Category: Sport News

Striker Alie Conteh joins Norwegian side Strømsgodset
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Alie Conteh joins Norwegian side Strømsgodset

Striker Alie Conteh, 20, has signed a four-year contract with Norwegian top-tier side Strømsgodset and will wear jersey number 20 ahead of the season’s second round.

“I am very happy to join Strømsgodset. I have dreamed of this moment and worked hard to reach it,” said the player from Sierra Leone after completing his contract.

After successful negotiations with Mjøndalen, the transfer details were finalized, and Conteh passed his medical examination. He is now officially a Strømsgodset player until the summer of 2029.

“We are pleased to secure a young and promising striker who has shown great development at Mjøndalen,” said sports manager Jostein Flo. “We appreciate Mjøndalen for their positive dialogue that allowed us to bring him in before the transfer window.”

Conteh, on loan from Goderich FC, quickly made an impact at Mjøndalen by scoring a hat-trick in his second match. Last season, he played 30 games and scored seven goals, while this season he has netted 12 goals in 17 matches.

He will train with his new teammates for the first time on Tuesday and hopes to play in Sunday’s home game against Tromsø.

“I have the mentality of a lion, and I’m a hard-working player who wants to give everything for the team,” he said. “I want to bring joy to the supporters by scoring goals.”

Nigeria and Algeria register opening Women's Cup of Nations win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria and Algeria register opening Women’s Cup of Nations wins

Nigeria started their quest for another Women’s Africa Cup of Nations championship with a 3-0 victory over Tunisia in Group B on Sunday at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

With a header from Omorinsola Babajide’s cross, Asisat Oshoala found the fourth minute. Nigeria dominated the first half, keeping Tunisia under pressure. Just before halftime, Babajide scored following a pass, bringing the total to 20; VAR confirmed the goal.

Nigeria made three substitutions at halftime, bringing in Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo, and Christy Ucheibe, thereby adding energy to the squad.

Elsewhere, thanks to a goal from midfielder Ghoutia Karchouni, Algeria won 1-0 versus Botswana in Group B of the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2024 in Morocco.

Described as a tight shot with a reserved celebration, the aim represents her return to her roots and her loyalty to the team at the age of 29.

All Sunday's WAFCON results
All Sunday's WAFCON results
Senegal ease past DR Congo in WAFCON opener
by Football Sierra Leone

Senegal ease past DR Congo in WAFCON opener

Senegal made a powerful statement in Group A of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a commanding 4-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday in Mohammedia.

Mama Diop and Nguenar Ndiaye each scored two goals in a dominant first half, leading the Lionesses of Teranga to an emphatic win in their opening match.

The scoring started in the fifth minute when Mama Diop struck a powerful shot into the net after receiving a pass from Méta Kandé. Nguenar Ndiaye doubled the lead in the 13th minute with a composed finish, and by the 22nd minute, Diop had her second goal, capitalising on a defensive error. Just before halftime, Ndiaye headed home from a Hapsatou Diallo cross, ensuring a four-goal lead.

In the second half, DR Congo regrouped, hitting the woodwork and forcing Senegal’s goalkeeper, Adji Ndiaye, into several key saves. Despite their efforts, the Leopardesses couldn’t find a goal.

The result puts Senegal at the top of Group A, ahead of Morocco and Zambia, who drew 2-2 in their opening match.

For DR Congo, this loss serves as a reminder of the challenges ahead as they look to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Meanwhile, Senegal appears poised to compete strongly for a spot in the quarter-finals.

Mustapha Bundu makes Hannover debut in defeat to Randers
by Football Sierra Leone

Mustapha Bundu makes Hannover debut in defeat to Randers

On Saturday, Sierra Leone International Mutapha Bundu made their debut at Hanover 96, in their 2-1 loss to Danish team Randers FC in Germany after 120 minutes.

After quitting the English team Plymouth Argyle, free agent Bundu, 28, joined the German side.

