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.

Alex Bangura suffers hamstring in Boro win over Chelsea
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alex Bangura suffers hamstring injury in Boro win

Sierra Leone’s right-back Alex Bangura lasted only 19 minutes in the Middlesbrough Carabao Cup first-leg semi-final 1-0 victory due to a hamstring injury.

The Teessiders were forced to another alteration when Alex Bangura pulled up with a hamstring issue.

Bangura, 24, was making his sixteen appearances since joining the club in September 2023 on a four-year deal on Teesside.

However, they will head into the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final with a goal advantage thanks to Hayden Hackney’s deft finish.

It was an outstanding, battling performance from the threadbare Teessiders, who emerged from the contest fully deserving of the lead – having also been forced into two first-half substitutions.

Bangura will have to undergo further checks to see how long he will be out ahead of the second leg on Tuesday, 23 January, at 19:45 GMT.

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Bittersweet Sierra Leone full debut for Rodney Michael
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bittersweet Sierra Leone full debut for Rodney Michael

Sierra Leone-born attacker Rodney Michael would have liked his full International debut to come in more positive circumstances but was  nonetheless proud to be on the scorecard against the Ivory Coast.

On Saturday, the 24-year-old midfielder recorded his first Sierra Leone goal against a difficult Ivorian side at the Laurent Pokou Stadium. He gives the Leone Stars a consolation in the 5-1 defeat against the Elephant of Côte d’Ivoire.

“I’m delighted to get the opportunity to make my full debut and score my first international goal for Sierra Leone. It was even more special, that I was able to do it against such a huge footballing nation like Ivory Coast,” the attacker told Football Sierra Leone. 

 “Unfortunately, the result was disappointing, but we will continue working to turn things around and hopefully make Sierra Leone in the near future.”

Rodney was introduced against Guinea-Bissua in match day six of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in the final minutes of the game. 

Sierra Leone’s next friendly is against Morocco behind closed doors.

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Sierra Leone International Daniel Kanu was on target in Charlton Athletics' 3-3 draw in their League contest at Vale Park.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Daniel Kanu scores in Charlton Athletic’s six-goal thriller 

Sierra Leone International Daniel Kanu was on target in Charlton Athletic’s 3-3 draw in their League contest at Vale Park.

Kanu, who recently returned to the Addicks from a loan spell, scored in the 59th minute to put his side ahead.

Charlton went ahead three times through Corey Blackett-Taylor, Daniel Kanu and Tyreece Campbell. However, Ethan Chislett’s successfully converted penalty and goals from Uche Ikpeazu and Gavin Massey earned Vale a point.

Kanu took to Instagram to express his bittersweet moment. He posted, Tough result to take, but we keep pushing. Happy to be back on the scoresheet.”

As a result, the draw leaves Port Vale and Charlton remain separated only by goal difference in the League One table. 

https://twitter.com/bittar32/status/1744058811793477972

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Boxing Day defeat for Alex Bangura's Middlesbrough
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Boxing Day defeat for Alex Bangura’s Middlesbrough

Cohen Bramall’s mishit cross looped in to give bottom-of-the-table Rotherham a priceless Championship win over Middlesbrough, BBC Sport reports

Sierra Leone International was making his fifteen appearances for Boro as he started the tie at AESSEAL New York Stadium on Tuesday.

It was the hosts’ only shot on target in a game which was dominated by Michael Carrick’s Boro, who paid the price through being wasteful in front of goal.

Rotherham goalkeeper Viktor Johansson, who looked close to coming off through injury in the first half, made some crucial saves – Sam Greenwood’s first-half swerving shot in particular – to help keep the Millers level.

But Greenwood and Sammy Silvera wasted further good chances for Boro before Bramall’s cross-shot went over visiting keeper Tom Glover and in, with Leam Richardson’s side able to hang on for their first points since he took charge.

