Category: Sport News

Senegalese striker Iliman Ndiaye named Player of the Match against City

Senegalese striker Iliman Ndiaye helps Everton draw against City

Senegalese striker Iliman Ndiaye was named Player of the Match after he scored an equalizer that helped Everton draw 1-1 with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Iliman Ndiaye’s fourth goal of the season came through a right-footed shot from the centre of the box to the top right corner to level the scoreline in the 36th minute.

Erling Haaland had a penalty saved by Jordan Pickford in the second half. Manchester City continues to struggle, with only one win in their last 13 games.

City nearly took the lead in the third minute when Josko Gvardiol’s header hit the post. They scored in the 14th minute when Bernardo Silva finished a pass from Jeremy Doku, thanks to a deflection off Jarrad Branthwaite. They could have scored again when Phil Foden set up Silva inside the box, but Silva missed the target.

Seven minutes into the second half, City had another chance to regain the lead when Vitalii Mykolenko fouled Savinho in the box. However, Pickford saved Haaland’s penalty.

City pushed for a winning goal but could not break through Everton’s defence. They have not won a match since December 4 against Nottingham Forest.

There was one last chance for Everton. In the final minute of six added minutes, Broja led another Everton attack and found Harrison in a promising position – but the winger’s shot was blocked.

The result places City in sixth place, three points behind Nottingham Forest in fourth and 11 points behind leaders Liverpool. Everton in 15th after draws against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.

Wilberforce Strikers, Old Edwardians record big wins in 24/25 league opener in Sierra Leone

Wilberforce Strikers, Old Edwardians record big wins in Sierra Leone season opener

The Sierra Leone Premier League 24/25 season began with flair, as Luawa celebrated their win against Bai Bureh Warriors, while SLIFA FC also claimed a narrow victory over Star Sport. (SLIFA FC Photo)

The season kicked off with great enthusiasm on Friday, highlighting the impressive skills of Luawa FC, who secured a 1-0 victory over Bai Bureh Warriors at the New Port Loko pitch.

Wilberforce Strikers and Old Edwardians made headlines with their outstanding performances, taking the top two positions on the league table after an impresive start.

The May Park Boys put on a spectacular show against Ports Authority, winning decisively with a 4-2 scoreline on Monday. Mohamed Fogbawa was awarded Man of the Match against Ports Authority. The Old Edwardians midfielder scored two of the six goals in this thrilling encounter.

Elsewhere, Bhantal FC beat Kamboi Eagles 1-0 in their Premier League return. In a tight match, Captain Alfred Fornah scored just before halftime, securing the win for Bhantal. It was a tough return for the Eagles, but the Premier League is back.

On Tuesday, Wilberforce Strikers continued their dominance by overpowering newly promoted Abacha City with a commanding 5-2 victory at the Sierra Leone FA secretariat.

The highlight of the weekend was Freetown City FC’s impressive win against the defending champions, Bo Rangers, in the capital on Sunday.  Freetown City took the lead early with a fantastic goal from Ibrahim Sorie Kamara in the third minute.

Despite Suffian Kalokoh equalizing for Bo Rangers with a penalty in the 35th minute, Mohamed Alie Mansaray sealed the victory with a dramatic goal in the 87th minute.

This win sends a strong message from Freetown City, who narrowly avoided relegation last season. In other Saturday matches, the renowned club Mighty Blackpool showed their determination with a 2-2 draw against former league champions Diamond Stars.

FC Kallon also battled hard, ending in a draw with Wusum Stars at the Approved School in Freetown.

However, East End Lions were unable to capitalize on their home advantage, finishing in a goalless draw against newcomers Bullom Stars at the Approved School’s artificial pitch.

The season has clearly set the stage for intense competition and exciting football!

Elsewhere, Bhantal FC beat Kamboi Eagles 1-0 in their Premier League return.
Elsewhere, Bhantal FC beat Kamboi Eagles 1-0 in their Premier League return.
Nigeria striker Kelechi Iheanacho on Watford's radar

Nigeria striker Kelechi Iheanacho on Watford’s radar

English Championship team Watford is interested in striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who has not been performing well at Sevilla in La Liga.

Iheanacho joined Sevilla as a free agent this summer after the expiration of his contract at Leicester City. However, he managed three goals in eleven appearances since joining the club.

Reports from fichajes.net say that Sevilla plans to transfer Iheanacho during the January window to make changes to their squad for the second half of the 2025 season.

Watford wants to sign the Nigerian striker to strengthen their attack as they aim for promotion to the Premier League. Sevilla is also looking to make a deal to create space in their squad.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Watford suffered their first defeat in seven Sky Bet Championship matches, despite Kwadwo Baah’s late volley creating a tense finale in the 2-1 loss to promotion-chasing Burnley at Turf Moor.

SLIFA's Head Coach Jumu Bockarie Reflects on Debut Victory

SLIFA’s Head Coach Jumu Bockarie Reflects on Debut Victory

Jumu Bockarie, head coach of Sierra Leone Premier League side SLIFA FC, spoke to the club’s media following his debut victory in the league, a 1-0 win at the approved school pitch in Freetown last Sunday.

A fantastic goal from Ernest George was the reason for the victory. “I want to express my gratitude to God and my family for their endless love and support. I would also like to thank SLIFA MANAGEMENT for allowing me to continue as head coach for the 2024/2025 season,” stated Bockarie, a UEFA C licensed coach.

“The focus of the staff was on welcoming our players, the style of play, and improving our passing, which played a significant role in our performance. The opponent posed a real challenge in the first ten minutes, but our players adapted well and demonstrated high-quality skills.

He also commented on the team’s performance: “We played very well and achieved a clean sweep across all fronts. Our victory was thanks to a fantastic shot that hit the crossbar, followed quickly by George, who sealed the score.

“It’s a fantastic achievement in my debut season; however, I’m not satisfied yet, and I remain focused on the next game. It’s essential to manage players effectively and use the right tactics.

I am grateful for SLIFA’s support on my journey to becoming a coach, and I am committed to helping our young players grow and entertain our fans,” he added.

Holders Al Ahly dismantle Algerian side CR Belouizdad

Holders Al Ahly dismantle Algerian side CR Belouizdad

Title holders Al Ahly of Egypt delivered a strong message in the CAF Champions League with a commanding 6-1 victory over CR Belouizdad, highlighted by Wessam Abou Ali’s impressive hat-trick.

The match, held at Cairo International Stadium, saw Al Ahly rebound from an early setback when Aimen Mahious scored for Belouizdad in the 21st minute. Abou Ali equalized just before halftime, paving the way for a dominant second half.

He added two more goals, including a precise free kick and a long-range strike, while Hussein El Shahat and Percy Tau also contributed to the scoreline. Emam Ashour capped the match with a sixth goal in stoppage time, thrilling the home crowd.

With this victory, Al Ahly ascends to the top of Group C with seven points, ahead of Orlando Pirates by two points, while Belouizdad, now third with three points, faces a challenging return leg.

This resounding win illustrates Al Ahly’s strength as they continue to contend for the title in the tournament’s next phase.