CAF workshop on improving Stadium infrastructure
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF workshop on improving Stadium infrastructure

CAF is hosting a stadium inspectors workshop in Rabat, Morocco, to monitor African infrastructure.

Investment in football infrastructure in Africa – building and maintenance of stadiums in the countries that are part of the 54 CAF Member Associations, is a key focus for the CAF Leadership.

Already commenced on Monday, the workshop in Morocco will continue till Wednesday, and the participants will undergo various theoretical and practical activities. They will also be taken for stadium visits accompanied by designated CAF Departmental Heads.

The workshop was inaugurated by Mr Fouzi Lekjaa, the President of Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) and a CAF Executive Committee Member. He emphasized the importance of investing in world-class infrastructure and maintaining the facilities.

To ensure that African clubs and Member Associations can host CAF events, the CAF conducts a Stadium Inspectors Workshop to train stadium inspectors appointed by the CAF.

These inspectors will guide the African clubs and Member Associations in complying with the CAF Stadium Regulations (edition 2022).

Bhantal strengthen grip in League race after Samura's brace
by FSL News

Bhantal strengthen grip in League race after Samura’s brace

On Sunday, Abubakarr Samura played a key role in Bhantal FC’s impressive 2-1 victory over Diamond Stars at the SLFA Academy Field in Kingtom. 

Their win has cemented their position as title contenders in the Leone Rock Premier League.

The player who stood out during the match was Abubakarr Samura, whose exceptional skills and determination resulted in a brace that helped Bhantal FC win. 

Samura’s exceptional display of talent also earned him the well-deserved Man of the Match award, highlighting his importance to the team’s success.

The victory has boosted the morale of the league newcomers. With consistent performances like this, Bhantal FC is proving to be a formidable team in their fruits campaign in the top-tier of Sierra Leone football.

The result moves Bhantal temporarily into second spot, a point behind leaders and reigning defending champions Bo Rangers.

Rangers, with a game on hand, will battle it out on Wednesday against Kholifa Stars as they bid to extend their lead to four points with a win at the Southern Arena.

Meanwhile, FC Kallon will be in the hunt for maximum points over Wilberforce Strikers to regain the second spot on Monday.

Augustine Williams delighted to open new season account
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Augustine Williams delighted to open new season account 

Augustine Williams was delighted to get off the mark after opening his account for new club Indy Eleven. 

On Saturday night, at Carroll Stadium, The striker, who signed for Indy ahead of the new USL season, scored his first goal for Indy Eleven in a 1-1 draw against Sacramento Republic. It was his home debut for the new club.

In the 31st minute, Indy Eleven conceded an own goal, but it was short-lived as Augi Williams scored a goal, assisted by Max Schneider, almost immediately, equalizing the match.

Both teams had chances in the second half, but neither was able to score the winning goal.

“Home opener debut. Deserved more than 1 point. Thanks to our amazing supporters for the support. Happy to score my first goal for this amazing club. Great shift by the lads, on to the next one @IndyEleven,” Williams noted on Twitter.

Indy Eleven’s next game is against Detroit City FC, the first Eastern Conference foe of the season, which will also be played at Carroll Stadium next Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.

Malachi Jones makes his New York City's MLS debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Malachi Jones makes his New York City’s MLS debut

On Saturday, New York City FC played against Cincinnati at TQL Stadium and lost 1-0 in a closely contested match. 

Although both teams had few clear chances, Lucho Acosta managed to score the only goal of the match in the 57th minute. 

Despite their best efforts and fighting till the very end, City were unable to find an equalizer before the final whistle.

New York City FC were on the hunt for back-to-back wins as they took on FC Cincinnati on Saturday.

The hosts had enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season under Pat Noonan’s guidance, but City were eager to change that.

Malachi Jones, who hails from Sierra Leone, made his debut for New York City in their match against Cincinnati on Saturday. 

Head coach Nick Cushing brought Jones off the bench in the 67th minute, along with Alonso Martínez. 

Hannes Wolf and Fernández were the players who were replaced by Jones and Martínez. The match ultimately ended in a 1-0 defeat for New York City.

Bo Rangers edge Blackpool to reach FA Cup Semi-final
by David Lebbie

Bo Rangers edge Blackpool to reach FA Cup Semi-final

On Saturday, Bo Rangers secured a semi-final spot in the Sierra Leone Football Association FA Cup after a 63rd-minute goal by Mohamadu Lamin. 

The match was held at SLFA’s headquarters in Kingtom Freetown as Mighty Blackpool had several chances in the first half but failed to capitalise. 

Ibrahim Sorie Conteh sent the first one high over the crossbar, and Rangers’ goalkeeper Abdul Bundu made several saves. 

The Premier League leaders and reigning defending champions had also missed a few of their chances in the first half before Mohamadu Lamin’s winner in the 63rd minute.

The victory for Bo Rangers means they will face Port Authority (The Water Front Boys) in the semi-finals. 

FC Kallon, who eliminated division one side Francess FC, is waiting for a decision from the organizing committee on whether they will play Diamond Stars or East End Lions following an abandoned match last week in Koidu City.

The grand final of the 2023/2024 Sierra Leone FA Cup competition – is expected to be held in Port Loko in May.

Rangers defeated Mighty Blackpool 1-0 to reach Sierra Leone FA Cup semis
Rangers defeated Mighty Blackpool 1-0 to reach Sierra Leone FA Cup semis
Morocco 2025 prelims; Chad, Liberia & Eswatini in driving seat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco 2025 prelims; Chad, Liberia & Eswatini in driving seat

On Wednesday, 20 March, Liberia and Eswatini won their first-leg matches in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 qualifiers. 

