Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Augustus Kargbo happy to help Cesena lift the Super Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Augustus Kargbo happy to help Cesena win the Super Cup 

Sierra Leone International Augustus Kargbo expressed his delight at helping Cesena win the Italian Serie C Super Cup on Sunday.

Kargbo, 24, scored for Cesena in the 61st minute to reduce the deficit after Juve Stabia went ahead through Nicola Mosti and A. Adorante in the 20th and 27th minutes, respectively.

“It was a tough match – we knew it would be. They are an aggressive team that tries to disrupt our game. We were prepared for this. We kept pushing regardless of the result,” Kargbo stated on the club’s website.

“We finally won. I’m happy to have helped the team. It doesn’t matter whether I score or provide an assist – what’s important is contributing to the team. On that occasion, assisting Robi was more important than trying to score alone.

After Ramadan, I experienced a decline, which may happen, but it’s unnecessary. The most important thing was having confidence in myself because the support of my teammates and the club has always been there. This enabled me to work hard and strive for improvement to help the team in the best possible way.”

The attacker will join the Sierra Leone National team for the third and fourth matchdays of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.  The Leone Stars will play on 5 June against Djibouti at the Stade El Abdi in El Jadida (Morocco), while on the 10th, they take on Burkina Faso at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako (Mali).

Zamalek upset Berkane to capture the CAF Confederation Cup crown
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zamalek upset Berkane to capture the CAF Confederation Cup

Zamalek clinched the African club football’s secondary competition with a thrilling 1-0 victory over RS Berkane in the second leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final, securing the trophy on aggregate on Sunday.

The Egyptian giants entered the second leg at the Cairo International Stadium behind 2-1 from the first leg in Morocco a week ago.

The Zamalek team, backed by their passionate home crowd, made a remarkable comeback to win the continent’s title for the second time. Striker Ahmed Hamdi scored the winning goal in the 23rd minute, levelling the aggregate score. 

However, Hamdi had to leave the game due to an injury just before halftime. The second half saw Zamalek defending fiercely against Berkane’s attacks. 

Senegalese midfielder Ibrahima Ndiaye played a crucial role in Zamalek’s strong defence. Berkane’s frustration resulted in a red card for one of their players, leaving them with 10 men. Despite the pressure, Zamalek’s defence remained solid, securing a 2-1 aggregate victory.

This win represents a remarkable comeback for the Cairo-based club, which previously claimed the title in the 2018/19 season. On the other hand, Berkane came very close to winning the CAF Confederation Cup for the third time in four years but fell short in the end.

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Striker Augustine Williams is thrilled with Indy Eleven's current form
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Augustine Williams is thrilled with Indy Eleven’s current form

Indy Eleven secured an impressive 4-1 victory over Hartford Athletic at Carroll Stadium. Sierra Leone International Augustine Williams was happy with his performance and the team’s spirit.

Augi Williams scored his sixth goal of the season, Indy’s final goal, with an assist from Younes Boudadi, placing him at the top of the team’s scoring alongside Blake.

The first goal was scored in the third minute by Jack Blake from a penalty kick, giving him a team-leading five goals this season. Benjamin Ofeimu doubled the lead with the match-winning goal, scoring off one of Indy’s season-high 12 corners.

The team has scored 12 first-half goals this season, the second-highest total in the league. Aedan Stanley assisted Douglas Martinez for an insurance goal in the 54th minute.

Hartford managed to score in the 80th minute with a goal from Michael Ngalina.

“It has been a great season so far. We started a little bit slow, but as time went on, the team was able to find chemistry and started to click,” Williams told Football Sierra Leone.

“It’s been a good journey for me with the team – I have been able to put myself in a great spot to be able to get the chance to score. It’s one game at a time, but I am pleased with everything so far.”

On meeting his national teammate Emmanuel Samadia, who was introduced in the 46th minute for Hartford:

“It was great to meet Samadia, my teammate from the national team. But for now, I will stay focused and determined, and I hope we can continue on this path because there’s no better feeling than winning.”

Indy Eleven is on a seven-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, including a five-game unbeaten streak in the USL Championship. 

The team has scored in 11 straight USL matches, totalling 21 goals. They will host Detroit City FC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 on Wednesday at 7 pm.

Burkina Faso's Les Étalons to host Sierra Leone in Bamako, Mali
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkina Faso’s Les Étalons to host Sierra Leone in Mali

Group A’s second-placed team, Burkina Faso’s Les Étalons, secured their first win in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers by defeating Ethiopia’s Walias on November 21, 2023, in Morocco after their opening draw with Guinea-Bissau. 

They are scheduled to host Sierra Leone at the Mar du 26 stadium in Bamako, Mali next month.

This upcoming match will be the second meeting between the two West African nations – with Sierra Leone having previously defeated Burkina Faso at the 1996 Cup of Nations in the Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein.

The fourth match day of Africa’s 2026 qualifiers is crucial for Sierra Leone, as they must avoid defeat to improve their chances of qualification. 

A strong Leone Stars side, mainly consisting of foreign-based players, is expected to be announced in the next coming days.

In the current standings, Egypt leads Group A with six points, followed by Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau with four points each. Sierra Leone and Ethiopia are tied on one point each, while Djibouti has no points after losing their first two games.

Read Related News –Burkina Faso Wallop Ethiopia to go second behind Egypt 

FIFA World Cup African Zone Group A table after the first two matches.
FIFA World Cup African Zone Group A table after the first two matches.
Ex-Milan star Rodney Strasser feels 'honored' to be among the greats at the FIFA Congress.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Rodney Strasser feels ‘honoured’ to be at FIFA Congress

Ex-AC Milan star Rodney Strasser expressed his honour at being the first Sierra Leonean football legend to represent his country at the 2024 FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand. 

The 74th FIFA Congress is scheduled to take place in Bangkok on 17th May 2024, gathering delegates from 211 member associations at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center for a five-day international event.  

One of the main agenda items will be the confirmation of the host nation or nations of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™. This will mark Thailand’s first time hosting a FIFA Congress, making it a significant event for the country.  

Rodney expressed his gratitude for the opportunity after sharing a photo with football legends such as Brazilian Cafu, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, ex-Nigerian International Mikel Obi, and others.

He highlighted the importance of showcasing the work of the Rodney Strasser Foundation and advocating for professional football players and children in sports in Sierra Leone.  

He stated, “My journey is not just about me, but about the countless young athletes and communities who deserve support and recognition. At the FIFA Congress, I aim to share our foundation’s initiatives, promote the development of football in Sierra Leone, and network with global leaders in the sport. I aspire to inspire change, foster collaboration, and bring hope to those who need it most.”

Rodney expressed his gratitude for the opportunity after sharing a photo with football legends such as Brazilian Cafu, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, ex-Nigerian International Mikel Obi, and others.
Rodney expressed his gratitude for the opportunity after sharing a photo with football legends such as Brazilian Cafu, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, ex-Nigerian International Mikel Obi, and others.