Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Chad snatch valuable point as Sierra Leone sleep at home
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Chad snatch valuable point as Sierra Leone sleep at home

In Friday’s match, Sierra Leone missed an opportunity to secure a win as they settled for a goalless draw against Les Sao of Chad in the Group G opener at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Liberia.

The visitors put up a solid fight in the Liberian capital as Sierra Leone failed to create decisive chances in the opening hour of the tie.

The Leone Stars in most of the game, struggled to assert themselves, facing relentless pressure from Chad. Chad maintained a persistent offensive, repeatedly testing Sierra Leone’s goalkeeper Mohamed Kamara, who made several outstanding saves.

A missed opportunity arose for Sierra Leone when substitute Musa Noah Kamara’s presence led to a promising chance, only for Charlton Athletic striker Daniel Kanu to falter late in the game.

Musa struck another shot in the final two minutes of extra time, but it was an easy save for the Coton Sport keeper, Allabatina Allamtana Gabin

Crystal Palace Under-21s midfielder Hindolo Mustapha, who received his first International call, made his Sierra Leone debut.

This outcome makes it imperative for both Sierra Leone and Chad to pursue a win in their next matches: Sierra Leone will face Zambia, while Chad will host defending champions Ivory Coast, both on Tuesday.

Sierra Leone has failed to secure victories in their last three opening recent Cup of Nations qualification matches against Lesotho and Nigeria, the 0-0 result against Chad.

In the meantime, the other teams in the group, Ivory Coast and Zambia, will confront each other at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké later this evening.

Sierra Leone 0-0 Chad

Chad snatch valuable point as Sierra Leone sleep at home
Confirmed Sierra Leone Line up for Les Sao of Chad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Confirmed Sierra Leone Line up for Les Sao of Chad

Sierra Leone head coach Amidu Karim has named his starting squad for the African Cup of Nations Group G qualifying opener against Chad at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium.

Crystal Palace Under-21s midfielder Hindolo Mustapha, who received his first International call, is starting from the bench.

The Gaffer has opted for experience in defence with Ankara Keçiörengücü‘s defender Steven Caulker, Dinamo Brest centre-back Jarju Kabia, Hartford Athletic‘s Emmanuel Samadia and Osman Kakay as his back four.

First start for Huddersfield attacker Jose Koroma, who will team up with Italy-based Augustus Kargbo, Mustapha Bundu and Daniel Kanu to find goal access over 90 minutes of football.

In Midfield, Twin brothers -Alusine and Alhassan Koroma must create cover and process attacks for the team.

The Leone Stars – ranked 56 places higher than their opponents, must lay down an early statement against the Central African nation at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium on September 6th.

A win will significantly increase the squad’s belief when they engage Zambia’s Chipolopolo on the 9th for the second match day at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

Confirmed Sierra Leone Line up for Les Sao of Chad
Confirmed Sierra Leone Line up for Les Sao of Chad
Algeria open AFCON 2025 qualifier with win over Equatorial Guinea
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Algeria open AFCON qualifier with win over Equatorial Guinea

Algeria started their AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win against Equatorial Guinea in Oran. Houssem Aouar and Amine Gouiri scored the goals, securing three points for their team.

Algeria began the game aggressively, pressuring Equatorial Guinea’s defence from the start. The trio of Baghdad Bounedjah, Saïd Benrahma, and Riyad Mahrez created several chances but didn’t score early on.

Equatorial Guinea had a chance with a powerful shot in the 17th minute, narrowly missing the target.

In the 23rd minute, Algeria won a penalty after Bounedjah was fouled in the box, but captain Riyad Mahrez missed the opportunity by sending his shot over the bar.

Benrahma came close to scoring in the 27th minute, but his shot was saved by the visiting goalkeeper Jesús Lázaro. Despite Algeria’s dominance, the first half ended 0-0.

In the 69th minute, Aouar headed home a rebound after a powerful shot from Mahrez was saved by Lázaro. Amine Gouiri added a second goal deep into stoppage time (90+5), leading to a 2-0 win for Algeria.

Thursday's AFCON 2025 Qualifying results in full
Thursday's AFCON 2025 Qualifying results in full
Angola stun Ghana in Kumasi Group F AFCON qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Angola stun Ghana in Kumasi Group F AFCON qualifier

Angola surprised Ghana’s Black Stars with a 1-0 victory in Kumasi to top Group F during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers’ second day at Baba Yara Stadium on Thursday. (GFA Photo)!

Felicio Mendes João Milson only proved to be the decider in a tense Baba Yara Stadium.

The Black Stars controlled much of the match but didn’t take advantage of their chances. Antoine Semenyo missed an early opportunity, sending a shot wide after five minutes.

Mohammed Kudus came close to scoring in the 36th minute, but the Angola goalkeeper, Neblu, saved his powerful strike.

In the second half, Ghana continued to apply pressure, but Angola scored an unexpected goal in stoppage time to win the match. Substitute Milson secured all three points for Angola.

This was a disappointing start for Ghana’s coach, Otto Addo, while Angola will be thrilled with their surprise victory away from home.

The Black Stars face Niger next week in the race to Morocco as Angola host Sudan who won their opener against Niger.

We cannot underestimate Chad - Coach Amidu Karim
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Coach Amidu Karim: We cannot underestimate Chad

Sierra Leone head coach Amidu Karim has asserted that his team will not underestimate Friday’s opponent, Chad or any present-day African football team.

Karim is gearing up to kick off the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 qualifiers with a match against Les Sao of Chad in Liberia at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium on Friday.

A strong start is crucial for the Leone Stars to show their determination after missing out on the last AFCON in Ivory Coast.

The Leone Stars find themselves in Group G, which poses a tough challenge with the presence of the defending champions Ivory Coast, Zambia’s Chipolopolo, and the underdog Chad, all vying for two qualifying spots.

Sierra Leone has a chance to win if they improve their defense as they have conceded in five straight matches. Chad also needs to address their defensive problems after conceding in ten consecutive away matches.

Karim discussed his team’s aspirations for qualification in an interview with www.footballsierraleone.com.

“I have closely observed Chad’s gameplay, they are a formidable team. They are not to be underestimated. We have put every modality in place to secure a victory this Friday.

With regards to Zambia, we all know they are a top-notch team, but in African football, no team should be underrated. Football in Africa has moved to different heights.”

Last Meetings – FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Africa 1st round 1st Leg

Oct 10, 2015. – Chad 1 – 0 Sierra Leone

Oct 13, 2015, Africa, FIFA World Cup Africa 1st round 2nd Leg

Sierra Leone 2 – 1 Chad