Category: Sport News

Somalia's Sak Hassan joins Wealdstone FC
by Football Sierra Leone

Somalia’s Sak Hassan joins Wealdstone FC

Wealdstone FC has announced the signing of winger Sak Hassan from Isthmian League Premier Division club Hashtag United.

The 24-year-old has had two standout seasons with Hashtag United, where he became one of the most exciting attacking players outside the National League.

In the 2023/24 season, Hassan achieved 17 assists and 7 goals, and he followed that with 16 assists and 17 goals in the 2024/25 campaign, helping his team secure an 8th place finish.

Hassan’s explosive pace, clever footwork, and creativity make him a crucial asset in the final third. He also brings international experience, having earned 10 caps for Somalia since his debut in 2022.

Manager Sam Cox expressed his enthusiasm about the signing:

“I’m delighted to bring in Sak Hassan. He’s a fantastic young man and a player I’ve followed for years. I believe fans will enjoy watching him; he’s exciting, creative, and a significant attacking threat.

His journey from non-league football to this level is impressive, and I’m excited to help him develop further.

He reminds me of Abo Eisa, who had a successful career here. This signing is another step in the right direction as we prepare for the season.”

Algeria's Adil Boulbina set to join Al-Duhail SC in Qatar
by Football Sierra Leone

Algeria’s Adil Boulbina set to join Al-Duhail SC in Qatar

Algeria national team player, Adil Boulbina is poised to depart from his current club to join Al-Duhail SC in Qatar.

Paradou AC has reached a final agreement with the Qatari club for Boulbina’s permanent transfer. He is expected to sign his contract on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The deal includes a five-year contract with a transfer fee of €5 million.

Boulbina will receive a monthly salary of €125,000. He can also earn bonuses and a percentage from any future sale, which could make the total value of the deal nearly €7 million.

This season, Boulbina played 27 matches for Paradou AC in all competitions. He scored 20 goals and provided eight assists.

After helping Algeria’s domestic national team qualify for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August, he will not be eligible to play in that tournament after this transfer.

Female candidates steps up as SLFA election intensifies
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Female candidate steps up as SLFA election intensifies

The list of contenders for the Sierra Leone Football Association presidential race continues to grow, among them a female aspirant hoping to become the second woman to head the body.

Aminata Bangura has announced her bid to succeed the incumbent Thomas Daddy Brima, who is running for a second term when the election is held in August 2025.

Also in the race are two serving football club chairman, Bo Rangers’ Babadi Kamara, the current SLFA president; Thomas Daddy Brima; and Umar Bah of Real Republicans and the present manager of the home-based Leone Stars.

Incumbent president Thomas Daddy Brima, who has already completed his first four years in office, is set to face off against his rivals for this sought-after position.

While Babadi Kamara has been widely touted as the frontrunner, Aminata Bangura is challenging that narrative, with many believing she could spring a surprise in the upcoming election on August 2, 2025.

Although the SLFA and the electoral board have yet to officially announce the list of candidates, this source has been closely following the nomination process.

Four years ago, Thomas Daddy Brima won the presidency by defeating Sadick Deen-Nyarkoh with a close vote of 31 to 26, marking the first SLFA elections in eight years and succeeding former FIFA executive member Isha Johansen.

Angola win COSAFA region title for second consecutive year
by Football Sierra Leone

Angola win COSAFA region title for second consecutive year

Bafana Bafana experienced a 3-0 defeat to Angola in the final of the COSAFA Cup on Sunday afternoon. Depu scored two goals, leading Angola to victory over South Africa at the Toyota Stadium in Mangaung.

This victory marks Angola’s fifth title, matching South Africa and behind only Zambia with seven titles and Zimbabwe with six.

Comoros claimed third place by defeating Madagascar 1-0. Although Madagascar had more possession, Ibroihim Youssouf scored the only goal for Comoros in the 77th minute.

In the final, South Africa almost scored first when Ime Okon’s header hit the crossbar. Instead, Depu broke the tournament record with his seventh goal from a free-kick, followed by his eighth goal shortly after with a shot from 10 yards. He now holds the record for career goals in the COSAFA Cup with 13 and won the Golden Boot again.

Angola sealed the win with a third goal from Milson. Depu also won Player of the Tournament, while his teammate Neblu took home the Golden Glove for best goalkeeper. South Africa received the Fair Play award.

Stalemate between Ahly and Inter Miami in Club World Cup opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Stalemate between Al Ahly and Inter Miami in Club World Cup opener

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicked off with an electrifying clash at the iconic Hard Rock Stadium, where African powerhouse Al Ahly faced off against the dazzling Inter Miami, featuring global superstar Lionel Messi.

The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, but the match ended in a stalemate, a testament to the determination and resilience of both teams.

The opening moments of the first half took a heartbreaking turn for the Egyptian champions when Emam Ashour was forced to leave the pitch in tears, succumbing to a painful shoulder injury just 12 minutes into the game. His departure brought debutant Ahmed Sayed Zizo into the fray, igniting hope among the Al Ahly supporters.

As the game progressed, Al Ahly found themselves on the cusp of taking the lead late in the first half. Zizo, who had just stepped onto the field, was brought down in the penalty area, setting the stage for a potentially game-changing moment. However, in a twist of fate, Trezeguet, marking his return to Al Ahly, missed the penalty kick, leaving the scoreline untouched and the crowd in disbelief.

On the other end, Inter Miami threatened to break the deadlock with dangerous plays led by Messi and Luis Suárez. Yet, the steadfast Mohamed El Shenawy stood resolute in goal, delivering two spectacular saves during injury time that secured a hard-fought clean sheet for his team.

Javier Mascherano, head coach of Inter Miami, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance despite not winning. He noted their dominance in controlling the game and creating chances. He highlighted the importance of starting the season with a win.

Jose Riveiro, head coach of Al Ahly, reflected on the game’s challenges, mentioning missed opportunities in the first half and difficulties in maintaining defensive structure in the second half. He remarked on the unexpected atmosphere of playing in the U.S. compared to Cairo during his first official match with the team.

Both clubs left the pitch with a reward of $1 million each, reflecting FIFA’s incentive structure for the group stage draw.

Looking ahead, Al Ahly will next challenge the formidable Brazilian side Palmeiras on Thursday, June 19, at 7 PM Cairo time, in a pivotal Group A showdown. They will conclude their group campaign against FC Porto on June 23, with eyes set on further glory in this prestigious tournament.