Category: Sport News

Defender Abdul Jarju Kabia to miss Sierra Leone qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Defender Abdul Jarju Kabia to miss Sierra Leone qualifiers

Sierra Leone defender Abdul Jarjue Kabia is set to miss upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Guinea Bissau and Egypt this month due to a groin injury.

The injury, which is expected to keep him sidelined for three to four weeks, occurred during a goalless draw against Torpedo Zhodino in the Belarus Cup quarter-final on March 2nd.

Since making his debut for the Sierra Leone national team in late 2023, Kabia has participated in eight official matches, showcasing his skills in games against Ethiopia, Egypt, and Burkina Faso as part of the African qualification process for the World Cup.

Sierra Leone faces a tricky match against Guinea-Bissua in the Liberia capital on March 20 before travelling to face a difficult task against Group A leaders Egypt.

Libya new head coach Aliou Cissé rallies squad for Angola and Cameroon
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Libya new head coach Aliou Cissé rallies squad for Angola and Cameroon

Aliou Cissé has swiftly picked his first Libya’s national team sqaud 24 hours after his appointment. The Senegalese coach, who led Senegal to victory in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, has chosen a team mainly composed of locally based players as Libya gears up for crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Angola and Cameroon.

Libya currently occupies second place in Group D with four points from two matches, trailing Cameroon by just one point. They have a home match against Angola on March 20 and an away game in Yaoundé against Cameroon on March 25—both crucial for their World Cup aspirations.

Notably absent from the squad is Moatasem Al-Musrati, the AS Monaco midfielder, who has declined the call-up, and defender Daniel Elfadli. Despite these omissions, Cissé has put together a strong squad featuring key players from the domestic league, blending experience with emerging talent.

Cissé is known for his tactical discipline and will work on solidifying the defence while enhancing the team’s attacking efficiency. The midfield is led by experienced players Faisal Al-Badri, Badr Hassan, and Abdullah Daqo, while the strike force includes Moayad Al-Lafi and Mohamed Soula. The defense features Majdi Artiba, Sobhi Al-Mabrouk, and Al-Bahlol Abu Sahmain.

Cissé’s ability to quickly adapt and implement his strategies will be vital as the Knights of the Mediterranean strive for success in these qualifiers.

  • Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Murad Al-Wahishi (Al-Ahly Benghazi), Mohamed Ayad (Abu Salim), and Ahmed Ayad (Al-Tahadi).

Defenders Majdi Artiba (Al-Akhdar), Sobhi Al-Mabrouk (Al-Ittihad), Al-Mahdi Al-Kout (Al-Suwaihli), Mohamed Al-Shtiwi (Al-Hilal), Sand Bin Ali (Al-Ittihad), Al-Bahlol Abu Sahmain (Al-Ahly Benghazi), Taher Bin Amer (Al-Ittihad), and Mutassim Sabbou (Olympic Azzawiya SC).

Midfielders: Faisal Al-Badri (Al-Hilal), Badr Hassan (Al-Nasr), Hamza Al-Maqsi (Olympic Azzawiya SC), Abdullah Daqo (Al-Ahly Benghazi), Muhannad Eto’o (Al-Madina), Osama Al-Sharimi (Al-Suwaihli), Omar Al-Khoja (Al-Suwaihli), Ahmed Saad (Al-Hilal), Al-Abbasi (Al-Suwaihli), Fadel Salama (Al-Ahly Benghazi), and Taha Al-Shalawi (Al-Hilal).

Attackers: Moayad Al-Lafi (Al-Ahly Tripoli), Mohamed Soula (Al-Qadisiyah, Kuwait), Fahad Al-Masmari (Club Africain, Tunisia), Azou Al-Mariami (Al-Hilal), Ahmed Karwa (Al-Ahly Tripoli), and Anas Al-Masrati (Al-Taawoun).

