Category: Players Abroad News

Sierra Leone fasting growing digital football website is passionately on all topics of National and International news, identifying our soccer stars.

Amadou Bakayoko's Hokkaido Sapporo relegated from J1 League
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Amadou Bakayoko’s Hokkaido Sapporo relegated from J1 League

Sierra Leone international Amadou Bakayoko, who plays for J-League side Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, faced relegation despite the team’s 1-0 victory over Kashiwa Reysol on the final day of the season.

Sapporo had already been confirmed for relegation following poor form as they only managed nine wins of 38 league encounters.

However, on the final game of the season, they put up a strong fight with Tomoki Kondo scoring the decisive goal for a full three points.

Bakayoko, who joined Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo on July 28, 2024, managed to score only one goal in nine appearances in all competitions due to limited playing time.

He made his debut on August 16 as a substitute and scored his first goal from the penalty spot in a 5-3 win over Sagan Tosu.

Title wrap-up: Vissel are champions again

Vissel Kobe 3, Shonan Bellmare 0

Vissel Kobe knew that a win would secure them the title, and they certainly delivered a remarkable performance. Taisei Miyashiro, Yoshinori Muto, and Takahiro Ogihara each scored, igniting celebrations in Kobe.

Gamba Osaka 3, Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1

Sanfrecce Hiroshima entered the match needing a win to have any chance at claiming the league title. However, Isa Sakamoto scored his first of two goals in the 13th minute, paving the way for Gamba Osaka to secure a decisive victory. This win earned Gamba a fourth-place finish, qualifying them for the AFC Champions League Two next year.

Kashima Antlers 3, FC Machida Zelvia 1

FC Machida Zelvia faced long odds for the title on the final day and needed a victory to keep their hopes alive. However, Shu Morooka and Yuta Higuchi scored early, putting Kashima Antlers two goals ahead within the first 16 minutes. Kashima concluded their season on a high note with this victory.

Mustapha Bundu nets as Plymouth battle Championship relegation under Rooney
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mustapha Bundu nets as Plymouth battles relegation under Rooney

Sierra Leone International was on target as Swansea City increased the pressure on Plymouth Argyle with a 2-1 victory at Home Park. The victory means Swansea ended Plymouth’s six-match unbeaten home run as Wayne Rooney’s side slipped to 23rd in the Championship.

Jay Fulton opened the scoring for Swansea with a composed finish just before halftime in the 44th minute, in a first half that was largely balanced between the two teams.

Following the break, Swansea doubled their lead in the 60th minute when Liam Cullen capitalized on a close-range opportunity.

Plymouth Argyle, however, responded by intensifying the contest. Mustapha Bundu, who had previously struck the woodwork in the first half, scored by heading in the rebound after Kornel Szucs’ effort hit the bar.

Despite their efforts, Plymouth was unable to find an equalizer and suffered their third consecutive defeat.

Wayne Rooney’s team currently finds itself in the Championship relegation zone, having secured only one victory in their last ten league matches.

This match also marked Bundu’s third goal of the season in sixteen appearances for the Championship.

Josh Koroma scores Huddersfield Town winner to strengthen promotion chances
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Josh Koroma scores Huddersfield’s winner to strengthen promotion chances

Sierra Leone international Josh Koroma contributed significantly to Huddersfield’s victory over Mansfield Town, as the latter faced their fifth consecutive defeat in League One.

In his sixteenth appearance of the season, Koroma scored his sixth goal, helping Huddersfield ascend to fourth place in the league standings and secure a playoff spot.

The match began with Huddersfield taking an early lead in the eighth minute. Ben Wiles scored, finding the net off the inside of the near post after an impressive run and low cross from the left delivered by Josh Koroma.

Mansfield equalized in the 31st minute when Jacob Chapman parried a header from Aden Flint, stemming from an Aaron Lewis corner, which allowed Will Evans to strike the rebound into the goal.

However, the visitors quickly regained the lead within two minutes. Jose Koroma could chase down a long ball and skillfully directed his shot across Christy Pym, placing it into the far corner of the net.

In the last of four added minutes at the end of the first half, Mansfield nearly equalized again when George Maris struck the post with a low shot from 20 yards.

Mansfield experienced a moment of fortune when Tom Lees directed a close-range free header directly at Pym in the 51st minute, following a free-kick taken by Ben Wiles. Shortly thereafter, Mansfield came close to scoring again as Chapman made two swift saves from attempts by Keanu Baccus and Aaron Lewis.

