Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bakr Issa helps Sudan open AFCON qualifying campaign with a win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bakr Issa helps Sudan win AFCON qualifying opener

Sudan started their CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 qualifiers with a 1-0 win over Niger. Abu Bakr Issa scored the only goal on Wednesday afternoon.

His second-half goal at the Juba Stadium gave the hosts three vital points in the opening match. Sudan is in Group F, which includes strong teams like Ghana and Angola. Angola will play against Ghana on Thursday at the Baba Yara Stadium.

The match was evenly contested, with both teams creating an equal number of opportunities. Sudan broke the deadlock in the 51st minute after a defensive mistake from Niger allowed Abu Bakr to put the hosts in the lead.

Following this victory, Sudan is temporarily at the top of Group F. Ghana will take on Angola on Thursday, September 5, in a home match.

Niger faces a tough challenge in their next match as they travel to Ghana on Monday, September 9, while Sudan will travel to Luanda to play against Angola.

Under the leadership of Ghanaian head coach Kwesi Appiah, the Sudan team has been in good form, winning five out of their six games in 2024. They have conceded only one goal in their last six games and are at the top of their 2026 World Cup qualifying group as well as the 2025 AFCON qualifying group.

 Lecce winger Banda completes Zambia squad for doubleheader
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Lecce winger Banda completes Zambia squad for doubleheader

Lecce winger Lameck Banda has joined the Zambia squad in Abidjan for their upcoming matches. The team is preparing to face Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Banda’s arrival completed the 23-member squad, with other players as head coach Coach Avram Grant focus on finalizing preparations for their two vital matches.

Earlier, Switzerland-based Joseph Sabobo Banda and Obino Chisala of Mozambique outfit Costa do Sol joined the squad.

With all the players in camp, Grant will be eager to step up preparations ahead of vital qualifiers.

Zambia will face the African champions at the Stade de la Paix on Friday evening before heading to Ndola for Tuesday’s match against the Leone Stars.

The journey to the AFCON 2025 in Morocco begins today
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

The journey to AFCON 2025 in Morocco begins today

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers will begin on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, with several nations starting their quest to qualify for the tournament.

In Group F, Sudan and Niger are scheduled to play at the Juba Stadium in South Sudan on Wednesday afternoon.

Sudan, the 1970 competition winners, missed the most recent edition in the Ivory Coast.

Niger aims to qualify for the third time in their history, with their last appearance in the 2013 showpiece.

Another highly anticipated qualifier will feature Libya and Rwanda at the 11 June Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Under the guidance of former Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic, known as ‘Micho’, Libya has suffered only one defeat in 11 matches since October last year.

The qualifiers will determine the 24 teams for the 35th edition of Africa’s biggest sports event, which will be held in a North African nation from December 21 to January 18.

Today's Matches in the Race to Morocco
Today's Matches in the Race to Morocco
Kamil Conteh is hopeful about the Chad African Cup of Nations opening game against his home country, Sierra Leone, scheduled for Friday.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

The aim is to qualify for AFCON 2025 – Kamil Conteh

Kamil Conteh is hopeful about the Chad African Cup of Nations opening game against his home country, Sierra Leone, scheduled for Friday.

Sierra Leone will host the Central African nation in the Liberian capital, and Conteh is already aiming for a place in the next continental tournament in Morocco.

“It’s always an honour to play for them. My family, both here and back home, are proud. If I get to play, I will show what I can do. We have qualifiers, so the aim is to qualify for the AFCON.” Kamil told Bristol Rovers website.

Conteh, a midfielder with nine caps for his nation since debuting in March 2022 against Togo, emphasized the importance of the upcoming matches for Sierra Leone, with games against Chad and Zambia being the first two qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Conteh is looking forward to demonstrating his skills on the field and highlighted that the main aim for his nation is to qualify. Sierra Leone did not qualify for the 2023 edition of the competition in Côte d’Ivoire.

Only the top two teams from each group in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers will secure a spot in the final tournament. However, in Group B, which includes hosts Morocco, only one additional team will be eligible.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is set to take place in Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026.

Victor Osimhen to Galatasaray from Napoli imminent
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Victor Osimhen to Galatasaray from Napoli Imminent

Victor Osimhen is currently in Turkey to join Galatasaray on loan until June 2025, with a salary of €9-10m. There is no buy option or obligation, as per reports.

The talented Nigerian international forward netted an impressive total of 76 goals in 133 games for Napoli.

His exceptional performance played a pivotal role in Napoli’s triumphant 2022-23 Serie A title win, where he contributed an outstanding 26 goals to secure the championship.

The loan does not include an option to buy – Osimhen had difficulty securing a move away from Naples before the transfer window closed. Gala has agreed to pay Osimhen’s full salary for the 2024-25 season.

Deals with Al Ahli and Chelsea fell through due to financial reasons, and he was subsequently left out of the first team by Napoli’s head coach Antonio Conte.

A message from Galatasaray on social media reads, “Official negotiations have commenced with the football player and his club SSCN Napoli SPA regarding the temporary transfer of professional footballer Victor James Osimhen.”