Category: Sport News

Alassana Jatta named in Gambia squad for crucial AFCON qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alassana Jatta named in Gambia squad for crucial AFCON qualifiers

Alassana Jatta’s strong performances for Notts County have earned him a call-up to the Gambia’s national team under Northern Irish boss Johnathan McKinstry. (Notts County Photo) 

He will join the squad for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Comoros on November 15 and Tunisia on November 18, which means he will miss the league match against Crewe Alexandra.

Jatta could make his Gambia debut against Comoros in front of the fans at the Gambia Independence Stadium after the GFA received approval from the Confédération African Football (CAF).

The last home match was on March 25, 2021, when Gambia won 1-0 against Angola. Following that game, CAF banned the stadium and 22 others in Africa from hosting international matches in February 2022.

The return of international games is a significant milestone for Gambia’s football fans. The Scorpions, Gambia’s national football team, are currently in 3rd place in Group A, with 5 points from four games.

Kei Kamara to join Sierra Leone squad for CHAD and Zambia qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kei Kamara to join Sierra Leone squad for CHAD and Zambia

Sierra Leone and Major League Soccer (MLS), Kei Kamara, is expected to join Leone Stars two years and seven months after he announced his retirement.

Kamara scored the only goal in a qualifying victory against Benin, which secured Sierra Leone’s place in the 2021 African Cup of Nations for the first time since 1996.

The experienced striker has earned 36 caps for Sierra Leone, scoring seven goals and also served as team captain.

Coach Amidu Karim’s side gearing up for a crucial double header this month in the final hurdle to reach Morocco 2025. Sierra Leone, third in Group G, must win both matches against CHAD and Zambia to boost its hopes of qualifying for the continent’s biggest football event next year.

The full team list will be announced soon after confirmation of the listed players. On October 15, 2024, Sierra Leone secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against the African Champions Ivory Coast in their match day four qualifiers at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium as they bid to reach Morocco next year.

Amadou Bakayoko, a striker based in Japan, scored a last-minute header to secure the win for the West African team, marking their first victory in the qualifiers and against Ivory Coast.

Meanwhile, Zambia, who also claimed a 1-0 victory in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, will battle Ivory Coast at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium before facing Sierra Leone.

Their win over CHAD placed them just two points behind Group G leaders Ivory Coast, who have a game in hand. Zambia initially struggled in the match, with Chad having more shots on goal in the first 20 minutes. However, Zambia found their rhythm by the half-hour mark and began to dominate possession.

Kennedy Musonda scored the only goal in the 70th minute, and despite a late scare with a penalty awarded to Chad, Zambia held on to secure all three points in Cameroon.

Victor Osimhen scores brace to help Galatasaray defeat Tottenham
by Football Sierra Leone

Victor Osimhen scores brace to help Galatasaray defeat Tottenham

Nigerian international Victor Osimhen scored two goals, leading Galatasaray to a 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, marking Tottenham’s first loss in the Europa League this season.

The match took place in Istanbul on Thursday evening in the UEFA Europa League. Teenage striker Will Lankshear netted his first goal for Tottenham, equalizing the score after Yunus Akgun’s impressive opening goal. Unfortunately for Tottenham, Lankshear received two yellow cards in the second half and was sent off.

Akgun scored the first goal in the sixth minute, and Osimhen added two more goals within eight minutes, giving Galatasaray a solid lead by halftime.

Tottenham struggled against the Turkish champions, who created numerous scoring opportunities but were unable to score again due to outstanding saves from Fraser Forster and some missed chances.

After Lankshear’s dismissal, Tottenham rallied, and Dominic Solanke came off the bench to score, narrowing the deficit. Ultimately, Galatasaray appeared more relieved when the final whistle blew.

Hugo Broos's side ready for Uganda and South Sudan qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hugo Broos’s side ready for Uganda and South Sudan qualifiers

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has officially announced his final squad for the crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers against Uganda on November 15 and South Sudan on November 19.

Broos is under considerable pressure to secure maximum points in the upcoming matches against Uganda and South Sudan to qualify for the 2025 AFCON. Currently, they are in second place in Group K with eight points from four matches.

The 23-man roster includes a notable selection of Sage Stephens from Stellenbosch FC, who will join fellow goalkeeper Sipho Chaine and the national team’s primary goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams.

