Category: Sport News

Sierra Leone's Issa Kallon nets in Nantong Zhiyun defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Issa Kallon nets in Nantong defeat

On Saturday, Issa Kallon, the talented attacking midfielder from Sierra Leone, showcased his skill once again by scoring his fourth goal of the Chinese Super League campaign.

Unfortunately, his impressive performance was not enough to secure a win for Nantong Zhiyun, as they suffered a 3-2 defeat at the Changchun Sports Center Stadium.

Kallon, who has made seven appearances since joining the club, found the back of the net in the 36th minute, levelling the scoreline after Sérgio De Oliveira Junior opened the scoring for the home side.

Zilei Jiang then put Nantong Zhiyun ahead in the 42nd minute, ending the first half with a 2-1 lead.

After the break, Changchun Yatai piled on the pressure and equalised in the 80th minute through Robert Berić. Yuda Tian’s last-gasp goal then secured the victory for the home team.

This defeat means Nantong Zhiyun remains at the bottom of the Chinese Super League, with no wins in their last seven games.

In the day’s other matches, Wang Qiuming’s goal gave Tianjin a 1-0 win over Henan and Cangzhou Mighty Lions defeated Meizhou Hakka 2-1. 

Sierra Leone's Josh Koroma bags brace in Huddersfield triumph over Bolton
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Josh Koroma bags brace in Huddersfield triumph over Bolton

Back from International duty with Sierra Leone, Josh Koroma scored twice as Huddersfield Town returned to winning ways with an impressive 4-0 League One victory over Bolton Wanderers, who have been struggling with confidence.

Ben Wiles and Antony Evans also scored as the Terriers achieved a fourth successive win over Bolton Wanderers for the first time.

Koroma put Michael Duff’s side into a 44th-minute lead with a close-range header from Callum Marshall’s superb cross.

Nathan Baxter prevented Town from doubling their advantage with a point-blank save from Evans’ 51st-minute header.

Koroma was fouled by defender Chris Forino and then scored his fourth campaign goal from the penalty spot.

Bolton’s troubles continued when Wiles curled in a left-footed shot after 68 minutes.

Baxter’s mistake, passing the ball straight to Evans, led to Huddersfield’s fourth and final goal nine minutes later as the visitors moved to third place.

Kazeem Ogunleye’s late goal helps Enugu Rangers' to victory
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kazeem Ogunleye’s late goal helps Enugu Rangers’ to victory

Kazeem Ogunleye’s late goal helped Enugu Rangers win 1-0 against Angola’s Sagrada Esperanca in a CAF Champions League qualifier on Friday.

The 18-year-old striker scored with a well-placed shot from just outside the box, securing the victory in the southeastern Nigerian city of Uyo.

Despite having more possession, Enugu Rangers struggled with passing and finishing in the second-round first leg until Ogunleye’s decisive strike.

Enugu Rangers narrowly advanced to the final qualifying stage after a 2-1 aggregate win over Comoran champions Zilimadjou, with both games played in Nigeria due to the lack of a suitable stadium in the Comoros.

Enugu Rangers will now travel to Angola for the return leg against Sagrada Esperanca in Luanda next weekend, aiming to become the first Nigerian team to win the prestigious African club title since Enyimba’s back-to-back triumphs in 2003 and 2004.

In another match, US Monastir of Tunisia secured a 1-0 first-leg win at home against Algeria’s former champions Mouloudia Alger through Fourat Soltani’s 22nd-minute strike, deflected by Ayoub Ghezala.

This weekend’s CAF Champions League action will continue with nine matches on Saturday and five on Sunday, with defending champions Al Ahly of Egypt playing their first match against Kenya’s Gor Mahia.

It was a bit hectic - striker Abu Kamara on move to Hull City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

It was a bit hectic – striker Abu Kamara on move to Hull City

Striker Abu Kamara has been talking ahead of a possible debut for Hull City against Sheffield United at the MKM Stadium on Friday. The English Championship tie is the first game back after the international break.

“It was a bit hectic when teams came in for me, but when I knew the interest from Hull was there, I was excited by the project. When I spoke to the manager, it made my decision a whole lot easier,” Kamara said about his decision to move to Hull City.

“The international break has allowed me to know the players better, see how they play, understand the formation, and comprehend what the manager wants from me. I felt the break was crucial in me learning the system,” Kamara added about his training.

“I’m really excited for Friday. Sheffield United is a big club. It’s a Yorkshire derby, so I am thrilled to potentially be involved in such a big occasion for my first game,” Kamara expressed his anticipation about potentially making his debut against Sheffield United.

On Transfer deadline day, Hull City signed the 21-year-old Sierra Leonean native Abu Kamara on a four-year deal.

Kamara signed an undisclosed deal at the MKM Stadium, with a club option of a further year from Norwich City.

Hull City have not won their last three games, including a loss to Leeds, while Sheffield Wednesday have not lost in their last three, including a 1-0 win over Watford before the International break.

Nigeria's Enugu Rangers eye positive result against Sagrada
by FSL News

Nigeria’s Enugu Rangers eye positive result against Sagrada

Enugu Rangers defender Ifeanyi Onyebuchi is optimistic about the upcoming CAF Champions League Second Preliminary Round first leg match against G.D. Sagrada Esperanca of Angola.

Onyebuchi acknowledges the tough challenge ahead, considering Sagrada Esperanca’s 4-0 win against St Louis Suns United of Seychelles in the first round.

