Category: Sport News

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zamalek, JS Saoura Start CAF Champions League Campaigns with Wins

Egyptian side Zamalek defeated Djibouti’s AS Port 2-1 in Cairo in the first leg of the first qualifying round of the CAF Champions League, beginning its bid for a sixth title.

Mohamed Shehata opened the scoring in the fifth minute before Angolan forward Chico Banza doubled Zamalek’s lead with a header in the 37th minute.

AS Port, making its debut in the competition, pulled one back through Mahdi Hussein Mahbi in the 82nd minute but could not find an equaliser.

Both legs will be played in Cairo because Djibouti lacks a stadium that meets international standards. The return match is scheduled for September 12.

Zamalek last won the Champions League in 2002. It has since reached two finals, losing to Mamelodi Sundowns in 2016 and Al Ahly in 2020.

Elsewhere, Algeria’s JS Saoura beat Guinea’s Horia 1-0, while Libya’s Asswehly defeated Zanzibar’s KVZ by the same score.

by Football Sierra Leone

Amadou Diallo FC Ready for East End Lions’ CAF Interclub First Leg

Amadou Diallo Plateau Football Academy, aka AFAD, based in Abidjan-Plateau,  are getting ready to face the East End Lions of Sierra Leone as they make their return to African elite club football.

This Sunday, September 6, they will host one of Sierra Leone’s most decorated clubs at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny Stadium. This match is the first leg of the first round of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Days before the game, AFAD’s coach, Firmin Koffi, shows calm and determination. He believes the team can succeed in their first challenge in the CAF Confederation Cup.

“We know we’ll face a team that plays direct football with intensity,” says Koffi, highlighting the importance of a strong start in the two-legged tie. “It’s crucial to perform well at home; we aim for a solid lead, ideally 3-0.”

Koffi draws confidence from the team’s preparation, with five wins, five draws, and four losses to their name. He notes that all injured players have returned, and the core of last season’s squad is intact.

AFAD approaches their first African match with seriousness and ambition, aiming to take the lead before travelling to Sierra Leone. They will need strength on the field and support from fans.

Meanwhile, the Sierra Leone Premier League side has arrived safely in Ivory Coast for the match.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Carlos Queiroz reappointed as Black Stars head coach

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has reappointed Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars. On Wednesday, September 2, the GFA announced it had reached an agreement with the experienced Portuguese coach.

Queiroz signed a four-month contract in April, which ended a few weeks ago. The GFA needed to decide on his future before the 2027 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Queiroz also coached Ghana during the recent FIFA World Cup, where the team lost 1-0 to Colombia in the round of 32.

The GFA stated that, after discussions with the GFA and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, it was agreed that Queiroz would start a new coaching role during the upcoming international break.

The GFA believes Queiroz’s experience and knowledge of the Black Stars will help lead the team forward.

More details about his new role and the Black Stars’ schedule will be shared soon, as the GFA and Queiroz focus on building a stronger team for international competitions.

Queiroz will coach the Black Stars in the 2027 AFCON, where they are in Group C with three-time African champions Côte D’Ivoire, The Gambia, and Somalia.

The qualification matches start this month, and the top two teams will advance to the main tournament, hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Ghana hopes to improve after missing the last tournament held in Morocco.

by Football Sierra Leone

Josh Koroma on the scoresheet in draw with Gillingham

Sierra Leone International Josh Koroma scored as Chesterfield drew 1-1 with Gillingham after a second-half equalizer canceled out Josh Koroma’s first goal for the team in their League Two round four. 

Manager Paul Cook kept the same lineup from their 2-1 loss to Rotherham, while Gillingham’s Gareth Ainsworth made one change, replacing Will Goodwin with Lamin Sillah.

Chesterfield started strong, with Koroma and Lewis Gordon linking up well. Koroma scored after a good setup from Kyle McFadzean and Dilan Markanday. Markanday tested Gillingham’s goalkeeper, Oliver Wright, multiple times.

In the second half, Chesterfield maintained control, but McFadzean’s attempt went just over the crossbar. Gillingham equalised with a deflected shot from Ronan Hale.

Chesterfield brought in Tom Naylor, Fraser Bryden, and Louie Marsh to regain control. They pushed for a late winner, forcing several corners, but settled for a draw.

Next, Chesterfield will host Barnet, while Gillingham will travel to Rochdale.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Jaze Kabia nets brace as Leyton Orient thrash Bromley

Jaze Kabia and Yusuf Akhamrich both scored two goals as Leyton Orient won 5-0 against Bromley in Sky Bet League One on Tuesday.

Kabia’s header in the 38th minute capped off a strong first half. After the break, Leyton Orient stayed dominant.

Akhamrich scored two quick goals in the first six minutes of the second half, and Kabia netted his second by redirecting a Will Forrester header.

Substitute Armando Dobra completed the scoring in stoppage time, finding the net with his first touch after being assisted by Tony Springett.

Leyton Orient celebrated a big victory under manager Richie Wellens, boosting confidence before their match against Luton Town. Changes to the lineup saw Forrester, Charlie Wellens, and Demetri Mitchell start.

The team started strong, with Akhamrich testing the Bromley goalkeeper, while captain Isaac Hayden missed a shot over the bar. Kabia opened the scoring with a header.

In the second half, Akhamrich scored twice more, and Kabia added another goal before Dobra capped the win. This marked Bromley’s first home league defeat in 17 months. Up The O’s!