Category: Players Abroad News

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Augustus Kargbo scores in Cesena Serie B victory over Mantova
by Football Sierra Leone

Augustus Kargbo scores in Cesena Serie B victory over Mantova

Sierra Leone International Augustus Kargbo recorded his third of the season as Cesena defeated Mantova 4-2 in week seven of the Italian Serie B league at the Orogel Stadium.

But Inform Kargbo was later substituted after he suffered a minor injury in the 53rd minute.

The first half saw Cesena taking a strong lead with goals from Shpendi in the 5th minute, Augustus Kargbo in the 21st minute, and Giuseppe Prestia in the 43rd minute.

Mantova made a comeback in the second half, narrowing the gap with a goal from Redolfi in the 58th minute. However, CESENA secured their victory with a counterattack goal from Romagnoli and Tavsan in the 70th minute.

After the match, Cesena’s coach Michele Mignani commented, “The match went well, and we were good at scoring the first goal by stealing the ball from our opponents. In my opinion, we deserved to score more goals in the first half.”

Mignani also mentioned the opponent’s possession of the ball and their quality play, acknowledging that the match was challenging. He praised his team for executing their game plan and showing a strong desire to win, especially in the first half. However, he expressed concern about Mantova conceding too much in the latter part of the game.

Mantova is expected to face Brescia in the upcoming derby at the Martelli stadium next Sunday.

CESENA-MANTUA 4-2

CESENA (3-4-2-1):  Pisseri; Ciofi, Prestia, Mangraviti; Antonucci, Kargbo (54′ Tavsan); Shpendi (73′ Van Hooijdonk). Subs: Klinsmann, Chiarello, Ceesay, Celia, Berti, Piacentini, Pieraccini. Coach: Mignani.

MANTUA (4-2-3-1):  Festa; Trimboli, Burrai; Mensah (63′ Debenedetti). Subs: Sonzogni, Bani, Wieser, Artioli, Muroni, Cella, De Maio. Coach: Possanzini.

REFEREE:  Daniele Chiffi from Padua (assistants: Ceccon from Lovere and Trasciatti from Foligno; VAR officer: Nasca from Bari)

GOALS:  5′ Shpendi, 21′ Kargbo, 43′ Prestia, 58′ Redolfi, 70′ Tavsan, 84′ Ruocco

NOTE:  Yellow cards: Trimboli, Kargbo, Calò, Mangraviti. Corners: 4-7. Recovery time: 2′ + 6′

AS Pikine Ligue 1 challenge excites midfielder Saidu Fofanah
by Football Sierra Leone

AS Pikine Ligue 1 challenge excites midfielder Saidu Fofanah

Saidu Fofanah, one of the top midfielders in the Sierra Leone Premier League, has signed with AS Pikine – Ligue 1 (Senegal) for two seasons and has described his move as an exciting challenge.

He expressed his excitement about joining the Association Sportive de Pikine based in Pikine – their home venue is the Stade Alassane Djigo, with a capacity of 5,000.

Saidu, 27, made his international debut with the Sierra Leone national team in a 1–0 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification win over Benin on 15 June 2021.

He stated that his decision to move to Senegal was to try a new challenge in his football career and experience a different style of football in one of the best countries in West Africa and the continent.

He expressed his eagerness to compete in a new league outside Sierra Leone and help his new teammates, just as he did with FC Kallon.

“The season will start next month on 19th October, but there will be a four-team tournament starting on Friday. I’m looking forward to showing what I can do on the pitch.”

Saidu was part of the Sierra Leone squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Saidu Fofanah was playing for the Senegalese team in a warm-up friendly.
Saidu Fofanah was playing for the Senegalese team in a warm-up friendly.
Ismael Kabia makes Arsenal's senior debut in the Carabao Cup win over Bolton
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ismael Kabia makes Arsenal’s senior debut in Carabao Cup win over Bolton

Ismael Kabia, a native of Sierra Leone, made his senior debut for Arsenal as they secured a 5-1 victory over League One side Bolton in the Carabao Cup at Emirates Stadium.