He expresses confidence in the team’s preparation and their ability to secure victory. The team, under coach Godwin Nosike’s guidance, is intensifying preparations for the encounter.

The players are focused on defending the club’s honour and representing their country effectively. The team fully focussed on the task at hand, aiming for a strong performance that will hopefully secure them a spot in the group stage of the competition.

Rangers have a history of successful encounters with Angolan teams, and they are looking to continue this trend in their upcoming matches.

Young Africans ready for Commercial Bank of Ethiopia challenge
by FSL News

Young Africans ready for CB of Ethiopia challenge

The Tanzania Mainland Premier League champions, Young Africans SC, are in Addis Ababa for their CAF Champions League match against Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE).

The match is scheduled for Saturday at the Abebe Bikila Stadium, with the return leg set for next week at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

The Young Africans’ squad is buoyed by their impressive 10-0 aggregate victory over Vital’O FC in the previous round, which has bolstered their growing confidence as they prepare to face CBE.

Despite challenges, including the absence of Farid Mussa due to injury, the team is in good spirits.

Manager Walter Harrison confirmed that all players, including those returning from international duty, have rejoined the squad, ensuring a strong lineup for the upcoming match.

They are aiming for positive results away from home and are determined to carry their domestic success onto the continental stage.

Striker Alhaji Kamara in line for CD Mafra Liga Portugal 2 debut
by @football_sierra

Striker Alhaji Kamara in line for Mafra  Liga Portugal 2 debut

Sierra Leonean striker Alhaji Kamara, who is on loan to Portuguese club CD Mafra, could debut this weekend.

Kamara signed for Mafra from Norwegian side FC Midtjylland until the summer of 2025. The former Randers striker could make his debut on September 15 at home against Tondela.

Presently sixth on the log, Mafra host Tondela on Sunday at the Estádio Municipal de Mafra in search of a back-to-back win in the Portuguese Liga Portugal SABSEG and Kamara could be key to that if selected.

“The striker is the latest addition to the CD Mafra attack. Born on April 16, 1994, Kamara is from Sierra Leone and has an international career marked by spells in Sweden, Malaysia, the USA, Saudi Arabia and Moldova.

Over the last six years, the striker has played in the Danish leagues – and in the previous two seasons, he has played for FC Midtjylland, where he’s coming from on loan,” Mafra noted.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a temporary suspension of its approval for the use of Ghana's Baba Yara Stadium.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF suspends Ghana’s Baba Yara Stadium approval

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a temporary suspension of its approval for the use of Ghana’s Baba Yara Stadium. This decision comes as a result of technical issues, specifically concerning the inadequate condition of the playing field.

Despite recently hosting a match between Ghana and Angola, the stadium was found to be below the required standards for Category 3 international matches.

As a result, Ghana will need to find alternative venues for its upcoming official matches as the Baba Yara Stadium is no longer an option. This decision came after CAF’s assessment of the stadium following the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Ghana and Angola, which was played on September 5, 2024.

CAF inspectors identified several issues at the stadium, which has a capacity of over 40,000. The confederation board also recommended that the Ghanaian authorities conduct a full assessment of all international stadiums in the country and immediately begin refurbishment efforts.

Rwanda's coach Torsten Spittler pleased with team effort
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Rwanda’s coach Torsten Spittler pleased with team’s effort

Rwanda’s coach, Torsten Spittler, praised his team’s strong performance following their 0-0 draw against Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifier.

Rwanda displayed a solid defensive effort, successfully holding the three-time AFCON champions to a goalless draw at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Tuesday.

Despite Nigeria dominating possession and applying sustained pressure, Spittler’s team remained resolute, frustrating the Super Eagles’ attempts to break the deadlock.

Spittler expressed his satisfaction with his team’s effort after the game, as he stated, “I’m very happy not only because of the result but also the way we played.” He also acknowledged the quality of Nigeria’s attack, singling out their forward line as world-class.

The draw keeps Rwanda in contention as they look to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, with the team taking great encouragement from the match against one of the continent’s footballing heavyweights.

Nigeria couldn’t break through the Rwandan defence despite dominating possession. Rwandan fans hope their team can build on this point. The AFCON 2025 qualifying race is intensifying, with both teams facing further tests.

The Super Eagles are at the top of Group D with four points, and Rwanda is in third place with two. Nigeria will host Libya in their next qualifier in October, while Rwanda faces a back-to-back test against Benin aiming to return to winning ways.

Free agent Victor Moses pens LutonTown deal
by FSL News

Free agent Victor Moses pens Luton Town deal

Victor Moses, a former Nigeria international, has officially joined Luton Town in the English Championship as a free agent.

Moses, 33 years old, most recently played for Spartak Moscow in Russia, following a successful loan spell from Chelsea in the 2020/21 season.

His previous clubs include Chelsea FC, West Ham United, Crystal Palace, Stoke City, and Liverpool FC.

Manager Rob Edwards provided the following statement: “Victor is a player we have been in discussions with for a significant period. Having observed his performance during training sessions and a recent appearance in a closed-doors match, we are confident in his ability to contribute to our team.

His versatility, tactical awareness, and extensive experience in various playing styles make him a valuable addition, providing increased depth and healthy competition within the squad.”

Luton Town officially signed Victor Moses pending international clearance. Moses, born in Kaduna, Nigeria, initially played for England’s youth teams before joining Nigeria.

He made 38 appearances and scored 12 goals for the Super Eagles before retiring from international matches in 2018.

Moses played a key role in Nigeria’s victory at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and participated in the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cup tournaments.