Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone winger Jonathan Morsay joins Greek's Kalamata
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone winger Jonathan Morsay joins Kalamata in Greece

Sierra Leonean winger Jonathan Morsay, 26, has joined the Greek second-tier team Kalamata FC. Previously, he played for Dinamo București and then signed for AEL Limassoll in the summer of 2023.

Last season, he made 21 league appearances for the Cypriot club, scoring two goals in eleven starts. In June, Morsay parted ways with AEL Limassol over salary cut, despite contracts until the summer of 2025.

“It was not an option. The club had some difficulties with money and many players had to take a pay cut. They (AEL Limassol) have broken with half the position almost, says Morsay.”

However, moving to Kalamata FC has offered him a fresh start to rebuild after the club officially announced on their website that Morsay is ready for the club.

The team resides in the Greek second league. The season has not yet started. Morsay has previously represented clubs such as GIF Sundsvall, IK Brage, Chievo Verona and Panetolikos FC.

The Greek Super League 2 is the second division of professional football in Greece and serves as a feeder league to the top-level Super League.

The league consists of 20 teams divided into two groups and is typically played from September to May.

Brentford's Yoane Wissa set to miss DRC AFCON qualifiers next month
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Brentford’s Yoane Wissa set to miss DRC AFCON qualifiers next month

Brentford forward Yoane Wissa suffered an ankle injury against Manchester City and may be sidelined for a couple of months.

The injury could impact DR Congo’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Despite scoring the opening goal in their 2-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, Wissa is not expected to return until November.

Sebastien Desabre’s team (DRC) will play against Tanzania at home and away next month, followed by their final two fixtures in November.

Furthermore, his injury has left a big void in Brentford’s attack following the departure of Ivan Toney and Igor Thiago’s injury.

Brentford’s Coach Thomas Frank expressed frustration but is determined to find a solution.

“Everybody was saying we bought Igor Thiago to replace Ivan [Toney], but we still had Wissa. We bought Igor Thiago to build the squad and provide competition in the squad,” the 50-year-old coach said.

“Wissa had a perfect season last year, and I thought he started the season very well this year, with three goals in four games – that’s a perfect number. He’s just been very important for us, and his absence will leave a hole. But, again, I will find a solution.”

This leaves a big void in Brentford’s attack following the departure of Ivan Toney and Igor Thiago’s injury.

Egypt's Al-Masry edged Al Hilal in the CAF Confederation Cup campaign
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt’s Al-Masry suffer CAF Confed defeat to Al Hilal

Egyptian Premier League side Masry began their CAF Confederation Cup journey with a narrow 3-2 loss to hosts Al Hilal of Libya in the first leg of the second preliminary round on Sunday.

Striker Salah Mohsen scored just a minute before halftime, latching onto a precise assist from winger Abdel-Rehim Daghmoum to control the ball in the area and slot it home.

Midfielder Mohammed Al-Shiteewi levelled the score for Al Hilal five minutes before the break with a powerful strike from outside the box. Mohsen put Masry back in the lead in the 63rd minute with a well-placed shot in the box.

In the 68th minute, Al-Hilal’s captain, Faisal El Badri, scored the equalizer with a header from a sharp cross outside the area. Ten minutes before the final whistle, Al-Shiteewi secured the victory for Al Hilal with a close-range header.

Despite Masry coach Ali Maher making three substitutions, Al Hilal’s defence held firm, securing a 3-2 victory. The return leg is scheduled for next week in Port Said.

Sundowns and Al Ahly record first-leg CAF Champions League wins
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sundowns and Al Ahly record first-leg CAF Champions League wins

Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns recorded heavy victories in their CAF Champions League second round first-leg preliminary matches, and Orlando Pirates also did well when they travelled to Botswana.

Sundowns were supposed to play Mbabane Swallows away, but they ended up winning 4-0 against the Eswatini side at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Saturday.

Because Swallows couldn’t host the match at an international standard stadium, Sundowns took full advantage of playing at one of their home grounds, and Lucas Ribeiro (2), Mosa Lebusa, and Iqraam Rayners all scored in Atteridgeville.

In another match, current CAF Champions League title holders Al Ahly won 3-0 against Gor Mahia at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.

Ramy Rabia scored in the 14th minute, and Percy Tau sealed the scoreline with goals in the 15th and 74th minutes.

The second leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round will begin on Friday, September 20th.

Saturday's CAF Champions League Second Round first-leg results
Saturday's CAF Champions League Second Round first-leg results
Sierra Leone's Issa Kallon nets in Nantong Zhiyun defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Issa Kallon nets in Nantong defeat

On Saturday, Issa Kallon, the talented attacking midfielder from Sierra Leone, showcased his skill once again by scoring his fourth goal of the Chinese Super League campaign.

Unfortunately, his impressive performance was not enough to secure a win for Nantong Zhiyun, as they suffered a 3-2 defeat at the Changchun Sports Center Stadium.

Kallon, who has made seven appearances since joining the club, found the back of the net in the 36th minute, levelling the scoreline after Sérgio De Oliveira Junior opened the scoring for the home side.

Zilei Jiang then put Nantong Zhiyun ahead in the 42nd minute, ending the first half with a 2-1 lead.

After the break, Changchun Yatai piled on the pressure and equalised in the 80th minute through Robert Berić. Yuda Tian’s last-gasp goal then secured the victory for the home team.

This defeat means Nantong Zhiyun remains at the bottom of the Chinese Super League, with no wins in their last seven games.

In the day’s other matches, Wang Qiuming’s goal gave Tianjin a 1-0 win over Henan and Cangzhou Mighty Lions defeated Meizhou Hakka 2-1.