Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

One game cannot decide AFCON spot - Skipper Steven Caulker
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Skipper Steven Caulker’s report card ahead of Zambia tie

Skipper Steven Caulker emphasized that one game cannot determine the AFCON spot. He expressed the Leone Stars’ determination to confront a formidable Zambia team and uphold the pride of Sierra Leone.

Caulker is set to captain the Leone Stars in a crucial match against Zambia’s Chipolopolo on Tuesday as part of the journey to Morocco 2025 at the Levy Mwanawansa Stadium.

“We were absolutely clear that we intended to secure all three points against Chad, but unfortunately, it didn’t happen. I firmly believe that our performance against Chad was not bad.

We created several chances but couldn’t capitalize on the day. However, the very fact that we were able to create chances is a positive sign, Caulker rightly pointed out.

Defensively, clinching a clean sheet is a major accomplishment for us, and we are fully committed to elevating our performance from one to three points against Zambia, despite the challenging nature of the upcoming game against a formidable opponent.

Qualifying for the next AFCON will not be determined after just one game but after six games. That will be the real test. We secured one point and currently hold the second position in the table – providing us with a solid foundation to build on.”

Everyone is filled with positivity and we are prepared to give our all for Sierra Leone on Tuesday.”

Both teams faced challenging starts, with Grant’s team losing 2-0 to the Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone playing to a goalless draw against Chad in Liberia.

Zambia and Sierra Leone have history, meeting twice before with one victory for Chipolopolo in 1996 and a draw in 1994.

We know their weaknesses - Avram Grant on Sierra Leone
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

We know their weaknesses – Avram Grant on Sierra Leone

Avram Grant, the Zambia head coach, spoke ahead of the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier as he prepares his team to play against Sierra Leone on Tuesday at the Levy Mwanawansa stadium.

Both teams had a rough start, with Grant’s team losing 2-0 to the Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone playing to a goalless draw against Chad in Liberia.

Grant is committed to securing Zambia’s qualification for a back-to-back AFCON, despite the team’s four consecutive losses and winless streak since November 2023.

Looking ahead to Tuesday’s match, Grant promised a new game plan and expressed optimism, stating that the technical bench has thoroughly studied Sierra Leone’s tactics and they are prepared to demonstrate Zambia’s strength as a team.

“We are well-informed about the opponent. We have shared our insights with the players and thoroughly analyzed all of the opponent’s recent games. Everyone, including the staff, has reviewed this information,” he stated.

“We have identified their weaknesses and strengths. While they are a very good team – our objective is to demonstrate that we are also a strong team.”

Zambia and Sierra Leone have history, meeting twice before with one victory for Chipolopolo in 1996 and a draw in 1994.

Tunisia beat Gambia to top Group A in the race to Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia beat Gambia to top Group A in race to Morocco

On Sunday, Tunisia defeated the host Gambia 2-1 in the Africa Cup of Nations Group A qualifier at the Stade El Abdi Jadida in Morocco.

The Gambia struggled to capitalise on a home tie as Tunisia found the space to secure the win for their second straight in the qualifiers.

New head coach Johnny Mckinstry’s team is still without a win in the 2025 Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Ali Al-Addi scored the opening goal for the Eagles of Carthage in the 11th minute, but his goal was cancelled out by Ali Sowe three minutes later.

The visitors secured their win in the 75th minute through Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, placing the North Africans comfortably at the top of their group.

In their opening qualifier match at the El Abdi Jadida last Wednesday, The Gambia’s national team, known as The Scorpions, drew 1-1 with Comoros Islands.

This result meant that they shared the spoils in the biennial biggest football showpiece qualifiers.

Meanwhile, the two other teams in the Group Comoros and Madagascar will compete  later today at the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi in Tunisia as the qualifiers heat up.

Ghana Black Stars look to revive AFCON 2025 qualifying hopes
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana Black Stars look to revive AFCON 2025 qualifying hopes

Otto Addo’s team is aiming to breathe new life into their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying journey as they prepare to face Niger at the Berkane Municipal Stadium in Morocco on Monday, September 9th. (GFA Photo)

The Black Stars are currently second from bottom in Group F after a 1-0 loss to Angola in Kumasi on matchday 1, with Milson scoring in stoppage time.

Otto was appointed as head coach in May and began with wins over Mali (2-1) and Central African Republic (4-3) in June’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The former Ghana international will be aiming for a win in Berkane to put pressure on Sudan and the Black Sable Antelopes.

Niger has only qualified for the continental showpiece twice, in 2012 and 2013, but failed to advance past the group stage both times.

The Menas were defeated by Sudan 1-0 on September 4 in their opening match of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.

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.