Category: Sport News

Striker Amadou Bakayoko records first Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo goal of the season
by Football Sierra Leone

Striker Amadou Bakayoko records first Hokkaido Sapporo goal of the season

Sierra Leone International Amadou Bakayoko recorded his first goal of the season in Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo’s 2-1 win over Ehime FC at the Ningineer Stadium in week six of the JLeague 2.

It’s a back-to-back win for the first time for Bakoyok’s side in the Japanese second-tier league. As a result, they continue to move up the table to fifteen after a poor start to the season.

Japanese footballer Kimiya Moriyama had opened the scoring for the host team in the 9th minute, but the visitors held to level the scoring through Bakayoko in the 36th minute.

Bakoyoko was substituted in the 56th minute and replaced by Gun-Hee Kim as the team searched for the winning goal.

The South Korean player Kim Gun-Hee, who left Suwon to join Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo in the J1 League, scored the decisive goal in the 82nd minute.

Morocco beat Sierra Leone in U20 friendly at the Mohammed VI Complex
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco beat Sierra Leone in U20 friendly at the Mohammed VI Complex

The Moroccan U20 national team won a friendly match against Sierra Leone 2-0 at the Mohammed VI Complex on Saturday night, with goals scored by Ismail Al-Aoud and Adnan Kharoubi.

Both nations used this match as part of their preparation for the upcoming African Cup Of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Sierra Leone has made significant changes by bringing in several foreign-based players to identify those who can make the final list for the upcoming tournament in Ivory Coast next month.

Notable players starting for Sierra Leone in a friendly match against Morocco include Samal Bangura from Tottenham Hotspur, Cayden Cole from Hull City, David Kalokoh from AFC Ajax, Kelvin Kargbo from AFC Wimbledon, and Hindolo Mustapha from Crystal Palace Football Club.

Sierra Leone’s next match is against Ghana on Saturday, March 25, where they aim to build on their performance before the continental tournament.

The stakes are high, as the four teams reaching the semi-finals of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will earn spots in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which will take place in Chile. Senegal’s Junior Teranga Lions enter the competition as the defending champions.

In a previous match, Morocco defeated Ghana 1-0 at the Mohammed VI Complex. This victory was particularly noteworthy because Morocco played with one less player for over 70 minutes after Faisal El Meziani was sent off in the first half.

Ilias Boumassaoudi, a winger from FC Den Bosch in the Dutch first division, scored the only goal of the match after excellent teamwork set him up.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, coach Mohamed Ouahbi’s team demonstrated strong teamwork and discipline, successfully defending their lead against a Ghanaian team that was unable to score.

Even with one player down, the Moroccan team showed positive signs as they prepared for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, which is set to take place in Ivory Coast from April 26 to May 18, 2025.

Morocco strengthens grip in Group E World Cup qualifiers
by Football Sierra Leone

Morocco strengthen grip in Group E World Cup qualifiers

Morocco came from behind to defeat Niger 2-1, strengthening their lead in Group E of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers. Meanwhile, Guinea’s campaign suffered a setback with a frustrating goalless draw against Somalia.

In Oujda, the Atlas Lions, who reached the semi-finals in the last World Cup, fell behind after a goal from Niger’s Boubacar Goumey Oumarou in the 47th minute.

However, a triple substitution by coach Walid Regragui revitalized the team. Ismael Saibari equalized in the 59th minute, tapping in a clever assist from Brahim Diaz. Morocco secured the win with a late goal from Bilal El Khannouss in stoppage time, keeping them six points clear at the top of Group E.

In contrast, Guinea’s hopes crumbled in a disappointing 0-0 draw against Somalia, who are among the lowest-ranked in African football. Despite having Champions League star Serhou Guirassy, Guinea struggled to break down Somalia’s defensive setup, missing a chance to pressure Group G leaders Mozambique and second-placed Algeria.

As criticism of the team grows, Guinea faces a must-win match against Uganda next, while Morocco prepares to face Tanzania.

Mohamed Salah shines as Egypt ease past Ethiopia in World Cup Qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mohamed Salah scores as Egypt ease past Ethiopia in World Cup Qualifiers

Egypt secured another significant victory, solidifying its position at the top of Group A in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers. The Pharaohs continued their perfect run in Group A with a comfortable 2-0 win over Ethiopia in El Jadida, Morocco.

Egypt took control early in the match, with Liverpool star Mohamed Salah scoring the first goal in the 31st minute after a well-executed move involving Hamdy Fathi. Nine minutes later, Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” doubled the lead, taking advantage of a defensive error from Ethiopia.

Although Ethiopia showed some resistance after halftime, Hossam Hassan’s team was never seriously threatened, and the score remained unchanged throughout the match.

Egypt now has 13 points from five matches, leading second-placed Burkina Faso by five points, and they are nearing qualification for the 2026 finals in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

It was another disappointing result for Ethiopia, leaving them with just three points from five games and vastly diminishing their hopes of qualification.

Eric Chelle praises Nigeria's performance after defeating Rwanda
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Eric Chelle praises Nigeria’s performance after defeating Rwanda

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle praised his players after their 2-0 win against the Amavubi of Rwanda.

Nigeria matchday five tie took place at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday night and marked the Super Eagles’ first victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series. With this win, the team moved up to fourth place in Group C.

In his post-match remarks, Chelle said, “It was a tough game; Rwanda has a strong team. I am proud of my players. We worked hard in the few days leading up to this match, although we only had two full training sessions. However, we controlled the ball well in the second half. It was a solid performance from my players.”

Chelle also mentioned his team’s strategy and the need for improvement. He stated, “I enjoy setting up the game plan. We tried two different tactics. This is just the first game, and we need to improve as we prepare for the next one.”

He emphasized that teamwork is essential. “Every player can contribute, and we need to work together to reach our goal of qualifying for the World Cup. We have talented players, and today the team performed well. My job is to make decisions about the game plan and which players to use.”

Rwanda’s head coach, Adel Amrouche, expressed disappointment after the Amavubi’s loss to the Super Eagles.

“We need to correct some things in the team. Unfortunately, we lost, but we will regroup for the next game,” he said. “I am ashamed of today’s performance, especially in front of our fans and the president.”