Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Idris Kanu helps Barnet thrash Kidderminster at the Hive
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Idris Kanu helps Barnet thrash Kidderminster

On Saturday, Barnet secured a comfortable 4-1 win over Kidderminster, during which Sierra Leone International Idris Kanu accounted for one of the goals at the Hive.

It was his seventh of the season as the victory also confirmed the team’s 2nd place finish in the National League, which means they will have the advantage of playing at home in the upcoming play-off semi-final next weekend.

Barnet ended their regular season fixtures with a convincing win against the already-relegated Kidderminster as they prepared for the playoffs. 

In the 33rd minute, Danny Collinge scored the match’s first goal with a header, which was assisted by a corner. This was Collinge’s ninth goal of the season. 

Barnet continued to create chances and in the 44th minute, Nicke Kabamba scored the second goal of the match, his 29th of the season. 

Luke Freeman added to the scoreline in the 47th minute, making it 3-0 for Barnet. 

Kidderminster managed to pull one back in the 60th minute through Charlie Weston. Idris Kanu sealed the three points at The Hive with a beautiful goal, marking the end of the regular season.

https://twitter.com/bittar32/status/1781778929868562698

Emmanuel Samadia's Harford Athletic suffer US Open Cup defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Emmanuel Samadia’s Harford Athletic suffer US Open Cup defeat

Hartford Athletic lost 3-2 to New York City II in the Third Round of the U.S. Open Cup after coming back from a 1-0 deficit and losing a one-goal lead in stoppage time. 

Sierra Leone International Emmanuel Samadia made his first start for the club playing 120 minutes in their defeat in the US Open Cup on Tuesday.

Hartford controlled possession and attacking play throughout the first half, but New York broke through to score in the 63rd minute. 

Hartford equalized in the 79th minute, but the score remained tied at the end of regulation, sending the match into extra time. 

The Green and Blue took the first punch in the additional period, but NYCFCII found the back of the net twice to win the game.

Hartford Athletic signed Sierra Leonean international Emmanuel Samadia for the 2024 season, pending league approval in November 2023. 

Previously, Samadia played for Hapoel Umm al-Fahm and Hapoel Rishon leZion in Liga Leumit, scoring two goals and making ten assists in 89 appearances from 2020-2023. He also helped his team win the Liga Leumit Toto Cup in January 2023.

On Saturday, they’ll return to their USL Championship schedule against San Antonio FC.

USM Alger set for RS Berkane CAF Confed first-leg cracker
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

USM Alger set for RS Berkane CAF Confed first-leg cracker

On Sunday, April 21, 2024, USM Alger and RS Berkane will compete against each other in the semi-final of the CAF Confederation Cup. The first-leg match will be held at the Stade du 5 Juillet in Algiers, which is the capital and largest city of Algeria.

Referee Abdel Aziz Mohamed Bouh from Mauritania will officiate the first leg match between Alger and Berkane.

Alger made it to this tournament stage by defeating Rivers United, the Nigerian club, 2-1 on aggregate in the quarterfinals. Having won the Confederation Cup last season, the Algerian team will be looking to defend their title successfully by winning it again this season.

On their part, Berkane qualified for the semi-finals by defeating Abu Salim of Libya 3-2 on aggregate in the quarterfinals. 

Having won the trophy in 2020 and 2022, the Moroccan side hopes to win it again this season and claim a joint record of three titles.

Alger needs goals from Abdoulaye Kanou. Berkane’s captain, Issoufou Dayo, could be key.

Rangers, Ports, Lions & Kallon battle for a CAF Confed Cup spot
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Rangers, Ports, Lions & Kallon battle for Confed Cup spot

This will be intriguing as the winner of this year’s Sierra Leone FA Cup will represent the West African nation in the next CAF Confederation Cup. (Photo Credit Kemokai Sportgraphy)

On Friday, Sierra Leone’s League Leaders, Bo Rangers, will play against the Water Front Boys Ports Authority in the first FA Cup semi-final at the SLFA’s academy turf. 

The semi-finals are expected to be fascinating as all four teams compete for a spot in the next CAF Confederation, making a place in the final crucial.

Coach John Keister will be desperate to overcome Ports in the showpiece encounter for a place in the final.

The WaterFront boys have not won any of their last three matches, including a goalless draw in the league on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Rangers have scored eight goals in their previous three league matches and have nine maximum points.

On Saturday, one of Sierra Leone’s most decorated football clubs, East End Lions, will face off against FC Kallon.

The last Sierra Leone’s representative in the CAF Confederation Cup, FC Kallon, will surely face a stiff test against East End Lions in the second semis at the same venue.

This game promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams seek to secure a spot in this year’s final. 

In the first round of the league, both teams played to a goalless draw. However, FC Kallon has been in good form lately, winning their last three games and accumulating nine points.  They have scored six goals and conceded only one against Real Republicans.

East End Lions, on the other hand, have shown improvement under their Ghanaian coach and are unbeaten in their last three league games.

The semi-finals are expected to be a fascinating contest as all four teams compete for a spot in the next CAF Confederation, making a place in the final crucial.
The semi-finals are expected to be a fascinating contest as all four teams compete for a spot in the next CAF Confederation, making a place in the final crucial.
Midfielder Yayah Kallon returns to full SSC Bari training
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Midfielder Yayah Kallon returns to full SSC Bari training

Sierra Leonean footballer Yayah Kallon has returned to full training with the Italian Serie B team SSC Bari after recovering from his latest injury.

Kallon, 22, played his last competitive match for Bari on March 16th in a 1-0 defeat to Sampdoria. 

Unfortunately, he could only feature for two minutes before being replaced due to an injury. 

However, he has since recovered from his knee problem and has returned to training with his teammates this week.

The club confirmed that Kallon had joined first-team training for the second day of the week as they prepare to face Pisa led by Mr Aquilani at San Nicola. 

During their training session, the players were divided into two groups, with one group focusing on gym exercises such as joint mobility, core stability and muscle strengthening. In contrast, the other group worked on tactical exercises specific to their departments. 

The final 30 minutes of the session were dedicated to a mixed ranks challenge on half of the field.

On 10 January 2024, Kallon moved on loan to Bari from  Hellas Verona.