Category: Sport News

Kenya beat Namibia to stay on course for Morocco 2025
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kenya beat Namibia to stay on course for Morocco 2025

Kenya had a positive result in their latest 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match, winning 2-1 against Namibia in Group J at the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.

In the first 15 minutes, there was little difference between the two teams, and they shared possession equally in the early stages of the game. Namibia tried to attack midway through the first half, but the Kenyan midfielders quickly stopped them.

On the other side, Kenya looked dangerous when they counter-attacked. The referee ended the first half after a few scoring chances from both teams.

Kenya took the lead just before the hour mark with a well-placed free-kick just outside the area.

Namibia attempted direct attacking plays in the future. Despite Namibia’s attempts, the Harambee Stars scored again in the 76th minute through Duke Abuya, increasing their lead.

Namibia made a late attempt to change the scoreline, with Deon Hotto scoring a consolation goal in stoppage time, but it was too late as Kenya won the match.

AFCON Qualifiers wrap-up: Ivory Coast maintain lead in Group
by FSL News

AFCON Qualifiers wrap-up: Ivory Coast maintain lead in Group G

The second round of matches for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers concluded on Tuesday night with significant wins for the title holders Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Zambia, Benin, and Cape Verde.

Here is a summary of the some matches played on Tuesday night:

Chad 0-2 Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire extended their strong start in Group G with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Chad. Following their win against Zambia in the opening match, the Elephants demonstrated their prowess once again at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé.

A standout performance from Jean-Philippe Krasso and Oumar Diakité secured the win, propelling Côte d’Ivoire to the top of the group.

Burkina Faso 3-1 Malawi

After drawing 1-1 against Senegal, Burkina Faso achieved a convincing 3-1 victory over Malawi in Bamako, Mali.

Despite early pressure from Malawi, Lassina Traoré broke the deadlock with a low header in the 35th minute. The Shakhtar Donetsk striker doubled the lead just minutes later by dribbling past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

Hassane Bandé added a third from the penalty spot before Malawi’s Zeliat Nkhoma pulled one back late. Burkina Faso now leads Group L, edging ahead of Senegal on goal difference.

Cape Verde 2-0 Mauritania

Cape Verde rebounded from a heavy 3-0 defeat to Egypt by defeating Mauritania 2-0 in Group C.

Ryan Mendes scored from a penalty after Benchimol was fouled by Houeibib, giving the Blue Sharks the lead.

In the second half, Mendes scored again in the 75th minute, securing Cape Verde’s three points and moving them into second place in the group.

Zambia edge Sierra Leone in Group G AFCON qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zambia edge Sierra Leone in Group G AFCON qualifier

On Tuesday, in a tense atmosphere, Zambia’s Chipolopolo secured their first victory in the African Cup of Nations Group G match day two, defeating Sierra Leone 3-2 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

In the opening 25 minutes, Zambia dominated the game and scored their first goal with a header by Kennedy Musonda in the 28th minute. However, Sierra Leone equalized with a great strike by Augustus Kargbo in the 33rd minute after poor defending from the host team.

Both teams showed resilience after the 35th minute in the African Cup of Nations Group G qualifier match. Sierra Leone’s coach, Amidu Karim, made four changes to the starting lineup, resulting in a better performance, especially on the left wing of the team’s attack.

Kelvin Mubanga Kampamba, a substitute from Al Nasr Benghazi, put the home side back in the lead with a good strike in the 70th minute.

Sierra Leone’s Hindolo Mustapha, coming off the bench, scored his first international goal, levelling the game 2-2 in the 73rd minute.

In the 85th minute, Kings Kangwa from Hapoel Beer Sheva scored with a clever free-kick, putting Zambia back in front for the third time after a handball from the Sierra Leone defensive, Ibrahim Sillah.

Zambia’s head coach Grant was delighted after the match and commended his players for their determination.

“It was a fantastic win; we played really well,” Grant told reporters after the match. “We created chances, but more importantly, we showed great mentality. Even after they equalized at 1-1 and then at 2-2, we never gave up. Two minutes after every goal they scored, we scored again. Many teams would have crumbled, but we kept playing and played well.”

He added, “Similarly to our performance in Ivory Coast, the players are displaying a lot of character, fighting spirit, and commitment, and I am very happy about that.”

Elsewhere, Ivory Coast defeated Chad 2-0 with goals from Jean-Philippe Krasso in the 45th minute and Oumar Diakité at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Cameroon to stay top of the group with six points ahead of October’s doubleheader against Sierra Leone.

Ivory Coast continues to lead, with Zambia close behind at three points, Sierra Leone at two, and Chad with one point.

Sierra Leone suffered first defeat win in the African Cup of Nations Group G match day two, defeating Sierra Leone 3-2 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Sierra Leone suffered first defeat win in the African Cup of Nations Group G match day two, defeating Sierra Leone 3-2 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
SIERRA LEONE STARTING XI FOR ZAMBIA (1)
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Four changes to Sierra Leone Starting XI for Zambia

Sierra Leone head coach Amidu Karim has made four changes from the Chad opener in today’s starting line-up for Leone Stars’ second match in the African Cup of Nations Group G qualifying against Zambia.

Kick-off at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium is 21 hours local as coach Avram Grant’s side hosts their West African Counterparts.

With Injury to Qatar-based midfielder Alhassan Koroma, the Gaffer has opted to bring in Holland-based midfielder Ibrahim Sillah in his place. Furthermore, Bo Rangers striker Musa Noah Kamara and Cambridge winger Sullay Kaikai are in for Daniel Kanu and Plymouth Argyle’s Mustapha Bundu.

The same back four in Ankara Keçiörengücü‘s defender Steven Caulker, Dinamo Brest centre-back Jarju Kabia, Hartford Athletic‘s Emmanuel Samadia and Osman Kakay.

Crystal Palace Under-21s midfielder Hindolo Mustapha, who made his International debut in the draw against Chad, started from the bench.

Bristol Rovers midfielder Kamil Conteh replaced Jose Koroma to team up with Italy-based Augustus Kargbo, Bo Rangers striker Musa Noah Kamara and Cambridge United Sullay Kaikai in attack.

A must-win game or worse case, Sierra Leone must avoid defeat at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

Sierra Leone Subs: 23 Francis Koroma, 16, Isaac Caulker, 17, Yeami Dunia, 20 Saidu Mansaray, 13 Josh Koroma, 3 Sallie Tarawallie, 27 Hindolo Mustapha, 22 Kamil Conteh, 10 Mustapha Bundu, 14 Daniel Kanu, 12, Jonathan Morsay, 4 Saidu Fofana

Thalente Mbatha once again proved his worth as a super-sub by coming off the bench to save Bafana Bafana for the second time in four days.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa beat South Sudan after Thalente Mbatha’s goal

Thalente Mbatha once again proved his worth as a super-sub by coming off the bench in their matchday two African Cup of Nations qualifier to save Bafana Bafana for the second time in four days.

His decisive goal in the second half secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over a resilient South Sudan side at the Juba Stadium.

The home team’s Tito Odong Okello opened the scoring with a penalty in the 15th minute – but Oswin Appollis equalized two minutes later before scoring again to give South Africa a 2-1 lead at halftime.

In the 57th minute of the second half, Valentino Yuel scored levelling the score for the home team. Despite being underdogs, South Sudan put up a spirited fight, making life difficult for South Africa.

However, Thalente Mbatha, known for delivering in crucial moments scored and secured a vital three points for Bafana. The win keeps their Afcon qualification hopes alive and on track with four points apiece with Uganda after two matches in Group K. 

FULL-TIME: South Sudan 2-3 Bafana Bafana