Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone U20 Cup of Nations quarter-final buildup begins
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone U20 Cup of Nations quarter-final buildup begins

As the Sierra Leone national team, known as the Shooting Stars, finished a demanding morning practice at the training field of the Mercure Hotel in Ismailia, the excitement for the quarter-final match in the U20 Cup of Nations is mounting.

All 26 squad members attended this meeting, highlighting their unity and dedication as they prepare for a hallowed event.

Every player Head Coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara has fit and ready for the important game set for Monday. So far in the tournament, Sierra Leone has demonstrated amazing resilience by winning two outstanding matches against Tanzania and host Egypt, as well as a hard-fought draw against Zambia.

Their Group A loss to South Africa presented a tough setback, but their play has been good enough to secure a spot in the knockout round.

There is clear optimism among the coaches and players as the squad sets out on this road toward their first-ever quarter-final in the U20 Cup of Nations.

As they prepare for Cairo, they have adopted a renewed tactical approach stressing teamwork and strategic play, which they think would be quite useful. The Shooting Stars are set to make history, their spirits high and their resolve obvious.

Striker Alie Conteh Nets Hat-Trick for Mjondalen IF
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Alie Conteh Nets Hat-trick for Mjondalen IF

Sierra Leone international Alie Conteh scored a hat-trick as Mjondalen IF defeated Strømmen 3-1 in the Norwegian NM Cupen third round on Wednesday, advancing to the fourth round for the first time since 2019.

The young MIF team conceded a goal from a set piece, and against a team in the flow zone, it could be difficult to turn things around.

Conteh’s Mjøndalen pressed Strømmen and equalised just before halftime when Jonas Bruusgaard’s cross was tapped in by Conteh. Alie Conteh smelled the opportunity and elegantly tipped the ball into the goal with his right foot. Thus, it was 1-1 at halftime.

In the second half, Conteh capitalised on another Bruusgaard pass, striking the ball past the goalkeeper to give Mjondalen the lead.

Despite Strømmen’s late pressure, Mjondalen’s defence held firm. In stoppage time, Conteh completed his hat-trick, sealing the victory with a clinical finish after breaking past three defenders.

Morocco Under-20 finished their group stage with an unbeaten record, winning 3-1 against Tunisia at the Suez Canal Stadium. This victory secured the top spot in Group B of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco U-20 pick Cup of Nations quarter final ticket

Morocco Under-20 finished their group stage with an unbeaten record, winning 3-1 against Tunisia at the Suez Canal Stadium. This victory secured the top spot in Group B of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025.

Ayman Arguigue scored the first goal in the first half, setting the pace for Morocco. Late goals from Smail Bakhty and substitute Jones El Abdellaoui clinched the win. Tunisia briefly tied the game with an equalizer from Anis Doubal early in the second half, but they could not keep up and must now wait to see if they advance as one of the best third-placed teams.

The match was crucial for both teams, as they aimed for a knockout spot, depending on the outcome of the Nigeria vs. Kenya game, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Morocco’s victory ensured they finished first with seven points, while Nigeria came in second with five.

Morocco started strongly, putting pressure on Tunisia’s defense. Their efforts paid off just before halftime when Arguigue scored in the 44th minute after a great setup from Zahouani.

After halftime, Tunisia tied the game in the 53rd minute with a long-range goal from Doubal. However, Morocco regained the lead in the 86th minute when Bakhty scored during a goalmouth scramble, and El Abdellaoui sealed the victory with a stoppage time goal from a quick counterattack.

This win solidified Morocco’s unbeaten streak in the group stage, showcasing a strong defense and sharp attack. Tunisia, despite showing some quality, finished third with three points and a negative goal difference, and their hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals as one of the best third-placed teams are dimmed by this heavy loss.

Nigeria through to quarter-finals after draw with Kenya in U20 AFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria through to quarter-finals after draw with Kenya in U20 AFCON

Nigeria secured a spot in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations by drawing 2-2 with Kenya at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Wednesday.

With this result and Morocco’s 3-1 win over Tunisia in another Group B match, Nigeria finished second in the group with five points. Kenya ended their tournament with just one point from three games.

Though already eliminated, Kenya played well and took the lead twice. Kevin Injehu scored a penalty in the sixth minute after a handball by Emmanuel Chukwu was reviewed by VAR.

Nigeria quickly equalized when Kparobo Arierhi scored in the 13th minute after receiving a pass from Simon Cletus. Both teams created chances, and Kenya went ahead again in the 68th minute when substitute William Gitama scored from a set-piece.

But Nigeria equalized just five minutes later. Captain Daniel Bameyi scored a penalty after Rickson Mendos was fouled in the box. Nigeria tried hard for a win in the final minutes, with Divine Oliseh and Tahir Maigana both close to scoring, but Kenya’s defense held strong.

Kenya finished with one point, having scored in all three matches despite being eliminated. Morocco topped Group B with seven points, followed by Nigeria with five points, Tunisia with three, and Kenya with one.

Next, Nigeria will prepare for the quarter-finals and will face an opponent yet to be announced from another group.

Sierra Leone suffer first defeat in U20 Cup of Nations
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone suffer first defeat in U20 Cup of Nations

South Africa showed their offensive power with a strong 4-1 win over Sierra Leone in their CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Group A match on Tuesday evening in Ismaila.

The match started with South Africa quickly taking control. Jody Ahshene scored the first goal in the 13th minute with a precise right-footed shot from outside the box, assisted by Shakeel April.

Sierra Leone tried to respond, but the first half ended with South Africa leading 1-0, thanks to their strong defense.

In the second half, Amajita increased their attacking efforts. Neo Rapoo scored the second goal in the 60th minute during a fast counter-attack led by Jody Ahshene.

Sierra Leone got one back in the 69th minute when Momoh Kamara scored from a cross by Osman Kamara, giving his team a boost of confidence.

However, South Africa quickly took back control. Substitute Thabang Mahlangu made a big impact by scoring two quick goals—first in the 86th minute with Neo Rapoo’s assist, and then in the 89th minute after a set piece involving Patrick Autata—securing a clear win for South Africa.

This win places South Africa in second place, while Sierra Leone remains at the top of Group A despite the loss.

TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON action continues on Wednesday with Nigeria playing Kenya and Tunisia facing Morocco, both matches expected to be exciting.