Category: Sport News

Morocco edge Senegal to set CHAN final date with Madagascar
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco edge Senegal to set CHAN final date with Madagascar

Morocco has reached the final of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after a thrilling penalty shootout against Senegal at Mandela National Stadium on Tuesday. The semifinal ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time, and Morocco won the shootout 5-3.

As a result, they’ll face Madagascar, who reached this stage of the competition for the first time in their history after thumping Sudan 1-0 on Tuesday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

Senegal scored first in the 16th minute with a goal from Joseph Layousse after a corner kick from Libasse Gueye. Morocco quickly equalised in the 22nd minute with a right-footed shot by Sabir Bougrine that went past Senegal’s goalkeeper, Marc Diouf.

The first half had some drama, including a yellow card for Senegal’s Moussa Cisse in the 7th minute for a rough tackle on Youssef Mehri.

Both teams created chances, with Morocco’s Annas Bach forcing a good save from Diouf just before halftime.

In the second half, Senegal substituted Christian Gomis for Velho Cisse. Tension rose when Morocco’s Marouane Louadni initially received a red card in the 53rd minute, but it was later changed to a yellow after a VAR review.

Senegal almost scored again in the 59th minute with Layousse’s long-range shot, but it was saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Al Harrar. Morocco responded, with Youssef Mehri’s header saved by Diouf in the 66th minute.

The match ended 1-1 after regular time, leading to extra time where both teams made substitutions but failed to score. The game went to penalties, and Morocco triumphed 5-3.

They will face Madagascar in the final next Saturday. This victory highlights Morocco’s strong tournament performance under coach Tarik Sektioui, who previously led the team to wins against Tanzania (1-0), the Democratic Republic of Congo (3-1), and Zambia (3-1). The upcoming final presents Morocco with an opportunity to secure the CHAN title.

Sierra Leone's Hindolo Mustapha joins German side FC Nürnberg on loan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Hindolo Mustapha joins German side FC Nürnberg on loan

Sierra Leone’s Hindolo Mustapha, after he penned a new deal with Premier League side Crystal Palace, the youngster will spend the 2025/26 season on loan at German League 2 team FC Nürnberg.

Mustapha has been handed a fresh experiment with Nürnberg, in the German 2. Bundesliga team, on loan until the end of the season, following his fresh deal at Palace until 2028.

Having 11 goals and seven assists in 29 games, the 19-year-old had a fantastic 2024–25 season, winning the Player of the Season award from Palace Under21s and getting nominated for the Player of the Season award in the Premier League 2.

Since he was nine years old, Mustapha has been at the club; in January 2024, he signed his first professional deal.

Scoring in his first two games for the Under-21s in the 2024/25 season, he hit the ground running and was given his first-ever call-up to the Sierra Leone senior side. On only his second appearance for his country, he scored his first international goal there—a stunning solo effort against Zambia.

Mustapha was also on the first-team roster at the club level in a midseason friendly against HamKam in March 2025. He was put up for the Premier League 2 Player of the Month award later that month.

Senegal ready for heavyweight battle against Morocco in the CHAN semis
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal ready for heavyweight battle against Morocco in CHAN semis

Coach Souleymane Diallo of Senegal has supported his youthful team to create their own legacy when they battle Morocco in the African Nations Championship semifinals at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.

The fixture pits reigning champions Senegal against the winners of the previous three years: Morocco, 2018 and 2020 champions.

“This is a young generation prepared to compose their own history. Though we cannot discount the work being done in Senegal, we will confront a Moroccan team with really strong performance statistics.

Today, we present the youngest team in this competition,” Diallo said as quoted by CAFOnline.com.  “I would like to send all Senegalese people a message: follow us, back our team, and inspire us to succeed. The greatest outcome in this event is possible.

Oumar Ba, the Lions of Teranga striker, who scored the decisive winner against Uganda, promised fight as well as unity.

“We know it won’t be Easy, but we will try our best out there. We are joined, and that is rather crucial. I guarantee we will battle to make it to the finish.

Morocco coach Tarik Sektioui summarised the feeling: Against Senegal, we playing a really crucial match against a team that qualified honourably. It will be simple; it will be a very, very difficult game. Even with Senegal in the semifinals, our objective is always to win this trophy in 2024.

For only the third time in CHAN history, Senegal will confront North African opposition.

Before winning Algeria on penalties in the 2022 final after a 0-0 tie, they lost 20 to Tunisia in 2011. In open play, they still have yet to score against a North African opponent.

Sudan coach Appiah calls for fighting spirit against Madagascar
by Football Sierra Leone

Sudan coach Appiah calls for fighting spirit against Madagascar

Kwesi Appiah, the head coach of the Sudan national team, has promised his team will fight for every ball when they take on Madagascar in the semifinal of CHAN (African Nations Championship) on Tuesday at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

With their first encounter happening in the group stage, this will mark Madagascar’s second meeting with the Falcons of Jediane at the CHAN. Of the 2022 edition, in a three-team group that also included Ghana. With Ghana, Madagascar emerged as the group winners, winning that crucial match 3-0 to advance.

