Category: Football Africa

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal Thrash Sierra Leone in WAFU Zone A U17 Qualifiers

Sierra Leone’s U-17 football team suffered a devastating 5-0 defeat to Senegal in their recent match at the WAFU Zone A tournament.

This loss followed a disappointing performance in which they conceded four goals to The Gambia in their earlier match, bringing their total to an alarming nine goals conceded over just two games.

With these results, the Sierra Stars has been eliminated the tournament, which serves as a crucial qualifier for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

As they look to salvage themselves, their next game is against Mauritania in what will be their final group match. The pressure is on for Sierra Leone to perform and secure a victory.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Serhou Guirassy’s brace powers Dortmund to victory

Serhou Guirassy scored twice and also netted an own goal as Dortmund won their Champions League opener at the Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday. Renato Veiga’s own goal gave Dortmund the lead early in the second half, but Santiago Mourino equalized for Villarreal.

Guirassy restored Dortmund’s lead in the 80th minute, then scored a penalty. However, he later scored an own goal. Villarreal failed to score in their four away matches last season, missing several chances.

Dortmund went into halftime level. In the 53rd minute, Veiga accidentally deflected a cross into his own goal, but Mourino equalized soon after. Guirassy finally scored in the 80th minute after a pass from Fabio Silva.

Since the start of the 2024-25 season, Guirassy has been involved in 26 goals in 25 Champions League games, a record only Erling Haaland has bettered. Villarreal nearly equalized late on when a shot was deflected wide.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone to Host Zimbabwe in Morocco for AFCON 2027 Opener

Sierra Leone begins its journey to qualify for AFCON 2027 under new head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa. His goal is to lead the team to qualify for the biggest football tournament in East Africa.

The match between Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe will take place at El Jadida Stadium in Morocco on September 24 in the PAMOJA 2027 Cup of Nations.

The new Leone Stars coach was appointed in June this year ahead of the 2027 qualifiers for this tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Didier Gomes Da Rosa holds a UEFA Pro Licence and has extensive experience in African football, having managed teams in Cameroon, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Egypt, Sudan, and Mauritania.

He has worked with clubs such as Horoya AC in Guinea, Al Merrikh in Sudan, Ismaily SC in Egypt, Coton Sport in Cameroon, and Rayon Sport in Rwanda.

Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will automatically qualify for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027, regardless of their match results. The highest-ranked team in the same group as the hosts will also qualify for the finals.

The tournament will take place in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027. This event will bring Africa’s major football competition back to East Africa for the first time in over fifty years.

The Leone Stars of Sierra Leone have missed the last two AFCON tournaments since they participated in Cameroon 2021.

  • Group E: DR Congo v E Guinea (24/09, 16h00)
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  • Sierra Leone v Zimbabwe (24/09, 19h00)
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bertrand Traore on joining Wolverhampton Wanderers

Bertrand Traore says a conversation with Cesar Peixoto convinced him that joining Wolves was the right choice.

After a tough time with injuries at Sunderland last season, he believes this transfer fits well, especially since Wolves were also disappointed with their last season.

At 31, Traore is ready to help Wolves push for promotion. He has played at Molineux before with Aston Villa and is excited to entertain the fans as a Wolves player.

Regarding Peixoto, he said, “I spoke with him before deciding, and I wanted to join. He is straightforward. After our talk, I confirmed he’s a top manager.

In football, action is what matters, and I aim to deliver.” On playing at Molineux, Traore said, “I like this stadium. The atmosphere at my previous clubs was great.

Playing here for Villa was tough, but now I’m on the right side, and that feels great. I want to create chances and help others score. I can’t wait for my first game.”

Regarding his move, he shared, “Everything happened quickly. I was training in Dubai, and my brother told me about Wolves’ interest. I wanted to stay in Europe, and I believe Wolves belong in the Premier League, making this a perfect match.

“I’ve missed playing after my injury from AFCON. I tried to come back too soon but am eager to enjoy football again.”

On the Championship challenge, he added, “This is a big challenge for me. My goal is to help the team return to the Premier League. I believe you can have a tough season but bounce back, and that’s my aim.”

Hosts Senegal and Gambia Record wins in U17 WAFU Openers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hosts Senegal and Gambia Record wins in U17 WAFU Openers

Senegal and The Gambia both won their opening matches in the WAFU U17 tournament. The Gambia defeated Sierra Leone U-17, 4-1, in Dakar on Monday.

Sierra Leone took the lead with a goal from Osman Bangura in the 3rd minute. However, The Gambia quickly equalised when Alieu Saine scored two penalties in the 9th and 13th minutes, making the score 2-1.

Sharif Touray then increased The Gambia’s lead to 3-1 in the 20th minute, and Muhammed Jatta scored in the 75th minute to secure the 4-1 victory for The Gambia.

Both The Gambia and Senegal have three points in Group A, but Senegal is at the top of the group due to goal difference after beating Mauritania 4-0 earlier on Monday.

In Group B, there are now only three teams: Guinea, Liberia, and Cape Verde. Guinea-Bissau was disqualified after failing MRI tests. The tournament also serves as a qualifier for the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.