Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egyptian winger Frank Aziz pens deal with Portuguese side
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egyptian winger Frank Aziz pens deal with Portuguese side

Frank Aziz has signed with the U23 team of Estoril Praia after being recognised as a leading talent in the MLS NEXT youth league.

The American-Egyptian winger, whose full name is Frank Fady Victor Nemr Aziz, has joined the Portuguese club on a four-year contract that lasts until June 2029. He will don the number 88 jersey.

Arriving in Portugal from Strikers FC, a club based in Southern California that participates in the MLS NEXT youth league, he honed his skills and attracted the interest of Estoril’s scouts.

Aziz is adept at playing on either wing and is naturally two-footed; he is approximately 1.73m tall and is known for his speed and adaptability in the attacking role.

Frank Aziz expressed his excitement upon joining Estoril Praia, stating, “I am thankful to have signed with a top-level team in Portugal and am ready to give my all.”

Born in Egypt, Aziz lived there until age seven before moving to the U.S., where he developed his talents. He holds dual citizenship, making him eligible for the Egyptian national team in the future.

Attacker Idriss Kanu features in Barnet's first win of the season
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Attacker Idriss Kanu features in Barnet’s first win of the season

Sierra Leone International Idriss Kanu featured as Barnet secured their first win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Swindon Town, thanks to late goals from Dennis Adineran and Emmanuel Osadebe.

Kanu, 25, was playing for the Bees in his fourth game after the team lost all three of their opening matches this season.

The match began with Barnet facing early pressure but goalkeeper Cieran Slicker made crucial saves.

Despite several scoring opportunities from Barnet, including chances from Callum Stead and Ollie Hawkins, they remained scoreless until the second half.

After making impactful substitutions, Osadebe scored to give Barnet the lead, followed by Adineran’s goal just before the match ended, solidifying their win.

Idris Kanu joined The Bees in September 2022 after transferring from Peterborough United. Kanu began his career in the West Ham United academy before moving to Aldershot Town in 2016.

Following one season, Kanu signed with Peterborough United. The forward appeared in 69 matches for The Posh, including games in the Championship. He subsequently had loan spells at Port Vale, Boreham Wood, and Northampton before making a permanent move to The Bees last season.

Kanu has also represented Sierra Leone at the international level in the national team.

Two goals in four games for Sierra Leone's Josh Koroma
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Two goals in four games for Sierra Leone’s Josh Koroma

Sierra Leone International Josh Koroma has recorded two goals in his last four games for London League One side Leyton Orient, helping his side to their second win of the new campaign.

Leyton Orient secured a 1-0 victory against Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday night, making it seven points from their first four League One matches.

Koroma scored the only goal of the game in the second half, marking his 99th league appearance for the O’s. This win also marked Orient’s first success in Plymouth since 2017.

Head Coach Richie Wellens made two changes to the starting lineup, with Michael Craig and Tyreeq Bakinson in the team. After a goalless first half, Orient created more chances in the second period.

Koroma capitalised on a well-placed ball from O’Neill to score in the 63rd minute. Despite some late pressure from Plymouth, Orient held on for the win and will next face Mansfield Town on Saturday.

The former Huddersfield man has been instrumental since his return to Orient, scoring two goals from his last four matches.

Ethiopia's Mesay Teferi names 26 for Egypt and Sierra Leone
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ethiopia’s Mesay Teferi names 26 for Egypt and Sierra Leone

In readiness for the next World Cup qualifying games against Egypt and Sierra Leone, Ethiopia’s national football team coach, Mesay Teferi, has revealed the call-up of 26 players.

Since Ethiopia has had difficulty holding home games due to poor stadium amenities, the squad will play its home qualifiers in neutral sites like Morocco; therefore, these matches will be vital.

The squad will be aiming to secure valuable points as they face Group A leaders Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium on September 4th, followed by a match against Sierra Leone on September 8th.

Currently, Ethiopia is in fourth place in its group with six points, trailing Sierra Leone by two points.

They drew with Sierra Leone in the qualfiers opener at the Ben M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium, El Jadida but suffered a 2-0 to defeat at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca in March 2025 to Egypt in their fist meeting.

The upcoming matches represent a significant opportunity for Ethiopia to improve their standing in the qualifiers.

Ethiopia's Mesay Teferi names 26-man squad for Egypt and Sierra Leone
Ethiopia's Mesay Teferi names 26-man squad for Egypt and Sierra Leone
Guinea-Bissua named provisional squad for Estádio 24 de Setembro double header
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea-Bissua named provisional squad for Estádio 24 de Setembro double header

Guinea-Bissau has announced five new player allegiance switches for the upcoming CAF World Cup Qualifiers against Sierra Leone and Djibouti, as new head coach Emiliano Té named his provisional squad.

Notable players on the list, Celton Biai, Opa Sanganté, Nanú and Mama Baldé, are back for the crucial matches.

Té, who has been appointed as the new head coach of the Djurtus (the national team of Guinea-Bissau), has included Adramane Cassamá (AC Oulu, Ronaldo Vieira San Jose, Tomás Mendes Alverca In Photo, Midana Cassamá (Dibba), Flávio Silva Kaizer Chiefs, Marculino Ninte CD Mafra and Coba da Costa (Getafe) in preparation for matchdays seven and eight of the qualifiers on the 4th and 8th September, respectively.

The first contest against Sierra Leone will be officiated by a team of referees from the Ivory Coast at the Estadio 24 de Setembro in Bissau.

The Djurtus are looking to avenge the 3-1 defeat suffered at Sierra Leone back in March in the Liberian Capital at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.

Current Standings: Guinea-Bissau is two points adrift of Sierra Leone, currently in third place in their group with 8 points. 

Sierra Leone’s hopes for the USA, Canada, and Mexico 2026 World Cup are still alive, with just 15 days to go in the hunt to increase their point on the table.

Guinea-Bissua named provisional squad for Estádio 24 de Setembro double header
Guinea-Bissua named provisional squad for Estádio 24 de Setembro double header
Guinea-Bissau's new head coach Emiliano Té has named seven new faces in his provisional squad for Sierra Leone and Djibouti
Guinea-Bissau's new head coach Emiliano Té has named seven new faces in his provisional squad for Sierra Leone and Djibouti