Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zambia turn attention to Sierra Leone after defeat in Ivory Coast
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zambia turn attention to Sierra Leone after defeat in Ivory Coast

Zambia’s national football team, Chipolopolo, are already gearing up for the upcoming match against Sierra Leone in the 2025 African Cup of Nations Morocco qualifier.

After their recent 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast, Avram Grant’s team is putting extra effort into their preparations to face Sierra Leone on Tuesday, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00.

Coach Avram Grant and his staff welcomed back Kelvin Kampamba and Ricky Banda, who were on standby for the consecutive matches.

On the other hand, Sierra Leone’s national team, Leone Stars after a goalless draw against Chad on Friday, has arrived in Ndola, Zambia, ahead of their crucial qualifier match.

The team landed at 11:55 local time via an Ethiopian Airlines flight and wasted no time in setting up their base at the Protea Hotel in Ndola.

The highly anticipated match between Chipolopolo and Leone Stars is set to take place at 21:00 local time on Tuesday at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

The Chipolopolo went straight to work at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium this morning upon returning home from Bouake.
The Chipolopolo went straight to work at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium this morning upon returning home from Bouake.
Nigeria commenced their CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifying campaign with a dominant triumph over Benin.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ademola Lookman’s brace helps Nigeria ease past Benin

In Group D, Nigeria commenced their CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifying campaign with a dominant triumph over Benin.

Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen delivered standout performances as Nigeria defeated Benin Republic 3-0 in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Nigeria assumed control from the outset, with Lookman securing the opening goal in the first half, followed by a superb goal from Osimhen, extending their lead.

Lookman concluded the victory with a third goal, securing a decisive win for the Super Eagles. Lookman broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute, demonstrating composure and skill in front of goal.

The Benin defence struggled to contain Nigeria’s attacking prowess as Osimhen doubled the lead with a remarkable solo effort in the 55th minute.  His goal ignited the crowd, showcasing his lethal finishing ability.

As the match progressed, Benin’s Cheetahs could not respond, and Lookman added his second goal of the evening in the 78th minute, solidifying Nigeria’s commanding lead.

The Super Eagles retained control throughout, maintaining their clean sheet and securing three crucial points. Final score: Nigeria 3-0 Benin.

Elsewhere, In the AFCON qualifier Group J,  Cameroon defeated Namibia 1-0, with Vincent Aboubakar scoring the only goal in the 65th minute. Despite both teams having further chances, the score remained 1-0, giving Cameroon a strong start to their qualifying campaign.

On the other hand, in Nouakchott Group C, Mauritania secured a last-minute 1-0 victory over Botswana, with Sidi Amar scoring the crucial goal in the 84th minute.

Hindolo Mustapha makes Sierra Leone debut in draw with Chad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Crystal Palace’s Hindolo Mustapha makes Sierra Leone debut against Chad

Crystal Palace Under-21s midfielder Hindolo Mustapha made his international debut for Sierra Leone in the goalless match against Chad during the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualification.

The 18-year-old entered the game in the 87th minute, replacing Alu Koroma at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium.

On Tuesday, he may have the opportunity to make his second appearance in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Zambia in Group G.

Sierra Leone’s coach Amidu Karim’s team did not secure a win in their first match on the road to Morocco, a game that many believed they could have won.

Mustapha is known for his strong and intelligent midfield play and impressive ball control. He has already scored two goals in his first two games for the U21s side against Blackburn Rovers and Leeds United in the Premier League 2.

AFCON is scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026, and Mustapha could play an important role in helping his country qualify for the tournament.

  • Tue, 10th Sep: Zambia v Sierra Leone (20:00)
Senegal missed out on three points when Burkina Faso scored a dramatic late equalizer to earn a 1-1 draw at the Diamniadio Olympic Stadium on Friday, September 6.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ousseni Bouda’s late goal denies Senegal securing victory

Senegal missed out on three points when Burkina Faso scored a dramatic late equalizer to earn a 1-1 draw at the Diamniadio Olympic Stadium on Friday, September 6.

Sadio Mane’s sixth-minute goal seemed to ensure victory for the Lions of Teranga in Dakar – but Ousseni Bouda scored from a free-kick deep into stoppage time to secure a draw for the Stallions in their first match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Aliou Cisse’s team aimed to maintain their momentum after drawing 1-1 with DR Congo and defeating Mauritania 1-0 in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June.

The hosts threatened early, with Mane taking a shot at goal in the eighth minute, and they celebrated just eight minutes later as the Al-Nassr winger capitalized on a defensive mistake to score.

The West African rivals tried to regain momentum before half-time, but the home defence held strong. Senegal’s goalkeeper made significant interventions early in the second half but was beaten by a well-executed free-kick in added time.

Jean Philippe Krasso brace sink Zambia's Chipolopolo in Bouaké
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Jean Philippe Krasso brace sinks Zambia’s Chipolopolo in Bouaké

Cote d’Ivoire made an impressive start in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers by defeating Zambia’s Chipolopolo 2-0 on Friday night.

Substitute Jean Philippe Krasso scored two late goals to secure the win for the African champions at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké. As a result, they go top of Group G ahead of Tuesday’s second matches.

After a goalless first half, Jean-Philippe Krasso broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute and added his second goal 11 minutes later.

The result gives Cote d’Ivoire a strong start as they seek to defend their Africa Cup of Nations title.

Cote d’Ivoire 2-0 Zambia: J. Krasso (73′, 84′)

In an earlier Group G match, Sierra Leone and Les Sao of Chad played to a goalless draw at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Liberia.

Sierra Leone 0-0 Chad

On matchday two, Sierra Leone will face Zambia at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, while Chad will host defending champions Ivory Coast. Both matches will take place on Tuesday.

Full Friday's AFCON 2025 qualifying results
Full Friday's AFCON 2025 qualifying results