Category: Sport News

Ghana face Mali in a crucial Group I World Cup qualifier in Accra
by Football Sierra Leone

Ghana set for Mali cracker in crucial Group I tie in Accra

Ghana is set to reignite their fierce rivalry with Mali in the Group I qualifying match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This exciting showdown will take place on Monday in Accra, the capital and largest city of Ghana, at the Accra Sports Stadium, which boasts a capacity of 40,000 spectators.

Having recorded five wins, one draw and a defeat, the Black Stars are unbeaten in their last two games in the competition from Group I.

With 16 points from seven games, Ghana is at the top of the Group I standings; the West African giants will book their finals position if they collect at least seven points in their final three games.

“I can’t claim we played well or perfectly since it was a draw [against Chad]. The outcome is all. Ghana coach Otto Addo informed reporters. “We had a lot of corners; we did nothing from that.”

Usually, we win this game; this season, we had many shots, shots on goal, and a lot of ball possession. Ultimately, surely, it is not good enough,h and we have to develop, above all, in our implementation.”

Mali, on the other hand, ended a two-match winless run across all events when they humiliated a hapless Comoros team 3-0 in a Group I match at home on September 4.

Having garnered 12 points from seven games, the Eagles are ranked third in the Group I standings. The West African team must win to have a decent chance of finishing in the top two positions as either group winners or as one of the four best runners-up; their final three games are must-wins.

Comoros win to improve World Cup qualification chances in Group I
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Comoros win to improve World Cup qualification chances in Group I

Comoros climbed to second place in Group I after defeating the Central African Republic (CAR) 2–0 on Sunday. This win puts them just one point behind group leaders Ghana as the CAF World Cup qualifying round continues.

This match, held in Meknès, was the only CAF World Cup qualifier played on Sunday. The victory eliminates CAR from contention for the 2026 World Cup. The Comoros team bounced back from a recent 3–0 loss to Mali.

CAR started the game strong, nearly scoring when Moustapha Djimet’s header hit the post in the 15th minute.

Comoros found their rhythm and scored with their first real opportunity. Youssouf M’Changama received a simple pass from Myziane Maolida and fired a powerful shot from a distance into the net at the 20-minute mark.

Nine minutes before halftime, Comoros doubled their lead. Faïz Selemani created space on the right and crossed the ball low into the box. Maolida, holding off his defender, finished expertly to make it 2–0.

After halftime, CAR pushed hard for a goal but struggled to create clear chances. Comoros’ defence handled CAR’s attacks well.

With this win, Comoros has 15 points from eight matches, while Ghana leads with 16 points from seven. Madagascar has 13 points, and Mali has 12 points, both from seven games. CAR is fifth with 5 points from eight, and Chad is last with 1 point from seven.

Only group winners automatically qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, while the four best runners-up enter an African playoff for a place in FIFA’s inter-confederation tournament. Every point in the remaining matches is crucial.

Upcoming matches on Monday include Ghana vs. Mali in Accra and Madagascar vs. Chad in Antananarivo, which could further impact the standings.

For Comoros, this victory is a strong response after a previous defeat and brings them closer to their first World Cup appearance, while CAR aims to finish the campaign with pride.

Wan-Bissaka makes DR Congo debut in World Cup qualifying win over South Sudan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Wan-Bissaka makes DR Congo debut in World Cup qualifying win over South Sudan

West Ham United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka made his international debut for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) during their victory over South Sudan in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday.

With a real chance, this win propelled the Leopards to 16 points, leaving them a point clear of both Senegal on 15 and four of Sudan, thereby keeping qualification in their own hands.

Match Result: South Sudan 1 – 4 DR Congo (Group B)

DR Congo delivered a commanding away performance, solidifying their lead in Group B. Cédric Bakambu set the tone with two goals, netting the first in the 13th minute from a cross by Arthur Masuaku Kayembe and scoring again in the 36th minute, putting the Leopards firmly in control.

Nathanaël Mbuku added a third goal in first-half stoppage time (45+1’) with a pass from Yoane Wissa. Wissa then scored himself with a low finish in the 57th minute before Kuol Majak pulled one back for South Sudan in the 68th minute.

DR Congo managed the closing stages of the match comfortably, rotating their forward line to conserve energy for their upcoming fixtures.

Born in Croydon, Wan-Bissaka initially played for DR Congo at the U20 level before switching to England for U20 and U21 teams, including participation in the 2019 UEFA European U21 Championship.

He has now opted for a senior career with DR Congo, who aim to qualify for the World Cup for only the second time since 1974.

DR Congo will face Senegal on Tuesday as El Hadji Malick Diouf’s side will look to overtake DRC in crucial CAF Group B qualifiers in early September.

Sierra Leone’s U20 defender joins Austria Liga 2 side SW Bregenz
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s U20 defender joins Austria Liga 2 side SW Bregenz

Sierra Leone U20 Cup of Nations defender Saidu Musa Jones has signed his first professional contract with Austrian Liga 2 side SW Bregenz until 2027.

“We are happy to announce that we have signed Saidu Musa Jones Bangura, a 19-year-old defensive player. He will be with us until 2027,” the Austrian side noted on social media.

“It feels good and shows that every sacrifice that I have made was worth it,” he told this medium. The young Sierra Leone defender could make his debut on the 13th September against Admira Wacker.

Jones, who spent the last five seasons with Sierra Leone champions East End Lions, where he helped the team win the Leone Rock Premier League title, which ran from December 2024 to August 2025, has been handed a new adventure to succeed.  

Saidu has also been selected for the Sierra Leone national team for the U20 Africa Cup. He played 90 minutes in 3 out of 4 group games and another 120 minutes in the exciting quarterfinals against Morocco, who were the eventual finalists.

“Now, this young defensive player has the chance to prove himself in Europe and advance his career with our team. We wish Jones good luck.”

Senegal defeat Sudan to close gap on DR Congo in qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal defeat Sudan to close gap on DR Congo in qualifiers

Senegal won 2-0 against Sudan on Friday, September 5, 2025, in Diamniadio during the 7th round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

This victory brings the Lions of Teranga closer within a point to the Democratic Republic of Congo, who are at the top of Group B.

The game took place at Abdoulaye Wade Stadium and featured the second and third-placed teams in Group B. Senegal took control early in the match.

Captain Kalidou Koulibaly scored the first goal with a powerful header from a cross by Krepin Diatta in the 14th minute, marking the start of Senegal’s strong performance.

Senegal quickly increased their lead. Just before halftime, Koulibaly assisted Pape Matar Sarr, who scored a stunning goal in the 41st minute to make it 2-0.

Sudan tried to score but could not find the net. Sadio Mané and the rest of the Senegal team managed to maintain their two-goal lead until the end. With this win, Senegal now has 15 points, tying with Sudan, while DR Congo leads the group with 16 points after their 4-0 win against South Sudan.