Category: Sport News

Sullay Kaikai takes tally to twelve of the season nets in draw with Cheltenham
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sullay Kaikai takes tally to twelve of the season nets in draw with Cheltenham

Sierra Leone International Sullay Kaikai was on target as Cambridge United faced more late drama on Easter Monday as Cheltenham Town secured a 1-1 draw at the EV Charger Points Stadium.

Sullay Kaikai scored a powerful half-volley just before halftime to make his twelfth of the season, giving the U’s a 1-0 lead. However, an own goal in the final moments resulted in their drop to 4th place in Sky Bet League Two with five matches remaining.

Manager Neil Harris made one change to his starting team, bringing in Kaikai for James Brophy. United entered the match in 3rd place, aiming to end a three-match winless streak away from home against Cheltenham.

In the early stages, chances were limited. The first attempt came from Liam Bennett, whose long shot went over the bar. Cheltenham’s attackers struggled against United’s solid defence, and a good chance from Josh Davison went high.

As the half progressed, United showed strength in set-pieces. Kaikai’s corner led to a save by Cheltenham’s Day, but then Cambridge opened the scoring when Mamadou Jobe set up Kaikai, who fired into the net.

After halftime, Cheltenham came out stronger but failed to capitalise on their chances. United missed a good opportunity when Appere headed wide from close range.

With time running out, United needed to stay strong. A near miss from Watts kept their hopes alive, but they were ultimately caught out in added time when Cheltenham equalised after a deep cross from Young.

Cheltenham Town: Day, Jude-Boyd (Miller, 83’), Cundy, Wilson, Tomkinson, Stevenson (Young, 60’), Ashfield (Deeming, 83’), Hutchinson, Thomas, Davison (Faal, 67’), Bickerstaff (Broom, 68’)

Paul Kpaka Breaks Silence with Biblical Message After Kallon’s Shock Leone Stars Exit
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Paul Kpaka Breaks Silence with Biblical Message After Kallon’s Shock Leone Stars Exit

Less than 100 hours after the dismissal of Mohamed Kallon as head coach of Sierra Leone’s senior men’s national team, the Leone Stars, his assistant, Paul Augustine Kpaka, has publicly reacted, offering a cryptic yet poignant response that has stirred public debate.

Taking to his official Facebook page on Easter Monday, April 6, Kpaka, himself a former international striker, shared a biblical quotation from the Gospel of Mark: “A prophet is treated with honor everywhere except in his own hometown, among his relatives, and in his own house.”

Though brief, the message has been widely interpreted as a veiled commentary on the abrupt termination of Kallon’s tenure by the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) on April 2. Kallon, who remains one of Sierra Leone’s most celebrated football figures, was relieved of his duties in an April 2, 2026, SLFA decision that has since triggered intense public reaction across the football community.

His dismissal has since dominated headlines and sparked widespread discourse about the direction of the national team. However, his former assistant coach,e Paul Augustine Kpaka’s post quickly gained traction online, with supporters and followers flooding the comment section.

Many viewed the statement as a show of solidarity with Kallon, interpreting it as a reflection on the perceived lack of appreciation for local football icons. Others expressed optimism, suggesting that both men could emerge stronger from the setback.

The fact that the timing of the Kpaka’s message coincided with Easter Monday, a period often associated with reflection and renewal, added further symbolic weight to his words. When contacted for comment, the SLFA’s media department had since declined to address the matter, stating only that they would not respond at this time.

Neither Kallon nor Kpaka has issued a detailed statement regarding the circumstances surrounding the sacking. However, the unfolding reactions underscore the emotional and cultural significance of football in Sierra Leone, where the fortunes of the national team remain closely tied to national pride.

As speculation continues over the future of the Leone Stars and the next steps for both Kallon and his former assistant, Kpaka’s carefully chosen words have ensured that the conversation remains far from over.

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson

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.”