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has revealed the players selected to compete against Lesotho and Benin in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers scheduled for March 21 and March 25, 2025, respectively.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hugo Broos names South Africa’s final squad for World Cup qualifiers

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has revealed the players selected to compete against Lesotho and Benin in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers scheduled for March 21 and March 25, 2025, respectively.

South Africa is set to face their neighbours Lesotho at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Friday, March 21, 2025. Following that match, the Bafana Bafana team, led by coach Hugo Broos, will take a charter flight to Benin to compete against the West African nation on Monday, March 24, 2025.

A week ago, Broos announced a 37-member preliminary squad, which included some new players such as Samukelo Kabini and Khulumani Ndamane from TS Galaxy and Siphesihle Mkhize from Sekhukhune United.

On Thursday, March 13, at the SABC television studios in Auckland Park, the preliminary squad was reduced to a final squad of 23 players.

Bafana Bafana is in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers alongside Rwanda, Benin, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho. To date, the Broos-coached team has played four matches, achieving two wins, one draw, and one loss.

Mjøndalen IF Fotball confirm Alie Conteh's Sierra Leone call up
by Football Sierra Leone

Mjøndalen IF Fotball confirm Alie Conteh’s Sierra Leone call up

Sierra Leone is competing in the World Cup qualifiers, and our striker has once again been selected for the national team squad, as noted by the Norwegian second-tier side.

It does not surprise Kevin Nicol that the West Africans have nominated Conteh for the matches against Guinea-Bissau and Egypt on March 20 and 25, respectively.

– He has been in very good form so far in the pre-season, so it’s not surprising, no. We have previously seen that Alie returns from the national team training camp with new energy, so we hope for more goals already in the series opener against Egersund, says the head coach.

Conteh has to sit out the dress rehearsal against Haugesund, but that doesn’t worry Nicol.

– No, it simply means that another player gets valuable match training against a good reference and can show off, he continues.

Important matches

Sierra Leone are fourth in Group A of the African World Cup qualifiers after four matches, but have a chance to grab the important second place that could qualify them to play in the World Cup.

Egypt are superb and has escaped, while opponents Guinea-Bissau currently hold the important second place. However, they are only one point ahead of the Leone Stars, as the national team is called.

Abubakarr Kargbo signs first Pro deal with Dutch side NEC Nijmegen
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Abubakarr Kargbo signs first Pro deal with Dutch side NEC Nijmegen

On Monday, top talent Abubakarr Kargbo, age 15, signed his first professional contract with NEC Nijmegen, which will run until the summer of 2028.

Three other talented players from the DFDS – NEC Football Academy also signed their first professional contracts.

Abubakarr Kargbo, Mees Rensen, Mandela Bongne, and Jeremy van Haalen, who all play in the Under 17 team, are now signed until the summer of 2028.

Technical director Carlos Aalbers is proud that these players have been connected to NEC for a longer time.

“This is part of our new vision. We want to keep great talents with us and not lose them to bigger clubs. This way, we reward them for their hard work and can continue to develop together,” he said.

Colin Williamson, Head of Youth Development, added: “It is uncommon for players to sign their first contract with NEC at just fifteen years old. We are happy to have these boys as a strong foundation as we aim to help them move up to the first team. This is something the DFDS – NEC Football Academy can build on.”

Mustapha Bundu helps ten-man Plymouth beat Portsmouth
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mustapha Bundu helps ten-man Plymouth beat Portsmouth

Sierra Leone International Mustapha Bundu recorded his sixth of the season as ten-man Plymouth held on to defeat Portsmouth, securing their first away win of the season and moving within three points of safety.

Argyle deserved the points against their hosts, who had recently beaten league leaders Leeds. Fit-again Ryan Hardie’s brilliant backheel set up Mustapha Bundu to score the opener just before halftime. Hardie then doubled the lead four minutes after the break, racing from halfway and drilling the ball inside the near post.

