Category: Sport News

Getafe's Christantus Uche named in Nigeria squad for World Cup Qualifiers
by FSL News

Getafe’s Christantus Uche named in Nigeria squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Christantus Uche has been called up to the Nigeria national team for the upcoming World Cup Qualifier matches against Rwanda and South Africa.

Uche, who has been in excellent form this season for Getafa, has been included in the Green Eagles’ roster for these two crucial qualifying matches, scheduled for September 6 against Rwanda and September 9 against South Africa.

Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface has been omitted from the Super Eagles’ squad for next month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.

The 23-year-old was the most notable exclusion as head coach Eric Chelle released his final list on Friday.

The squad list was posted on the Super Eagles’ official X account on Friday. Regulars such as Victor Osimhen, William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, Stanley Nwabali, Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Calvin Bassey have all been selected for these must-win fixtures.

Full squad:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabili; Amas Obasogie; Adeleye Adebayo.

Defenders: William Troost-Ekong; Calvin Bassey; Olaoluwa Aina; Bright Osayi-Samuel; Bruno Onyemaechi; Chidozie Awaziem; Felix Agu; Benjamin Fredericks.

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi; Frank Onyeka; Wilfred Ndidi; Fisayo Dele-Bashiru; Raphael Onyedika; Christantus Uche.

Forwards: Ademola Lookman; Samuel Chukwueze; Victor Osimhen; Moses Simon; Cyriel Dessers; Tolu Arokodare.

Morocco overcome Madagascar to clinch third CHAN title
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco overcome Madagascar to clinch third CHAN title

Morocco clinched their third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title in six years by defeating Madagascar 3-2 in the 2024 final held on August 30, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya.

Star striker Oussama Lamlioui scored twice, including a breathtaking 40-yard strike, solidifying Morocco’s status as the most successful team in CHAN history.

Madagascar took an early lead in the ninth minute with Calvin Felicite Manohantzua’s goal, but Morocco equalized through Youssef Mehri in the 27th minute.

Oussama Lamlioui then scored to give Morocco a 2-1 lead at halftime.

After the recess, Toky Rakotondraibe levelled again for Madagascar, but Lamlioui’s second goal sealed the victory for Morocco.

Despite the loss, Madagascar’s silver medal marked a historic achievement.  Lamlioui earned the Golden Boot with six goals, while Mohammed Hrimat was named Player of the Tournament. Senegal’s Marc Diouf received the Fair Play Award and the Golden Glove.

Morocco clinched their third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title in six years by defeating Madagascar 3-2 in the 2024 final held on August 30, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya.
Morocco clinched their third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title in six years by defeating Madagascar 3-2 in the 2024 final held on August 30, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya.
Arsenal's winger Ismeal Kabia joins Shrewsbury Town on loan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Arsenal’s winger Ismeal Kabia joins Shrewsbury Town on loan

English League Two side Shrewsbury Town has confirmed the borrowing of powerful Sierra Leone’s native Ismeal Kabia from Arsenal. The winger first joining the Gunners at under-11s, the 19-year-old made his Premier League big professional debut last month.

Born in the Netherlands, Ismeal is a quick forward who can play on either the right or left; he is also qualified to represent Sierra Leone at international level.

For Town during the 2025/26 season, Kabia will wear the number 20 shirt.

Earlier today, the boy sat down to talk with the Shrewsbury Town media staff about his transfer.

With Arsenal, Ismeal made 22 appearances in all competitions for our academy last season and his impressive form with our age group teams saw him involved with the first team throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

The versatile winger featured as an unused substitute 13 times in the Premier League and Champions League, as well as earning himself a first-team debut in our 5-1 win against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup third round at Emirates Stadium.

Senegal clinch CHAN third place after defeating Sudan on penalty shootout
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal clinch CHAN third place after defeating Sudan on penalty shootout

Though they failed to defend their title at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), Senegal placed third after Friday’s 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Sudan after a 1-1 draw through ninety minutes in Kampala, Uganda.

Both teams had times of excellent play, making it an even match overall. Though Sudan took the lead inside six minutes, terrible marking from the Senegalese defense left tall striker Mohamed Teya wide as he heads in Abdel Raouf’s corner kick from six yards out.

2022 winners Senegal reacted swiftly and went on to dominate much of the first half. Before halftime, a deluge of possibilities presented themselves when Sudan goalkeeper Mohamed Elnour made a great stop at his near post from Oumar Ba’s sliding attempt. Amadou Coly had a good chance moments ago, but his shot veered wide.

