Category: Sport News

Esperance claim vital first-leg victory over Al Ahly
by FSL News

Esperance claim vital first-leg victory over Al Ahly

Esperance Sportive de Tunis earned a crucial 1–0 win over Al Ahly SC in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final, giving them an edge for the return match in Cairo.

The encounter at the Hamadi Agrebi Stadium lived up to the hype, showcasing a tense tactical battle between two of Africa’s finest clubs. Algerian defender Mohamed Amine Tougai scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot midway through the second half, breaking Esperance’s long scoring drought against Al Ahly.

Despite the defeat, the Egyptian champions remain competitive, with the return leg set for Cairo International Stadium, where they will aim to overturn the deficit and maintain their hopes of continental success.

Both teams started cautiously, aware of the need to avoid early mistakes. Esperance’s Florian Danho had an early chance denied by an excellent save from Al Ahly’s goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir. In response, Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet unleashed a powerful long-range shot, but it was kept out by Esperance’s Bechir Ben Said.

As the match unfolded, it became a tactical duel, with both sides pressing to disrupt their opponent’s rhythm. The game’s turning point came in the 73rd minute when a penalty was awarded to Esperance after Al Ahly defender Mohamed Hany handled the ball. Tougai stepped up confidently to convert, igniting celebrations among the home fans.

Al Ahly pushed hard for an equaliser, introducing fresh attacking options, but were unable to find the back of the net. Esperance nearly extended their lead late in the game but were kept at bay.

With a narrow lead, Esperance heads to Egypt, knowing the tie is still very much alive. The return leg on Saturday promises to be another gripping chapter in this storied rivalry, with a spot in the Champions League semi-finals at stake.

Pyramids and AS Far settle for first leg quarter-final draw
by Football Sierra Leone

Pyramids and AS Far settle for first leg quarter-final draw

The CAF Inter-Club quarter-final first legs delivered a thrilling display of football, with all four matches ending in tense 1-1 draws.

The crucial away goals kept the ties for both the Champions League and Confederation Cup very much alive.

In the Champions League, defending champions Pyramids FC fought hard for a 1-1 draw at AS FAR Rabat’s Olympic Stadium.

The hosts took an early lead when Ahmed Hammoudan scored in the 8th minute, but Mahmoud Zalaka levelled the game with a goal in the 52nd minute, keeping hopes strong for both teams.

At the Berkane Municipal Stadium, Al Hilal Omdurman initially went in front thanks to a goal from Abdel Raouf in the 13th minute. However, RS Berkane managed to salvage a draw with a last-gasp penalty converted by Mounir Chouiar in the 90+9th minute.

Al Hilal faced a setback late in the match when Steven Ebuela received a red card, leaving them down to ten men.

In the Confederation Cup, Zamalek SC held their ground with a 1-1 draw at AS Otoho d’Oyo’s Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat in Brazzaville. Charles Atipo opened the scoring for the home side, only to see Oday Dabbagh equalise for the Egyptian team.

Meanwhile, at the New Suez Stadium, CR Belouizdad snatched a point away from home against Al Masry, ending in a 1-1 standoff. Salah Mohsen had put Al Masry ahead, but Lofti Boussouar struck in stoppage time to secure the equaliser.

With all four ties remaining evenly matched, the stage is set for next weekend’s second legs, where those hard-earned away goals could prove decisive in determining which teams advance to the semi-finals.

Saturday’s results

AS FAR (Morocco) 1-1 Pyramids (Egypt)

RS Berkane (Morocco) 1-1 Al Hilal Omdurman (Sudan)

AS Otoho (Congo-Brazzaville) 1-1 Zamalek (Egypt)

Al Masry (Egypt) 1-1 CR Belouizdad (Algeria)
Gambia's Yankuba Minteh scores winner for Brighton in win over Sunderland
by Football Sierra Leone

Gambia’s Yankuba Minteh scores winner for Brighton in win over Sunderland

Yankuba Minteh scored a bizarre goal that gave Brighton a 1-0 victory over Sunderland, marking the Black Cats' third consecutive home defeat in the Premier League.

In the 58th minute, Minteh’s sliced cross from a tight angle slipped past Sunderland goalkeeper Melker Ellborg at the near post.

Sunderland players were furious that play continued while midfielder Habib Diarra lay on the ground after a clash with Lewis Dunk during a corner.

However, the video assistant referee (VAR) confirmed that the goal was valid, as Brighton defender Paul van Hecke, obstructing Ellborg’s view, was onside.

This victory pushed Brighton to 40 points, placing them above Sunderland in 10th position. It was also their first win at Wearside since 1981, ending a nine-match winless streak.

Brighton was the better side in a lacklustre first half, with Jack Hinshelwood missing two clear opportunities to score. Sunderland thought they had taken the lead when Chris Rigg found the net, but his goal was disallowed for offside.

Brian Brobbey later squandered a crucial chance, firing over the bar after Brighton was caught in possession.

As Regis le Bris’ team pushed for an equaliser, they struggled to create clear chances. Diego Gomez also missed an opportunity to extend Brighton’s lead. With three straight home losses, Sunderland’s hopes for European qualification have taken a serious hit.

Ghana's Thomas-Asante helps Coventry ease-past Preston
by Football Sierra Leone

Ghana’s Thomas-Asante helps Coventry ease past Preston

Ghana's Thomas -Asante on target as Coventry City convincingly defeated a struggling Preston North End to extend their lead at the top of the Championship table to eight points.

Tatsuhiro Sakamoto opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a deflected shot, followed by Brandon Thomas-Asante, who netted the second after Preston goalkeeper Daniel Iversen tipped Ellis Simms’ effort onto the bar.

Matt Grimes secured the win with a second-half penalty, marking a perfect night for Frank Lampard’s team as their nearest rivals, Middlesbrough, stumbled against Charlton.

The home fans erupted in chants of “we’re going to win the league” when news of Boro’s defeat came through, and based on their dominant display, that seems more than likely.

Coventry controlled the game after taking the lead, though Iversen might feel unlucky about the first two goals. The deflection on Sakamoto’s shot wrong-footed him, and though he made a brilliant save on Simms, the rebound fell perfectly for Thomas-Asante.

Preston may also dispute the penalty awarded for Ephron Mason-Clark’s tumble under minimal pressure from Pol Valentin. Regardless, it was clear where the points were headed, as Coventry secured their sixth straight win, showcasing their championship potential.

They had chances to increase their margin, notably when Josh Eccles shot over the bar from a good position.

Preston, meanwhile, looked every bit a team struggling with just one win in 11 matches, with few highlights apart from headers from Whiteman and Milutin Osmajic that were both saved by Coventry’s goalkeeper, Carl Rushworth.

Stephen Constantine appointed as Rwanda's head coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Stephen Constantine reappointed as Rwanda’s head coach

Englishman Stephen Constantine has been reappointed as the head coach of Rwanda's men's national football team, signing a two-year contract.

The 63-year-old will step down from his current role with Cypriot club APEA Akrotiri to take up the position on March 16.

Constantine previously managed Rwanda from May 2014 to January 2015 before moving on to take the helm of the Indian national team. The Rwanda Football Federation expressed confidence in his ability to bring “leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to advancing Rwanda’s football ambitions.”

Born in London, Constantine has built a diverse coaching career in various less conventional football destinations. Alongside Rwanda and India, he has also taken charge of teams in Nepal, Malawi, Sudan, and Pakistan.

Currently, Rwanda sits at 130th in the FIFA rankings and is aiming to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027, an achievement they have only managed once before in 2004.

Constantine’s first match back in charge will be against Grenada in Kigali, part of the FIFA Series friendly tournament.