Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

History: Zambia reach 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup knockout stage
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

History: Zambia reach 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup knockout stage

Zambia advanced to the knockout stage of the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup after defeating Honduras 5-2 on Friday night.

Makinka’s boys achieved two wins in a row in their first FIFA U-17 World Cup. This sets up an important match against Brazil in Group H.

Coach Dennis Makinka and captain Jonathan Kalimina discussed their historic achievement after securing a spot in the knockout stage of the U-17 World Cup with a decisive 5-2 victory.  This marks the first time this African nation has reached the finals at this level.

Makinka expressed how significant this milestone is for the country, stating, “It’s a great feeling. We plan to push even harder to bring joy to our people back home.”

Kalimina, recognised as Player of the Match, has showcased his skill as a versatile player, contributing three assists. He remains ambitious, stating that facing Brazil in their final group match will not intimidate them. “Our goal is to finish at the top of the group… We want to make a statement,” he said.

Zambia has scored eight goals in their first two matches, but Coach Makinka noted the need to tighten their defence. “We have to do more, especially with a tough opponent coming up. It’s going to be a challenging match against Brazil, but to be the best, you have to compete against the best.”

Juma Bah's Nice suffer another Europa League defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Juma Bah’s Nice suffer another Europa League defeat

Sierra Leone defender Juma Bah and his French side faced yet another defeat in the Europa League, losing to German club Freiburg at the Grand Stade de Nice on Thursday.

In the 25th minute, the home team took the lead thanks to a brilliant play by Sofiane Diop, followed by a well-placed pass from Charles Vanhoutte, who has consistently found himself in dangerous positions. Kevin Carlos scored his second goal in four Europa League matches.

Just three minutes later, the visitors equalised when Yuito Suzuko won the ball in the Freiburg penalty area and squared it to Johan Manzambi, who fired it into the top corner from close range.

Freiburg added two more goals, starting with Vincenzo Grifo converting a penalty before doubling their advantage with a slick attack inside the Nice penalty box. Matthias Ginter received a neat pass and set up Derry Scherhant perfectly, allowing him to stroke the ball home effortlessly.

This marks the fourth consecutive defeat for the French side, leaving them languishing in second-to-last place on the competition table.

Ghana's Baba Rahman nets first Europa League goal in PAOK’s heavy win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana’s Baba Rahman nets first Europa League goal in PAOK’s heavy win

The Ghanaian defender Baba Rahman continues to make a strong case for selection by the senior men’s national team coach, Otto Addo, with his outstanding performances for PAOK FC in both domestic and European matches.

The tall former Chelsea left-back was in fine form, scoring his inaugural Europa League goal for the Greek club during their 4-0 thrashing of the ten-man Young Boys at home on Thursday.  

Young Boys faced a major setback early in the match when Armin Gigovic received a straight red card just five minutes in, providing PAOK with a crucial advantage.  

Rahman, aged 31, assisted Alessandro Bianco for PAOK’s first goal in the 54th minute after a scoreless first half at Toumba Stadium.  

Greek forward Giorgos Giakoumakis netted his second Europa League goal, doubling PAOK’s lead eight minutes later, while compatriot Giannis Konstantelias further increased the advantage to 3-0 in the 72nd minute.

This win elevates the Greek team to 10th place in the UEFA Europa League table, with 7 points after 4 matches this season.  

Rahman, who has previously played for Schalke and Reims, has scored once in four appearances in the UEFA Europa League.  

Following a remarkable run this season, Baba Rahman could potentially return to the senior national team in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Victor Osimhen became the first Galatasaray player to score a hat-trick in the Champions League since Burak Yilmaz in 2012.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Victor Osimhen becomes first Galatassay player to hit Champions League hat-trick since 2012

Victor Osimhen became the first Galatasaray player to score a hat-trick in the Champions League since Burak Yilmaz in 2012.

Also, Victor Osimhen made history on Wednesday evening by becoming the second Nigerian to net a hat-trick in the UEFA Champions League.

His three goals propelled Galatasaray to a convincing 3–0 victory over Ajax at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam, as reported by PUNCH Online.

The Super Eagles forward demonstrated his abilities as a striker by scoring two penalties and one goal from open play, helping the Turkish champions maintain their impressive form in Europe.

After a goalless first half, he opened the scoring in the 59th minute with a header. He then converted a penalty in the 66th minute following a VAR-reviewed handball, and completed his hat-trick with another penalty in the 78th minute after another handball.

With this achievement, Osimhen joins Yakubu Ayegbeni as the only Nigerian to score a Champions League hat-trick. His remarkable performance continues a stellar run, bringing his total to 12 goals in his last eight matches for Galatasaray.

This includes braces against Tottenham and Bodø/Glimt, as well as goals against AZ Alkmaar, Dynamo Kyiv, and Liverpool. Osimhen also extended his record as the highest-scoring Nigerian in Champions League history, with 15 goals, surpassing Obafemi Martins’ 10.

Kallum Cesay's Salford to face Leyton Orient in FA Cup second round
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kallum Cesay’s Salford to face Leyton Orient in FA Cup second round

Salford City is set to host Leyton Orient at the Peninsula Stadium for the second round of the Emirates FA Cup 2025-26.

Sierra Leone International Kallum Cesay played the 44th minute of their first round tie in their success against Lincoln City via penalties.

They’ll face another challenge against a League One team, as Orient secured a 1-0 victory away at Tamworth in the first round.

Their previous encounter with the Os took place late in the 2022-23 season, where Richie Wellens’ squad defeated us 2-0 at the Peninsula Stadium on their journey to winning the League Two title.

The second round matches are expected to occur during the weekend of Saturday, December 6th.

The draw

  • 1 Slough Town v Macclesfield 
    2 Grimsby Town v Wealdstone
    3 Sutton United v Shrewsbury Town
    4 Swindon Town v Bolton Wanderers
    5 Chelmsford City v Weston Super Mare
    6 Peterborough United v Barnsley
    7 Boreham Wood v Newport County 
    8 MK Dons v Oldham Athletic
    9 Wigan Athletic v Barrow
    10 Fleetwood Town v Luton Town
    11 Salford City v Leyton Orient
    12 Accrington Stanley v Mansfield Town
    13 Stockport County v Cambridge United
    14 Brackley Town v Burton Albion
    15 Blackpool v Carlisle United
    16 Gateshead v Walsall
    17 Exeter City v Wycombe Wanderers
    18 Cheltenham Town v Buxton
    19 Chesterfield v Doncaster Rovers
    20 Port Vale v Bristol Rovers