Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana touch down in Cairo for the U20 Cup of Nations
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana touch down in Cairo ahead of the U20 Cup of Nations

The Ghanaian youth national team arrived in Cairo, Egypt on (Sunday) ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations Under-20 finals, which are being hosted by Egypt from April 27th to May 18th. A total of 13 teams will compete in the tournament.

The team, which has won the African championship four times (in 1993, 1999, 2009, and 2021), is making its thirteenth appearance in the finals since the current format was introduced in 1991.

They qualified for the tournament by finishing second in the West African region qualifiers, losing to Nigeria (2–1) in the final match.

The team is placed in Group C under the guidance of coach Raymond Ovi. They will begin their campaign against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on May 2nd at the New Suez Stadium.

They will then face the defending champions, Senegal, at the same venue on May 5th. They will conclude their group stage matches against the Central African Republic at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia three days later.

Amadou Bakayoko scores in Consadole Sapporo win over Fujieda MYFC
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Amadou Bakayoko scores in Consadole Sapporo win over Fujieda MYFC

Sierra Leone’s Amadou Bakayoko made his mark on the pitch as he netted a crucial goal for Consadole Sapporo in their recent Japanese League 2 match against Fujieda MYFC.

The match, held on Sunday, saw Consadole Sapporo triumph with a scoreline of 2-1, marking their fourth victory of the league season.

Bakayoko’s impressive performance included scoring his second goal of the season, beautifully placed in the back of the net in the 54th minute. His strategic positioning and skillful execution were a testament to his growing influence in the team.

After contributing significantly to the game, he was substituted in the 67th minute, leaving the field to applause from the fans who recognized his effort.

Takumi Kusumoto had opened the scorin for the vistors in the seven moniute but Katsuyuki Tanaka draw pairty in half hour mark. Bakayko’s winner was enough as they moved four points from the relegation zone.

Mustapha Bundu on target as Plymouth Argyle's relegation crisis deepened
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mustapha Bundu on target as Plymouth Argyle’s relegation crisis deepens

Sierra Leone International scored for Plymouth Argyle, but his goal was not enough as their relegation crisis deepened after another 2-1 defeat to Middlesbrough on Friday.

Tommy Conway’s injury-time penalty goal sent Middlesbrough fans into celebration, while Plymouth Argyle supporters were left in disbelief.

Conway scored a 93rd-minute penalty, helping Middlesbrough maintain their hopes of reaching the Championship playoffs against bottom-placed Plymouth Argyle. The penalty was awarded after Argyle captain Joe Edwards pushed Conway over, resulting in Edwards being sent off.

This defeat brought Argyle closer to relegation, as they remain three points below Derby County in 21st place, with a significantly worse goal difference and only three matches left to play.

For Middlesbrough, the victory was crucial, especially with both Bristol City and Coventry City winning their matches. Middlesbrough moved up to seventh place, but they are still three points behind Coventry.

Ex-Argyle loanee Finn Azaz had initially put Middlesbrough in front early in the match, but Mustapha Bundu equalized just five minutes later. Both teams had opportunities to win before Conway’s 13th goal of the season ultimately secured the victory for Middlesbrough.

Osman Kakay’s Boavista Win in Liga Portugal race to survival
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Osman Kakay’s Boavista Win in Liga Portugal race for survival

Boavista achieved an important 1-0 victory in Liga Portugal in a crucial match at the bottom of the Primeira Liga table on Friday, injecting fresh hope into their survival campaign.

Sierra Leone international Osman Kakay played a crucial role in the victory and was seen celebrating wildly after the match. This win has boosted their hopes of remaining in the division, with four games left in the campaign and only two points adrift of the relegation zone.

This match, part of the 30th round, marked the debut of English manager Stuart Baxter at the helm of Boavista. Joel Silva was the hero of the evening, scoring the only goal of the match in the 68th minute.

This vital win not only secured Boavista’s second victory in their last three games but also lifted them to 17th place, where they are now level on points with Farense at 21. However, both teams remain entrenched in the relegation zone, sitting just two points behind AVS, who occupy the playoff spot.

The atmosphere was tense as both teams approached the fixture, fully aware of the high stakes in their battle to avoid relegation. Boavista’s attacking display showcased their determination, while Farense struggled to make an impact.

As the season reaches its climax, this victory represents a critical turning point for Boavista in their fight to retain their position in the top division.

Sullay Kaikai nets winner as Cambridge fuels survival hopes
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sullay Kaikai nets winner as Cambridge fuels survival hopes

Sierra Leone’s attacker Sullay Kaikai scored Cambridge United winner as they responded brilliantly to a late equalizer from Huddersfield Town, securing a 2-1 victory in West Yorkshire that bolsters their slim hopes of survival.

The result leaves Neil Harris’s team five points away from safety with only three matches remaining, while Huddersfield once again missed the opportunity to move closer to the top six.

The first half was uneventful for both teams, but Cambridge finally broke the deadlock in the 69th minute. After a Huddersfield goal kick, they quickly sent the ball back down the pitch for Josh Stokes to chase. Though Stokes appeared to have lost possession, a clearance from Josh Ruffels went straight to James Brophy on the edge of the box, who beautifully curled the ball into the top corner.

Despite wasting several chances to score, Huddersfield managed to equalize in the 89th minute following a chaotic corner scored by anothr Sierra Leone International Josh Koroma.

However, there was still time for one last twist. In stoppage time, Koroma’s International teammate Sullay Kaikai fired Brophy’s square pass into the top corner, sealing the win for Cambridge.