Category: Sport News

Senegal's Ismaila Sarr's double helps Crystal Palace thrash Aston Villa
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr’s double helps Crystal Palace thrash Aston Villa

Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr netted two goals to help a sharp Crystal Palace overcome Aston Villa 4-1 at Selhurst Park, continuing their march toward the upper half of the Premier League standings.

Manager Oliver Glasner had expressed worries about the Eagles’ performance at home. Prior to Tuesday night’s fixture, they had secured only two league victories on their own ground.

It seemed that trend would persist when Jacob Ramsey found the back of the net with a tidy finish, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

In the 29th minute, Palace forward Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring when Chris Richards’ header was deflected by Emi Martinez, allowing Sarr to tap the ball in from close range.

Villa improved after conceding and believed they had equalized just before halftime when Morgan Rogers partnered with Ollie Watkins and scored from within the penalty area, only for the goal to be overturned by the video assistant referee (VAR).

Rogers did manage to score early in the second half after again combining with Watkins, bringing Villa level, but Jean-Philippe Mateta then put Palace back in front with a superb curled shot past substitute goalkeeper Robin Olsen, who stepped in after Martinez did not reappear for the second half.

Sarr secured his second goal of the match when Daniel Munoz made a low cross into the box, which the Senegal striker directed into the far corner, and late on, substitute Eddie Nketiah added a fourth for Palace.

This result places Glasner’s team in 12th place, after suffering just three losses in their last 15 league matches.

Striker Victor Osimhen doubtful for Nigeria World Cup qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Victor Osimhen doubtful for Nigeria World Cup qualifiers

Nigerian soccer star Victor Osimhen has injured himself before next month’s qualifying matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup next month.

The Super Eagles will play against Rwanda’s Wasps away and Zimbabwe’s Warriors at home, with Eric Chelle as the new head coach.

Osimhen, Nigeria’s top striker, was taken off the field in the 89th minute of Galatasaray’s goalless draw with Fenerbahce on Monday night.

Galatasaray’s team doctor, Yener İnce, confirmed that the substitution was due to an injury.

“We will see; it will be clear tomorrow,” the doctor said on habersarikirmizi.com.

Osimhen, 26, is now the joint second-highest goalscorer for the Super Eagles, with 23 goals in 39 games. Only Rashidi Yekini has scored more for Nigeria, with 37 goals in 62 matches.

Sierra Leone Coaching Education continuous challenges
by Kendol Decker

Sierra Leone Coaching education facing continuous challenges

For almost a decade, there has been a lack of access to formal football coaching education curricula in Sierra Leone. The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) must urgently address this significant crisis. The last time the SLFA hosted a CAF-accreted coaching course was in 2016, before the launch of the CAF Coaching Convention, which made it more difficult for member associations (MAs) to host CAF-accredited coaching courses.

In 2019, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) launched its coaching convention. The convention aims to standardize coaching education and licensing across Africa, ensuring consistent coaching quality. Member associations who wish to issue CAF A, B, C, or D coaching diplomas must design a syllabus for each category based on the guidelines provided in the convention and submit it to CAF for approval.

The SLFA has failed to create a syllabus that meets the convention’s standard and is the only English-speaking MA in West Africa that hasn’t formally trained coaches in recent years since the launching of the CAF Coaching Convention. The SLFA’s failure to design a syllabus that meets the CAF Coaching Convention standard has resulted in most coaches coaching in the top-tier leagues not having the appropriate training to coach at such a level. Some of those coaches are coaching the female and youth national teams.

Before launching the CAF Coaching Convention, over 50 coaches were issued CAF Licenses, and about two dozen coaches obtained the CAF A License. Many of those coaches have either died or are no longer actively coaching. The curriculum those coaches undergo to get their CAF Licenses has significantly improved since the launching of the CAF Coaching Convention in 2019. According to the coaching convention, CAF diploma holders must renew their licenses every two years by participating in a refresher course.

The active coaches in Sierra Leone who obtained CAF Diplomas in 2016 and earlier haven’t been able to renew their licenses as the SLFA hasn’t hosted a CAF Refresher course in recent years. If CAF enforces its coaching license requirement, our coaches cannot coach in CAF Club competitions. The CAF refresher requirements are similar to those of UEFA and US Soccer coach license holders, who must attend 15 hours of continuous professional development (CPD) every three years.

Recently, one of the world’s most successful coaches, Carlo Ancelotti, almost got his license suspended by the Italian Federation for delaying completing his CPD. In recent years, SLFA launched its branded SLFA B Diploma to compensate for the lack of access to the CAF Diplomas. Over the past three years, over 100 coaches have participated in two SLFA B diploma cohorts. The SLFA informed recipients of the course that they could coach second- and lower-level men’s and top-female leagues with the diploma. The issue with the SLFA B Diploma is that it doesn’t meet the standard of a B-level course.

