Category: Sport News

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.

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.