A brace from striker Mahmoud Trezeguet gave Egypt a 2-0 win over a 9-man Sierra Leone at the Samuel K. Doe stadium in Monrovia on Sunday (19th November 2023)
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nine-man Sierra Leone suffer 2-0 defeat to Egypt

Mahmoud Trezeguet scored a brace as Egypt dislodged nine-man Sierra Leone in match day two of the 2026 World Cup qualifier in Liberia on Sunday.

Coach Amidu Karim started brightly but was unable to take advantage of half-cut chances in the opening minutes of the game at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Stadium.

The visitors took the lead in the 18-minute after a decent finish as Egypt maintained their perfect start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with a 2-0 away win against Sierra Leone in Liberia on Sunday.

His second came in the 62-second minute from a clever pass from Liverpool’s striker Mohamed Salah, who fines Trezequet to double the visitors lead.

Sierra Leone frustratedly finished the match with nine players on the field, as Tyrese Fornah and Abdul Jarju Kabia were sent off – with only a point from their opening two games. 

The victory bookmarked Egypt’s first victory over Leone Stars in three meetings as Leone Stars played two games in the qualifiers with no goals, one draw and a loss and two goals conceded,

Egypt sits atop Group A with an impeccable six points from two games, leading ahead of Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Ethiopia, and Sierra Leone, each having amassed only one point after one game.

How qualifying works

The nine group winners will qualify automatically for the FIFA World Cup 26™. The four best runners-up will compete for one place at the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, African News and CAF FIFA World Cup 26 CAF Qualifiers.

Buya replaces Alhaji as Sierra Leone make three changes.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Buya replaces Alhaji as Sierra Leone make three changes

Head coach Amidu Karim made three changes from the goalless draw with Ethiopia at El Jadida Stade El Abdi on Wednesday. 

Mohamed Buya Turay, Alusine Koroma and Sullay Kaikai replaced Alhaji Kamara, Abu Dumbuya, and Jonathan Morsay, respectively, in his squad to face Egypt in Liberia on Sunday.

Alusine Koroma, Sullay Kaikai and Mohamed Buya Turay replaced Abu Dumbuya, Jonathan Morsay and Alhaji Kamara in his squad to face Egypt.

Tyrese Fornah, who made his International debut for Sierra Leone last Wednesday in the goalless draw with Ethiopia, kept his place as a holding midfielder.

The Derby County midfielder played 77 minutes before being replaced by striker Alusine Pagal Koroma. 

Coach Karim keeps faith in the same back four with Osman Kakay, Mohamed Kabia, Abdul Jarju Kabia and Emanuel Samadia. 

Today’s mouthwatering encounter in Monrovia will be the third between the two nations in Group A of the World Cup qualifier.

Group A Recap 

Ethiopia 0-0 Sierra Leone

Egypt 6-0 Djibouti

Burkina Faso 1-1 Guinea-Bissau

Sierra Leone and Ethiopia played to a barren draw in their opening game under obstructive weather conditions at the El Jadida Stade El Abdi on Wednesday. 

Burkina Faso, semi-finalists at the last CAF African Cup of Nations, required an excellent equaliser from Aston Villa’s Bertrand Traore to snatch a point at home to Guinea-Bissau.

Mo Salah becomes Egypt’s all-time top scorer in a World Cup qualifier after his four goals against Djibouti. 

How qualifying works

The nine group winners will qualify automatically for the FIFA World Cup 26™. The four best runners-up will compete for one place at the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, African News and CAF FIFA World Cup 26 CAF Qualifiers.

Mohamed Buya Turay replaces Alhaji Kamara in attack as Sierra Leone make three changes
Mohamed Buya Turay replaces Alhaji Kamara in attack as Sierra Leone make three changes
Sierra Leone with a chance to shine and make world headlines
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone with a chance to shine and make world headlines

On Sunday, a win for Sierra Leone will surely make global news as they welcome African giant Egypt for their third meeting in match day two of their 2026 World Cup Group A qualifier in the Liberia capital, Monrovia.

Maximum points for the host will be significant as Egypt and Sierra Leone gear up for a pivotal World Cup qualifying match.

Coach Amidu Karim opened the 2026 World Cup qualifier with a draw against Ethiopia in Morocco under difficult circumstances. 

Coming from a comfortable 6-0 thrashing over Djibouti, Sierra Leone must dig deep to get anything against the seven-time African champions. 