Full-time: Rotherham United 1 Middlesbrough 0

Rotherham United 1

Middlesbrough 0

Teams: Rotherham- Johansson, Lembikisa (Appiah 66), Bramall, Hugill (Cafu 90+2), Lindsay (Clucas 83), Rathbone, Odoffin, Morrison, Tiehi, Revan, Nombe (Eaves 66). Unused- Phillips, Kelly, McGuckin.

Middlesbrough- Glover, Barlaser, Clarke, Fry, Rogers, I Jones, Dijksteel (Coburn 77), Howson (Crooks 90+1), Silvera (Kavanagh 90+2), Bangura (Engel 77), Greenwood (McGree 70). Unused- J Jones, Van den Berg, Gilbert, Bridge.

Referee- A Kitchen

Attendance- 11487 (2404)

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New York City select Sierra Leone-born Malachi Jones.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New York City select Sierra Leone-born Malachi Jones

Forward Malachi Jones has been selected as the eighth overall pick in the first round of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft from Lipscomb University. 

The 20-year-old made 35 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing 15 assists over two seasons for the Bisons. 

 He entered college after being named the 2022 Tennessee Soccer Player of the Year. In total, during his college years, he has scored 12 goals and tallied 15 assists in 35 appearances for Lipscomb.

Born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Jones was adopted alongside his seven siblings from an orphanage at a young age and moved to Nashville, Tenn., in 2013, where he grew up.

Jones marks the fourth player to be picked in the top 10 by the Club and the first since the 2017 SuperDraft. 

The ‘Boys in Blue’ have selected Forwards Jack Harrison, Khiry Shelton and Jonathan Lewis with the first, second and third overall picks, respectively, In previous drafts, with all of them making appearances for the First Team throughout their time in New York.

Sierra Leone-born Buba Fofanah has been selected as the 81st overall by the Seattle Sounders in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft on Tuesday.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Seattle Sounders draft Sierra Leone-born Buba Fofanah

Sierra Leone-born Buba Fofanah has been selected as the 81st overall by the Seattle Sounders in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft on Tuesday.

Fofanah, 22, who has been a pivotal player with the Portland Pilots, has been handed a fresh start in the Major League Soccer ranks. It’s the first time the Pilots have had three players taken in the same draft.

Fofanah finished the year with nine goals and six assists for 24 points, with his goal and point totals ranking second, respectively, in the WCC. 

He was named Fofanah in the All-WCC Second Team selection and also earned CSC Academic All-District honours.

Fofanah, 22, appeared in 54 matches (30 starts) for Portland from 2020-2023, recording 16 goals and 11 assists. 

The forward was an All-West Coast Conference Honorable Mention as a freshman and made the All-WCC Freshman Team after scoring four goals and adding two assists in 2020. 

Fofanah scored an additional three goals from 2021-2022 before scoring nine goals in 2023, including a brace against UC Santa Barbara on September 1. His performance in 2023 earned him All-WCC Second Team honours as Portland finished third in the WCC.

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Sierra Leone-born Buba Fofanah has been selected as the 81st overall by the Seattle Sounders in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft on Tuesday.
Sierra Leone-born Buba Fofanah has been selected as the 81st overall by the Seattle Sounders in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft on Tuesday.
Abu Kamara brace helps Inform Portsmouth defeat Shrewsbury Town
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Abu Kamara’s brace helps Portsmouth defeat Shrewsbury

A brace from Sierra Leone native Abu Kamara on either side of the game was enough for John Mousinho’s side to take all three points as they move seven points clear at the top of League One.

Shrewsbury Town suffered a 3-0 home defeat to in-form Portsmouth on a disappointing afternoon at the Croud Meadow on Saturday.

Despite a solid opening 45 minutes from the home team, it was Portsmouth, who took the lead at the end of the first half through their loan striker Abu Kamara.

His goal came when Pack launched a long throw to the back post and Kamara bundled the ball into the net.

Pompey doubled their lead in the 62nd minute when Lane cut in from the left to reach the near post and lay the ball off to Pack, who poked it in from close range.

