Category: Sport News

Sudan, Niger book CHAN spots as others battle for a place in the final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sudan, Niger book CHAN spots as others battle for a place in the final

Niger has qualified for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after a goalless draw against Togo in the second leg, advancing on the away goals rule following a 1-1 draw in the first leg. This marks Niger’s fifth appearance in the CHAN finals.

Sudan was the first team to secure their place in the tournament after a 2-1 victory over Ethiopia in the second leg, combined with a 2-0 win in the first leg, giving them a 4-1 aggregate score.

Musa Kanti opened the scoring for Sudan early on, and despite a brief equalizer from Ethiopia, Sudan quickly regained the lead to secure their fourth CHAN qualification.

The qualifiers continue on Saturday, with eight teams vying for spots, including Burkina Faso trying to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Côte d’Ivoire. Defending champions Senegal will host Liberia in Diamniadio, aiming to secure their qualification following a 1-1 draw in Monrovia.

They have added Daouda Ba and Moussa Diallo to strengthen their defence and attack. In a regional derby, Guinea seeks to overcome Guinea-Bissau.

On Sunday, the final five qualification spots will be decided, with Mali trying to recover from a 1-0 first-leg loss to Mauritania.

The tournament will take place from February 1 to 28, 2025, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, providing a platform for showcasing local talent exclusively from domestic leagues.

Saturday, December 28, 2024

  • 13:00: Zambia vs. Mozambique
  • 16:00: Burkina Faso vs. Ivory Coast
  • 16:00: Cameroon vs. Central African Republic
  • 16:00: Guinea-Bissau vs. Guinea
  • 16:00: Nigeria vs. Ghana
  • 16:00: Rwanda vs. South Sudan
  • 16:30: Angola vs. Lesotho
  • 17:00: Senegal vs. Liberia

Sunday, December 29, 2024

  • Noon: Madagascar vs. Eswatini
  • 13:00: Uganda vs. Burundi
  • 14:00: Congo vs. Equatorial Guinea
  • 16:00: DR Congo vs. Chad
  • 16:00 : Mali vs. Mauritania

https://twitter.com/bittar32/status/1872923786640801871

Sierra Leone's Tyrese Fornah nets first Salford's goal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Tyrese Fornah nets first Salford’s goal

Tyrese Fornah, a Sierra Leone international, scored his first league goal on Boxing Day when the Ammies defeated Barrow 3-0, their first three-game winning streak since October 2023.

The squad benefited greatly from the game, moving up to ninth place in the rankings, three points outside of the desired top three spots.

Tyrese Fornah and Luke Garbutt both ended the scoring drought in an exciting first half, hitting their first goals of the year to put the Ammies ahead 2-0.

The fans’ thunderous applause created an electrifying environment. Kylian Kouassi completed the outstanding performance in the last ten minutes by scoring the game’s winning goal, ensuring the team’s victory.

Despite his goal, a second yellow card for Fornah late in the day for a reckless challenge on Spence, saw him receive a sending-off after his heel caught the Barrow player on the way down.

Home-based Ghana ready for CHAN qualifying decider against Nigeria
by Football Sierra Leone

Ghana ready for CHAN qualifying decider against Nigeria

The Ghana national home-based team, known as the Black Galaxies, arrived in Uyo, Nigeria, on Friday morning for an important Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifying match against the Super Eagles B.

Winning on Saturday would guarantee Ghana a place in the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in February 2025.

This match will take place on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 4 p.m. local time (16:00 GMT) and will decide which team moves on to the 2024 CHAN tournament.

Ghana’s team landed at Victor Attah International Airport at 11 a.m. local time, showing confidence as they prepare to face their West African rivals at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

The first match in Accra ended in a goalless draw, setting up an exciting rematch.

Head coach Mas Ud Didi Dramani is hopeful about his team’s chances, as they have previously beaten Nigeria in the 2009 and 2023 CHAN qualifiers.

Egypt's Mohamed Salah reflects on Liverpool’s League title bid
by Football Sierra Leone

Egypt’s Mohamed Salah reflects on Liverpool’s League title bid

Egypt and Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah is pleased with the team’s performance this season following Thursday’s 3-1 comeback victory over Leicester City. (Photo Liverpool FC)

Liverpool now leads the Premier League table by seven points due to this victory. Leicester surprised everyone with a goal from Jordan Ayew six minutes into the game.

Jordan Ayew’s goal for Leicester just six minutes into the match surprised everyone. But Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones, and Salah’s goals for Liverpool swiftly changed the tide.

