Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zimbabwe go top of Group J after win over Namibia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zimbabwe go top of Group J after win over Namibia

Zimbabwe has taken the lead in Group J  of the African Cup of Nations qualifiers for Morocco next year on five points after securing a 1-0 victory over Namibia.

The match took place at the Orlando Stadium on Thursday afternoon. Zimbabwe scored the winning goal through Khama Billiat in the 34th minute from the penalty spot.

This victory places Namibia at the bottom of the group after losing their first two matches against Cameroon and Kenya.

Zimbabwe currently holds the top position in Group J until the outcome of the match between Kenya and Cameroon, which will take place at the Japoma Stadium in Douala on Friday.

Both Zimbabwe and Namibia will face each other again in a few days in South Africa on neutral ground.

This upcoming match is expected to be closely contested due to the rivalry between the two nations. Namibia must win at least to revive their qualification hopes.

Sierra Leone face African Champions to raise Afcon hopes
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone face African Champions to raise Afcon hopes

On October 11, 2024, Sierra Leone is scheduled to confront the reigning African Champions, Ivory Coast, in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations Qualification match. The highly anticipated game will take place at the Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro, with the kickoff set for 19:00 GMT.

Coach Amidu Karim’s team is seeking their first victory in the journey to Morocco 2025. A win for Ivory Coast could potentially harm the Leone Stars’ chances.

The Leone Stars have never won against Ivory Coast in their last eight competitive matches. On January 6, 2024, Ivory Coast defeated a predominantly home-based Leone Stars 5-1 in a friendly match before the 2023 AFCON tournament, which they won on home soil.

The Ivorians has been on fire, winning seven games, drawing three, and not losing a single match in their last ten outings, boasting an impressive 70% win rate.

Meanwhile, Sierra Leone’s journey has been filled with ups and downs, with a notable victory against Djibouti in the World Cup qualifiers, along with some hard-fought draws and challenging defeats to Egypt and Zambia in various competitions.

Group G wrap-up

The team from Côte d’Ivoire has shown its strength in Group G by securing two wins, and they are now gearing up for a match against Sierra Leone, who are still in search of their first win.

Meanwhile, Zambia is in hot pursuit and will face Chad, eager to cement their position in the group standings.

This matchday provides a pivotal opportunity for the lower-ranked teams to make their mark and keep their dreams of qualifying alive.

Group G Fixtures: 

Cote d’Ivoire vs Sierra Leone

Zambia vs Chad

Check out Sierra Leone’s recent results:

World Cup Qualifiers:

– Ethiopia 0-0 Sierra Leone (WCQ Nov 15th 2023)

– Sierra Leone 0-2 Egypt (WCQ Nov 19th 2023)

– Sierra Leone 2-1 Djibouti (WCQ June 5th 2024)

– Burkina Faso 2-2 Sierra Leone (WCQ June 10th 2024)

AFCON Qualifiers:

– Sierra Leone 0-0 Chad (Sept 6th 2024)

– Zambia 3-2 Sierra Leone (Sept 10th 2024)

On January 6, 2024, Ivory Coast defeated a predominantly home-based Leone Stars 5-1 in a friendly match before the 2023 AFCON tournament, which they won on home soil
On January 6, 2024, Ivory Coast defeated a predominantly home-based Leone Stars 5-1 in a friendly match before the 2023 AFCON tournament, which they won on home soil
Sierra Leone to face Neighbours Liberia in qualifying for CHAN 2024
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone to face Neighbours Liberia in qualifying for CHAN 2024

The Sierra Leone national home-based team has been drawn to face neighbouring Liberia in the first-round qualifiers for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The draw, conducted in Cairo on Wednesday, 09 October, involved 40 nations in determining the two rounds of qualifiers, which will be played on a home and away basis.

The tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from 01 to 28 February 2025. This marks the first occasion in CAF history that the tournament will be jointly hosted by three nations.

The tournament qualifiers are set for October 25-27 and November 1-3, 2024, with the final round scheduled for December 20-22 and December 27-29, 2024.

Nineteen African nations will compete, including the host nations (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania) and three qualified nations from each of CAF’s six Zonal Unions.

The tournament is exclusive to players competing in their local leagues and offers a prize money of $2 million. The last edition was won by Senegal, defeating the hosts, Algeria, in the finals.

WAFU A ROUND 1

Sierra Leone vs Liberia

1st Leg: 25 – 27 October | 2nd Leg: 01 – 03 November

ROUND 2

Sierra Leone / Liberia v Senegal

Mauritania v Mali

Guinea v Guinea-Bissau

1st Leg: 20 – 22 December | 2nd Leg 27 – 29 November

Striker Augustine Williams named in USL Team of the Week
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Augustine Williams named in USL Team of the Week

Indy Eleven forward Augi Williams has been recognized as part of the USL Championship Team of the Week for the second consecutive week.

During the recent match against Louisville City FC, Williams displayed exceptional performance by scoring two goals, thus achieving a remarkable feat of five goals in consecutive matches.

This accomplishment makes him the first player in franchise history to achieve such a milestone. Additionally, Williams has entered the record books as the fifth player in USL Championship history to score double-digit goals in three consecutive regular seasons, with 10 goals in 2024.

One of Williams’ goals, scored in stoppage time of the first half, has earned him a nomination for USL Championship Goal of the Week.

His second goal of the match contributed to the team securing a 2-2 draw. This recognition marks Augi’s third Team of the Week honour this season, placing him on par with Aedan Stanley for the second-most honours on the Indy Eleven team, following Jack Blake who has received seven.

At 27 years of age, Williams has accumulated a total of 76 career goals in 220 regular-season league games, positioning him fifth on the USL Championship all-time list. Notably, among active players, Williams and teammate Sebastian Guenzatti rank second and third in career goals.

Striker Augustine Williams named in USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 31
Accra Sports Stadium to host Ghana v Sudan after CAF's approval
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Accra Sports Stadium to host Ghana v Sudan after CAF’s approval

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved Ghana to host their upcoming home game against Sudan in the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers at the newly renovated Accra Sports Stadium.

This decision follows a thorough inspection confirming that the stadium is in satisfactory condition. The match is set to take place at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, October 11. Following this, Ghana will travel to Libya for the return fixture on Monday.

Sudan and Ghana currently hold the second and third positions in Group F. They are scheduled to face each other twice in the tournament qualifiers, which will be held in Morocco next year.

Sudan arrived in Ghana on Monday, October 7, to commence their preparations for the two upcoming games. The Black Stars will play at home on Thurs