Mohamed Salah and Mohamed Elneny made their International debut when Sierra Leone first defeated Egypt 2-1 in September 2011 in the 2012 African Cup of Nations Group G qualifier. 

Portuguese coach Rui Vitoria will count on the Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, Nantes Striker Mostafa Mohamed, Zamalek’s Ahmed Mostafa Sayed & Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny, to name a few, if they are to register two straight wins. 

Sierra Leone does not have the big pedigree superstars like their opposition. However, team spirit can be vital, like when they stage a four-goal comeback against the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Edo State, during the AFCON qualifier in November 2020.

The Sierra Leone coach remains optimistic about their prospects against Egypt, a team with seven African Cup of Nations titles under its belt. 

Mo Salah, who becomes the Pharoahs’ all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifiers after his four goals against Djibouti, is without a doubt – one of the weapons to defuse by the Leone Stars left-back Emmanuel Samadia, supported by his left winger. 

The significance of this encounter is immense for both teams, with the Pharaohs aiming to maintain their dominance and Sierra Leone wanting to stay on course for their first World Cup appearance.

Sierra Leone coach Karim holds fond memories of his time in the Egyptian league during the 1990s and hopes to steer his team towards their maiden World Cup appearance.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32, Contact Bi****@*****************ne.net. 

Blackpool to represent Sierra Leone in ACA Inaugural meeting in Cairo
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Blackpool to represent Sierra Leone in ACA Inaugural meeting in Cairo

MIGHTY BLACKPOOL FC Chairman Rodney Michael and Vice Chairman Theophilus Sho Cole will be representing Sierra Leone’s Premier League clubs amongst 54 others from Africa in the newly established African Clubs Association (ACA) in Cairo on the 30th of November, 2023.

The invitation from the CAF GENERAL SECRETARY addressed to the Chairman was sent on the 1st of November, 2023.

In his letter, the General Secretary clarified that it was agreed that only ‘the Chairmen and Presidents of highest ranked and most popular clubs.’ would be invited.

The essence of the meeting is for the founding members invited to elect the first Executive and approve the new statutes.

The initiative of establishing the African Clubs Association, as a replica of the European Clubs Association (ECA), is the initiative of CAF President Motsepe, who has suggested the newly elected President should be part of the CAF EXCO deliberations in the future.

It is a step in the right direction and a recognition by the CAF PRESIDENT of the significant role the African clubs play in the promotion of football in the continent and within their respective countries under tremendous challenges and huge costs. 

It’s worth commending the CAF PRESIDENT AND CAF AS A WHOLE for football, as it is in Africa, is pure sacrifice and not yet of full commercial benefit.

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Ivory Coast thrash Seychelles in 2026 World Cup qualifying opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivory Coast thrash Seychelles in World Cup qualifier  

Afcon 2023 host Ivory Coast cruised past Seychelles 9-0 in Abidjan on Friday to create a record winning margin for a World Cup qualifier in Africa in Group F.

Goals from Borussia Dortmund forward Sebastien Haller, Ibrahim Sangare, Simon Adingra, Seko Fofana. A brace apiece from Karim Konaté & Hamed Traore. J. Krasso was the other scorer as the home side recorded a big opening win on matchday one and Group F match day one. 

Seychelles, a tourist destination off the east coast of Africa, is 195th in the FIFA rankings, 121 places below the Ivory Coast.

The same day in Group A, Guinea-Bissau and Burkina Faso played to a 1-1 draw in their opening Group A World Cup 2026 opening qualifier in Morrocco on Friday.

Mama Baldé scored through a header to give Guinea-Bissau their lead, but a solo goal from Bertrand Traoré in the 61st minute drew parity for the visiting team.

As a result, following Egypt’s 6-0 thrashing of Djibouti on Thursday at the Cairo International Stadium, they remain top of group A after the first round of matches.

Elsewhere on Friday, Inaki Williams’s last-gasp winner helped Ghana to an opening 1-0 victory over Madagascar in their qualifier for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

In other matches, Mali, Tunisia, Zambia and Cameroon all recorded opening wins – although Cameroon suffered an injury scare when their Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana went off injured 10 minutes from time.

The action to continue on Saturday, as African reigning champions Senegal and South Africa are among the teams to complete the 26-fixture first-round ends. Matchday two begins on Sunday.