Randers FC continued their strong preseason performance with a third consecutive victory, defeating Hannover 96 2-1.

They took the lead in the 31st minute when Mohamed Touré scored from a great cross by Simen Bolkan Nordli.

Hannover equalised ten minutes later, but Elies Mahmoud clinched the win in the 110th minute after capitalising on a rebound following his initial shot, sealing the match for Randers FC.

Hosts Morocco share WAFCON opening spoils with Zambia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hosts Morocco share WAFCON opening spoils with Zambia

The opener of the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the Stade Olympique in Rabat on Saturday evening ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw between Morocco and Zambia.

By scoring first just one minute into the game, Zambia stunned the local audience. After Margaret Belemu began a fast counterattack, Barbra Banda took advantage of room outside the box and struck a strong shot into the lower left corner.

The Zambians started strong and appeared violent at first. Morocco, though, rapidly reassembled and started attacking. In the 12th minute, Grace Chanda tripped Najat Badri in the penalty area, proving their efforts worthwhile. Having reviewed VAR, the referee gave a penalty; Ibtissam Jraïdi coolly converted to tie the game.

Zambia continued to threaten on the break despite the equaliser. In the 27th minute, Banda’s perfectly placed pass through the Moroccan defence created Racheal Kundananji’s opportunity. Kundananji readily completed the opportunity, putting Zambia back ahead.

Zambia looked more clinical than Morocco at halftime, who struggled with missed opportunities, notably from Fatima Tagnaout and Ghizlane Chebbak.

Morocco dominated possession more in the second half and raised their efforts as the game developed. They had several near misses, including a powerful Sanaâ Mssoudy shot that Zambian goalie Ng’ambo Musole saved at full stretch. Time was running out; Morocco finally found the breakthrough.

Chebbak equalized the game at 2-2 in the 87th minute by retrieving the ball outside the box and firing a stunning shot into the top corner, triggering frantic celebrations in the stands.

Although there was a late surge, neither team could find a winner in the dying seconds, and the game finished in a tie—a fair result given the balance of play.

Zambia’s Barbra Banda was named Woman of the Match by technical experts. 

The outcome breaks an eight-edition streak and is the first time since 2004 that a WAFCON host has lost their first contest. Both Morocco and Zambia will turn their attention to their next remaining Group A games with everything still to play for.

Moroccan Ladies In Celebration
Moroccan Ladies In Celebration
Sierra Leone's Bakayoko scores winner for Consadole Sapporo
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Bakayoko scores winner for Consadole Sapporo

On Saturday at the Sapporo Dome stadium, Sierra Leone international Amadou Bakayoko kept his outstanding form by scoring his sixth goal of the season for Japanese team Consadole Sapporo in a tough 1-0 victory over Renofa Yamaguchi.

Bakayoko, who found the net just before halftime, was substituted in the 56th minute; however, he demonstrated his remarkable talent when he scored the ball precisely after receiving a perfectly timed through pass from his teammate Tomoki Takamine.

This crucial victory moved Consadole Sapporo up to ninth position in the JLeague 2 standings, therefore raising their morale as they try to gather momentum and obtain another excellent outcome in their next game next weekend.

As they plan to rise further up the league standings, the team’s perseverance and Bakayoko’s regular scoring will be vital.

Zambia's Copper Queens to open WAFCON against hosts Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zambia’s Copper Queens to open WAFCON against hosts Morocco

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off this weekend. Host nation Morocco will play against Zambia’s Cooper Queens in Group A at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Saturday night.

Morocco was the runner-up in 2022 and aims to win this year. However, they face a tough opponent in the Copper Queens, who finished third last time and could surprise everyone in this tournament.

“We are ready to hunt [against Morocco],” said Zambia coach Nora Häuptle. “They have technically good players, and we are aware of that, but we want to challenge them and find the right strategy.”

On Sunday, there are three matches. Senegal and DR Congo will play in the other Group A match in Mohammedia in the late afternoon. Later, in Casablanca, Group B will feature Nigeria – the most successful team with nine titles (11 if we include the pre-tournament era) – facing Tunisia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.

