Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Preview: Steep contest as Sierra Leone set to battle Guinea-Bissau
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Preview: Steep contest as Sierra Leone set to battle Guinea-Bissau

At Estadio 24 de Setembro, the two nations aim to raise their ranks in the CAF World Cup qualifiers as they battle it out on Thursday afternoon, as Guinea-Bissau welcomes Sierra Leone.

An intriguing tie that will offer both West African nations a chance to get back on track with a win. Hosts Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone are in the hunt for their first-ever World Cup appearance to be played in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

Hosts Djurtus are going into this contest with six points from six matches, but they’re hoping to build on that. Especially after losing their last two matches to Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso in March, this might look like a way to get themselves back on track.

Guinea-Bissau sits fifth in Group A, five points behind second-place team Burkina Faso and two points adrift of Thursday’s opponent Sierra Leone.

Since their last qualifying game against Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau has lost friendly matches against Burundi and Gabon, making it seven straight losses. They have not won in ten games across all competitions since their last victory, a 1-0 win against Eswatini in September 2024.

Head coach Mohamed Kallon’s side is in full gear as they seek their first World Cup spot with a slim chance to qualify for next year’s event in North America. Their qualifying campaign has been mixed, with two wins, two draws, and two losses. Their most recent game was a 1-0 loss to Egypt.

Sierra Leone has only one clean sheet in their last six games in the race, which has been a big problem for them. They need to improve defensively as they head into the final four qualifiers starting tomorrow.

The likes of Augustus Kargbo from English Championship side Blackburn Rovers, Hannover attacker Mustapha Bundu, veteran attacker Kei Kamara, who recently celebrated his 41st birthday, are expected to be key to Sierra Leone winning in Bissau.

Nineteen-year-old Abdulai Juma Bah is set to earn his third cap for the visitors after an impressive couple of months, during which he also secured a loan move to Nice from Manchester City.

A recap of the qualifiers: The nine Group victors will be eligible for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Second round (playoff): The four top group runner-ups will be drawn into playoffs to decide the CAF representative at the interconfederation playoffs to determine which six teams will play in a playoff event โ€“ one each from AFC, CAF, CONMEBOL, and OFC, plus two from CONCACAF โ€“ the last two World Cup spots available.

Guinea-Bissau suffered a 3-1 defeat to Sierra Leone in the World Cup qualifier matchday five in the Liberian Capital, Monrovia, in March.
Guinea-Bissau suffered a 3-1 defeat to Sierra Leone in the World Cup qualifier matchday five in the Liberian Capital, Monrovia, in March.
Guinea Bissau during Tuesday's training session at the Estadio 24 de Setembro
Guinea Bissau during Tuesday's training session at the Estadio 24 de Setembro
Sierra Leone's first training ahead of crucial World Cup qualifier against the Djurtus
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s first training ahead qualifier against the Djurtus

Sierra Leone held its first session in Guinea-Bissau this morning, as preparations get underway for the crucial Matchday 7 clash against the Durtus of Bissau in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers scheduled for Thursday.

The likes of ๐Š๐ž๐ข ๐Š๐š๐ฆ๐š๐ซ๐š, ๐Œ๐จ๐ก๐š๐ฆ๐ž๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฒ๐š ๐“๐ฎ๐ซ๐š๐ฒ, ๐’๐š๐ข๐๐ฎ ๐…๐จ๐Ÿ๐š๐ง๐š๐ก, ๐Œ๐จ๐ฆ๐จ๐ก ๐Š๐š๐ฆ๐š๐ซ๐š, ๐Œ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐š๐ฉ๐ก๐š ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ฎ, ๐Œ๐š๐ฆ๐š๐๐ฎ ๐–๐ฎ๐ซ๐ซ๐ข๐ž ๐‰๐š๐ฅ๐ฅ๐จ๐ก, ๐š๐ง๐ ๐€๐›๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐š๐ข ๐‰๐ฎ๐ฆ๐š ๐๐š๐ก have all reported for duties in Bissau.