 

Friday’s World Cup 2026 qualifier results

  • Burkina Faso 1-1 Guinea-Bissau (Group A)
  • Cameroon 3-0 Mauritius (Group D)
  • Eswatini 0-1 Libya (Group D)
  • Zambia 4-2 Congo Brazzaville (Group E)
  • Guinea 2-1 Uganda (Group G)
  • Ivory Coast 9-0 Seychelles (Group F)
  • Liberia 0-1 Malawi (Group H)
  • Tunisia 4-0 Sao Tome e Principe (Group H)
  • Comoros 4-2 Central African Republic (Group I)
  • Ghana 1-0 Madagascar (Group I)
  • Mali 3-1 Chad (Group I)

 

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, African News and World Cup Qualifying News.  

The Match officials halted the contest due to the misty foggy weather condition
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ethiopia FA complained to Fifa over fog disruption

Following the goalless draw with Sierra Leone, Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) has lodged a complaint with the world governing body Fifa over a foggy disruption of their opening World Cup qualifying match. 

It’s doubtful a decision will be taken for a replay, but the EFF want a change of time for their next match against Burkina Faso at the Stade El Abdi on Tuesday evening.

In a statement today, the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) said it has filed a complaint with FIFA over the conditions under which the match was allowed to be played.

The EFF said the decision to allow the qualifier to continue in those conditions was incorrect and unfair, stating, “It should have been postponed.“

The two teams eventually shared the spoils after the stop-start match ended 0-0 after 15 minutes of stoppage time.

The Wailias will continue their training in Morocco and play Burkina Faso at the same venue on Tuesday evening.

Ethiopian Football Federation has requested FIFA to change the time of the next match against Burkina Faso. FIFA has informed that they’re looking into the issue and will respond quickly.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, African News and World Cup Qualifying News.  

Salah nets four as Egypt ease past Djibouti
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mohamed Salah nets four as Egypt thrash Djibouti

Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah recorded four goals in Egypt’s World Cup qualifying opening 6-0 win at home over Djibouti on Thursday at the Cairo International Stadium.

As a result, they go top of Group A ahead of taking on Sierra Leone on Sunday in the Liberian Capital, Monrovia.

After today’s four goals, Salah became Egypt’s all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualifiers, with 15 goals.

The Liverpool forward opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a first-time finish using his weaker right foot before he converted a penalty kick to double his side’s lead five minutes later.

He completed his hat-trick early in the second half with another right-footed finish. His fourth goal of the game arrived on 69 minutes when he guided a low shot into the bottom corner of the net from just inside the 18-yard box.

Mostafa Mohamed and Trezeguet then completed the route.

Guinea-Bissau and Burkina Faso will lock horns tomorrow in Marrakesh, Morocco, to complete the first round of matches in Group A.

On Wednesday, Sierra Leone and Ethiopia played to a goalless draw at El Abdi Stadium.

 

  • Matchday 1 – 15 November

 

Equatorial Guinea 1-0 Namibia (Group H) | 1400 | Malabo, Equatorial Guinea

Rwanda 0-0 Zimbabwe (Group C) | 1500 | Butare, Rwanda

Congo DR 2-0 Mauritania (Group C) | 1500 | Butare, Rwanda

Ethiopia 0-0 Sierra Leone (Group A) | 2000 | El Jadida, Morocco

16 November

 

Botswana 2-3 Mozambique (Group G) | 1500 | Francistown, Botswana

Burundi 3-2 The Gambia (Group F) | 1600 | Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Gabon 2-1 Kenya (Group F) | 1700 | Franceville, Gabon

Nigeria 1-1 Lesotho (Group C) | 1700 | Uyo, Nigeria

Algeria 3-1 Somalia (Group G) | 1700 | Baraki, Algeria

 

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, African News and World Cup Qualifying News.  

Ethiopia and Sierra Leone Group A 2026 World Cup opening qualifier ended in goalless (0-0) after a less productive display from both teams.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ethiopia, Sierra Leone Share Points After Barren Draw under Fog

Ethiopia and Sierra Leone Group A 2026 World Cup opening qualifier ended in goalless (0-0) after a less productive display from both teams.

Sierra Leone head coach Amidu Karim handed International debut to Derby County midfielder Tyrese Fornah and Abdulai Jarju Kabia Hapoel Kfar Saba defender at the Stade El Abdi (15.11.2023).

There was no urgency – both teams played pragmatic football with no clear-cut chances, no clear dominator, and the game became deadlocked at the break.

