Day: May 6, 2024

Sierra Leone defender Osman Kakay confirms exit from QPR
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone defender Osman Kakay confirms exit from QPR

The QPR full-back, Osman Kakay, has confirmed leaving his boyhood club after 19 years of service to the London club Queens Park Rangers.

The Sierra Leone defender established himself in the R’s squad during the extended 2019/20 season, making seven appearances. 

In 2021, he helped Sierra Leone qualify for the African Cup of Nations. In the 2022/23 season, he made 24 appearances for QPR.

Kakay, who played 26 games this season, announced that he is leaving QPR, his childhood club. He wrote, “It is time for me to say goodbye to QPR. I have been part of the club since I was 7 years old, and I am thankful for everything the club has done for me and my family.”

Having come through the academy and eventually making over 100 appearances for the club, it means the world to me, especially, as a local boy growing up in South Kilburn. 

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all the coaches and staff who have supported me throughout my journey. It has been a pleasure to share the pitch with so many of my teammates. 

Lastly, I would like to thank the fans from the bottom of my heart who have stood by me through the highs and lows. It has been an honour to play for QPR, and I wish the club all the best for the future.”

. Alhassan Koroma's Al Shahaniya promoted to Qatar's Super League
by FSL News

Alhassan Koroma’s Al Shahaniya promoted to Qatar’s Super League

Al Shahaniya has been promoted to the Qatar Super League with the help of Sierra Leone International Alhassan Koroma’s outstanding performance.

Al Shahaniya, featuring Koroma, was promoted to the Qatar top-tier league after their 3-1 victory over Al Markhiya at the Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday. 

They secured their place in the 2024-2025 season league’s First Division in style as the Play-Off pitted the 11th-placed team (Al Markhiya) in the final standings of the 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League against the second-placed team (Al Shahaniya) in the Second Division championship.

Al Shahania started the match strong, with their 19-year-old left-winger Rubio scoring off a rebound. 

Al Markhiya missed a chance to equalize soon after. While Al Markhiya did rally to bounce back from being a goal down and equalize, Al Shahania hit back with two more late goals to ensure their First Division berth. 

The scorers for Al Shahania were Jaime Rubio (17th minute), Mohammed Abu Shanab (83rd minute) and Mohammed Ibrahim (90+6 minute). Al Markhiya’s only goal came in the 75th minute through Driss Fettouhi. 

Koroma was instrumental in the campaign, scoring seven league goals and providing five assists in his first season at the club.

Al Shahaniya, featuring Koroma, was promoted to the Qatar top-tier league after their 3-1 victory over Al Markhiya at the Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday. 
Al Shahaniya, featuring Koroma, was promoted to the Qatar top-tier league after their 3-1 victory over Al Markhiya at the Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday. 
Sierra Leone FA Cup final abandoned as rival fans clash
by FSL News

Sierra Leone FA Cup final abandoned as rival fans clash

On Saturday, at the newly renovated Port Loko field, the Sierra Leone FA Cup final was marred by unruly fan behaviour, leading to chaos and the match being abandoned. 

The Bo Rangers, the defending champions and East End Lions were set to compete in this year’s FA Cup tournament. However, even before the game could commence, fans from both sides started fighting. Law enforcement officials had to intervene by using tear gas to restore order.

The violence began while the FA President, Thomas Brima, was delivering his pre-match speech. Stones were thrown from one side of the stadium to the other. It was unclear who started it, but the police had to intervene to quell the violence. Fortunately, the FA President was unharmed.

Despite fans’ disturbance, the FA Cup final was allowed to proceed until it was halted midway through the second half due to a stone that hit East End Lions player Abdul Nymekye, causing injury. The score was 0-0 at the time. But before the incident, the referee disallowed Bo Rangers’ goal for offside, accumulating more fans’ dissatisfaction.

The Sierra Leone Football Association asks for calm and patience as they await match officials’ reports ahead of the pending Investigation. 

The National Sports Authority has condemned all forms of violence in sports and urges authorities to investigate the violent incident during the final. 

‘Sports should unite people, not incite violence. The game should be won on the pitch, not through violent means. Therefore, the SLFA should find a neutral venue to conclude this year’s FA Cup.’