Category: Sport News

Sierra Leone's Bakayoko scores winner for Consadole Sapporo
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Bakayoko scores winner for Consadole Sapporo

On Saturday at the Sapporo Dome stadium, Sierra Leone international Amadou Bakayoko kept his outstanding form by scoring his sixth goal of the season for Japanese team Consadole Sapporo in a tough 1-0 victory over Renofa Yamaguchi.

Bakayoko, who found the net just before halftime, was substituted in the 56th minute; however, he demonstrated his remarkable talent when he scored the ball precisely after receiving a perfectly timed through pass from his teammate Tomoki Takamine.

This crucial victory moved Consadole Sapporo up to ninth position in the JLeague 2 standings, therefore raising their morale as they try to gather momentum and obtain another excellent outcome in their next game next weekend.

As they plan to rise further up the league standings, the team’s perseverance and Bakayoko’s regular scoring will be vital.

Zambia's Copper Queens to open WAFCON against hosts Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zambia’s Copper Queens to open WAFCON against hosts Morocco

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off this weekend. Host nation Morocco will play against Zambia’s Cooper Queens in Group A at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Saturday night.

Morocco was the runner-up in 2022 and aims to win this year. However, they face a tough opponent in the Copper Queens, who finished third last time and could surprise everyone in this tournament.

“We are ready to hunt [against Morocco],” said Zambia coach Nora Häuptle. “They have technically good players, and we are aware of that, but we want to challenge them and find the right strategy.”

On Sunday, there are three matches. Senegal and DR Congo will play in the other Group A match in Mohammedia in the late afternoon. Later, in Casablanca, Group B will feature Nigeria – the most successful team with nine titles (11 if we include the pre-tournament era) – facing Tunisia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.

Algeria will also play Botswana at the Pere Jego Stadium. The Super Falcons last won the Nations Cup in 2018. Coach Justine Madugu calls their goal of reclaiming the title ‘Mission X’ “It will always be a work in progress, but we are focused on our achievable target of Mission X,” said Madugu.

“The girls are ready and are showing real hunger for victory. Team spirit is high, and we look forward to our first match on Sunday against Tunisia.”

On Monday, Group C will begin with reigning champions South Africa playing Ghana in Oujda. Matchday 1 will finish with Mali facing Tanzania in Berkane.

 

Banyana Banyana coach Dr. Desire Ellis is focusing on improving her team from last year. “Our current preparations are very intentional and focused,” said Ellis. “We’re not just defending champions; we want to evolve and reach a higher level. Success can make teams complacent.”

WAFCON Matches and Schedule
WAFCON Matches and Schedule
Ghana's Thomas Partey Charged with Rape - Metropolitan Police
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana’s Thomas Partey Charged with Rape – Metropolitan Police

Ghanaian football player Thomas Partey faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The Metropolitan Police claim the offences happened between 2021 and 2022.

After detectives filed a collection of evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service gave Metropolitan Police permission to charge a man. About the following crimes, the Metropolitan Police has charged and ordered Thomas Partey, 32, of Hertfordshire:

Highlighting the need to assist the women engaged, Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy asked anyone with information to get in touch with the investigation team at CI*@********ce.uk. On August 5, Thomas Partey is expected to attend Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

The Ghanaian international denies the charges and “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name”, his lawyer said.

Parey’s contract with Arsenal ended on Monday after playing with the team since 2020.

Sulaiman Momoh Conteh is on the verge of a major career leap as he undergoes a medical at Qabala FC’s facilities in Azerbaijan.
by Football Sierra Leone

Mighty Blackpool Striker Conteh undergoes Medical at Qabala SC

Sulaiman Momoh Conteh is on the verge of a major career leap as he undergoes a medical at Qabala FC’s facilities in Azerbaijan.

The 22-year-old striker is poised to complete a transfer from Sierra Leonean giants Mighty Blackpool FC to Qabala FC, who recently secured promotion to the Azerbaijan Premier League.

Conteh’s journey to the European stage comes after an eventful season in the Sierra Leone Premier League. Despite playing just over 15 matches, the forward found the net nine times for Mighty Blackpool.

However, critics argue that his tally should have been significantly higher, pointing to several missed chances, particularly in high-stakes goalless draws against East End Lions and Bhantal FC, where he spurned over eight clear-cut opportunities.

Still, Conteh’s reputation remains intact. He finished second in the league’s goal-scoring charts the previous season while leading the line for Bau Bureh Warriors.

And even with his conversion woes, he currently tops the SLPL scoring list with nine goals, a testament to his positioning, persistence, and promise.

Should the transfer be finalised, Conteh will be the latest Sierra Leonean talent to break into the European football scene, a move that could redefine both his career and the ambitions of Qabala FC.

Mo Salah on Diogo Jota's absent after tragic road accident
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mo Salah on Diogo Jota’s absence after tragic road accident

Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah has expressed his sympathy regarding the absence of teammate Diogo Jota, stating that it will be a difficult loss to bear.

The Portuguese international tragically lost his life in a road accident on Thursday, a shocking event that has reverberated throughout the football community.

A vigil is being held in Liverpool to honor the memory of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, who both died in a car crash in Spain.

“I am truly lost for words. Until yesterday, I never thought there would be something that would frighten me from going back to Liverpool after the break. Teammates come and go, but not like this. It’s going to be extremely difficult to accept that Diogo won’t be there when we go back.

My thoughts are with his wife, his children, and of course his parents, who suddenly lost their children. Those close to Diogo and his brother, Andre, need all the support they can get. They will never be forgotten.” The Egyptian skipper penned.