Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone Set to Begin AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Alongside 47 Other Nations

Sierra Leone and forty-seven other African nations are competing for a spot in the finals of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in 2027.

The Group Stages of the Qualifiers begin on Thursday, September 24, and will run until Tuesday, October 6. During this time, 24 matches will be played across 12 groups.

Match Day 1 features key matches, including Côte d’Ivoire versus Ghana in Bouaké and Morocco against Gabon in Rabat. Sierra Leone hosts Zimbabwe’s Warriors in El Jadida, Morocco, at 19:00 GMT tonight for a place in the tournament from June 19 to July 17, 2027, and will return to East Africa for the first time since 1976.

Sierra Leone, dominated by foreign-based players, will provide a tough test for their visitors, making concentration and discipline crucial throughout the game.

African giant clash: Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana face off at 19:00 GMT. This match marks a new chapter for Côte d’Ivoire under coach Hervé Renard, who has included several new players. Other matches include DR Congo versus Equatorial Guinea and Uganda taking on Tunisia.

On Friday, September 25, 14 matches are scheduled. Morocco will play Gabon, and Egypt will host Angola. Nigeria begins their campaign against Madagascar without star striker Victor Osimhen, who is injured.

On Saturday, September 26, South Africa will host Guinea, and co-host Kenya will face Eritrea. Kenya is already qualified as a co-host, and only the highest-ranked team outside of the host nations will advance.

The 48 teams were divided into 12 groups of four, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the finals, except in Groups D, H, and L, where co-hosts automatically qualify. The campaign continues with matches in November and March 2027.

PAMOJA, meaning “Together” in Swahili, reflects CAF’s vision of unity and collaboration as Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda prepare to co-host AFCON.

TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027 Qualifiers – Matchday 1 Fixtures

Thursday, 24 September 2026 – All times GMT

  • Group G: Namibia vs Congo – 13h00
  • Group E: DR Congo vs Equatorial Guinea – 16h00
  • Group F: Mauritania vs Central African Republic – 16h00
  • Group H: Libya vs Botswana – 16h00
  • Group C: Côte d’Ivoire vs Ghana – 19h00
  • Group E: Sierra Leone vs Zimbabwe – 19h00
  • Group G: Cameroon vs Comoros – 19h00
  • Group H: Tunisia vs Uganda – 19h00

Friday, 25 September 2026 – All times GMT

  • Group L: Tanzania vs Guinea-Bissau – 13h00
  • Group A: Niger vs Lesotho – 15h00
  • Group B: Malawi vs South Sudan – 16h00
  • Group C: The Gambia vs Somalia – 16h00
  • Group I: Togo vs Burundi – 16h00
  • Group J: Sudan vs Ethiopia – 16h00
  • Group K: Rwanda vs Liberia – 16h00
  • Group L: Nigeria vs Madagascar – 16h00
  • Group A: Morocco vs Gabon – 19h00
  • Group B: Egypt vs Angola – 19h00
  • Group F: Burkina Faso vs Benin – 19h00
  • Group I: Algeria vs Zambia – 19h00
  • Group J: Senegal vs Mozambique – 19h00
  • Group K: Mali vs Cape Verde – 19h00

Saturday, 26 September 2026 – All times GMT

  • Group D: Kenya vs Eritrea – 13h00
  • Group D: South Africa vs Guinea – 16h00
Leone Stars Step Up AFCON 2027 Qualifying Preparations in Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Leone Stars Step Up AFCON 2027 Qualifying Preparations in Morocco

Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars have intensified their training in Morocco as they prepare for their double-header in the qualifying round for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

They will play Zimbabwe on September 24 and Equatorial Guinea on September 28. These matches are crucial for Sierra Leone’s chances to qualify for the tournament.

During the training session, the players and coaches worked on skills, strategies, and teamwork. New face like Raees Bangura Williams, Salford City attacking midfielder Kallum Cesay, and returning Middlesbrough left-back Alex Bangura were all present as the team concentrated on their fitness while sticking to the game plan.

With the qualifiers getting closer, the Leone Stars aim to start strong and improve their chances of making it to next year’s tournament, which will take place in East Africa.

The team remains dedicated as they prepare for these important matches that could greatly affect their qualification hopes.

Salford City Kallum Cesay were part of first training session in Morocco
Salford City Kallum Cesay were part of first training session in Morocco
Northampton Town's Tyrese Fornah in training action!
Northampton Town's Tyrese Fornah in training action!
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Gambia Clinch WAFU U17 Title After Defeating Senegal in Dakar

Gambia has won the WAFU A U17 championship, defeating Senegal 5-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in the final in Dakar.

The Baby Scorpions displayed strong defence, holding off Senegal’s pressure and converting all five penalty kicks. Senegal’s Cheikh Thior missed his penalty, which proved decisive, while goalkeeper Assane Sarr could not make the crucial saves.

Both teams had already qualified for the next U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with Guinea securing the third WAFU A spot by defeating Liberia 2-0 earlier on Sunday.

In the final, Senegal, playing at home, created several chances but could not score due to Gambia’s solid defense. Senegal’s situation worsened when Mahamet Ba was sent off in the 88th minute, leaving them with 10 players. Gambia couldn’t find a goal in regulation, so it went to penalties, which Gambia won 5-3.

Though Senegal had an excellent defensive record in the tournament, they couldn’t secure the title. Meanwhile, Guinea’s Boubacar Diallo scored twice to help his team beat Liberia and claim the last qualification spot.

Gambia, Senegal, and Guinea will all represent the WAFU A zone at the upcoming U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Chelle Drafts in Coventry Striker to Replace Injured Osimhen

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named Taiwo Awoniyi as a replacement for the injured striker Victor Osimhen ahead of Nigeria’s opening qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Osimhen sustained an injury over the weekend, which forced him to sit out Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League match against Sporting Lisbon and potentially the upcoming two league fixtures.

While he hasn’t completely ruled himself out of the Super Eagles squad, concerns about his fitness are growing as Nigeria prepares for the crucial September qualifiers.

The Super Eagles will host Madagascar in Uyo on September 23, before heading to Guinea-Bissau for a match on September 27. Victor Osimhen will miss these matches as he continues to recover from a muscle strain.

Fans of the Super Eagles are hoping for some positive news regarding Osimhen’s condition. These AFCON qualifiers will represent Nigeria’s first competitive matches since the 2025 tournament in Morocco.

Mohamed Salah Stars with Hat Trick Against Trabzonspor
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mohamed Salah Stars with Hat Trick Against Trabzonspor

Mohamed Salah had a fantastic game on Saturday, scoring three goals and assisting another as Trabzonspor beat Galatasaray 4-0 in the Turkish Super Lig.

Salah opened the scoring just four minutes in and assisted Noah Saviolo for the second goal in the 39th minute. He scored again before half-time, making it 3-0. In the 80th minute, he completed his hat-trick with a calm finish after breaking through Galatasaray’s defense.

This win gave new manager Thomas Reis a great start after Fatih Tekke’s departure.

Galatasaray’s night worsened when Lesley Ugochukwu was sent off in the 87th minute after a VAR review, and coach Okan Buruk was sent off earlier for protesting a decision.

This loss was Galatasaray’s first of the season, but they still remain at the top of the table, while Trabzonspor has moved to 10 points. Salah now has seven goals in six Super Lig appearances.