Category: Sport News

Two mouth-watering Women's AFCON semi-final ties
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Two mouth-watering Women’s AFCON semi-final ties

Two mouth-watering semi-final ties are in the menu at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Tuesday.

First, nine-times winners Nigeria will have some titanic battle for the ages against champions South Africa in Casablanca at 16:00 GMT.

And in Rabat, the hosts, Morocco, take on the lowest-ranked side left, Ghana, at 19:00.

Now we still have the prospect of a repeat of the 2022 final when Banyana Banyana defeated the Atlas Lionesses 2-1, once again in the capital, on Saturday evening.

Form and fancy would suggest joining Nigeria and Morocco together. However, an all-West African encounter could also inject an extra dimension to a tournament that has not lacked compelling narratives.

Morocco and Ghana have yet to win the championship, which the Confederation of African Football has doubled to $1m for the victors and introduced a new trophy.

The tournament hosts are now on course to reach the final for a second consecutive time, having cruised to a 3-1 win over Mali.

Yet another passionate home crowd of the 21,000-capacity Olympic Stadium is anticipated in the capital to back the Atlas Lionesses.

“The public who have come to the stadium have encouraged us from the outset,” coach Jorge Vilda said.

It’s been that way, and hopefully it’s the same in the semi-final. What we have in our mind is we want to arrive at the final.”

The last four at the Women's Cup of Nations in Morocco
The last four at the Women's Cup of Nations in Morocco
Sierra Leone wingerJonathan Morsay pens Panionios deal until 2027
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone winger Jonathan Morsay pens Panionios deal until 2027

Super League Greece 2 side Panionios has confirmed the signing of Sierra Leone international Jonathan Morsay on a two-year deal that will run until the summer of 2027.

“We are pleased to announce our collaboration with international winger Jonathan Morsay, who has signed a two-year contract with our team.”

The 27-year-old winger began his career at the Swedish club GIF Sundsvall before moving to Italy to play for Chievo Verona.

In 2021, he joined Dinamo București and later that summer moved to Greece to play for Panaitolikos, where he made 56 appearances, scoring three goals and providing two assists in the Super League.

He then played for AEL Limassol in Cyprus, with his most recent stop being Kalamata, where he made 17 appearances, scored five goals, and provided two assists in Super League 2.

Jonathan is also an international player for the Sierra Leone national team, earning seven caps and scoring one goal.

He participated in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, where he scored his first international goal, and has also played in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Club football

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced new coaching rules. Head coaches and assistants for senior national teams must hold a CAF A Licence or Pro to enhance coaching standards across Africa.

CAF has unveiled new coaching standards approved by the Executive Committee to raise coaching quality throughout Africa, thereby affecting national teams, every club event, and the CAF Women’s Champions League.

According to CAF’s recent correspondence to Members Associations, Coaches without the necessary licenses must begin obtaining them now, but those hired before May 4, 2025, have a grace period until the end of the 2026/2027 season.

New coaches employed by clubs and national teams must meet the required credentials, as well as current agreements.

Coaches who miss the deadline standards will be prohibited from entering technical areas during official CAF events; they will also not be able to sign up as team officials or take part in team activities, therefore jeopardising their careers. Failure to follow instructions might result in more punitive measures.

“It is also important to underscore that in case of non-fulfilment of the above requirements, the affected coach would be prohibited from accessing Zones 1 and 2 of the stadiums during CAF matches.

Additionally, coaches will not be registered as team officials or permitted to participate in any official team activities.

Other sporting sanctions, including a referral to the CAF Judicial Bodies, may apply, ” the communication stated.

We take this opportunity to once again express our appreciation for your continued contributions to the development of African football and our continuous support to collectively enhance its future. We trust that you will play a pivotal role in the successful implementation of these new directives.”

This decision highlights CAF’s dedication to raising the standard of coaching and governance in African football by aligning it with international norms and hoping to increase the worldwide competitive presence of the continent.

New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
Ex-Star Sport Academy attacker Kamara nets on Vejle Boldklub debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-Star Sport Academy attacker Kamara nets on Vejle Boldklub debut

Abdulai Kamara, who was with Star Sport Academy since the beginning of this campaign, scored on his debut for Danish side Vejle Boldklub in the Superliga.dk after his permanent move until 2029.

Vejle Boldklub played to a 1-1 draw against Randers on Sunday in the Danish Superliga. Kamara wasted no time recording his first goal, helping his side earn a point.

Having made 12 appearances, scoring 8 goals since joining Star Sport Academy from GFI Academy in Guinea, the 18-year-old offensive player has opened his account in Denmark.

Vejle is an exciting opportunity.

Abdoulaye Kamara, originally from GFI Academy in Guinea, is excited to join the 3F Superliga squad in Vejle. He expressed that the opportunity was unexpected but has been positive, noting the professionalism of the club and his teammates. As an offensive player, he enjoys having the ball and contributing to the team’s success.

Kamara mentioned the adjustment to a new country and the focus on training, praising the facilities and coaches for helping him improve. While the language barrier poses a challenge, he is committed to practising English and appreciates the support from his teammates. He is optimistic about his future in Denmark.

Ghana beat Algeria on penalties to set date with hosts Morocco
by Football Sierra Leone

Ghana beat Algeria on penalties to set date with hosts Morocco

Following a 0-0 tie after in 120 minutes of play in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana beat Algeria 4-2 in a penalty shootout. This win confirms their place in the semifinals against Morocco.

Saving penalties from Marine Dafeur and Ines Belloumou, goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan was crucial. Evelyn Badu’s ultimate penalty delighted players and supporters.

Ghana were more energetic, and the game was very hotly fought. Stella Nyamekye’s first-half strike was ruled out for offside, and Badu failed a vital opportunity near the end of normal time. The shootout resulted from both sides’ difficulties in generating chances.

Algeria left the competition with no goals against, whereas Ghana hopes to capture their first continental championship following three prior second-place finishes. Tuesday at 19:00 GMT marks the semifinal against Morocco.