey, John was named in the starting line-up and delivered an impressive performance that earned praise from Head Coach Stephen McGuinness and the entire technical staff, as Bray Wanderers secured qualification to the quarterfinals of the competition.

Speaking to the press, John expressed his gratitude to the technical team and fans for believing in him, especially while adapting to a new country and football environment.

He described the moment as the beginning of his professional journey and said he is eagerly anticipating the start of the league season next Friday, 13 February 2026, when Bray Wanderers face Longford Town FC.

Friday’s match was a memorable milestone for the Sierra Leonean midfielder, recording his first official appearance, first start, first victory, and a key contribution to the team’s progression into the quarter-finals.

Winger Augustus Kargbo is hungry for a return to Blackburn Rovers action
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Winger Augustus Kargbo is hungry for a return to Blackburn Rovers action

Stepping up his Blackburn Rovers recovery programme, Sierra Leonean international Augustus Kargbo is still on his path back to total fitness.

Kargbo, 26, last played in their 2-0 defeat against Coventry in October last year. He was substituted off in that match in the 63rd minute.

The forward has been building match sharpness and physical strength following time away from competitive activity under the direction of the club’s medical and coaching staff.

Already starting light individual training sessions, Kargbo is slowly reintroduced to higher-intensity workouts, noted for his pace, agility, and eye for the goal. He told Blackburn Media that the past three months have been a difficult period for him.

“Putting it into words, the past three months have been through a lot, physically, mentally and emotionally as well. I have learned so many things on and off the pitch.

There are many aspects of myself and life that I view as positive. It’s all part of God’s plan, even though it has been difficult to be put off for a very long time. This is the longest I have been in my career with an injury. I feel hungrier, and I am looking forward to being back.”

Ademola Lookman nets as Atletico Madrid thrash Real Betis
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ademola Lookman nets as Atletico Madrid thrash Real Betis

In a powerful 5–0 win over Real Betis on Thursday, which guaranteed a spot in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, Ademola Lookman stole the spotlight on his Atletico Madrid debut with a goal and an assist.

Having recently arrived from Serie A side Atalanta, the 25-year-old Nigerian international performed confidently as Atletico controlled the game at Seville’s La Cartuja Stadium.

Goals from David Hancko, Giuliano Simeone, Antoine Griezmann, Thiago Almada, and Lookman resulted in a humiliating defeat for Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis, much to the anger of their home crowd.

Looking back at the team’s performance, Griezmann noted, “We moved a lot without the ball and presented choices for whoever held it.” It was a more flexible game, we were in the proper spots, and ultimately we generated the possibilities we were seeking.”

He then went on to compliment Lookman, saying, “We are a very hospitable team, and everyone who joins us is welcomed right away.” With Lookman, we can see; we hope he brings us happiness.

Atletico started strong and took the lead inside the first 12 minutes as a result of captain Koke’s precision corner, which Hancko, a defender, blasted into with a towering header that proved too much for Betis’s goalie Adrian.

Eager to immediately impress, Lookman had two big opportunities to increase the advantage in the first half. He missed a one-on-one chance in the 16th minute; soon after, his first-time shot sailed over the crossbar.

The 30th minute saw the second goal after a fluent sequence of one-touch passes down the left flank. Matteo Ruggeri located Alex Baena, who traded passes with Lookman before the fullback low cross for Giuliano, son of Diego Simeone, smashed it past Adrian.

Named the 2024 African Footballer of the Year, Lookman scored his goal in the 37th minute by fending off one defender and dribbling past another in the box before slotting the ball into the left corner.

Atletico slowed their tempo following halftime but still managed to extend their lead with yet another counter-attack. In the 62nd minute, Lookman erupted down the middle, drawing defenders away before passing the ball off to Griezmann, who curled a shot into the top-right corner.

In the 83rd minute, Thiago Almada ended the massacre. Almada acted quickly after positioning Baena for a strike. Adrian could only parry, and he tucked the rebound into an unguarded net.

Early in the second half, Barrios sustained a hamstring injury while running and had to be replaced; this setback came against the otherwise dominating win.

On Friday, Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad, and Atletico will all compete for a spot in the final during the semi-final draw. Two legs, set for February 10–12 and March 3–5.