Category: Sport News

South Africa won an exciting match against Egypt, finishing 4-3 in their opening game of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday night at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
by Football Sierra Leone

South Africa beat Egypt in AFCON U17 seven-goal thriller

South Africa won an exciting match against Egypt, finishing 4-3 in their opening game of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday night at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

This match was filled with action, including goals, penalties, and a red card. Emile Witbooi scored the winning goal in the 71st minute, helping Amajimbos climb to the top of Group B, tied with Burkina Faso, both having three points.

South Africa started strong, taking the lead in the first minute with a goal from Simphiwe Mlondo. Egypt quickly responded, equalizing three minutes later with a header from Anas Roshdi. The Pharaohs then pulled ahead 3-1 with two more goals from Roshdi and Hamza Abdel Karim in a strong 20-minute period.

Before halftime, South Africa fought back. Neo Bohloko scored two penalties, one in the 27th minute and the second just before the half ended, bringing the score to 3-3.

In the second half, both teams had chances to score. It was Witbooi who broke the deadlock, scoring from the center of the box after receiving a good pass from Bohloko.

In stoppage time, Egypt faced more trouble when Omar Abdel Aziz received a red card after a VAR review. With this result, South Africa is now at the top of Group B alongside Burkina Faso, who earlier beat Cameroon 2-1.

Next, South Africa will play Cameroon on Thursday, while Egypt will aim to recover against Burkina Faso.

Blackburn attacker Augustus Kargbo is itching to get back to playing
by Football Sierra Leone

Blackburn attacker Augustus Kargbo is itching to get back playing

Sierra Leone and Blackburn attacker Augustus Kargbo has expressed his commitment to returning to action in the English Championship with Blackburn.

Kargbo has been spending time on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury, which has sidelined him for six weeks. The Blackburn Rovers forward was substituted just 15 minutes into the match at Pride Park, where the team lost 2-1, following a couple of early challenges.

In an exclusive interview with the club’s TV, Kargbo shared his excitement about being back on the field and playing on natural grass again.

He stated, “It feels great to be back, and I am working hard with the physios to return as soon as possible. I am going to be patient and follow their advice because I am an explosive player, and I need to be cautious.”

Asharaf Tabsoba scored both goals in Burkina Faso U17 AFCON win over Cameroon
by Football Sierra Leone

Asharaf Tabsoba scored both goals in Burkina Faso U17 AFCON win over Cameroon

Burkina Faso started the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with a strong 2-1 win over Cameroon in the first match of Group B in Morocco on Monday.

Asharaf Tabsoba scored both goals for Burkina Faso, helping the team begin their quest for the title positively. He had also played an important role in qualifying for the tournament, scoring two goals in the final against Côte d’Ivoire earlier.

Tabsoba opened the scoring in the 19th minute, easing the team’s nerves. He scored again in the 41st minute, giving Burkina Faso a 2-0 lead at halftime.

After the break, Cameroon pushed hard to score. Their efforts were rewarded in the 75th minute when David Nyangono scored, making it 2-1 and setting up a tense finish.

Despite the pressure from Cameroon, Burkina Faso’s defense remained strong, and they secured the important three points. They will next face Egypt on Thursday, while Cameroon will look to rebound against South Africa on the same day.

Morocco thrash Uganda in CAF U17 Cup of Nations opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco thrash Uganda in CAF U17 Cup of Nations opener

Morocco began the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with an impressive 5-0 victory over Uganda in Mohammedia on Sunday night.

The hosts quickly established their dominance, scoring two goals in the first ten minutes. Ilies Belmokhtar opened the scoring in the third minute, followed by Driss Aït Chiekh in the eighth. In the 23rd minute, a penalty, awarded after a VAR review, was converted by Ziyad Baha Abedlahadj, who was cheered by the crowd.

Belmokhtar scored again, bringing Morocco’s lead to 4-0 before halftime. The team dominated possession at 67% and converted four of six chances in the first half.

After the break, Uganda tried to regroup, but Moroccan goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch made several crucial saves. In the 71st minute, Ziyad Baha scored again after a defensive error, finalizing the score at 5-0.

This commanding win puts Morocco at the top of Group A, sending a strong message to their rivals as they celebrate Eid with their fans. It was a clear statement of intent from a team determined to go far in the tournament.

Read related – Ilies Belmokhtar nets brace in U17 AFCON opening win over Uganda

Ilies Belmokhtar nets brace in U17 AFCON opening win over Uganda
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ilies Belmokhtar nets brace in U17 AFCON opening win over Uganda

Ilies Belmokhtar from Morocco made a standout debut with two goals at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with a stunning performance in his team’s 5-0 victory over Uganda.

The AS Monaco forward, turning 17 in May, showcased his talent and emerging leadership within a promising Moroccan squad. “The most important thing is the three points. I wouldn’t be here without the win,” he stated after receiving his award.

Known for his skillful use of both feet and sharp decision-making, Belmokhtar helped lead Morocco’s aggressive play that left Uganda struggling to keep up. “We saw that our opponents weren’t pressing us, so we played our game and applied what we’ve worked on in training,” he noted.

