Category: Sport News

Iqraam Rayners's goal helps Sundowns to win FIFA Club World Cup opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Iqraam Rayners’ goal helps Sundowns to win FIFA Club World Cup opener

Man of the Match, Iqraam Rayners’s only goal got Mamelodi Sundowns three critical points in their FIFA Club World Cup opening against Ulsan HD at the Inter & Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

The match began with Sundowns showing early intent as Arthur Sales took a tight-angle shot, which the goalkeeper saved. Ulsan soon retaliated with a close-range effort that went over the bar.

For 20 minutes, both teams struggled for possession until Rayners shot just wide. He later had a free-kick disallowed but, in the 36th minute, scored following a brilliant pass from Lucas Ribeiro. Teboho Mokoena then took a powerful free-kick that was parried away by the goalkeeper.

In the dying moments of the first half, Ronwen Williams came off his line to intercept a ball that ultimately eluded him. Luckily, Divine Lunga was there to clear the danger. Sundowns went into the break with a 1-0 lead.

In the second half, Ulsan dominated possession and created several scoring opportunities, but Sundowns’ defense held strong. Rayners nearly scored, but a key tackle prevented it. Ulsan pressed for an equalizer, yet Williams made crucial saves.

Bafana Ba Style almost extended their lead, but Ulsan cleared the ball off the line. After a scare when Williams misplayed the ball, Cupido made an important clearance.

As pressure increased, Ulsan sought a late equalizer, while Sundowns focused on maintaining their lead, ultimately becoming the first team in Group F to secure a victory in the tournament.

Espérance de Tunis suffer opening Club World Cup defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Espérance de Tunis suffer opening Club World Cup defeat

Tunisian champions Espérance de Tunis faced a tough start to their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, losing 2-0 to Brazil’s Flamengo on Monday evening at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Giorgian de Arrascaeta scored the first goal in the 17th minute, finishing a cross from Luiz Araújo. Araújo then secured the win with a great goal in the 70th minute.

Flamengo controlled the first half, while Espérance played defensively and struggled to move the ball out of their half. Flamengo’s early dominance led to De Arrascaeta scoring from close range.

Espérance’s coach, Maher Kanzari, made some strategic substitutions at halftime, bringing in attackers Abdramane Konate and Elias Mokwana, which sparked an improvement in their performance. Just three minutes into the second half, left back Mohamed Ben Hamida took the initiative and landed the first shot on target.

Despite their efforts, Espérance struggled to convert opportunities into goals. Their star player, Youcef Belaïli, squandered a promising chance in the 62nd minute when his shot from outside the penalty area sailed high over the bar. Araújo’s goal eight minutes later dashed any remaining hopes of a comeback.

Looking ahead, Espérance will face Los Angeles FC in Nashville, Tennessee, as both teams aim to secure a victory in Group D. Meanwhile, Flamengo is set to clash with Chelsea for the top position in the group.

Somalia's Sak Hassan joins Wealdstone FC
by Football Sierra Leone

Somalia’s Sak Hassan joins Wealdstone FC

Wealdstone FC has announced the signing of winger Sak Hassan from Isthmian League Premier Division club Hashtag United.

The 24-year-old has had two standout seasons with Hashtag United, where he became one of the most exciting attacking players outside the National League.

In the 2023/24 season, Hassan achieved 17 assists and 7 goals, and he followed that with 16 assists and 17 goals in the 2024/25 campaign, helping his team secure an 8th place finish.

Hassan’s explosive pace, clever footwork, and creativity make him a crucial asset in the final third. He also brings international experience, having earned 10 caps for Somalia since his debut in 2022.

Manager Sam Cox expressed his enthusiasm about the signing:

“I’m delighted to bring in Sak Hassan. He’s a fantastic young man and a player I’ve followed for years. I believe fans will enjoy watching him; he’s exciting, creative, and a significant attacking threat.

His journey from non-league football to this level is impressive, and I’m excited to help him develop further.

He reminds me of Abo Eisa, who had a successful career here. This signing is another step in the right direction as we prepare for the season.”

Algeria's Adil Boulbina set to join Al-Duhail SC in Qatar
by Football Sierra Leone

Algeria’s Adil Boulbina set to join Al-Duhail SC in Qatar

Algeria national team player, Adil Boulbina is poised to depart from his current club to join Al-Duhail SC in Qatar.

