Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Augustine Williams delighted to open new season account
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Augustine Williams delighted to open new season account 

Augustine Williams was delighted to get off the mark after opening his account for new club Indy Eleven. 

On Saturday night, at Carroll Stadium, The striker, who signed for Indy ahead of the new USL season, scored his first goal for Indy Eleven in a 1-1 draw against Sacramento Republic. It was his home debut for the new club.

In the 31st minute, Indy Eleven conceded an own goal, but it was short-lived as Augi Williams scored a goal, assisted by Max Schneider, almost immediately, equalizing the match.

Both teams had chances in the second half, but neither was able to score the winning goal.

“Home opener debut. Deserved more than 1 point. Thanks to our amazing supporters for the support. Happy to score my first goal for this amazing club. Great shift by the lads, on to the next one @IndyEleven,” Williams noted on Twitter.

Indy Eleven’s next game is against Detroit City FC, the first Eastern Conference foe of the season, which will also be played at Carroll Stadium next Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.

Malachi Jones makes his New York City's MLS debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Malachi Jones makes his New York City’s MLS debut

On Saturday, New York City FC played against Cincinnati at TQL Stadium and lost 1-0 in a closely contested match. 

Although both teams had few clear chances, Lucho Acosta managed to score the only goal of the match in the 57th minute. 

Despite their best efforts and fighting till the very end, City were unable to find an equalizer before the final whistle.

New York City FC were on the hunt for back-to-back wins as they took on FC Cincinnati on Saturday.

The hosts had enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season under Pat Noonan’s guidance, but City were eager to change that.

Malachi Jones, who hails from Sierra Leone, made his debut for New York City in their match against Cincinnati on Saturday. 

Head coach Nick Cushing brought Jones off the bench in the 67th minute, along with Alonso Martínez. 

Hannes Wolf and Fernández were the players who were replaced by Jones and Martínez. The match ultimately ended in a 1-0 defeat for New York City.

Morocco 2025 prelims; Chad, Liberia & Eswatini in driving seat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco 2025 prelims; Chad, Liberia & Eswatini in driving seat

On Wednesday, 20 March, Liberia and Eswatini won their first-leg matches in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 qualifiers. 

Liberia beat Djibouti 2-0 at home, while Eswatini won 3-0 against Liberia. On Friday, Chad also won their first-leg match, beating Mauritius 1-0.

Chad’s win gives them a slim lead in the two-legged affair against Mauritius. The return leg will take place on Tuesday, 26 March. 

Meanwhile, on the same evening, Sao Tome and Principe drew 0-0 against South Sudan in Berkane.

The eight lowest-ranked nations according to FIFA Rankings are currently playing in a home-and-away knockout format for the preliminary stage of the qualifiers. 

The four remaining nations from this stage will be eligible to join the 44 other nations in the group stages of the qualifiers.

TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 Preliminary Qualifiers Results:

First Leg Fixtures:

Wednesday, 20 March 

Somalia 0 – 3 Eswatini

Djibouti 0 – 2 Liberia

Friday, 22 March

Chad 1 – 0 Mauritius

Sao Tome and Principe 0 – 0 South Sudan

Return Leg Fixtures:

Tuesday, 26 March

13:00 GMT | Eswatini – Somalia

16:00 GMT | Liberia – Djibouti

17:00 GMT | South Sudan – Sao Tome and Principe

15:00 GMT | Mauritius – Chad

Ghana beat Uganda to clinch African Games Football Gold
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana beat Uganda to clinch African Games Football Gold

Ghana’s U20 won the 2023 African Games Men’s Football tournament by defeating Uganda 1-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium. Jerry Afriyie scored the decisive goal in the final. 

The Ghanaian team, under Coach Desmond Offei, showed a strong performance throughout the tournament to win the gold medal.

Despite an intense and captivating first half from both sides, the score remained goalless, with Ghana coming close to scoring several times.

After halftime, Ghana intensified their attacking efforts and scored in the 90th minute to win the gold medal, while Uganda claimed silver for their commendable performance.

Having triumphed over Congo earlier in the day, Senegal received the bronze medals in recognition of their achievements.

The victory is a significant triumph for Ghana in the realm of African football as they completed a clean sweep by winning gold in both men’s and women’s football.

Ghana crowned African Games queens after comeback win over Nigeria
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana crowned African Games champions after defeating Nigeria

Ghana’s U20 team won the women’s football tournament at the 13th African Games, beating defending champions Nigeria 2-1 in a dramatic final on Thursday night. 

Nigeria took the lead with a goal from Edeh Njideka in the 28th minute, but Ghana rallied in the second half, inspired by their home crowd. 

Tracey Twum scored a fine equalizer in the 78th minute, taking the match to extra time. Mukarama Abdulai then scored a classy winner, securing Ghana’s second African Games women’s football gold medal. 

The hosts celebrated wildly, while Nigeria took silver, and Uganda won bronze after defeating Senegal in the third-place playoff. 

“I’m so proud of this team. We never stopped believing even when we went behind,” said Ghana coach Yussif Basigi.

But it was Ghana’s night as the nation’s rising stars announced themselves on the continental stage with a triumph for the ages.