However, the Local Lions of Teranga kept striving after halftime and were rewarded around the hour mari. Ousseynou Seck’s cross from the right wing found Mbaye Ndiaye’s head, which he lobbled over Elnour as the Sudan. Keeper came to claim the cross.

Both teams had chances in the last half hour but stayed even with a penalty shootout coming after the full time whistle. Walieldin Khidir, a Sudan star, missed the first penalty kick, therefore setting the tone. Senegal converted all four of their tries; Sudan also missed their third penalty.

On Saturday (15:00 GMT) Morocco battle Madagascar in Nairobi, Kenya, which will mark the last.

Ivorian Referees set to Officiate World Cup Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone Qualifier
by FSL News

Ivorian Referees set to officiate World Cup Guinea-Bissau v Sierra Leone Qualifier

Ivorian referees have been appointed to officiate the upcoming World Cup qualifier in Group A between Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone next month.

The officiating team includes Referee Kpan Clement Franklin, Assistant Referee 1 ADIOUMAN Koabenan Prosper, and Assistant Referee 2 Ettien Eba Médard Wenceslas.

The match is set to take place at the Estadio 24 de Setembro in Bissau. Joining them will be Fourth Official SORO Tuonifere, also hailing from Côte d’Ivoire.

Providing support in the proceedings will be Referee Assessor Jason Joseph Damoo from Seychelles and Match Commissioner Ramos Silva Barros Joel Amarante from Cape Verde.

This matchup marks the fifteenth encounter between the two teams, with Sierra Leone leading the series with eight wins, six draws, and just one victory for the home side.

In their last meeting, the Djurtus suffered a 3-1 defeat suffered at Sierra Leone back in March in the Liberian Capital at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.

Current Standings: Guinea-Bissau is currently two points behind Sierra Leone, which occupies the third position in their group with a total of 8 points.

Sierra Leone’s aspirations for qualification for the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, remain viable, with only 6 days remaining to enhance their standing in the table.

Osman Kakay, Mohamed Buya Turay return to Sierra Leone squad for World Cup qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Osman Kakay, Mohamed Buya Turay return to Sierra Leone squad for World Cup qualifiers

Head Coach Mohammed Kallon has announced a 26-man Leone Stars team for Sierra Leone’s next 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Guinea-Bissau and Ethiopia on 4th and 9th August, 2025 respectfully.

The squad consists of foreign-based and home-based players chosen specifically to create a strong team battling to represent the country with pride.

Kosice defender Osman Kakay is back on the Sierra Leone national team. He last played against Zambia in the AFCON qualifiers. Mohamed Buya Turay, who has been away from the team for a long time, is also included in the squad for next month’s matches.

Head coach Mohamed Kallon listed six new faces – the 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥-𝐮𝐩𝐬 are 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗵 (SLIFA FC), 𝗔𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗗𝘂𝗺𝗯𝘂𝘆𝗮 (East End Lions), 𝗠𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗼𝘂 𝗝𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗵 – Sierra Leone U-20 goalkeeper, recently signed new deal at Brøndby IF before being sent on loan to Finland, 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐚 𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚 (Port Authority), 𝗔𝗹𝗵𝗮𝗷𝗶 𝗟. 𝗝𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗵, (Luawa FC) and 𝗠𝗼𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗕. 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝗮𝘆 (FC Kallon).

The first contest against Sierra Leone will be officiated by a team of referees from the Ivory Coast at the Estadio 24 de Setembro in Bissau. The Djurtus are looking to avenge the 3-1 defeat suffered at Sierra Leone back in March in the Liberian Capital at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.

Current Standings: Guinea-Bissau is two points adrift of Sierra Leone, currently in third place in their group with 8 points. Sierra Leone’s hopes for the USA, Canada, and Mexico 2026 World Cup are still alive, with just 15 days to go in the hunt to increase their point on the table.

https://twitter.com/bittar32/status/1961066180967338000

Guinea-Bissau's top striker Mama Baldé back in the squad for Sierra Leone and Djibouti
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea-Bissau’s Mama Baldé back in the squad for Sierra Leone and Djibouti

Guinea-Bissau’s head coach, Emiliano Té, has officially announced his 26-man squad to compete in the crucial 7th and 8th fixtures of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Top notable players named are strikers Mama Baldé and Everton’s Portuguese-born Guinea-Bissau Norberto Gomes Betuncal, commonly known as Beto.

Guinea-Bissau is set to clash with Sierra Leone on September 4th at the iconic National Stadium, located in the heart of Bissau. Shortly thereafter, they will take on Djibouti on September 8th, also at the same revered venue.