The curriculum is, at best, an introduction to coaching or a grassroots-level D coaching curriculum that is insufficient to coach any team over the age of 13. This dilemma has resulted in an influx of untrained coaches in our football system, from the grassroots to the professional level. Coaches rely solely on their raw football knowledge, playing experience, and intuition to coach.

The Importance of Coaching Education

  • Coaching education equips coaches with the foundations of the principles and phases of play.
  • Coaching education equips coaches with the basic concepts to structure their training sessions with a session objective, linking each drill/activity with the session objective from the warm-up to the game.
  • Coaching education equips coaches to periodize their training sessions and understand the workload during the various stages of the season, which limits the risk of injury.
  • Coaching education equips coaches with the knowledge to plan and design practice sessions using the 5Ws (What, When, Where, Who, and Why), practice objectives, main and sub-principles, area of the field, key players, player actions, etc.
  • Coaching education equips coaches with the tools to guide players at various ages and developmental stages.
  • Coaches education equips coaches with the tools to design and implement a game model.

 

The above are just some of the key benefits of coaching education. There is also child protection, sexual abuse prevention, and safeguarding training that our coaches are lacking. This is very important to create a safe environment for children and women in football. Although coaching education is still very underdeveloped in almost all of Africa, Sierra Leone is far behind most African countries. The Gambian Football (GFF) currently hosts the CAF B Diploma course, while the Liberian Football Association (LFA) hosts the CAF A Diploma course. The GFF sponsored three coaches to participate in LFA’s ongoing CAF A Diploma course. Over the past few years, the LFA has hosted two cohorts of CAF B Licences and refresher courses. I find it difficult to understand why the SLFA hasn’t collaborated with the LFA in coaching education.

  • Striving The Way Forward

The SLFA must address this matter urgently by hiring or collaborating with coaches and educators who can design syllabi that meet CAF Convention standards. The first step to developing a coaching education curriculum is knowing what you want to teach coaches. The SLFA must establish and publish a coaching education pathway, a national coaching methodology, and a football philosophy or DNA. Various SLFA technical officials have publicly claimed to have made significant progress in coaching education and stated publicly that the  SLFA has developed a coaching education pathway and player development strategic plan accessible to anyone who requests the documents. Unfortunately, my colleagues and I have reached out to those same officials for those documents with no success.

About the Author

Kendal Decker is a youth football coach and administrator based in Maryland, USA with 15 years of experience.

Summary of Coach Decker’s Coaching Education Accomplishments:

* UEFA A License Candidate (2026)

* MSc Performance Analysis in Football Candidate (2025)

* Barca Innovation Hub Professional Diploma in Football Tactical Analysis (2025)

* USSF Club Technical Leadership Level 1 Diploma (2024)

* USSF B License (2023)

* USC Premier Coaching Diploma (2016)

* USC Director of Coaching Diploma (2015)

Benin cruise past Sierra Leone to progress to next stage of WAFCON qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Benin cruise past Sierra Leone in first round WAFCON qualifiers

On Monday, Sierra Leone faced a 3-1 defeat in the Women’s AFCON qualifier second leg against Benin at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, resulting in their elimination from the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations 2026 qualifiers. (Photo SLFA)

This loss followed a 2-1 defeat in the first leg at Kégué Stadium last Thursday, Sierra Leone was eliminated with an aggregate score of 5-2. This result means Benin will face Nigeria’s Super Falcons in the second round.

The visitors first scored in the 38th minute through Marguerite Ahouassou, and Germaine Honfo doubled their lead in the 44th minute. Aude Gbedjissi added a penalty goal, sealing their victory. Although the host team managed to reduce the deficit to 3-1, it was too late for a comeback.

In the first match, Benin’s captain Aude Gbedjissi scored a brace, with her first goal coming in the 23rd minute after receiving a solid pass from the left. She skilfully manoeuvred past the Sierra Leone goalkeeper to open the scoring. Benin started brightly and could have scored more in the first 15 minutes, but they missed several chances.

The Sierra Queens equalized in the 35th minute when Kadiatu Kamara capitalized on a corner play, striking the ball long over the Benin goalkeeper.

However, the home side quickly responded and regained their one-goal lead after being awarded a penalty in the 44th minute. The Benin captain converted the penalty for her second goal, ending the first half with a 2-1 advantage for her team.

After the recess, both teams struggled to take control of the tie with scrappy football, as there were no goals in the second forty minutes.

The final phase of the competition is divided into three groups, each consisting of four teams. The top two teams from each group will directly qualify for the quarter-finals, along with the two best third-placed teams.

