Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Amadou Bakayoko helps Sapporo secure maximum points
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Amadou Bakayoko aids Sapporo win over Montedio Yamagata

Sierra Leonean international Amadou Bakayoko delivered a stunning performance for his Japanese J League 2 team, Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, scoring the only goal in a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Montedio Yamagata at the NDsoft Stadium in Yamagata on Saturday.

Bakayoko’s strike, his third goal of the new campaign, proved crucial in securing three vital points for his side, propelling them up to twelfth place in the standings following a challenging start to the season.

The decisive goal came in the 56th minute when Bakayoko expertly received a well-timed pass, demonstrating composure as he slotted the ball home to give his team the lead. This moment would ultimately seal the win for Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, marking a significant turnaround in their fortunes.

On July 28, 2024, Bakayoko signed with Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo as they made their bid to return to J1 League competition. He made an impactful debut on August 16, coming on as a substitute and marking his presence with a goal from the penalty spot in an exhilarating 5-3 victory over Sagan Tosu. Despite facing relegation the previous season, Bakayoko’s contributions are already making waves in the team’s quest for redemption.

Consadole Sapporo next outing in the round fourteen of the J League 2 is when they hosts Júbilo Iwata on Tuesday.

Egypt and Zambia share Group A U20 Cup of Nations spoils
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt and Zambia share Group A U20 Cup of Nations spoils

Egypt was held to a goalless draw by Zambia in their second Group A match at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025 on Saturday night in Ismailia.

This result gives Egypt four points from two games, following a win against South Africa and a loss to Sierra Leone. Zambia also has two draws, including one against Sierra Leone.

Both teams showed attacking intent, but neither could score. Egypt came close in the 67th minute when Ahmed Kabaka hit the crossbar, and Mohamed Zaalouk missed a chance from close range. Zambia had scoring opportunities too, with David Simukonda missing a key shot in stoppage time.

In the first half, both teams tested each other, with Egypt’s Mohamed Abdallah forcing a save from Zambia’s goalkeeper, Leevison Banda. Egypt added fresh players in the second half, hoping to break the deadlock, but Zambia defended well.

Sierra Leone leads Group A with six points after beating Tanzania 1-0. Egypt is in second place, while Zambia has two points and needs to win in their final game to advance.

Egypt must avoid defeat in their last match to progress, facing pressure from their home fans after the loss to Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone edge closer to U20 AFCON Quater-final spot after defeating Tanzania
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone becomes the first to reach AFCON U-20 Quarter-finals

In Group A, striker Samuel Gandi scored in the 37th minute to lead the Shooting Stars to a 1-0 victory over Tanzania at the Suez Canal Stadium on Saturday.

With one draw and two victories against the hosts, Egypt, and Tanzania, the Shooting Stars accumulated a total of seven points, securing their advancement with one game remaining in the group stage.

Matchday three between Tanzania and Sierra Leone got off to a scrappy start, with both sides struggling to take control. After a couple of missed passes and a slow tempo, Sierra Leone almost broke the deadlock when skipper Momoh I Kamara made a run but misplayed his pass to midfielder Salieu Bah in the 16th minute.

Immediately following that, Tanzania caught Sierra Leone’s midfield and defense off guard when striker Bakari Msimu missed an open net after completely missing the ball.

However, Sierra Leone took the lead in the 37th minute after a rebound found striker Samuel Gandi, who tapped in the opener.

After the break, Sierra Leone looked more comfortable on the ball in the opening minutes, but Tanzania responded with urgency, pressing higher and dominating possession. Jammy Simba and Ahmed Pipino both came close to equalizing, with Simba narrowly missing a header and Pipino firing a free kick just off target.

As the clock wound down, the East Africans continued to press. Substitute Vedastus Masinde’s shot was blocked, and Anthony Mlingo’s late attempts failed to find the back of the net as Sierra Leone held firm defensively.

Sierra Leone could have doubled their lead on the counter, with Momoh Kamara and Sulaiman Kargbo both seeing their efforts blocked in the dying minutes.

The result sees Sierra Leone temporarily top the group with six points, ahead of Egypt’s clash with Zambia later tonight. Meanwhile, Tanzania, still without a goal or a point, faces an uphill battle going into their final group match.

Read Egypt and Zambia share Group A U20 Cup of Nations Spoils 
Back-to-back wins for the Shooting Stars of Sierra Leone, as skipper Momoh I. Kamara was named Man of the Match for the second consecutive time
Back-to-back wins for the Shooting Stars of Sierra Leone, as skipper Momoh I. Kamara was named Man of the Match for the second consecutive time
One Change as Mohamed Fofanah steps in for Sulaiman Kargbo
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

One Change as Mohamed Fofanah steps in for Sulaiman Kargbo

Following their remarkable victory over Egypt, Sierra Leone’s head coach, Mohamed Lamin Kamara, has changed one player on his squad for today’s crucial U20 Africa Cup of Nations game against Tanzania.

Mohamed Fofanah has stepped in for Sulaiman S Kargbo, who participated in the matchday two win, for this vital match as the team seeks to advance to the knockout phases.

Goalkeeper Mamadou Wurie Jalloh, who is a pivotal player made a strong debut and retains his position in goal. The defensive line will again feature Alpha Turay, Nathaniel Jalloh, Saidu Bangura, and Amara Keita, all of whom will work to maintain a positive outcome.

The midfield trio includes Alpha Kabia, Mohamed Bai Kamara, and Momoh I Kamara – providing support for the attacking front of Sulaiman Kargbo, Saliue Bah, and Samuel Gandi.

Sierra Leone is seeking their first win in the tournament after an impressive goalless draw against Zambia on Sunday and a victory over Egypt. Coach Kamara’s side is looking to solidify its place in the quarterfinals.

The 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations started on April 27 and will end on May 18. The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year.

One Change as Mohamed Fofanah steps in for Sulaiman Kargbo
One Change as Mohamed Fofanah steps in for Sulaiman Kargbo
Osman Kamara of Arsenal talks on his Sierra Leone U20 AFCON debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Osman Kamara of Arsenal talks on his Sierra Leone U20 AFCON debut

Debutant for Sierra Leone and Arsenal young Osman Kamara talked about his first game with Coach Mohamed L Kamara’s U20 Cup of Nations squad following the 0-0 tie with Zambia at the Suez Canal Stadium on Sunday.

The Arsenal U21 player was subbed on in the 85th minute and said he was pleased to be able to help the team. “My first game against Zambia especially since it was our Independence Day, I really cherished that moment.

He added, I was grateful to have those minutes with the team.” On his experience with the team, Kamara noted that he was warmly welcomed and has built a strong connection with his teammates as they prepare for the upcoming match against Egypt.

Looking forward, Kamara is positive: “I think we will show well against a hard Egypt team. As a group, we are trying hard to do better in our next match. I can help to improve the team’s level since coming from Arsenal, an English top club.”

Kamara’s stats with Arsenal Youth Side

Along with two assists, Osman struck nine goals in 14 games in the U18 Premier League during his best goalscoring season in 2023/24. He also got useful experience in the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League and 2 for the under-21s, Premier League.

The flexible forward has been an Arsenal fan since birth and can play a more middle role in front. Having signed his first official contract with the team last summer, Osman can play internationally for either Sierra Leone or England Senior A teams.