Paradou AC has reached a final agreement with the Qatari club for Boulbina’s permanent transfer. He is expected to sign his contract on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The deal includes a five-year contract with a transfer fee of €5 million.

Boulbina will receive a monthly salary of €125,000. He can also earn bonuses and a percentage from any future sale, which could make the total value of the deal nearly €7 million.

This season, Boulbina played 27 matches for Paradou AC in all competitions. He scored 20 goals and provided eight assists.

After helping Algeria’s domestic national team qualify for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August, he will not be eligible to play in that tournament after this transfer.

Female candidates steps up as SLFA election intensifies
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Female candidate steps up as SLFA election intensifies

The list of contenders for the Sierra Leone Football Association presidential race continues to grow, among them a female aspirant hoping to become the second woman to head the body.

Aminata Bangura has announced her bid to succeed the incumbent Thomas Daddy Brima, who is running for a second term when the election is held in August 2025.

Also in the race are two serving football club chairman, Bo Rangers’ Babadi Kamara, the current SLFA president; Thomas Daddy Brima; and Umar Bah of Real Republicans and the present manager of the home-based Leone Stars.

Incumbent president Thomas Daddy Brima, who has already completed his first four years in office, is set to face off against his rivals for this sought-after position.

While Babadi Kamara has been widely touted as the frontrunner, Aminata Bangura is challenging that narrative, with many believing she could spring a surprise in the upcoming election on August 2, 2025.

Although the SLFA and the electoral board have yet to officially announce the list of candidates, this source has been closely following the nomination process.

Four years ago, Thomas Daddy Brima won the presidency by defeating Sadick Deen-Nyarkoh with a close vote of 31 to 26, marking the first SLFA elections in eight years and succeeding former FIFA executive member Isha Johansen.

Angola win COSAFA region title for second consecutive year
by Football Sierra Leone

Angola win COSAFA region title for second consecutive year

Bafana Bafana experienced a 3-0 defeat to Angola in the final of the COSAFA Cup on Sunday afternoon. Depu scored two goals, leading Angola to victory over South Africa at the Toyota Stadium in Mangaung.

This victory marks Angola’s fifth title, matching South Africa and behind only Zambia with seven titles and Zimbabwe with six.

Comoros claimed third place by defeating Madagascar 1-0. Although Madagascar had more possession, Ibroihim Youssouf scored the only goal for Comoros in the 77th minute.

In the final, South Africa almost scored first when Ime Okon’s header hit the crossbar. Instead, Depu broke the tournament record with his seventh goal from a free-kick, followed by his eighth goal shortly after with a shot from 10 yards. He now holds the record for career goals in the COSAFA Cup with 13 and won the Golden Boot again.

Angola sealed the win with a third goal from Milson. Depu also won Player of the Tournament, while his teammate Neblu took home the Golden Glove for best goalkeeper. South Africa received the Fair Play award.

Stalemate between Ahly and Inter Miami in Club World Cup opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Stalemate between Al Ahly and Inter Miami in Club World Cup opener

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicked off with an electrifying clash at the iconic Hard Rock Stadium, where African powerhouse Al Ahly faced off against the dazzling Inter Miami, featuring global superstar Lionel Messi.

The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, but the match ended in a stalemate, a testament to the determination and resilience of both teams.

The opening moments of the first half took a heartbreaking turn for the Egyptian champions when Emam Ashour was forced to leave the pitch in tears, succumbing to a painful shoulder injury just 12 minutes into the game. His departure brought debutant Ahmed Sayed Zizo into the fray, igniting hope among the Al Ahly supporters.

As the game progressed, Al Ahly found themselves on the cusp of taking the lead late in the first half. Zizo, who had just stepped onto the field, was brought down in the penalty area, setting the stage for a potentially game-changing moment. However, in a twist of fate, Trezeguet, marking his return to Al Ahly, missed the penalty kick, leaving the scoreline untouched and the crowd in disbelief.

On the other end, Inter Miami threatened to break the deadlock with dangerous plays led by Messi and Luis Suárez. Yet, the steadfast Mohamed El Shenawy stood resolute in goal, delivering two spectacular saves during injury time that secured a hard-fought clean sheet for his team.

Javier Mascherano, head coach of Inter Miami, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance despite not winning. He noted their dominance in controlling the game and creating chances. He highlighted the importance of starting the season with a win.