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Themba Zwane is unavailable due to suspension resulting from an injury sustained in domestic competition and has been replaced by Mihlali Mayambela of Aris Limassol FC.

Mayambela will be joined by Orlando Pirates’ emerging talent Relebohile Mofokeng and Thapelo Morena of Mamelodi Sundowns among the eight forwards selected.

Bafana Bafana’s previous matches occurred in October when they faced Congo in two Group Stage encounters. They achieved a decisive 5-0 victory at home and a 1-1 draw in Brazzaville.

South Africa squad for squad for the crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers against Uganda on November 15 and South Sudan on November 19.
South Africa squad for squad for the crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers against Uganda on November 15 and South Sudan on November 19.
Victor Osimhen named to Nigeria's squad for Benin and Rwanda
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Victor Osimhen named in Nigeria’s squad for Benin and Rwanda

Galatasaray’s striker Victor Osimhen has been named to the Nigeria national team after missing last month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Libya.

The striker, who is on loan from Napoli is fully healed from the injury that kept him out and is part of the 23-man squad to play against Benin and Rwanda.

The Super Eagles will face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Stade Felix-Houphouet-Boigny on November 14. They will then return home to Uyo for the final qualifying match against Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on November 18.

Having awarded three points and three goals against Libya, a win or draw against the Benin Republic in Abidjan on November 14 will secure Nigeria a spot in the finals, set for December 2025 to January 2026 in Morocco.

Ademola Lookman, who was nominated for the Ballon d’Or, is also on the squad. He is a strong contender to follow Osimhen in winning the CAF Men’s African Player of the Year award.

While Osimhen’s return is good news, defender Semi Ajayi will not play because he is out for four months with a serious muscle injury that requires surgery. West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan confirmed this. Gabriel Osho, a defender from Auxerre, will take his place.

Osho, who was first called up in March but missed the squad due to injury, was born in Reading.

Real Sociedad’s Sadiq Umar is also returning to the national team. He improved his form this season after recovering from an ACL injury.

https://twitter.com/bittar32/status/1854481655613759684

Patson Daka left out of Grant's Zambia side for Ivory Coast
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Patson Daka left out of Grant’s Zambia side for Ivory Coast & Sierra Leone

Zambia’s head coach, Avram Grant, has announced a list of 24 players for the AFCON qualifier against Ivory Coast on November 15 and Sierra Leone. However, key striker Leicester City’s Patson Daka is absent once again.

Leicester City forward Patson Daka is not available even though he has returned to training with his team. He injured himself during Leicester’s final preseason match and has been out since.

Lameck Banda, a winger from Serie A, returns to the squad after missing the last two qualifiers against Chad. He will lead the attack at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, along with Kennedy Musonda and Kelvin Mubanga Kampamba.

Midfielder Miguel Chaiwa is also unavailable. He is expected to be out for several months after injuring his ankle in a recent match against Chad.

Three other players—Edward Chilufya, Lubambo Musonda, and Fashion Sakala—are also injured and will miss the match. Young player Kingston Mutandwa is out due to injury and is not in the squad.

The team will start training on Monday in Ndola. They will play Ivory Coast on November 15 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, starting at 18:00. Four days later, they will finish their qualification campaign against Sierra Leone.

Zambia is currently in second place in the group with seven points, two points behind Ivory Coast, who leads with nine points. Sierra Leone is third with four points, and Chad is last with two points.

Zambia's head coach, Avram Grant, has announced a list of 24 players for the AFCON qualifier against Ivory Coast on November 15 and Sierra Leone.
Zambia's head coach, Avram Grant, has announced a list of 24 players for the AFCON qualifier against Ivory Coast on November 15 and Sierra Leone.
Young prospect Mohamed Kader Meïté pens first pro contract
by Football Sierra Leone

Young prospect Mohamed Kader Meïté pens first pro contract

Seventeen-year-old Mohamed Kader Meïté has signed his first professional contract with Ligue 1 club Stade Rennais, marking an important step in his career.

Meïté, who also plays for France’s U17 team, will stay with the club until 2028. This move reflects the club’s belief in his talent and commitment to developing young players.