In the 62nd minute, Flint prevented a goal by clearing a shot from Michal Helik off the line during a corner kick. As the match approached its conclusion, Lees inadvertently headed the ball against his own crossbar during the last of five added minutes. Despite mounting pressure from Mansfield, Huddersfield managed to secure their fourth consecutive victory.

Sierra Leone's Juma Bah on Manchester City's Radar
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Juma Bah on Manchester City’s Radar

Manchester City and other English clubs want to sign Sierra Leone-born defender Juma Bah, a rising star, as Pep Guardiola works to improve his defence.

The 18-year-old defender has impressed while on loan at Real Valladolid after moving from AIK Freetong, a team in Sierra Leone.

He started with the Juvenil División de Honor and quickly moved up to the Promesas team, where he made a successful debut in September.

However, the 6’5” player earned a spot on the first team, playing 855 minutes in eleven appearances.

Among centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues, Bah ranks in the 95th percentile for clearances, averaging 5.63 per game, and in the 98th percentile for aerial duels won, averaging 3.81 per game.

Read related News New Real Valladolid defender back Bah headline Spanish News.

Sierra Leone's Sullay Kaikai helps Cambridge draw against Bolton
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sullay Kaikai header helps 10-man Cambridge draw against Bolton

On Tuesday at the Abbey Stadium, Sullay Kaikai’s exceptional header in the 89th minute secured an unexpected draw for the 10-man Cambridge team against Bolton.

Despite being in the bottom three of the League One standings, a draw against Bolton while playing with ten men will feel like a win.

Cambridge faced significant challenges after Jubril Okedina received a red card four minutes into the second half for violent conduct following an altercation with George Johnston while Bolton prepared to take a corner.

Bolton’s goal looked set to decide the match until Andrew delivered a precise cross, which Kaikai headed past Nathan Baxter.

Cambridge opened the match well, creating two scoring opportunities in the first four minutes. Baxter saved both Kaikai’s initial shot and Ryan Loft’s chance from a deep cross by Liam Bennett.

Just before halftime, Jay Matete missed an opportunity, shooting over the bar after a poor clearance from James Brophy.

Sierra Leone's Steven Caulker retires from international football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Steven Caulker retires from international football

Sierra Leone defender Steven Caulker has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 32, after earning 20 caps for his country.

The announcement came a day after he stepped down as skipper of the Leone Stars amid his claim of the broken system following Sierra Leone’s failed attempt to reach Morocco in 2025.

The former Liverpool and Tottenham player joined Turkish club Keçiörengücü in July 2024 on a one-year deal, with an option for another year. He debuted on August 9 in the league opener against Sakaryaspor.

Caulker played an important role in Sierra Leone’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign. He helped the Leone Stars achieve a goalless draw against Algeria and a 2-2 draw against Ivory Coast.

“I have made the difficult decision to retire from international football. I have played in 20 matches and participated in 1 AFCON tournament,” he wrote on his LinkedIn page.

Caulker started his professional career with Tottenham Hotspur in 2009. He spent three seasons on loan at Yeovil Town, Bristol City, and Swansea City.

While at Swansea, he made his first appearances in the Premier League. At the end of that season, he represented Britain at the 2012 Olympics. In November 2012, he scored in his first game for England in a friendly match against Sweden.

In October 2021, Caulker said he was waiting for FIFA to approve his switch from England to Sierra Leone. He played his first match for Sierra Leone in a friendly against Morocco, where the team lost 2-1.

On December 17, FIFA allowed him to play in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. He was part of Sierra Leone’s squad and played in all three group matches. The team drew with Algeria and Ivory Coast but lost to Equatorial Guinea, finishing third in their group with two points.

Caulker made one appearance for England, his birth country, in a 4-2 loss to Sweden in November 2012 before switching his allegiance to Sierra Leone last year.

Maharlika FC midfielder John Kamara happy with his form
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Maharlika FC midfielder John Kamara happy with his form

Experience Sierra Leone International John Kamara has been pleased with his form this season since joining the Philippine’s top-tier side Maharlika.

Last season, Kamara was successful with United FC in the Philippines Football League organized by Liga Futbol Inc., where he made over 15 appearances.

Kamara, 35, the former Kaisar and Keşla FK, says he is enjoying his time helping his new club. “Although we suffered a 1-0 defeat to DH Cebu FC on Saturday, I believe it was a commendable effort considering we were away from home. This league is highly competitive, and I’m really enjoying the challenge it presents.

