Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bakayoko, Issa Kallon start against Ivory Coast
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bakayoko, Issa Kallon start against Ivory Coast

Striker Amadou Bakayoko and Issa Kallon from China are set to play against Ivory Coast. Kallon last played in Turkey in 2022, and midfielder Fornah from Salford City FC is back after receiving a red card against Egypt.

Bakayoko missed matches against Chad and Zambia but hopes to continue his good form for the national team. Sierra Leone will face Ivory Coast in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations Qualification match at the Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro.

Coach Amidu Karim’s team is aiming for their first win on the road to Morocco 2025. A win for Ivory Coast could hurt Sierra Leone’s chances.

Also, a debut for U20 right-back Nathanial Jalloh was part of the Sierra Leone team that reached the U20 AFCON for the next year.

Ivory Coast defeated the Leone Stars 5-1 in a friendly match in January 2024. The Leone Stars haven’t won against Ivory Coast in their last eight competitive matches.

Ivory Coast has a 70% win rate in their last ten outings. In Group G, Ivory Coast has secured two wins and is preparing to face winless Sierra Leone.

Group G Fixtures: 

Zambia 0-0 Chad

Cote d’Ivoire vs Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone first team for Ivory Coast crucial tie
Equatorial Guinea edge Liberia to go second in Group E
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Equatorial Guinea edge Liberia to go second in Group E

On Friday, Equatorial Guinea secured a 1-0 victory over Liberia in their CAF Africa Cup of Nations Group E qualifier, courtesy of a first-half penalty by Iban Salvador at the Nuevo Estadio de Malabo. (LFA photo) 

The forward confidently converted from the penalty spot in the 34th minute after Sampson Dweh fouled Salvador inside the box.

With this result, Equatorial Guinea confidently moves into second place in the group with four points from three matches, while Liberia remains at the bottom with just one point from their three outings.

Algeria confidently leads the group with a perfect nine points after three matches, and Togo is confidently third with two points.

Despite Liberia confidently pushing for an equalizer in the second half, they were unable to break down the Equatorial Guinean defense.

Several confident substitutions from both teams couldn’t alter the outcome, with Equatorial Guinea confidently holding on for the vital three points.

Group leaders, Algeria extended their Group E lead with a 5-1 victory over Togo in a TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 qualifier. This puts them seven points ahead of Togo, who have two points from three matches.

Zambia's Copper Bullet misfire against Chad at home
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zambia held by Chad in Afcon Qualifier at home

Zambia was unable to defeat Chad in the third match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Friday.

Currently, Zambia is in 2nd place in Group G with four points. However, the team’s performance left a bitter taste for Chipolopolo’s fans, who were hoping for a back-to-back win for the first time in the group.

In a recap of the match, Zambia and Chad played to a 0-0 draw at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. Despite dominating possession, Chipolopolo failed to score against a resilient Chad side, which was content to absorb pressure and counterattack when possible.

Zambia is currently in second place in the group with four points from three matches. Cote d’Ivoire is leading with six points and a game in hand. Chad is in third place with two points, and Sierra Leone is at the bottom with one point.

Zambia almost scored when Francisco Mwepu hit the post in the 84th minute, but Chad’s defense held firm to secure a valuable point away from home.

Zambia's Coppa Bullets eye back-to-back win in race to Morocco AFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zambia’s Copper Bullets eye second win in race to Morocco AFCON

Zambia won their last Africa Cup of Nations qualifier 3-2 against Sierra Leone, despite a shaky start. They are currently 2nd in Group G with 3 points, having won one game and lost one.

Avram Grants’ Copper Bullets will aim to boost their chances of qualifying by defeating Chad.

In their last six matches across all competitions, Zambia has won once, drawn, and lost four times. They have struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last 15 games.

Chad suffered a 0-2 loss against Ivory Coast in their most recent qualifier and currently sits 4th in Group G with just 1 point from two games. They have struggled both offensively and defensively, failing to win any of their last four matches.

In their last six matches, Chad has managed 2 draws and 4 losses, scoring only 2 goals and conceding 8. They will need to significantly improve to challenge Zambia in their upcoming match.

Predicted Starting Lineups

Zambia: Mulenga, Chapeshi, Sunzu, Chongo, (c) Musonda, Chaiwa, Banda, Kangwa, Chisala, Chama, Musonda

Chad: Gabin, Mbogo, Nounchil, Abdaraman, Tchouplaou, Osee, Allarabaye, Yeo, Damba, Hiver, (c) Mouandilmadji

The Copper Bullets are looking for their second win in a row (Photo: ZFA)
The Copper Bullets are looking for their second win in a row (Photo: ZFA)
Youngster David Kamara makes Peterborough's debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Youngster David Kamara makes Peterborough’s debut

Sierra Leone’s David Kamara, 19, debuted for Peterborough as they defeated Stevenage 2-0 on Tuesday.

David, a versatile striker, joined the club from Welling United at the end of the 2023-2024 season. He has shown potential for improvement and good movement between the posts.

Malik Mothersille and J. Sparkes scored for Peterborough in their Football League Trophy tie. As a result, they are at the top of Group L with six points, ahead of Crystal Palace, Stevenage, and Gillingham.

Recap Happenings

Statistical highlights include Malik Mothersille’s 11th-minute header and a fine finish from Jack Sparkes, his first goal for the club, in the 43rd minute.

Malik Mothersille’s 11th-minute header and Jack Sparkes’ first goal for the club in 43 minutes were the standout moments.

Jack Sparkes delivered his best performance for Posh, and Emmanuel Fernandez showed continued improvement.

Nicholas Bilokapic provided solid goalkeeping, and teenagers Tyler Young and David Kamara made their first-team debuts as second-half substitutes, all positive developments.

There was a 38-minute rain delay in the second half, frustrating Posh, who were leading 2-0. After the game resumed, the competition holders secured a 2-0 win in the EFL Trophy.

It was a great performance by Sparkes, with continued improvement from Fernandez, solid goalkeeping from Bilokapic, and promising debuts from Young and Kamara as substitutes.