After signing, Meïté expressed his happiness, saying, “I feel a lot of joy; it’s a childhood dream come true. I will work hard to repay the trust placed in me. My goals are to improve and score goals.”

Meïté has impressed the youth teams with his skills and ambition. Stade Rennais is excited to see how he performs in professional football.

The club is exploring changes to its coaching staff and may consider Senegalese manager Habib Beye, who recently led Red Star FC to promotion.

With his contract secure, Meïté aims to contribute to the club’s success, working hard to help Rennes achieve its goals. Supporters and club officials will watch his progress closely, hoping he follows in the footsteps of successful players.

CAF on Assistant referee Peter Kabugo Sudden death
by FSL News

CAF mourns assistant referee Peter Kabugo Sudden death

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is mourning the loss of assistant referee Peter Kabugo, who tragically passed away after collapsing during a Ugandan Premier League match between SC Villa and UPDF FC on Friday evening.

The incident overshadowed the game, which concluded with SC Villa securing a 5-0 victory at the Betway Muteesa II Stadium in Kampala. Kabugo collapsed in the 73rd minute of the match.

A few minutes later, officials confirmed that he died while being transported to the hospital. The Ugandan football community is mourning the loss of the 32-year-old referee.

CAF released a statement regarding the incident:

“CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe is deeply saddened by the sudden death of Peter Kabugo, who collapsed during a football match at Wankulukuku Stadium in Uganda. Dr. Motsepe extends his heartfelt condolences to Peter Kabugo’s family, the Federation of Ugandan Football (FUFA), its President Moses Magogo, and the people of Uganda. May Peter Kabugo’s soul rest in peace.”

At the time of his passing, Kabugo, aged 27, was serving as a linesman during SC Villa’s game when he suffered an asthma attack that led to cardiac arrest.

Remembering Kabugo’s Legacy

Peter Kabugo’s life was defined by passion, dedication, and versatility. As a referee, he was committed to upholding the integrity of the game, while as a journalist, he was actively engaged in the social issues affecting Uganda.

His passing is a profound loss to Ugandan football and serves as a poignant reminder of the lives and passions that sports connect.

Malawi sacked head coach Patrick Mabedi after a poor run
by FSL News

Malawi sacked head coach Patrick Mabedi after poor qualifying results

Patrick Mabedi has been removed from his position as coach of the Malawi national team. This decision was reached after failing to win any of his last four Afcon qualifying matches.

The final straw was a recent 0-1 loss at home to Senegal, which ended the Flames’ chances of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals.

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) announced Mabedi’s departure following five straight losses in all competitions. They made this decision based on recommendations from the Technical Committee due to the poor performance of the Flames team and their failure to qualify for the Afcon 2025.

FAM had hired Mabedi as the Flames coach last October on a two-year contract. He had performed well in a caretaker role, with three wins, two draws, and two losses after taking over from Mario Marinica, whose contract was not renewed in April 2023.

Under Mabedi’s leadership, the team struggled, recording two wins, one draw, and eight losses in 11 matches.

He lost support after dropping experienced players and left the Flames at the bottom of Group L in the AFCON qualifiers, having earned no points in four matches. Senegal has already secured a spot in the upcoming AFCON finals after defeating the Flames.

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has appointed Kalisto Pasuwa as the Malawi national football team’s interim head coach with immediate effect.

Guinea's Syli National ready for DRC and Tanzania deciders
by Football Sierra Leone

Guinea’s Syli National ready for DRC and Tanzania deciders

Guinea’s national football team, known as Syli National, is currently in second place in Group H after four qualifying matches.

After defeating Ethiopia 4-1 and Guinea 3-0 at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, the Syli National team looks set to qualify for Morocco 2025.

Coach Michel Dussuyer has called up 23 players for the upcoming matches on the 5th and 6th days of the TotalEnergies Maroc 2025 qualifiers.

The team will host the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on November 16, 2024, at the Stade Alhassane Ouattara Ebimpe for the fifth qualifying match.

Then, they will travel to Dar es Salaam to face Tanzania on November 19, 2024, for the sixth and final match of this qualifying campaign.

In Group H, Guinea sits in second place with six points, while Tanzania is in third place with four points. Ethiopia is at the bottom of the table with just one point, and the DRC is leading with twelve points.