Attacker Idriss Kanu nets for Barnet in triumph over Walsall
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Attacker Idriss Kanu nets for Barnet in triumph over Walsall

Barnet comfortably triumphed over a struggling Walsall at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium, as Idriss Kanu from Sierra Leone found the net in their 3-1 win.

This defeat dealt a significant blow to the home team’s aspirations for promotion in League Two. With Adam Senior and Idris Kanu scoring either side of half-time, the Bees readily popped the ball around their static hosts.

Daniel Kanu jumped on a slip to offer the Saddlers hope, but Kabongo Tshimanga closed the victory for Barnet as home supporters called for manager Mat Sadler to leave.

In the 26th minute, Myles Roberts clawed a swirling shot away from the top corner, but the Barnet left-back would not be denied three minutes before halftime, thudding an attempt within the near post from a pass from fellow full-back Kane Smith.

At half-time, Sadler made four modifications, including his whole midfield, but the one-way traffic persisted as Idris Kanu struck the upper bar with a floated cross.

Barnet scored a well-crafted second after 54 minutes, Anthony Hartigan releasing Ryan Glover to cross for Tshimanga, with Idris Kanu slamming in the rebound following Roberts’ point-blank save.

Mason Hancock’s high, hanging cross was deflected, deceiving Barnet goalie Cieran Slicker and allowing Walsall’s and Sierra Leone’s Daniel Kanu to score into an empty net in the 64th minute.

But three minutes later, Tshimanga removed all uncertainty by tapping in Idris Kanu’s cut-back from the left.

Sullay Kaikai's brace helps Cambridge United in promotion chase
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sullay Kaikai’s brace helps Cambridge United in promotion chase

Sierra Leone international Sullay Kaikai shone for his team, scoring two second-half goals following a first-half opener from Shane McLoughlin, as Cambridge secured a well-deserved 3-0 victory at Crawley.

The win also means they are well within distance for the automatic promotion spots in League Two. This triumph marked Cambridge’s seventh win in their last eight matches, leaving Crawley five points above the relegation zone.

Crawley’s striker, Danilo Orsi, nearly gave his side an early lead with a low shot just 59 seconds into the game, but it was expertly blocked by goalkeeper Jake Eastwood. Harry McKirdy then headed an Orsi cross wide, and just before halftime, unmarked midfielder McLoughlin found the net, slotting in a cross from James Gibbons at the back post, putting Cambridge ahead.

Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu could have doubled the advantage shortly after the break, but he shot straight at keeper Jacob Chapman. Crawley defender Josh Flint came close with a header from a Kellan Gordon cross, which sailed just wide, while substitute Dominic Ball also missed a chance at the other end.

Kaikai effectively sealed the match for Cambridge 15 minutes before the final whistle, finishing off a swift counterattack by tucking in Shayne Lavery’s assist from close range, much to the delight of the travelling fans.

He later added a third goal in the dying moments of stoppage time, wrapping up a straightforward victory for his team.

Pyramids, Stade Malien pick CAF Champions League quarter-final spots
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pyramids, Stade Malien pick CAF Champions League quarter-final spots

Pyramids FC secured top spot in Group A of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League with a commanding 4–1 win over Rivers United.

After trailing 1–0 at halftime due to Stephen Manu’s long-range strike, Pyramids turned the game around in the second half.

Mostafa Fathi equalised in the 53rd minute, and Marwan Hamdi converted a penalty in the 77th minute to give them the lead. Late goals from substitute Awda Al-Fakhoury and Nasser Maher sealed the victory.

Pyramids advance to the quarter-finals with 13 points, while Rivers United are eliminated.

In Group D, Stade Malien earned a 1–0 win against Esperance de Tunis, securing their spot in the quarter-finals.

Koro Kouyali’s goal in the 54th minute proved decisive as Stade Malien’s sturdy defence held firm against Esperance’s attempts to equalise.

Mamelodi Sundowns faced Saint Éloi Lupopo in Group C, where they were held to a 1–1 draw. Enock Moila scored for Lupopo early on, and despite Sundowns dominating possession, they failed to find a winning goal, leaving the group open as they seek qualification.

Kaizer Chiefs, Zesco United record vital CAF Confed wins
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kaizer Chiefs, Zesco United record vital CAF Confed wins

South African team Kaizer Chiefs and Zambian side Zesco United recorded victories as the CAF Confederation Cup group stage resumed on Sunday, 8 February.

Recap as Match Day 5 featured some thrilling results, setting the stage for a tense final match day.

Kaizer Chiefs 2–1 Al Masry

Kaizer Chiefs earned a hard-fought 2–1 victory against Al Masry. The hosts opened the scoring with a penalty by Flávio Silva in the 39th minute. Al Masry equalised in the 57th minute through Abderrahim Deghmoum. However, Aden McCarthy quickly restored Chiefs’ lead in the 60th minute, securing a vital win to top Group B.

Maniema Union 2–1 Wydad Casablanca

Maniema Union edged Wydad Casablanca 2–1, taking the lead with Beni Namboka’s goal in the 32nd minute. An own goal by Wydad’s goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid in the 61st minute doubled Maniema’s lead. Wydad responded with a penalty from Hamza Hannouri in the 66th minute but could not find an equaliser.

Otôho d’Oyo 2–1 Singida Black Stars

Otôho d’Oyo defeated Singida Black Stars 2–1. After Singida went down to ten men, Otôho’s Exauce Sagesse Nzaou scored twice, first in the 50th minute and again in the 79th. Singida pulled one back late through Joseph Guede Gnadou, but Otôho held on for the win.

ZESCO United 1–0 Zamalek  

Zesco United secured a 1–0 win against Zamalek. The breakthrough came in the 59th minute with a penalty converted by Amine Hiver. Despite Zamalek’s late pressure, including a near equaliser that hit the crossbar, Zesco defended well to claim all three points. However, they remained at the bottom of Group D after one win in five games. 

USM Alger and CR Belouizdad book CAF Confederation Cup knockout spots
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

USM Alger and CR Belouizdad book CAF Confederation Cup knockout spots

USM Alger and CR Belouizdad have both advanced to the knockout stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, marking a successful round for Algerian clubs.

USM Alger from Group A achieved a dramatic late comeback to win 3–2 against San Pédro. They opened the scoring early, with Che Malone netting in the 2nd minute and Glody Likonza adding a second shortly after.

San Pédro equalised with two goals from Issouf Dosso before Mohamed Bouderbala secured the victory for USM in stoppage time.

In Group C, CR Belouizdad secured a 1–0 win over Singida Black Stars, with Abdennour Belhocini scoring the only goal in the 3rd minute. Despite being reduced to ten men, they held on for the win against a late surge from Singida.

In another match, Olympic Club de Safi defeated Djoliba 2–1. After an early goal by Salaheddine Errahouli and a penalty equaliser from Aboubacar Diarra, Sofiane El Moudane scored the winner for Safi early in the second half, securing their progression to the knockout stages.