On Saturday, Sierra Leone International Alex Bnagura made his Middlesbrough debut in their 2-1 defeat against Blackburn Rovers at Edwood Park.

The former Cambuur left-back started his first English Championship match for Middleborough but was not able to help his side avoid defeat.

Sammie Szmodics’ double strike gave Blackburn a vital win as they marked the 5,000th league game in their history.

The midfielder scored in either half to keep Boro anchored to the bottom spot with five defeats from six.

Matt Crooks gave Boro hope with a goal in an end-to-end game in which both teams missed a host of chances.

Rovers became only the seventh English club to play 5,000 league games and moved up to eighth.

Frustrated with yesterday’s result, but super proud to make my official debut for @Boro🔴⚪️

We move on together! 💪🏿#UTB #Bangs🌪️ pic.twitter.com/6Cvsp9IfXj

— Alex Bangura (@alexbanguraa) September 17, 2023

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Middlesbrough travel to Ewood Park to face Blackburn Rovers on Saturday following the International break, and new acquisition Alex Bangura could make his debut for the English Championship side.

Michael Carrick’s side will be looking for a quick response following the defeat to Queens Park Rangers. Bangura was introduced in their 2-0 defeat to Queens Park Rangers before the International break on September 2nd. 

The Sierra Leone International joined the club on a four-year deal on 1st September as he became the club’s 12th signing of the summer. Bangura, who started his career in the Netherlands with DRL before joining Feyenoord at the youth level, wanted to get started.

“I cant wait to play in front of the Boro fans. It feels very good to be a Boro player like everyone was welcoming,” Bangura told the club’s website. “After a couple of charts with the club, i knew that I wanted to come here. I heard a lot about the club’s ambition and it has been a dream move for me to play in Egngland.”

Boro head coach Michael Carrick was delighted to welcome Alex to the club. “Alex is a really exciting signing,” he said. “He’s a left-back, and he’s captained his team. He’s a good character with a great personality and he won’t have any problem fitting into the group.”

He played for the Dutch club from U18 to U21 level before joining SC Cambuur permanently. He played a pivotal role in Cambuur’s promotion winner and has spent the last two seasons playing regularly in the Dutch top flight.

He has played the majority of his football at left-back but has also played on the wing. Alex is a five-time capped international for Sierra Leone.

https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/2023/september/01/alex-bangura-delighted-by-boro-switch/

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English Championship side Plymouth Argyle have confirmed their new acquisition, Mustapha Bundu, to join new teammates next week.

The Sierra Leone International joined subject to international clearance and the approval of a work visa. Mustapha will wear squad number 15.

Speaking to Plymouth Live, Director of Football Neil Dewsnip has said all process to secure a work permit for the 26-year-old Sierra Leone international is going according to plan.

Bundu, a graduate of the  Craig Bellamy Academy, signed from Belgian club Anderlecht for an undisclosed fee on a contract until the end of the 2024/25 season.

The attacker, who has played 14 times for the Sierra Leone national team and recorded three goals, is waiting on his work permit. 

Dewsnip told Plymouth Live: “We are hoping by Monday Bundu will be with the team. Everything has gone to plan so far.

“We are just waiting for the visa now to be processed and to get the green light. Hopefully, that’s still on course – that is my understanding anyway.”

Argyle Manager Steven Schumacher, said: “I am thrilled that we have managed to bring Mustapha to the club.”

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Sierra Leone International Augustus Kargbo set to wear No. 10 jersey after the Italian side Cesena confirmed on the website on Monday.

Kargbo, 24, joined the Serie C side from Crotone on a three-year deal until June 30, 2026, the club said in their statement.

After the International break, the attacker is expected to make his Cesena debut against Pontedera on Friday, September 15. 

“I strongly wanted to join Cesena; when I learned of the possibility of coming here, I immediately said yes to the Artico. I like to take responsibility,” he told the club’s website in his first interview.

“I will find the optimal condition by playing with my teammates. I can play multiple roles and am available to the coach.” Then he continues: “Cesena was in my destiny; when I injured my knee, I did rehabilitation here. I always passed in front of the stadium and imagined coming to play in this city.” 

Finally, he concludes with a thought about his new teammates: “Even if I have only been here for two days, I have seen a nice group. There is everything to do well, and we must work day and night to achieve a single goal.”

The attacker, who started his professional career when he debuted in Serie D with Campobasso in the 2017/18 season, recorded 20 appearances and six goals before his move to Croton.

A loan move followed to Roccella for the 2018/19 season and Reggiana in 2019/20. 

Kargbo was a pivotal figure in Crotone’s Serie A promotion from Serie B by scoring the decisive goal in the final play-off against Bari. 

After making his debut in Serie A with Crotone on September 20, 2020, he returns to Reggiana in Serie B.

He has returned to play for the Calabrian club in the last two seasons, scoring six goals in 64 games.

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Sierra Leone International midfielder Alhassan Koroma has started his Al Shahaniya adventure on a bright note. 

The club’s new signing has more than endeared himself to his new fans with his displays ahead of the Qatari second-tier season.

Koroma, 23, has recorded two goals in his last two games for his new club since joining in August. 

His first was against Lucille in a friendly before accounting for his second in their QFA CUP tie against Muaither SC on Sunday, September 3rd.

Shahaniya defeated Muaither 7-0 to top Group A as Koroma scored the club’s second.

They will kick off their Qatari second-tier league on September 22 with a away trip against Al Waab.

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Sierra Leone winger Mustapha Bundu is ready for a new adventure with English Championship side Plymouth Argyle after joining on a permanent two-year contract.

The deal is subject to international clearance and the approval of a work visa. Mustapha will wear squad number 15.

Plymouth Argyle added the Sierra Leone International forward Mustapha Bundu to their squad on Deadline Day and could make his debut against Preston North End this weekend.

Bundu, 26, featured in 29 matches for Spanish side FC Andorra while on loan from Anderlecht last season. 

The former AGF Aarhus and Kobenhavn attacker has played 14 times for his national team, scoring three goals.

Argyle Manager Steven Schumacher is convinced they got the right player for their style of play. He said: “I am thrilled that we have managed to bring Mustapha to the club,” he told the club’s website. 

“He is someone we have been tracking for a while and will bring different qualities to our forward line.

“He is a full international for Sierra Leone and joins us from one of the biggest clubs in Belgium. He’s also experienced England, and specifically the South West before, so he will settle quickly and we look forward to seeing him run out at Home Park for the first time.”

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and Players Abroad. The writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32, Contact Bi****@ol*.net.