Category: Sport News

Nigeria's Super Eagles signal intent after defeatng Ivory Coast
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria’s Eagles signal intent with Ivory Coast win

William Troost-Ekong’s goal against the Ivory Coast signalled Nigeria’s intent to reach the last 16 at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after the Super Eagles’ 1-0 win over hosts in Group A.

Nigeria’s victory has left Group A qualification wide open – any of the top three could qualify for the round of sixteen.

In front of a packed Stade Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, the Elephant of Ivory Coast could not escape defeat as William Troost-Ekong’s spot kick in the 54th minute after Victor Osimhen was fouled silenced the home fans.

The three-time African champions leapfrog the Elephants to go second in Group A and are behind leaders Equatorial Guinea, who beat Guinea-Bissau 4-2 earlier on Thursday on goal difference.

Nigeria on four points, will face Guinea-Bissau (17:00 GMT) in their final Group A fixture on Monday as Ivory Coast battles things out on the same day. 

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 African News.

Six-goal thriller as Emilio Nsue nets AFCON 2023 first hattrick
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Six-goal thriller as Emilio Nsue nets AFCON 2023 first hattrick 

On Thursday, former Birmingham City winger Emilio Nsue scored the Cup of Nations 2023 first hat trick as Equatorial Guinea overcame Guinea-Bissau.

Following their impressive 1-1 draw against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea continued their fine form in the Cup of Nations. They defeated Guinea-Bissua 4-2 in their second Group A match at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Thursday.

Emilio Nsue opened the scoring for Equatorial Guinea in the 21st minute, but an own goal in the 37th minute from Equatorial Guinea’s Orozco Fernandez drew parity for Guinea-Bissau.

Both sides ended the first half tied 1-1. Still, after the recess, a goal from Josete Miranda and Emilio Nsue scored two more gaols to complete his hattrick in the 51st and 61st minutes, respectively, were enough as Nzalang Nacional comfortably brushed aside their counterparts.

As a result, Equatorial Guinea  topped of Group A as Ivory Coast and Nigeria battled later to improve their chances of making it into the round of 16.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 African News.

Morocco ease past Tanzania, DRC & Zambia draw in opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco ease past Tanzania, DRC & Zambia draw in opener

Tournament favourite Morocco, in the hunt for their first AFCON title in almost 50 years, thrashed Tanzania in the Group F opener.

On Wednesday, the Atlas Lions of Morocco proved too strong as they brushed aside Tanzania 3-0 at the Stade Laurent Pokou In their opening game of the Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

The North Africans were dominant as they controlled the pace of the showdown against Taifa Stars, ranked 121 in global football.

The 2022 World Cup semifinalist took the lead after Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech’s free-kick was parried out by Salum Manula before it was tapped in by Morocco’s skipper Roman Saiss.

Things got worse for Tanzania when Novatus Miroshi was sent off with 20 minutes left before Azzedine Ounahi scored to double Morocco’s lead.

Youssef En-Nesyri converted Achraf Hakimi’s cross as they crapped up the victory.

In the day’s encounter, DR Congo and Zambia settle for a 1-1 draw in Group F’s second game on Wednesday evening.

DR Congo’s star Yoane Wissa was named Man of the Match by technical observers. All four sides are back in action again on Sunday.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 African News.

Sierra Leone International Alpha Conteh pens Neftchi Baku deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone International Alpha Conteh pens Neftchi Baku deal

 Azerbaijani professional football club Neftchi Baku have confirmed the signing of Sierra Leone International Alpha Bedo Conteh on a two-and-a-half deal with a year additional option.

The 23-year-old left winger will wear jersey number 20 in our team.

Based in Baku, they compete in the Azerbaijan Premier League, the highest tier of Azerbaijan football. 

Last season, Conteh was a pivotal attacking option for Bulgarian top-flight side PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv, where he made over twenty appearances and scored four goals.

“Before signing the contract, Alfa Conte underwent a general annual examination at Liv Bona Dea Hospital and no health problems were detected,” the club said in their statement.

Mali beat South Africa in the Group E opener to go top
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali beat South Africa in Group E opener to go top

On Wednesday, South Africa suffered an opening African Cup of Nations Group E 2-0 defeat to Mali at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium.

Goals Hamari Traore and Lassine Sinayoko were enough as the Les Aigles Mali topped off the group – Namibia in second after they stunned North African giant Tunisia 1-0 in the early kickoff at the same venue.

South Africa was the better side in the opening 45 minutes but failed to take any of their chances. 

A penalty was awarded to South Africa after an elbow to the face from Mali defender Sikou Niakate on Evidence Makgopa confirmed after VAR review.

The 1996 champions missed a glorious chance to take the lead after Al Ahly striker Percy Tau sent a penalty over the bar for Bafana Bafana.

However, Mali took control after Traore opened the scoring for the Les Aigles from tapped in the rebound after Sekou Koita’s free-kick hit the woodwork.

Mali capitalised to net their second when Sinayoko seized on Kamory Doumbia’s pass to rifle the second from inside the box six minutes to ensure victory for the West Africans.

As a result, Mali has won all three Afcon games they have played against South Africa, having beaten them at the 2002 and 2013 editions.

Mali takes on Tunisia on Saturday as South Africa battle with Namibia on Sunday in their East Africa derby.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 African News.