Morocco’s U-17 team represents a new era in North African youth football, blending tactical discipline with flair. As they face tougher challenges ahead, Belmokhtar’s composure and scoring ability will be crucial. If Sunday’s performance is any indication, he is ready for the spotlight.

https://twitter.com/bittar32/status/1906613694072500407

Sierra Leone's Juma Bah out of Lens League tie against Lille due to injury
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Juma Bah out of Lens derby tie against Lille due to injury

Lens’ Juma Bah suffered a serious injury during training on Saturday morning when he collided head-to-head with teammate Jonathan Gradit, Lequipe reports.

As a result, Bah lost two teeth and spent the afternoon in the hospital for further examination. He will miss the Lille derby this Sunday at 8:45 p.m. and will not return to action until Tuesday, by concussion protocol.

Bah sat in shock for several minutes following the collision and will likely be replaced by Malang Sarr at kickoff. Meanwhile, Gradit has also sustained an injury, requiring stitches for a cut on his eyebrow. His fitness is currently uncertain, and a medical examination will assess the condition of his swollen eye on Sunday morning after he wakes up.

With both players’ statuses in question, Lens is expected to play in a 5-3-2 formation if Gradit is fit. If he cannot play, coach Will Still may need to switch to a 4-5-1 formation.

Two teams competing for European football next season face off in Ligue 1 this weekend as Lille hosts Lens in the Derby du Nord on Sunday evening.

Morocco is collaborating on a bid to host the Women's World Cup
by Football Sierra Leone

Morocco join race to host Women’s World Cup

Morocco has joined the race to host the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup as part of a joint bid with Spain and Portugal.

This announcement was made by Rafael Louzan, the President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), who shared the intentions of the three countries.

Spain has already secured the 2030 FIFA Men’s World Cup in partnership with Portugal and Morocco, and the women’s tournament in 2035 would follow a similar structure.

Louzan stated, “What better way to showcase women’s sport than with the contribution of the most important global sporting event: the World Cup. That’s what we’re working on,” in an interview with Relevo.

If successful, Morocco would become the second African country, after South Africa, to host the men’s World Cup, which was held there in 2010. Additionally, Morocco could make history as the first African nation to host both the men’s and women’s World Cup finals.

Ismaila Sarr nets to help Crystal Palace reach FA Cup semi-finals
by Football Sierra Leone

Ismaila Sarr nets to help Crystal Palace reach FA Cup semi-finals

Crystal Palace shocked Fulham at Craven Cottage, winning their fifth consecutive match to reach the FA Cup semi-finals.

Fulham controlled the first 30 minutes but failed to capitalize, with Rodrigo Muniz coming closest to scoring. Eberechi Eze then gave Palace the lead with a stunning strike in the 34th minute, curling a low shot around Bernd Leno. Eze also assisted Ismaila Sarr’s goal before Eddie Nketiah added a third, finishing through Leno’s legs.

This victory marks Palace’s fifth win in a row and their first appearance in the semi-finals since 2022. Managed by Oliver Glasner, the team has transformed after a slow start to the season, now pushing for a spot in the top half of the league and advancing in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

While Palace organized well in a 3-4-2-1 formation, Fulham struggled to create chances after Eze’s goal. Despite making substitutions, they couldn’t recover, leaving them three points away from a Champions League spot. This home loss will sting for Fulham, especially with a Wembley trip on the line.

Kenyan Patrick Matasi suspended following match-fixing investigation
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kenyan Patrick Matasi suspended following match-fixing investigation

Kenya goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has been temporarily barred from football and related activities in the country for 90 days while an inquiry is conducted regarding match-fixing claims.

On Thursday evening, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) reached this decision just hours after announcing that it had started an investigation involving the 37-year-old player.

The situation emerged after an online video surfaced, seemingly showing the goalkeeper consenting to a scheme to manipulate the results of a match.

In a statement sent by FKF on Thursday, the country’s top federation said the decision to suspend Matasi was made by Section VII (2) of the FKF Anti-Match Manipulation Regulations (2016), and has been formally communicated to his club, Kakamega Homeboyz FC and the player.

“The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has provisionally suspended goalkeeper Patrick Matasi from all FKF-sanctioned events and competitions for 90 days, following concerns raised by circulating videos suggesting possible match manipulation,” FKF said in a Statement.

“FKF, in collaboration with FIFA, CAF, and other relevant authorities, has initiated an official investigation into the matter. The Federation remains committed to upholding integrity in football and ensuring a fair and transparent process for all involved parties. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.”

Egypt is set to host U20 Cup of Nations in 2025, beginning on April 27th
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt set to host U20 Africa Cup of Nations

The Confédération of African Football (CAF) has awarded the rights to host the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025 to the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) and the Egyptian Government.

This decision follows a notification from the Fédération Ivoirienne de Football (FIF) and the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, stating that they are unable to host the tournament due to unforeseen circumstances.

The Egyptian Football Association and the Egyptian Government had previously submitted a bid to host the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025.

The opening match is scheduled for Sunday, April 27, 2025, with the final set to take place on May 18, 2025.

Sierra Leone is placed in a group with Senegal, Zambia, and Kenya for the forthcoming youth football tournament. The leading four countries will qualify for the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, which is set to take place in Chile from September 27 to October 19, 2025.