Plymouth finished the match with 10 players after Matthew Sorinola received a second yellow card in the 86th minute. Adil Aouchiche later netted a stunning consolation goal for Portsmouth three minutes later.

Although the Greens remain at the bottom of the league, this win represents their first victory on the road since last April and places them three points away from safety. Portsmouth, on the other hand, is still seven points clear of the drop zone despite suffering just their second home defeat in 13 games.

Unsurprisingly, John Mousinho kept the same Portsmouth starting XI that played well in their 1-0 victory over Leeds on Sunday. In contrast, Argyle boss Miron Muslic made four changes from their disappointing 3-0 loss to Sheffield Wednesday.

There were 11 minutes of added time at the end of the match, during which Bramall had a shot charged down in the box as Portsmouth pressed for an equalizer. However, they couldn’t find the goal, and Plymouth extended their unbeaten streak against Portsmouth to eight matches, ending a 41-year record of 20 consecutive away games without a win.

Dr. Patrice Motsepe re-elected as Confederation of African football president
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Dr. Patrice Motsepe re-elected as Confederation of African football president

Dr. Patrice Motsepe has been re-elected as President of the Confédération African Football (CAF) for another four years. His re-election was confirmed at the 14th CAF Extraordinary General Assembly in Cairo on Wednesday, extending his term until 2029.

Motsepe’s first term improved CAF’s finances and raised its global reputation. Under his leadership, the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Côte d’Ivoire in 2023 attracted a record 1.4 billion viewers worldwide.

Prizes for major tournaments, including the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, have increased. There is also more financial support for Member Associations.

Motsepe, who is 63 years old, ran unopposed after the nomination deadline in November 2024. He decided to run again based on requests from Member Association Presidents and key stakeholders.

His goals remain to make African football competitive worldwide, stabilize finances, and invest in infrastructure. Dr. Motsepe’s unopposed re-election shows confidence in his leadership and a desire to raise the standards of African football.

Fecafoot President Samuel Eto'o joins CAF Executive Committee
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Fecafoot President Samuel Eto’o joins CAF Executive Committee

Fecafoot President Samuel Eto’o has joined the Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after a tumultuous journey that initially saw him barred from running for a seat. However, he successfully overturned that decision.

The former Barcelona striker was the only individual nominated from the Central African Football Federations’ Union (UNIFFAC) and was chosen unanimously. Eto’o will now begin a four-year tenure within CAF’s leadership, further reinforcing his increasing influence in the governance of African football.

Currently serving as the President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), Eto’o faced a surprising ban from campaigning for the UNIFFAC seat, representing the Central African region. This ban was imposed by CAF due to alleged governance issues within FECAFOOT, leading to a contentious legal battle that reached the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Eto’o was determined to contest what he viewed as an unjust ruling and promptly appealed to CAS. In a favorable outcome for him, CAS overturned CAF’s decision and declared him eligible to run for election.

This ruling allowed the four-time African Player of the Year to be reinstated on the ballot, much to the relief of his supporters. With his reinstatement, Eto’o faced no challengers for the UNIFFAC position, ensuring his automatic election to the CAF Executive Committee, which was confirmed at the 14th CAF Extraordinary General Assembly held in Cairo.

Eto’o’s victory further solidifies his influence in African football administration and enhances his growing leadership role in the sport. His involvement comes at a crucial time as CAF moves forward with reforms, financial reorganization, and preparations for major competitions such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Eto’o’s extensive experience in football, both as a player and an administrator, is likely to be invaluable as CAF seeks to implement greater standardization across the continent’s game.

Uganda Cranes ready for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Guinea
by Football Sierra Leone

Uganda Cranes ready for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Guinea

Uganda has made seven changes to its 25-man squad for this month’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers, recalling six players and giving uncapped midfielder Enock Ssebagala his chance to make his international debut.

New additions include center-backs Elvis Bwomono and Toby Sibbick, striker Muhammad Shaban, backup goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa, attacking midfielder Abdu Karim Watambala, and left-winger Patrick Kakande.