After a goalless first half, players returned to the Stade El Abdi to commence the second, but the mist prevented the match from continuing.

As a result, the contest was delayed due to bad weather conditions. The match was stopped due to a foggy stadium, which prevented the visibility of the players.

Mozambican Alvasio Celso officiates, assisted by Angola’s referees Jerson Emiliano, Ivanildo O Sancho and Mozambican fourth referee Guambe Bernardo, were all in discussion amid the poor weather conditions.

Eventually, the match was allowed to continue despite the misty conditions – the second 45 minutes was even worse as the contest became scrappy.

Both sides could not break the deadlock under such intimidating weather conditions.

Leone Stars were ranked 122nd in the latest FIFA rankings and now sit 21 places above their midweek opponents, who are still unbeaten after three meetings.

Sierra Leone will face the Pharaohs of Egypt on Sunday in the Liberian Capital as Burkina Faso visits Ethiopia on Tuesday in Morocco.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32, Contact Bi****@*****************ne.net, African News, World Cup Qualifying News.

The Match officials halted the contest due to the misty foggy weather condition
The Match officials halted the contest due to the misty foggy weather condition
Women's League Board appointment delights Mariama Mansaray.
by David Lebbie

Women’s League Board appointment delights Mariama Mansaray

Southern Region’s most experienced female football Administrator, Mariama Mansaray (FC Mama), has resoundingly expressed happiness on her appointment as a Member of the Sierra Leone Women’s Premier League Board for the 2023/24 season.

Last Saturday, among eight others, Mariama Mansaray was appointed as a board member by the Sierra Leone Football Association.

“Being a female football administrator for the past twelve years beginning with a Male team (Kobonguiw Stars) at Suku Tamba Street in Bo before being elected to serve on the Bo District FA Executive and later Southern Region FA. Now, the SLFA – show how my commitment to the game has been recognized by the different administrative cadres,” FC Mama stated.

Lots of football stakeholders have congratulated her on her appointment.

A few notable ones are the erstwhile acting Chairman of the Southern Region Football Association, Sadick Deen-Nyarkoh, who referred to her as ‘the Southern Region Football Factotum’ whilst Alimamy Sartie Past BoDFA Chairman, described her as “the Epitome of Southern Region Football.”

Her inclusion on the Board has not come as a surprise. At the moment, Mariama Mansaray is the Southern Region Female Football Coordinator.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer David Lebbie in Bo, National Football News.

APPOINTMENT OF SIERRA LEONE FEMALE PREMIER LEAGUE BOARD
APPOINTMENT OF SIERRA LEONE FEMALE PREMIER LEAGUE BOARD
Preview: Ethiopia, Sierra Leone 2026 World Cup qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Preview: Ethiopia, Sierra Leone 2026 World Cup qualifier

Ethiopia set to battle Sierra Leone at the Stade El Abdi on Wednesday in the opener of the CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. 

Without a doubt, both sides will aim to kick off their qualification campaign with maximum points.

As the host team, the Walia Ibex will seek a bright start en route to make their FIFA World Cup debut in 2026 despite suffering a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign, finishing first from bottom in Group D.

However, the newly appointed Ethiopia coach, Gebremedhin Haile, will be looking for a better performance in the World Cup qualifiers. 

Last week Thursday, Ethiopia Walias defeated Sudanese club side Al Hilal 2-0 in a test friendly ahead of facing Sierra Leone. Goals from Alelegn Azene and Bereket Desta. 

Sierra Leone, on the other hand, also struggled to impress in the AFCON qualifiers. They only managed a win from their Group A six matches, losing the last two to Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau.

But Sierra Leone had a good start under new coach Amidu Karim in Morocco in October’s training camp, where they shared the spoils 1-1 with Benin and defeated Somalia 2-0.

Ethiopia vs Sierra Leone Head-to-Head and Key Numbers

  • Wednesday’s game will mark the third meeting between the two nations. Ethiopia are undefeated in their previous two games in this fixture, picking up a win and a draw.
  • The two sides last faced off in a friendly clash in August 2021, which ended goalless.
  • Sierra Leone is without a clean sheet in their last two games in CAF AFCON qualifiers.
  • Ethiopia are without a win in their last three CAF Afcon qualifiers in Group D 
  • Leone Stars were ranked 122nd in the latest FIFA rankings and now sit 21 places above their midweek opponents.

 

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer Alie Bittar, On Twitter @bittar32, National Football News and World Cup 2026 Qualifying News.