Liverpool appears to be in a strong position to win the title after this victory. They have previously suffered in comparable circumstances, particularly during the 2018–19 campaign when they led by a significant margin but lost to Manchester City.

“It feels different, but we must maintain our humility,” Salah added. With 16 goals, he leads the league’s top scoring chart.

Wayne Rooney confirms suspected hamstring for Mustapha Bundu
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Plymouth Argyle to assess winger Mustapha Bundu due to hamstring

On Thursday, Sierra Leone international Mustapha Bundu departed the pitch with a suspected hamstring as Plymouth Argyle faced a significant 4-0 defeat against Coventry City in the Championship.

Bundu started their Boxing Day match but was substituted in the 36th minute after Argyle fell behind by two goals.

All of Coventry’s goals were scored before half-time, beginning with an early strike from Tatsuhiro Sakamoto. Josh Eccles increased the lead to 2-0 after 20 minutes, and Coventry effectively sealed the outcome with two goals in six minutes just before the break.

Ephron Mason-Clark demonstrated impressive form by scoring his fourth goal in six matches since Lampard took over as manager. Eccles netted his second goal and Coventry’s fourth, bringing his season total to three.

This victory represented Lampard’s third win as manager of Coventry City, elevating the team to 14th place, now ten points clear of the playoff positions.

In contrast, Plymouth remains at the bottom of the league, just two points adrift of safety, following their fourth consecutive away defeat in a month.

“Mustapha Bundu has felt his hamstring, so we’ll assess that over the next few days. Not ideal, but we have to dig in. While this situation is not optimal, the team must continue to persevere. The supporters have valid reasons for their disappointment, as the match was effectively concluded by half-time,” Rooney was quoted as saying.

There was significant concern regarding the goals conceded, particularly due to the early nature of those goals. The players did not respond quickly enough to the unfolding situation.

Additionally, “It’s a silly tackle by Callum Wright. He’s had a bit of a wild tackle just before that and he’s got frustrated. I’ve been there myself. But he’s cost himself by missing the next few games.“

Senegalese striker Iliman Ndiaye named Player of the Match against City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegalese striker Iliman Ndiaye helps Everton draw against City

Senegalese striker Iliman Ndiaye was named Player of the Match after he scored an equalizer that helped Everton draw 1-1 with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Iliman Ndiaye’s fourth goal of the season came through a right-footed shot from the centre of the box to the top right corner to level the scoreline in the 36th minute.

Erling Haaland had a penalty saved by Jordan Pickford in the second half. Manchester City continues to struggle, with only one win in their last 13 games.

City nearly took the lead in the third minute when Josko Gvardiol’s header hit the post. They scored in the 14th minute when Bernardo Silva finished a pass from Jeremy Doku, thanks to a deflection off Jarrad Branthwaite. They could have scored again when Phil Foden set up Silva inside the box, but Silva missed the target.

Seven minutes into the second half, City had another chance to regain the lead when Vitalii Mykolenko fouled Savinho in the box. However, Pickford saved Haaland’s penalty.

City pushed for a winning goal but could not break through Everton’s defence. They have not won a match since December 4 against Nottingham Forest.

There was one last chance for Everton. In the final minute of six added minutes, Broja led another Everton attack and found Harrison in a promising position – but the winger’s shot was blocked.

The result places City in sixth place, three points behind Nottingham Forest in fourth and 11 points behind leaders Liverpool. Everton in 15th after draws against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.

Wilberforce Strikers, Old Edwardians record big wins in 24/25 league opener in Sierra Leone
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Wilberforce Strikers, Old Edwardians record big wins in Sierra Leone season opener

The Sierra Leone Premier League 24/25 season began with flair, as Luawa celebrated their win against Bai Bureh Warriors, while SLIFA FC also claimed a narrow victory over Star Sport. (SLIFA FC Photo)

The season kicked off with great enthusiasm on Friday, highlighting the impressive skills of Luawa FC, who secured a 1-0 victory over Bai Bureh Warriors at the New Port Loko pitch.

Wilberforce Strikers and Old Edwardians made headlines with their outstanding performances, taking the top two positions on the league table after an impresive start.

The May Park Boys put on a spectacular show against Ports Authority, winning decisively with a 4-2 scoreline on Monday. Mohamed Fogbawa was awarded Man of the Match against Ports Authority. The Old Edwardians midfielder scored two of the six goals in this thrilling encounter.

Elsewhere, Bhantal FC beat Kamboi Eagles 1-0 in their Premier League return. In a tight match, Captain Alfred Fornah scored just before halftime, securing the win for Bhantal. It was a tough return for the Eagles, but the Premier League is back.

