Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s U20 defender joins Austria Liga 2 side SW Bregenz
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s U20 defender joins Austria Liga 2 side SW Bregenz

Sierra Leone U20 Cup of Nations defender Saidu Musa Jones has signed his first professional contract with Austrian Liga 2 side SW Bregenz until 2027.

“We are happy to announce that we have signed Saidu Musa Jones Bangura, a 19-year-old defensive player. He will be with us until 2027,” the Austrian side noted on social media.

“It feels good and shows that every sacrifice that I have made was worth it,” he told this medium. The young Sierra Leone defender could make his debut on the 13th September against Admira Wacker.

Jones, who spent the last five seasons with Sierra Leone champions East End Lions, where he helped the team win the Leone Rock Premier League title, which ran from December 2024 to August 2025, has been handed a new adventure to succeed.  

Saidu has also been selected for the Sierra Leone national team for the U20 Africa Cup. He played 90 minutes in 3 out of 4 group games and another 120 minutes in the exciting quarterfinals against Morocco, who were the eventual finalists.

“Now, this young defensive player has the chance to prove himself in Europe and advance his career with our team. We wish Jones good luck.”

Senegal defeat Sudan to close gap on DR Congo in qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal defeat Sudan to close gap on DR Congo in qualifiers

Senegal won 2-0 against Sudan on Friday, September 5, 2025, in Diamniadio during the 7th round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

This victory brings the Lions of Teranga closer within a point to the Democratic Republic of Congo, who are at the top of Group B.

The game took place at Abdoulaye Wade Stadium and featured the second and third-placed teams in Group B. Senegal took control early in the match.

Captain Kalidou Koulibaly scored the first goal with a powerful header from a cross by Krepin Diatta in the 14th minute, marking the start of Senegal’s strong performance.

Senegal quickly increased their lead. Just before halftime, Koulibaly assisted Pape Matar Sarr, who scored a stunning goal in the 41st minute to make it 2-0.

Sudan tried to score but could not find the net. Sadio Mané and the rest of the Senegal team managed to maintain their two-goal lead until the end. With this win, Senegal now has 15 points, tying with Sudan, while DR Congo leads the group with 16 points after their 4-0 win against South Sudan.

Morocco book 2026 World Cup spot after win over 10-Nigger
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco book 2026 World Cup spot after win over 10-man Niger

Morocco became the first African nation to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after thrashing 10-man Niger 5-0 in Rabat, marking its first three consecutive World Cups.

The Atlas Lions, who made history by reaching the semi-finals at Qatar 2022, understood that earning three points would be sufficient to advance from Group E with two matches remaining after Tanzania could only manage a 1-1 draw in Congo-Brazzaville earlier that Friday.

Niger’s Abdoul-Latif Goumey received his second yellow card and was sent off in the 26th minute, and three minutes later, Ismael Saibari scored from Youssef Belammari’s cross to give Morocco the lead.

Saibari increased the advantage before halftime by tapping in a low pass from Achraf Hakimi, and Ayoub El Kaabi added the third goal early in the second half from another precise delivery by Belammari.

Former Rangers player Hamza Igamane came off the bench to net his first international goal with a well-executed corner routine, and Azzedine Ounahi capped off the scoreline with a curling shot.

It marked a flawless evening for Morocco as they played in the inaugural match at the renovated Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, which will host the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations next January and will be utilized when the nation co-hosts the 2030 World Cup.

Eight additional group winners in African qualifying will be guaranteed to join the Atlas Lions at the 2026 tournament, while the four best-performing runners-up will enter playoffs for a chance to participate in an intercontinental competition.

Morocco at the FIFA World Cup

First appearance: Mexico 1970 Appearances: 7 (1970, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2018, 2022, 2026) Best result: Fourth-place (2022)

Omar Marmoush on target as Egypt maintain Group A lead
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Omar Marmoush on target as Egypt maintain Group A lead

Omar Marmoush netted a penalty as Egypt secured a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia, reinforcing their dominance in the World Cup qualifier held at Cairo International Stadium on Friday.

Marmoush contributed to the team’s hyper-attacking midfield, playing the first 63 minutes alongside striker Osama Faisal.

Liverpool star Mo Salah kicked off the scoring with a penalty just before half-time, with Marmoush following suit from 12 yards on the brink of the whistle.

With this win, Egypt solidifies their stronghold in Group A of the African qualifying rounds for next summer’s FIFA World Cup. They now sit comfortably on 19 points from seven matches, five points clear of second-place Burkina Faso, with three games remaining.

Egypt’s next challenge comes against Burkina Faso, who will host them in Ouagadougou on Tuesday, September 9.

Since joining City in January, Marmoush has found the back of the net eight times in 27 appearances and has now scored seven goals in 38 matches for his national team.

Yankuba Minteh helps Gambia seal win World Cup qualifying over Kenya
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Yankuba Minteh helps Gambia seal World Cup qualifying win over Kenya

Gambia achieved a significant victory over Kenya, defeating them 3-1 in a match played at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on Friday.

The Gambia team took the lead early in the game, scoring their first goal in the 12th minute when Saidy Sinyan converted a delivery from Yankuba Minteh.

Minteh himself then increased the lead to 2-0 by scoring in the 26th minute, finishing a quick counterattack initiated by a through-ball from Musa Barrow that split the Kenyan defense. Barrow added a third goal in the 38th minute, directing the ball inside the near post, much to the dismay of the home crowd.

After the halftime break, Kenya attempted to rally and managed to score in the 81st minute when Rodgers Ogam capitalized on a cross from Sven Yidah Owino. However, Gambia’s early lead proved insurmountable.

This victory allowed Gambia to accumulate seven points in the group standings, placing them ahead of Kenya, which has six points. Gabon currently leads the group with 18 points, followed closely by Côte d’Ivoire with 16 points, with three matches remaining in the group stage.