Liberia beat Djibouti 2-0 at home, while Eswatini won 3-0 against Liberia. On Friday, Chad also won their first-leg match, beating Mauritius 1-0.

Chad’s win gives them a slim lead in the two-legged affair against Mauritius. The return leg will take place on Tuesday, 26 March. 

Meanwhile, on the same evening, Sao Tome and Principe drew 0-0 against South Sudan in Berkane.

The eight lowest-ranked nations according to FIFA Rankings are currently playing in a home-and-away knockout format for the preliminary stage of the qualifiers. 

The four remaining nations from this stage will be eligible to join the 44 other nations in the group stages of the qualifiers.

TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 Preliminary Qualifiers Results:

First Leg Fixtures:

Wednesday, 20 March 

Somalia 0 – 3 Eswatini

Djibouti 0 – 2 Liberia

Friday, 22 March

Chad 1 – 0 Mauritius

Sao Tome and Principe 0 – 0 South Sudan

Return Leg Fixtures:

Tuesday, 26 March

13:00 GMT | Eswatini – Somalia

16:00 GMT | Liberia – Djibouti

17:00 GMT | South Sudan – Sao Tome and Principe

15:00 GMT | Mauritius – Chad

Ghana beat Uganda to clinch African Games Football Gold
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana beat Uganda to clinch African Games Football Gold

Ghana’s U20 won the 2023 African Games Men’s Football tournament by defeating Uganda 1-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium. Jerry Afriyie scored the decisive goal in the final. 

The Ghanaian team, under Coach Desmond Offei, showed a strong performance throughout the tournament to win the gold medal.

Despite an intense and captivating first half from both sides, the score remained goalless, with Ghana coming close to scoring several times.

After halftime, Ghana intensified their attacking efforts and scored in the 90th minute to win the gold medal, while Uganda claimed silver for their commendable performance.

Having triumphed over Congo earlier in the day, Senegal received the bronze medals in recognition of their achievements.

The victory is a significant triumph for Ghana in the realm of African football as they completed a clean sweep by winning gold in both men’s and women’s football.

Ghana crowned African Games queens after comeback win over Nigeria
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana crowned African Games champions after defeating Nigeria

Ghana’s U20 team won the women’s football tournament at the 13th African Games, beating defending champions Nigeria 2-1 in a dramatic final on Thursday night. 

Nigeria took the lead with a goal from Edeh Njideka in the 28th minute, but Ghana rallied in the second half, inspired by their home crowd. 

Tracey Twum scored a fine equalizer in the 78th minute, taking the match to extra time. Mukarama Abdulai then scored a classy winner, securing Ghana’s second African Games women’s football gold medal. 

The hosts celebrated wildly, while Nigeria took silver, and Uganda won bronze after defeating Senegal in the third-place playoff. 

“I’m so proud of this team. We never stopped believing even when we went behind,” said Ghana coach Yussif Basigi.

But it was Ghana’s night as the nation’s rising stars announced themselves on the continental stage with a triumph for the ages.

Midfielder Jon Kamara joins Philippines United City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Midfielder John Kamara joins Philippines United City

Sierra Leone International John Kamara has penned a season deal with United City Football Club in the Philippines Football League (PFL), the top-tier league of football in the Philippines. 

“John Bankolé Kamara is a significant signing for United City FC. His versatility, leadership, and technical ability make him a valuable addition to the squad,” Coach Marian. 

The New Clark City-based club confirmed the news via their website on Friday as Kamara gears up for the new season.

Last season, the former Keşla enforcer played for Egaleo in the Greek second-tier league before leaving to join United City.

City is Kamara’s tenth professional club since he started with Tadamon Sour SC in 2008.

He made his senior international debut for Sierra Leone in 2013 and has made over 20 caps for Sierra Leone. He played a pivotal role on the road to Cameroon in 2021. Kamara played in all Sierra Leone matches at the  2021 AFCON.

“John Bankolé Kamara is a significant signing for United City FC. His versatility, leadership, and technical ability make him a valuable addition to the squad. 

Kamara’s tactical awareness and ability to dictate play make him a formidable presence in midfield. 

His international experience with Sierra Leone adds depth to his credentials. United City FC values his dedication and professionalism,” Coach Marian speaks of his new acquisition. 

Kamara played a pivotal role in Sierra Leone's AFCON 2021 campaign in Cameroon.
Kamara played a pivotal role in Sierra Leone's AFCON 2021 campaign in Cameroon.
Liberia & Eswatini register encouraging wins in Afcon preliminaries
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Liberia & Eswatini register encouraging wins in Afcon preliminaries

Liberia and Eswatini claimed impressive away victories in their respective Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, preliminary round ties on Wednesday. Liberia defeated Djibouti 2-0, while Eswatini thrashed Somalia 3-0.

Ammed Sangare and Murphy Dorley helped Liberia secure a comfortable lead at halftime. Sangare scored the opening goal in the 23rd minute by converting a penalty. In the 35th minute, Dorley made it 2-0 by brilliantly firing in a second ball from Sebastian Teclar’s cross inside the box.

Eswatini were also celebrating after demolishing Somalia 3-0 in the Moroccan city of El Jadida to put one foot in the group stage qualifiers. 

Striker Sabelo Ndzinisa was the hero, netting twice on either side of Felicio Figuareido’s 40th-minute opener for the visitors.

Both sides, Liberia and Eswatini, now have a huge advantage heading into the second legs as they target a place in the group stage on the road to next year’s finals in Morocco. 

Somalia now faces an uphill battle to qualify when they travel to the Mbombela Stadium in the South African city of Nelspruit for the return on March 26th.