Category: Sport News

Big CAF Champions League showdown between Sundowns and Pyramids
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Big CAF Champions League showdown between Sundowns and Pyramids

Mamelodi Sundowns and Pyramids FC will face off in the first leg of the 2024-25 CAF Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday, May 24.

Sundowns have reached the Champions League final for the third time, having previously won in 2016 and been runners-up in 2001. This year, they finished second in Group B, behind ASFAR, and advanced to the knockout stage by defeating Esperance de Tunis and Al Ahly on away goals.

After clinching their eighth consecutive domestic championship, Sundowns aim for continental success, though coach Miguel Cardoso noted that the Champions League is tougher than the Betway Premiership.

“With all due respect to the Premiership, this is another level we are going to face,” said Cardoso. “We have a very tough challenge ahead in this Champions League final. We also need to be strong and play high-quality football.”

Pyramids set to compete in their first Champions League final after previously reaching the Confederation Cup final in 2020. They advanced by finishing second in Group D, defeating ASFAR and Orlando Pirates in knockout rounds.

Coach Krunoslav Jurcic has a tactical plan for the first leg, focusing on a balanced approach to counter their opponents’ strengths and weaknesses.

Pyramids and Sundowns have faced each other twice in the current Champions League, with a 0-0 draw in Pretoria and a 1-0 win for Sundowns in Cairo. Sundowns have a record of 10 wins, 9 draws, and 7 losses against Egyptian teams, while Pyramids have 1 win, 3 draws, and 2 losses against South African teams.

The return match will take place at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday, June 1.

Simba set for a tough task against Berkane in CAF Confed Cup final
by Football Sierra Leone

Simba set for a tough task against Berkane in CAF Confed Cup final

Simba will face a tough matchup against a Moroccan side at Amaan Stadium at 16:00 local time (13:00 GMT) on Sunday, May 25th. They lost 2-0 to RSB Berkane in the first leg of the 2025 CAF Confederations Cup final last week.

Coach Fadlu Davids and his team are determined to rise to the occasion in the second leg. Goals from Mamadou Camara and Oussama Lamlaoui provided RSB Berkane with a significant advantage heading into the second leg. David noted that his players felt “overwhelmed” by the situation.

Berkane scores a lot of goals at home in the first 20 minutes due to the pressure. We were tactically prepared but not emotionally ready. My players were a bit overwhelmed by the occasion and the pressure,” Davids said during the post-match press conference after the first leg.

As Simba strives to score in their pursuit of the CAF Confederations Cup title, RSB Berkane’s coach, Mouin Chaâbani, emphasised his team’s aim to secure an away goal to solidify their lead.

“A 2-0 victory in the final is never completely comfortable. It’s just the first leg, and we’ll have to defend our chances until the last second of the return leg. Scoring an away goal can make a huge difference; it’s something we must keep in mind,” Chaâbani stated.

The winners of this year’s CAF Confederation Cup final will receive a brand new trophy.

Sierra Leone-born Trevoh Chalobah gets first England national call up
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone-born Trevoh Chalobah gets first England national call up

England manager Thomas Tuchel has announced his squad for the upcoming matches against Andorra and Senegal, featuring Trevoh Chalobah, who earns his first senior call-up.

Notable inclusions are Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney, recently moved from Brentford, and returning forward Ollie Watkins. Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke was omitted.

Chelsea defender Chalobah joins teammates Reece James and Levi Colwill in the squad, along with Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer.

Chalobah has captained various England youth teams and notably led the under-17 side in 2016 before an ankle injury cut short his under-19 European Championship campaign. He made his U21 debut in 2019.

England will play a World Cup qualifier against Andorra on June 7, followed by a friendly against Senegal at Wembley on June 10.

Here is the squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, James Trafford.

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dan Burn, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill, Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kyle Walker.

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, Conor Gallagher, Morgan Gibbs-White, Jordan Henderson, Curtis Jones, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers.

Forwards: Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins.

CAF unveils new revamped TotalEnergies Champions League Trophy
by Football Sierra Leone

CAF unveils new revamped TotalEnergies Champions League Trophy

Today, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) presented the new Champions League trophy in collaboration with TotalEnergies.

The event was held at TotalEnergies’ headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa, and was attended by several African football legends, including Lucas Radebe, Teko Modise, and Siphiwe Tshabalala, along with various African football leaders.

One of the two finalists, either Mamelodi Sundowns or Pyramids, will create history by lifting the new trophy.

The official unveiling of this striking new trophy design is more than just a replacement; it signifies a significant evolution of CAF’s commitment to modernization and innovation.

As part of CAF’s broader strategy to rebrand and elevate its competitions, the new design aims to enhance the visual impact of African football’s most prestigious award.

“In line with the vision of CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, we are rebranding and repositioning African football, focusing specifically on interclub competitions at this time,” said CAF General Secretary Véron Mosengo-Omba.

“This reveal of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League trophy reflects our ambitious goals and steps toward creating a vibrant environment for African club football. With this trophy, we aim to elevate the prestige of African club competitions to global prominence, strengthen our commercial appeal, and inspire a new generation of football talent.

The new trophy draws inspiration from the intense competition and rich cultural heritage of the continent. Featuring sleek silver and gold lines, it symbolizes unity, rivalry, and the competitive spirit that defines the tournament.

At its peak, the golden sphere—adorned with African symbolism—represents the ultimate achievement: victory.

The interplay of contrasting silver and gold elements celebrates both the triumph of champions and the honor of worthy opponents, reinforcing the values of respect, ambition, and excellence that are central to African football.

Malian midfielder Yves Bissouma hails boss Postecoglou after Europa League success
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Malian midfielder Yves Bissouma hails boss Postecoglou after Europa League success

Malian midfielder Yves Bissouma thanked Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou for his support during a tough season. Bissouma described Postecoglou as “a dad or uncle” to the players.