Uganda will face Mozambique in Cairo on March 20, followed by a home match against Guinea in Kampala.

Departing players include goalkeepers Charles Lukwago and Mutwalibu Mugolofa, defenders Halidi Lwaliwa and Geoffrey Wasswa, midfielders Bobosi Byaruhanga, Taddeo Lwanga, and Saidi Mayanja, and strikers John Paul Dembe, Shafik Nana Kwikiriza, and Derrick Nsibambi.

Currently, Uganda sits on six points in Group G, with two wins and two losses, three points off the top of the table.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces, Ethiopia), Joel Mutakubwa

(BUL FC), Isima Watenga (Lamontville Golden Arrows, South Africa),

Defenders: Timothy Awany (Ashdod, Israel), Elvis Bwomono (St Mirren, Scotland), Aziz Abdu Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Gavin Kizito (Kampala Capital City Authority), Bevis Mugabi (Famagusta Anorthosis, Cyprus), Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Toby Sibbick (Wigan Athletic, England)

Midfielders: Khalid Aucho (Young Africans, Tanzania), Travis Mutyaba (Girondins Bordeaux, France), Allan Okello (Vipers), Kenneth Semakula (Club Africain, Tunisia), Enock Ssebagala (National Enterprise Corporation), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa), Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers)

Forwards: Calvin Kabuye (Mjallby, Sweden), Patrick Kakande (SC Villa), Hakim Kiwanuka (APR FC, Rwanda), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, North Macedonia), Steven Mukwala (Simba, Tanzania), Denis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda), Muhammad Shaban (Al Anwar Al Abyar, Libya), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara).

Ethiopia rally troops for World Cup qualifier against Egypt and Djibouti
by Football Sierra Leone

Ethiopia rally troops for World Cup qualifiers against Egypt and Djibouti

Ethiopia has called up four new players for their FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Egypt and Djibouti this month. Midfielder Habtamu Tekeste returns to the team for the first time in four years.

Ethiopia will host Egypt in Casablanca, Morocco, on March 21, and then face Djibouti in El Jadida, Morocco, on March 24.

Coach Mesay Teferi selected 24 players – the new players include defenders Woldeamanuel Getu and Abduselam Yusuf, and strikers Ahmed Hussien and Mohammed Abera.

Tekeste, 26, is back on the team after not playing since November 2021. Striker Abubeker Nassir is the only player from abroad. He signed with South African club SuperSport United this season but has not yet played due to an injury.

Ethiopia aims to win its first match in Group A of the 2026 African qualifiers. The team has only three points from four games and is seven points behind Egypt, the leaders.

Squad:

  • Goalkeeper: Biniyam Genetu (Wolayta Dicha), Seid Habtamu (Awassa Kenema), Abubeker Nura (Ethiopia Medhin)
  • Defenders: Birhanu Bekele (Sidama Bunna), Woldeamanuel Getu, Ramkel James (both Ethiopia Bunna), Frezer Kassa (Bahardar), Yareed Kassaye (Ethiopia Medhin), Ahmed Rashid (Dire Dawa Kenema), Aschalew Tamene (Mekelakeya), Amanuel Tarfa (Kedus Giorgis), Asrat Tunjo, Abduselam Yusuf (both Dire Dawa Kenema)
  • Midfielders: Wogene Gezahegn (Ethiopia Medhin), Biruk Markos (Hadiya Hoseana), Habtamu Tekeste (Fasil Kenema), Bereket Wolde (Kedus Giorgis), Abdulkerim Worku, Amanuel Yohannes (both Mekelakeya).
  • Forwards: Mohammed Abera (Ethiopia Medhin), Bereket Desta (Mekelakeya), Chernet Gugsa (Bahardar), Ahmed Hussien (Arba Minch Kenema), Abubeker Nassir (SuperSport United, South Africa).