As a result of this win, the London side advanced to the fourth round after a convincing performance against League One side Bolton.

Declan Rice opened the scoring, followed by two goals from Ethan Nwaneri on either side of half-time, making it 3-0. Although the visitors managed to score one goal, Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz added to the scoreline, securing a strong victory for Mikel Arteta’s men.

In addition to the first starts for Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter and right-back Josh Nichols made their full debuts, with substitute appearances for Maldini Kacurri and Ismael Kabia.

Kabia expressed his excitement on his Instagram page, stating, “A dream come true to make my professional debut for Arsenal. Proud moment for me and my family and everyone that has helped me in my journey,” Kabia noted on his Instagram. 

The youngster, 18, signed his first professional contract in July and was impressive after he was subbed on in the 81st minute to make his senior debut.

Striker Kei Kamara nets in Los Angeles Lamar Hunt US Open Cup win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Kei Kamara nets in Los Angeles Lamar Hunt US Open Cup win

Sierra Leone’s Kei Kamara continued his goal-scoring streak as Los Angeles won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title with a 3-1 extra-time victory over Sporting Kansas City.

After 120 gruelling minutes in front of a boisterous, sellout crowd of more than 22,000 fans, LAFC claimed its first Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup overcoming stubborn Sporting Kansas City.

The 2024 U.S. Open Cup champions took the lead when French legend Olivier Giroud tapped home a Mateusz Bogusz cross in the 53rd minute, but Kansas City equalized on the hour mark when Erik Thommy fired home to make it 1-1.

After 90 minutes of regulation, the teams were still tied, but extra time saw two goals for LAFC. Omar Campos scored the game-winner in the 102nd minute before Kei Kamara scored a vintage header past Tim Melia in the SKC goal to make it 3-1 in the 109th minute.

From there, LAFC defended well and secured the victory, claiming the fourth major trophy in the club’s history.

Striker Kei Kamara nets in Los Angeles Lamar Hunt US Open Cup win
Striker Kei Kamara nets in Los Angeles Lamar Hunt US Open Cup win
New Hartford Athletic deal for Sierra Leone International Emmanuel Samadia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Emmanuel Samadia pens new Hartford Athletic contract extension

Sierra Leone’s Emmanuel Samadia has agreed to stay with Hartford Athletic for another two years, until the 2026 USL Championship season. The deal is awaiting approval from the league and federation.

“I’ve enjoyed my time here in Hartford, and I’m happy to stay with the club long-term,” said Samadia.

“I want to thank Coach Burke for the trust and belief he’s shown in me, and the Hartford Athletic fans who have made me feel welcome and supported us all year long. We still have work to do this year, but I can’t wait to create more memorable moments with this club for years to come.”

The 23-year-old has made a significant impact in his first season of American soccer, excelling as a versatile wingback. He ranks in the top five on the team in assists (3), chances created (23), crosses (70), and interceptions (22), and has been recognized with USL Championship Team of the Week honours at both left-back and right-back positions.

Samadia has played a key role in Hartford’s recent success, contributing to the team’s seven-match undefeated streak and assisting on two of Mamadou Dieng’s six goals during this period, while creating 12 chances.

“Emmanuel’s development this year has been incredible, and we would not be in the position we’re in without him,” said Head Coach and General Manager Brendan Burke.

“We’re thrilled to have him with us for the long term, and I’m excited to see him continue to develop and be a leader for us in the seasons ahead.”

The Freetown, Sierra Leone native has also impressed in six appearances with the Sierra Leone National Team this year, providing two assists in World Cup qualifying matches against Djibouti and Burkina Faso.

Samadia and Athletic are in ninth place in the Eastern Conference and will play against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, September 28th at 7:30 PM.

New deal for Sierra Leone international Emmanuel Samadia with Hartford Athletic
New deal for Sierra Leone international Emmanuel Samadia with Hartford Athletic