Category: Sport News

First leg AFCON 2027 preliminary qualifying advantage for Eritrea
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Eritrean athletes abscond in South Africa after qualification for AFCON qualifiers

Since 2009, more than 60 Eritrean football players have fled during international matches, prompting the Eritrean Football Federation to withdraw from significant competitions like the World Cup and AFCON qualifiers.

A few days ago, seven more players from the national team reportedly disappeared in South Africa after making history by advancing to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying stage for the first time in 19 years.

The players’ decision not to return home after their match against Eswatini has overshadowed Eritrea’s achievement. Out of ten locally based players, only three—Ablelom Teklezgi, Nahom Tadese, and Romel Abdu—returned.

Often called “African North Korea,” Eritrea faces criticism for its human rights and political repression. The national football team’s struggles reflect the government’s fear of athletes seeking asylum abroad.

Since 2009, a trend of defection during international fixtures has caused many players to flee, leading the Eritrean Football Federation to avoid major competitions due to potential political fallout. Since 2019, Eritrea has not competed internationally, driven by concerns over player defection.

Alex Bangura scores in Middlesbrough's draw at Swansea
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alex Bangura scores in Middlesbrough’s draw at Swansea

Sierra Leone’s Alex Bangura was back on the score sheet as Middlesbrough missed the chance to climb back into the top spots of the Championship, drawing 2-2 at Swansea City in a match with three penalties.

Boro took an early lead with Alex Bangura’s goal, but then gave away a penalty, which Zan Vipotnik converted.

Vipotnik scored another penalty just before halftime, giving Swansea a 2-1 lead after Sol Brynn fouled Eom Jisung. Middlesbrough tied the game when Tommy Conway scored from the spot after Eom’s challenge on Callum Brittain.

The draw extends Boro’s winless run to five matches, placing them third, just behind Ipswich on goal difference, with Ipswich having two games in hand. Swansea, still winless in four, moved to 15th place.

Coach Kim Hellberg may feel frustrated as his team couldn’t secure a win. Middlesbrough has only two victories in its last nine games, putting Ipswich in a better position for promotion. Boro had chances to win but settled for a draw, with Brynn making key saves and Conway scoring their equaliser.

Kalidou Koulibaly could announce international retirement from the World Cup
by Football Sierra Leone

Kalidou Koulibaly could announce his international retirement from the World Cup

Kalidou Koulibaly has hinted that the upcoming 2026 World Cup might be the last opportunity for Senegal fans to see him wearing the national team colours.

The 34-year-old centre-back made his debut for the Lions of Teranga against Namibia on September 5, 2015, and since then, he has accumulated over 100 caps for his country, often serving as captain.

Koulibaly secured his place in Senegalese history when he led Aliou Cisse’s team to their first Africa Cup of Nations title in February 2022, and he celebrated a second victory this year.

However, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently stripped Senegal of the trophy, declaring Morocco the champions after ruling that Pape Thiaw’s squad had forfeited the final match by leaving the field for 16 minutes.

As he gears up to captain the Lions of Teranga once again at the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, Koulibaly acknowledges it may be time to pass the torch to younger players after this tournament.

“I believe this will be my last World Cup; I can’t see myself playing when I’m 39,” he shared in an interview with the Senegalese website ‘Media Car’. “There are young talents eager to represent the national team, and they deserve their chance. We’ll see what unfolds after the World Cup.

“When the moment is right, we’ll hand over the baton. I haven’t completely made up my mind yet; I have a general idea, but we’ll just have to wait and see. I prefer not to dwell too much on the future, but it’s clear that I’m approaching the end of my journey.”

Sierra Leone sack head coach Mohamed Kallon
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone sack head coach Mohamed Kallon

The Sierra Leone Football Association has terminated the services of head coach Mohamed Kallon just over a year after his appointment, effective immediately.

According to the SLFA, this decision follows a resolution passed by its Executive Committee in the lawful exercise of its statutory and administrative mandate, leading to the immediate termination of Mohamed Kallon’s role as head coach of the Sierra Leone national team.

The former striker for Inter Milan and Monaco was appointed on February 12, 2025. His dismissal comes just after the FIFA international friendly against Azerbaijan on Monday, where the Leone Stars lost in a penalty shootout after the home team came from behind to win 9-8 on penalties.

Kallon’s tenure as head coach of the Sierra Leone national team marked his first significant coaching role. His primary objective was to guide the team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup; however, they ultimately finished third, falling short behind Burkina Faso.

During the World Cup qualifiers, the Leone Stars had a mixed performance, achieving three wins, two losses, and one draw across six matches.

Before this, Kallon led his club, FC Kallon, in CAF competitions, but they faced elimination at the hands of Dreams FC from Ghana in September 2023.

KaLlon’s Background

Kallon became the youngest player to debut for the Leone Stars at just 15 years old in April 1995. He played in a qualifying match for the 1996 African Cup of Nations against Congo and scored the winning goal.

At 16, Kallon played at the 1996 African Nations Cup in South Africa. He scored one of the two goals that led Sierra Leone to a 2-1 victory over Burkina Faso in their first group match.

Kallon has been an important member of the Leone Stars, participating in World Cup qualifying campaigns in 1998, 2002, 2006, and 2010. His last game with the national team was on February 9, 2011, in a friendly against Nigeria.

Kallon was the team captain but resigned after the team failed to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2010 African Cup of Nations.

Yayah Kallon was pleased with his Sierra Leone debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Yayah Kallon was pleased with his Sierra Leone debut

After a long wait for his documentation, Yayah Kallon finally debuted for Sierra Leone in a friendly match against Azerbaijan on Monday.

The game took place at the Mehdi Hüseynzadə Stadium in Sumqayıt. After 90 minutes of play, the match ended in a 1–1 draw. Azerbaijan won 9-8 in the penalty shootout.

Kallon, who plays for Casertana, took part in the entire match. He played in the left-back position but also spent time attacking down the left wing, causing problems for the home team.

“I am happy after this long wait, and I look forward to being back with the team,” Kallon told the media.

“I had a good experience and really enjoyed my time. I played as a left back, even though it is not my original position, but I am glad to help the team. Hopefully, together we can take the Leone Stars where we want to be.”

Club Football

In 2018, Kallon signed with Savona, a team in Serie D, after trying out for Virtus Entella in Serie C. He made his debut for Genoa on 22 May 2021, helping them win 1–0 against Cagliari in Serie A. On 13 August 2021,

Kallon scored his first goal for Genoa in a 3–2 victory over Perugia in the Coppa Italia.

On 26 August 2022, Kallon was loaned to Hellas Verona, with an option and a conditional obligation to buy. On 10 January 2024, he moved on loan to Bari. On 30 July 2024, he was loaned by Salernitana.

On 3 February 2025, Kallon joined Casertana on loan. He returned to Casertana permanently on 14 August 2025.

Yayah Kallon was pleased with his Sierra Leone debut
Yayah Kallon was pleased with his Sierra Leone debut