Shrewsbury came close to pulling a goal back with under 20 minutes remaining. Mal Benning fed a ball into fellow substitute Max Mata in the box. The striker held off a defender before shooting, but his effort went over.

Kamara completed his brace to record his sixth of the season with six minutes remaining through Christian Saydee’s assists as he rifled the ball into the net.

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Jaydan Kamarson pens first pro contrcat with Manchester Unityed
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Jaydan Kamason pens first Manchester United pro-deal

Sierra Leone and Manchester United prospect Jaydan Kamason, 16, signed his first professional contract.

Emerging Talent Programme (ETP) graduate Jaydan Kamason became the first player from the scheme to sign a professional contract with top English football club Manchester United. 

“I am proud to have signed my first pro contract with this massive club. I am truly blessed. Thanful, towards my family for the continued support and those who have helped me throughout the journey,” The youngster posted on his Instagram account.

The versatile defender started his playing career in the United’s youth ranks. At age 10, Kamason joined ETP while playing for a local grassroots team, Stockport Vikings.

Because he has been impressive, according to the coaches, he made the jump to the main Academy group, which he has been a part of for the last six years.

United pointed out in their statement, “While the Academy does not normally announce a player’s first professional contract, an exception has been made in this case to celebrate the success of the ETP in creating opportunities for children across Greater Manchester to develop their talent.”

The club confirmed that, alongside Kamason, a total of 46 players have gone on to register as a player. An additional 350 have registered at other professional clubs.

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Portsmouth Abu Kamara's injury update
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Portsmouth Abu Kamara’s injury update 

Portsmouth boss John Mousinho has confirmed striker Abu Kamara, who is on loan from Norwich, was injured on Monday. 

The Sierra Leone native damaged his ankle following a challenge in their 2-0 over Bolton Wanderers. He attempted to play on but had to be replaced by Gavin Whyte moments later.

The on-loan Norwich winger had to be substituted just after the hour mark during Pompey’s top-of-the-table clash with Bolton, which they won 2-0.

The Blues will assess the forward’s injury in greater detail on Tuesday. In the meantime, Blues boss John Mousinho was remaining positive.

John Mousinho told Sky Sports: “He just rolled his ankle. There was a bit of contact there, and he’s rolled his ankle.

‘He can put his wait through it, he’s got an ice bag on it and it’s one of those we’re going to look at tomorrow and see how it settles down but hoepfully he’s fine.’

The win means they maintained their position at the League One summit after scoring late in each half to beat in-form Bolton at Fratton Park.

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Steven Caulker eyes Sierra Leone job after obtaining Uefa license
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Steven Caulker eyes Sierra Leone job after obtaining Uefa license

Sierra Leone defender and ex-England International Steven Caulker has secured his Uefa B coaching Badge with the English FA.

The former Liverpool and Tottenham defender, who was a pivotal player for Sierra Leone during the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon, says he will pursue Uefa A next year.

The one-time England defender, who is presently transforming his playing career to coaching, has admitted coaching is the way forward.

“In terms of my aspiration, my ambition is to be a manager. Maybe, one day, to be a Sierra Leone manager. I would love that. I would love the oppurtunity too bring in young Sierra Leaoneans in to play attractive style of football,” Caulker told Football Sierra Leone.

“Next year, I will start my Uefa A – this is something I am working towards. Right now, I kind of going into the transition from playing into management role.”

On his present playing career

“The option in January is a player-manager role. I want to solicit playing football, maybe, for another year or two. I feel my passion is in coaching – player-manager. I’m finding the right path, the right setup and the right ambition.”

The UEFA B Licence is to help coaches understand the demands of the game and how to meet the needs of players as they build a deeper understanding of their various roles and responsibilities within the team.

This course has replaced The FA Level 3 in Coaching Football.

Caulker joined EFL Championship side Wigan Athletic in January on a contract until the end of the season.

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