Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sullay Kaikai and Cambridge United secure League One promotion
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sullay Kaikai and Cambridge United secure League One promotion

Sierra Leone International Sullay Kaikai and his team, Cambridge United, earned automatic promotion from League Two. This happened despite Ben Knight missing a penalty in a goalless draw against Crewe.

Kaikai has returned to the Club for a second stint, having previously made 30 appearances for the U’s on loan during the 2014/15 season. In that time, he netted 6 goals, quickly becoming a fan favorite among the Amber Army. His contributions have been vital to their promotion campaign this season.

Cambridge received a penalty in the first half after Sullay Kaikai was fouled in the box, but Knight’s low shot was saved by the goalkeeper, Ian Lawlor.

As Salford City had a chance to take third place by beating Crawley, the away fans felt more nervous as the game went on.

Josh March nearly scored for Crewe, heading just wide from a corner after Cambridge started confidently. He had another chance when Mickey Demetriou headed the ball down in the box, but his close-range shot was blocked by keeper Jake Eastwood.

Cambridge’s coach, Neil Harris, substituted former Crewe striker Elliott Nevitt at half-time. Cambridge had more shots on target than Crewe but couldn’t get the ball past Lawlor.

In added time, Cambridge almost won, but Lawlor saved a header from Kelland Watts and then stopped Dom Ball’s follow-up shot with his legs.

A draw was enough for Cambridge to return to League One after being relegated last season. They conceded only 33 goals across 46 games, and Salford couldn’t find a winner in their match.

“We weren’t the better team, but we had better chances, especially in the 96th minute, to win,” Neil Harris told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.

“Many times this season, we’ve created chances without scoring when it mattered. If we had scored more, we could have reached 100 points and gone up much earlier.

“Ultimately, what matters is that we made it. If you can’t win, the important thing is not to lose. That always works for us.”

In June last year, Kaikai, 29, who has 105 appearances for the U’s to his name agreed terms to a new contract which will take him through until 2027.

Ismaila Sarr helps Crystal Palace close in on Conference League final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ismaila Sarr helps Crystal Palace close in on Conference League final

Ismaila Sarr scored the fastest goal in Conference League history to help Crystal Palace beat Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 in the first leg of their semi-final tie.

Sarr found the net just 21 seconds into the match in Poland after receiving a pass from Jean-Philippe Mateta. Shakhtar controlled possession afterward but struggled to create clear chances.

They equalized quickly in the second half when Oleh Ocheretko scored from close range. However, Palace took the lead again in the 58th minute when Daichi Kamada scored his first goal since October 2024.

Jorgen Strand Larsen added a third for Palace after a smart play, giving them a strong position heading into the second leg at Selhurst Park on May 7.

Oliver Glasner, the Palace coach, has led the team to memorable victories, including last season’s FA Cup win. With Sarr’s eighth goal in the competition, Palace looks poised to reach the final on May 27 in Leipzig.

Strand Larsen, despite previous struggles in the Premier League, proved his worth with this crucial goal.

No contest as FIFA’s Gianni Infantino is set to be re-elected
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

No contest as FIFA’s Gianni Infantino is set to be re-elected

All 54 African nations have come together in a historic consensus to endorse Gianni Infantino for re-election as President of FIFA for the 2027-2031 term.

This unified support follows their earlier backing in 2023, during which Infantino was re-elected by acclamation at a FIFA Congress held in Rwanda. The upcoming election is scheduled to take place in Morocco in a year, marking a significant moment in FIFA’s leadership.

In recent developments, the South American football Confederation, known as CONMEBOL, has taken the lead among the confederations by publicly advocating for Infantino’s continued presidency, breaking the ground for what could be a broader support base as the election approaches.

Infantino first assumed the presidency of FIFA in February 2016, succeeding the controversial tenure of Sepp Blatter. His most recent election occurred in March 2023, meaning the current term will conclude in 2027.

It’s important to note that FIFA has a governance structure that imposes a 12-year limit on its presidency. However, an earlier ruling by FIFA’s governance, audit, and compliance committee stated that Infantino’s initial term, which lasted three years, would not count against this limit.

This ruling effectively allows Infantino to potentially serve 15 years in total, extending his authority as president through to 2031. Such a decision has sparked discussions about the governance of FIFA and the implications of extended leadership.

CAF and UEFA confirm an MoU aimed at strengthening collaboration
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF and UEFA confirm an MoU aimed at strengthening collaboration

The Confédération African Football (CAF) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) have signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation and foster football development across Africa and Europe.

This agreement, formalised by CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin in Vancouver, Canada, aims to deepen collaboration in essential areas of the sport.

Running until June 30, 2031, the MoU focuses on youth and women’s football, technical development, refereeing, governance, and education. CAF Member Associations will have opportunities to participate in select CAF–UEFA youth competitions, as well as initiatives like the CAF African Schools Football Championship.

A key aspect of the partnership is coach education, promoting the exchange of technical expertise and best practices to improve coaching standards. Additionally, refereeing development will be supported through structured knowledge-sharing programs.

The agreement also facilitates cooperation through observer programs at major tournaments and professional exchanges to enhance administrative and technical capacities. Regular governance meetings will monitor progress, ensuring alignment on shared goals.

Both organizations believe this partnership highlights football’s capacity to drive opportunity, education, and social development while setting the stage for ongoing collaboration.

Ghana to host the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in 2027
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana to host the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in 2027

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded Ghana the hosting rights for the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2027, coinciding with the nation’s 70th anniversary of independence.

This highlights Ghana’s rich football heritage and its vital role in African football development.

This will be Ghana’s second time hosting the tournament, having previously done so in 1999, when the team lifted the trophy at home. The competition will feature 12 teams, showcasing Africa’s brightest young talents and serving as an important pathway to professional football.

Ghana, a four-time champion, has a proud tradition in youth football, having produced many iconic players, including Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien, and André Ayew. Additionally, Ghana made history as the first African nation to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2009.

The top four teams from the tournament will qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, adding further significance. The most recent edition took place in Egypt, where South Africa claimed the title, reflecting the rising quality of youth football in Africa.

CAF will announce the dates and venues for the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana 2027, soon.