Fatih Karagümrük defender Steven Caulker is delighted with his current form since joining the Turkish Süper Lig.

The Sierra Leone skipper, who missed preseason, admitted that the International friendly games against South Africa and DRC helped him despite the disappointing results.

The former Liverpool and Tottenham defender has fast established himself as a first-choice under the supervision of Italian legend Andrea Pirlo.

“The games I played for the National team in September were my first competitive since the summer after the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau as I missed preseason – while I was at Fenerbahçe waiting for transfer,” Caulker told FootballSierraLeone.Net.

“I joined up with teammates at Karagümrük late after I signed, but I have been working on building my match fitness. Games in South Africa and Morocco helped me return to my club and be match ready.”

Caulker, who scored his first goal for Fatih in a 3-0 win over Hatayspor in his third appearance, was pleased with how things are improving.

“Since I’ve returned, I have been in the team – it’s being good, lots of recent results being more positive.”

On Manager Andrea Pirlo, Caulker lauded the Italian legend for doing unbelievable work to improve the club.

“Obviously, a young manager in a different league, different from the clubs Andrea Pirlo played for, the likes of Juventus and Milan at the top-level football.  

“A big change him coming here, but I feel his work being really positive. We all believed in him. We’re applying what he asked us to do on the pitch. I am pleased to be a part of it.

“We got a good squad – and after recent results, it nicer for us at the middle of the table working on how we can sort of get to top five. The manager has an unbelievable work ethic. We are working hard day in and day out, and I hope this will help in terms of chasing a place in Europe.”

Fatih Karagümrük presently twelfth on the log after their last two straight wins. Their next outing is a difficult task against Galatasaray SK on Saturday. 

Steven Caulker is delighted with his current form after helping @karagumruk_SK to two straight wins in the @turkishsuperlig

Caulker has fast established himself as a first-choice under Italian legend Andrea Pirlo. @karagumruk_sk #SaloneTwitter #FSLNews #SierraLeone. pic.twitter.com/OPdmgIx3rM

— Alie Bittar (@bittar32) October 27, 2022

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Striker Amadou Bakayoko opened his Bolton Wanderer’s League One account this season in their 2-1 win over Burton Albion on Tuesday.

The striker drew parity in the 87th minute after Samuel Joseph Hughes had given the visitors the lead in the 73rd minute.

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson completed the dramatic League One comeback win in the 98th minute as Bolton finally ended their Burton curse.

Bodvarsson struck a last-gasp winner in the eighth minute of stoppage time after Bakayoko equalised after 87 minutes.

Wanderers’ victory was their first in eight meetings against the Brewers, having lost five and drawn two of their previous meetings dating back to 2015.

The win moved Ian Evatt’s side up to fifth after two straight wins, while Burton sits firmly second from the bottom.

⚽️ GOAL: BAKAYOKO!!!

At last! A brilliant finish from Bakayoko with an angled volley, gives the striker his first league goal of the season and a deserved equaliser for the Whites.

⚪️ 1-1 🟡 [87’] #BWFC 🐘🏰 pic.twitter.com/h9kigMm45O

— Bolton Wanderers (@OfficialBWFC) October 25, 2022

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• Return Leg – Zambia Vs Sierra Leone -Heroes Stadium Saturday, 29 October 

Hapoel Rishon Lezion winger, Emmanuel Samadia will not be part of the Sierra Leone U23 trip to Lusaka Zambia.

The Israeli second-tier side has lost their last two games as they are desperate to win their next match on Friday when they take on Hapoel Petah Tikva FC away from home. 

Samadia has been a pivotal figure for Hapoel Rishon Lezion since joining the club. As a result, the club need his contribution. 

Coach Amidu Karim’s side bid for a place in the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations next year in Morocco but must overcome their Chipolopolo counterparts at the Heroes Stadium in the second leg tie.

Samadia, 21, will be a big miss for Sierra Leone after a decent first-leg performance from the Israel-based midfielder in Liberia in the 1-1 draw at the SDK last Saturday.

Nonetheless, coach Karim is confident of a positive result in the decider. However, the four other foreign-based who will be available are Mbabane Swallows’ midfielder Mohamed Kabia, Troyes U19 striker Moses Turay and Italy-based right-back Demba Kamara and Columbus Crew attacker Jay Tee Kamara.

Over two legs, the aggregate winner will face either Egypt or Eswatini in the final qualifying round.

The U23 AFCON tournament will serve as a ticket for the U23 Paris 2024 Olympics.

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