“Our travel was challenging. Every one of our matches so far has been difficult. This is a semifinal match, and it won’t be simple. Appiah stated, as cited by CAFOnline.com, “We will battle throughout the match until the end.”

“We are concerned about making the Sudanese people happy. They don’t need anything from us. All they want is to see the fighting spirit and for us to keep their happiness during the game.”

The Ghanaian coach commented on changing their base from Zanzibar to Tanzania: “I don’t believe it will help to change the weather and climate. The most crucial thing is the conditioning of our players.

“Our trip has not been simple; all of our games have been difficult; this is a semifinal match and it won’t be easy; we will fight.” All game until the finish.

Although they have never advanced further, Sudan is in their third semifinal, having been defeated by Angola in 2011 and Nigeria in 2018. Simultaneously, Madagascar aims to be the first island country to reach the final of a CAF senior competition.

Madagascar Coach Romuald Rakotondrabe believes that victory has transformed his squad’s mindset.

“The victory over Kenya in front of their fans and at home was good psychologically for our team, and we will take advantage of it,” he explained. 

“Our strength lies in our unity. It’s our spirit of teamwork that has propelled us forward. We have players who can make a difference, and we now have faith in the power of teamwork.”

Brøndby IF confirm Sierra Leone call-up and loan move for Mamadou Jalloh
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Brøndby IF confirm Sierra Leone call-up and loan move for Mamadou Jalloh

Danish side Brøndby IF has confirmed that Sierra Leone keeper Mamadou Jalloh, who signed a new deal at the club until the summer of 2028, is set to join the Leone Stars for World Cup qualifiers next month.  

The club further stated that the young goalkeeper will be joining Finnish club Vaasan Palloseura, which currently sits in sixth place in the Veikkausliiga, Finland’s top league.

This loan spell will last for the remainder of the Finnish season, which follows the calendar year. “Mamadou Jalloh has been selected for Sierra Leone’s national team for World Cup qualifiers against Guinea-Bissau and Ethiopia at the beginning of September,” the club stated.

Jens Mikkel Frølunde, recruitment manager at Brøndby Masterclass, expressed satisfaction with extending Mamadou Jalloh’s contract and securing a loan arrangement, emphasising the importance of gaining senior experience. He noted that it will help evaluate Jalloh’s performance under pressure.

Goalkeeper manager Daniel Leonthin Jespersen praised Jalloh’s skills as a modern keeper and emphasised his diligent work ethic. He highlighted Jalloh’s focus on personal development and his positive impact on the team environment.

Cameroon international Jackson Tchatchoua speaks after Wolves debut
by Football Sierra Leone

Cameroon international Jackson Tchatchoua speaks after Wolves debut

Cameroon international Jackson Tchatchoua was placed after making his Wolves Premier League debut in their 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday.

Wolves played with 10 men for almost 50 minutes of the contest after Toti Gomes was sent off. “I’m very happy for my debut game, but the result is not good because we lost, but I think the team showed good spirit in this match,” Jackson Tchatchoua told the club’s website.

“The team put a very good mentality on the pitch. We wanted to take some points from this match, but sometimes it’s like this. But the most important thing is the team pushed to try to take a point and showed a very good mentality on the pitch.”

Wolves strengthened their defence by signing Jackson Tchatchoua from Hellas Verona on a five-year this month.

The 23-year-old right-wing-back, a Cameroon international, was recognised as the fastest player in Serie A during the 2024/25 season. He began his career with Charleroi, where he showcased his versatility and speed, scoring his first two senior goals as a wing-back.

Tchatchoua made his international debut for Cameroon in June 2024 during a World Cup qualifier after impressing at Verona, where he contributed an assist against Frosinone.

Last season, he played 43 matches, helping Verona maintain their Serie A status while Cameroon qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations. He finished the 2024/25 season with two goals and three assists, including one in his final game against Empoli before joining Wolves.

Alie Conteh opens his Strømsgodset account in draw against Bryne
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alie Conteh opens his Strømsgodset account in draw against Bryne

On Sunday, Sierra Leone International Alie Conteh was on target for his Norwegian side Strømsgodset Toppfotball as they played to a 2-2 draw against Bryne at the Bryne FK Stadium. (Photo Strømsgodset)

Herman Stengel and Alie Conteh ensured that the visitors led 2-0 before the half-hour mark, but unfortunately, the home team came back – and for the first time this season, a SIF match ended in a draw.

Conteh, 20, who played for 72nd minutes before he was substituted, scored his first goal for the club since joining on a four-year deal in July.

