Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Alie Conteh joins Norwegian side Strømsgodset
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Alie Conteh joins Norwegian side Strømsgodset

Striker Alie Conteh, 20, has signed a four-year contract with Norwegian top-tier side Strømsgodset and will wear jersey number 20 ahead of the season’s second round.

“I am very happy to join Strømsgodset. I have dreamed of this moment and worked hard to reach it,” said the player from Sierra Leone after completing his contract.

After successful negotiations with Mjøndalen, the transfer details were finalized, and Conteh passed his medical examination. He is now officially a Strømsgodset player until the summer of 2029.

“We are pleased to secure a young and promising striker who has shown great development at Mjøndalen,” said sports manager Jostein Flo. “We appreciate Mjøndalen for their positive dialogue that allowed us to bring him in before the transfer window.”

Conteh, on loan from Goderich FC, quickly made an impact at Mjøndalen by scoring a hat-trick in his second match. Last season, he played 30 games and scored seven goals, while this season he has netted 12 goals in 17 matches.

He will train with his new teammates for the first time on Tuesday and hopes to play in Sunday’s home game against Tromsø.

“I have the mentality of a lion, and I’m a hard-working player who wants to give everything for the team,” he said. “I want to bring joy to the supporters by scoring goals.”

Nigeria and Algeria register opening Women's Cup of Nations win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria and Algeria register opening Women’s Cup of Nations wins

Nigeria started their quest for another Women’s Africa Cup of Nations championship with a 3-0 victory over Tunisia in Group B on Sunday at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

With a header from Omorinsola Babajide’s cross, Asisat Oshoala found the fourth minute. Nigeria dominated the first half, keeping Tunisia under pressure. Just before halftime, Babajide scored following a pass, bringing the total to 20; VAR confirmed the goal.

Nigeria made three substitutions at halftime, bringing in Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo, and Christy Ucheibe, thereby adding energy to the squad.

Elsewhere, thanks to a goal from midfielder Ghoutia Karchouni, Algeria won 1-0 versus Botswana in Group B of the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2024 in Morocco.

Described as a tight shot with a reserved celebration, the aim represents her return to her roots and her loyalty to the team at the age of 29.

All Sunday's WAFCON results
All Sunday's WAFCON results
Hosts Morocco share WAFCON opening spoils with Zambia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hosts Morocco share WAFCON opening spoils with Zambia

The opener of the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the Stade Olympique in Rabat on Saturday evening ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw between Morocco and Zambia.

By scoring first just one minute into the game, Zambia stunned the local audience. After Margaret Belemu began a fast counterattack, Barbra Banda took advantage of room outside the box and struck a strong shot into the lower left corner.

The Zambians started strong and appeared violent at first. Morocco, though, rapidly reassembled and started attacking. In the 12th minute, Grace Chanda tripped Najat Badri in the penalty area, proving their efforts worthwhile. Having reviewed VAR, the referee gave a penalty; Ibtissam Jraïdi coolly converted to tie the game.

Zambia continued to threaten on the break despite the equaliser. In the 27th minute, Banda’s perfectly placed pass through the Moroccan defence created Racheal Kundananji’s opportunity. Kundananji readily completed the opportunity, putting Zambia back ahead.

Zambia looked more clinical than Morocco at halftime, who struggled with missed opportunities, notably from Fatima Tagnaout and Ghizlane Chebbak.

Morocco dominated possession more in the second half and raised their efforts as the game developed. They had several near misses, including a powerful Sanaâ Mssoudy shot that Zambian goalie Ng’ambo Musole saved at full stretch. Time was running out; Morocco finally found the breakthrough.

Chebbak equalized the game at 2-2 in the 87th minute by retrieving the ball outside the box and firing a stunning shot into the top corner, triggering frantic celebrations in the stands.

Although there was a late surge, neither team could find a winner in the dying seconds, and the game finished in a tie—a fair result given the balance of play.

Zambia’s Barbra Banda was named Woman of the Match by technical experts. 

The outcome breaks an eight-edition streak and is the first time since 2004 that a WAFCON host has lost their first contest. Both Morocco and Zambia will turn their attention to their next remaining Group A games with everything still to play for.

Moroccan Ladies In Celebration
Moroccan Ladies In Celebration
Sierra Leone's Bakayoko scores winner for Consadole Sapporo
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Bakayoko scores winner for Consadole Sapporo

On Saturday at the Sapporo Dome stadium, Sierra Leone international Amadou Bakayoko kept his outstanding form by scoring his sixth goal of the season for Japanese team Consadole Sapporo in a tough 1-0 victory over Renofa Yamaguchi.

Bakayoko, who found the net just before halftime, was substituted in the 56th minute; however, he demonstrated his remarkable talent when he scored the ball precisely after receiving a perfectly timed through pass from his teammate Tomoki Takamine.

This crucial victory moved Consadole Sapporo up to ninth position in the JLeague 2 standings, therefore raising their morale as they try to gather momentum and obtain another excellent outcome in their next game next weekend.

As they plan to rise further up the league standings, the team’s perseverance and Bakayoko’s regular scoring will be vital.

Zambia's Copper Queens to open WAFCON against hosts Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zambia’s Copper Queens to open WAFCON against hosts Morocco

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off this weekend. Host nation Morocco will play against Zambia’s Cooper Queens in Group A at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Saturday night.

Morocco was the runner-up in 2022 and aims to win this year. However, they face a tough opponent in the Copper Queens, who finished third last time and could surprise everyone in this tournament.

“We are ready to hunt [against Morocco],” said Zambia coach Nora Häuptle. “They have technically good players, and we are aware of that, but we want to challenge them and find the right strategy.”

On Sunday, there are three matches. Senegal and DR Congo will play in the other Group A match in Mohammedia in the late afternoon. Later, in Casablanca, Group B will feature Nigeria – the most successful team with nine titles (11 if we include the pre-tournament era) – facing Tunisia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.

Algeria will also play Botswana at the Pere Jego Stadium. The Super Falcons last won the Nations Cup in 2018. Coach Justine Madugu calls their goal of reclaiming the title ‘Mission X’ “It will always be a work in progress, but we are focused on our achievable target of Mission X,” said Madugu.

“The girls are ready and are showing real hunger for victory. Team spirit is high, and we look forward to our first match on Sunday against Tunisia.”

On Monday, Group C will begin with reigning champions South Africa playing Ghana in Oujda. Matchday 1 will finish with Mali facing Tanzania in Berkane.

 

Banyana Banyana coach Dr. Desire Ellis is focusing on improving her team from last year. “Our current preparations are very intentional and focused,” said Ellis. “We’re not just defending champions; we want to evolve and reach a higher level. Success can make teams complacent.”

WAFCON Matches and Schedule
WAFCON Matches and Schedule