Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sebastien Haller's goal set thrilling AFCON final date with Nigeria
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sebastien Haller’s goal set thrilling AFCON final date with Nigeria

The hosts, Cote d’Ivoire, have secured a place in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations final after defeating DR Congo 1-0 with the help of Sebastien Haller’s goal. 

In the semi-final, Haller brilliantly flicked in Nicolas Pepe’s cross to score the match-winning goal. Cote d’Ivoire to battle Nigeria in a thrilling showdown as they aim to win the AFCON title on their home soil.

The Super Eagles advanced to the final on Wednesday after defeating South Africa 4-2 in a penalty shootout, following a tense 1-1 draw in Bouake.

The cagey contest in Abidjan saw Haller score the only goal in the 65th minute with a bouncing volley that went over Leopards’ goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.

The 29-year-old striker, who battled and recovered from testicular cancer, will lead Cote d’Ivoire’s attack alongside Pepe with a chance to win the trophy.

A win in the final would bring joy to Abidjan, as the tournament is being played on home soil. Despite struggling in their group, the Elephants have gained momentum despite their unconvincing performances.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 – Players African News.

Charlton Athletic striker Daniel Kanu pens new long-term contract
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Charlton Athletic striker Kanu pens new long-term contract 

Daniel Kanu, an academy graduate who joined Charlton Athletic at U11 level, has signed a new long-term contract until 2027. This season, he has scored four goals and provided one assist for the first team.

In November 2023, Kanu made his senior debut for Sierra Leone in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Egypt.

Earlier this term, the striker went on loan to National League side Southend United and made a fantastic home debut, scoring four goals in a 5-0 win against Solihull Moors.

Kanu was named the Valley Gold Young Player of the Year for the 2021/22 season after an impressive first-year scholar campaign that saw him score 41 goals for the academy and make his senior debut.

After signing his new deal, Kanu expressed his excitement and said: “It’s a dream come true – I’m excited for the future. I’ve been at this club since U11s, so it’s been a long journey. I signed my first professional contract two years ago – around this time actually – and I’m just grateful to the academy and everyone else that’s been part of my journey to get me to where I am today.”

Charlton Athletic’s Technical Director, Andy Scott, expressed his delight in tying Kanu down to a long-term contract. “We want to keep our best young players at the football club, and we’re delighted to have secured Daniel for the future.

This season, he has shown that he’s got the quality, and he’s demonstrated that he can score goals. His attitude to working and improving is exceptional, and we believe that we can make him into a player that’s going to have a big, bright future at the club.”

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 – Players Abroad News.

Chinese side Nantong Zhiyun set to unveil New Acquisition Issa Kallon
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nantong Zhiyun set to unveil New Acquisition Issa Kallon

Chinese professional football club Nantong Zhiyun, based in Rugao, Jiangsu, is set to unveil its new acquisition Issa Kallon.

Sierra Leone’s winger Issa Kallon has safely arrived on Monday after he penned a two-year deal with Nantong Zhiyun.

Kallon, 28, has been handed a fresh start in the Chinese Super League, the top tier of Chinese football after he won the 2023 title with Shanghai Port.

Nantong Zhiyun plays its home matches at the Rugao Olympic Sports Center, and the former Cambuur attacker can’t wait to meet the fans.

The former Cambuur winger moved to Shanghai Port in the Chinese Super League on July 28, 2022. Kallon, born in the Netherlands, has played as a former youth international for the Netherlands.

Kallon, 28, was part of the Sierra Leone 2021 Africa Cup of Nations squad. In the Cup of Nations, he played in Sierra Leone’s 2-2 draw against the Ivory Coast on January 16, 2022. 

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 – Players Abroad News.

USL Birmingham Legion announce Buya Turay's switch
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

USL Birmingham Legion announce Buya Turay’s switch

Birmingham Legion FC has announced the signing of forward Mohamed Buya Turay, subject to approval from the league and the federation.

The transaction involves Legion FC signing forward Mohamed Buya Turay to a multi-year contract, subject to approval from the league and the federation.

Jay Heaps President & General Manager, said, “We’re excited to have Mohamed join Legion FC. He is a dynamic attacking player with excellent speed and presence in front of the goal.”

Turay debuted for the Legion on January 27 in a pre-season friendly against MLS club Atlanta United.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of this amazing club and can’t wait to make a positive impact on and off the field,” said Turay.

Turay joined the USL side after spending a season with Danish Superliga club Odense Boldklub, where he scored three goals in 16 appearances. Before his time with Odense Boldklub, Turay transferred to Sweden’s Allsvenskan club Malmo FF from Chinese Super League Henan Songshan Longmen.

In 2018, he signed with Belgian Jupiler Pro League club Sint-Truiden and was loaned out to Sweden’s Allsvenskan side Djurgarden IF in 2019.

Turay, 29, won Allsvenskan’s Golden Boot award during his time at Djurgarden after 29 appearances, he scored 15 goals.

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Center-back Amara Nallo Impressive with Liverpool U21
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Center-back Amara Nallo Impressive with Liverpool U21

In the Premier League 2 Division One season, Amara Nallo made twelve appearances for Liverpool and helped them convincingly defeat Fulham.

Jayden Danns scored his 20th goal of the season, leading Liverpool U21s to a 2-0 win against Fulham in the Premier League 2 on Sunday.

Despite only turning 17 in mid-November, Nallo, who arrived at Liverpool in the same summer, has become a regular part of the U21s defence.

He typically plays on the left side of the central pairing and has demonstrated both physical strength and technical ability, even against senior sides in the EFL Trophy.

Although it may be some time before he is considered for the first team, Nallo is expected to continue his progress with the U21s in 2024.

Amara Nallo, a strong left-sided defender, signed for Liverpool FC from West Ham United in September 2023. He’s comfortable bringing the ball out from the back as a centre-half.