Category: Sport News

CAF greenlights Ethiopia to host International football after five years
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF green lights Ethiopia to host International football after five years

Ethiopia will host international football matches at home for the first time in five years, following approval from the Confederation of African Football for the use of its Dire Dawa stadium.

Ethiopia, an Eastern African nation with a population of 130 million, has been compelled to play its home matches abroad since 2021 after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) ruled that all three of its primary stadiums – in Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, and Dire Dawa – did not meet international standards.

However, following recent upgrades that received the green light from CAF inspectors, the second-largest stadium in Dire Dawa is set to host Ethiopia’s preliminary round second leg qualifier against São Tomé and Príncipe on March 31, according to the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF).

“Great news! The Dire Dawa International Stadium can now host national team matches,” announced the EFF. Built in partnership with the Dire Dawa city administration, the modern stadium is ready for national and international competitions.”

The EFF has reappointed former international player Yohannes Sahle to prepare the national team for the qualifiers, with the first leg kicking off in São Tomé on March 25.

The team that triumphs after both legs will move on to the group stage of the tournament, with the finals scheduled to take place next year in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Ethiopia, which previously hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 1976, recently finished fifth in Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, earning only nine points from ten matches.

Source AFP

CAF Inter-club winners' money increases by $2m
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Inter-club winners’ money increases by $2m

CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has raised the prize money for winners of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

The Champions League winner will receive USD 6 million, a 50% increase, while the Confederation Cup winner will get USD 4 million, a 100% increase.

During Dr Motsepe’s five years in office, the Champions League prize increased from USD 2.5 million to USD 6 million, a 140% rise, and the Confederation Cup prize rose from USD 1.25 million to USD 4 million, a 220% increase.

Total prize money and support for African clubs now exceed USD 42 million per season, a 123.4% increase since the President took office.

In August 2024, Dr Motsepe announced that teams eliminated in the early rounds of both tournaments would receive USD 50,000 each, increasing to USD 100,000 in 2025. This led to a record 130 clubs participating in the 2025/26 season.

Striker Augustine Williams opens Hartford Athletic USL account
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Augustine Williams opens Hartford Athletic USL account

Sporting Club Jacksonville lost their home opener to Hartford Athletic, 3-0, in the USL Championship on Saturday in front of 10,357 fans at Hodges Stadium.

Augustine William, making his Hartford league debut, scored just before halftime to put Hartford ahead 1-0. Sporting JAX had an early corner kick, but they couldn’t capitalise. Despite creating chances, they struggled against Hartford’s strong defence.

In the second half, JAX pushed for an equaliser, with Emil Jaaskelainen forcing a great save from Hartford’s keeper, Siaha Ngnepi. JAX faced a setback when a penalty kick awarded to Hartford was saved by goalkeeper Christian Olivares, boosting the team’s spirit.

However, Hartford’s Samuel Careaga scored shortly after entering the match, making it 2-0. JAX continued to fight but conceded a final goal from Hartford’s Adewale Obalola in the 90th minute, ending the match 3-0. It was an exciting night for soccer in Jacksonville.

Sierra Leone's Sallieu Bah impressive on FC Zorya Luhansk debut
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s Sallieu Bah impressive on FC Zorya Luhansk debut

Sierra Leonean forward Sallieu Bah kicked off his journey in the Ukrainian Premier League with an outstanding debut as FC Zorya Luhansk won comfortably.

In a commanding 4–0 victory, Bah played a pivotal role by providing an assist in his first match. His contributions were crucial to Zorya Luhansk’s control over the game, securing a decisive three points.

Throughout the match, Bah showcased impressive confidence, quick acceleration, and sharp offensive instincts, quickly fitting into the team’s dynamics.

The Ukrainian side announced his signing last month, expressing that the Sierra Leonean attacking midfielder Sallieu Bach has become a Black and White player!

Read Related News – Wilberforce Strikers confirm Salliue Bah transfer to FC Zorya
Sierra Leone's Sallieu Bah impressive on FC Zorya Luhansk debut
Sierra Leone's Sallieu Bah impressive on FC Zorya Luhansk debut
David Simbo makes Lions debut in win over FCFC
by Football Sierra Leone

David Simbo makes Lions debut in win over FCFC

Veteran defender David Simbo made his debut for the East End Lions in their 2-0 triumph over Freetown City on Saturday.

In the first 45 minutes, Simbo demonstrated his worth on the field only a week after joining the club on a one-year agreement. Attacker Kwame Quee scored their first before Mohamed Fogbawa wrapped the win up with a second.

Simbo’s defensive ability was instrumental in making sure his team was secure in the opening half of the ongoing Leone Rock Premier League.

His presence in the backline not only strengthened the team’s defence but also assisted their general strategy, helping to restrain Freetown City’s aggressive assaults.

Simbo’s first effort establishes a good tone for his future with the team as East End Lions strive to rise in the league rankings. Following a difficult first round, the victory brought E E Lions to eight.