Category: Sport News

Sierra Leone's Juma Bah out of Lens League tie against Lille due to injury
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Juma Bah out of Lens derby tie against Lille due to injury

Lens’ Juma Bah suffered a serious injury during training on Saturday morning when he collided head-to-head with teammate Jonathan Gradit, Lequipe reports.

As a result, Bah lost two teeth and spent the afternoon in the hospital for further examination. He will miss the Lille derby this Sunday at 8:45 p.m. and will not return to action until Tuesday, by concussion protocol.

Bah sat in shock for several minutes following the collision and will likely be replaced by Malang Sarr at kickoff. Meanwhile, Gradit has also sustained an injury, requiring stitches for a cut on his eyebrow. His fitness is currently uncertain, and a medical examination will assess the condition of his swollen eye on Sunday morning after he wakes up.

With both players’ statuses in question, Lens is expected to play in a 5-3-2 formation if Gradit is fit. If he cannot play, coach Will Still may need to switch to a 4-5-1 formation.

Two teams competing for European football next season face off in Ligue 1 this weekend as Lille hosts Lens in the Derby du Nord on Sunday evening.

Morocco is collaborating on a bid to host the Women's World Cup
by Football Sierra Leone

Morocco join race to host Women’s World Cup

Morocco has joined the race to host the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup as part of a joint bid with Spain and Portugal.

This announcement was made by Rafael Louzan, the President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), who shared the intentions of the three countries.

Spain has already secured the 2030 FIFA Men’s World Cup in partnership with Portugal and Morocco, and the women’s tournament in 2035 would follow a similar structure.

Louzan stated, “What better way to showcase women’s sport than with the contribution of the most important global sporting event: the World Cup. That’s what we’re working on,” in an interview with Relevo.

If successful, Morocco would become the second African country, after South Africa, to host the men’s World Cup, which was held there in 2010. Additionally, Morocco could make history as the first African nation to host both the men’s and women’s World Cup finals.

Ismaila Sarr nets to help Crystal Palace reach FA Cup semi-finals
by Football Sierra Leone

Ismaila Sarr nets to help Crystal Palace reach FA Cup semi-finals

Crystal Palace shocked Fulham at Craven Cottage, winning their fifth consecutive match to reach the FA Cup semi-finals.

Fulham controlled the first 30 minutes but failed to capitalize, with Rodrigo Muniz coming closest to scoring. Eberechi Eze then gave Palace the lead with a stunning strike in the 34th minute, curling a low shot around Bernd Leno. Eze also assisted Ismaila Sarr’s goal before Eddie Nketiah added a third, finishing through Leno’s legs.

This victory marks Palace’s fifth win in a row and their first appearance in the semi-finals since 2022. Managed by Oliver Glasner, the team has transformed after a slow start to the season, now pushing for a spot in the top half of the league and advancing in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

While Palace organized well in a 3-4-2-1 formation, Fulham struggled to create chances after Eze’s goal. Despite making substitutions, they couldn’t recover, leaving them three points away from a Champions League spot. This home loss will sting for Fulham, especially with a Wembley trip on the line.

Kenyan Patrick Matasi suspended following match-fixing investigation
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kenyan Patrick Matasi suspended following match-fixing investigation

Kenya goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has been temporarily barred from football and related activities in the country for 90 days while an inquiry is conducted regarding match-fixing claims.

On Thursday evening, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) reached this decision just hours after announcing that it had started an investigation involving the 37-year-old player.

The situation emerged after an online video surfaced, seemingly showing the goalkeeper consenting to a scheme to manipulate the results of a match.

In a statement sent by FKF on Thursday, the country’s top federation said the decision to suspend Matasi was made by Section VII (2) of the FKF Anti-Match Manipulation Regulations (2016), and has been formally communicated to his club, Kakamega Homeboyz FC and the player.

“The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has provisionally suspended goalkeeper Patrick Matasi from all FKF-sanctioned events and competitions for 90 days, following concerns raised by circulating videos suggesting possible match manipulation,” FKF said in a Statement.

