Category: Sport News

Pyramids, Stade Malien pick CAF Champions League quarter-final spots
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pyramids, Stade Malien pick CAF Champions League quarter-final spots

Pyramids FC secured top spot in Group A of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League with a commanding 4–1 win over Rivers United.

After trailing 1–0 at halftime due to Stephen Manu’s long-range strike, Pyramids turned the game around in the second half.

Mostafa Fathi equalised in the 53rd minute, and Marwan Hamdi converted a penalty in the 77th minute to give them the lead. Late goals from substitute Awda Al-Fakhoury and Nasser Maher sealed the victory.

Pyramids advance to the quarter-finals with 13 points, while Rivers United are eliminated.

In Group D, Stade Malien earned a 1–0 win against Esperance de Tunis, securing their spot in the quarter-finals.

Koro Kouyali’s goal in the 54th minute proved decisive as Stade Malien’s sturdy defence held firm against Esperance’s attempts to equalise.

Mamelodi Sundowns faced Saint Éloi Lupopo in Group C, where they were held to a 1–1 draw. Enock Moila scored for Lupopo early on, and despite Sundowns dominating possession, they failed to find a winning goal, leaving the group open as they seek qualification.

Kaizer Chiefs, Zesco United record vital CAF Confed wins
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kaizer Chiefs, Zesco United record vital CAF Confed wins

South African team Kaizer Chiefs and Zambian side Zesco United recorded victories as the CAF Confederation Cup group stage resumed on Sunday, 8 February.

Recap as Match Day 5 featured some thrilling results, setting the stage for a tense final match day.

Kaizer Chiefs 2–1 Al Masry

Kaizer Chiefs earned a hard-fought 2–1 victory against Al Masry. The hosts opened the scoring with a penalty by Flávio Silva in the 39th minute. Al Masry equalised in the 57th minute through Abderrahim Deghmoum. However, Aden McCarthy quickly restored Chiefs’ lead in the 60th minute, securing a vital win to top Group B.

Maniema Union 2–1 Wydad Casablanca

Maniema Union edged Wydad Casablanca 2–1, taking the lead with Beni Namboka’s goal in the 32nd minute. An own goal by Wydad’s goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid in the 61st minute doubled Maniema’s lead. Wydad responded with a penalty from Hamza Hannouri in the 66th minute but could not find an equaliser.

Otôho d’Oyo 2–1 Singida Black Stars

Otôho d’Oyo defeated Singida Black Stars 2–1. After Singida went down to ten men, Otôho’s Exauce Sagesse Nzaou scored twice, first in the 50th minute and again in the 79th. Singida pulled one back late through Joseph Guede Gnadou, but Otôho held on for the win.

ZESCO United 1–0 Zamalek  

Zesco United secured a 1–0 win against Zamalek. The breakthrough came in the 59th minute with a penalty converted by Amine Hiver. Despite Zamalek’s late pressure, including a near equaliser that hit the crossbar, Zesco defended well to claim all three points. However, they remained at the bottom of Group D after one win in five games. 

USM Alger and CR Belouizdad book CAF Confederation Cup knockout spots
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

USM Alger and CR Belouizdad book CAF Confederation Cup knockout spots

USM Alger and CR Belouizdad have both advanced to the knockout stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, marking a successful round for Algerian clubs.

USM Alger from Group A achieved a dramatic late comeback to win 3–2 against San Pédro. They opened the scoring early, with Che Malone netting in the 2nd minute and Glody Likonza adding a second shortly after.

San Pédro equalised with two goals from Issouf Dosso before Mohamed Bouderbala secured the victory for USM in stoppage time.

In Group C, CR Belouizdad secured a 1–0 win over Singida Black Stars, with Abdennour Belhocini scoring the only goal in the 3rd minute. Despite being reduced to ten men, they held on for the win against a late surge from Singida.

In another match, Olympic Club de Safi defeated Djoliba 2–1. After an early goal by Salaheddine Errahouli and a penalty equaliser from Aboubacar Diarra, Sofiane El Moudane scored the winner for Safi early in the second half, securing their progression to the knockout stages.

John Sesay makes Bray Wanderers debut in Ireland
by Football Sierra Leone

John Sesay makes Bray Wanderers debut in Ireland

Sierra Leone international and former FC Bhantal player, John B. Sesay, made his debut for Bray Wanderers in a convincing 3–1 victory over Bohemians FC in the Leinster Senior Cup at CC Ireland on Friday, 6 February 2026.

Wearing the No. 6 jersey, John was named in the starting line-up and delivered an impressive performance that earned praise from Head Coach Stephen McGuinness and the entire technical staff, as Bray Wanderers secured qualification to the quarterfinals of the competition.

Speaking to the press, John expressed his gratitude to the technical team and fans for believing in him, especially while adapting to a new country and football environment.

He described the moment as the beginning of his professional journey and said he is eagerly anticipating the start of the league season next Friday, 13 February 2026, when Bray Wanderers face Longford Town FC.

Friday’s match was a memorable milestone for the Sierra Leonean midfielder, recording his first official appearance, first start, first victory, and a key contribution to the team’s progression into the quarter-finals.

Winger Augustus Kargbo is hungry for a return to Blackburn Rovers action
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Winger Augustus Kargbo is hungry for a return to Blackburn Rovers action

Stepping up his Blackburn Rovers recovery programme, Sierra Leonean international Augustus Kargbo is still on his path back to total fitness.

Kargbo, 26, last played in their 2-0 defeat against Coventry in October last year. He was substituted off in that match in the 63rd minute.

The forward has been building match sharpness and physical strength following time away from competitive activity under the direction of the club’s medical and coaching staff.

Already starting light individual training sessions, Kargbo is slowly reintroduced to higher-intensity workouts, noted for his pace, agility, and eye for the goal. He told Blackburn Media that the past three months have been a difficult period for him.

“Putting it into words, the past three months have been through a lot, physically, mentally and emotionally as well. I have learned so many things on and off the pitch.

There are many aspects of myself and life that I view as positive. It’s all part of God’s plan, even though it has been difficult to be put off for a very long time. This is the longest I have been in my career with an injury. I feel hungrier, and I am looking forward to being back.”