Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Osman Kakay makes Niké Liga debut in Kosice defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Osman Kakay makes Niké Liga debut in Kosice defeat

Sierra Leone international Osman Kakay played his first FK Košice Slovakia Niké Liga match on Sunday against Podbrezová at the ZELPO Aréna, but the team suffered a 3-1 defeat.

Four adjustments to the starting lineup made by Coach Roman Skuhravý were in contrast to the cup game versus Grodno. Three changes were made in the midfield: Kakay, Jakúbek and Dimun replaced the trio of Madleňák, Zsigmond and Čerepkai. Jones changed Mijanić in attack.

Following a 3-2 loss in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League versus Neman Grodno from Belarus on Thursday, this marked their second straight defeat. In this game, Kakay, 27, made his first start for the club.

In the rematch of the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League, set for 8:00 p.m. on neutral ground in Szeged, Hungary, Thursday, July 31, 2025, they will face the Belarusian Neman Grodno next.

Game on as Cas kick-off Aminata's SLFA appeal case
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Game on as CAS kick-off Aminata’s SLFA appeal case

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has informed the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) that it has received an appeal filed by candidate Aminata Bangura in respect of the upcoming elections on 2 August.

In their detailed three-page submission, the Lausanne-based CAS has given the SLFA three days to respond to Ms Bangura’s proposal for the matter to be expedited and addressed before the election date, among other requests.

The court has also set suggested timelines based on the twists and turns of the proceedings, which could drag on for weeks.

On Friday, 18th July, the SLFA announced that it had disqualified Aminata Bangura and the incumbent FA president, Thomas Brima, from contesting the election after they failed integrity checks conducted by the association’s ethics committee.

Bangura is contesting the decision and filed an appeal to CAS. It is unclear whether Brima is going to take the same route and appeal to Cas. However, Brima has vowed that he will take action.

The SLFA election is eight days away, with Babadi Kamara and Umaru Bah emerging as the two approved contenders for the presidency.

Football’s world governing body, FIFA, had put the SLFA under pressure, stating that the elections should go ahead on 2 August to preserve leadership legitimacy in the Sierra Leone FA.

Coach Diallo picks his Senegal troops for CHAN tourney
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Coach Diallo’s Senegal suffer friendly defeat ahead of CHAN tourney

After naming his 25-man squad for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), in which Serigne Moctar Koité is the only player remaining from the 2022 title-winning team, Coach Souleymane Diallo’s Senegal suffered a 2-1 defeat to Uganda on Thursday.

This match was part of their preparation for the CHAN tournament. The local Lions will play their second and final match ahead of Sunday’s clash against Tanzania.

Notably absent is top domestic scorer Papa Doudou Diallo, whose exclusion surprised many. Coach Souleymane Diallo defended his selection, stating that he feels he has chosen the best players for the tournament.

The squad will undergo a pre-tournament training camp in Tanzania and participate in a mini-tournament with Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Senegal is placed in Group D and will face Nigeria, Congo, and Sudan, starting with an opening match against Nigeria on August 5. The team aims for a balanced mix of experience and talent to defend their title successfully.

Senegal Squad for CHAN 2024:

Goalkeepers:

  • Idrissa Ndiaye (Football Generation)
  • Samba Mballo (US Gorée)
  • Marc P.A. Diouf (Teungueth FC)

Defenders:

  • Seyni Mbaye Ndiaye (US Gorée)
  • Mbaye Ndiaye (Jaraaf)
  • Amadou Bene Coly (Ajel)
  • Layousse Samb (Teungueth FC)
  • Malick Sembène (Dakar Sacré-Cœur)
  • Baye Assane Ciss (Teungueth FC)
  • Daouda Ba (Dakar Sacré-Cœur)

Midfielders:

  • Ousseynou Fall Seck (Ajel)
  • Moussa Cissé (Génération Foot)
  • Bonaventure Fonseca (US Ouakam)
  • Serigne Moctar Koité (Jaraaf)
  • Mbaye Yaya Ly (AS Pikine)
  • Insa Boye (Diambars FC)
  • Issa Kane (Casa Sports)
  • Pape Abasse Badji (Football Generation)

Forwards:

  • Mapathé Mbodji (AS Kaffrine)
  • Libasse Gueye (Teungueth FC)
  • Christian Gomis (Essamaye FC)
  • Oumar Ba (US Gorée)
  • Vieux Cissé (US Gorée)
  • Ababacar Sarr (Jaraaf)
  • Ameth Niang (Jaraaf)

 

Morocco and Nigeria set for cracker in Women's Cup of Nations final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco and Nigeria set for cracker in Women’s Cup of Nations final

After their tough-fought victories in Tuesday’s semi-finals, Nigeria and Morocco are scheduled to meet on Saturday, July 26, at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat to decide the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations winner.

At Rabat’s Stade Olympique, the home team, Morocco, prevailed in a tense penalty shootout against Ghana. Simultaneously, Nigeria performed a stunning 21 win over South Africa, the reigning champions, in their game in Casablanca.

Finding the rear of the net four minutes into stoppage time, Michelle Alozie fired a fantastic floating free kick that eluded both the oncoming Nigerian attacker and the goalkeeper of South Africa, thus sealing the win.

Opening the scoring for the nine-time winners, Nigeria, with a penalty just before halftime was Rasheedat Ajibade. But South Africa rapidly countered with a spot kick of their own in the 60th minute, successfully converted by Linda Motlhalo.

Alozie threw a cross deep into the penalty area just as it appeared the game would go into overtime, catching South Africa’s goalie, Andile Dlamini, under pressure from two Nigerian forwards, thereby scoring the winning goal.

Originally seen as the underdogs against Morocco, Ghana seized the lead in the 26th minute thanks to Stella Nyameke. Morocco, though, levelled following the break with a strike by Sakina Ouzraoui and ultimately triumphed 42 in the penalty shootout after additional time.

Friday in Casablanca, Ghana and South Africa will square off to challenge for third place; the final match is scheduled for Saturday in Rabat.

Originally set for last year, this competition was rescheduled because of a scheduling conflict with the women’s soccer tournament at the Paris Olympics. Excitingly, Morocco will also be hosting the next Women’s Cup of Nations next year.

The Super Falcons have never lost a WAFCON final – nine finals and nine WAFCON titles.
The Super Falcons have never lost a WAFCON final – nine finals and nine WAFCON titles.
Defender Abraham Kanu joins Forest Green on loan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Defender Abraham Kanu joins Forest Green on loan

Forest Green has confirmed the signing of Sierra Leone defender Abraham Kanu on a season-long loan from Reading for the 2025/26 season.

The 20-year-old defender signed his first professional contract with Reading in July 2024. During the 2024/25 season, he made 10 appearances in League One for the Royals, in addition to six matches in cup competitions.

Kanu also played 34 matches in the U18 Premier League. Having progressed through the ranks at Reading, Kanu started his football career in their youth setup, eventually moving up to the under-18 team before signing his professional contract in 2024.

On the signing, Manager Robbie Savage stated, “He’s a fantastic player, and Mark (Bowen) knows a lot about him from his time at Reading. He’s big, physical, and can play in a number of positions. He comes with a good pedigree, has great pace, and possesses good technical ability. He should add a lot to the team.