“FKF, in collaboration with FIFA, CAF, and other relevant authorities, has initiated an official investigation into the matter. The Federation remains committed to upholding integrity in football and ensuring a fair and transparent process for all involved parties. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.”

Egypt is set to host U20 Cup of Nations in 2025, beginning on April 27th
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt set to host U20 Africa Cup of Nations

The Confédération of African Football (CAF) has awarded the rights to host the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025 to the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) and the Egyptian Government.

This decision follows a notification from the Fédération Ivoirienne de Football (FIF) and the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, stating that they are unable to host the tournament due to unforeseen circumstances.

The Egyptian Football Association and the Egyptian Government had previously submitted a bid to host the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025.

The opening match is scheduled for Sunday, April 27, 2025, with the final set to take place on May 18, 2025.

Sierra Leone is placed in a group with Senegal, Zambia, and Kenya for the forthcoming youth football tournament. The leading four countries will qualify for the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, which is set to take place in Chile from September 27 to October 19, 2025.

Cayden Cole speaks about Sierra Leone U20 experience
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cayden Cole speaks about Sierra Leone U20 experience

Hull City Academy defender Cayden Cole reported his experience with the Sierra Leone Under-20 after the friendly international match against Morocco in March.

Both nations used this match as part of their preparation for the upcoming African Cup Of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Cole, who plays for Hull City at the U18 level, expressed his satisfaction with playing 70 minutes of Sierra Leone U20’s 2-0 loss to Morocco in the Mohammed VI Sports Complex in Rabat last Saturday.

“I’ve loved every moment, getting to know the other players and the staff, and just playing overall. The team has come together nicely despite our diverse backgrounds, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this U20 squad,” he said.

Cole, 16, a left-sided full-back and centre-back, continued: “I feel privileged to have received a call-up to represent my country and connect with my heritage, and I hope to be involved going forward.”

“I’ve enjoyed it because it offers a different perspective on football; European football significantly differs from African football due to the greater drive and determination among players aspiring to succeed here compared to their European counterparts.”

Regarding the trip, he mentioned, “This experience has given me insight into the reality of men’s football in terms of physicality, speed, and tenacity. I believe I’ve managed to keep pace with the older players, and I was chosen to be in the starting lineup against Morocco the other day.”

Trophy Unveiling! A fresh design for CAF Under-17 Cup of Nations
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Trophy Unveiling! A fresh design for CAF Under-17 Cup of Nations

A new trophy and logo for the CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, have been unveiled. The trophy reflects the journey of young footballers, with an African map featuring and presenting the spirit of continental unity and pride.

The tournament will be played in four stadiums across three cities- Casablanca, Mohammedia, and El Jadida- from March 30 to April 19, 2025.

The new logo and creative trophy reveal is an important step in celebrating the journey of young African footballers participating in this elite competition.

The concept behind the trophy, titled “Journey Begins,” embodies ambition, growth, and the initial steps toward these players’ legendary futures. It features a road-like structure that symbolizes the players’ paths and is integrated with the map of Africa to emphasize unity and pride across the continent.

The logo design reflects the new TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON trophy, including its base. This foundation represents the structure, guidance, and support provided by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), highlighting its pivotal role in nurturing Africa’s next generation of stars.

This tournament is distinguished by its fresh look and invigorated energy. Additionally, the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON, Morocco 2025, will serve as a qualifier for the FIFA World Cup, with Africa being represented by 10 teams at the newly expanded tournament scheduled to take place in Qatar later this year.

Trophy Unveiling! A fresh design for CAF Under-17 Cup of Nations
Trophy Unveiling! A fresh design for CAF Under-17 Cup of Nations
Ivory Coast announce last-minute pull-out as host of U20 AFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivory Coast announce last-minute pull-out as host of U20 AFCON

With only one month remaining before the kickoff of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Ivory Coast has officially withdrawn as the host nation for the tournament.

Sierra Leone is placed in a group with Senegal, Zambia, and Kenya for the forthcoming youth football tournament. The leading four countries will qualify for the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, which is set to take place in Chile from September 27 to October 19, 2025.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) had announced Ivory Coast as the host country in 2024. However, on Wednesday, the Ivorian government instructed the country’s football federation to give up its hosting duties.