From this stage onward, the competition follows a knockout format leading up to the final, where the winner will be crowned.

The 2026 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations is the 16th edition of this tournament, bringing together the best women’s football teams in Africa.

Read Related – Benin beat Sierra Leone in first-leg WAFCON qualifiers.

Second Round

● M33 & M34: Angola – Zimbabwe vs. Malawi 

● M35 & M36: Botswana – DR Congo vs. South Africa

● M37 & M38: Tanzania – Equatorial Guinea vs. Uganda – Ethiopia

● M39 & M40: Eswatini – Namibia vs. Zambia

● M41 & M42: Burundi – Burkina Faso vs. Djibouti – Togo

● M43 & M44: South Sudan – Algeria vs. Cameroon

● M45 & M46: Rwanda – Egypt vs. Ghana

● M47 & M48: Kenya – Tunisia vs. Niger – Gambia

● M49 & M50: Benin – Sierra Leone vs. Nigeria

● M51 & M52: Guinea – Cape Verde vs. Gabon – Mali

● M53 & M54: Chad – Senegal vs. Ivory Coast

Emmanuel Latte Lath nets brace on his MLS debut for Atlanta
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivorian Emmanuel Lath nets brace on his MLS debut for Atlanta

Emmanuel Latte Lath had an impressive debut for Atlanta United, scoring two goals in one game. Broadcaster Mike Conti celebrated with, “It’s a double latte!” after his second goal. (Photo Atlanta United)

Latte Lath made history by being the first player to score two goals in a debut for the club on February 22. His goals came in the 41st and 63rd minutes.

Coach Ronny Deila praised his speed and skill, noting, “He’s quick, has great direction, and can finish with both feet.”

Before the match, there were questions about whether he would play the whole game, having just joined the team from Middlesbrough FC.

Latte Lath was substituted in the 90th minute, fulfilling his goal to score in his first match. “I’m really, really happy,” he said.

His first goal came from a corner by Saba Lobjanidze, which he headed in. He described it simply: “I jump.”

His second goal came in the second half when he scored in a scramble after a deflection from Montreal’s goalkeeper. Deila remarked, “When he’s focused, he can threaten any defense.”

Latte Lath signed on February 4 and made his debut just over two weeks later, rounding out a busy offseason for the team.

Starting the season at home with new players was a great way to begin 2025, drawing a large crowd. All three designated players, including Latte Lath, contributed significantly in Deila’s first match. “Their hard work and teamwork helped us immensely,” he said.

Guinean striker Serhou Guirassy nets four against Union Berlin
by Football Sierra Leone

Guinean striker Serhou Guirassy nets four against Union Berlin

Inform Guinean International Serhou Guirassy scored four goals to lead Borussia Dortmund to a 6-1 victory over Union Berlin, giving Niko Kovac his first win as head coach.

Dortmund went ahead in the 25th minute when Union’s Diogo Leite deflected a shot from Julian Ryerson into his own net. Guirassy scored his first goal in the 40th minute with a header from Pascal Gross’s cross and added another in the 75th minute, also set up by Gross.

Maximilian Beier assisted Guirassy’s hat-trick goal five minutes later, and Guirassy completed his scoring with a header in the 83rd minute, bringing his season total to 13 league goals.

Beier finished the scoring in the 89th minute. Gross’s four assists marked the first time in five years that a player achieved this feat in the Bundesliga. Nico Kovac, who took over as coach in January, has Dortmund in 10th place with 32 points as they prepare to face Lille in the Champions League next month.

Morocco's Achraf Hakimi Scores Twice to Help PSG Beat Lyon
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi Scores Twice to Help PSG Beat Lyon

Achraf Hakimi scored two goals on Sunday night, leading Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to a 3-2 win against Olympique Lyon in Ligue 1.

The Moroccan International now has four goals and five assists in 18 appearances for Ligue 1. Hakimi, named Man of the Match, played very well in this important game. After a scoreless first half, PSG took the lead in the 53rd minute.

Bradley Barcola set up Hakimi, who shot into the bottom left corner of the goal, past Lyon’s keeper Lucas Perri. Seven minutes later, Ousmane Dembélé increased the lead with a great solo goal, weaving past defenders and striking the ball into the left side of the net.

Lyon fought back in the 83rd minute when Rayan Cherki scored after getting a pass from Georges Mikautadze. However, Hakimi scored again just two minutes later, thanks to a well-placed assist from Kang-In Lee.

Lyon continued to push for more goals. In stoppage time, Corentin Tolisso scored with a powerful header from an Ainsley Maitland-Niles cross. Despite this, PSG held on to win the match.

