Category: Sport News

Nigeria record first Group F win in the U20 World Cup
by Football Sierra Leone

Nigeria record first Group F win in the U20 World Cup

Nigeria scored a last-minute penalty to eliminate Saudi Arabia, South Africa netted five goals against New Caledonia, and a resolute Norway defense managed to hold Colombia to a goalless draw.

In a thrilling match in Talca between two teams eager to recover from initial losses, Nigeria clinched a 3-2 victory over Saudi Arabia with a late penalty conversion at theEstadio Fiscal de Talca on Friday. 

Nigerian goals from Nasiru Salihu and Amos Ochoche, positioned around a clever dink from Amar Al Yuhaybi, concluded an exhilarating first half with Nigeria leading 2-1.

Just six minutes into the second half, Talal Haji, who came on as a substitute at halftime, connected with a lobbed pass from Mohammed Barnawi and sent a header over Ebenezar Harcourt to equalize for the second time.

As the match seemed poised for a draw, Nigeria was awarded a late penalty, which captain Daniel Bameyi successfully converted in the fourth minute of injury time. This victory places the Flying Eagles in third position in the group, while Saudi Arabia faces elimination.

Quotes – “The players determined that they needed to give their all for the three points today, and that commitment is what drove them. Now it’s clear that we need to strive for the three points against Colombia; it’s that simple,” said Aliyu Zubair, the coach of Nigeria.

Nigeria 3-2 Saudi Arabia

Nigeria goals: Nasiru Salihu (10), Amos Ochoche (38), Daniel Bameyi (90+4) Saudi Arabia goals: Amar Al Yuhaybi (21), Talal Haji (51)

Morocco stun Brazil to reach knockout stages U20 World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco stun Brazil to advance in FIFA U20 World Cup

Morocco surprised another global powerhouse, defeating Brazil 2-1 to secure their advancement in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025. Argentina will also progress after overcoming Australia.

Earlier that day, Cuba made a comeback from two goals down against Italy to achieve their first point in the finals, while Mexico managed to earn another last-minute draw against Spain.

Morocco secured their position at the top of Group C with an impressive victory over Brazil. In a first half with few chances, the South Americans were given a prime opportunity when Luighi seemed to be fouled by Ismael Baouf in the penalty area. However, upon review, the referee changed his call and penalised the Brazilian for diving.

Morocco gained momentum in the match and took the lead when Gessime Yassine’s long cross was converted by a spectacular scissor kick from Othmane Maamma.

The Atlas Cubs extended their lead as Yassine fought for possession in midfield and set up Yassir Zabiri, who struck confidently from the left side of the box with the outside of his foot.

Although Brazil’s captain, Iago Teodoro, scored a late penalty to reduce the deficit, the day ultimately belonged to the African team.

Sunderland's Bertrand Traoré and Brentford's Dango Ouattara will be key figures as Sierra Leone host the Stallions of Burkina Faso in a crucial clash for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Traoré & Dango Ouattara named in Burkina Faso’s squad for Sierra Leone & Ethiopia

Sunderland's Bertrand Traoré and Brentford's Dango Ouattara will be key figures as Sierra Leone host the Stallions of Burkina Faso in a crucial clash for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

On Wednesday, October 8th, in the capital city of Liberia, both teams are poised to secure crucial points in their pursuit of qualification for the esteemed tournament.

This match is anticipated to be a thrilling contest, as both nations strive to strengthen their positions within Group A of the African qualifiers.

The Stallions of Burkina Faso will face a stiff contest despite being the favourites in the favorites. However, they are fully aware of the challenge posed by a resilient Sierra Leone side.

Burkina Faso will heavily rely on their seasoned players, including top talents from European clubs such as Sunderland’s Bertrand Traoré, Brentford’s Dango Ouattara, Edmond Tapsoba from Bayer Leverkusen and Issa Kaboré on loan at Wrexham, to put on a strong show in front of their home supporters.

Meanwhile, Sierra Leone is looking to pull off an upset after the 2-2 draw in June 2024 with striker Amadou Bakayoko’s equaliser in the 87th minute.

Burkina Faso, who recently played to a goalless draw against the group leaders, currently sit second in the standings with 15 points—three points ahead of Sierra Leone.
Burkina Faso, who recently played to a goalless draw against the group leaders, currently sit second in the standings with 15 points—three points ahead of Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone's Alhassan Koroma pens deal with UAE pro-side Baniyas
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s Alhassan Koroma pens deal with UAE pro-league side Baniyas

Baniyas Sports & Cultural Club has announced the signing of Sierra Leone international Alhassan Koroma.

Koroma, who played a key role as an attacker for the Qatari club Al Shahaniya, has now joined the Baniyas side based in Abu Dhabi. The team competes in the UAE Pro League.

“Bani Yas Club has officially signed player Hassan Kroma, a 25-year-old talent who joins from Al-Shahaniyah club in Qatar, with Mr. Saqr Al-Muskari, the executive manager of the club’s football company, in attendance.

Kroma stood out in the Qatar league last season, taking part in 22 matches of the Qatar Star League, where he scored 5 goals and provided 8 assists, totaling 13 contributions to the attack, showcasing his exceptional skill.

Hassan Kroma is also recognized as a key international player for the Sierra Leone national team, and his vast experience on both the international and regional stages makes him a valuable asset to the “Celestial” squad.”

Côte d'Ivoire's Émerse Faé names strong squad for October's qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Côte d’Ivoire’s Émerse Faé names strong squad for October’s qualifiers

Head coach of Côte d'Ivoire, Émerse Faé, has presented his team for the ninth and tenth matches of the World Cup qualifiers 2026.

In the vital 9th and 10th qualifying matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Côte d’Ivoire will play Seychelles and Kenya this October.

For these critical meetings, Ivorian coach Émerse Faé has named a 23-member team. The coach has recalled that Côte d’Ivoire need to win both of these last matches to guarantee their ticket to the World Cup.

Presently, leading Group F, they’ll hope to wrap up their place in the USA, Canada and Mexico next year with a win away to Seychelles before hosting Kenya this October. 

The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification will decide the 45 teams that will join hosts Canada, Mexico, and the United States at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 23-man Elephants squad:

Goalkeepers:

1 – Yahia Fofana, 2 – Alban Lafont, and 3 – Mohamed Koné

Defenders:

4 – Evan Ndicka, 5 – Wilfried Singo, 6 – Emmanuel Agbadou, 7 – Guéla Doué, 8 – Jean-Philippe Gbamin, 9 – Ghislain Konan, 10 – Odilon Kossounou and 11 – Christopher Opéri

Midfielders:

12 – Seko Fofana, 13 – Franck Kessié, 14 – Ibrahim Sangaré

15 – Pacôme Zouzoua

Forwards:

16 – Simon Adingra, 17 – Oumar Diakité, 18 – Amad Diallo, 19 – Yann Diomandé, 20 – Evann Guessand, 21 – Sebastien Haller, 22 – Nicolas Pépé and 23 – Bazoumana Touré