In a shocking development, Yacine Idriss Diallo, who is the President of both the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) and the organizing committee for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (COCAN U20), conveyed the decision made by the government: “Through this letter, I notify you that the Government has formally communicated to the Ivorian Football Federation that Côte d’Ivoire will no longer host the U20 Africa Cup of Nations.”

“Upon the directive of the FIF President, the Executive Director relayed this information to the CAF Secretary General on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.”

The President conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to the organization of the tournament and promised that any updates concerning CAF’s response would be shared in a timely manner.

CAF will now need to identify a different host before the tournament commences.

Four African teams will receive USD 9.55 million for the FIFA Club World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

USD 9.55m FIFA Club World Cup cash boost for each African teams

FIFA has announced a USD 9.55 million participation fee for each of the four African teams in the first FIFA Club World Cup, set for June 14 to July 13, 2025, in the United States.

The teams—Al Ahly (Egypt), Esperance (Tunisia), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), and Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco)—will earn the same as clubs from AFC and CONCACAF as part of the total USD 1 billion prize money for this 32-team tournament.

FIFA has approved the prize money distribution model after talks with key stakeholders, including the European Club Association.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that this tournament offers the highest-ever prize money for club football, with a significant payout for the winners. He also mentioned a solidarity investment program aimed at supporting club football worldwide.

FIFA will not keep any revenue from this tournament, ensuring all funds go to support club football and not touching its reserves for global football development.

Algeria thrash Mozambique as DRC, Senegal register wins
by Football Sierra Leone

Algeria thrash Mozambique as DRC, Senegal register wins

Several African countries showed their strength in the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with impressive wins on the last day of Matchday 6 of the qualifiers on Tuesday night.

Algeria won decisively, beating Mozambique 5-1. Morocco, DR Congo, and Senegal also achieved important victories to improve their chances in their groups. Meanwhile, Comoros kept their hopes alive with a close win against Chad in Group I.

Group B – DR Congo 2-0 Mauritania

DR Congo took the lead in Group B after a solid 2-0 win against Mauritania in Kinshasa. Charles Pickel scored in the 3rd minute to start strong for the Leopards. Substitute Fiston Mayele sealed the win with a goal in the 83rd minute. This victory gives DR Congo 13 points, putting them one point ahead of Senegal. Mauritania remains at the bottom with just two points.

Senegal 2-0 Togo

Senegal kept up with the leaders by beating Togo 2-0 in Thiès. Pape Matar Sarr scored the first goal in the 35th minute, with help from Habib Diallo. The Lions of Teranga made it 2-0 when Togo’s Boma scored an own goal from a free kick by Lamine Camara in the 67th minute. Togo has not won in this group, while Senegal has 12 points and a +7 goal difference, placing them second behind DR Congo.

Group E – Morocco 2-0 Tanzania

Morocco continued their perfect start with a 2-0 victory over Tanzania in Agadir. Nayef Aguerd scored the first goal in the 58th minute from a corner kick rebound. Brahim Diaz added a second goal from a penalty soon after. With 15 points from five matches, Morocco is leading Group E and getting closer to World Cup qualification.

Group G – Algeria 5-1 Mozambique  

Mohamed Amoura was the standout player for Algeria, scoring three goals in their 5-1 win over Mozambique in Algiers. He scored the first goal in the 8th minute after a defensive error and followed with another goal before half-time with an assist from Riyad Mahrez. Amoura also assisted Hadjam’s goal and completed his hat-trick later in the match. Algeria now has 12 points from six games, keeping them in contention in Group G.

Group I – Comoros 1-0 Chad

Comoros revived their qualification chances with a 1-0 win over Chad in Berkane. Rafiki Saïd scored the only goal in the 24th minute. This win helped Comoros bounce back from their last defeat to Mali. Comoros moved up to second place, just three points behind the group leaders, Ghana. Chad, with six straight losses, is among the first teams eliminated from the qualifiers.