Jose Riveiro, head coach of Al Ahly, reflected on the game’s challenges, mentioning missed opportunities in the first half and difficulties in maintaining defensive structure in the second half. He remarked on the unexpected atmosphere of playing in the U.S. compared to Cairo during his first official match with the team.

Both clubs left the pitch with a reward of $1 million each, reflecting FIFA’s incentive structure for the group stage draw.

Looking ahead, Al Ahly will next challenge the formidable Brazilian side Palmeiras on Thursday, June 19, at 7 PM Cairo time, in a pivotal Group A showdown. They will conclude their group campaign against FC Porto on June 23, with eyes set on further glory in this prestigious tournament.

DR Congo's Mbemba announces his departure from Marseille
by Football Sierra Leone

DR Congo’s Mbemba announces his departure from Marseille

Chancel Mbemba, the DR Congo international, has confirmed that he will leave Olympique de Marseille at the end of June 2025. The centre-back missed the entire 2024/25 season due to injury.

At 30 years old, Mbemba announced that his contract with the French Ligue 1 club is coming to an end. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Olympique de Marseille and its supporters, stating, “My contract wraps up on June 30, and I want to thank Olympique de Marseille and all its fans. I gave my all during my time here, which has made me part of the club’s history. I truly enjoyed two wonderful seasons with the team.”

He also extended his best wishes for the club’s future, noting that there are talented players ready to step in. “I wish Marseille all the best. My journey here ends on the 30th, but I’m confident there are plenty of strong defenders—better than me—who can come to Marseille. The key thing is: Go OM!” he added.

Mbemba has been an essential player for the Congolese national team, enjoying the backing of coach Sébastien Desabre.

“Nobody believed in me at Marseille, but coach Sébastien Desabre and the entire Congolese community had faith in me, and I worked hard to keep my performance at its peak.”

With eyes set on a summer transfer, he is keen to secure a place in the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which will take place in Morocco.

Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey wins Fulham's Player of the Year
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey wins Fulham’s Player of the Year

Calvin Bassey has been awarded the title of Fulham’s Player of the Season for the 2024/25 campaign.

Following a commendable second-place finish in his inaugural season last year, Bassey has improved his performance, securing the top position in the final voting.

A remarkably reliable presence in defence, Bassey participated in all but three of the Premier League matches as the team achieved a record points total. His pace, strength, and composure while advancing the ball from the back have been integral to the team’s success.

Additionally, he made significant contributions to the offensive effort, scoring two crucial goals: the decisive goal in the victory against the formidable Nottingham Forest and the opening goal during the memorable Emirates FA Cup triumph at Old Trafford.

In expressing his gratitude, Bassey stated, “I extend my thanks to all who voted for me as Player of the Season. I must acknowledge God; without divine support, I would not be where I am today.

“I also wish to express my appreciation to my teammates, including those no longer at the Club, who have supported my development.

“I am particularly grateful to the coaching staff and the Manager for their trust and belief in my capabilities. I hope that we can achieve remarkable success in the forthcoming season, and I appreciate the support provided by all.”

Calvin Bassey (39.6%), Alex Iwobi (21.5%), Antonee Robinson (19.9%)

Bernd Leno (10.9%) and Saša Lukić (8.1%)

Al Ahly named Squad for FIFA Club World Cup tournament
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Al Ahly and Messi’s Inter Miami to open FIFA Club World Cup tournament

Al Ahly’s coach, José Riveiro, has announced the team that will compete in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

Al Ahly will start the tournament on June 15 with a match against the host team, Inter Miami. In the group stage, they will also play Brazilian club Palmeiras on June 19 and the Portuguese side Porto on June 24.

The referees for the matches are: main referee Ali Reza Faghani, first assistant Anton Shchetin, second assistant Ashley Beecham, and fourth referee Simon Marciniak.

In their last game, Al Ahly drew 1-1 with Pachuca in a friendly match. Inter Miami won their last match 5-1 against the Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer.

Al Ahly, a top team in Egypt, has won the CAF Champions League three times in the past five years. This success gives them their tenth chance to play in the Club World Cup. On the other hand, Inter Miami’s route to the tournament was less straightforward. They won the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield for having the best seasonal record but lost 3-2 to Atlanta in the playoffs.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said this performance earned Inter a spot in the Club World Cup. With coach Javier Mascherano, star players Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets will lead Inter, making them favourites to start strong in Group A.