Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Wydad Athletic suffered a three-straight defeat in the FIFA Club World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Wydad Athletic suffer third straight defeat in FIFA Club World Cup

On Thursday in Washington, D.C., a first-half goal by Cassius Mailula was negated by second-half goals from Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba and Kaku, allowing Al Ain to defeat Wydad AC 2-1.

Both teams took to the pitch with a sense of determination, playing not just for points but for pride, having already been eliminated from contention for the round of 16 in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Both Manchester City and Juventus, two storied clubs in European football, had already secured the top two spots in Group G, rendering this match a contest for respect rather than advancement.

The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as fans filled the stands, eager to see their teams deliver a strong performance despite the stakes being low. Each player on the field understood the significance of this match, not only for their clubs’ legacies but for their own professional reputations.

Nonetheless, both clubs aimed to exit the tournament on a positive note, and it was the UAE side that left the pitch with their heads held high after completing the comeback.

Sierra Leone's Tyrese Fornah pens permanent Northampton Town
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Tyrese Fornah pens permanent Northampton Town deal

Northampton Town has signed Tyrese Fornah, a former midfielder for Nottingham Forest and Derby County, on a three-year contract.

The 25-year-old player, who is 6 feet 1 inch tall and was born in London, started his career at the academies of Reading and Brighton & Hove Albion. He made his professional debut for Nottingham Forest in an FA Cup match against Chelsea in 2020.

Fornah spent time on loan with Portuguese side Casa Oia and then joined Plymouth Argyle on a season-long loan in October 2020, making 39 appearances.

He went on to have loan spells at Shrewsbury Town, where he played 19 games, and Reading, where he played 35 games. In 2023, he transferred to Derby County for an undisclosed fee. Fornah made 23 appearances in the 2023/24 season, helping the Rams win promotion from League One. He then spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Salford City, where he played 43 times.

Manager Kevin Nolan said, “We have followed Tyrese for a long time and wanted to bring him in. We did a lot of research and believe he will work well with Dean Campbell. He can play as a defensive midfielder or advance further up the pitch. He has great skills for carrying the ball and moving the team forward.”

Nolan added, “We discussed how we can help him improve, especially in scoring goals, and he was open to that. We are happy with this signing. Tyrese is at a good age with a strong background, and I believe fans will enjoy watching him play for Northampton Town. He had a lot of interest this summer, so it’s great that we’ve secured him for Sixfields.”

Attacker Mustapha Bundu set to join Bundesliga 2 side
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Attacker Mustapha Bundu set to join Bundesliga 2 side

Mustapha Bundu has officially turned down Argyle’s proposal for a new contract and is set to join a club in the 2. Bundesliga, as confirmed by the English side.

Although they did not confirm the name of the club, it is certain Bundu’s next action will be in the German second tier.

The Sierra Leone forward made a notable entrance to Argyle on Deadline Day during the summer transfer window of 2023. Throughout his tenure with the Pilgrims, Bundu made a significant impact, appearing in 70 matches and netting 14 goals.

One of his standout performances came in April 2024, when he scored a crucial winner against Leicester City, a goal that played an instrumental role in ensuring Argyle’s survival in the league that season.

Forward Augustine Williams scores as the Pittsburgh Riverhounds triumph over the Rowdies
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Forward Augustine Williams scores as Pittsburgh Riverhounds triumph over the Rowdies

Sierra Leone international Augustine Williams scored his second goal of the season as the Pittsburgh Riverhounds secured a 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies at the hot and humid Highmark Stadium on Sunday.

The scoring began with an own goal by former Hounds defender Thomas Vancaeyezeele, followed shortly by Augi Williams, who headed in a goal to put the Hounds (5-6-2) two goals ahead.

Manuel Arteaga managed to pull one back for the Rowdies (2-9-2) just five minutes before halftime, but the Hounds held on to secure their second straight home win.

The Hounds started aggressively, with Luke Biasi and Robbie Mertz testing Rowdies keeper Ethan Bandré. They took the lead in the 15th minute due to an own goal from Vancaeyezeele and added a second five minutes later with a header from Williams.

Arteaga’s goal for the Rowdies followed a clever setup, but Hounds goalie Eric Dick’s key save against Blake Bodily kept the Hounds ahead. Jackson Walti nearly extended the lead late, but his shot was deflected.

Luke Biasi, the Modelo Man of the Match, assisted on Williams’ goal and contributed defensively.

Up next, the Hounds will host Westchester SC in the USL Jägermeister Cup at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, marking the first meeting between the two teams.

ES Tunis beat LAFC to keep Club World Cup hopes alive
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisian club ES Tunis eliminated from FIFA Club World Cup

Tunisian team ES Tunis lost 3-0 to English club Chelsea in their last Group D match of the Club World Cup at Lincoln Financial Field early Wednesday morning.

A stellar Tosin Adarabioyo performance confirmed their Round of 16 spot as defender Tosin Adarabioyo scored the first goal with a header, followed by Liam Delap’s first goal for Chelsea, and Tyrique George added a late goal to help Chelsea win in Philadelphia and move on to the knockout stage of the Club World Cup.

Chelsea controlled the game and created many chances. They broke the deadlock just before halftime when Tosin Adarabioyo headed a free-kick from Enzo Fernandez into the net. Liam Delap then scored, finishing calmly despite pressure from two ES Tunis defenders.

The team continued to play well in the second half, not allowing any chances for the opposition. Coach Enzo Maresca also gave debuts to Mamadou Sarr and Andrey Santos.

As in the first half, Chelsea waited until stoppage time to score again. Tyrique George hit a powerful low shot that Bechir Ben Said could not stop, rounding off a strong performance by Chelsea.

https://twitter.com/DAZNFootball/status/1937752748335989030