Category: Sport News

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.

Nigeria's Stanley Nwabali set to depart Chippa United
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali set to depart Chippa United

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has officially handed in his request to part ways with Chippa United after spending four years at the club.

In a statement published on Thursday, Chippa United verified Nwabali’s exit, stating that the 29-year-old requested official leave despite signing a three-year contract extension in 2024. The club said it had approved his request and given him a discharge.

Chippa United Football Club praised Stanley Nwabali for his years of service, commitment, and professionalism, and wished him success in his future endeavours. The club has not disclosed if he will be a free agent or if a move is already in place, and Nwabali has remained silent about his next destination.

With his profile rising over the last two seasons, Nwabali is attracting interest from teams in the Premier Soccer League, as well as clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia. He joined Chippa United from Katsina United in 2022 and made over 70 appearances.

His leadership was recognized after he became club captain in 2024. Nwabali also established himself as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, particularly with strong performances at the Africa Cup of Nations. His departure signals the end of a significant chapter in his career, with anticipation about his next move.

𝐒𝐋𝐅𝐀's 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 Kamara p𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐅𝐈𝐅𝐀 𝐁𝐚𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬
by Football Sierra Leone

SLFA president Kamara presents FIFA Badges to officials

Five referees and assistant referees who would referee international games in 2026 received FIFA badges from Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) President Mr. Babadi Kamara.

On Wednesday, February 4, at the SLFA Headquarters in Kingtom, the event began. This event is central to the Association’s efforts to raise Sierra Leone’s visibility in international football and to raise match refereeing.

FIFA released a list of international match officials for the year, including five centre referees and five assistant referees from Sierra Leone, so the presentation came after that. The six males and four women chosen demonstrate SLFA’s dedication to including women and fostering female referees throughout the nation.

President Babadi Kamara of SLFA praised them for their accomplishments in his remarks and urged them to uphold strict moral, fairness, and professionalism.

He underlined the need of openness, discipline, and excellence in umpiring. He pointed out that their conduct on the field mirrors not only who they are but also the state of Sierra Leonean football globally.

Praising the officials for their efforts and commitment, the Sierra Leone Football Association wished them luck as they represent Sierra Leone in international football competitions.

Listed are the FIFA International Match Officials

𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐬
𝟏. 𝐔𝐦𝐮 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐡 (𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐)
𝟐. 𝐑𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐝 𝐌. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐡 (𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒)
𝟑. 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐡 (𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒)
𝟒. 𝐒𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐒. 𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚 (𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒)
𝟓. 𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 (𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔)

𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘀

𝟲. 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘆 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮)
𝟳. 𝗔𝗴𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗔. 𝗚𝗯𝗹𝗮 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱)
𝟴. 𝗠𝗮𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗱 𝗔. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗵 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱)
𝟵. 𝗦𝗮𝗵𝗿 𝗔. 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱)
𝟭𝟬. 𝗔𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗵 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱)
Sierra Leone FA appoints Secretary General and Assistant
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone FA appoints Secretary General and Assistant

Mohamed Benson Bawoh has been appointed as the new General Secretary of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), with Ishmail Saidu Kanu serving as the Deputy General Secretary. Both appointments take effect immediately.

This decision followed a meeting of the SLFA Executive Committee, which emphasized the Association’s commitment to enhancing its administrative framework and ensuring effective football management throughout the country.

In a statement, the Executive Committee expressed confidence in the leadership qualities and professional experience of both individuals, highlighting that their roles will be crucial in advancing the Association’s strategic objectives and ongoing football development initiatives.

Recognizing the importance of their contributions to the growth of football in Sierra Leone, the SLFA extended warm wishes to Mr. Bawoh and Mr. Kanu as they embark on their new roles.

Nigerian attacker Ademola Lookman pens Atlético Madrid deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigerian attacker Ademola Lookman pens Atlético Madrid deal

Nigerian International Ademola Lookman has joined Atlético Madrid on a contract to 30 June 2030 after completing a medical. The club said in a statement on Monday that the 28-year-old winger has signed for four and a half seasons.

Atlético had reached a preliminary agreement with Atalanta on Sunday, then formalised the transfer after tests and a contract signing at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in front of chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín. The fee is 35 million.

Atlético described Lookman as a versatile right-footer who can play as a second striker or as a winger on either flank, using pace and dribbling to unsettle defences.

Born in Wandsworth, United Kingdom, he later took Nigerian nationality. He came through Waterloo FC and Charlton Athletic, debuting for Charlton’s first team in November 2015, then moved to Everton, Leipzig, Fulham and Leicester City before joining Atalanta in the summer of 2022.

In Bergamo, he was pivotal in Atalanta’s first European trophy, the 2023-24 Europa League, scoring all three goals in the 3-0 final win over Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen. He played 137 games, scoring 55 goals and supplying 27 assists.

Lookman represented England at the youth level and won the Under-20 World Cup in 2017. He made his Nigeria senior debut on 25 March 2022 and has 41 caps and 11 goals.