Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Spoils shared between Asec Mimosas & Esperance de Tunis
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Spoils shared between Asec Mimosas & Esperance de Tunis

Asec Mimosas and Esperance Sportive de Tunis played out a goalless draw in their Quarter-Final fixture at Stade Olympique in Tunis on Saturday.

Both teams are to meet again in the CAF Champions League return leg Quarter-Finals on 05 or 06 April as everything will be decided at Felicia.

Despite having less possession, Asec Mimosas had the first chance at goal when Karidioula Mofosse almost scored after Raed Bouchniba lost possession in the danger area. 

In the first half, Ghaylen Chaleli’s dangerous ball almost caught Asec’s goalkeeper off guard, but he managed to fist it away.

After the recess, the hosts continued to attack, with coach Miguel Cardoso injecting fresh legs. 

Second-half substitute Oussema Bouguerra’s well-struck effort from outside the box hit the woodwork, and Houssem Tka missed a header that went just off target. 

Despite the pressure from the hosts, Asec Mimosas managed to absorb most of the attacks, securing a confidence-boosting draw before the return leg next weekend. 

Meanwhile, on Friday, in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals, Al Ahly SC, the title holders, won 1-0 in Dar es Salaam against Tanzanian giants, Simba SC in the first leg of the Quarter-Finals.

Ahmed Kouka scored an early goal to secure the first-leg victory for the Egyptian giants. They did well to withstand the ongoing pressure from Simba throughout the encounter.

LAFC Strengthens Attack with Signing of Kei Kamara
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Kei Kamara joins his 11th MLS club Los Angeles

Los Angeles has signed veteran forward Kei Kamara for the 2024 season with an option for 2025. Kamara, 39, has played for a record 11 different MLS teams, scored 144 goals, and is one of the all-time greatest goal scorers in MLS history.

“Kei is considered one of the best goal scorers in the history of Major League Soccer and will be a valuable addition to our team’s attacking force,” stated John Thorrington, LAFC’s Co-President and General Manager. “Kei has a long history of playing in Southern California, so we are confident that it will be a source of pride for him to represent LAFC.”

He returned to Southern California, where he played in high school and college before starting his MLS career in 2006. 

The ex-Sierra Leone striker joins LAFC after playing for the Chicago Fire in the 2023 season, where he scored five goals and registered two assists in 27 regular-season appearances.

Kamara played for Columbus in 2006-2007 before moving to San Jose Earthquakes and later Houston Dynamo. 

He then played five seasons with Sporting Kansas City from 2009 to 2013 before returning to the Columbus Crew in 2015.

After tying for the league lead in goals in a record-setting season with Columbus, Kamara played for several teams such as New England Revolution, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Colorado Rapids, Minnesota United FC, and Montréal in 2022.

Kamara played in Europe on loan with Norwich City in 2013 and later signed with Middlesbrough FC in the English Championship. He returned to Europe in 2021 with Finland’s HIFK. 

Internationally, Kamara has made 39 appearances for Sierra Leone, scoring seven goals and registering one assist across all competitions

Sierra Leone mourns one of its greatest Lamin Bangura
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone mourns Lamin Bangura one of its greatest

Ports Authority head coach Lamin Bangura, one of Sierra Leone’s greatest footballers of all time, has sadly passed away following a tragic road accident on Tuesday. 

The late Bangura was a successful coach and player in West Africa, winning titles in Guinea and Sierra Leone. He suffered fatal injuries that ultimately led to his death. Several players and officials are currently in critical condition after a serious accident. 

“On March 25th, 2024, the team departed from Freetown en route to Kenema for a Premier League match between Kanhula Rangers and Port Authority. Unfortunately, while traveling along Konta Line Mile 91, their bus collided with a stationary vehicle, resulting in the tragic loss of a beloved football legend,” Ports Authority confirmed. 

Bangura helped Sierra Leone qualify for Tunisia AFCON 1996 and played for the team in AFCON 1994 and 1996. He also played a key role in As Kaloum’s CAF Clubs Cup final 1995.

The former ASEC Mimosas Abidjan defender was a crucial figure in guiding the Diamond Stars to their first Premier League title in 2012. It was the first Sierra Leonean club outside Freetown to win the league.

“I write with pain upon hearing the sudden death of one of our national football heroes, Coach Lamin Bangura, together with the bus driver and conductor.

Coach Lamin, you have done a lot for the growth of football in Sierra Leone as a player and coach. You represented the country, coached the National U23, and won the 2012 Sierra Leone Premier League with Diamond Stars. Your diligence is admirable,” SLFA’s boss, Thomas Brima

“We extend our deepest condolences to the club, families, and friends of those who lost their lives, including the head coach, Lamin Bangura. Our hearts go out to you all,” The Sierra Leone FA stated

“The Board extends its sympathy to all individuals impacted by this incident. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time,” the Sierra Leone Premier Board noted.

The league board announced the cancellation of the Kahunla Rangers and Ports Authority scheduled match on 27th March 2024 due to an unfortunate event.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Ports Authority FC and the family of Head Coach Lamin Bangura. May his soul rest in peace. East End Lions FC stands in solidarity with Ports Authority FC. Our condolences go out to all who knew and loved Coach Bangura,” EE Lions posted.

“Your kindness and love touched us deeply, and your departure has left a void that cannot be filled. We will miss you dearly,” Freetown City FC.

Wealdstone boss David Nobel hails Kallum Cesay after debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Wealdstone boss Nobel hails Kallum Cesay after debut

Wealdstone Football Club announced in February that they had signed Sierra Leone International Kallum Cesay on a permanent deal.

The former Tottenham youngster made his official debut for Wealdstone on Saturday in a 1-1 draw against Kidderminster Harriers. 

Although the Stones took the lead during first-half stoppage time through in-form Max Kretzschmar, a late goal from Ash Hemmings rescued a point for the Harriers. 

Head coach David Nobel was impressed with Kallum Cesay’s input in the game, describing him as ‘solid’ in his first senior game.

According to Noble, “He was exceptional. You saw what a fit boy he is by the amount of times he overlapped in the first half. He looked solid defensively on what was his first game in senior football.” 

Wealdstone will return to action on Tuesday evening when they travel to the J Davidson Stadium to face Altrincham in a 7.45 pm kick-off.

CAF workshop on improving Stadium infrastructure
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF workshop on improving Stadium infrastructure

CAF is hosting a stadium inspectors workshop in Rabat, Morocco, to monitor African infrastructure.

Investment in football infrastructure in Africa – building and maintenance of stadiums in the countries that are part of the 54 CAF Member Associations, is a key focus for the CAF Leadership.

Already commenced on Monday, the workshop in Morocco will continue till Wednesday, and the participants will undergo various theoretical and practical activities. They will also be taken for stadium visits accompanied by designated CAF Departmental Heads.

The workshop was inaugurated by Mr Fouzi Lekjaa, the President of Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) and a CAF Executive Committee Member. He emphasized the importance of investing in world-class infrastructure and maintaining the facilities.

To ensure that African clubs and Member Associations can host CAF events, the CAF conducts a Stadium Inspectors Workshop to train stadium inspectors appointed by the CAF.

These inspectors will guide the African clubs and Member Associations in complying with the CAF Stadium Regulations (edition 2022).