Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone's Daniel Kanu pleased with Sky Bet League Two Young Player of the Season award
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Daniel Kanu pleased with Sky Bet League Two Young Player of the Season award

Sierra Leone international Daniel Kanu has been awarded the EA Sports FC Sky Bet League Two Young Player of the Season title due to his impressive loan spell at Walsall.

The 21-year-old academy graduate expressed his joy after receiving the accolade, following a remarkable season with the Saddlers, where he netted 15 goals and added two assists across 38 league appearances.

After accepting his award, Kanu shared with Sky Sports, “This season has been a great learning journey for me. I’ve faced a variety of teams, each bringing their own set of challenges.

It’s been an incredible experience—sometimes you rise to the occasion, and other times you struggle, but that’s the essence of football. I’m really thankful to everyone at Walsall and to Charlton for giving me this opportunity to go out on loan.”

Ismaila Sarr wraps up Crystal Palace win over Fiorentina
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ismaila Sarr wraps up Crystal Palace win over Fiorentina

Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr was on target as Crystal Palace defeated Fiorentina 3-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League quarter-final. This victory brings them closer to reaching a major European semi-final.

Jean-Philippe Mateta scored his first goal in over three months from a penalty in the 24th minute after Evann Guessand was fouled by Dodo. Seven minutes later, he helped set up Palace’s second goal, which Tyrick Mitchell scored after a saved shot. Ismaila Sarr secured the win with a header in the 90th minute.

Mateta, starting for the first time since a transfer to AC Milan fell through, expressed his happiness after the match. He thanked the fans and said he was eager to continue working hard.

In addition to his penalty, Mateta had another close chance that went wide. Fiorentina came back stronger in the second half, hitting the crossbar and forcing some saves. However, Sarr’s late header sealed the game.

With this win, Palace takes a three-goal lead into the second leg in Florence next week, where they will aim for a spot in the semi-finals against either Shakhtar Donetsk or AZ Alkmaar.

Representatives from Star Sport arrived in Turkey to finalize a Beşiktaş agreement
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Representatives from Star Sport arrived in Turkey to finalise Beşiktaş agreement

The delegation from Star Sport Academy, led by Chairman and Founder Ing. Yankuba Jusu Tarawally, along with CEO Mohamed Jusu Tarawally, has successfully arrived in Istanbul.

Their visit aims to finalise a significant agreement with Beşiktaş, one of Turkey’s premier football clubs. This trip follows extensive discussions that our Chairman initiated in February with Beşiktaş officials.

During his earlier visit, he had fruitful meetings with key club members, including Serdar Topaktepe, the Director of the Academy, and Yagiz Berke, the Director of External Relations.

The team comprises manager Musa Pokawa, head of scouting and recruitment Alimamy Conteh, and Victor Lewis, who chairs the Youth Division One team.

These ongoing talks have paved the way for a promising partnership between Star Sport Academy and Beşiktaş.

Carlos Queiroz appointed as Ghana head coach ahead of World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Carlos Queiroz appointed as Ghana head coach ahead of World Cup

Former Manchester United assistant coach Carlos Queiroz is now the head coach of Ghana’s national football team for the upcoming World Cup.

The 73-year-old Portuguese coach takes over from Otto Addo, who was fired on March 31 after the team lost friendly matches to Germany and Austria.

Ghana, known as the Black Stars, is in the same World Cup group as England. The team also did not qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations under Addo’s leadership. Queiroz worked as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United twice, first from 2002 to 2003 and again from 2004 to 2008. He also had a stint as the head coach of Real Madrid.

Most recently, Queiroz managed Oman but left the role last month after they did not qualify for the World Cup. He said, “I accept this mission with the same passion and commitment that have guided me throughout my career. Ghana is a nation of talent, pride, and footballing soul. I arrive with respect for its history and belief in its future.”

Queiroz led Portugal to the last 16 at the 2010 World Cup and coached Iran in the last three tournaments. He has also worked with teams in Egypt, Japan, Colombia, and South Africa, and previously managed Portugal in the early 1990s.

Ghana will play their first World Cup match in Group L against Panama on June 17, followed by games against England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27. This World Cup will take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Leon solo nets winner as Sundowns edge ES Tunis
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Brayan León nets winner as Sundowns edge ES Tunis

Mamelodi Sundowns took a significant step towards the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Espérance Sportive de Tunis in a tense semi-final first leg in Tunis on Sunday evening.

The only goal came in the second half when striker Brayan León scored with a powerful header, demonstrating Sundowns’ resilience, especially after they went down to ten men late in the match.

Espérance started strong, creating good chances early on. Mohamed Tougaï forced a save from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, while Florian Danho hit the post in the 32nd minute. Despite their pressure and multiple set-pieces, they couldn’t break through Sundowns’ solid defence.

Sundowns emerged with renewed determination after halftime and struck just five minutes in. A precise cross from Thapelo Morena found León, who headed it into the top corner for a vital away goal.

Espérance seemed to have equalised in the 65th minute through Aboubacar Diakité, but a VAR review disallowed the goal due to a foul on the keeper. The hosts continued to press, with Ogbelu and Danho attempting shots, but Williams remained composed.

The match shifted in the 84th minute when Sundowns’ Grant Kekana received a red card, leaving them to defend their lead with ten players.

Espérance ramped up the pressure, creating late chances, but Sundowns held on for the 1-0 win, giving them a crucial advantage going into the return leg.