Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alex Bangura scores in Middlesbrough's draw at Swansea
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alex Bangura scores in Middlesbrough’s draw at Swansea

Sierra Leone’s Alex Bangura was back on the score sheet as Middlesbrough missed the chance to climb back into the top spots of the Championship, drawing 2-2 at Swansea City in a match with three penalties.

Boro took an early lead with Alex Bangura’s goal, but then gave away a penalty, which Zan Vipotnik converted.

Vipotnik scored another penalty just before halftime, giving Swansea a 2-1 lead after Sol Brynn fouled Eom Jisung. Middlesbrough tied the game when Tommy Conway scored from the spot after Eom’s challenge on Callum Brittain.

The draw extends Boro’s winless run to five matches, placing them third, just behind Ipswich on goal difference, with Ipswich having two games in hand. Swansea, still winless in four, moved to 15th place.

Coach Kim Hellberg may feel frustrated as his team couldn’t secure a win. Middlesbrough has only two victories in its last nine games, putting Ipswich in a better position for promotion. Boro had chances to win but settled for a draw, with Brynn making key saves and Conway scoring their equaliser.

Sierra Leone sack head coach Mohamed Kallon
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone sack head coach Mohamed Kallon

The Sierra Leone Football Association has terminated the services of head coach Mohamed Kallon just over a year after his appointment, effective immediately.

According to the SLFA, this decision follows a resolution passed by its Executive Committee in the lawful exercise of its statutory and administrative mandate, leading to the immediate termination of Mohamed Kallon’s role as head coach of the Sierra Leone national team.

The former striker for Inter Milan and Monaco was appointed on February 12, 2025. His dismissal comes just after the FIFA international friendly against Azerbaijan on Monday, where the Leone Stars lost in a penalty shootout after the home team came from behind to win 9-8 on penalties.

Kallon’s tenure as head coach of the Sierra Leone national team marked his first significant coaching role. His primary objective was to guide the team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup; however, they ultimately finished third, falling short behind Burkina Faso.

During the World Cup qualifiers, the Leone Stars had a mixed performance, achieving three wins, two losses, and one draw across six matches.

Before this, Kallon led his club, FC Kallon, in CAF competitions, but they faced elimination at the hands of Dreams FC from Ghana in September 2023.

KaLlon’s Background

Kallon became the youngest player to debut for the Leone Stars at just 15 years old in April 1995. He played in a qualifying match for the 1996 African Cup of Nations against Congo and scored the winning goal.

At 16, Kallon played at the 1996 African Nations Cup in South Africa. He scored one of the two goals that led Sierra Leone to a 2-1 victory over Burkina Faso in their first group match.

Kallon has been an important member of the Leone Stars, participating in World Cup qualifying campaigns in 1998, 2002, 2006, and 2010. His last game with the national team was on February 9, 2011, in a friendly against Nigeria.

Kallon was the team captain but resigned after the team failed to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2010 African Cup of Nations.

Yayah Kallon was pleased with his Sierra Leone debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Yayah Kallon was pleased with his Sierra Leone debut

After a long wait for his documentation, Yayah Kallon finally debuted for Sierra Leone in a friendly match against Azerbaijan on Monday.

The game took place at the Mehdi Hüseynzadə Stadium in Sumqayıt. After 90 minutes of play, the match ended in a 1–1 draw. Azerbaijan won 9-8 in the penalty shootout.

Kallon, who plays for Casertana, took part in the entire match. He played in the left-back position but also spent time attacking down the left wing, causing problems for the home team.

“I am happy after this long wait, and I look forward to being back with the team,” Kallon told the media.

“I had a good experience and really enjoyed my time. I played as a left back, even though it is not my original position, but I am glad to help the team. Hopefully, together we can take the Leone Stars where we want to be.”

Club Football

In 2018, Kallon signed with Savona, a team in Serie D, after trying out for Virtus Entella in Serie C. He made his debut for Genoa on 22 May 2021, helping them win 1–0 against Cagliari in Serie A. On 13 August 2021,

Kallon scored his first goal for Genoa in a 3–2 victory over Perugia in the Coppa Italia.

On 26 August 2022, Kallon was loaned to Hellas Verona, with an option and a conditional obligation to buy. On 10 January 2024, he moved on loan to Bari. On 30 July 2024, he was loaned by Salernitana.

On 3 February 2025, Kallon joined Casertana on loan. He returned to Casertana permanently on 14 August 2025.

Yayah Kallon was pleased with his Sierra Leone debut
Yayah Kallon was pleased with his Sierra Leone debut
Burundi and Ethiopia progress to Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burundi and Ethiopia progress to Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers

Burundi and Ethiopia secured spots in the next round of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers with strong performances on Tuesday.

Burundi defeated Chad 4-0, winning 8-0 On aggregate, while Ethiopia beat Sao Tome and Principe 1-0, advancing with a 4-0 aggregate score.

Burundi’s Strong Win Over Chad  

Burundi dominated Chad, following their 4-0 win in the first leg. They took control early, with Bienvenue Kanakimana scoring twice in the first half. Justin Girumugisha added a goal in the 70th minute, and Abdoul Karim scored the final goal. Burundi’s performance ensured its advancement to the next stage.

Ethiopia’s Solid Win at Home

Ethiopia continued their strong form with a 1-0 win at home, having already won 3-0 in the first leg. Chernet Gugsaa scored early, sealing Sao Tome’s hopes of a comeback. Ethiopia managed the match well, keeping their opponents at bay.

Looking Ahead

Both teams capitalised on their first-leg advantages, allowing them to play confidently in the second matches. Moving on is a significant step toward reaching the AFCON 2027 finals, hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. With improved performances, both teams aim to carry their momentum into the tougher rounds ahead.

DR Congo picks up Africa's final 2026 World Cup spot
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

DR Congo pick up Africa’s final 2026 World Cup spot

After 52 years since their last World Cup participation as Zaire in the 1974 finals in West Germany, where they fell to Scotland, Yugoslavia, and Brazil, the central African country is set to make their return.

In an intercontinental playoff going to extra time, the Democratic Republic of Congo defeated Jamaica 1–0 on Tuesday.

From a corner in the 100th minute, Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe scored the game-winning goal, hence guaranteeing Congo’s place in Group K against Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.

Having eliminated African powerhouses Nigeria and Cameroon to get to this playoff in Mexico, the Leopards’ path to the World Cup has been spectacular.

Though DR Congo dominated possession throughout the game versus Jamaica and battled to breach a strong defence, an early goal was disallowed for offside, and despite the continued threat of Cedric Bakambu, Jamaica had only one significant opportunity.

Tuanzebe finally found the net in extra time following a few near misses, giving Congo the lead and a historic return to the World Cup.