Fans are excitedly looking forward to these decisive matches that could shape the team’s journey towards the World Cup.

The first contest against Sierra Leone will be officiated by a team of referees from the Ivory Coast at the Estadio 24 de Setembro in Bissau.

The Djurtus are looking to avenge the 3-1 defeat suffered at Sierra Leone back in March in the Liberian Capital at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.

Current Standings: Guinea-Bissau is two points adrift of Sierra Leone, currently in third place in their group with 8 points. 

Sierra Leone’s hopes for the USA, Canada, and Mexico 2026 World Cup are still alive, with just 15 days to go in the hunt to increase their point on the table.

Guinea-Bissau's Beto nets in Everton's Carabao Cup win
by FSL News

Guinea-Bissau’s Beto nets in Everton’s Carabao Cup win

To send Everton into the third round of the Carabao Cup, Guinea-Bissau forward Beto scored in Round 2 of the English competition.(Photo Everton)

Everton defeated Mansfield Town 2-0 with Portuguese-born Guinea-Bissau striker Norberto Gomes Betuncal, commonly known as Beto, adding on the scoresheet.

Asserting their supremacy over the English third-tier team, the Toffees had Argentina midfielder Carlos Alcaraz putting Mansfield goalie Liam Roberts under examination, who made an amazing diving save.

Roberts was once again called to action when he tipped Dwight McNeil’s free kick over to maintain Mansfield in contention at Goodison Park.
Although Everton was in control of the game, they failed to score and Mansfield was searching ghosts by halftime.

Everton’s breakthrough came in the 51st minute when Carlos Alcaraz assisted Harrison Armstrong just outside the penalty box.

They almost extended their lead when Beto shot straight at Mansfield’s goalie, Liam Roberts. 

However, the Guinea-Bissau forward ultimately scored from a low cross by Armstrong, securing a League One triumph and a spot in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Ghana pick squad for Chad and Mali World Cup qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana picks 24-man squad for Chad and Mali World Cup qualifiers

With games against Chad and Mali scheduled in early September, Ghana head coach Otto Addo has released his squad list for the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

In Addo’s selection of 24 players, only one home-based player made the cut, that is Accra Hearts of Oak goalie Benjamin Asare.

Thursday, September 4, the Black Stars will first go to N’Djamena to face Chad at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno.

They will return home four days later to face Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8, in front of what is predicted to be a big crowd.

Among the well-known players listed are Tottenham Hotspur’s Mohammed Kudus, Athletic Bilbao’s Iñaki Williams, Leicester City’s Jordan Ayew, and Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey.

Defensive stalwarts like Alexander Djiku, Mohammed Salisu, and Gideon Mensah have also been remembered, while Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo and Atalanta forward Kamaldeen Sulemana enhance the attack.

Reflecting Otto Addo’s strategy of combining knowledge with youth as Ghana pushes, youngsters like Ibrahim Sulemana and Christopher Bonsu Baah also made the team. For a great presentation to the candidates.

With two important games ahead, the Black Stars will be aiming for maximum points to boost their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In Addo's selection of 24 players, only one homebased player to make the cut that is Accra Hearts of Oak goalie Benjamin Asare.
In Addo's selection of 24 players, only one homebased player to make the cut that is Accra Hearts of Oak goalie Benjamin Asare.
Rakotondrabe says he was startled after Madagascar down Sudan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Rakotondrabe says he was startled after Madagascar down Sudan

Romuald Rakotondrabe, the head coach of the Madagascar national team, expressed his surprise at how his team defeated Sudan to reach the final of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The match took place at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Tuesday, where Madagascar won 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Toky Rakotondraibe in the 116th minute. This victory secured Madagascar’s place in its first CHAN final.

Rakotondrabe expressed that he struggled to find words to convey his feelings after the match. He highlighted the amazing achievement of the team despite losing a player to injury early and another to a red card, leaving them with only ten players for much of the game. He praised his players, stating, “They are really good people, and that contributed to our win.”

After the red card, Rakotondrabe adjusted the team’s strategy, saying, “It was challenging after our player was sent off, so we brought in another player to help maintain possession.”

When asked about their chances against Morocco in the final, he said, “I can’t say if we can win the title. Beating Sudan does not guarantee victory. Although we lost two players before the match, we have others who can take their place.” He added that they hoped some players could make a difference in the final. He remarked, “We said before the semifinal that we must return to Nairobi, and now we will.”

While Sudan will play in the third-place match on Friday in Dar es Salaam, Madagascar will head back to Nairobi for the final at Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on Saturday.