Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco beat Sierra Leone in U20 friendly at the Mohammed VI Complex
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco beat Sierra Leone in U20 friendly at the Mohammed VI Complex

The Moroccan U20 national team won a friendly match against Sierra Leone 2-0 at the Mohammed VI Complex on Saturday night, with goals scored by Ismail Al-Aoud and Adnan Kharoubi.

Both nations used this match as part of their preparation for the upcoming African Cup Of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Sierra Leone has made significant changes by bringing in several foreign-based players to identify those who can make the final list for the upcoming tournament in Ivory Coast next month.

Notable players starting for Sierra Leone in a friendly match against Morocco include Samal Bangura from Tottenham Hotspur, Cayden Cole from Hull City, David Kalokoh from AFC Ajax, Kelvin Kargbo from AFC Wimbledon, and Hindolo Mustapha from Crystal Palace Football Club.

Sierra Leone’s next match is against Ghana on Saturday, March 25, where they aim to build on their performance before the continental tournament.

The stakes are high, as the four teams reaching the semi-finals of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will earn spots in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which will take place in Chile. Senegal’s Junior Teranga Lions enter the competition as the defending champions.

In a previous match, Morocco defeated Ghana 1-0 at the Mohammed VI Complex. This victory was particularly noteworthy because Morocco played with one less player for over 70 minutes after Faisal El Meziani was sent off in the first half.

Ilias Boumassaoudi, a winger from FC Den Bosch in the Dutch first division, scored the only goal of the match after excellent teamwork set him up.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, coach Mohamed Ouahbi’s team demonstrated strong teamwork and discipline, successfully defending their lead against a Ghanaian team that was unable to score.

Even with one player down, the Moroccan team showed positive signs as they prepared for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, which is set to take place in Ivory Coast from April 26 to May 18, 2025.

Mohamed Salah shines as Egypt ease past Ethiopia in World Cup Qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mohamed Salah scores as Egypt ease past Ethiopia in World Cup Qualifiers

Egypt secured another significant victory, solidifying its position at the top of Group A in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers. The Pharaohs continued their perfect run in Group A with a comfortable 2-0 win over Ethiopia in El Jadida, Morocco.

Egypt took control early in the match, with Liverpool star Mohamed Salah scoring the first goal in the 31st minute after a well-executed move involving Hamdy Fathi. Nine minutes later, Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” doubled the lead, taking advantage of a defensive error from Ethiopia.

Although Ethiopia showed some resistance after halftime, Hossam Hassan’s team was never seriously threatened, and the score remained unchanged throughout the match.

Egypt now has 13 points from five matches, leading second-placed Burkina Faso by five points, and they are nearing qualification for the 2026 finals in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

It was another disappointing result for Ethiopia, leaving them with just three points from five games and vastly diminishing their hopes of qualification.

Eric Chelle praises Nigeria's performance after defeating Rwanda
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Eric Chelle praises Nigeria’s performance after defeating Rwanda

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle praised his players after their 2-0 win against the Amavubi of Rwanda.

Nigeria matchday five tie took place at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday night and marked the Super Eagles’ first victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series. With this win, the team moved up to fourth place in Group C.

In his post-match remarks, Chelle said, “It was a tough game; Rwanda has a strong team. I am proud of my players. We worked hard in the few days leading up to this match, although we only had two full training sessions. However, we controlled the ball well in the second half. It was a solid performance from my players.”

Chelle also mentioned his team’s strategy and the need for improvement. He stated, “I enjoy setting up the game plan. We tried two different tactics. This is just the first game, and we need to improve as we prepare for the next one.”

He emphasized that teamwork is essential. “Every player can contribute, and we need to work together to reach our goal of qualifying for the World Cup. We have talented players, and today the team performed well. My job is to make decisions about the game plan and which players to use.”

Rwanda’s head coach, Adel Amrouche, expressed disappointment after the Amavubi’s loss to the Super Eagles.

“We need to correct some things in the team. Unfortunately, we lost, but we will regroup for the next game,” he said. “I am ashamed of today’s performance, especially in front of our fans and the president.”

Harambee Stars stage comeback to share World Cup Qualifying spoils with Gambia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kenya stage comeback to share World Cup Qualifying spoils with Gambia

On Thursday, Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars of Kenya staged a comeback to draw 3-3 with the Gambia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium in Ivory Coast.

Mohammed Bajaber and Wilson Lenkupae, both making their debut, scored goals and Michael Olunga added another. For the Gambia, Musa Barrow scored twice, and Yankuba Minten scored once. Despite starting strong, Gambia couldn’t keep their lead as Kenya fought hard.

This match was Kenya’s first game under new coach Benni McCarthy. The team struggled in the first half but improved in the second half, showing more energy and attacking play. They managed to equalize twice, showing progress under McCarthy.

After this match, Kenya has six points from five games and is in fourth place in Group F. Gabon leads with 12 points, followed by Ivory Coast with 10 points and a game in hand against Burundi, who has seven points. Gambia now has five points from five matches, while Seychelles is at the bottom with zero points and a goal difference of -23.

Next, Harambee Stars will focus on their World Cup qualifier against Gabon on Sunday.

Sierra Leone go second in Group A in coach Kallon's debut qualifying triumph
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone go second in Group A after coach Kallon’s debut qualifying triumph

Sierra Leone began a new era under the leadership of former Inter Milan striker Mohamed Kallon, securing a 3-1 victory over Guinea-Bissau in the Liberian capital on Thursday at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Complex.

With this victory in the World Cup qualifiers, Sierra Leone move into second place in Group A with eight points, trailing two points behind Egypt. They will face Egypt next, hoping to boost their chances of qualification.

The Leone Stars took the lead early in the match when Plymouth Argyle attacker Mustapha Bundu capitalized on a defensive mistake by Guinea-Bissau debutant Babacar Babacra Fati in the 19th minute.

A long ball from Lens defender Juma Bah was mishandled by Fati, and Bundu finished the opportunity confidently to put Sierra Leone ahead in the 19th minute.

The home side nearly doubled their lead when Alhassan Koroma manoeuvred past his marker but was unable to maintain control and lost the chance to score.

In the second half, Sierra Leone absorbed pressure from their opponents and extended their lead in the 61st minute. Musa Noah Kamara scored the second goal, assisted by MLS legend Kei Kamara.

The visitors responded quickly, with substitute striker Tamble Ulisses Folgado Monteiro pulling one back in the 68th minute.

Substitutes Momoh Kamara and Ibrahim Turay combined to secure their matchday five victory. Kamara pressed and won the ball before passing it to Turay, who took advantage of the opportunity to punish Bissau in the last minute.

Sierra Leone will travel to Cairo to prepare for their match against the Pharaohs, who will play Ethiopia tomorrow.