Category: Sport News

Spoils shared between Asec Mimosas & Esperance de Tunis
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Spoils shared between Asec Mimosas & Esperance de Tunis

Asec Mimosas and Esperance Sportive de Tunis played out a goalless draw in their Quarter-Final fixture at Stade Olympique in Tunis on Saturday.

Both teams are to meet again in the CAF Champions League return leg Quarter-Finals on 05 or 06 April as everything will be decided at Felicia.

Despite having less possession, Asec Mimosas had the first chance at goal when Karidioula Mofosse almost scored after Raed Bouchniba lost possession in the danger area. 

In the first half, Ghaylen Chaleli’s dangerous ball almost caught Asec’s goalkeeper off guard, but he managed to fist it away.

After the recess, the hosts continued to attack, with coach Miguel Cardoso injecting fresh legs. 

Second-half substitute Oussema Bouguerra’s well-struck effort from outside the box hit the woodwork, and Houssem Tka missed a header that went just off target. 

Despite the pressure from the hosts, Asec Mimosas managed to absorb most of the attacks, securing a confidence-boosting draw before the return leg next weekend. 

Meanwhile, on Friday, in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals, Al Ahly SC, the title holders, won 1-0 in Dar es Salaam against Tanzanian giants, Simba SC in the first leg of the Quarter-Finals.

Ahmed Kouka scored an early goal to secure the first-leg victory for the Egyptian giants. They did well to withstand the ongoing pressure from Simba throughout the encounter.

LAFC Strengthens Attack with Signing of Kei Kamara
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Kei Kamara joins his 11th MLS club Los Angeles

Los Angeles has signed veteran forward Kei Kamara for the 2024 season with an option for 2025. Kamara, 39, has played for a record 11 different MLS teams, scored 144 goals, and is one of the all-time greatest goal scorers in MLS history.

“Kei is considered one of the best goal scorers in the history of Major League Soccer and will be a valuable addition to our team’s attacking force,” stated John Thorrington, LAFC’s Co-President and General Manager. “Kei has a long history of playing in Southern California, so we are confident that it will be a source of pride for him to represent LAFC.”

He returned to Southern California, where he played in high school and college before starting his MLS career in 2006. 

The ex-Sierra Leone striker joins LAFC after playing for the Chicago Fire in the 2023 season, where he scored five goals and registered two assists in 27 regular-season appearances.

Kamara played for Columbus in 2006-2007 before moving to San Jose Earthquakes and later Houston Dynamo. 

He then played five seasons with Sporting Kansas City from 2009 to 2013 before returning to the Columbus Crew in 2015.

After tying for the league lead in goals in a record-setting season with Columbus, Kamara played for several teams such as New England Revolution, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Colorado Rapids, Minnesota United FC, and Montréal in 2022.

Kamara played in Europe on loan with Norwich City in 2013 and later signed with Middlesbrough FC in the English Championship. He returned to Europe in 2021 with Finland’s HIFK. 

Internationally, Kamara has made 39 appearances for Sierra Leone, scoring seven goals and registering one assist across all competitions

Barnsley will host Sullay Kaikai's Cambridge United in week forty-one of the English League on Friday at Oakwell Stadium.
by FSL News

Sullay Kaikai’s Cambridge v Barnsley League One preview

Barnsley will host Sullay Kaikai’s Cambridge United in week forty-one of the English League on Friday at Oakwell Stadium.

Sierra Leone International Sullay Kaikai, who won the Player of the Month award for February, last scored against Carlisle United in their 4-0 win in week 34. 

Cambridge United, also known as the U’s, is in the hunt to improve their season with a strong performance against Barnsley, who are currently fifth in the table and looking to strengthen their position.

Cambridge United has lost their last two games and hasn’t won in their last four matches. Therefore, they must avoid defeat in their upcoming game as it will further dampen their supporters’ morale.

In contrast, Barnsley has won their last five league games against Cambridge United, keeping a clean sheet in each of the previous four matches. 

Furthermore, Cambridge United has only won one of their ten away league games against Barnsley. 

Abu Kamara's Portsmouth ready for trip to Wycombe Wanderers
by FSL News

Kamara’s Portsmouth ready for trip to Wycombe Wanderers 

Abu Kamara, a native of Sierra Leone, is set to help his team Portsmouth against Wycombe Wanderers in week forty-one of the English League on Friday. 

John Mousinho’s squad will visit Wycombe on Good Friday for a 3 pm kick-off. If they can secure 13 points from the seven remaining fixtures, Portsmouth will guarantee themselves a place in the Championship. 

Abu Kamara, on loan from Norwich, has done exceptionally well in his first full season in senior football with the league leaders. 

He has scored eight goals and played in every League One match for Pompey this season. 

Wycombe Wanderers have only won 1 of their last six games against Portsmouth, failing to score in 3 matches. Portsmouth has lost 3 of their last five games at Wycombe, failing to score in those defeats. 

The home side have lost just 1 of their last ten home games, keeping four clean sheets in their last five matches at Adams Park. 

Portsmouth has not lost any of their last eight games on Good Friday, scoring 16 goals overall.

Sierra Leone mourns one of its greatest Lamin Bangura
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone mourns Lamin Bangura one of its greatest

Ports Authority head coach Lamin Bangura, one of Sierra Leone’s greatest footballers of all time, has sadly passed away following a tragic road accident on Tuesday. 

The late Bangura was a successful coach and player in West Africa, winning titles in Guinea and Sierra Leone. He suffered fatal injuries that ultimately led to his death. Several players and officials are currently in critical condition after a serious accident. 

“On March 25th, 2024, the team departed from Freetown en route to Kenema for a Premier League match between Kanhula Rangers and Port Authority. Unfortunately, while traveling along Konta Line Mile 91, their bus collided with a stationary vehicle, resulting in the tragic loss of a beloved football legend,” Ports Authority confirmed. 

Bangura helped Sierra Leone qualify for Tunisia AFCON 1996 and played for the team in AFCON 1994 and 1996. He also played a key role in As Kaloum’s CAF Clubs Cup final 1995.

The former ASEC Mimosas Abidjan defender was a crucial figure in guiding the Diamond Stars to their first Premier League title in 2012. It was the first Sierra Leonean club outside Freetown to win the league.

“I write with pain upon hearing the sudden death of one of our national football heroes, Coach Lamin Bangura, together with the bus driver and conductor.

Coach Lamin, you have done a lot for the growth of football in Sierra Leone as a player and coach. You represented the country, coached the National U23, and won the 2012 Sierra Leone Premier League with Diamond Stars. Your diligence is admirable,” SLFA’s boss, Thomas Brima

“We extend our deepest condolences to the club, families, and friends of those who lost their lives, including the head coach, Lamin Bangura. Our hearts go out to you all,” The Sierra Leone FA stated

“The Board extends its sympathy to all individuals impacted by this incident. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time,” the Sierra Leone Premier Board noted.

The league board announced the cancellation of the Kahunla Rangers and Ports Authority scheduled match on 27th March 2024 due to an unfortunate event.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Ports Authority FC and the family of Head Coach Lamin Bangura. May his soul rest in peace. East End Lions FC stands in solidarity with Ports Authority FC. Our condolences go out to all who knew and loved Coach Bangura,” EE Lions posted.

“Your kindness and love touched us deeply, and your departure has left a void that cannot be filled. We will miss you dearly,” Freetown City FC.