Hermann Stengel scored in the 18th minute and Cointeh doubled their lead in the 53rd minute, but the home side never gave in as they rallied a comeback through Lasse Qvigstad and Heine Åsen Larsen in the 67th and 72nd minutes, respectively.

They’ll face Molde FK at home on Sunday, August 31st, in week 22nd of the Norwegian top-tier league as they battle to rise in the table from second bottom.

Senegal's Iliman Ndiaye open new season's account in win over Brighton
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegal’s Iliman Ndiaye open new season’s account in win over Brighton

Everton kicked off their Premier League campaign at their impressive new stadium along the River Mersey with their first 2-0 win of the season against Brighton.  

Jack Grealish made his first start since his loan transfer from Manchester City and shone on a historic day for Everton by playing a crucial role in the goals that led David Moyes’ team to secure three points.  

Grealish delivered a driven cross that was converted by Iliman Ndiaye after 23 minutes, a challenging close-range effort that he made look effortless.  

The goal was wildly celebrated by Everton supporters in their new venue, with Ndiaye becoming the player to score their final Premier League goal at Goodison Park and their inaugural one at Hill Dickinson Stadium.  

Grealish then set up James Garner, who scored a stunning goal from 25 yards just seven minutes into the second half.  

Brighton will believe they were to blame for their own misfortune, having squandered several chances in the first half, with Danny Welbeck failing to convert from six yards and both Kaoru Mitoma and Jan Paul van Hecke hitting the woodwork.  

The visitors missed another chance to get back into the match in the 74th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall handled Yankuba Minteh’s shot, but Jordan Pickford dove to his left to save Welbeck’s penalty kick.

Brighton cannot rally back into the game after Danny Welbeck chance to reduce the scoreline as the game ended 2-0 in favour of the home team.

SLFA's president Babadi Kamara makes first CAF appearance
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

SLFA’s president Babadi Kamara makes first CAF appearance

Presently in Kampala, Uganda for the CAF Impact Strategic Roundtable workshop, Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) President Babadi Kamara, together with Acting General Secretary, Ｍohamed Benson Bawoh, join global heads.

This event marks the inaugural appearance of the new SLFA president at a continental gathering that unites African football executives, focusing on governance, sustainable development, and initiatives aimed at transforming the game across the continent.

For the first time, CAF will bring together all 54 Presidents of Member Associations alongside their General Secretaries to a practical workshop aimed at strengthening financial governance, promoting youth competitions and driving impactful community outreach initiatives.

The participation of SLFA highlights President Kamara’s commitment to making Sierra Leone pivotal in the continent’s football reforms and developmental projects.

President Kamara is anticipated to meet with CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and other leaders of CAF Member Associations for a face-to-face strategic meeting on Saturday, August 30, 2025. This important meeting will coincide with the final of the CHAN Tournament.

The discussions in Nairobi will cover various crucial topics essential to the advancement of African football.

The CAF IMPACT sessions, held in three separate groups, will offer practical guidance on program goals, the rights and responsibilities of Member Associations, financial contributions and reporting, and measures to prevent the misuse of CAF IMPACT funds.

Sarah Mukuna, Director of Member Associations at CAF, stated: “This CAF IMPACT workshop is unprecedented, uniting Presidents and their administrative teams to collaboratively enhance governance and impact.

It demonstrates CAF’s dedication to providing our leaders with the necessary tools to make African football competitive and self-sustaining on a global scale.”

Sudan advance to CHAN semis after penalty shootout victory over Algeria
by Football Sierra Leone

Sudan advance to CHAN semis after penalty shootout victory over Algeria

Sudan continued their impressive journey in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 with a stunning quarter-final win over Algeria in Zanzibar.

The match ended 1-1, with Sudan triumphing 4-2 in penalties, showcasing their discipline, tactical pragmatism, and unwavering belief, according to CAF Technical Study Group member Michael Amenga Okoth.

Despite Algeria entering as heavy favorites, Sudan’s strategy involved selective pressing and compact defensive organization, which led to an own goal early in the second half after Musa Hussien’s shot was parried.

Amenga emphasized that this reflected a clear tactical plan from coach Kwesi Appiah, as Sudan focused on resilience over possession.

Even after Algeria equalized through Soufiane Bayazid, Sudan’s defense remained steadfast, expertly blocking central access and maintaining composure under pressure. When the match went to penalties, goalkeeper Mohamed ‘Abooja’ Alnour Adam Saeed saved two spot-kicks, helping Sudan advance to the semi-finals.

Sudan’s impressive physical conditioning allowed them to compete fiercely for 120 minutes, and their disciplined midfield play was crucial in thwarting Algeria’s attempts to dominate. The players’ emotional drive, fueled by their challenging circumstances back home, added an extra layer of motivation, leading to their unforgettable semi-final matchup against Madagascar.