Tottenham is currently in 17th place in the Premier League, with one game left to play. They have lost 25 matches this season, which is the highest number they’ve had since the 1991-92 season.

However, they have a chance to turn things around in the Europa League final against Manchester United on Wednesday. Bissouma said the relationship between the players and Postecoglou has stayed strong, even in hard times.

“It’s never changed. We have a good relationship,” Bissouma, 28, said about Postecoglou. “He’s like a dad or uncle to us. He’s always trying to help us understand what he wants. For us, he’s just Ange. He has his ideas and always protects us.”

Bissouma received a rating of 7 for his solid performance. He won the second-most duels of any Tottenham player in the match, just behind Cristian Romero, and had the second-most tackles, after Destiny Udogie. He is expected to be one of the more underrated players in the team’s success.

Senegal's Pape Matar Sarr fit to face Manchester United in Europa final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal’s Pape Matar Sarr fit to face Manchester United in Europa final

Tottenham Hotspur coach Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Senegalese midfielder Pape Matar Sarr is fit to play against Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final on Wednesday.

Sarr was unsure for the match after getting injured during Spurs’ 2-0 loss to Aston Villa last Friday. Postecoglou explained that Sarr left the game as a precaution because he “felt something in his back.”

According to the London Evening Standard, Sarr is likely to start in midfield against United in Bilbao. Even though Postecoglou used a 4-4-2 formation against Villa Park, he may change his strategy for the final.

Sarr will face fellow Africans Andre Onana, Noussair Mazraoui, and Amad Diallo, who are in Manchester United’s squad for the match. Both teams are looking to improve after disappointing Premier League seasons, with United in 16th place and Spurs just one point behind in 17th.

Semi Ajayi and Grady Diangana released by West Bromwich Albion
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Semi Ajayi and Grady Diangana released by West Bromwich Albion

West Bromwich Albion has announced the release of Nigeria player Semi Ajayi and DR Congo midfielder Grady Diangana after the 2024/25 season.

Ajayi and Diangana joined West Bromwich Albion in the summer of 2019 and were instrumental in the team’s promotion to the Premier League in their first season.

A club statement confirmed that defender Semi Ajayi and midfielders Grady Diangana and John Swift will leave the club at the end of June.

Ajayi, who joined from Rotherham United, made 177 appearances and scored 13 goals, including key strikes against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Liverpool, and a last-minute winner against Peterborough United in August 2021.

Diangana initially joined on a season-long loan from West Ham United before making the move permanent in summer 2020.

He scored on his league debut for the Baggies and went on to make 202 appearances, netting 26 goals. His final goals for the club came in a 5-1 victory over Portsmouth in January 2025, where he scored twice.

Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi grateful to be alive after surgery
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi grateful to be alive after surgery

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is ‘GRATEFUL’ to still be alive after having surgery for a serious abdominal injury.

The 27-year-old was put in an induced coma after he got hurt when he collided with the post while trying to reach a cross from Anthony Elanga during a game against Leicester.

Awoniyi had emergency surgery and was taken out of the coma on Wednesday evening. Medical staff are now watching his recovery.

Morgan Gibbs-White celebrated his goal in the crucial 2-1 win against West Ham by wearing a shirt with Awoniyi’s name. The team also warmed up in T-shirts bearing his name and number, with the message “we are all with you Taiwo.”

Awoniyi expressed on Instagram, “This season has been one of the most difficult of my career, but I have felt the love. With God’s grace, I am grateful to still be here, still fighting, and in good spirits.”

“Thank you to my teammates, coaches, staff, and the entire Forest family for your support. Your visits during my hospital stay really lifted my spirits. I can’t wait to be back on the field with the team.

The win against West Ham has moved Forest into seventh place, just one point behind fourth-placed Chelsea, whom we will host on the season’s final day, along with Aston Villa, in the tight race for a Champions League spot.”

Dream Portland Hearts of Pine debut for Jay Tee Kamara
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Dream Portland Hearts of Pine debut for Jay Tee Kamara

Jay Tee Kamara quickly made an impact during his debut for the Hearts in their US League One tie, and Walter Varela also shined in a thrilling 2-1 victory over FC Naples at Fitzpatrick Stadium on Saturday night.

“I arrived in the U.S. on Monday, started training on Tuesday, and made my debut on Saturday to help the team win,” Kamara said.

Kamara entered the match in the 26th minute after an injury to Mikey Lopez. Just days after arriving from Sierra Leone, he put pressure on the Naples defense with his impressive footwork. His efforts paid off in the 43rd minute when he scored after collecting a rebound from Varela’s deflected shot.

Naples equalized early in the second half with a goal from Luke Prpa in the 56th minute. However, in the 75th minute, Varela took advantage of a setup from Nathan Messer. After a quick exchange, Varela dribbled past a defender and shot towards the far post, finding the net. This goal secured the victory for the Hearts and marked a highlight in Varela’s season.

New Bromley deal for Sierra Leone native Nathan Paul Lavaly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New Bromley deal for Sierra Leone native Nathan Paul Lavaly

Bromley Football Club has confirmed new deal for full-back Nathan Paul-Lavaly and several others.

Lavaly, a native from Sierra Leone made six senior appearances last season following his debut in their first home EFL game against AFC Wimbledon.

The Academy graduate also assisted in a recent match against Barrow and received a Special Achievement Award at our 2024/25 Awards Evening.

Paul-Lavaly played the full 90 minutes in our first home EFL game against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup. He has also made two more senior appearances against Chelsea U21s and Charlton Athletic in the EFL Trophy.

He was sent on loan to joined Isthmian League Premier Division side Carshalton Athletic on a one-month loan.