The rest of the foreign-based players will be joining the camp for a full-blown training session, gearing up for a difficult contest.

Though Sierra Leone will enter their game against Guinea-Bissau as the favourite, scoring three points away from home is still far from a certainty.ย 

In Group A, Sierra Leone has achieved 2 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses in all matches. Guinea-Bissau, on the other hand, have only one win in six matches.

Match scheduled – Guinea-Bissau vs Sierra Leone. FIFA World Cup African Qualifying Group A. 5:00 pm, Thursday 4th September 2025 Stade du 24 Septembre.

Keeper Francis Koroma from Wilberforce Strikers in action
Head coach Mohamed Kallon in close watch during training session today
Head coach Mohamed Kallon in close watch during training session today
Sierra Leone players in full gear ahead of Thursday World Cup qualifiers
Sierra Leone players in full gear ahead of Thursday World Cup qualifiers
Newcastle United sign DR Congo's striker Yoane Wissa
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Newcastle United sign DR Congo’s striker Yoane Wissa

Newcastle United has confirmed the new signing of DR Congo’s forward Yoane Wissa from Brentford on transfer deadline day, pending Premier League approval.

The 28-year-old, who hails from France but represents DR Congo internationally, has signed a long-term contract to become the sixth addition to St. James’ Park this summer.

Yoane launched his career with French club Chรขteauroux, progressing through their youth system before moving to Angers in 2016. After loan spells at Laval and Ajaccio, his big break came at Lorient, where he made a significant impact after joining in January 2018.

He played a crucial role in helping Lorient earn promotion to Ligue 1, going on to net ten goals in the top tier before securing a move to newly-promoted Brentford in 2021.

During his time with the Bees, Yoane made his mark in the Premier League, recording an impressive tally of 49 goals across 149 appearances in all competitions, including a personal best of 19 league goals last season.

In his first interview, Yoane expressed his excitement about joining Newcastle: “I’m really happy to be here and proud to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League. I can’t wait to get started.”

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe added, “Yoane is a player we’ve been watching for some time. His proven Premier League experience, goal-scoring ability, and work ethic will immediately strengthen our squad and excite our fans.”

Striker Abu Kamara is Getafe new acquisition from Hull City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Abu Kamara is Getafe new acquisition from Hull City

Sierra Leone native Abu Kamara has penned a loan deal with Spanish side Getafe for the rest of the season from Hull City.

“Kamara has joined Spanish club Getafe on loan from English side Hull City for the 2025โ€“26 season. Hailing from London, the 22-year-old right winger boasts impressive international experience as an Under-20 representative for England,” Getafe wrote on their website.

The Azulones have the opportunity to make the transfer permanent next summer.

Kamara joined from Norwich City last August, making the move from East Anglia to East Yorkshire. During his debut season with the Tigers, he made 37 appearances.

The wide player found the net five times, including a double against Leeds United, and contributed three assists last term. He has also taken part in the first three matches of the current season.

Getafe, who faced City in a pre-season friendly, has secured seven points from its opening three La Liga games. Last season, they narrowly escaped relegation, finishing in 13th place just two points above the drop zone.

Attacker Isaac Babadi joins Royal Antwerp on loan from PSV
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Attacker Isaac Babadi joins Royal Antwerp on loan from PSV

Attacking midfielder Isaac Babadi has signed a season-long loan with Royal Antwerp from PSV Eindhoven.

The player is recognised as one of PSVโ€™s most promising young talents; however, he has faced challenges in securing playing time under coach Peter Bosz.

With Guus Til, Joey Veerman, and Ismail Saibari occupying prominent positions in the team’s hierarchy, Babadi has opted to seek a loan opportunity this summer.

While a transfer within the Eredivisie was a consideration, he has ultimately chosen to join Royal Antwerp. The Belgian club has officially announced Babadi’s loan for the entire season, without the option for a permanent transfer.

At the age of 20, he aims to secure consistent playing time in the Jupiler League to demonstrate his capabilities and merit a position within the PSV squad for the following season.