Author: Football Sierra Leone

Stellenbosch and Zamalek share CAF Confederation Cup spoils
by Football Sierra Leone

Stellenbosch and Zamalek share CAF Confederation Cup spoils

Stellenbosch and Zamalek ended their first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final at DHL Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday without any goals.

Although there was an energetic atmosphere and moments of offensive play from both teams, neither side was able to score in a closely fought match.

Stellenbosch, competing in the knockout stages of a continental tournament for the first time, delivered a commendable performance and created opportunities to secure a home victory.

The closest they came was in the 72nd minute, when Andre de Jong’s header narrowly missed the target after a well-placed cross from Fawaaz Basadien.

Earlier, Ismaël Touré also made Zamalek goalkeeper Mohamed Awad work hard with a powerful header that was saved down low to the corner.

Zamalek, who have won the CAF Champions League five times and are among the favorites in this tournament, dominated possession for significant periods but found it difficult to penetrate Stellenbosch’s well-structured defense.

The Egyptians came closest to scoring when Naser Mansy’s header required an excellent save from Sage Stephens, and Mostafa Shalaby shot just over the bar late in the first half.

Both teams showed commitment in a match marked by fouls and interruptions. Despite several substitutions in the second half, the draw means the tie will be decided in Cairo next week. While Zamalek will have the advantage at home, Stellenbosch’s determination and attacking potential suggest they could still pull off an upset.

Disturbing incidents at Loftus Versfeld following Sundowns' victory over Esperance
by Football Sierra Leone

Disturbing incidents at Loftus Versfeld following Sundowns’ victory over Esperance

What was supposed to be an exciting show of African football turned chaotic at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Tuesday afternoon. (Image by: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers)

Mamelodi Sundowns won 1-0 against Espérance in the first leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-final, giving them an important advantage for the return match next Tuesday in Tunisia.

After the final whistle, fans from both teams clashed. The visiting supporters started the trouble by throwing objects onto the pitch, aimed at Sundowns’ fans in the lower stands.

Stadium security could have handled the situation quickly, but it escalated into fights between the rival fans. Despite being banned by CAF from using lasers and flares, the Esperance fans set them off during the conflict, while Sundowns’ fans used barriers to defend themselves.

The stadium announcer made repeated efforts to calm the crowd, even requesting an Arabic speaker to ask the visiting fans to stop in their language.

Things nearly got worse when Sundowns’ fans, known as the Yellow Nation, pushed the opposing fans against the railing of the top tier. Thankfully, no one was killed.

After these disturbing events, CAF’s disciplinary committee will look into the incident and make plans for next Tuesday’s match at Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi in Rades, Tunisia, where fans are likely to be hostile.

South Africa won an exciting match against Egypt, finishing 4-3 in their opening game of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday night at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
by Football Sierra Leone

South Africa beat Egypt in AFCON U17 seven-goal thriller

South Africa won an exciting match against Egypt, finishing 4-3 in their opening game of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday night at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

This match was filled with action, including goals, penalties, and a red card. Emile Witbooi scored the winning goal in the 71st minute, helping Amajimbos climb to the top of Group B, tied with Burkina Faso, both having three points.

South Africa started strong, taking the lead in the first minute with a goal from Simphiwe Mlondo. Egypt quickly responded, equalizing three minutes later with a header from Anas Roshdi. The Pharaohs then pulled ahead 3-1 with two more goals from Roshdi and Hamza Abdel Karim in a strong 20-minute period.

Before halftime, South Africa fought back. Neo Bohloko scored two penalties, one in the 27th minute and the second just before the half ended, bringing the score to 3-3.

In the second half, both teams had chances to score. It was Witbooi who broke the deadlock, scoring from the center of the box after receiving a good pass from Bohloko.

In stoppage time, Egypt faced more trouble when Omar Abdel Aziz received a red card after a VAR review. With this result, South Africa is now at the top of Group B alongside Burkina Faso, who earlier beat Cameroon 2-1.

Next, South Africa will play Cameroon on Thursday, while Egypt will aim to recover against Burkina Faso.

Blackburn attacker Augustus Kargbo is itching to get back to playing
by Football Sierra Leone

Blackburn attacker Augustus Kargbo is itching to get back playing

Sierra Leone and Blackburn attacker Augustus Kargbo has expressed his commitment to returning to action in the English Championship with Blackburn.

Kargbo has been spending time on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury, which has sidelined him for six weeks. The Blackburn Rovers forward was substituted just 15 minutes into the match at Pride Park, where the team lost 2-1, following a couple of early challenges.

In an exclusive interview with the club’s TV, Kargbo shared his excitement about being back on the field and playing on natural grass again.

He stated, “It feels great to be back, and I am working hard with the physios to return as soon as possible. I am going to be patient and follow their advice because I am an explosive player, and I need to be cautious.”

Asharaf Tabsoba scored both goals in Burkina Faso U17 AFCON win over Cameroon
by Football Sierra Leone

Asharaf Tabsoba scored both goals in Burkina Faso U17 AFCON win over Cameroon

Burkina Faso started the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with a strong 2-1 win over Cameroon in the first match of Group B in Morocco on Monday.

Asharaf Tabsoba scored both goals for Burkina Faso, helping the team begin their quest for the title positively. He had also played an important role in qualifying for the tournament, scoring two goals in the final against Côte d’Ivoire earlier.

Tabsoba opened the scoring in the 19th minute, easing the team’s nerves. He scored again in the 41st minute, giving Burkina Faso a 2-0 lead at halftime.

After the break, Cameroon pushed hard to score. Their efforts were rewarded in the 75th minute when David Nyangono scored, making it 2-1 and setting up a tense finish.

Despite the pressure from Cameroon, Burkina Faso’s defense remained strong, and they secured the important three points. They will next face Egypt on Thursday, while Cameroon will look to rebound against South Africa on the same day.