Blackburn winger Augustus Kargbo doubtful for Sierra Leone qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Blackburn winger Augustus Kargbo doubtful for Sierra Leone qualifiers

Blackburn winger Augustus Kargbo is set to miss crucial matches for Sierra Leone this month against Guinea-Bissau and Egypt due to a hamstring injury he sustained on Saturday.

Head coach Valerien Ismael confirmed the news about Kargbo’s injury but expressed hope that it won’t keep the Sierra Leone international out for an extended period.

The 25-year-old winger started the Sky Bet Championship match against Derby County on Saturday but was forced to leave the game after just 15 minutes. He was replaced by Dion Sanderson.

“We have another injury with AK [Kargbo], a muscle injury, and he’ll be out for a few weeks,” Ismael revealed to RoversTV.

A more detailed examination is required to determine the severity of Kargbo’s injury. Sierra Leone will host Guinea-Bissau in Monrovia, Liberia, on March 20, before traveling to Cairo to face the group leaders, the Pharaohs of Egypt, five days later.

Sierra Leone U17 women's share World Cup qualifying spoils with Guinea
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone U17 Women’s share World Cup qualifying spoils with Guinea

In an exciting showdown at the Southern Arena in Sierra Leone, the national U-17 women’s football teams of Sierra Leone and Guinea battled to a thrilling 2-2 draw. This match marked the first leg of their contest for a coveted place in the upcoming 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The draw gives Guinea a slight edge heading into the decisive second leg of this round, which is set to take place on March 15, 2025, at the Mamadou Konaté Stadium in Bamako, Mali. Both teams are determined to outshine each other and secure their advancement to the next stage of the tournament.

Fans are eagerly anticipating this year’s U-17 World Cup, which will take place in the vibrant nation of Morocco from October 17 to November 5, showcasing the talents of young female athletes from around the globe.

Nigeria Dominates South Africa (3-1)

As the favourites heading into the match, Nigeria secured a convincing 3-1 victory away from home against South Africa. A brace from Shakirat Moshood and a solitary strike from Harmony Chidi was enough to ensure the Nigerians clinched the win in Pretoria.

Kenya Surprises Uganda in Kampala (2-0)

In an all-East African showdown, Kenya pulled off an impressive victory over Uganda on their home turf. Goals from Nasipwondi and Ogola for the Junior Starlets showcased their ability to manage pressure and convert opportunities. This victory places Kenya in a strong position as they head into the return leg in Nairobi.

Cameroon Shines Against Ethiopia (5-2)

Cameroon delivered a clinical performance, defeating Ethiopia 5-2. With a well-organized team effort, Cameroon quickly took the lead and maintained control throughout the match, leaving little chance for their East African rivals. This commanding victory puts Cameroon in a strong position to advance of the second leg.

Algeria Stunned by Botswana (2-1)

Algeria suffered a surprising defeat at the hands of a clinical Botswana team, which capitalized on its limited chances to score. Despite dominating possession, Algeria struggled to break through, and Botswana punished them with two well-timed goals to secure a 2-1 victory.

Juma Bah makes first start in Lens win over Marseille
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Juma Bah makes first competitive start in Lens win over Marseille

Sierra Leone and Manchester City defender Juma Bah showcased a dominant performance in his first Ligue 1’s Matchday 25 start for Lens, contributing to their 1-0 victory away at Marseille on Saturday.

A 93rd-minute goal from Moroccan Neil El Aynaoui secured a dramatic victory for Lens at the Stade Vélodrome, which allowed Paris Saint-Germain to extend their lead to 16 points at the top of the standings.

Marseille controlled the game from the start as they aimed to strengthen their hold on second place. However, they were thwarted by a determined Lens side and some exceptional goalkeeping from Mathew Ryan.

The Australian goalkeeper made crucial saves, tipping an Amine Gouiri shot onto the crossbar in the first half and stopping efforts from both Luis Henrique and Neal Maupay late in the match.

Despite having lost their last four matches, Lens turned the game around and scored in the 94th minute, with Deiver Machado assisting Neil El Aynaoui for the decisive goal.

Sierra Leone's Augustine Williams nets debut goal for Pittsburgh Riverhounds
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Augustine Williams nets debut goal for Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Sierra Leone’s Augustine Williams scored on his debut as Pittsburgh Riverhounds started its 2025 season with a 1-1 draw against North Carolina FC at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C.

Evan Conway scored first for North Carolina in the 22nd minute, but Augi Williams equalized for the Hounds in the 57th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error. Hounds goalkeeper Eric Dick made one crucial save, as the team dominated possession (63.6 percent) and total shots (10-5).

The Hounds came out strong, earning two early corner kicks that led to headers from Sean Suber. After Conway’s goal, Dick had to make a vital save to deny a potential second goal before halftime.

In the second half, the Hounds locked down defensively, allowing no shots from North Carolina. Williams scored his first goal for the Hounds, finishing decisively after taking advantage of a misplay by goalkeeper Jake McGuire. Captain Danny Griffin almost put the Hounds ahead with a volley, but McGuire made another save.

Despite their efforts, the Hounds couldn’t find a second goal, though many young players made their pro debuts, including Ydrach, Bouregy, and Garcia.

**Modelo Man of the Match**

Augi Williams was named Man of the Match for his key goal and strong overall performance, winning 6 of 10 ground duels. He is now the third player to score on his Hounds debut under Bob Lilley, joining Dane Kelly (2022) and Bertin Jacquesson (2024).

Sierra Leone's Augustus Kargbo injured in Rovers defeat to Derby
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Augustus Kargbo injured in Rovers defeat to Derby

Sierra Leone’s Augustus Kargbo was forced out due to an injury in the opening 16 minutes of the contest. The Rovers were outperformed throughout the field and lost a significant number of battles in the opening 20 minutes.

Head coach Valerien Ismael is hopeful that Augustus Kargbo’s hamstring injury, which he sustained during the loss against Derby County, won’t sideline the Sierra Leone international for an extended period.

“We got another injury with AK [Kargbo], a muscle injury and he’ll be out for a few weeks,” Ismael revealed to RoversTV.

They faced a difficult start in their game against Derby County, losing 2-1. Craig Forsyth and Ebou Adams scored for Derby in the first seven minutes. Makhtar Gueye scored just before halftime, giving Rovers a glimmer of hope.

Although they managed to equalize thanks to Makhtar Gueye, they failed to challenge the goalkeeper sufficiently in the second half and have no grounds for complaint about finishing without any points.

In the second half, both teams struggled to create chances, with Rovers’ goalkeeper, Jacob Zetterstrom, remaining largely untested. Coach Valerien Ismael made two changes, bringing in Sondre Tronstad and Yuki Ohashi.

Forsyth opened the scoring for Derby just four minutes into the match, slipping the ball past Rovers’ keeper, Aynsley Pears. Rovers tried to respond, but Ohashi’s header was saved. Derby doubled their lead three minutes later when Adams scored from close range.

Rovers faced another challenge when Augustus Kargbo left due to injury. They switched to a three-at-the-back formation but struggled to create opportunities. Five minutes before halftime, Gueye scored, hitting the ball into the roof of the net after a low cross from Ohashi.

In the second half, Rovers started better but could not find the equalizer. Ohashi missed a chance early on, and Nat Phillips failed to score from a corner kick.

Jerry Yates missed a close chance late in the game. Despite seven minutes of extra time, Rovers could not find another goal, and Derby secured their first win of 2025.

Rovers will play again on Wednesday night against Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium, starting at 8 pm.