Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kazeem Ogunleye’s late goal helps Enugu Rangers' to victory
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kazeem Ogunleye’s late goal helps Enugu Rangers’ to victory

Kazeem Ogunleye’s late goal helped Enugu Rangers win 1-0 against Angola’s Sagrada Esperanca in a CAF Champions League qualifier on Friday.

The 18-year-old striker scored with a well-placed shot from just outside the box, securing the victory in the southeastern Nigerian city of Uyo.

Despite having more possession, Enugu Rangers struggled with passing and finishing in the second-round first leg until Ogunleye’s decisive strike.

Enugu Rangers narrowly advanced to the final qualifying stage after a 2-1 aggregate win over Comoran champions Zilimadjou, with both games played in Nigeria due to the lack of a suitable stadium in the Comoros.

Enugu Rangers will now travel to Angola for the return leg against Sagrada Esperanca in Luanda next weekend, aiming to become the first Nigerian team to win the prestigious African club title since Enyimba’s back-to-back triumphs in 2003 and 2004.

In another match, US Monastir of Tunisia secured a 1-0 first-leg win at home against Algeria’s former champions Mouloudia Alger through Fourat Soltani’s 22nd-minute strike, deflected by Ayoub Ghezala.

This weekend’s CAF Champions League action will continue with nine matches on Saturday and five on Sunday, with defending champions Al Ahly of Egypt playing their first match against Kenya’s Gor Mahia.

It was a bit hectic - striker Abu Kamara on move to Hull City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

It was a bit hectic – striker Abu Kamara on move to Hull City

Striker Abu Kamara has been talking ahead of a possible debut for Hull City against Sheffield United at the MKM Stadium on Friday. The English Championship tie is the first game back after the international break.

“It was a bit hectic when teams came in for me, but when I knew the interest from Hull was there, I was excited by the project. When I spoke to the manager, it made my decision a whole lot easier,” Kamara said about his decision to move to Hull City.

“The international break has allowed me to know the players better, see how they play, understand the formation, and comprehend what the manager wants from me. I felt the break was crucial in me learning the system,” Kamara added about his training.

“I’m really excited for Friday. Sheffield United is a big club. It’s a Yorkshire derby, so I am thrilled to potentially be involved in such a big occasion for my first game,” Kamara expressed his anticipation about potentially making his debut against Sheffield United.

On Transfer deadline day, Hull City signed the 21-year-old Sierra Leonean native Abu Kamara on a four-year deal.

Kamara signed an undisclosed deal at the MKM Stadium, with a club option of a further year from Norwich City.

Hull City have not won their last three games, including a loss to Leeds, while Sheffield Wednesday have not lost in their last three, including a 1-0 win over Watford before the International break.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a temporary suspension of its approval for the use of Ghana's Baba Yara Stadium.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF suspends Ghana’s Baba Yara Stadium approval

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a temporary suspension of its approval for the use of Ghana’s Baba Yara Stadium. This decision comes as a result of technical issues, specifically concerning the inadequate condition of the playing field.

Despite recently hosting a match between Ghana and Angola, the stadium was found to be below the required standards for Category 3 international matches.

As a result, Ghana will need to find alternative venues for its upcoming official matches as the Baba Yara Stadium is no longer an option. This decision came after CAF’s assessment of the stadium following the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Ghana and Angola, which was played on September 5, 2024.

CAF inspectors identified several issues at the stadium, which has a capacity of over 40,000. The confederation board also recommended that the Ghanaian authorities conduct a full assessment of all international stadiums in the country and immediately begin refurbishment efforts.

Rwanda's coach Torsten Spittler pleased with team effort
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Rwanda’s coach Torsten Spittler pleased with team’s effort

Rwanda’s coach, Torsten Spittler, praised his team’s strong performance following their 0-0 draw against Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifier.

Rwanda displayed a solid defensive effort, successfully holding the three-time AFCON champions to a goalless draw at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Tuesday.

Despite Nigeria dominating possession and applying sustained pressure, Spittler’s team remained resolute, frustrating the Super Eagles’ attempts to break the deadlock.

Spittler expressed his satisfaction with his team’s effort after the game, as he stated, “I’m very happy not only because of the result but also the way we played.” He also acknowledged the quality of Nigeria’s attack, singling out their forward line as world-class.

The draw keeps Rwanda in contention as they look to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, with the team taking great encouragement from the match against one of the continent’s footballing heavyweights.

Nigeria couldn’t break through the Rwandan defence despite dominating possession. Rwandan fans hope their team can build on this point. The AFCON 2025 qualifying race is intensifying, with both teams facing further tests.

The Super Eagles are at the top of Group D with four points, and Rwanda is in third place with two. Nigeria will host Libya in their next qualifier in October, while Rwanda faces a back-to-back test against Benin aiming to return to winning ways.

Kenya beat Namibia to stay on course for Morocco 2025
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kenya beat Namibia to stay on course for Morocco 2025

Kenya had a positive result in their latest 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match, winning 2-1 against Namibia in Group J at the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.

In the first 15 minutes, there was little difference between the two teams, and they shared possession equally in the early stages of the game. Namibia tried to attack midway through the first half, but the Kenyan midfielders quickly stopped them.

On the other side, Kenya looked dangerous when they counter-attacked. The referee ended the first half after a few scoring chances from both teams.

Kenya took the lead just before the hour mark with a well-placed free-kick just outside the area.

Namibia attempted direct attacking plays in the future. Despite Namibia’s attempts, the Harambee Stars scored again in the 76th minute through Duke Abuya, increasing their lead.

Namibia made a late attempt to change the scoreline, with Deon Hotto scoring a consolation goal in stoppage time, but it was too late as Kenya won the match.