Congolese's Edo Kayembe nets for Watford in win over Luton
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Congolese Edo Kayembe nets for Watford in win over Luton

Tom Dele-Bashiru and Congolese player Edo Kayembe scored to help Watford win the derby against their local rivals at Vicarage Road.

Both goals came in the first half, with Dele-Bashiru scoring a penalty and Kayembe finishing after a great play from Giorgi Chakvetadze. Watford controlled the game well, especially in the first half, and secured a valuable win.

Watford is now just three points away from the Sky Bet Championship play-offs, bringing excitement after a strong performance against the Hatters.

Cleverley made two changes: Jeremy Ngakia played right-back instead of Ryan Andrews, and Tom Ince took Moussa Sissoko’s place in midfield due to injury.

James Abankwah and Kévin Keben remained as central defenders, with Mattie Pollock on the bench again. Vakoun Bayo returned from suspension as a substitute, while Mamadou Doumbia started in attack.

Imrân Louza captained the team after his impressive performances in midfield. The win elevated the London club to ninth in the English Championship standings.

Sierra Queen's coach Hassan Malik Mansaray optimistic ahead of Benin's second leg
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Queen’s coach Hassan Malik Mansaray optimistic ahead of second leg

Sierra Leone’s national women’s head coach, Hassan Malik Mansaray, remains hopeful after his team lost 2-1 to Benin in the first leg of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) women’s qualifiers.

The match on February 20 at the Kégué Stadium gave Benin a first-leg advantage, but Mansaray believes his team can win the return leg on February 24 in Monrovia.

Coach Mansaray, in his post-match interview, has emphasized the importance of their away goal, stating, “We will try to make the most of it. It was challenging for our players on natural grass, but at home – we will aim for victory.”

Despite the loss, Mansaray sees the away goal as a key advantage. He recalled past encounters with Benin in men’s football where Sierra Leone successfully turned around losses. “We can do the same here,” he said.

As they prepare for the return leg, Sierra Leone is eager to use their home support and refine their tactics. Mansaray’s comments reflect the team’s determination to secure qualification for AFCON 2026. With an away goal already scored, they hope to overcome the deficit and keep their hopes alive.

Meanwhile, his team has safely arrived in Monrovia, Liberia, in preparation for their crucial second-leg match in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers for Morocco 2026. The second leg is scheduled for Monday, February 24, 2026, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville, Liberia.

Read Related Benin beat Sierra Leone in first-leg WAFCON qualifiers.

CAF Inter-club Champions League knockout phase draw revealed
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Champions League knockout phase draw revealed

The knockout phase of this year’s CAF Champions League has been confirmed as the quarter-final and semi-final draws were conducted by the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) on 20 February.

The draw, held live from the beIN SPORTS studios in Doha, Qatar, created four exciting quarter-final matches. Eight of Africa’s top clubs will compete over two legs for a spot in the semi-finals.

Defending champions Al Ahly SC from Egypt will face Sudan’s Al Hilal SC. Al Ahly, with 12 titles, finished as runners-up in their group. They aim to win the title for a third consecutive year. Al Hilal, coached by Florent Ibengé, topped their group while playing in Mauritania due to conflict in Sudan.

Pyramids FC from Egypt will take on Moroccan club AS FAR. Pyramids, led by coach Krunoslav Jurčić, scored 14 goals in the group stage, while AS FAR went unbeaten with coach Alexandre Santos.

Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa will play Tunisia’s Esperance Sportive de Tunis. Sundowns, champions in 2016, are eager to break their semi-final curse. Esperance, a four-time champion, topped their group and recently won the Tunisian Super Cup.

Finally, Algeria’s MC Alger, who conceded only two goals, will meet South Africa’s Orlando Pirates. The Pirates, who won in 1995 and finished first in their group, want to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2013.

The semi-final matchups are also set. The winner of Sundowns versus Esperance will face either Al Ahly or Al Hilal, while the winner of MC Alger versus Pirates will meet the Pyramids versus AS FAR winner.

Quarter-final games will be played over two legs, with the first on 1 April and the return leg on 8 April. The semi-finals will follow the same format, leading to the final in June.

2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Quarter-Finals:

  • QF 1: Al Ahly SC (EGY) vs Al Hilal SC (SDN)
  • QF 2: Pyramids FC (EGY) vs AS FAR (MAR)
  • QF 3: Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA) vs Esperance Sportive de Tunis (TUN)
  • QF 4: MC Alger (ALG) vs Orlando Pirates (RSA)

Semi-Final Draw Outcome:

  • SF 1: Mamelodi Sundowns/Esperance Sportive de Tunis vs Al Ahly SC/Al Hilal SC
  • SF 2: MC Alger/Orlando Pirates vs Pyramids FC/AS FAR