Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt clinch historic Olympic Games semi-final berth
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt clinch historic Olympic Games semi-final berth

At the Paris 2024 Games, Egypt made history by reaching the Olympic football semi-finals for the first time. They achieved this by beating Paraguay 5-4 in a tense penalty shootout.

The match was tied at halftime, but Paraguay scored first. However, Egypt managed to equalize with a late goal before winning in the penalty shootout. This means that Africa will have two teams in the semi-finals, with Egypt joining Morocco.

This success shows the growing strength of African football on the world stage. Egypt will now face tournament hosts France in the semi-final.

The Egyptian team is looking forward to this challenge and hopes to go even further in their quest for Olympic gold.

Egypt’s journey has captured the imagination of football fans worldwide, and the semi-final against France promises to be an exciting match.

Paris 2024 Olympics Fixtures | 05 August 2024

16h00 GMT | Morocco vs Spain

19h00 GMT | France vs Egypt

Morocco Thrash USA to Reach Men's Football Olympic Semis
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco Thrash USA to Reach Men’s Football Olympic Semis

On Friday, at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Morocco achieved a historic milestone by securing a position in the men’s football semi-final for the first time with an impressive 4-0 victory over the United States.

Morocco scored four goals through Soufiane Rahimi, Ilias Akhomach, Achraf Hakimi, and El Mehdi Maouhoub to beat the USA and secure a spot in the Paris 2024 semi-finals.

This triumph paves the way for an exciting semi-final encounter as Morocco prepares to face either Japan or Spain in Marseille.

The Atlas Lions demonstrated their exceptional attacking capabilities and tactical prowess in a match that will be remembered for its significance by fans at the Parc des Princes.

From the onset, Morocco established dominance through their high-pressing strategy and swift counterattacks, posing continual challenges to the American defence.

The pivotal moment arrived in the 29th minute when Soufiane Rahimi converted a penalty, marking his fifth goal of the tournament, following Nathan Harriel’s untidy challenge in the box.

Despite efforts by the United States, Morocco’s midfield trio of Abde Ezzalzouli, Ilias Akhomach, and Amir Richardson adeptly controlled the tempo of the game and crafted numerous scoring opportunities.

In the second half, Morocco dominated the game, scoring two more goals and securing a convincing victory.

Akhomach and Achraf Hakimi were the key players, with Hakimi’s impressive solo effort sealing the win.

The Moroccan team celebrated their historic achievement, showing their confidence as they pursued Olympic glory. Coach Tarik Sektioui’s tactics and team selection were instrumental in this resounding victory.

FC Kallon will kick start their highly anticipated Coal City International Cup opener against the formidable Remo Stars on August 2, which marks match day 2 in Enugu City, Nigeria.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s FC Kallon set for Remo Stars Coal City Opener

FC Kallon will kick start their highly anticipated pre-season Coal City International Cup opener against the formidable Remo Stars on August 2, which marks match day 2 in Enugu City, Nigeria.

The Coal City Cup is a yearly international football tournament held at The Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, Nigeria. The first 11-day edition of the competition will take place from August 1-11, 2024. The Rangers International Football Club of Enugu will be the host team.

In 2024, the competition will feature four teams from the NPFL, including Kallon, and one other team from outside the country.

Head coach Mohamed Kallon has carefully selected his 23-man squad to represent the club and Sierra Leone on the international stage.

Eager to claim victory in their first match against Kano Pillars, Kallon FC is ready to start an exciting journey.

They will face Rangers on August 4 and then play against Remo Stars on August 5 to conclude the first round of matches.

In the tournament opener, Rangers International of Enugu defeated Enyimba on Thursday.

Agu Kenechukwu’s left-footed shot inside the box in the 51st minute turned out to be the match-winner for the reigning NPFL champions.

Sierra Leone's FC Kallon Set for Remo Stars Coal City Opener
Sierra Leone's FC Kallon Set for Remo Stars Coal City Opener
Birmingham City, Hull City, and Sierra Leone defender Curtis Davies has announced his retirement from football.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Former Villa, Leicester City and Sierra Leone defender retires

Birmingham City, Hull City, and Sierra Leone defender Curtis Davies has announced his retirement from football.

Davies, 39, who began his career at Wimbledon, made 686 first-team career appearances, including three for England U21, and has finally hung up his boots.

In October 2023, at age 38, Davies was called up to the Sierra Leone national team squad for their friendly matches against Benin and Somalia.

On 5 June 2024, Davies scored his first Sierra Leone international goal in a 2–1 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification win against Djibouti.

“The day has finally come… After much deliberation over the last few months, I have decided to retire from football. Growing up as a kid, I simply wanted to be a footballer.

So, to have been able to play and score at Wembley, play in the Premier League, and represent both England U21 and Sierra Leone during my 23 years truly was a dream come true.

There have been plenty of ups and maybe even more downs, but all combined it made my journey a very special one.” Davies announced his retirement on Twitter.

In 2005, Davies joined West Bromwich Albion, where he made 35 starts and scored two goals in his first season with Albion, which ended with the club being relegated to the Championship.

In July 2006, he signed a new four-year contract and was appointed captain permanently, having captained the team on several occasions during the previous season to become the club’s second-youngest captain of all time.

Davies had spells at Aston Villa, Leicester City, Hull City, and Cheltenham Town.

Watanga FC confirm week-long training camp in Sierra Leone
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Watanga FC confirm week-long training camp in Sierra Leone

Liberia’s topflight side Watanga F has officially announced its upcoming training camp in Sierra Leone, setting the stage for an exciting and pivotal pre-season endeavour.

The team is poised to engage in a friendly match against the formidable Bo Rangers, champions of Sierra Leone, at the illustrious Southern Arena in August.

This event will mark the centrepiece of a comprehensive week-long training camp, showcasing the team’s commitment to rigorous preparation and competitive excellence.

Departing for Bo, Sierra Leone, on Friday, August 2nd, Watanga FC eagerly anticipates a series of international club friendlies, including a potential doubleheader against Bo Rangers.

The Liberian side might also face East End Lions Football Club and Tornado FC.

As the team gears up for the high-stakes CAF Champions League’s first-leg preliminary against MC Algiers this month, this immersive and dynamic training camp is primed to fortify Watanga FC’s readiness and unity for the challenges ahead.