Joining a new club can always be tough, but I have confidence in my abilities. And I’m committed to working hard. I aim to demonstrate my determination and energy on the field.”

Kamara has played in Lebanon and Greece for clubs including Tadamon Sour, Apollon Smyrni, and Lamia. On January 8, 2019, Kamara joined Keşla FK, a club in the Azerbaijan Premier League. On June 25, 2020, he signed a new contract with Keşla for the 2020–21 season.

On December 27, 2021, Kamara left Keşla by mutual consent. In January 2023, he signed with the Greek team Egaleo. In March 2024, Kamara joined United City, a club in the Philippines Football League.

Heartbreak for Ghana's Black Stars as they miss out on AFCON 2025
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Heartbreak for Ghana Black Stars as they miss out on AFCON 2025

Ghana Black Stars’ heartbreak continues after another disappointing draw in matchday five of qualifying for the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, which ended in disappointment as they drew 1-1 with Angola in Luanda.

Despite taking an early lead through Jordan Ayew’s impressive free-kick in the 18th minute, they could not maintain their advantage, with Zine’s header equalizing the match in the 64th minute.

This result means Ghana, a four-time champion, will miss the tournament for the first time in 20 years. The Black Stars currently sit at the bottom of Group F with just three points from five matches, failing to record a victory.

Angola leads Group F with 13 points and has secured qualification for Morocco. Given Ghana’s esteemed football history, the country keenly feels disappointed.

 

In Group A, Comoros qualified for the AFCON for the second time, winning 2-1 against Gambia. The Gambia initially led, but Comoros equalized just before halftime and scored the winning goal in the 90th minute from substitute Myziane Maolida.

Further, Morocco continued their strong form with a 5-1 victory over Gabon, despite already securing their place in the tournament. After Gabon scored the first goal, Morocco responded with five consecutive goals, maintaining a perfect record in Group B with 15 points and a goal difference of +17.

Youngster David Kamara makes Peterborough's debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Youngster David Kamara makes Peterborough’s debut

Sierra Leone’s David Kamara, 19, debuted for Peterborough as they defeated Stevenage 2-0 on Tuesday.

David, a versatile striker, joined the club from Welling United at the end of the 2023-2024 season. He has shown potential for improvement and good movement between the posts.

Malik Mothersille and J. Sparkes scored for Peterborough in their Football League Trophy tie. As a result, they are at the top of Group L with six points, ahead of Crystal Palace, Stevenage, and Gillingham.

Recap Happenings

Statistical highlights include Malik Mothersille’s 11th-minute header and a fine finish from Jack Sparkes, his first goal for the club, in the 43rd minute.

Malik Mothersille’s 11th-minute header and Jack Sparkes’ first goal for the club in 43 minutes were the standout moments.

Jack Sparkes delivered his best performance for Posh, and Emmanuel Fernandez showed continued improvement.

Nicholas Bilokapic provided solid goalkeeping, and teenagers Tyler Young and David Kamara made their first-team debuts as second-half substitutes, all positive developments.

There was a 38-minute rain delay in the second half, frustrating Posh, who were leading 2-0. After the game resumed, the competition holders secured a 2-0 win in the EFL Trophy.

It was a great performance by Sparkes, with continued improvement from Fernandez, solid goalkeeping from Bilokapic, and promising debuts from Young and Kamara as substitutes.

Striker Augustine Williams named in USL Team of the Week
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Augustine Williams named in USL Team of the Week

Indy Eleven forward Augi Williams has been recognized as part of the USL Championship Team of the Week for the second consecutive week.

During the recent match against Louisville City FC, Williams displayed exceptional performance by scoring two goals, thus achieving a remarkable feat of five goals in consecutive matches.

This accomplishment makes him the first player in franchise history to achieve such a milestone. Additionally, Williams has entered the record books as the fifth player in USL Championship history to score double-digit goals in three consecutive regular seasons, with 10 goals in 2024.

One of Williams’ goals, scored in stoppage time of the first half, has earned him a nomination for USL Championship Goal of the Week.

His second goal of the match contributed to the team securing a 2-2 draw. This recognition marks Augi’s third Team of the Week honour this season, placing him on par with Aedan Stanley for the second-most honours on the Indy Eleven team, following Jack Blake who has received seven.

At 27 years of age, Williams has accumulated a total of 76 career goals in 220 regular-season league games, positioning him fifth on the USL Championship all-time list. Notably, among active players, Williams and teammate Sebastian Guenzatti rank second and third in career goals.

Striker Augustine Williams named in USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 31