Algeria will also play Botswana at the Pere Jego Stadium. The Super Falcons last won the Nations Cup in 2018. Coach Justine Madugu calls their goal of reclaiming the title ‘Mission X’ “It will always be a work in progress, but we are focused on our achievable target of Mission X,” said Madugu.

“The girls are ready and are showing real hunger for victory. Team spirit is high, and we look forward to our first match on Sunday against Tunisia.”

On Monday, Group C will begin with reigning champions South Africa playing Ghana in Oujda. Matchday 1 will finish with Mali facing Tanzania in Berkane.

 

Banyana Banyana coach Dr. Desire Ellis is focusing on improving her team from last year. “Our current preparations are very intentional and focused,” said Ellis. “We’re not just defending champions; we want to evolve and reach a higher level. Success can make teams complacent.”

WAFCON Matches and Schedule
WAFCON Matches and Schedule
Ghana's Thomas Partey Charged with Rape - Metropolitan Police
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana’s Thomas Partey Charged with Rape – Metropolitan Police

Ghanaian football player Thomas Partey faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The Metropolitan Police claim the offences happened between 2021 and 2022.

After detectives filed a collection of evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service gave Metropolitan Police permission to charge a man. About the following crimes, the Metropolitan Police has charged and ordered Thomas Partey, 32, of Hertfordshire:

Highlighting the need to assist the women engaged, Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy asked anyone with information to get in touch with the investigation team at CI*@********ce.uk. On August 5, Thomas Partey is expected to attend Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

The Ghanaian international denies the charges and “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name”, his lawyer said.

Parey’s contract with Arsenal ended on Monday after playing with the team since 2020.

Sulaiman Momoh Conteh is on the verge of a major career leap as he undergoes a medical at Qabala FC’s facilities in Azerbaijan.
by Football Sierra Leone

Mighty Blackpool Striker Conteh undergoes Medical at Qabala SC

Sulaiman Momoh Conteh is on the verge of a major career leap as he undergoes a medical at Qabala FC’s facilities in Azerbaijan.

The 22-year-old striker is poised to complete a transfer from Sierra Leonean giants Mighty Blackpool FC to Qabala FC, who recently secured promotion to the Azerbaijan Premier League.

Conteh’s journey to the European stage comes after an eventful season in the Sierra Leone Premier League. Despite playing just over 15 matches, the forward found the net nine times for Mighty Blackpool.

However, critics argue that his tally should have been significantly higher, pointing to several missed chances, particularly in high-stakes goalless draws against East End Lions and Bhantal FC, where he spurned over eight clear-cut opportunities.

Still, Conteh’s reputation remains intact. He finished second in the league’s goal-scoring charts the previous season while leading the line for Bau Bureh Warriors.

And even with his conversion woes, he currently tops the SLPL scoring list with nine goals, a testament to his positioning, persistence, and promise.

Should the transfer be finalised, Conteh will be the latest Sierra Leonean talent to break into the European football scene, a move that could redefine both his career and the ambitions of Qabala FC.

Mo Salah on Diogo Jota's absent after tragic road accident
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mo Salah on Diogo Jota’s absence after tragic road accident

Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah has expressed his sympathy regarding the absence of teammate Diogo Jota, stating that it will be a difficult loss to bear.

The Portuguese international tragically lost his life in a road accident on Thursday, a shocking event that has reverberated throughout the football community.

A vigil is being held in Liverpool to honor the memory of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, who both died in a car crash in Spain.

“I am truly lost for words. Until yesterday, I never thought there would be something that would frighten me from going back to Liverpool after the break. Teammates come and go, but not like this. It’s going to be extremely difficult to accept that Diogo won’t be there when we go back.

My thoughts are with his wife, his children, and of course his parents, who suddenly lost their children. Those close to Diogo and his brother, Andre, need all the support they can get. They will never be forgotten.” The Egyptian skipper penned.