Category: Sport News

Augustus Kargbo on target in Cesena's win over Pontedera
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Augustus Kargbo on target in Cesena’s win over Pontedera

Sierra Leone International Augustus Kargbo scored Cesena’s fourth in the 4-0 thrashing of Pontedera in the Italian series C on Saturday.

Kargbo, 24, recorded his fourth of the campaign in eighteen appearances this season as they secured the top spot in the promotion race.

The visitors suffered from the start as they were unable to handle the home side’s direct football. 

Cristian Shpendi scored a hat-trick, and the win was finished off by Kargbo’s goal in the 37th minute of the first half. 

In the second half, Cesena controlled position and saw their victory with no response from the Granata.

On Sunday, Cesena will travel to Ancona as they maintain their position at the summit. 

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Zambia coach Avram Grant hopeful ahead of Morocco tie
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zambia coach Avram Grant hopeful ahead of Morocco tie

Zambia head coach Avram Grant has expressed optimism following his side’s draw against Tanzania on Sunday in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023. 

Tanzania were searching for their first Africa Cup of Nations win in 44 years but was dashed when Zambia snatched a late 1-1 Group F draw in San-Pedro.

Grant’s men scored late through Patson Daka’s header to rescue a draw against the Taifa Stars. 

“It’s a disappointing result. We knew it wouldn’t be an easy match after watching Tanzania’s match against Morocco. It’s true that we started well too but we conceded a goal quickly and that changed our tactics especially after the red card,” Grant told journalists in a post-match Interview.

“It’s difficult to play with ten players. But I’m happy with the boys’ reaction. They gave everything to come back.”

Zambia’s final group outing is against the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finalist and favourites Morocco on Wednesday. 

Grant believes his team will show up and deliver against the Atlas Lions. 

“We already know that Morocco is a big team but we are not afraid of them. We will play them and I hope we will put up a good performance. We will have to show character,”

“That’s what we try to do every day, get better. And on all levels. Since I have been coaching this team, we have progressed in several areas but we must continue. Even when you become champion, you have to continue to improve the team.”

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Morocco held by DR Congo in Cup of Nations encounter
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco held by DR Congo in Cup of Nations encounter 

On Sunday, Les Léopards of DR Congo halted Atlas Lion’s perfect start following their 1-1 draw at the Stade Laurent Pokou in their Matchday two Africa Cup of Nations.

PSG’s defender Achraf Hakimi had given the Atlas Lions an early lead, but DR Congo rallied their equaliser through Silas Katompa Mvumpa.

Morocco came into the tie searching for their second win and took the lead just six minutes when Hakimi rifled home after being found up by Hakim Ziyech.

DR Congo was handed a lifeline when VAR awarded a penalty after a Moroccan handball in the box on 42 minutes. However, Cedric Bakambu squandered the golden opportunity to equalise.

The Leopards finally drew parity in the 76th-minutes when Silas Katompa Mvumpa converted Elia Meschack’s assist.

Despite the draw, Morocco remains top on four points, DR Congo second on two, and all still to play for in Group F.

Morocco faces Zambia next, while DR Congo tackles Tanzania in their final pool matches on Wednesday.

DR Congo striker Silas Katompa Mvumpa, who came to the Leopard’s rescue, expressed frustration in his post-match interview.

“There was room at the end for us to get all three points. We saw the Moroccans were tired and had opportunities,” Mvumpa, who was Man of the Match, told reporters.

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Ibrahim Turay scores brace in Rangers triumphs over Luawa
by David Lebbie

Ibrahim Turay scores brace in Rangers triumph over Luawa

Ibrahim Turay (IB Computer) scored twice in either half of the game as Bo Rangers extended their lead in the ongoing Leone Rock Premier League.

The reigning champions and league leaders defeated Luawa FC 3-1 at the Southern Arena on Saturday evening. Ibrahim Turay’s close-range finish gave Rangers the lead in the six-yard box through Abu Komeh’s assist before halftime.

After the recess, Amadu Mansaray doubled the home side’s advantage from a counterattack before Ibrahim Turay fired home his brace and the Rangers third of the day.

Luawa pulled back one as Mohamed Kargbo scored from the spot after they were awarded a penalty for handball by Lamin Kargbo. 

The coaching staff of Bo Rangers were in a joyous mood after winning on home ground following two weeks away from action. 

Speaking to Football Sierra Leone, Sebastian Bowles Luawa FC head Coach said, “I’m pretty ok with the effort of the boys today this is the third match in seven days lots of travelling and it’s been a hard way for us.”

He revealed, “The lack of concentration at the beginning of the second half caused them two goals- if not, the match should have ended 1-1. I am a little bit disappointed in the lack of concentration.

“Congratulations to Bo Rangers – a wonderful team and good stadium -not many teams will take a point away from Bo.”

Rangers have won two and drawn one of their last three matches (WDW) and are 1st on the log with 26 points, whilst Luawa won one and two defeats LWL) and 5th with 20 points.

Elsewhere in the league, newcomers Kholifa Star were defeated at home by Wilberforce Strikers Santawaj Bangura (60) and John Kargbo(73) scored the goals, Whilst Kabba Timbo’s goal secured a victory for Lamboi FC over Ports Authority.

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Guinea's win over Gambia delights Coach Kaba Diawara
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea’s win over Gambia delights Coach Kaba Diawara

Guinea coach Kaba Diawara was delighted after his side came out with a 1-0 victory over the Gambia on Friday’s match day two Group C encounter.

The Syli national took a pivotal step towards reaching the Cup of Nations 2023 last sixteen through Mohamed Bayo’s only goal.

“This victory is payback for that previous loss, which was so hard to take,” Diawara told reporters. Winning is more important because it shows we’ve improved over two years and worked hard to get better.”

The former Guinea international felt the performance highlighted their progress despite first-half struggles.

“What didn’t go well early on was our lack of efficiency, but after changes, things improved,” analysed Diawara.

“Creating chances is the hard part, now we just need to finish them off, and that will come in time.”

Gambia head coach Tom Saintfiet, on the other hand, remains optimistic. “In the first half Guinea were stronger but in the second period we raised our level more,” the Belgian stated.

“We can still qualify with three points in our next game,” Saintfiet noted of the Scorpions boss.

Guinea still has an uphill task against already-qualified Senegal in Tuesday’s West African derby. The Gambia must defeat Cameroon and see if they will be one of the best losers to make the last 16.

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