On Tuesday, Wilberforce Strikers continued their dominance by overpowering newly promoted Abacha City with a commanding 5-2 victory at the Sierra Leone FA secretariat.

The highlight of the weekend was Freetown City FC’s impressive win against the defending champions, Bo Rangers, in the capital on Sunday.  Freetown City took the lead early with a fantastic goal from Ibrahim Sorie Kamara in the third minute.

Despite Suffian Kalokoh equalizing for Bo Rangers with a penalty in the 35th minute, Mohamed Alie Mansaray sealed the victory with a dramatic goal in the 87th minute.

This win sends a strong message from Freetown City, who narrowly avoided relegation last season. In other Saturday matches, the renowned club Mighty Blackpool showed their determination with a 2-2 draw against former league champions Diamond Stars.

FC Kallon also battled hard, ending in a draw with Wusum Stars at the Approved School in Freetown.

However, East End Lions were unable to capitalize on their home advantage, finishing in a goalless draw against newcomers Bullom Stars at the Approved School’s artificial pitch.

The season has clearly set the stage for intense competition and exciting football!

Elsewhere, Bhantal FC beat Kamboi Eagles 1-0 in their Premier League return.
Elsewhere, Bhantal FC beat Kamboi Eagles 1-0 in their Premier League return.
Nigeria striker Kelechi Iheanacho on Watford's radar
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigeria striker Kelechi Iheanacho on Watford’s radar

English Championship team Watford is interested in striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who has not been performing well at Sevilla in La Liga.

Iheanacho joined Sevilla as a free agent this summer after the expiration of his contract at Leicester City. However, he managed three goals in eleven appearances since joining the club.

Reports from fichajes.net say that Sevilla plans to transfer Iheanacho during the January window to make changes to their squad for the second half of the 2025 season.

Watford wants to sign the Nigerian striker to strengthen their attack as they aim for promotion to the Premier League. Sevilla is also looking to make a deal to create space in their squad.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Watford suffered their first defeat in seven Sky Bet Championship matches, despite Kwadwo Baah’s late volley creating a tense finale in the 2-1 loss to promotion-chasing Burnley at Turf Moor.

SLIFA's Head Coach Jumu Bockarie Reflects on Debut Victory
by Football Sierra Leone

SLIFA’s Head Coach Jumu Bockarie Reflects on Debut Victory

Jumu Bockarie, head coach of Sierra Leone Premier League side SLIFA FC, spoke to the club’s media following his debut victory in the league, a 1-0 win at the approved school pitch in Freetown last Sunday.

A fantastic goal from Ernest George was the reason for the victory. “I want to express my gratitude to God and my family for their endless love and support. I would also like to thank SLIFA MANAGEMENT for allowing me to continue as head coach for the 2024/2025 season,” stated Bockarie, a UEFA C licensed coach.

“The focus of the staff was on welcoming our players, the style of play, and improving our passing, which played a significant role in our performance. The opponent posed a real challenge in the first ten minutes, but our players adapted well and demonstrated high-quality skills.

He also commented on the team’s performance: “We played very well and achieved a clean sweep across all fronts. Our victory was thanks to a fantastic shot that hit the crossbar, followed quickly by George, who sealed the score.

“It’s a fantastic achievement in my debut season; however, I’m not satisfied yet, and I remain focused on the next game. It’s essential to manage players effectively and use the right tactics.

I am grateful for SLIFA’s support on my journey to becoming a coach, and I am committed to helping our young players grow and entertain our fans,” he added.

Holders Al Ahly dismantle Algerian side CR Belouizdad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Holders Al Ahly dismantle Algerian side CR Belouizdad

Title holders Al Ahly of Egypt delivered a strong message in the CAF Champions League with a commanding 6-1 victory over CR Belouizdad, highlighted by Wessam Abou Ali’s impressive hat-trick.

The match, held at Cairo International Stadium, saw Al Ahly rebound from an early setback when Aimen Mahious scored for Belouizdad in the 21st minute. Abou Ali equalized just before halftime, paving the way for a dominant second half.

He added two more goals, including a precise free kick and a long-range strike, while Hussein El Shahat and Percy Tau also contributed to the scoreline. Emam Ashour capped the match with a sixth goal in stoppage time, thrilling the home crowd.

With this victory, Al Ahly ascends to the top of Group C with seven points, ahead of Orlando Pirates by two points, while Belouizdad, now third with three points, faces a challenging return leg.

This resounding win illustrates Al Ahly’s strength as they continue to contend for the title in the tournament’s next phase.